Chiropractic + Wellness

A dislocated elbow is a common injury in adults and children and often happens in tandem with bone fractures and nerve and tissue damage. Can physical therapy help to support recovery and ensure range of motion?

Dislocated Elbow Injury

Elbow dislocations are generally caused by trauma when the elbow bones no longer connect. Individuals falling onto an outstretched hand is the most common cause of the injury. (James Layson, Ben J. Best 2023) Healthcare providers will try to relocate the elbow using a closed reduction. Individuals may require surgery if they cannot relocate the elbow using closed reduction.

Resetting The Elbow

The elbow is made up of a hinge and ball-and-socket joint, enabling unique motions: (American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 2021)

Hinge joint

• The hinge function allows the bending and straightening of the arm.

Ball-and-socket joint

• The ball-and-socket function allows you to rotate the palm of your hand to face up or face down.

A dislocated elbow injury can damage bones, muscles, ligaments, and tissues. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2021) The longer the elbow remains out of the joint, the more damage can occur. Elbow dislocations rarely reset into their joints on their own and are recommended to be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider to prevent permanent damage to nerves or function.

• It is not recommended to try to reset the elbow on your own.
• A healthcare provider will work to restore the joint and ensure proper alignment.
• Before the reset, they will perform a physical examination to assess blood circulation and any nerve damage.
• Providers will order an imaging scan to examine the dislocation and identify broken bones. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2021)

Type of Dislocation

The two types of elbow dislocations are: (James Layson, Ben J. Best 2023)

Posterior Dislocation

• Occurs when there is a significant force on the palm that spreads toward the elbow.
• Falling with the hands stretched out to catch yourself, and the elbow joint pushes backward/posterior.

Anterior Dislocation

• This is less common and results from applied force on a flexed elbow.
• Falling to the ground when the hand is up near the shoulder.
• In this case, the elbow joint pushes forward/anterior.
• X-rays are used to determine the type of dislocation and to identify any broken bones. (American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 2021)
• Depending on the injury, the provider may order a CT scan or MRI to ensure no damage has occurred to nerves or ligaments. (Radiopaedia. 2023)

Signs and Symptoms

A dislocated elbow injury is often caused by trauma. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2021) General signs and symptoms include: (American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 2021)

• Inability to move the elbow.
• Bruising and swelling around the area.
• Intense pain in the elbow and surrounding area.
• Deformity around the elbow joint.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand can indicate nerve damage.

Treatment Without Surgery

• Healthcare providers initially try to treat a dislocated elbow using a closed reduction technique. (American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 2021)
• A closed reduction means that the elbow can be relocated without surgery.
• Before the closed reduction, a healthcare provider will administer medications to help relax the individual and address the pain. (Medline Plus. 2022)
• Once relocated into the correct position, a healthcare provider applies a splint (usually at a 90-degree angle of flexion) to keep the elbow in place. (James Layson, Ben J. Best 2023)
• The objective is to prevent elbow extension, which can cause re-dislocation.
• The splint remains in place for one to three weeks. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2021)
• A physical therapist will assess motion and prescribe exercises to prevent elbow range of motion loss.

Treatment With Surgery

• Depending on the severity of the dislocation and the success of the closed reduction, surgery may still be necessary. (James Layson, Ben J. Best 2023)
• If any of the following are being experienced by the individual, a healthcare provider may recommend surgery: (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2021)

1. The elbow remains unstable with a slight extension.
2. The bones are not correctly aligning.
3. The ligaments need further repair after a closed reduction.

• Complex elbow dislocations can make it difficult to maintain joint alignment.
• An assistive device, like an external hinge, may be recommended to help prevent re-dislocating the elbow.
• The surgeon will recommend physical therapy after surgery to assist with range-of-motion exercises to optimize and expedite recovery.

Recovery

• Recovery times can vary as every injury is different. (American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 2021)
• The recovery time depends on the elbow's stability after closed reduction or surgery.
• Healthcare providers will initiate active motion exercises. (American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 2021)
• Limiting how long the joint is immobilized will prevent stiffness, scarring, and inhibited movement.
• Healthcare providers don't recommend immobilization for more than a few weeks.

Resuming Normal Activities

Resuming regular activity often depends on the type of treatment for the elbow dislocation: (Ortho Bullets. 2023)

Closed Reduction

• The elbow is splinted for five to ten days.
• Individuals may engage in physical therapy early motion activity to help prevent loss of range of motion.
• Individuals are recommended to do light exercises within two weeks after the injury.

Surgical Reduction

• The elbow may be placed in a brace that allows for a gradual increase in motion.
• It is essential to maintain controlled movement to prevent motion loss.
• The elbow can extend fully within six to eight weeks, although it could take up to five months for complete restoration.
• The healthcare provider will determine when it's safe to resume normal activity.

The Path to Healing Personal Injury

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 various 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 studies 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 discuss the subject matter above further, don't hesitate to contact 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

Layson J, Best BJ. Elbow Dislocation. [Updated 2023 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549817/

American Society for Surgery of the Hand. (2021). Elbow dislocation.

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2023). Elbow dislocation.

Jones J, Carroll D, El-Feky M, et al. (2023). Elbow dislocation. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org  https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-10501

Medline Plus. (2022). Closed reduction of a fractured bone.

Ortho Bullets. (2023). Elbow dislocation.

Car accidents even minor ones can cause musculoskeletal problems, especially in the neck and shoulder area. When whiplash symptoms do not present immediately, this is known as delayed whiplash. Depending on the severity, it can be dangerous. Delayed symptoms can show up anywhere from twenty-four hours to months after the accident. This is because the body is masking the symptoms as a reaction to a traumatic event. Symptoms like:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Present within 24 hours, but this is not always the case.

Delayed Symptoms

With delayed whiplash, symptoms typically don’t appear until 24 hours after the accident. But there are cases of symptoms being delayed up to six months. Whether immediate or delayed, symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Normal head movement is impaired
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Concentration problems
• Sleep problems
• Irritability
• Chronic pain

Medical treatment should be sought out immediately if any of the below symptoms are experienced:

• Weakness in the arms
• The neck pain spreads to the shoulders and arms
• Unbearable pain
• Loss of vision

Causes of Delayed Whiplash

The most common cause of whiplash is automobile accidents. Even slow-speed tap can cause delayed whiplash symptoms if the head is snaps quickly, and it is not only being hit from behind automobile accidents that cause whiplash. Rear-end, front-end, and side collisions can cause whiplash and delayed whiplash symptoms. Any time the neck snaps in a quick fashion in any direction there is potential for a neck injury. Some less common causes include:

• Contact sports
• Amusement park rides
• Getting hit on the head
• Specific types of falls where the head quickly snaps around
• Cycling accidents
• Skating/skateboarding accidents
• Skiing/snowboarding accidents

Symptoms Can Get Worse With Time

Determining whether to seek medical attention if there is no pain or symptoms after the event can be difficult. However, symptoms can get worse over time and cause serious problems in the neck like:

• Small fractures
• Ruptured discs
• Pinched nerves

Untreated Whiplash

Whiplash can get worse with time when they are not treated. This is why seeking medical care after the event is extremely important. As a doctor, a chiropractor can diagnose if any serious issues are present and develop the best plan to deal with pain and symptoms. When left untreated chronic whiplash and neck pain can develop. Chronic whiplash is rare but does happen, even with injuries that are considered not severe. Medical professionals will use X-Rays, MRIs, or CT scans to examine the extent of the injury and to prevent the symptoms from getting worse.

Treatment Options

Wearing a neck brace immediately following a neck injury can be an option but there is evidence that some movement of the neck and head should be incorporated, as it is beneficial for the healing process. If the pain is unbearable wearing a brace could be implemented into a treatment plan.

Ice and Heat

• Ice and heat will help with stiffness and pain.
• Ice will help relieve pain and should be used in 15-minute intervals.
• Heat packs and ointments can help soothe the area, loosen up the muscles, and promote optimal healing.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Meds

Advil or Ibuprofen can be taken for pain and inflammation. These meds help the symptoms, but should not be the only pain reliever.

Ginger

• Ginger tea can help those suffering from nausea and dizziness.
• It contains anti-inflammatory properties.
• Supplements include green tea, turmeric curcumin, fish oil, and sage.

CBD Oil and/or Ointment

CBD oil or ointments can help relieve pain and relax muscles.

Stretching

Gentle stretches can help the healing process and keep the neck muscles loose.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic can treat whiplash utilizing a number of different techniques. They will perform tests to diagnose the extent of the injuries and determine what type and the best treatment plan. The plan can include:

Inflammation reduction and Pain relief

Heat, ice, ultrasound, and laser therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments will help relieve pain from pinched nerves, bulging discs, and strained muscles.

Massage

Massage is a common practice in whiplash cases. It helps to kickstart the healing process by:

• Promoting proper blood and nerve energy circulation
• Loosens the muscles
• Flushes out the toxins

Stretches and Tips

A chiropractor will train the patient on specific stretches/exercises, along with pain-relief tips to do at home. These can include:

• McKenzie exercises
• Nutritional advice
• Sleep tips
• Posture exercises

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapists can help by focusing on the muscles in the affected area.
• They will teach the individual stretches and exercises to stretch and strengthen the strained muscles.
• They can also utilize heat and ice therapy, ultrasound, and laser therapy.

Body Composition

Hot Yoga and Metabolic Rate

Both internal and external temperatures influence the body's metabolic rate. The body's chemical reactions happen more quickly if the temperature is higher. This is because the body works harder to restore normal temperature balance. Brief exposure to heat is not enough to increase metabolism. To raise BMR, longer exposure to heat is necessary. This is where hot yoga comes in. Hot yoga involves performing a sequence in a studio that is 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity rate of 40%. It is an intense workout that involves sweating. The high heat:

• Increases blood flow
• Warms the muscles for deep stretching
• Helps the lymphatic system release toxins
• Raises the body's Basal Metabolic Rate

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Balla, J I. “The late whiplash syndrome.” The Australian and New Zealand journal of surgery vol. 50,6 (1980): 610-4. doi:10.1111/j.1445-2197.1980.tb04207.x

Fitz-Ritson D. Phasic exercises for cervical rehabilitation after "whiplash" trauma. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1995 Jan;18(1):21-24.

Seferiadis, Aris et al. “A review of treatment interventions in whiplash-associated disorders.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 13,5 (2004): 387-97. doi:10.1007/s00586-004-0709-1

Anybody can have chronic pain. Adults typically complain of joint pain, low back pain, and neurogenic pain. While children and teenagers are more likely to have more headaches, abdominal pain, leg, and hand pain. Regardless there are individuals that have a higher risk because of their age, gender, and job. It isn't always clear what causes chronic pain. There are several possibilities: 

• Injury - Even after the injury has healed, the nerves keep sending pain signals to and from the brain. Doctors are still not sure why this occurs.
• Disease - Conditions can cause chronic pain like fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.
• Nerve problems - Part of the nervous system can be injured, the nerves themselves. This is called neuropathic pain.
• Unknown Cause/s - Pain that presents with no obvious injury, disease, or nerve problem.

Military Veterans

Chronic pain is quite common in veterans according to a National Veterans Affairs Study. Around one in five veterans receiving primary care have chronic pain. While one in ten has chronic pain syndrome. Veterans recently served in a war, tend to report a variety of causes for their pain. This includes:

• Multiple injuries
• Brain trauma
• Muscle injuries
• Bone/s injuries

Athletes

Most sports require a certain level of fitness. Athletes train with all types of activities to help maintain their body's. Unfortunately, they are still not immune to chronic pain. Chronic pain is common with:

• Gymnasts
• Football players
• Soccer players
• Runners
• Basketball players
• Ballet dancers

Common chronic conditions for athletes:

• Low back pain
• Leg pain
• Stress fractures or cracks inside a bone
• Tendinitis
• Diabetes
• Recurrent fractures
• Spinal stenosis is a narrowed spinal canal, which creates added pressure on the nerves that travel through the low spine into the legs

Seniors

Age is a high-risk factor for chronic pain. Around 30-40% of individuals older than sixty-five have or are beginning to deal with chronic pain. The severity in anybody forty-five to sixty-five is the greatest. Common conditions that cause chronic pain in older adults are:

• Cancer
• Arthritis and gout
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Damaged nerves
• Stroke
• Shingles

Women

Men and women experience pain differently. Several factors contribute to this. These include:

• Hormones
• Menstruation
• Puberty
• Reproductive health

Women have a higher risk of developing disorders that cause chronic pain. Examples include:

• Arthritis
• Brittle bones
• Migraines
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Anybody dealing with chronic pain, finding relief can be difficult and time-consuming. Individuals are often sent back and forth between primary care, specialists, and therapists for a solution.

Improved Nervous System

When there is a communication breakdown between the brain and the body’s tissues, organs, and cells it can lead to a variety of health problems. There are many chronic and even degenerative health conditions that are impacted by the nervous system. Studies have shown that chiropractic is a highly effective treatment for numerous neurological conditions which include:

• Ataxia
• Autism
• Cerebral palsy
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• Vertigo

Anybody can seek treatment and they will experience the benefits. Chiropractic provides a safe, effective treatment for an improved nervous system function. The type, frequency, and intensity of treatment depend on the patient and condition. Chiropractic positively affects the nervous system and as a result, positively affects the whole body.

Chronic Pain Chiropractic Care

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

Facet joint syndrome also called facet joint sprain is a common cause of back pain. The joint/s in our bodies connect two or more bones and their primary function is to promote motion. In the spine, the joints connecting each vertebra are known as facet joints. Like any other joint, each facet joints’ job is to generate healthy movement and provide stability for each motion segment.

The disc/s function as spacers that support motion between the vertebral bodies. This creates a tri-relationship between the intervertebral disc and the facet joints. Degeneration or damage/injury to one affects the other. The effects of aging and/or traumatic injury can damage the facet joints and is the leading cause of back pain known as facet joint syndrome.

There are a variety of treatments that are used, but the most mainstream involves pain medication which can have undesirable side effects and can lead to addiction. Chiropractic is a proven, reliable treatment for pain relief and discomfort of facet joint syndrome. It restores mobility and flexibility while providing pain relief. Individuals notice significant alleviation from the pain and inflammation with chiropractic and is often recommended to those with the condition.

Facet joint syndrome

The joints are located at the back of the spine. At each level, there are two joints, one on each side of the spine. The facet joints are enclosed in a capsule. The capsule contains synovial fluid and the surface is covered with hyaline cartilage. These joints are constructed in this fashion because of their role in the body. This role is to control excessive or extensive movement, which includes hyperextension and rotation. This helps to stabilize the spine.

Facet joint syndrome happens when there is an injury or damage to the joints. There are a variety of causes, but basically, it is a sprain that is brought on by excessive movement. This damages the joint capsule and results in inflammation, swelling, and pain.

The pain triggers a protective mechanism in the spine called a reactive muscle spasm which causes difficulty moving comfortably and severe, sudden pain. It is difficult to sit and rest because of its integral function of supporting the body. Severe sprains can take weeks to heal, normally 2 to 6 weeks. The daily pain and lack of mobility make everyday activities difficult and a normal lifestyle almost impossible.

Chiropractic/Physical Therapy

Chiropractic is a proven, effective treatment for facet syndrome.  A chiropractor will conduct a physical exam, discuss medical history, and send you for diagnostic tests like x-rays and MRIs. Once they have a clear picture of the condition and a facet joint syndrome diagnosis has been confirmed, they will discuss a recommended course of treatment that can include:

Exercise

They recommend exercises specific to the condition that helps relieve the pain while strengthening the muscles in the back.

Poor Posture

Posture is extremely important for spinal health and general wellness.

A chiropractor will help you achieve a proper, healthy posture along with exercises to do at home to maintain posture and retrain your body.

Heat/Ice

Heat wraps, hot showers or ice packs and cold pads can be recommended to help control pain and swelling.

Changes

Depending on job type, you may be advised to take frequent breaks if you sit all day or shorten your commute. Certain activities won’t be do-able for some time until your back heals.

Spinal manipulation

Spinal manipulation is the most standard chiropractic treatment. A chiropractor may include other treatments/therapies depending on the specific condition and lifestyle.

Chiropractic is a safe, effective, non-invasive, and drug-free way to treat facet joint syndrome, relieve back pain, and help you regain mobility. Talk to your chiropractor about treatment options. Our uplifting southwest community surrounded by its infinite beauty is a fantastic place to live and enjoy our families; it is, therefore, our mission to help each of our patients to live, to love, to matter and to thrive pain-free in this beautiful special place.

Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment

Shoulder pain along with the kinds of shoulder problems like sprains and strains that chiropractors regularly treat often involves a form of rotator dysfunction. The shoulder has the greatest mobility of any joint in the body. However, there is little stability when in certain positions the soft tissues in the shoulder area can get injured through sports injury/s, recreational activities, at work or in a fall. 

This usually begins with dysfunction of the rotator cuff muscles and progresses to:

• Rotator cuff syndrome
• Supraspinatus tendinitis
• Impingement syndrome
• Subdeltoid and subacromial bursitis
• Calcific shoulder bursitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Bicipital tendinitis

In cases like this, there is no direct, acute injury.

Every sprain and strain injury to the shoulder must be treated and rehabilitated properly to avoid future injuries and pain. There is a higher probability of shoulder instability that becomes chronic after an injury. This is because the surrounding muscles and connective tissues are what create shoulder joint stability.

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder goes through a great deal that we do not realize. It is made up of an intricate network of ligaments and muscles, with the rotator cuff taking most of the load/weight during movement and exertion. As aforementioned, the shoulder is the most flexible joint in the human body, but it is one of the most unstable. For athletes, shoulder injuries are pretty common, as the shoulder sustains more injuries than almost any other part of the body.

The shoulder is unstable because of its unique construction. Other joints like the ankle or elbow are limited in their range of motion. The shoulder, on the other hand, can move pretty widely, which leaves it open to stress, injury, and pain. The soft tissues in the shoulder, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can get injured from overuse, excessive strain, falls, and improper motion.

Treating shoulder pain can be a challenge because it is used so much daily. A Chiropractor can bring relief to shoulder pain and speed up the healing process.

Injury and pain causes

Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. Injury is one of the most common causes and is seen in athletes, like swimmers, gymnasts, golfers, baseball players, bowlers, and tennis players, etc, who use their arms and shoulders regularly, place added stress on the joint.

Jobs that involve repetitive shoulder movements can also cause injury. People whose job requires repetitive motions or strenuous upper bodywork are at higher risk. Truck drivers, construction workers, warehouse and grocery store employees commonly experience shoulder injury and pain.

Prevention

Preventing shoulder pain and injury can be a simple process. Workers and athletes whose jobs require repetitive arm work or rotation should warm-up, and take stretching and shake out the hand/s and arm/s breaks. Pain should be addressed, as soon as it presents with ice/heat and a possible chiropractic appointment. Ignoring the pain could lead to a more serious/chronic condition.

Shoulder rest is always a must. The joint needs time off to heal and regular chores should not be resumed until the doctor or chiropractor clears the patient. Chiropractors usually recommend exercises and stretches geared toward the type of injury/s or condition/s.

Chiropractor

Chiropractic is highly beneficial for shoulder injury/s and shoulder pain.

It will:

• Reduce pain
• Relieve pain
• Improve range of motion
• Increase flexibility
• Restore function to the joint

Different techniques are used depending on the type of injury or condition. The patient will be assessed by the chiropractor and will determine a treatment plan. Compression techniques have been found to be very effective for shoulder pain. It is favored because it is not strenuous for the doctor, is very safe, and is handled well by the patient. Chiropractic is the treatment of choice for shoulder pain because it is minimally invasive and it works.

Shoulder pain can cause pain in other areas. In the case of shoulder pain, the spine and neck can get inflamed.

Chiropractic addresses the entire body with its aim to relieve pain without drugs or surgery and keep the individual healthy and functioning at an optimal level. Are you, a family member, or friend suffering from shoulder stiffness/pain? If so, give us a call. Dr. Jimenez and his outstanding physical therapy team are here to help!

Chiropractic Treatment for Shoulder Pain

Lower Back Injury: Isaiah Delgado, wrestler, began participating in a fitness and nutrition program at Push-as-RX in order to improve his performance in his physical activities. When he suffered a lower back sports injury, Isaiah Delgado once again came to Push for assistance, except this time, the trainers enrolled him in a rehabilitation program to help him return-to-play as soon as possible. Isaiah Delgado describes Push-as-Rx as a lifestyle and he recommends Push to anyone looking for the right type of support when it comes to recovery and increased performance.

Lower Back Injury And Chiropractic Care 

Sports Therapy is an element of healthcare that's specifically concerned with the prevention of injury and the rehabilitation of the individual back to optimum levels of practical, occupational and sports specific fitness, regardless of age and capacity. It utilizes the fundamentals of sport and exercise sciences incorporating behavioral and physiological processes to prepare the player for training, competition and where applicable, work. A variety of healthcare professionals are able to provide this type of treatment method.

We are blessed to present to you El Paso’s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.

Our services are specialized and focused on injuries and the complete recovery process. Our areas of practice include: Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sport Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Stress Management, and Complex Injuries.

As El Paso’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we passionately are focused treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.

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Thank You & God Bless.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, C.C.S.T

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Injury Medical Clinic: Athletes

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 921, the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act.  The bill, passed unanimously by the House on Sept. 12, ensures that sports medicine professionals are properly covered by their malpractice insurance while traveling with athletic teams to another state.

“Continuity of care for athletes is important as they cross state lines to compete, and this bill will help ensure they can be treated by health care professionals they have come to know and trust,” said ACA President David Herd, DC.

ACA worked with key members of the House to ensure doctors of chiropractic (DCs), along with other providers, were included in the bill’s final language.  The initial iteration of the bill would have excluded DCs from this initiative. Addressing this issue is important, especially for DCs, who are a vital part of integrated health teams at all levels of competition: high school, college and professional.  Currently, all professional football teams, as well as 28 of the 30 major league baseball clubs, have a doctor of chiropractic as part of their medical training staff.


SPORTS MEDICINE

ACA thanks House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), Ranking Member Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Health Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Penn.), Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Gene Green (D-Tex.) and the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) for their work in bringing this bill before the House.

ACA supports swift action by the Senate and looks forward to H.R. 921 reaching the president’s desk for final approval.

 
About the American Chiropractic Association

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care, contributing to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. Visit them at www.acatoday.org.

 

GROUND-BREAKING STUDY: CHIROPRACTIC & PELVIC FLOOR CONTROL

A couple of years ago, Spinal Research got an exciting funding application that we were all too keen to get behind. At the time, debate was raging around the use of chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy and infancy. Dr. Heidi Haavik and her co-investigators, Dr. Jenny Kruger and Professor Bernadette Murphy were keen to investigate whether adjusting vertebral subluxations would alter pelvic floor muscle function.

The results are in and the research report has been approved for publication, but as these things take time we thought you’d like the scoop. This is big news for women and chiropractors alike!

The study demonstrated that adjusting the pregnant women appears to relax the pelvic floor muscles at rest. As there were no changes seen when they adjusted the non-pregnant comparison group, this finding in the pregnant women appears to be an effect unique to pregnancy.
This relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles seen after they were adjusted may mean that chiropractic care could be of benefit to pregnant women, as it may help them have a natural vaginal delivery.
A secondary interesting finding of this study was that the non-pregnant chiropractic students in the comparison study were able to contract their pelvic floor muscles to a degree previously seen only in elite athletes. We don’t yet know exactly why, but a possible explanation for this is that they were chiropractic students who were regularly getting checked and adjusted and this may have been why they had such amazing control over their pelvic floor muscles. It’s also possible this would have a preventative effect against future pelvic floor dysfunction such as stress urinary incontinence! But the researchers say this needs to be followed up with future studies

WHY THE PELVIC FLOOR STUDY MATTERS

The pelvic floor muscles (the Levator Ani muscle complex) are known to have active roles in pregnancy and childbirth, as well as in spinal stabilisation. When the pelvic floor muscles are damaged or stressed over time, health issues like incontinence and vaginal prolapses can crop up. We know these are problems with massive emotional, physical, social and financial costs across the world and a significant cause of stress for these women.

For a woman in labour, the ability to relax pelvic floor muscles (as well as contract them) to allow the baby to move through the birth canal is incredibly important, especially as the baby crowns. If the woman can’t relax these muscles as the baby moves through, she will tire more quickly and may require more interventions to assist the birthing process. Muscles that cannot relax could also interfere with a birth progressing without interference. In an ideal situation, strong pelvic floor muscles with an ability to relax would better prepare a mother for a natural, vaginal birth.

The primary findings of this study are incredibly encouraging, especially given the fact that quantitatively assessing the effect of spinal adjustment on pelvic floor muscle function has not previously been done! The study came about when Dr. Jenny Kruger, a midwife who completed her PhD on imaging the pelvic floor, approached Haavik. The two worked with Dr. Bernadette Murphy, who had supervised both of their PhD’s. Kruger and Haavik decided to combine their interest areas to study the PFM’s after spinal adjustments.

The study saw participants undergo ultrasounds, and perform three different manoeuvres – squeezing as hard as they could, bearing down (that pushing which opens up the Hiatus hole in the pelvic floor) and at rest. They studied the women in the control group and the active group, and looked at them pre and post adjustment.

“We were expecting to see changes on the squeezes and the pushes and all of that, but we saw nothing. But what was really interesting is that the actual (hiatus) hole itself got larger at rest. What it suggests is that those muscles that form the Pelvic Floor rim that holds all our internal organs and that move to give birth to the baby, must have relaxed,” said Heidi Haavik in a recent interview with Spinal Research.

“That alone is extremely exciting…Opening up those muscles is so important to be able to give birth.”

A SECOND INTERESTING FINDING FROM THE STUDY

Given the hormonal and physiological changes involved in pregnancy, the researchers added a comparison group to the mix. This group was made up of non-pregnant chiropractic students, and it is also where this study got very interesting.

“Again there weren’t any major pre and post adjustment changes, but our students were capable of contracting their Pelvic Floor muscles to a degree that has only previously been seen in top, elite athletes. I was quite blown away.  Jenny was quite blown away because this is very, very unusual,” said Haavik.

This secondary finding is an incidental but interesting one. It raises enough questions to demand a study of its own as we don’t yet know what it means. It could be that because they are chiropractic students who are being adjusted regularly, their sensory-motor control is greater. But far more work needs to be done before we accurately interpret the results.

WHAT COULD THIS STUDY MEAN?

Again, it’s early days in terms of understanding the full impact of this study’s findings. We do know that adjusting women in pregnancy gives them a greater ability to relax the pelvic floor. We also know that something very unusual occurs in chiropractic students who are being adjusted regularly.

 
For pregnant women, this has the potential to give them a greater degree of control over the pelvic floor muscles, which in turn may make vaginal childbirth easier. At this point, we can only speculate on what the impacts could be in terms of reduced need for medical interventions, or increased well-being of mother and child. But it does show us that chiropractic may be of benefit to pregnant women.
For non-pregnant women who get checked and adjusted regularly, we may potentially be looking at a completely different set of benefits. It is possible that this improves the condition of the pelvic floor muscles, enables greater sensory-motor control, and potentially decreases the risk of future stress urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence and vaginal prolapse. This is an extremely exciting possibility!
Haavik concedes that these are big ‘ifs.’ Once again, more research is required but the flow on effects could be far reaching.

“Why I’m even bothering with this line of research is because 1) we could potentially increase the rate of healthy, uncomplicated vaginal births and deliveries. As soon as you add interventions, their problems just skyrocket. Increasing the chances for women to have a natural, vaginal delivery is where I’m headed with this work. 2) Also preventing pelvic floor muscle problems for women, preventing stress urinary incontinence for example. There’s actually very little research on female pelvic floor problems. It’s surprising! If we can have uncomplicated, natural vaginal delivery without drugs and intervention, the baby is better off and the woman is better off. I’m quite convinced that chiropractic care can actually help with this, but this needs to be systematically explored with properly conducted scientific studies.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THIS AREA OF STUDY?

“We’ve started a second study, which again Spinal Research has funded, and we have reached the point where we are getting preliminary results,” says Haavik. Again, Dr. Jenny Kruger approached Dr. Haavik with a topic to collaborate on. This time it focused on stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

At present, whether or not a woman will get SUI post-childbirth is a bit of a lottery. Some get it, some don’t.

What is supposed to happen is that when we contract those muscles, the left and right sides are supposed to contract at the same time. The superficial muscles are supposed to contract first, and then the deeper muscles follow just 21 milliseconds later. But in women with SUI, this timing is all out of whack.

“IT COULD BE THAT WHEN WE ARE SUBLUXATED, THAT THE TIMING OF THE MUSCLE CONTRACTIONS BECOME STUFFED UP,” SAYS HAAVIK. THE RESEARCHERS HAVE BEEN SCREENING WOMEN WITH TIMING ISSUES AND ADJUSTING THEM. “WE’VE SCREENED HUNDREDS OF WOMEN AND ADJUSTED A LOT OF THEM TOO. WE ARE LOOKING AT SEVERAL MEASURES ALL IN ONE GO.”

We will save the results of this study for another blog post, but it’s another study chiropractors and their female patients are going to want to know about!

Download a Poster to use in practice.

 

THE OLDEST PRACTICING FEMALE CHIROPRACTOR, 91 YEARS OLD… & STILL SERVING

Being a Chiropractor is not just a job to many doctors, but a lifelong mission.  It starts as a passion to help others and then transcends into a lifestyle and mission to serve the world.  The thought of retirement to many DC’s is nothing more than just decreasing the amount of people they can physically care for each day.

Case in point, Dr. Jean Koffel.

The story of Dr. Koffel was originally posted in her local newspaper, Sheboygan Press.  Here it is:Call 915-850-0900

Chiropractic care has been Koffel’s vocation since relocating to Sheboygan in 1945 with a Chiropractic degree from Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa, the first school of its kind.

She became first female chiropractor in the county.

Born in Racine, Koffel was raised in West Bend among relatives dedicated to chiropractic philosophy, including her late father, Alfred E Koffel, who was active in the profession for more than 60 years.

Her first office was located above the Kresge store on Eighth Street during a time when Prange’s sold eggs and businesses such as The Bismarck, Keitel’s Candy Store and Ford Hopkins Drug Store were the happening spots.

Koffel has witnessed many changes and transformations and through it all held true to a lifestyle of balance including good nutrition, moderate exercise (she walks regularly), restful sleep and routine hands-on chiropractic care.

She’s been practicing out of the business end of her home since 1967, after her marriage to Mike Brendzej, who passed away in 1990.

Koffel doesn’t operate on scheduled appointments, but instead offers hands-on manual adjustments during her select business hours. She sticks to hands-on manipulation without using any gadgets or heat and light modalities.

Over the years Koffel has kept busy with activities such as golf and bowling, but today, relies on her regularly scheduled walks.

Even getting hit by a car last November, while walking with her friend, didn’t stop Koffel, who was back practicing the next business day. Her friend just recently completed healing from two broken wrists.

“If it were me, I would be out of business,” she said, feeling thankful.

Koffel has patients who have grown up with her and now treats their children and their children’s children, down to the fourth generation. Her oldest patient was 100.

“She’s a very, very wise lady. What she lacks in size, she has in strength and common sense,” said Lori. “She provides mental and physical relief.”

Chiropractic is Not a Job.  Its a life mission!  Thank you Dr. Koffel and all of our forefathers and fore sisters for your lifelong work to the Chiropractic profession.  Without you millions of people around the world would never have been able to experience the power of the Chiropractic adjustment from above, down, inside out!

The function of the arm is to allow for movement of the wrist and hand. Various muscles initiate the arm's actions, large muscles flex and extend, pronate and supinate, and the more sensitive muscles allow fine motor control. Lifting capacity and grip strength come from the arm muscles, making them essential for all types of activities. Because of the many functions and jobs the hands and arms do, added stress is placed on them. Arm discomfort symptoms, radiating pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling are common conditions. Chiropractic care can relieve injury symptoms and restore mobility and function.

Arm Discomfort Symptoms

The muscles of the upper arm, the biceps, and the triceps, control the movement and positioning of the elbow joint, and the muscles of the forearm control the wrist and hand. There are 30 bones from the top of the arm to the tip of the finger that include:

• The humerus in the upper arm.
• Ulna and radius in the forearm.
• Carpal bones in the wrist.
• Metacarpals and phalanges make up the hand and fingers.
• The joints allow movement between the bones and are stabilized by ligaments and joint capsules.

Symptoms

Discomfort or Radiation

Symptoms vary based on the severity of the injury but commonly include.

• Arm range of motion decreased.
• Stiffness.
• Tightness.
• Pain.
• Tenderness.
• Edema during activity.
• Muscle weakness.
• Numbness and tingling in the elbow, forearm, or hand can develop.
• Pain sensations often radiate to other areas.

Causes

Individuals that work with their hands related to work, home tasks, sports, or hobby activities, such as construction workers, hair stylists, store cashiers, graphic artists, automotive technicians, carpenters, painters, butchers, and more, have an increased risk of injury and developing chronic conditions. Work that involves manually cutting, writing, typing, gripping, operating motorized tools, hair clippers, working with animals, etc., makes the arms susceptible to injury from the constant stress on the ligaments. Common overuse injuries affecting the upper extremity include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

• These conditions involve the nerves of the forearm.
• Prolonged or repetitive bending or flexing of the wrist or elbow can generate swelling pressure that compresses the nerve/s.
• Symptoms include numbness, coldness, tingling, and/or weakness in the hand and fingers.

Tennis, Golfer, and Pitcher Elbow

• These conditions involve the inflammation of the tendon structures surrounding the elbow joint.
• Repeating the same motion over and over causes damage.
• This leads to tenderness and pain inside and surrounding the elbow.

De Quervain's Tendinosis

• Tendinosis refers to inflammation of the tendons.
• De Quervain’s syndrome affects tendon structure in the wrist.
• Swelling near the base of the thumb.
• Individuals have difficulty grasping objects.
• This is common for landscapers, gardeners, and sports where constant gripping is involved.

Tendonitis

• Tendons attach muscles and bones
• The condition causes tendon inflammation, presenting pain in the area around single or multiple joints.
• Common types include wrist tendonitis, pitcher’s shoulder, and swimmer’s shoulder.

Tendon Tears

• Overuse and frequent stress from continuous motion can wear tendons to the point of partial or complete tearing.
• Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder are often caused by overuse wearing down.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic and massage therapy can rehabilitate arm injuries, restore function and reduce arm discomfort symptoms. Treatment includes:

• Ice or heat treatment.
• Manual therapy - soft tissue massage and trigger point alleviation.
• Joint mobilization.
• Taping or bracing support.
• Rehabilitation targeted exercises.
• Work and sports modification training.
• Training on upper extremity overuse, practicing caution, and knowing when to seek professional medical help.

Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation

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 various 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

Bass, Evelyn. “Tendinopathy: why the difference between tendinitis and tendinosis matters.” International Journal of therapeutic massage & Bodywork vol. 5,1 (2012): 14-7. doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v5i1.153

Cutts, S et al. “Tennis elbow: A clinical review article.” Journal of Orthopaedics vol. 17 203-207. 10 Aug. 2019, doi:10.1016/j.jor.2019.08.005

Hoe, Victor C W, et al. “Ergonomic design and training for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb and neck in adults.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 2012,8 CD008570. 15 Aug. 2012, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008570.pub2

Konijnenberg, H S et al. “Conservative treatment for repetitive strain injury.” Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health vol. 27,5 (2001): 299-310. doi:10.5271/sjweh.618

Luger, Tessy, et al. “Work-break schedules for preventing musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders in healthy workers.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 7,7 CD012886. 23 Jul. 2019, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012886.pub2

Pitzer, Michael E et al. “Elbow tendinopathy.” The Medical Clinics of North America vol. 98,4 (2014): 833-49, xiii. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2014.04.002

Verhagen, Arianne P et al. “Conservative interventions for treating work-related complaints of the arm, neck or shoulder in adults.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 2013,12 CD008742. 12 Dec. 2013, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008742.pub2

Zaremski, Jason L et al. “Sport Specialization and Overuse Injuries in Adolescent Throwing Athletes: A Narrative Review.” Journal of athletic training vol. 54,10 (2019): 1030-1039. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-333-18

Finding ways to manage chronic pain is a priority. Chiropractic testing and treatment could be an option that is effective and affordable. Various chiropractic care can help manage chronic pain caused by a condition like herniated disc/s. Chiropractic testing involves diagnosing the root cause/origin of the pain. Getting a proper diagnosis usually involves:

• X-rays
• CT scan
• MRI
• DNA

Chiropractic testing

The correct diagnosis is essential to creating an optimal treatment plan. It is a complicated disorder that can be difficult to treat because it can present with no apparent cause. But, researchers are working to find answers to many of the questions surrounding chronic pain. When treating spine-related pain other tests can include:

• Discography
• Bone scans
• Nerve studies
• Electromyography
• Nerve conduction study
• Myelography

A pain specialist might consult with and refer the individual to a neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon to determine if the pain requires surgery. This is because untreated and not fully treated chronic pain is one of the leading causes of limited mobility and flexibility. Other associated issues are:

• Sleep disorders
• Problems with focus
• Depression

There are some experts that believe tests like MRIs are overused. There is a fear that too many tests could expose individuals to unnecessary radiation and increase medical expenses. However, determining the cause/s holds the key to a successful treatment plan. Therefore, choosing the right diagnostic strategy will help in:

• Creating the most effective and optimal treatment plan

• Quality of life improvement

• Prevent potential complications

• Reduce the cost of diagnosis

• Reduce the cost of treatment

Chiropractic Management

Chronic pain does not respond to typical pain management techniques. Chiropractic management deals with chronic pain inflammation and muscle tension. Chiropractors use a variety of non-surgical techniques like:

Soft Tissue

• Manual release therapy stretches the muscle/s while pressure is applied
• Trigger point therapy applies pressure on the area of the tensest muscle/s
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy uses a tool/s to apply gentle pressure.

Manual Therapy

When the joints are not moving correctly, a chiropractor may utilize this technique to regain a full range of joint motion. This is accomplished through joint mobilization which is slow, gentle stretches of the affected joint and manipulation, which are quick but gentle movement/thrusts that stretch the joint.

Exercise Therapy combined with Self-care

A chiropractor will provide simple therapeutic exercises and stretches that can be done at home to help with the pain and to help with prevention. Also provided:

• Safe lifting techniques
• Posture exercises/tips
• Dietary strategies to manage pain and prevent re-injury

Once diagnosed with a pain condition, a chiropractor will develop a unique customized treatment plan. Don't be afraid to talk with your chiropractor. The more they know the better the treatment plan. Once the pain is fully addressed, patients will be able to gradually increase daily activities.

Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment 

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

An overview of chiropractic treatment for lower lumbar back pain, how it works, how safe it is, and how often treatment is necessary. Along with the principles of chiropractic for the relief of lower/lumbar back pain, whether acute or chronic. Seeing a doctor of chiropractic/DC, a chiropractor or a chiropractic physician can be highly beneficial towards effectively treating low back pain.

Practice 

Chiropractic medicine utilizes a variety of treatments/therapies that are designed to manipulate/adjust the:

• Spine
• Joints
• Tissues

These treatments focus on the entire body to relieve pain and improve functional ability. This is referred to as spinal manipulative therapy or SMT, but there are many other treatment methods and techniques.

Every chiropractor has a personal treatment approach based on the patient's condition/s, medical history, and personalized treatment plan. A chiropractor will begin traditionally starting off with soft, natural, less-invasive treatments. If these do not generate positive results they will move on to more aggressive techniques.

Consent Form

At every stage of the chiropractic process, there is a strict emphasis maintained on proactively discussing with the patient exactly what is taking place and what is going to happen. A chiropractor makes sure that the patient understands everything that occurs during:

• Diagnosis
• Examination
• Procedure/s

This is all done in order to educate the patient and receive direct permission to start the treatment. The emphasis on informed consent is essential. This is because some chiropractic techniques could carry material risk. This means that a certain technique or particular procedure could possibly cause injury.

A chiropractor also informs the patient of the possible risks of not being treated. It is not meant to scare a patient. It is to eliminate any misunderstandings and make sure that the patient has full control over their body, so they can make an informed decision, as to which way they want to go.

Examination

A chiropractor will thoroughly examine a patient before making any sort of diagnosis or treatment plan. The assessment can include:

Medical history

The characteristics of the pain, any red flag symptoms that require further diagnostic testing will be conducted to remove any potentially serious medical issues that can be associated with neck or lower lumbar back pain-like:

• Neurological disorders
• Fractures
• Infections
• Tumors

There can be many reasons as to why low lumbar back pain happens. A chiropractor will investigate and develop a personally customized treatment plan. Next, a physical exam will be performed. This includes an orthopedic and neurological exam. These will test the:

• Reflexes
• Sensory nerves
• Joints
• Muscles
• Other areas of the body

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

Imaging and laboratory tests are not always used for non-specific lower lumbar back pain, but they could be necessary if there are signs/symptoms of an underlying condition.

Severity/Duration of Condition

Chiropractic medicine looks at the symptoms and conditions of an injury or ailment and classifies them on how severe they are, and how long they last. Symptoms can be divided into degrees of severity: They are:

• Mild
• Moderate
• Severe

For the duration period, pain and other symptoms are referred to as:

• Acute pain - lasts for less than 6 weeks
• Subacute - lasts between 6 and 12 weeks
• Chronic - lasts for at least 12 weeks
• Flare-ups - the same symptoms happen irregularly or from an exacerbation of the original injury

Treatment Trial

If an individual is dealing with acute or subacute lower lumbar back pain, then a chiropractic trial could be an option. This could be two to three weekly sessions over the course of two to four weeks adding up to twelve total sessions. This can be a sufficient treatment to completely alleviate the pain. However, when the pain does not go away then additional treatments could be necessary, especially if an individual has other issues/conditions.

Measured Outcomes

Outcome measurements are a valuable tool because they help determine whether or not the treatment is producing significant results. Some outcome measurements of treatments include:

• Numeric Pain Scale for patients to rate the pain
• Pain diagram so patients can describe the location and character of the pain
• Increases and decreases in normal daily practices, like work, exercise, and sleep
• Testing functions
• Lifting ability
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Endurance

For some low lumbar back pain could last and go over the 12-week mark making it a chronic pain condition. A chiropractor will look for signs/symptoms to see if there is a risk of developing chronic pain.

Chiropractic How Often

When the pain is acute lower lumbar back pain, a standard treatment plan can be six to ten sessions over the course of two to four weeks. These treatments emphasize the passive non-exercise approach of manual therapy for relieving pain and improving function.

If the non-exercise method doesn't deliver positive results then a more active exercise-based treatment can be utilized to increase function and return an individual back to normal life.

Back Pain That Doesn't Go Away

Often acute symptoms are resolved within the first 4-weeks. But it is possible that the pain can become chronic, meaning that it lasts longer than 12 weeks. Some individuals can hit a plateau during the recovery process.

This is referred to as MTB or that the patient has met the therapeutic benefits. A chiropractor will want to see if pausing/stopping chiropractic treatment will have a residual effect, exacerbate the pain, or reduce function and activity.

Example: If mild to severe chronic lower lumbar back pain has worsened, a patient could need one to six more visits with each pain episode. And this would be two to three weekly treatments for two to four weeks. However, patients rarely need continuing or ongoing care of one to four visits per month.

Re-Evaluation

Chiropractors will not continue treatment/s if they are not helping the patient. Therefore, every 2 to 4 weeks there is a re-evaluation of the patient to see if the treatment is still having a positive and beneficial effect. Here are some of the criteria for continuing treatment:

• Individual still responds positively to the treatment
• The individual has met the therapeutic benefits and worsens when they are not treated
• Proof shows that self-care alone will not be sufficient to maintain the therapeutic benefits

Continuing Treatment

Living with chronic lower lumbar back pain can be a challenge, but chiropractors want to emphasize to individuals that self-care is an essential component for pain management. This includes physical rehabilitation combined with range-of-motion exercises. A chiropractic physician may encourage a variety of treatment options, like:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Crossfit Rehabilitation
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Health coaching
• Psychosocial counseling
• Other beneficial treatment options

Chiropractic treatment and the benefits are different for everybody. This is why it is important to communicate with your chiropractor every step of the way and to be open-minded about the different treatment options they offer.

Why Chiropractic Works

Chiropractic is more than spinal manipulation. More people are choosing chiropractic for their pain symptoms, conditions, and injuries. Many are exchanging pills and surgery for all-natural non-invasive medicine known as chiropractic. Chiropractors do not prescribe medications and do not perform surgery. But they are trained to recognize when an injury is outside the scope of their practice and will refer an individual to the appropriate medical specialist.

Here are a few reasons why individuals are trying out chiropractic:

Doctors recommend chiropractic

The American College of Physicians recommends chiropractic and other non-drug treatments, as a first-line treatment for chronic and acute low back pain. Spinal manipulation is strongly recommended as a natural remedy. It is highly effective when combined with gentle exercises like Pilates, yoga, and tai chi.

Studies show spinal manipulation highly effective

The Journal of the American Medical Association cited spinal manipulation to be highly beneficial in treating lower back pain. Results are consistently showing that chiropractic treatment, specifically spinal manipulation, is effective in helping low back pain and improving function while minimizing pain.

95% Return for treatment

In the 2016 Gallup-Palmer College of Chiropractic Annual Report, 95% of people who used chiropractic say that it is an effective treatment. 97% said that if back or neck pain returned they would seek chiropractic treatment again. More than half of adults that have never seen a chiropractor said they would seek chiropractic treatment if they developed neck or back pain.

Chiropractic rated higher than All other treatments for back pain

A Consumer Reports survey ranked chiropractic as a top treatment compared to medications for back pain, osteoarthritis, and neck pain relief.

Individuals prefer a whole-body approach that includes:

• Lifestyle recommendations
• Dietary advice
• Supplements for pain, immobility, and range of motion problems.

Many said they opted for natural treatments like chiropractic to avoid harmful and undesirable side effects of prescription medication.

Opioids

With the Centers for Disease Control declaring prescription abuse an epidemic, individuals are searching for safer options. Natural treatments are becoming more popular to avoid the potential for addiction. And not just addiction but the often side effects that come with prescription meds, like constipation, brain fog, nausea, dry mouth, etc.

Spine surgery rising Individuals seeking the less invasive option

Spinal fusion surgery has been on a steep rise, increasing by about 500%. Therefore many are going for natural treatment like chiropractic to avoid surgery. Chiropractic looks at the whole person along with advice on lifestyle habits, dietary adjustments, and exercise programs. The bottom line is it works. It is less invasive, and yes, it is drug-free, but most of all, it is effective.

How adjustments work

When the vertebrae become misaligned, they place pressure on the nerves and cause pain, swelling, awkward movement/s, etc. This is called a subluxation. Chiropractors use their repertoire of techniques that equal a form of spinal adjustment to treat the subluxations. An adjustment means that the vertebra is returned to the proper position in the spine. When the vertebrae are adjusted, tiny pockets of gas are released from the joints, sometimes make a popping/releasing noise. It is the same sound when cracking knuckles. 

The benefits

Individuals with the following conditions have found chiropractic to be helpful:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis and
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Leg pain
• Pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, chest, abdomen, hips, legs, feet.
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Sports injuries
• Tendonitis
• Trauma injuries like auto accidents

Other Services

The main method of treatment is spinal adjustment, many chiropractors use a variety of therapies to treat patients, including:

• Health Coaching
• Exercise
• Diet
• Massage
• Weight loss
• Stress management

Chiropractic medicine is more than just spinal manipulation. Chiropractors use a variety of treatments to help the body heal itself and return individuals to a pain-free and healthy life.

Doctor Of Chiropractic Near Me

Back and low back pain can strike without warning.

It can come from bending over or lifting something and then you're stuck, unable to move.

However, muscle spasm in the low back is a common occurrence.

Eight out of 10 adults will experience back spasm along with back pain during their lives.

The cause of back pain and spasm can come from:

• Overuse
• Accident
• Sports injury

But a lot of times the root cause of the muscle spasm can come from a tiny injury to one of the structures in or around the lumbar spine.

If there have been one or more episodes of muscle spasm, more than likely it's going to happen again.

The muscles in the low back all work together with the abdominal muscles.

If they weren't there, then extension and lateral movement of the spine would be impossible.

The back muscles provide stability and keep the spine erect and balanced.

The balance can be compromised when spasms present along with an injured lumbar joint or disc.

Muscle spasms

These muscle spasms are involuntary and are contractions that happen spontaneously.

When the spasms occur out of the blue, the triggers are preceded by a series of small strains to the spine which develops over time.

Once the injury is active the inflammation sets in.

Then the nerves become overly-sensitive which causes the muscle/s to contract and spasm.

Disc Disorders & Spasms

Degenerative disc disease or a herniated disc can cause episodes of low back pain.

A herniated or bulging disc can compress a spinal nerve root, which causes irritation and inflammation.

The body tries to control the affected area by tightening the surrounding muscles and that's when the spasms happen.

Muscles can become too tight because of:

• Lack of exercise
• Too much exercise
• Structural imbalances
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte loss
• Combination of all above

Conversely, there can be muscle groups that have become too weak.

Imbalances present themselves and chronic force is transmitted to the spine in a bad way.

Even a single off movement can trigger an injury to a:

• Spinal joint
• Ligament
• Disc

And this results in spasm and back pain.

Muscle spasm in the low back can be very painful and debilitating over a short period.

Treatment

When it starts:

• For the first 48 to 72 hours apply ice for 20 minutes and then every two hours while on your back.
• Always use an ice pack and never apply directly to the skin.
• After 72 hours then apply moist heat, which can be done with a heating pad.

If this does not work, try soaking in the hot tub, with Epsom salt.

Heat increases blood flow to:

• The affected area
• Relaxes tight muscles
• Relaxes irritated nerves

Also elevating the legs takes the pressure off the spine and can help relieve pain.

Over the counter medications like Aspirin or ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Discuss with physician or healthcare provider regarding dosing regimen most suitable.

There can also be a combination of therapies

• Rest
• Ice/heat
• Medication
• Chiropractic
• Massage
• Physical therapy
• Foot Orthotics

A combination of treatments often generates better results than only one therapy.

Prevention

Once the spasm has passed, and the inflammation has subsided focus on prevention:

• Stretch - Incorporate stretching exercises daily, muscles benefit from gentle stretching.
• Pilates or yoga can work wonders and always stretch before physical exercise.
• Get fit - no regular physical activity can lead to serious conditions and possibly chronic pain.
• Exercise benefits all, even some light walking around the neighborhood is enough. Just get moving!
• Playing a sport could be a way to keep active. Remember, in order for any exercise to work is that it is done regularly.
• Strength training is important, just as its name implies strength training builds muscle and reduces muscle imbalances.

It’s never too late to increase strength and flexibility.

Look at activities that you and your friends/family can enjoy and make doing them a regular thing.

A chiropractor is the ideal medical professional to consult with for any unexplained pain in the musculoskeletal system. They are highly qualified professionals that their specialty is treating conditions like lower back pain and they are very affordable. If you or a loved one have pain in the lower back, give us a call. We’re here to help!

Understanding *FOOT PRONATION* & How to Correct it | El Paso, TX (2019)

Understanding how excessive foot pronation can affect a patient's overall health and wellness is essential to follow-up with treatment. Custom foot orthotics can help correct excess foot pronation or supination to help improve foot health issues. Excess foot pronation and/or supination can affect the natural alignment of the spine, ultimately affecting posture and mobility. The following video describes how excessive foot pronation and supination occurs and how it can affect overall health and wellness. Dr. Alex Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, TX, utilizes custom foot orthotics to help correct excessive foot pronation and supination.

Many people have back pain so often that it starts to become a daily struggle. You don’t have to put up with pain every day.

Many doctors work with alternative therapy. This makes it important that your insurance policy and see what back care therapies are covered. This can improve your health even more effective.

Pay attention to your sleep in order to fix back-related problems.Put a pillow underneath your head and shoulders. Place rolled-up towels underneath your neck and knees to help support the body’s curves. You should also have a mattress that is comfy.

You should not expect one treatment at the chiropractor to solve all your pain problem. You will probably see some immediate relief; however, but regular visits are required for lasting relief. Stick with whatever regiment your chiropractor recommends. If you fail to do this, you will end up disappointed with the results.

There are lots of solid reasons as to why a person ought to visit a chiropractor. If your back or neck hurt, you should find a reputable chiropractor right away. Your body will not run correctly if your skeletal structure.

Ask your chiropractor if there are frequency discounts in their office. Chiropractic treatment usually requires a series of office visits. You may need to visit several times weekly for months to come. It can quickly become quite costly. The doctor’s office may have some sort of discount if you visit a lot so things don’t cost you so much more affordable.

Ask you doctor to recommend a chiropractor. Even if you don’t need a referral, your doctor can suggest a good chiropractor.

Chiropractic Video

Make a wise decision when searching for a chiropractor. Most chiropractors are honest, but others cannot be trusted. There are actually some of people going to a chiropractor and feeling much worse afterwards. Make sure you’re doing research prior to choosing a chiropractor.

Check out the references of a chiropractor before scheduling an appointment with them. While lots of chiropractors are interested in their patients’ health, there are some that attempt to extend treatments beyond what is actually needed. Look at reviews online and get recommendations from your regular doctor.

A cervical pillow or roll up a towel and position it beneath your neck when you sleep can really help. They let your head drop down while a regular pillow has your head being pushed forward.

Blood Pressure

Is your blood pressure something you have? Studies show that vertebrae is as good as using two hypertension medications together. When the vertebrae are manipulated, the blood pressure can be regulated.

Chiropractic care can also help your immune system as well. Your nervous system can malfunction when the bones in your spine are misaligned. Because your nervous system controls tissue, cell and organ function, if it gets impacted it can make your health go wrong. Fixing the issue can get your immune system back to optimal performance.

Stay away from chiropractors that want to give you dietary supplements and other products. They are likely charlatans if they offer and cannot be trusted. Nutritionists and doctors are reliable sources for such advice.

It is easy to find a qualified chiropractor in the United States. Chiropractic care makes up the second largest health care profession. It is also happens to be the fastest. On top of that number, as many as 10,000 students or more are learning the practice themselves.

Meet with the chiropractor before scheduling an appointment. A chiropractor can really improve your quality of living. A poorly qualified chiropractor can make matters so much worse. Find a chiropractor you feel comfortable. Be sure you talk with a chiropractor before scheduling treatment.

Avoid slumping when you are sitting or standing in a hunched position for long periods. This strains your back and will give you lower back pain and that’s going to hurt you stand straight. If sitting or standing hunched over is unavoidable, make sure you stretch well and periodically get up from your position.

If you do a lot of sit-ups and crunches to build up your core strength, it’s time to find other core exercises, since these are two that often make things worse. The Yoga plank position is a good alternative and can help your back and core.

The thoracic spinal area of your spine is responsible for communication regarding digestion and other stomach functions. You can have problems with things like acid reflux or other irritations when the thoracic area is irritated. Chiropractic care can fix any alignment issues and prevent misalignment of this area to help heal the stomach.

Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance lifting heavy item. Ask someone else to help or use proper equipment. A dolly that’s good and secure can assist you in moving something. A dolly is a great investment if you are moving heavy things often.

To keep headache pain at bay, you may want to go to your chiropractor or a therapist that can massage the pain out of your body.Tightness in the pain. The temperomandibular joint (TMJ) can suffer from teeth in your sleep. A guard might keep this case.

It is important to take your time when searching for a good chiropractor. There are tons of chiropractors out there. Once you find the ideal one, shop around for a good price. Call each one and ask for a quote. Make sure that their quote includes all of their services and they are quoting you doesn’t neglect to mention any hidden fees.

You may believe that your use of a smartphone is making your life better. It may actually be hurting your neck though. When you look at the screen, your neck is pulled down, which puts too much weight on the muscles. Use your phone at eye level to avoid this.

Clearly, there really is no reason to endure ongoing back pain. You can help yourself through the situation. Try some of the advice here, and you can get relief quickly.

About 80% of golf athletes experience re-occurring back pain. When the swings a golf professional takes during a round begin to add up, including all shots and all practice swings, one can begin to notice that the movements used during golf involve a lot of one directional repetition. With golfers, this often tends to cause individuals to be flexible on one direction and very stiff in the other. There are a few simple steps to take to avoid developing back problems while doing the sport you love.

 Foremost, its essential to warm up the body before golfing. This doesn’t necessarily mean stretching. Many people will often rush to the course after work, while hoping not to be late, and they run up to the field and begin taking swings. Next time you golf, start with spinal twists. First, spread your feet shoulder width apart, interlace your fingers, point your hips forward and rotate your shoulders independently of your hips. This simple exercise will help loosen up your spine. Second, try several walking lunges. The walking lunges will help loosen up the hips and warm up the muscles. Finally, doing some standing crunches can help activate the abs. While standing, grip your finger tips loosely behind your head and then crunch each elbow to the opposite hip. About 15 of these should be enough to warm up your core.

Before attempting any of the above exercises, be sure to consult a specialist in order to determine an appropriate exercise and stretching routine in case of a previous injury or underlying condition. It’s crucial to prevent any further injuries in order for you to continue participating in the sports and physical activities you enjoy.