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Find out how to address kyphosis by looking at causes, symptoms, and effective treatment approaches to restore health. What Is Kyphosis? How often have you noticed that your posture is more hunched after sitting down for an excessive amount of time? Do you feel muscle strain in your neck and shoulders that stretching them causes temporary relief? Or do you feel pain and tightness in your back and shoulders from improper posture? Many times, individuals have dealt with musculoskeletal issues that can affect the three common areas of the body: neck, shoulders, and back. When a person is in a hunched position for an extended period, it can lead to a spinal condition known as kyphosis. Kyphosis is when there is an increase in the forward curvature of the spine that affects the thoracic location and may be caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs. (Lam & Mukhdomi, 2025) When a person is dealing with kyphosis, they will notice that they are developing a hunchback or a rounded upper back that can affect posture and overall musculoskeletal health. Depending on the severity of kyphosis, the symptoms can range from significant discomfort and stiffness to breathing difficulties. At the same time, understanding the environmental factors that contribute to its development as well as its associated symptoms can help many individuals find various treatment options to manage this spinal condition. Environmental Factors Contributing to Kyphosis Several environmental influences can lead to the development of kyphosis. This is because many people do strenuous activities that cause the spine to tackle heavy loads of weight. However, as the body ages, so does the spine over time, and that can lead to the development of kyphosis. Some environmental factors that contribute to kyphosis include: - Poor Posture
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Heavy Objects & Improper Lifting
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal Injuries & Conditions
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*
Facet hypertrophy is an incurable, chronic disease that affects the facet joints in the spine. Can recognizing symptoms help in diagnosis and treatment? Facet Hypertrophy Facet hypertrophy causes the facet joints in the spine to enlarge. They are found where the vertebrae come into contact on the back of the vertebrae that form the backbone. These joints stabilize the spine when twisting and bending. Hypertrophy results when damage wears down the cartilage that cushions the bones that meet in the joint. This can include: - Aging
- Wear and tear
- Arthritis
- Other joint diseases can damage facet joints.
Swelling, new bone growth, and bone spurs can occur as the joint tries to repair the damaged cartilage. The swelling and new bone growth can narrow the spinal canal and compress surrounding nerves, causing pain and other sensation symptoms. This ailment does not have a cure and worsens over time. The objective of treatment is to manage the pain symptoms and slow down the disease's progress. Types Facet hypertrophy can be described as unilateral or bilateral. - Unilateral - the pain is felt on one side.
- Bilateral - the pain is felt on both sides.
On the following areas: (Romain Perolat et al., 2018) - Buttocks
- Sides of the groin
- Thighs
Symptoms Symptoms can have a wide range of intensity, from a dull ache to chronic, disabling pain. The location of symptoms depends on the affected joint and the nerves involved. Pain manifests when the enlarged joints and new bone growth compresses the nearby nerves. The result leads to nerve damage and the following symptoms: (Weill Cornell Medicine Brain & Spine Center. 2023) (Cedars Sinai. 2022) - Stiffness, especially when standing up or getting out of a chair.
- Inability to stand straight when walking.
- Inability to look up to the left or right without turning the whole body.
- Reduced range of motion and mobility.
- Numbness or a tingling sensation of pins and needles.
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle weakness
- Burning pain
The following symptoms are specific to the location of the affected joint (Weill Cornell Medicine Brain & Spine Center. 2023) (Cedars Sinai. 2022) - Radiating pain from the affected joint into the buttocks, hips, and upper thigh when the affected joint/s are in the lower back.
- Radiating pain from the affected joint into the shoulder, neck, and back of the head when the affected joint/s are in the upper back.
- Headaches when the affected joint is in the neck.
Causes A common cause is the age-related degeneration of the joints, called spondylosis. Research indicates that more than 80% of individuals who are 40 or older have radiologic evidence of spondylosis, even though they may not have symptoms. (The University of Toledo Medical Center. N.D.) The following conditions can also increase the risk of facet hypertrophy (Weill Cornell Medicine Brain & Spine Center. 2023) - Unhealthy posture
- Being overweight or obese
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Injury or trauma to the spine
- Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Genetic predisposition to the condition
Diagnosis Diagnosis can be challenging when neck or back pain is the main complaint, as symptoms can mimic conditions such as sciatica from a herniated disc or hip arthritis. (Weill Cornell Medicine Brain & Spine Center. 2023) - CT scans with or without myelogram - the use of contrast dye in the space around the spinal cord.
- MRI
- X-rays with or without a myelogram
A diagnosis is confirmed by injecting a diagnostic block that involves administering an anesthetic injection, sometimes with an anti-inflammatory like cortisone, into the joint or nerves near the affected joint. Two injections are given at different times to confirm the effect. (Romain Perolat et al., 2018) - If immediate relief improves after each injection, the facet joint is confirmed as the source of the pain symptoms.
- If the block does not decrease the pain, the facet joint is probably not the source of the pain symptoms. (Brigham and Women's Hospital. 2023)
Treatment There is no cure for facet hypertrophy.
The goal of treatment is to make the pain more manageable.
Conservative treatment is usually successful in making a difference. Conservative Treatment First-line treatment involves utilizing conservative therapies (Romain Perolat et al., 2018) - Massage therapy
- Physical therapy to strengthen the core muscles and spine.
- Targeted exercises to help maintain flexibility.
- Chiropractic adjustments to realign the spine.
- Healthy posture retraining.
- Non-surgical mechanical decompression.
- Bracing to stabilize the spine
- Acupuncture
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory - aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
- Muscle relaxers - cyclobenzaprine or metaxalone.
- Steroid injection into the facet joints.
- Injection of platelet-rich plasma/PRP into the joints.
Medial Branch or Facet Block - A medial branch block injects local anesthetic near the medial nerves that connect to an inflamed joint.
- Medial nerves are small nerves outside the joint space near the nerve that transmit signals and other impulses to the brain.
- A facet block injects the medication outside the joint space near the nerve that supplies the joint called the medial branch.
Neurolysis Neurolysis, also known as rhizotomy or neurotomy, is a procedure that destroys affected nerve fibers to relieve pain, reduce disability, and reduce the need for analgesics. This treatment can relieve pain for six to 12 months until the nerve regenerates, where further treatments may be necessary. (Matthew Smuck et al., 2012) Neurolysis can be performed using one of the following techniques (Romain Perolat et al., 2018) - Radiofrequency ablation RFA - the application of heat through radiofrequency.
- Cryoneurolysis - the application of cold temperatures to the targeted nerve.
- Chemical neurolysis - applying chemical agents, like a combination of phenol and alcohol.
- Severing the nerves with surgical instrumentation.
Surgery When one or more facet joints are severely damaged, they can become nonfunctional and painful. Surgery may be recommended when symptoms are not relieved by other therapies. (Ali Fahir Ozer, et al., 2015) Prognosis Facet hypertrophy is a chronic condition that progresses with age and does not affect life expectancy. (Weill Cornell Medicine Brain & Spine Center. 2023) The disorder is incurable, but symptoms can be managed with conservative therapies - A healthcare provider can help develop a treatment plan based on the extent and location of the joint affected.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can help individuals achieve the best results.
Maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy weight can help prevent further joint stress. Individuals may be recommended to do regular stretching and strengthening exercises to lower inflammation, reduce stress, and improve overall health. 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 further discuss the subject matter above, 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 Perolat, R., Kastler, A., Nicot, B., Pellat, J. M., Tahon, F., Attye, A., Heck, O., Boubagra, K., Grand, S., & Krainik, A. (2018). Facet joint syndrome: from diagnosis to interventional management. Insights into imaging, 9(5), 773–789. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-018-0638-x Weill Cornell Medicine Brain & Spine Center. (2023). Symptoms of facet syndrome. Cedars Sinai. (2022). Facet joint syndrome. The University of Toledo Medical Center. (N.D.). Spondylosis. Weill Cornell Medicine Brain & Spine Center. (2023). Facet syndrome. Weill Cornell Medicine Brain & Spine Center. (2023). Diagnosing and treating facet syndrome. Brigham and Women's Hospital. (2023). Facet and medial branch blocks. Smuck, M., Crisostomo, R. A., Trivedi, K., & Agrawal, D. (2012). Success of initial and repeated medial branch neurotomy for zygapophysial joint pain: a systematic review. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation, 4(9), 686–692. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.06.007 Ozer, A. F., Suzer, T., Sasani, M., Oktenoglu, T., Cezayirli, P., Marandi, H. J., & Erbulut, D. U. (2015). Simple facet joint repair with dynamic pedicular system: Technical note and case series. Journal of craniovertebral junction & spine, 6(2), 65–68. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8237.156049
Massage is part of integrative medicine and can be used for various medical conditions. In massage therapy, a therapist rubs and kneads the body's soft tissues, including muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and skin. The therapist varies the amount of pressure and movement. Individuals often start feeling the effects right away. One of the benefits is increased temperature. Increased temperature amplifies blood flow and circulation, enabling muscular and connective tissues to release restriction, and muscle tightness, relieve tension, and improve movement. A massage therapist will use different techniques to increase the temperature to treat various conditions. Increased Temperature Some patients want to know why their muscles heat up or burn during a massage. Muscles burn because of the accumulation of waste in the cells. The waste products are released as a result of massage. The muscles release lactate, a byproduct of glucose. The effects of deep tissue massage are almost the same as the effects of exercise. During the massage: - The demand for oxygen in the tissues increases.
- Because of this, blood flow circulation to these tissues increases.
- This is necessary to supply oxygen and glucose.
- It excretes waste substances and toxins.
Muscle heat or burn during massage differs for everybody. Some individuals don't feel it at all. The session can be so intense that the muscles can't clear the lactate/toxins fast enough, causing the burning sensation. Fascia Circulation The temperature of the fascia can also be increased. Fascia is the thick, fibrous layer of connective tissues beneath the skin that can often become restrictive. Increased temperature in the superficial and deep tissues releases, relaxes, and loosens tight, tense, shortened, and/or injured areas, allowing muscular tissues to increase in elasticity, flexibility, and relaxation. Heart rate is raised, improving circulation and increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas and the rest of the body. - Myofascial release involves slowly applying pressure to the area using flattened hands and fingers.
- The slow, soft pressure increases the temperature of the fascia.
- As the hands and fingers get deeper within, they slowly move around, spreading the fascia.
- This releases the tightness and relieves the pain.
- An individual's posture can improve when the temperature is increased. Muscular tension and tightness can cause increased pain symptoms, not allowing healthy posture.
Muscle Burn Relief Rehydrate - Drink plenty of water after the session is over.
- Water maintains proper circulation for excreting waste products and nourishes the muscle cells with fresh nutrients and oxygen.
- Avoid coffee and alcohol as they increase urination and blood osmolality and dehydrate the body.
Stretching - Stretching before and after a session can relieve muscle soreness.
- Stretching exercises increase blood flow.
- Stimulates the release of synovial fluid around the joints.
Sleep - Get plenty of rest after a session.
- The body knows how to restore itself; during sleep, it reduces cortisol secretion.
- It increases the stimulation of antioxidative hormones to go after free radicals.
Herbal Remedies - Herbal remedies like ginger, garlic, cloves, and cinnamon increase blood circulation, reducing pain and swelling.
Essential Oils - Essential oils like peppermint oil can help relax the mind.
- They have anti-inflammatory properties that help with muscle burn and soreness.
- After a session, a little peppermint or CBD oil can relieve the sore parts.
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 Dion LJ, et al. Development of a hospital-based massage therapy course at an academic medical center. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 2015; doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v8i1.249. Massage therapy: What you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/massage-therapy-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021. Rodgers NJ, et al. A decade of building massage therapy services at an academic medical center as part of a healing enhancement program. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.07.004.
A pinched nerve in the hip can cause numbness, tingliness, weakness, and pain. A pinched/compressed nerve creates pressure that can result from a bone structural issue like hip misalignment or the nerve getting overly stretched, stuck, twisted, or kinked. The pressure obstructs the neural pathways and decreases neural activity. This causes pain. If discomfort or pain is present, chiropractic, physical rehabilitation, rest, exercise, and ice and heat can release and reset the nerve and help prevent re-injury. Pinched Nerve In The Hip A pinched or compressed nerve results from pressure being applied to the nerve. A pinched nerve in the hip often causes pain in the groin region, radiating down the inner thigh to the knee. The pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp, burning pain. Individuals also report tightness, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the buttocks. The most common causes include: - Unhealthy posture.
- Sitting for too long without moving around.
- Misaligned bone or cartilage.
- Muscle strain.
- Pregnancy.
- Obesity.
- Inflamed tissue.
- Herniated disc.
- Arthritis.
- Bone spurs.
Chiropractic Different causes require different treatment approaches. For example, an obese individual could require chiropractic adjustments, specific exercises/stretches, and diet adjustments to address the whole body. The recommended treatment plans can vary but usually include: - Physical therapeutic massage.
- Manipulative therapies of the joints and muscles.
- Mobilization of the joints.
- Soft tissue treatments.
- Spinal decompression.
- Exercise.
Walking and activity can worsen the pain when the hip presents with pain. This can cause the rest of the body to compensate by shifting the weight to the healthy side, which can cause even more pain in the back or legs or cause another injury. Regular chiropractic hip adjustments will improve posture, maintaining muscle and skeleton alignment that will prevent pinching nerves in the hip. 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 Ahuja, Vanita, et al. “Chronic hip pain in adults: Current knowledge and future prospective.” Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology vol. 36,4 (2020): 450-457. doi:10.4103/joacp.JOACP_170_19 Christmas, Colleen, et al. “How common is hip pain among older adults? Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.” The Journal of family practice vol. 51,4 (2002): 345-8. “Free Communications: Case Reports: Hip.” Journal of Athletic Training vol. 38,2 Suppl (2003): S.73–S.74.
Tremors are extremely rare, but they can result from spinal compression and not necessarily a brain condition like Parkinson's disease. Tremors are abnormal, involuntary body movements with various causes, most of which are connected to the brain and not the spine. A study reports that more than 75% of individuals with Parkinson's experienced a resting tremor, and about 60% experience tremors while moving. Sometimes the spine is the contributor caused by compression of the spinal cord. Spinal Compression Study A 90-year-old man was hospitalized after having tremors, with Parkinson's being the initial diagnosis. The tremors progressed to the point where the man could not feed himself or walk without support. The case became the focus of a medical report published by physicians in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of the Spine, Singapore Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Along with the tremors, symptoms progressed to: - Difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning a shirt.
- However, it was ruled out because the patient was not presenting with other Parkinson's symptoms.
- What was found from the symptoms was cervical spondylotic myelopathy, which is a spinal cord compression in the neck.
- The compression was caused by a herniated disc impinging the spinal canal and compressing the spinal cord causing spinal stenosis.
- The compression was resolved by having an ACDF surgical procedure.
- An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or ACDF procedure can help manage the condition.
- An ACDF treats spinal cord compression by removing a degenerative or herniated disc in the neck.
Cervical Myelopathy Causes of cervical spondylotic myelopathy include: Common symptoms include: - Balance problems
- Coordination problems
- Tingling in the hands
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Impairment of fine motor skills
Tremors as a symptom are rare. Cervical Myelopathy vs. Parkinson's Disease There are cases where cervical spondylotic myelopathy and Parkinson's disease symptoms can overlap. Studies have shown difficulties between the two diagnoses, as well as, individuals with Parkinson's may exhibit symptoms similar to cervical spondylotic myelopathy that can include: - Weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Bowel dysfunction
- Bladder dysfunction
Treatment Cervical Myelopathy Tremors For individuals with cervical spondylotic myelopathy tremors, surgery can be used to help the condition. However, with cervical myelopathy, there is often some permanent damage. Individuals have shown that post-surgery and decompression, symptoms still present, maybe not as much, but there will be a need for a symptom management plan. Prevention The best way to prevent tremors associated with cervical spondylotic myelopathy is to minimize the strain on the spine that can lead to herniated discs and/or other spinal injuries. The discs in the spine degenerate, dry out and start cracking with age, increasing the risk of rupture. If a tremor develops, contact a doctor, spine specialist, or chiropractor to help diagnose the condition. These doctors can perform physical and neurological tests to determine the cause and treatment options. Aging Health Steady weight gain throughout life can lead to adult-onset diabetes. This is partly caused by having more body fat and progressive muscle loss. Loss of skeletal muscle mass is linked to insulin resistance that involves: - The less muscle is available, the less insulin sensitive the body becomes.
- As insulin sensitivity decreases, the body becomes more resistant, increasing risk factors for type II diabetes.
- This can lead to osteoporosis, where the old bone is reabsorbed more and less new bone is created.
Both men and women can experience decreased muscle mass that can lead to: - Thinner bones
- Weaker bones
- Increased risk of osteoporosis and severe injury from falls.
To help prevent these issues, it is recommended to: - Eat sufficient protein throughout the day.
- It is recommended to space out protein intake across meals rather than consuming it all at once. This helps to ensure the proper amount is acquired.
- Monitoring body composition regularly can help minimize muscle mass loss and fat mass gain as the body ages.
- A regular strength training routine will help strengthen bones muscles and maintain optimal circulation.
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 Heusinkveld, Lauren E et al. "Impact of Tremor on Patients With Early Stage Parkinson's Disease." Frontiers in neurology vol. 9 628. 3 Aug. 2018, doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.00628 Jancso, Z et al. "Differences in weight gain in hypertensive and diabetic elderly patients primary care study." The Journal of nutrition, health & aging vol. 16,6 (2012): 592-6. doi:10.1007/s12603-011-0360-6 Srikanthan, Preethi, and Arun S Karlamangla. "Relative muscle mass is inversely associated with insulin resistance and prediabetes. Findings from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey." The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism vol. 96,9 (2011): 2898-903. doi:10.1210/jc.2011-0435 Tapia Perez, Jorge Humberto et al. "Treatment of Spinal Myoclonus Due to Degenerative Compression Myelopathy with Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Report of 2 Cases." World neurosurgery vol. 136 (2020): 44-48. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2019.12.170
Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst/syrinx forms within the spinal cord. It is progressive, meaning that the cyst grows with time causing compression and damage to the spinal cord. The cyst usually begins in the neck/cervical spine but can develop in any area along the spinal cord. There are several possible causes; however, most are associated with a condition known as Chiari malformation. This is where the skull and neck come together, and either the skull is too small or shaped in a way that causes brain tissue to come out and settle in the spinal canal. Syringomyelia Causes Syringomyelia can be caused by or from complications of: - Congenital disabilities like Chiari malformation
- Chiari type I malformation develops during the fetal developmental stage and causes the lower part of the brain or cerebellum to stick out from its standard location.
- Hemorrhage/bleeding
- Inflammation of the spinal cord from virus or bacterial infection like meningitis
- Spinal cord injury
- Spinal cord tumor
Symptoms A damaged spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and the body. Symptoms differ for every individual, but common syringomyelia symptoms include: Symptoms usually develop slowly, but exercise, coughing, or some form of strain can cause sudden onset. Diagnosis Physical and neurological exams are performed to determine loss of feeling or inability to move around normally, like walking. Diagnostic tests of the spine will include a CT scan with contrast dye and/or an MRI. Early detection can help before it progresses, causing further damage, and delaying treatment can cause irreversible spinal cord injury. It is recommended at the first sign of symptoms to contact a doctor. Treatment Some individuals who have syringomyelia may have no symptoms. These individuals can go about their everyday lives but are recommended to be cautious with neck and back strain. For individuals experiencing symptoms, the primary treatment objectives are to: - Stop or control damage to the spinal cord
- Preserve function
- Prevent disability
- Treatment options include:
- Draining the cyst
- Surgical removal of the cyst
- Chiropractic and physical therapy could be included in the treatment plan to help the individual rebuild lost muscle strength and regain flexibility.
All too often, individuals with this disorder experience treatment delay/s because symptoms can be nonspecific or vague. Education is the key, and individuals can be diagnosed sooner by paying attention to the body's warning signs. Does too much protein hurt the kidneys? While protein restriction can be appropriate for treating existing kidney disease, research shows that high protein intake in healthy individuals does not disrupt or cause damage to the kidneys or kidney function. The amino acids in protein are more likely to be excreted through urine when not being used. However, there are certain risks associated with consuming too much protein, and it is recommended to keep track of protein intake. Eating more protein: - Makes the body feel full longer
- Can help curb overeating
- Is essential for recovery and growth
When achieving daily caloric goals, maintaining a balance of nutrients like carbohydrates and healthy fats is essential for overall health. 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 Batzdorf, Ulrich. "Primary spinal syringomyelia. Invited submission from the joint section meeting on disorders of the spine and peripheral nerves, March 2005." Journal of neurosurgery. Spine vol. 3,6 (2005): 429-35. doi:10.3171/spi.2005.3.6.0429 Di Lorenzo, N, and F Cacciola. "Adult syringomyelia. Classification, pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches." Journal of neurosurgical sciences vol. 49,3 (2005): 65-72. Fernández, Alfredo Avellaneda et al. "Malformations of the craniocervical junction (Chiari type I and syringomyelia: classification, diagnosis, and treatment)." BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 10 Suppl 1, Suppl 1 S1. 17 Dec. 2009, doi:10.1186/1471-2474-10-S1-S1 Naftel, Robert P et al. "Worsening or development of syringomyelia following Chiari I decompression: case report." Journal of neurosurgery. Pediatrics vol. 12,4 (2013): 351-6. doi:10.3171/2013.7.PEDS12522 Roy, Anil K et al. "Idiopathic syringomyelia: retrospective case series, comprehensive review, and update on management." Neurosurgical focus vol. 31,6 (2011): E15. doi:10.3171/2011.9.FOCUS11198
Chiropractic treatment/care is a recommended pain relief option for musculoskeletal automobile, sports, personal - injuries, strains, sprains, pain, and rehabilitation. An initial chiropractic examination is similar to a standard examination administered by health care providers. What an individual can expect at their first consultation includes: - Condition or pain symptoms
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Initial exams last around 45 minutes or more.
- Follow-up appointments are shorter.
Online Conference or Phone Call Some chiropractors offer individuals an initial interview over a video conference and/or phone call. It is focused on discussion with topics like the chiropractors: - Types of insurance taken
- Cost
- Types of forms to fill out
- Philosophy
- Expertise
- Specialization areas
- Approaches
- Techniques
- Individual's preferences
Initial Clinic Visit The initial in-office clinical exam generally includes: Patient History and Symptoms The patient will be asked to fill out forms that can also be filled out online before the visit, saving a patient time if they so choose. This provides background information about symptoms and conditions in preparation for the in-person chiropractic consultation. Questions include: - Did the pain start as a result of an auto, sports, personal, work injury?
- How did the pain start - activities, sports, work, etc.?
- When did the pain start - a few days, weeks, months, years?
- Where is the pain located?
- Does the pain spread out to other areas?
- Is the pain dull, sharp, burning, or throbbing?
- Does the pain come and go, or is it constant?
- What activities or body positions make it better and/or worse?
- Patients are also asked to provide information on pre-existing medical conditions, family medical history if necessary, prior injuries, and previous and current treatments provided by other medical professionals.
Physical Examination A chiropractic examination includes: - Reflexes
- Respiration
- Blood pressure
- Pulse
Certain orthopedic and neurological tests can also be used. These include: - Range of motion
- Neurological integrity
- Muscle strength
- Muscle tone
- Walking gait
- Posture analysis
Diagnostic Studies Based on the medical history and physical exam results, diagnostic studies could help reveal pathologies and identify structural abnormalities to diagnose more accurately. X-rays are the most commonly used during an initial chiropractic exam and are used to: - Diagnose recent trauma
- Diagnose bone fractures
- Study spinal deformities
An MRI scan is recommended for soft tissue damage like a herniated disc, torn muscle/s, or nerve compression. Patient Diagnosis after the Chiropractic Exam All the findings from the medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests help the chiropractor form a diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, the chiropractor will discuss personalized treatment options. Heart Disease Many factors can contribute to heart disease, and research has pointed to inflammation caused by obesity as one of the most significant factors to its development. The main contributor is cytokines produced by excess body fat. Cytokines cause inflammation in the walls of the arteries causing damage and increasing pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the vessels. High blood pressure means that the heart is not pumping blood effectively, and the heart begins to enlarge. An enlarged heart is a significant risk factor that can lead to heart failure if interventions are not taken to repair the damage. 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 Jenkins HJ, Downie AS, French SD. Current evidence for spinal x-ray use in the chiropractic profession. Chiropr Man Therap. 2018; 26:48. Wang, Zhaoxia, and Tomohiro Nakayama. “Inflammation, a link between obesity and cardiovascular disease.” Mediators of inflammation vol. 2010 (2010): 535918. doi:10.1155/2010/535918 Weeks, William B et al. “Public Perceptions of Doctors of Chiropractic: Results of a National Survey and Examination of Variation According to Respondents' Likelihood to Use Chiropractic, Experience With Chiropractic, and Chiropractic Supply in Local Health Care Markets.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 38,8 (2015): 533-44. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2015.08.001
Anyone from young children, adults, and the elderly can get a spinal infection. Individuals can have an infection: - In vertebral bone tissue
- An intervertebral disc
- The spinal canal - space where the spinal cord runs through
- The spinal cord’s protective lining
These types of infections can happen anywhere along the spine, from the atlas at the base of the neck to the coccyx all the way to the lowest part of the back. Individuals should expect unpredictability if dealing with a spinal infection. During testing, lab results could be misleading or inaccurate. What can happen is white blood cell counts are normal, X-rays might not show any abnormalities, and sensitive diagnostic tests like a CT or MRI scan might not show positivity of infection for a week or more. What to know about spinal infections. Spinal Infection Types They are classified according to the type of tissue they infect. The most common include: Vertebral Osteomyelitis This is a common infection type. Bacteria most often cause the cause. It can develop after trauma to the spine, post-surgery, or bacterial infections located in other body parts that travel via the blood to the vertebra. Symptoms include: - Persistent, chronic back pain that can become severe worsens at night and becomes aggravated from moving.
- The pain radiates/spreads into the arms and legs
- Tingling, numbness, and burning sensations
- Inflammation
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Post-surgery wound drainage, redness, and swelling near the surgical site
Treatment includes: - Intravenous antibiotics
- Antibiotics
- Over-the-counter analgesics like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds for pain relief.
- Prescription pain medications
- Back brace
- Surgery is recommended if antibiotic treatment fails, nerve damage develops, a spinal deformity develops, or to remove infected bone and/or soft tissues.
Discitis This type of infection develops between the intervertebral discs. It is also rare, but it is more common in children and adolescents, but it can still happen in adults. Discitis can be potentially deadly, despite advanced treatment. The most common causes are bacterial and viral infections. Symptoms
Individuals with discitis can present with minimal symptoms when the infection initializes, but it does worsen and can cause: - Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Posture changes
- Mobility issues
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks
- Fever
- Severe back pain that worsens at night or by moving
Treatment options include: - Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Supportive devices
- Rest
- Steroids to alleviate inflammation in chronic and severe cases
- Severe cases could require surgery to restructure areas of the affected spine to improve function and mobility
Epidural Abscess This is an infection that can develop in the spaces between the bones of the spine, the skull, or soft tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This is a medical emergency that needs to be addressed immediately. The infection is often caused by a bacterial or fungal infection in or around the affected area. This is commonly a Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In some cases, an abscess can develop from an infection in another part of the body. This could be a urinary tract infection that spreads out to the spine. Symptoms include: - Inflammation and swelling
- Mid to low back pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Neurological weakness, numbness in the arms and legs, bowel or bladder incontinence
- Walking problems
Treatment consists of intravenous antibiotics to combat the infection that caused the abscess. In some cases, if there is difficulty moving around or are experiencing numbness, then surgery is required to drain the abscess or completely remove it. Risk Factors Spine infections can affect anyone. However, there are individuals with certain chronic health problems that have an increased risk. They include those with: - Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Auto-immune diseases
- Immune systems compromised like cancer and HIV
- Individuals that have undergone a spinal surgical procedure are at greater risk post-surgery
Risk factors include: - Individuals that have had a spinal infection could be more susceptible to developing another.
- Age - older adults
- Malnutrition
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Intravenous drug use
- Certain areas of the back are more prone to infection. This includes the cervical/back of the neck and the lumbar/low back.
Surgical risk factors: - Long surgical procedure
- Massive loss of blood
- Multiple surgeries of the same area
Diagnosis Early diagnosis can be the difference in treating the infection before damage to the spine develops or before the damage worsens. They are diagnosed through a variety of lab and imaging tests. These include: - Various lab tests
- Blood work to examine white blood cell counts and markers for inflammation
- X-Rays
- CT scan
- MRI
Outcome These infections are rare, but they are serious and early treatment is recommended for optimal outcomes. Early diagnosis in the early stages can be successfully treated with antibiotics, rest, and spinal braces. Doctors, spine specialists, chiropractors, and physical therapists will work with the individual to provide a thorough diagnosis, personalized treatment plan, and long-term outcomes. Practice Mindfulness Practicing mindfulness can help identify triggers of negative thoughts and behavior. Mindfulness is unique to each individual. Sitting quietly and meditating for 20 minutes is not for everyone. Instead, try a five-minute guided meditation, writing, or music listening. The best time to meditate is in the morning after waking up. This helps set the day's objectives, what's important and what can wait in a clear fashion. Mindfulness practice has been shown to reduce stress and feelings of anxiety. Journaling is a great way to find out about yourself. It can be done with pencil/pen and paper, on a computer, tablet, or phone. Take a few minutes to write some ideas, feelings, emotions that can help put things in perspective. Examples could be, writing something that makes you happy/proud, something that you want to improve, and a goal. There is also mindful listening that can help reduce stress by focusing attention. Instead of turning on the news or checking email first thing, listen to a favorite podcast or music. The same applies to over-phone use. During some downtime instead of scrolling through social media, etc, take a breath and listen to your mind and self. 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 Association of Neurological Surgeons. Spinal Infections. http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Spinal%20Infections.aspx. Published May 2016. Accessed December 29, 2016. Stat Pearls. (2021). Diskitis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541047/ Stat Pearls. (2021). Spinal Epidural Abscess. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441890/ Frontiers in Medicine. (2014). Surgical site infections following spine surgery: eliminating the controversies in the diagnosis. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2014.00007/full Microorganisms. (2020). Spinal Infections: An Update. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7232330/ The Spine Journal. (2021.) “Long term quality of life outcome after spondylodiscitis treatment.” https://www.thespinejournalonline.com/article/S1529-9430(21)00783-X/fulltext
Women are familiar with abdominal cramps, Pre Menstrual Syndrome, and headaches that accompany their menstrual cycle. However not as many are aware of backache to throbbing back pain sometimes before and/or after a monthly cycle. Many women go to over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. In a study, the regular use of NSAIDs found that it can lead to: - Stomach problems
- Bleeding ulcers
- Fluid retention
- High blood pressure
- Kidney
- Heart problems
Why Back Pain Presents During Menstrual Cycle When the uterus is in a contracting state, the nerves around the pelvis feel the sensations. The uterus only contracts for a few seconds, but repeatedly for hours. Sometimes, the uterus compresses blood vessels in the region. This can limit or completely block the blood vessels supplying the muscles around the pelvis. This is a major contributor to back pain during a period. This is known as referred pain, which means the body feels the pain in one area, in this case, the lower back. But the pain is caused by another area of the body, the uterus. This can cause cramping and low back pain before, during, and after a period. If cramps and back pain become debilitating or worsen over time, it could indicate: - Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Infection
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- If fever is present along with back pain seek professional help as soon as possible.
Here are a few ways that can help bring relief from back pain during the monthly cycle. Heat Therapy Heat generates increased blood circulation, specifically where it is applied. Therefore any blood vessels that are blocked by the uterus will have improved circulation to the muscles surrounding the uterus, allowing them to relax. This could be the use of: - Heating pads
- Hot water bottle
- Warm bath or shower
If at work, many pharmacy stores and regular stores sell heat patches that are applied with adhesive tape. These can be used on the lower abdomen or lower back, providing soothing heat. Light Exercises Most doctors refer to exercise throughout the month, just not during the period. As staying in shape will maintain the body's proper circulation and keep the muscles strong. However, some women can perform light exercises like yoga or swimming. This helps decrease back pain even on the first or second day of a menstrual cycle which for many women is the heaviest and most painful. Meditate Meditation can help gain control and insight from feelings about life situations. It takes practice, but once an individual gets the hang of it they are amazed at how much pain can be reduced with a 15-minute meditation session. Supplemental Support Taking omega 3's and magnesium supplements can help with the pain. Omega 3s reduce blood clotting and improve circulation. They are natural anti-inflammatories that decrease prostaglandin, which is associated with backaches and cramps. Magnesium supplements, especially those that contain vitamin B6, can help relieve back pain before and after a period. Magnesium can also be found in: - Beans
- Beets
- Salmon
- Shrimp
Chiropractic Care The uterus, like every organ in the body, sends and receives nerve signals, from the brain to the uterus. The menstrual cycle has a close relationship with the spine because of its location. Regular chiropractic adjustments can maintain proper communication between the brain and uterus. Chiropractic realigns the entire spine back to its proper position. This relieves the pressure on the nerves of the reproductive organs. Seeing a chiropractor is the right step towards stopping the pain and healing the body naturally. Weight and Strength Training For Women Key points to remember include: - Women can gain as much muscle as men
- Protein helps with body composition but there should be a balance of carbohydrates and dietary fat.
- Positive body composition changes can be seen with higher load volume and less explosive tempo that is combined with shorter rest periods when weight or strength training.
- When lifting weights or resistance training, it could be difficult to gain muscle mass if on birth control, near the perimenopausal stage, or officially on menopause.
One of the benefits of weight and strength training is that it can help an individual feel better about themselves. Weight training is associated with significant improvements in: - Body image
- Quality of life
- Physical activity behaviors
- Overall satisfaction
- Well being
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 musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. 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*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico References Brynhildsen, J O et al. “Does the menstrual cycle and use of oral contraceptives influence the risk of low back pain? A prospective study among female soccer players.” Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports vol. 7,6 (1997): 348-53. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0838.1997.tb00165.x Forozeshfard, Mohammad et al. “Short term effects of Kinesio taping on pain and functional disability in young females with menstrual low back pain: A randomized control trial study.” Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation vol. 29,4 (2016): 709-715. doi:10.3233/BMR-160673 Seguin, Rebecca A et al. “Strength Training Improves Body Image and Physical Activity Behaviors Among Midlife and Older Rural Women.” Journal of extension vol. 51,4 (2013): 4FEA2.
Motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, work injuries, and falls are a few causes of whiplash. It is a condition that affects over 1.5 million individuals. It can cause serious side effects that can last for months and sometimes years. If not treated, the symptoms can worsen and lead to chronic conditions and pain. Mild Whiplash Mild whiplash can last around three months. During this time individuals might notice other symptoms other than neck pain that includes: - Dizziness
- Headaches
- Tinnitus
- Insomnia
- Concentration problems
In certain cases, these symptoms happen immediately or they can be delayed. Severe Whiplash Severe whiplash means symptoms last longer than three months. The side effects can progressively go away or may not disappear at all. Severe whiplash falls in the whiplash classification of three to four. This indicates that there is a: - Loss of motion
- Neurological problems
- Fracture/s
Taking Time Off Work Taking time off work for a whiplash injury depends on how severe the condition is. For mild symptoms, individuals are recommended to take about a month off to fully recover. If the condition is extreme, it could take a few years. For some individuals, the injury prevents them from working, and they have to leave their job. Tinnitus After a whiplash injury, some individuals develop tinnitus. This is a condition that results from the jolted ligaments and can irritate the surrounding nerves. This can cause an irritating ringing noise in the ears. How long tinnitus lasts depends on the severity of the injury. It can present every so often or could remain for several months even years. Recovery Time For most individuals, it takes around 4-6 weeks for a full recovery. This could last longer if the injury is not healed properly. Pain After Six Months Chronic whiplash can present shooting pain throughout the body and prevents individuals from living a normal life. For chronic conditions chiropractic and physical therapy are highly recommended. Treatment could be difficult at first, but improvements will follow as long as the individual stays consistent with the therapy to completely heal the injury. Treatment Options Rest The first recommendation will be to rest the body. This gives the body time to recover and also prevents worsening the injury. Ice packs and heating pads can help reduce swelling and pain. Chiropractic Chiropractors are experts in the musculoskeletal system. They inspect the whole body looking and feeling for misalignments, knotted muscles, swollen tendons, and ligaments that were stretched/pulled beyond their normal range. Various types of adjustments can be used. The most common are flexion-distraction and instrument-assisted. - Flexion-Distraction adjusting requires the chiropractor's hands. They feel around the problem area and press their hands to slide the joint back in place.
- Instrument-Assisted – utilizes a special tool, like an activator. The device helps the chiropractor delve deeper into the area than their hands. This helps them locate problems that could be hidden.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet Adding more anti-inflammatory foods to the diet will reduce and alleviate inflammation and swelling. Some of these foods include: - Avocados
- Blueberries
- Mushrooms
- Olive oil
- Salmon
- Strawberries
- Turmeric
Vitamins A full recovery can take longer if the body lacks essential nutrients. These nutrients are what helps the body create enzymes that repair the damaged tissues, bones, tendons, etc. If the body does not have enough it will not heal properly. Essential vitamins to take for injuries include: These can be taken in supplement form or through food sources. Muscle Loss The body loses muscle every minute of life. This is because the muscles, like the other tissues in the body they depend on cell turnover and protein synthesis. This means that the body continually breaks down the protein in the muscles and rebuilds them. This is how the body is supposed to function and part of what keeps it alive. Skeletal muscle can be grown and developed with proper nutrition. This includes eating sufficient protein to provide the necessary amino acids and regular physical activity. The reverse is also true becoming less physically active and the individual's diet no longer supports the development of increased muscle tissue the body enters a catabolic/tissue-reducing state known as muscle atrophy. Muscles that are partially used meaning using less than 20% of their maximum force begin to atrophy over time. Muscles that are completely unused, like when bedridden with very little movement, can degrade around 1/8th of strength per week. 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 musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. 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, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico References Pastakia, Khushnum, and Saravana Kumar. “Acute whiplash-associated disorders (WAD).” Open access emergency medicine: OAEM vol. 3 29-32. 27 Apr. 2011, doi:10.2147/OAEM.S17853 Is Whiplash Serious: Open Access Emergency Medicine. (2011)“Acute whiplash Associated Disorders.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4753964/ How the Neck Works: UpToDate. (2020) “Patient education: Neck pain (Beyond the Basics). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/neck-pain-beyond-the-basics
Trying to understand what is causing back pain that comes out of nowhere, whether a spinal issue or a kidney issue can be quite challenging. Doing a self-examination, retracing steps, and constantly thinking about it is exhausting. The right healthcare professional that has experience in spinal issues, as well as, understanding various health conditions that can contribute to spine pain, and making the correct diagnosis can help in developing the proper treatment plan or refer the individual to the proper specialist. The Kidneys The organs are located below the ribs, close to the middle/thoracic back. Healthy kidneys support and help with: Individuals with a kidney condition can sometimes experience back pain caused by the disease or condition. Kidney problems like: These can easily be mistaken for mid and upper back pain. However, if there is persistent soreness or irritation it could mean a more significant health issue associated with the kidneys could be present. Spine Problem or Stone/s If there is a feeling of kidney pain it is possible to come from one of two places and/or both. This could be distension/ballooning of the capsule called the ureter that surrounds the kidneys. The ureters are the tubes that are attached to each kidney and transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Urine contains salts and minerals. These minerals can clump together creating a kidney stone and block the ureters. The ureter contracts from the stone that is creating the blockage. When there is a blockage from a stone, the urine can back up and cause the capsule to expand causing pain. The pain location is usually on one side and is categorized as a dull ache - meaning the pain is constantly present and causing discomfort. Chronic back pain caused by nerve compression is typically on one side like sciatica. The pain from a stone can be only slight unless the stone is trying to move. Then the pain can be severe and last for several minutes before it passes. However, if the pain is excruciating and a kidney stone is suspected, go to the hospital and get an examination. Collecting the stone is crucial when it passes in order to be analyzed. A stone analysis will help in figuring the proper treatment to prevent another kidney stone/s from developing. Spine Problem or Infection A kidney infection could be another cause of back pain. Kidney infection/s are typically caused by bacteria. A dull throbbing could be sensed in the middle and/or upper back. Symptoms Signs and symptoms associated with infection often include back, side, and groin pain as well as a combination of symptoms like: - Chills
- Fever
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Constant sensation of needing to use the bathroom
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Causes Causes that can increase the chances of developing an infection. - Kidney stone/s
- Nerve damage that affects the bladder
- Spinal damage that does not allow the bladder to be emptied
- Urinary tract infection
Older individuals can develop kidney infections without any underlying conditions. There are rare genetic diseases like polycystic kidney disease and Fabry disease that can cause kidney pain and be mistaken for back pain. Telling the Difference There is no quick and easy way to figure out if it is back or kidney pain. Especially, if a constant aching is present. Seeing an experienced doctor or chiropractor is the recommended option for getting a formal and accurate diagnosis. A physical exam, family, and personal medical history will be collected along with various tests. Tests can include: - Urine analysis
- Culture
- Abdominal X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
Pain medications and specific fluids are usually prescribed along with time to pass the stone. Antibiotics can be prescribed for kidney infections, chiropractic treatment can be suggested for spinal alignment/myofascial tense muscle release, and home remedies can help treat any discomfort. These can include: - Using ice/heat on the area where there is discomfort
- Self-massage
- Staying properly hydrated
- Diet adjustment/s
- Taking over the counter pain meds when necessary
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 Tozzi, P et al. “Low back pain and kidney mobility: local osteopathic fascial manipulation decreases pain perception and improves renal mobility.” Journal of bodywork and movement therapies vol. 16,3 (2012): 381-391. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.02.001
Taking an active role in personal spinal health could mean the difference between having to deal/manage back pain for the rest of your life and not having to. Most of us have experienced some form of back pain, whether lifting an object, bending, reaching, twisting, etc. Fortunately, it is usually not serious and we move on with our lives. However, not paying attention to those not so serious backaches can lead to chronic backaches that can lead to serious chronic back pain. Chronic backache/s can be annoying, frustrating, and debilitating, especially when the cause is not obvious, cannot be found, or figured out. When back pain occurs from trauma or an automobile accident it's a lot easier to diagnose. But when it is the result of a gradual build-up of activities like sitting all day at a desk, in a truck or lifting objects, loading, unloading, pushing, pulling, stocking for several years, it could be a lot more serious than the individual might think. This is because although they are barely beginning to feel the ache or pain, the damage has been ongoing/worsening and has finally reared its ugly head. Finding the Right Help Getting on the right track means searching for a spinal professional that can identify and treat the source of the back pain, help with posture, diet advice, and help reach optimal health. Finding the source of the pain can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. The key is finding a knowledgeable, experienced back pain specialist and taking an active role in your spine's health. Chiropractors, doctors, and physicians begin with at least 4-6 weeks of non-invasive treatment. These start with tests, scans, x-rays, then move on to treatment, which can consist of ice/heat, physical therapy, adjustments, re-alignment combined with exercises, stretches. Prescription medication/s or surgery is the last option for fear of worsening conditions along with medication abuse. This approach has seen an increase in relief and favorable outcomes. Patient Active Role Many individuals have gone down the path of being over-medicated and are exhausted with the whole experience of being constipated, constant brain fog, etc. Those same individuals are taking that active role and getting involved by dealing with their back pain in a natural non-invasive way. Preparing before meeting with a spine professional is important to give as much information as possible. Tips Preparation - Write down notes about what is being felt in and around the body, not just the back. This is because of the psychological aspect of pain, which can manifest in a variety of ways.
Try To Go Back To When The Pain Started - Think about when the pain first began
- Sitting at work/home one day when there was what you thought was a little shift or tingle
- Sports activity
- Exercising
- Popping, clicking, grinding sensations and sounds
- Warming, electrical, shooting sensation/s pain
- Tingling/numbness in the leg, foot, toes
- Try to describe all the details with the doctor/chiropractor even what you might consider trivial
Emotions/Stress Triggers need to be taken into account - Work
- Bills
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Children
- Major life changes and stress affects the whole body, especially the spine
Family Friend Perspective and Support Bringing along a close family member or friend that knows your activity habits could help the doctor get a better idea of what is causing the pain. Family or friends can remember a trip, fall, dance moment that didn't go so well, work accident, etc. Medical History Prior medical injuries and conditions will help provide additional information as to whether there is a pattern when back pain strikes. This can be extremely important even if it does not seem to be related to the pain symptoms. Tell the doctor about any physical therapy or other holistic/conservative treatments performed before and after the pain began. Also, inform them of any medications, supplements, vitamins, herbs, over-the-counter medications that were taken prior to the pain and currently being taken. If there has been unexplained weight loss, fever, urination/bowel changes, should also be discussed. Physical Tests Unless the patient is in too much pain, the meeting with the chiropractic physician will be active, meaning the doctor may have the patient perform a series of movements like: - Sitting
- Standing
- Walking
- Bending forward, backward, and to the side
- Lifting the legs straight up while standing and lying down
- Inform the doctor of any numbness or tingling pain while performing these musculoskeletal exercises/tests.
With a patient that can't perform the exercises, the doctor will examine the patient while lying down, by carefully and slowly palpating the painful area/s, moving the leg/s, and raising the patient up, all the while taking notes of what position/s cause discomfort and pain. Options Depending on the physician's assessment, initial treatment will take time, require the individual to take an active role, and possibly recommend the individual try different treatment options. Ask the doctor all the questions you have during the visit like: - Could there be more than one cause for my back pain?
- Do the treatments hurt?
- The treatment will keep me pain-free or just tolerable?
- Are there self-therapies to assist healing and recovery?
- If seeing a general physician you could ask for a recommended spine specialist
The ultimate goal is for the individual to live a happy, fulfilling life that is pain-free. The doctor will do everything they can to bring an optimum level of care. If the quality of life still does not improve or when various attempts for pain relief have proven unsuccessful, then a doctor could recommend stronger medications and surgical options. Don't wait to get professional medical help! The longer an individual waits the worse the cause of the back pain gets. Get involved and take an active role in your spinal health. 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*
Essential oils for back pain could be a treatment option as long as they are used correctly. Although their popularity has grown, people are still divided when it comes to their effectiveness. The common questions that arise are, do these plant-based oils have the power to alleviate pain, or are they just a placebo? Oils They are essentially chemicals extracted from various plants. They are aromatic, and as far as chemical compounds go they can easily enter the air allowing for inhalation. Doctors have been asked for their opinions on essential oils. And they agree that they can be effective. However, it is something that is difficult to prove scientifically. Currently, there is not a great deal of research to turn to prove that they work. One reason is that it’s difficult to do this type of study. But there are some reliable studies. An example is a study found that using essential oils as aromatherapy can significantly reduce pain. Another study found orange oil specifically to relieve pain. There is more developing research that suggests certain oils applied as a topical agent to the low back, like wintergreen or peppermint, they act as an alternative pain reducer to traditional meds that cause side effects. Definitely, more research needs to be done to become a standard form of care. And they can be it just depends on what it's for. For example, can they cure cancer? No. Can they help with the symptoms? Yes. Certain oils have anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties. Patients have reported aromatherapy and oils applied topically has helped them with their pain. But, just like anything, it is different for everybody. When to use Back pain/conditions that are appropriate for essential oils would be chronic, low-level pain. With any type of numbness, weakness, bowel/bladder dysfunction, or severe, incapacitating pain, go to the hospital, emergency clinic, etc. If pain symptoms do not improve within three to five days, make an appointment with a doctor, chiropractor, or spine specialist. Always check with a healthcare physician before starting an essential oil regimen. This is to make sure there are no adverse effects or complications. It is essential to see a doctor or spine specialist making sure a serious condition is not the cause of the back pain. Severe conditions should not be treated with only essential oils. Oils are considered to be a small part of a larger integrative treatment plan. This includes: - Allopathic therapies
- Physical therapy
- Mind-body
- Exercises
- Sleep
- Anti-inflammatory diet
Use for back pain Once a doctor clears an individual to use essential oils, adding them to a back-care treatment plan can be done in two ways. - Aromatherapy, with the use of a diffuser to release into the air, allowing for inhalation.
- Topical agent in the form of a salve, lotion, or cream, and massaged into the pain area
There are combined aromatic salves and lotions that appeal to patients. An example is an aromatherapy combined with calming lavender oil. Oils that are used to alleviate back pain: - Lavender is an excellent choice as an aromatherapy
- Orange
For a topical agent: - Ginger
- Camphor
- Menthol
- Rosemary
- Wintergreen
- Mint
What to Know Choosing the topical option means the oil needs to be diluted as undiluted oil can cause a rash or other reaction. They can be diluted with a carrier. This can be almond, avocado, or coconut. Never ingest essential oil. They can be extremely toxic if ingested and should not be used for small children. Used correctly they could help out with back pain issues, ask your doctor or chiropractor if they could be an option. 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*
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Can acupuncture be an effective treatment for anxiety and panic disorders in addition to other treatments, like therapy and/or medication? Acupuncture For Anxiety and Panic Disorders Considered one of the most popular types of alternative medicine, acupuncture has grown in popularity as a way to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other anxiety disorders. With the growth in popularity, more research has been focused on treatment for panic and anxiety symptoms. (Pilkington K. 2010) - Acupuncture can enhance personal wellness.
- Acupuncture is generally safe and has few side effects.
- It can help reduce physical and mental symptoms like tension, pain, and rapid heart rate.
Other alternative medicine practices include yoga, therapeutic massage, herbal medicines, and aromatherapy. Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture is a healing technique originating from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The practice is based on the concept that medical conditions and mental health disorders are caused by an imbalance in the energy and circulation of the body's vital life energy, known as chi or qi (National Institute for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2022). When the body and mind function properly, energy flows optimally through the channels/meridians at certain points throughout the body. Like tight or spasming muscles, energy or circulation becomes congested in different meridian pathways, leading to disease or disorders. The goal of acupuncture is to restore the health and balance of these channels. How It Works During acupuncture treatment sessions, small needles are placed along specific body areas, known as acupuncture points. These areas are where energy blockage occurs. The needles, which come in various thicknesses and lengths, stimulate and open blocked energy channels. Experts have conceptualized acupuncture from a neuroscience perspective, where nerves, muscles, and connective tissues are stimulated, and neurochemicals are released. - Acupuncture can help regulate the nervous system.
- It can stimulate the body's feel-good hormones and reduce stress hormones.
- It can help deactivate the analytical brain, which is responsible for anxiety and worries.
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for treating pain management and other medical conditions. (National Institute for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2022) Effectiveness Clinical trials examining acupuncture for anxiety and panic disorders have shown some positive results. (Pilkington K. 2010) Acupuncturists and medical professionals are still not clear exactly why it may help with anxiety, but some research has noted that acupuncture appears to have a calming effect. More research studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture for anxiety disorders. (Kim Y. K. 2019) Getting Treated What it can help with: - Agoraphobia
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Selective mutism
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
If you are interested in treating your anxiety and panic symptoms through acupuncture, the first step is to consult your main healthcare provider. Professional acupuncture practitioners are on websites, including the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. The use of acupuncture continues to rise, making it more readily available. Since it has been evaluated for effectiveness and is available through many hospitals, some insurance policies may cover some acupuncture treatments. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Acupuncture can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, pain, discomfort, tightness, and poor circulation. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help individuals recover and build optimal health and wellness solutions with primary healthcare providers and specialists. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems. 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 further discuss the subject matter above, please 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 Pilkington K. (2010). Anxiety, depression, and acupuncture: A review of the clinical research. Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical, 157(1-2), 91–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2010.04.002 National Institute for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2022). Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-effectiveness-and-safety Kim Y. K. (2019). Panic Disorder: Current Research and Management Approaches. Psychiatry investigation, 16(1), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2019.01.08
Introduction The spinal column provides flexibility and stability to the body, consisting of vertebrae, spinal cord, nerve roots, and intervertebral discs. These components work with surrounding tissues, ligaments, and muscles, enabling pain-free mobility. However, activities or work that place excessive stress on the spine can cause damage, leading to misaligned discs and nerve root irritation. This can result in radiating pain in the lower extremities, which may be mistaken for other conditions such as low back pain, leg pain, or sciatica. This article will focus on the pain-like symptoms associated with herniated discs and how non-surgical spinal decompression can help people regain sensory function. We work with certified medical providers who use our patients’ valuable information to treat individuals suffering from herniated discs in their lumbar spine and inform them about non-surgical treatments to regain sensory function in their lower extremities. We encourage patients to ask essential questions and seek education from our associated medical providers about their condition. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., provides this information as an educational service. Disclaimer The Symptoms Associated With Herniated Discs Are you experiencing numbness or tingling down your leg that affects your walking? Does twisting or turning make your lower back uncomfortable? Or are you suffering from low back pain caused by sciatic nerve pain, making it difficult to work or do activities? Many people don’t realize they have herniated discs until repetitive movements cause wear and tear on the spine or constant compression causes the disc to crack, allowing the inner layer to protrude and press on the spinal nerve roots. Research studies reveal that herniated discs can result from various changes that cause pain-like symptoms, including limited trunk flexion, sensory abnormalities in the lower extremities, low back pain, radicular pain, sciatica, and intense distress when sitting. Herniated discs are common, and the inflammatory response from surrounding nerve roots can cause immense pain. As additional research shows, autoimmune responses released by the nucleus pulposus play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of sciatic pain and lumbar radiculopathy. 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*
When the body is correctly aligned, the shoulders are the same height, and face forward. Uneven shoulders are when one shoulder begins to raise higher than the other. It usually starts with a slight difference but can turn into a more severe imbalance causing discomfort, tightness, and pain in the neck, shoulders, hips, and back. Chiropractic treatment can bring the body back into balance and alignment through various techniques and therapy modalities. Misaligned Uneven Shoulders Several factors can lead to uneven shoulders. Misalignments can be caused by: - Often the shoulder on the dominant side tends to be slightly lower.
- Constantly using one hand or side for everything.
- Carrying a heavy bag on the dominant shoulder.
- Structural issues or muscular skeletal imbalances in other areas of the body.
For example, if the ankle or hip gets injured, it can cause an individual to bring their body out of alignment to adjust to how they position themselves and move. Other common causes include: - Overuse of the shoulders
- Tight upper back muscles
- Unhealthy posture
- Uneven hips
- Pinched nerve
- Weak muscles
- Flat feet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Varying leg length
- Osteoporosis
- Scoliosis
- Shoulder injuries
- Incorrect sleeping position or sleeping on one side
- Sports like tennis, golf, and baseball have an increased risk of causing misaligned, uneven shoulders and posture imbalances.
Symptoms Uneven shoulders can result in discomfort, tightness, and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. - Continued tightness and pulling in the higher shoulder.
- Rounded shoulders
- Headaches
- Head misalignment
- Hip misalignment
- Shifting pelvis
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
Chiropractor A chiropractic massage and functional medicine team will bring the shoulders back into normal alignment. - Therapeutic myofascial release massage will release tension, relax the muscles, and increase flexibility.
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Spinal decompression therapy
- Stretches and muscle-building exercises to balance the shoulders.
- Lifestyle adjustment instructions for switching shoulders when carrying bags, using armrests, using the phone, using a mouse, and using ergonomic chairs.
- Posture training includes learning to stay aware of one's posture throughout the day when standing or sitting and completing regular activities.
- Learning to use the non-dominant arm to balance the workload.
- Incorporating relaxation, meditation, and breathing techniques relieve stress, tension, and tightness.
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 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 Burbank, Kelton M et al. "Chronic shoulder pain: part I. Evaluation and diagnosis." American family physician vol. 77,4 (2008): 453-60. Foroozan Mahmoodi et al. The effect of corrective exercises on the pain and degree of uneven shoulder deformity https://rsr.basu.ac.ir/article_625_en.html Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Stress management. mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/relaxation-technique/art-20045368 Mitchell, Caroline, et al. "Shoulder pain: diagnosis and management in primary care." BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 331,7525 (2005): 1124-8. doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7525.1124 Pu Chu, Eric Chun, and Kevin Hsu Kai Huang. "Bridging the gap between observation and brace treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis." Journal of family medicine and primary care vol. 6,2 (2017): 447-449. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_52_17
Everybody is different in how the body reacts to a chiropractic adjustment. Body misalignment often leads to spinal misalignment or vice versa. Misalignments occur over time; individuals do not notice until soreness and pain begin presenting. Depending on the injury and/or condition, getting the full potential from a chiropractic adjustment means knowing the dos and don'ts following treatment. This involves maintaining a healthy posture, staying hydrated, getting proper rest, and staying active. Adjustments Adjustments are highly effective for the body. Benefits include: - Pain relief.
- Restored full range of motion.
- Increased strength.
- Increased energy.
- Improved sleep.
- Lowered blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
Do's and Don'ts Stay Properly Hydrated - One of the best things for the body is plenty of water every day. Water helps:
- Circulate nutrients and oxygen to your cells.
- Flush bacteria from the bladder.
- Assist with digestion.
- Prevent constipation.
- Normalize blood pressure.
- Stabilize heartbeat.
- Cushion the joints.
- Protect organs and tissues.
Stay Active - It is not recommended to take on intense workouts after an adjustment but to remain active to keep the muscles, tendons, ligaments flexible and strengthen the body during healing.
- Activities should be done in moderation and include:
- Walking
- Jogging
- Biking
- Swimming
Proper Rest - Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential for the body to heal to the optimal level.
- The body getting used to the adjustment can be an exhausting process.
Maintain Healthy Posture - Proper posture is essential to keep the body in healthy alignment and prevent further/new injuries.
- A chiropractor and physical therapist will educate and train individuals on maintaining healthy, active postures.
Stretching - Stretching is prescribed as part of the treatment to maintain flexibility and strength.
- A chiropractor will recommend and show how to perform specific stretches and exercises between adjustments.
What to Avoid Recommendations on what to avoid after a chiropractic adjustment. Explosive Movements - Stay active but limit any explosive movements for a few days after the adjustment.
Avoid Sitting Too Much - Too much sitting, even with a lumbar support chair, can cause the muscles to tighten pull on the spine.
- When sitting, get up and move around every 20 minutes.
Paying attention to the recommended do's and don'ts will help expedite the healing and create new healthy habits. Dairy Products Conventional vs. Organic and Grass-fed Dairy - Studies have found that dairy cows consuming a diet of grass and hay significantly improved nutrient profiles of produced milk.
- Milk from grass-fed cows has a higher omega-3 content when compared to organic and conventional grain-fed cows.
- Omega-3s protect against:
- Inflammation
- Heart disease
- Metabolic conditions
Fermented Products 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 Bourrie, Benjamin C T et al. "The Microbiota and Health Promoting Characteristics of the Fermented Beverage Kefir." Frontiers in microbiology vol. 7 647. 4 May. 2016, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.00647 Licciardone, John C et al. "Recovery From Chronic Low Back Pain After Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial." The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association vol. 116,3 (2016): 144-55. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2016.031 Maher, C G. "Effective physical treatment for chronic low back pain." The Orthopedic clinics of North America vol. 35,1 (2004): 57-64. doi:10.1016/S0030-5898(03)00088-9 Will, Joshua Scott et al. "Mechanical Low Back Pain." American family physician vol. 98,7 (2018): 421-428.
Chiropractic and spinal health. Most individuals seek out chiropractic care only after an injury and when pain presents. Because traditional medical care tends to focus on treating disorders and diseases, individuals are used to seeking care only when something is imbalanced. For many, chiropractic is known for its ability to resolve back and neck pain, correct postural misalignments, manage acute or chronic conditions and accelerate the healing of injuries. Chiropractic is different in that it is a tool for increasing overall wellness and vitality when no injury or imbalance is present. Chiropractic and Spinal Health Chiropractic is an invaluable treatment that raises the baseline of an individual’s health by: - Increasing performance
- Extending lifespan and longevity
- Improving overall comfort
- Increasing agility in the body
Chiropractic helps to achieve these transformational results by improving the function of the: - Circulatory system
- Immune system
- Respiratory system
- Muscular system
- Nervous system
- Skeletal system
Circulation Increased The circulation system includes the heart and its chambers, arteries, veins, lungs, lobes, and capillaries. The structures within this system move blood, nutrients, and waste throughout the body. The quality of health and life depends on the level of functioning in this system. The better and more efficient the tissues receive clean blood, nutrients, and oxygen, the better the body is able to utilize these building blocks to achieve whatever function is required. The slower and more unclean these building blocks, the lower quality of function. The nervous system is the communication system that includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that run throughout the body. Everything in the body and the work functions as a result of this communication system. The circulatory system relies on the communication that runs through the nervous system, which is housed in the spine. If the spine is misaligned, moving improperly, or sustaining an injury, it can interfere with the function of the communication. Regular chiropractic care increases the health levels of the nervous system by keeping the spine as healthy and flexible as possible. The muscles are kept loose, which promotes blood flow, and the flow and movement of waste in the lymphatic system. Individuals that receive regular adjustments report: - Enhanced perception of sensations in their extremities.
- Warmer hands and feet.
- Improved cognitive response and clarity.
- Decrease or elimination of tingling and numbness.
- Maintaining the proper range of motion of the spine also facilitates better function and movement of the whole body.
Immune Response Improvement Regular chiropractic improves immune responses that leads to improved response against foreign invaders and disease, less instances of illness, exhaustion, fatigue, and inflammation. When expert chiropractic and spinal health intervention is delivered it helps to realign bones and joints, alleviate muscle tension, and restore nerve function. The body immediately experiences a decrease in stress, downregulation of stress hormones and chemicals in the body leads to a reduction in inflammation. Increased Mobility & Flexibility Chiropractic helps to improve physical mobility and flexibility in the muscular and skeletal systems. This is accomplished through manual manipulation to restore ideal posture and achieve a balanced skeletal structure. Manual manipulation is also used to soften and relax tense muscles which have developed abnormalities to compensate for incorrect posture. When skeletal structure, muscular imbalances, and strain are corrected, the result is improved mobility and flexibility. Pain Symptoms Are Decreased Pain originates from the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems. Chiropractic can help with back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, migraines, nerve and sciatic pain, and other conditions and forms of discomfort. The origin of the pain can include: - Postural imbalance
- Muscle tension
- Damage from accident or injury
- Spinal degeneration
Chiropractic and spinal health care helps soothe and de-inflame the comprised areas, allowing the natural healing systems to intervene and promote long-term reduction of discomfort and pain. Bending, Standing, Sitting Activities Improve For many individuals, bending, standing, and sitting are normal movements they engage in every day. This can be part of work occupation, school, house chores, etc, and for many these movements and positions can become painful over long durations of time and when it is repetitive. Regular chiropractic and spinal health treatment can restore optimal posture in the body, soothe strained and tense muscles, and resolve disrupted nerve energy flow which often leads to nerve pain like sciatica. Pregnancy Hypertension Hypertension in pregnancy falls into one of three categories. It can range from benign and easily controlled to serious with increased medical risks. This makes monitoring blood pressure important to individual health risks. The risks for hypertension in pregnancy include: - Early delivery
- Decreased oxygen to the placenta
- Potential heart disease
The main types of hypertension in pregnancy. Chronic hypertension Chronic hypertension is a pre-existing condition known prior to pregnancy. - Individuals that are aware of elevated blood pressure before becoming pregnant, a doctor will diagnose the individual with chronic hypertension.
- A doctor will use diagnostic criteria to determine if chronic hypertension is present prior to getting pregnant.
Gestational hypertension Gestational hypertension develops during pregnancy. - Gestational hypertension is not preventable and typically returns to normal levels postpartum.
- However, risk increases for later developing chronic hypertension is higher if gestational hypertension presents.
- According to Mayo Clinic, gestational hypertension is diagnosed by the following criteria:
- At least 20 weeks gestation
- Blood pressure is greater than 140/90 on two occasions
- Must be documented more than four hours apart
- No other organ damage is present
Preeclampsia Preeclampsia is the most serious. Preeclampsia develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and is associated with a sharp spike in blood pressure levels. Notable symptoms include: - Sudden fluid swelling
- Chronic headaches
- Changes in vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
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 Brown, Richard A. “Spinal Health: The Backbone of Chiropractic's Identity.” Journal of chiropractic humanities vol. 23,1 22-28. 8 Sep. 2016, doi:10.1016/j.echu.2016.07.002 Bussières, André E et al. “Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Other Conservative Treatments for Low Back Pain: A Guideline From the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 41,4 (2018): 265-293. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2017.12.004 Maher, Jennifer L et al. “Exercise and Health-Related Risks of Physical Deconditioning After Spinal Cord Injury.” Topics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation vol. 23,3 (2017): 175-187. doi:10.1310/sci2303-175 Meeker, William C, and Scott Haldeman. “Chiropractic: a profession at the crossroads of mainstream and alternative medicine.” Annals of internal medicine vol. 136,3 (2002): 216-27. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-136-3-200202050-00010
Waking up with neck soreness, stiffness, achiness, and pain can take a toll throughout the day. Individuals, that experience this regularly wonder what happened while laying down in bed? Individuals can wake up with one or a combination of these symptoms after sleeping. A few ways to prevent neck pain after sleeping and self-care to relieve any symptoms. What Is Happening? The spine keeps the body upright and moving and regularly resists gravity and other forces acting upon it. The neck, aka the cervical spine, is a little more delicate. The neck has the important job of holding up the head. The human head weighs around 10 to 12 lbs, and that's using proper posture. According to a study, the head's weight can increase up to 60 lbs. with a 60-degree tilt. This can happen from looking down at a phone for too long. All that weight makes the muscles that support the head and neck work overtime contributing to fatigued muscles. Then when sleeping, cervical spinal misalignment starts to set in, producing torticollis. Torticollis, aka wry neck, is a condition where the neck gets twisted or tilted at an awkward angle. Babies can be born with it, known as congenital torticollis, and individuals can develop it from various sources. It can be temporary, chronic, and it can be caused by acute trauma. Torticollis is not considered a condition like ankylosing spondylitis but more like a symptom with overlapping sources. - The neck's ligaments can become irritated and inflamed.
- Neck muscle spasms can cause soreness and inflammation.
- Either of these can be caused by sleeping in an awkward position or by using the wrong pillow.
Waking With Neck Pain When waking up with neck pain, it could be that the pillow no longer provides sufficient support, the pillow is too thick, placing the neck in an awkward position, the individual's sleeping position strains the muscles and ligaments, or a combination. It is usually a pillow that is too soft with no support that causes neck pain. Maintaining spinal alignment when sleeping is just as crucial as during the day, as it helps to prevent overly taxing the muscles and ligaments. How to control posture when sleeping? The pillow could be the answer. A firm pillow will keep the spine in a straight line from the atlas, which is the first cervical vertebra/C1, down to the coccyx or the tailbone. The way an individual sleeps also affects how they wake up. The most recommended sleeping position for individuals with morning neck pain is on the back. Back sleeping might not work for everyone as it can aggravate conditions like sleep apnea. If that is the case, sleeping on the side is the next recommended position. It is recommended to avoid sleeping on the stomach. The head could slip down the pillow edge causing the head to be in a tilted position. This can place added pressure on the nerves that start in the neck, leading to further neck pain or radiculopathy pain that spreads out to the arms or legs. What To Do? If neck pain presents after waking, get some ice or a cold pack on it. Try 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This will reduce inflammation. Also, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help. If neck pain continues, switch from ice to heat also 20 minutes on, 20 off. If the pain is caused by spasming muscle/s, heat can relax the area and increase blood circulation. A gentle massage on and around the area can help spread the circulation and ease the spasm. Stretching the neck Stretching the neck will keep the muscles loose and reduce the risk of ligament, muscle and tendon strains, and torticollis. - Try to touch the right ear to the right shoulder.
- Push gently on the left side of the head.
- Return to the starting position.
- Repeat on the left side.
- Repeat on each side ten times.
- Look up to the ceiling as far as possible.
- Return to the starting position.
- Look down as far as possible.
- Do ten reps up and down.
- Turn the head to the right.
- Push the chin gently with the left hand.
- Return to starting position.
- Repeat on the left side.
- Do ten reps right and left.
Sleep and Fat Loss Body composition change and losing fat mass are also related to sleep. Losing fat requires the body to be in a caloric deficit. This means having the body use more energy than the body takes in. This is accomplished by restricting calories through diet or increasing calories used through physical activity/exercise. However, most individuals utilize a combination. This can be referred to as calories in/calories out. Losing sleep can sabotage fat loss goals by stealing both the calories in and calories out. 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 Hansraj, Kenneth K. "Assessment of stresses in the cervical spine caused by posture and position of the head." Surgical technology international vol. 25 (2014): 277-9. Preventing Neck Pain from Sleeping: National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.) "How to Prevent Neck Pain While Sleeping." sleep.org/articles/prevent-neck-pain-while-sleeping/
Scoliosis causes the spinal curvature to go sideways and can cause various symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is scoliosis hip pain. This happens because the spine's curvature can pull the hips out of alignment, causing one side to be raised higher than the other. A result of this is one hip begins to take on more weight. This overloads the hip causing strain, soreness, aches, and pain, especially after standing or walking. Scoliosis Hip Pain Idiopathic scoliosis typically occurs in children, but often there are no pain symptoms. This type of scoliosis can go on unnoticed and undiagnosed for years even until adulthood. When the spine stops growing, even a small scoliosis curve can cause hip pain. The hip pain varies but generally presents with: - Sharp pain.
- Throbbing pain.
- Pain that increases with activity like walking, running, standing for a long time.
- Stiffness with combined pain after sitting or lying down for a long time.
- Sciatica.
- Numbness.
- Tingling.
- Tight hip flexors.
The amount of pain depends on: - The misalignment severity.
- The type of scoliosis - degenerative or idiopathic.
- Bodyweight. Individuals that are obese are more likely to have severe hip pain because of the added weight.
- Activity level. Physical activity can cause the pain to worsen.
- Lifestyle.
- It varies from person to person.
The Higher Hip When scoliosis has progressed enough, the curvature and uneven hips are pretty apparent. However, only around 10% of scoliosis cases get this far. If the curvature is minimal, which is usually the case, trying to determine which hip is higher usually requires medical assistance. - The hip that presents with pain is generally the one taking on more weight.
- This causes the muscles to fatigue faster and places added stress on that hip joint.
- A way to tell which hip is higher stand on bare feet in front of a mirror holding a piece of yarn, or string with both hands.
- Place the heel of each hand on the corresponding hip bone.
- The string will be tilted if the hips are uneven or will be straight if they are not.
Adult Scoliosis Hip pain caused by scoliosis is most common in adults. However, it is not the only cause of hip pain. Unless diagnosed with scoliosis as a child, individuals may be suffering from de novo scoliosis or degenerative scoliosis. De Novo/Degenerative Scoliosis As the body ages, the spinal discs between the vertebrae begin to wear down. The worn-down discs can cause the spine to develop a sideways curve, that can pull the hips out of alignment. Studies are showing that this type of scoliosis is widespread. Loss of bone density can be a contributor to scoliosis in older adults. Bone density loss from menopause means women are more susceptible than men. Past the age of 70, both men and women lose on average, the same amount of bone density. There are effective integrative, natural treatment therapies that incorporate: - Exercises
- Nutrition
- Posture correction
- Chiropractic
- Physical therapy
Scoliosis Hip Exercises For uneven hips, there are exercises to help relieve pain and strengthen weak muscles. Hip Stretch - Lie on the back with both legs straight out.
- Lift the right leg
- Using the hands pull the knee toward you, keeping the foot pointed up.
- Pull the knee to your chest as far as you can without causing discomfort or pain.
- Hold for 5 to 8 seconds.
- Release.
- Switch to the other leg.
- Repeat 4 to 6 times on each leg.
Wide Leg Stretch - Sit on the floor with the legs as wide as they can go.
- With the right hand, reach toward the left foot, touching if possible.
- Return to the original position.
- With the left hand, reach toward the right foot.
- Repeat 6 to 8 times.
Chiropractic If misaligned and uneven hips are causing pain, chiropractic care for scoliosis is recommended. Spine and hip realignments help relieve pain, stretch the muscles, and corrects posture. One study showed that multi-approach chiropractic for adult scoliosis was found to be beneficial even two years after treatment was finished. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help with recommending nutrition and lifestyle tips. Instead of just treating symptoms, our team helps manage the cause. Body Analysis for Disease Prevention Early identification of disease is imperative for developing the proper treatment plan. Testing can help improve long-term health outcomes. Testing is made easy with the data being easily implemented into patient management software. A comprehensive printout is ready for engaging and educating patients in understanding health risk management and reduction. In 60 seconds, an InBody Test will generate easy-to-understand, accurate, and objective measurements to evaluate potential disease risk. Medical providers can use the InBody to: - Monitor muscle, and visceral fat to provide an accurate measure of health risk.
- Monitor muscle distribution to determine specific health risks related to diseases.
- Identify fluid imbalances associated with certain diseases.
- Track changes for effective long-term risk identification and reduction.
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 https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0701/p111.html#afp20010701p111-b1 https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00586-020-06453-0.pdf https://www.healthline.com/health/uneven-hips https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1556370711000915
Scoliosis in adolescents and teens can be corrected with proper bracing, adjustments and lead a normal life. For adult scoliosis correcting the problem is more difficult. Fortunately, cases of adult scoliosis are rare. Scoliosis cases that follow from childhood into adulthood require a comprehensive diagnosis to determine severity. Thoracolumbar scoliosis adult-onset scoliosis requires an understanding of the catalysts to develop an effective treatment plan. Chiropractors use a full range of diagnostic tools to measure the severity of adult scoliosis. Diagnosis Adult scoliosis is the presentation of abnormal curvature of the spine. It can happen in the thoracic, lumbar spine, or both. This can have varying degrees of severity. Severe adult scoliosis can be apparent through visual assessment and examination. Cases that are not as obvious require utilizing diagnostic tools. These include: Imaging X-rays will show any asymmetry that is associated with scoliosis. This asymmetry can be present in the hips or shoulder and is usually qualified by spinal misalignment. Walking Gait Examination Inspecting how worn out an individual's shoe/s are and having them perform various walking tests can reveal problems with gait. In adults, this can present instability. For example, having problems with balance or fast-twitch muscle response. Neuromotor Exams These exams are general and first performed to get a baseline diagnosis for the presence of adult scoliosis. Tests look at the left and right coordination along with the sense of touch capabilities. This measures the severity of the improper spinal curvature and how much it has affected the development of an individual's motor functions. It is also done in the context of how it’s affecting the body’s biomechanics. Following these exams are quantitative tools/techniques for measuring the severity of adult thoracolumbar scoliosis. These include: Cobb Angle Measurement This tool determines the maximum degree of spinal curvature variation and provides a context for severity. King Classification Tool This examines the vertebral alignment to determine the spinal variance in specific vertebrae from the neutral center position. Lenke Classification Tool This spinal exam relies on measurements of three positions and looks for flexibility. Combined Approaches When assessing adult scoliosis, this is important to understand and helps determine how to proceed with treatment. The body is no longer in development as an adolescent. This means bracing does not come with a one-size-fits-all approach. Chiropractic can help with the assessment modalities used to investigate adult scoliosis cases. These measurement and analyses tools are often used in combination to develop a complete picture of what is going on. Fill Up With Prebiotics Individuals can help their gut bacteria thrive in the digestive tract by consuming prebiotics. Prebiotics are a form of soluble fiber. The body cannot digest these prebiotics, but gut bacteria can. Recommended sources of fiber-rich prebiotics can be found in nutrient-dense foods like: - Leeks
- Garlic
- Onions
- Fruits
- Legumes
- Raw chicory
A diet with various fiber types has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity and prevent weight gain. Resistant starches like plantains, green bananas, and cooled potatoes have increased beneficial bacteria in the colon. Barley, oats, and wheat bran are insoluble high-fiber grains that are also recommended sources. References Aebi, Max. “The adult scoliosis.” 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. 14,10 (2005): 925-48. doi:10.1007/s00586-005-1053-9 Haenen, Daniëlle et al. “A diet high in resistant starch modulates microbiota composition, SCFA concentrations, and gene expression in pig intestine.” The Journal of nutrition vol. 143,3 (2013): 274-83. doi:10.3945/jn.112.169672 Lowe, Thomas et al. “The SRS classification for adult spinal deformity: building on the King/Moe and Lenke classification systems.” Spine vol. 31,19 Suppl (2006): S119-25. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000232709.48446.be 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*
Rheumatoid arthritis is said to affect around 1.5 million individuals. Recognized as an autoimmune condition that presents with chronic pain in the body’s joints. It commonly affects regularly used joints like the shoulders, hands, and feet. The condition can begin to present in individuals in their 30s. Concerns that come with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis are the condition's effect on the spinal facet joints. These joints are susceptible to attack from a dysfunctional immune system, leaving them prone to weakness, inflammation, and nerve compression. Chiropractors understand the manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. They can pinpoint at-risk facet joints and provide corrective relief before more dangerous symptoms begin to present. Facet joint risks There are two facet joints that connect each vertebra to the one above and below. Their objective is to stabilize the spine, whether in a neutral position or engaged in flexion/extension movement. When targeted by the body’s immune system, the joints begin to weaken. The body attacks the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. This creates friction that generates inflammation. Over time the joints break down leading to everything from loss of mobility to bone spurs. When left untreated the facet joints begin to deteriorate, causing nerve compression that can lead to permanent nerve damage. When the joints are not working properly the spine has to work around them. - Subluxations
- Disc herniation
- Ruptured discs
- Sciatica all are possible with facet joint dysfunction.
Treatment Currently, rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured but symptoms can go into remission when treatment begins early. Chiropractic is an effective treatment at disrupting the symptoms of joint deterioration that stops the progression. - It has the ability to increase and maintain an individual's range of motion, from a condition that causes loss of mobility.
- It helps to bring rapid pain relief and helps with postural improvements.
- It maintains positive spinal health and homeostasis.
- Prevents problems with compression and subluxations.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises are incorporated to preserve an individual's spinal integrity.
- Diet and nutrition are also adjusted to mitigate the effects, helping with inflammation prevention.
The spinal focus As rheumatoid arthritis affects the body's joints, it is vital to protect the facet joints. These joints can experience degenerative damage that can cause long-term problems. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic provide individuals with the tools necessary to combat rheumatoid arthritis that medications by themselves might not be able to. Muscle Mass Fitness for Long-Term Health Muscle building is not just for bodybuilders and athletes. Everyone benefits from building muscle for long-term health. Monitoring the changes in Lean Body Mass can be accomplished by having body composition measured. Body composition analysis can divide an individual's weight into various components. These include: - Fat Mass
- Lean Body Mass
- Basal Metabolic Rate will give a clearer picture of overall fitness and health.
Building Lean Body Mass is an investment for maintaining health long-term. The more Lean Body Mass that is built the more is in storage/reserve when the body really needs it. Before adding protein shakes and resistance workouts to the daily regimen, a plan needs to be developed. The first step to building a healthy level of lean body mass is to measure how much there is with a body composition analysis. 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 musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. 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, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico References Pope JE, Cheng J. Facet (Zygapophyseal) Intraarticular Joint Injections: Cervical, Lumbar, and Thoracic. Injections for Back Pain. 129-135. ClinicalKey.com. Accessed July 16, 2019. Brummett CM, Cohen SP. Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Zygapophyseal (Facet) Joint Pain. 816-844. ClinicalKey.com. Accessed July 16, 2019.
The first step in chiropractic care is getting the individual's medical history. Many visit a chiropractor with certain expectations of how things will go. They will lay down on a table while the chiropractor adjusts the spine. There will be pops and cracks, and the tension will go away. And afterward, they’ll feel better. However, without an individual's medical history, the treatment will not be as effective because of the lack of information. This means that a chiropractor is only able to perform general adjustments but is not able to get to the root cause and maximize the full potential of the adjustments. Patient education starts the moment someone walks into the clinic. The nature of holistic medicine Some questions a chiropractor might ask include: - What type of pain is presenting - shooting, burning, aching, throbbing, etc?
- Have you had any recent surgeries?
- Is there a history of chronic pain?
- What medications are being taken?
Each will be explained in further detail and what they mean for the development of a treatment plan. An individual needs to understand how important their medical histories are for treatment progress. Patient history prevents executing the wrong treatment plan by having an informed understanding of the individual's body. For example, a chiropractor can’t perform the same adjustments on a senior with osteoporosis that they do on a middle-aged athlete. And someone recovering from surgery will not have the range of motion when healthy. An adjustment can result in X, Y, or Z, depending on the factors at work. Medical history is vital as it eliminates any unknowns, so a chiropractor can solve for X, Y, or Z by being able to provide the best outcome for the individual. The more information, the better the treatment plan When an individual has neck pain, a doctor is not going to prescribe immediate surgery, unless it is an emergency. Rather, they will perform a full examination, ask questions, try to find the cause, and analyze the intensity of the pain. A chiropractor is no different, and individual medical history is vital. Obtaining as much information as possible can help a chiropractor reach a proper diagnosis and ensures the right course of action is taken. Individuals often do not realize but for example, - An automobile accident that happened last year could be manifesting symptoms now.
- Shoulder surgery five years ago could be limiting the range of motion, affecting the musculature around the cervical spine.
- Chronic plantar fasciitis and self-medicating for a while can cause instability in the lumbar spine affecting the cervical spine.
Every little bit of information can help put the puzzle together to get a clear picture of what is going on. The biggest contributor of information is patient medical history, formally documented and informally spoken. Informed care A visit to Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic is a collaboration between patient and chiropractor that leads to informed and the best treatment possible. Medical history informs optimal care. For more information or for more tips on chiropractic care, contact us today. 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 Hunter, J. “Medical history and chronic pain.” The Clinical journal of pain vol. 17,4 Suppl (2001): S20-5. doi:10.1097/00002508-200112001-00007
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that has to do with the changing of the seasons, specifically when fall begins to. It affects around 10 million Americans during the fall and winter seasons. Back pain can be a symptom of the disorder. For most individuals, the condition follows a pattern: - It starts with lethargy or lack of energy
- Craving carbohydrates
- Heavy low mood
These are typical symptoms for many dealing with the condition. The individual can experience aches and pains throughout the body, but especially the back. Recent studies have shown how various forms of depression, like Seasonal Affective Disorder, can present with pain, specifically back/spinal pain. Many individuals play it off as the blues, but research has found, depression can have a much more significant impact on an individual's quality of life. The exact cause is still unknown. But research is finding a connection related to the level of sunlight an individual receives throughout the day. Research has shown there could be a biochemical imbalance in the brain when there is less daylight during fall and winter. As the seasons change from summer to fall individuals can experience a shift in circadian rhythms that can cause them to disrupt their regular daily routine. However, Seasonal Affective Disorder is more common for individuals living where the daylight lessens and has been shown to affect women more than men and young adults. Depression and Back Pain Connection Depression can present with pain symptoms and the pain can enhance the depression. Headaches, Body aches, and especially backaches are common symptoms of depression. Research has shown that individuals with severe depression can actually feel a more intense level of pain. Physical symptoms like back pain or headaches can be the only or the beginning symptom/s of seasonal affective depression. As research continues to grow as to how the nervous system interacts with the body, pain symptoms have been found to be connected to biological mechanisms connected with stress, anxiety, and depression. Living a sedentary lifestyle, with little or no physical activity and regular exercise can be another cause for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Depression itself can cause fatigue that restrains individuals from exercising and working the core muscles for optimal spinal strength and health. This added stress on the spine's discs, joints, and ligaments, makes the body more susceptible to low back pain, muscle strains, illness, and injuries. Pain can wear an individual down impacting mood and overall health. Symptoms The difference between Seasonal Affective Disorder and chronic depression is that Seasonal Affective Disorder is limited to the same time of the year during the time of less light, and winter months. Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder can be the same as those associated with depression. They are: - Feeling Low/Depressed
- Weight gain
- Increased appetite
- Craving sugar and carbohydrates
- Sleeping all-day
- Consistent drowsiness
- Hopelessness
- Loss of interest in enjoyed activities
Symptoms can also be related to low levels of Vitamin D, which is associated with anxiety and depression for individuals with fibromyalgia. Seasonal Affective Disorder can be related to chronic pain conditions the way depression can. Some individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome can also present with symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Treatment Diagnosis for Seasonal Affective Disorder requires an individual to experience at least two years of symptoms that become worse at a specific time of the year. And the depressive episodes have to significantly be worse than the non-seasonal episodes of depression. There are four types of treatments, that can be used individually or in combination. They are: Medication Medications used to treat the disorder are known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs. Psychotherapy Cognitive-behavioral therapy/CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is effective for the disorder, as well as other conditions. It relies on techniques that identify negative thoughts and work on ways to not dwell on the negative and focus more on positive things and thoughts. Lightbox Therapy Diminished sunlight when fall and winter arrive can be replaced with regular exposure to a bright, artificial lightbox. Individuals sit or stand in front of the lightbox when they get up on a daily basis. This is done when fall begins and goes on until spring. The lightbox filters out ultraviolet rays and requires around 20 to 60 minutes of exposure to 10,000 lux of cool-white fluorescent light. Vitamin D Low levels of vitamin D were found in individuals with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Talk to a doctor about the proper level of vitamin D that should be taken through supplements. The Pain and Backaches Understanding how pain and depression are interconnected treating both conditions as part of an integrative treatment plan can include: - Chiropractic care for releasing muscle tension
- Psychological counseling
- Relaxation therapy
- A light aerobic exercise program that stimulates serotonin levels and releases endorphins to relieve depression and pain.
- Low-dose antidepressants can reduce depression symptoms and back pain. They work to inhibit the reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine that is associated with a person’s mood and the way they perceive pain.
What Works Everyone is unique, which means that different treatment plans and combinations of treatment plans may have to be tried out before finding the optimal one. A significant factor is not settling with the pain and just accepting it. Healing can be a unique and complex experience. The objective is for the individual and doctor to work collaboratively. 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 Robertson, David et al. “Associations between low back pain and depression and somatization in a Canadian emerging adult population.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association vol. 61,2 (2017): 96-105.
Radiofrequency ablation, also known as RFA is a minimally invasive procedure performed in an outpatient clinic to treat neck, back, facet joints, and sacroiliac joint pain. It involves the use of radio waves pulsing at a high frequency that temporarily disable the nerves from transmitting pain signals to the brain. Relief can last three to six months. Radiofrequency ablation treatment could be an option to manage chronic back and neck pain. There are other names, but the radio frequency concept is the same. They are: Chronic neck, back, and hip pain take a significant toll on the body. Finding the right treatment can make all the difference. However, it does not work for everyone. For those that might have tried other non-surgical treatments to manage the pain, including physical therapy and steroid injections, that did not bring relief then radiofrequency ablation could be another treatment option. Radiofrequency Ablation Benefits - Pain relief compared to steroid injections lasts longer
- Relief exceeds that of injections
- It is a non-surgical procedure
- Complication risks are low
- Opioid or other analgesic medication is reduced
- Quick recovery
- Improved quality of life
- Relief can last six months to a year, and longer
Pain Reduction Before undergoing radiofrequency ablation, a doctor must pinpoint the nerves causing the neck, back, or sacroiliac joint pain. They will perform a nerve block injection to determine if there is temporary relief from the pain. If there is temporary relief it means that the origin of the pain was found. This could qualify to become a candidate for radiofrequency ablation. - A Medial branch block is performed to diagnose the facet joint/s that are causing the pain.
- A sacroiliac joint block is performed to determine if and which sacroiliac joint is causing the pain.
Preparation The doctor will give instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. Instructions can vary from those listed, as every patient's case is unique. - Do not eat 6 hours prior to your procedure
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Easy to put on shoes
- Have a designated driver for after the procedure
- Make sure the doctor knows about all medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbs being taken
- Follow the doctor’s instructions when taking prescribed and over-the-counter medications. This includes vitamins, supplements, and herbs
- Bring all medications on the day of the procedure to be taken with minimal interruption
Radiofrequency ablation usually takes an hour or longer depending on the extent of the treatment. One example could be the number of facet joints being treated. The Procedure The patient will be positioned face down on the treatment table. Pillows are offered and positioned for optimal comfort. The area where the treatment will be administered is sterilized. The areas of the body not undergoing the treatment are covered with a sterile covering. Sedation could be utilized but not heavy sedation. More than likely it will be what is known as twilight sedation. A local anesthetic is injected into and around the area/s being treated. Because radiofrequency ablation involves electricity a grounding pad is attached to the calf of one of the legs. The treatment table is adjusted for the precise placement of the needles and electrodes. The doctor will use fluoroscopy or a real-time x-ray as a guide. Once the needle/s and electrode/s placement is confirmed, a low electrical current is sent through the electrodes. This creates waves of pulsating energy that stimulate and change the nerve/s sensory tissue so it does not send pain signals. Some individuals report a warm or mild pulsing sensation. When finished, the electrodes and needles are removed. The treated area is cleaned up, sterilized and bandages are applied. After the Procedure After the procedure, the patient is sent home with a set of recovery instructions. An example could be: - Keep the bandages in place
- Don't take a bath or shower
- A shower can be taken the following day and the bandages removed
- Do not perform any strenuous activity for up to two days
When the anesthetic wears off, the individual will have soreness and some mild pain around the treatment area. As long as everything is fine individuals can return to work and normal routine within three days. Full recovery can take up to two weeks for the treated/ablated nerves to stop sending pain signals. Although the nerves no longer conduct pain, it is temporary and not a permanent fix. This is because the nerves grow back. If the cycle starts over, talk with the doctor about another session. 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*
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Find out how to address kyphosis by looking at causes, symptoms, and effective treatment approaches to restore health. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.