Unlock better health through chiropractic care for chronic inflammation. Understand how it can help manage your inflammation effectively.

Managing Chronic Inflammation for Pain Relief in El Paso, TX

Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body heal from injuries and infections, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to persistent pain and serious health issues like arthritis, heart disease, and fibromyalgia. Unlike acute inflammation, which is a short-term response to harm, chronic inflammation lingers and can silently damage tissues over time. At the Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic in El Paso, Texas, Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, combines chiropractic care, integrative therapies, and lifestyle interventions to address chronic inflammation and promote lasting pain relief and wellness. This article explores the differences between acute and chronic inflammation, their roles in the body, environmental factors that fuel chronic inflammation, and how non-surgical treatments at the clinic help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation: Understanding the Difference

Inflammation is the body’s defense mechanism against injury, infection, or harmful substances, involving immune cells, blood vessels, and chemical signals. Acute and chronic inflammation serve different purposes and have distinct effects on health.

Acute Inflammation: The Body’s Immediate Response

Acute inflammation is a rapid reaction to a specific event, such as a cut, sprain, or infection. For example, when you twist your wrist, the area becomes red, swollen, and painful as immune cells like neutrophils work to prevent infection and initiate healing (Germolec et al., 2018). Key features include:

• Short Duration: Lasts hours to days, resolving once the threat is neutralized.
• Visible Symptoms: Redness, swelling, heat, and pain signal increased blood flow to the area.
• Protective Role: Eliminates pathogens, repairs tissues, and restores normal function (Arulselvan et al., 2016).

For instance, a scraped elbow triggers acute inflammation to fight bacteria and promote healing.

Chronic Inflammation: A Hidden Cause of Pain

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, low-grade state that can persist for months or years, often without obvious symptoms initially. It can damage tissues and contribute to conditions like osteoarthritis, diabetes, and fibromyalgia, leading to chronic pain (Suzuki, 2019). Characteristics include:

• Persistent Nature: Continues due to ongoing stressors or immune dysfunction.
• Silent Damage: Affects organs and tissues, causing diseases like heart disease or cancer.
• Pain Sensitivity: Increases pain perception, as seen in conditions like fibromyalgia (García-Domínguez, 2025).

For example, chronic inflammation in the lower back can cause persistent pain and stiffness, which in turn impacts daily activities.

The Role of Inflammation in the Body

Inflammation is essential for survival, but it can become harmful when it becomes chronic. Understanding its roles highlights the need to manage chronic inflammation to reduce pain and improve health.

Acute Inflammation’s Benefits

Acute inflammation protects the body by:

• Fighting Infections: Immune cells attack bacteria or viruses to prevent illness (Arulselvan et al., 2016).
• Repairing Tissues: Delivers nutrients and oxygen to injured areas for healing.
• Clearing Debris: Removes dead cells and pathogens, cleaning the injury site.

For example, swelling after a sports injury helps deliver healing resources to the affected area.

Chronic Inflammation’s Harmful Effects

Chronic inflammation can disrupt bodily functions and increase pain by:

• Damaging Tissues: Prolonged inflammation breaks down healthy tissues, contributing to conditions like atherosclerosis or joint degeneration (Suzuki, 2019).
• Disrupting Organ Function: Affects normal processes, leading to diseases like diabetes or depression (Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic, n.d.).
• Worsening Pain: Sensitizes pain pathways, exacerbating conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic back pain (García-Domínguez, 2025).

This persistent state often results from lifestyle or environmental factors, which we’ll explore next.

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Environmental Factors Contributing to Chronic Inflammation

Several lifestyle and environmental factors fuel chronic inflammation, contributing to pain and health issues. Addressing these can help reduce inflammation and its effects.

Poor Diet

Diet plays a significant role in inflammation. Consuming too many refined sugars, flours, and processed oils—common in modern diets—spikes blood sugar and fat levels, promoting inflammation (Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic, n.d.). Key triggers include:

• Excess Calories: Consuming processed foods in excess leads to obesity, a known inflammatory state (Suzuki, 2019).
• Low Nutrient Intake: Diets lacking fiber, antioxidants, or healthy fats are ineffective in combating inflammation (Strasser et al., 2021).
• Inflammatory Foods: Aspartame and monosodium glutamate may increase inflammation in some individuals (Kurapatti et al., 2023).

For example, frequent consumption of fast food can elevate inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), which can worsen pain.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of physical activity promotes inflammation by contributing to obesity and poor circulation. Regular movement helps clear inflammatory mediators and supports immune balance (Metsios et al., 2020).

Chronic Stress

Ongoing stress releases cortisol, disrupting immune function and increasing inflammation. For instance, work-related stress can elevate pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, contributing to pain (Suzuki, 2019).

Sleep Deprivation

Poor sleep impairs tissue repair and increases inflammatory markers, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, thereby exacerbating chronic pain and health issues (Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic, n.d.).

Environmental Toxins

Exposure to pollutants like air pollution or cigarette smoke activates the immune system, causing low-grade inflammation that can worsen pain (Arulselvan et al., 2016).

Non-Surgical Treatments for Pain Relief

At the Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic, Dr. Alexander Jimenez offers a comprehensive, non-surgical approach to managing chronic inflammation and pain. By combining chiropractic care, integrative therapies, and lifestyle changes, the clinic supports the body’s natural healing processes to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote long-term wellness.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments correct spinal misalignments (subluxations) that contribute to inflammation and pain, particularly in conditions like sciatica or lower back pain. Dr. Jimenez uses gentle techniques to improve joint mobility and nerve function, offering benefits like:

• Enhanced Circulation: Adjustments improve blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing inflammatory waste (Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic, n.d.).
• Pain Reduction: Reducing nerve irritation alleviates pain caused by inflammation.
• Personalized Treatment: Dr. Jimenez uses advanced diagnostics, including neuromusculoskeletal imaging, to tailor adjustments to each patient’s needs (Jimenez, n.d.).

For example, a patient with chronic lower back pain may receive adjustments to restore spinal alignment, reducing inflammation and improving mobility.

Integrative Therapies

Dr. Jimenez integrates complementary therapies to address inflammation and pain holistically:

• Acupuncture stimulates specific points to reduce inflammation and pain by lowering cytokines, such as IL-6 (Wickenheisser et al., 2019).
• Massage Therapy: Enhances circulation and lymphatic drainage, helping clear inflammatory mediators and reduce muscle tension (Metsios et al., 2020).
• Nutritional Counseling: Emphasizes anti-inflammatory diets, such as the Mediterranean or vegan diet, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids to combat inflammation (Kurapatti et al., 2023).

These therapies support the body’s detoxification systems, like the lymphatic system, to eliminate waste efficiently.

Physical Activity and Rehabilitation

Exercise is a powerful tool for reducing inflammation and pain. Dr. Jimenez designs personalized rehabilitation plans, including:

• Low-Impact Aerobics: Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling increase blood flow and lower CRP levels (Suzuki, 2019).
• Strength Training: Builds muscle to regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation (Strasser et al., 2021).
• Stretching and Yoga: Improves flexibility, reduces muscle tension, and lowers stress hormones that fuel inflammation (Metsios et al., 2020).

For instance, a patient recovering from a motor vehicle accident (MVA) might follow a swimming routine to enhance circulation and reduce joint inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

Dr. Jimenez advises patients to adopt diets that combat inflammation:

• Avoid Refined Foods: Reduce sugar, flour, and processed oils to lower inflammation (Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic, n.d.).
• Emphasize Plant-Based Foods: Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains provide antioxidants and fiber to reduce inflammation (Kurapatti et al., 2023).
• Incorporate Omega-3s: Foods like salmon or chia seeds reduce inflammatory cytokines (Strasser et al., 2021).

A Mediterranean diet, for example, can lower inflammatory markers and improve symptoms in conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair by stimulating ATP production and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Wickenheisser et al., 2019; Rayegani et al., 2017). Dr. Jimenez may use LLLT for patients with musculoskeletal pain, such as those with sciatica or fibromyalgia, to complement chiropractic care.

Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s Expertise

Dr. Jimenez, a dual-licensed chiropractor and nurse practitioner, brings a comprehensive approach to managing inflammation and pain at the Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic. His expertise includes:

Advanced Diagnostics

Using neuromusculoskeletal imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) and medical assessments (e.g., blood tests for CRP or IL-6), Dr. Jimenez identifies the root causes of inflammation and pain. This dual-scope approach ensures the development of precise and personalized treatment plans (Germolec et al., 2018; Jimenez, n.d.).

Treating Diverse Injuries

The clinic addresses injuries and conditions from various sources:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs): Whiplash, herniated discs, or sciatica are treated with adjustments, LLLT, and rehabilitation exercises to reduce inflammation and restore function (Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic, n.d.).
• Work Injuries: Repetitive strain injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, are managed with chiropractic care, acupuncture, and ergonomic advice to prevent chronic inflammation.
• Sports Injuries: Sprains or tendonitis are treated with targeted exercises and massage to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Personal Injuries: Falls or minor traumas are addressed with integrative therapies to prevent long-term pain and complications.

Medical and Legal Support

For injury cases, Dr. Jimenez provides detailed medical care and legal documentation, ensuring accurate records for insurance claims or legal proceedings, particularly for MVAs or workplace injuries (Jimenez, n.d.). This thorough documentation supports patients’ recovery and legal needs.

Synergistic Healing

Dr. Jimenez’s treatments work together to enhance the body’s natural healing processes:

• Circulation and Detoxification: Exercise and massage boost blood and lymph flow, clearing inflammatory waste (Metsios et al., 2020).
• Inflammation Reduction: Acupuncture and LLLT target inflammatory pathways, while nutrition neutralizes free radicals (Wickenheisser et al., 2019; Kurapatti et al., 2023).
• Pain Management: Adjustments and stretching reduce nerve irritation and muscle tension, alleviating pain (Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic, n.d.).
• Prevention: Addressing root causes like poor diet or stress prevents chronic conditions and pain (García-Domínguez, 2025).

For example, a patient with fibromyalgia might receive adjustments to improve spinal alignment, acupuncture to reduce pain, a tailored exercise plan to boost circulation, and nutritional counseling to adopt a Mediterranean diet, all working together to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

Addressing Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia, often linked to chronic inflammation, requires careful management. Dr. Jimenez uses blood tests to monitor markers like IL-6 and TNF-α, which are elevated in fibromyalgia (García-Domínguez, 2025). His integrative approach, including chiropractic care, acupuncture, exercise, and nutrition, reduces these markers, alleviating pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation can contribute to persistent pain and serious health issues, but the Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic in El Paso, TX, led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, offers effective non-surgical solutions. By combining chiropractic adjustments, integrative therapies like acupuncture and massage, targeted exercise, and anti-inflammatory nutrition, the clinic addresses the root causes of inflammation, reduces pain, and supports the body’s natural healing processes. Whether recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or seeking overall wellness, patients benefit from personalized care that promotes long-term health. Contact the clinic at (915) 412-6677 or visit https://sciatica.clinic/ to start your journey to pain relief and better health.

References

• Arulselvan, P., Fard, M. T., Tan, W. S., Gothai, S., Fakurazi, S., Norhaizan, M. E., & Kumar, S. S. (2016). Role of antioxidants and natural products in inflammation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2016, 5276130. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/5276130
• García-Domínguez, M. (2025). Fibromyalgia and inflammation: Unrevealing the connection. Cells, 14(4), 271. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14040271
• Germolec, D. R., Shipkowski, K. A., Frawley, R. P., & Evans, E. (2018). Markers of inflammation. Methods in Molecular Biology, 1803, 57–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-8549-4_5
• Jimenez, A. (n.d.). Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC. https://dralexjimenez.com/
• Jimenez, A. (n.d.). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
• Kurapatti, M., Ratheesh, M., & Jose, R. (2023). Diet composition’s effect on chronic musculoskeletal pain: A narrative review. Pain Physician, 26(7), 527–534. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37976478/
• Metsios, G. S., Moe, R. H., & Kitas, G. D. (2020). Exercise and inflammation. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 34(2), 101504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2020.101504
• Paroli, M., Gioffrè, F. M., & Caccamo, V. (2024). Inflammation, autoimmunity, and infection in fibromyalgia: A narrative review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(11), 5922. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115922
• Rayegani, S. M., Raeissadat, S. A., Heidari, S., & Moradi-Joo, M. (2017). Safety and Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of lasers in medical sciences, 8(Suppl 1), S12–S19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29071029/
• Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic. (n.d.). Sciatica Pain – El Paso, TX. https://sciatica.clinic/
• Strasser, B., Wolters, M., Weyh, C., Krüger, K., & Ticinesi, A. (2021). The effects of lifestyle and diet on gut microbiota composition, inflammation, and muscle performance in our aging society. Nutrients, 13(6), 2045. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13062045
• Suzuki, K. (2019). Chronic inflammation as an immunological abnormality and effectiveness of exercise. Biomolecules, 9(6), 223. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9060223
• Wickenheisser, V. A., Zywot, E. M., Rabjohns, E. M., Lee, H. H., Lawrence, D. S., & Tarrant, T. K. (2019). Laser light therapy in inflammatory, musculoskeletal, and autoimmune disease. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 19(8), 37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-019-0869-z