Chiropractic care offers solutions for five musculoskeletal issues. Learn how it can promote your health and wellness.

Chiropractic Care for Common Musculoskeletal Issues: A Comprehensive Guide

Musculoskeletal issues can turn your daily routine into a real monster mash, much like Herman Munster trying to dance without tripping over his big feet! These problems affect your muscles, bones, joints, and tendons, causing pain, stiffness, or trouble moving. Whether it’s a nagging backache or a wrist that feels like it’s stuck in a haunted house, these conditions can make life less than groovy. Fortunately, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive way to tackle these issues, helping you get back to feeling like the life of the party.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into five common musculoskeletal issues: subluxation, scoliosis, disk degeneration, carpal tunnel syndrome, and Achilles tendonitis. For each, we’ll explain what it is, how it messes with your daily groove, and why chiropractic care, particularly from experts like Dr. Alexander Jimenez in El Paso, TX, might help. We’ll sprinkle in some clinical insights, research, and a bit of Herman Munster’s charm to keep things lively. Additionally, we’ll explore Dr. Jimenez’s role in personal injury cases, demonstrating how he bridges the gap between medical care and legal needs. Let’s get started!

Subluxation: When Your Spine Goes Off-Track

What Is Subluxation?

Picture your spine as a stack of blocks in a game of Jenga. If one block slips out of place, the whole tower wobbles. That’s what a subluxation is like—a misalignment or dysfunction in the spine where vertebrae shift out of position, potentially pinching nerves or causing discomfort. Causes include poor posture, stress, trauma (like a fall), or repetitive movements. In chiropractic care, subluxations are viewed as disruptions to the nervous system, which relies on a clear spinal pathway to maintain optimal bodily function (Terlep Chiropractic, 2023).

However, the term “subluxation” is a debated concept. Some chiropractors view it as a core issue behind many health problems, while critics argue there’s limited scientific evidence linking it directly to widespread health effects (Keating et al., 2005). For this guide, we’ll focus on its role in causing pain and how chiropractic care may help.

How Subluxation Affects Daily Life

Subluxations can make you feel like Herman Munster trying to squeeze into a tiny chair—uncomfortable and out of sorts! They often cause back or neck pain, headaches, or even radiating pain down the legs, like sciatica. For example, a subluxation in the lower back might make sitting at a desk or lifting groceries painful. Neck subluxations could trigger headaches that ruin your focus at work or school. If severe, they might even affect sleep or digestion, turning daily tasks into a real fright fest.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors, like skilled architects, aim to restore those spinal blocks to their proper place. They use spinal adjustments—gentle, controlled movements—to realign vertebrae, reduce nerve pressure, and ease inflammation. This can help restore mobility and improve your body’s function. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, with over 25 years of experience, utilizes advanced techniques to detect and correct subluxations, often combining adjustments with physical therapy to maintain optimal spine health (Jimenez, 2025).

Research suggests that chiropractic care can be effective in managing pain associated with subluxations. A study found spinal manipulation provided significant relief for chronic low back pain, often associated with spinal misalignments (Bronfort et al., 2010). Another study demonstrated that incorporating chiropractic care into standard medical treatment enhanced outcomes for acute back pain (Goertz et al., 2013).

Clinical Insights

Dr. Jimenez emphasizes the importance of early intervention for subluxations, particularly when they contribute to conditions such as sciatica, where nerve compression causes leg pain (Sciatica Clinic, n.d.). His approach includes diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, to pinpoint misalignments and provide tailored adjustments to relieve symptoms. He also advises on posture and lifestyle changes to prevent future subluxations, ensuring you don’t end up like Herman, stuck in a creaky coffin!

References

• Bronfort, G., Haas, M., Evans, R., Leininger, B., & Triano, J. (2010). Effectiveness of manual therapies: The UK evidence report. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 33(5), 347–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2010.05.006
• Goertz, C. M., Long, C. R., Hondras, M. A., Petri, R., Delgado, R., Lawrence, D. J., … & Meeker, W. C. (2013). Adding chiropractic manipulative therapy to standard medical care for patients with acute low back pain: Results of a pragmatic randomized comparative effectiveness study. Annals of Internal Medicine, 158(8), 575–583. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-158-8-201304160-00002
• Keating, J. C., Charlton, K. H., Grod, J. P., Perle, S. M., Sikorski, D., & Winterstein, J. F. (2005). Subluxation: Dogma or science? Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 13, 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-13-17
• Sciatica Clinic. (n.d.). Causes of sciatica. Retrieved from https://sciatica.clinic/
• Terlep Chiropractic. (2023, May 24). Understanding subluxation: A key concept in chiropractic care. https://drterlep.com/understanding-subluxation-a-key-concept-in-chiropractic-care/

Scoliosis: When Your Spine Takes a Sideways Turn

What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is like your spine deciding to do a little dance, curving sideways in an “S” or “C” shape instead of staying straight. It often starts in childhood or adolescence and can be caused by genetics, neuromuscular conditions, or unknown factors (idiopathic scoliosis). Mild cases may go unnoticed, but severe scoliosis can cause pain, breathing issues, or visible asymmetry, such as uneven shoulders or hips (Healthline, 2024).

How Scoliosis Affects Daily Life

Living with scoliosis can feel like Herman Munster trying to balance on a tightrope—one wrong move, and you’re in pain! Mild scoliosis may cause occasional back discomfort, making prolonged periods of sitting or standing difficult. Severe cases can limit physical activities, cause shortness of breath, or affect self-esteem due to visible spinal curves, particularly in teenagers. Everyday tasks, such as carrying a backpack or playing sports, can become challenging.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors cannot straighten a scoliotic spine completely, but they can help manage symptoms, much like a good dance coach helping Herman find his rhythm. They use spinal adjustments, exercises, and sometimes bracing to reduce pain, improve posture, and enhance function. Dr. Jimenez focuses on early detection and customized treatment plans, combining adjustments with scoliosis-specific exercises to support spinal health (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).

A study found that a chiropractic rehabilitation program improved Cobb angles (a measure of spinal curvature), pain, and disability in adult scoliosis patients, with benefits lasting 24 months post-treatment (Morningstar, 2011). Another pilot study suggested chiropractic manipulation could slightly reduce curvature in adolescents with mild scoliosis (Rowe et al., 2006).

Clinical Insights

Dr. Jimenez uses advanced imaging to assess scoliosis severity and tailors treatments to each patient’s needs. He often incorporates posture evaluations and exercises to prevent progression, helping patients move more freely and avoid the creaky joints Herman might complain about!

References

• El Paso Back Clinic. (n.d.). Chiropractic benefits for scoliosis sufferers. Retrieved from https://www.elpasobackclinic.com/chiropractic-benefits-sufferers-scoliosis/
• Healthline. (2024, July 12). Chiropractic for scoliosis: Does it help treat it or its symptoms? https://www.healthline.com/health/scoliosis/scoliosis-chiropractor
• Morningstar, M. W. (2011). Outcomes for adult scoliosis patients receiving chiropractic rehabilitation: A 24-month retrospective analysis. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 10(3), 179–184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.01.006
• Rowe, D. E., Feise, R. J., Crowther, E. R., Grod, J. P., Menke, J. M., Goldsmith, C. H., … & Stitzel, C. J. (2006). Chiropractic manipulation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A pilot study. European Spine Journal, 15(6), 777–784. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-005-0957-2

Disk Degeneration: When Your Spinal Cushions Wear Out

What Is Disk Degeneration?

Think of your spinal disks as the shock absorbers in Herman Munster’s monster truck—they cushion your vertebrae but can wear out over time. Degenerative disk disease (DDD) occurs when these disks lose fluid and elasticity, often due to aging, injury, or repetitive stress. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and sometimes nerve compression, especially in people over 55 (Advantage Spinal Dynamics, 2024).

How Disk Degeneration Affects Daily Life

DDD can make you feel like Herman after a long day of stomping around—stiff and sore! Chronic back or neck pain can make sitting, lifting, or twisting painful, limiting your ability to perform daily tasks, work, or enjoy hobbies. If nerves are compressed, you may experience numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, making tasks such as walking or holding objects challenging.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors act like mechanics for your spine, tuning it up to ease the strain on those worn-out disks. They use adjustments to improve spinal alignment, reduce inflammation, and enhance mobility. Techniques such as spinal decompression and exercises can also be beneficial. Dr. Jimenez combines these methods with lifestyle advice to manage DDD effectively (Jimenez, 2025).

A case study demonstrated that a patient with DDD experienced significant pain relief and improved mobility following chiropractic care (Polkinghorn & Colloca, 1998). Another study found spinal manipulation effective for reducing pain and disability in lumbar DDD (Leemann et al., 2014).

Clinical Insights

Dr. Jimenez utilizes diagnostic imaging to evaluate disk health and develops personalized treatment plans that may include adjustments and physical therapy. He stresses the importance of early intervention to prevent progression, helping patients avoid the kind of stiffness that would make even Herman groan!

References

• Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine. (2024, September 30). How Chiropractic Treatment Helps with Degenerative Disc Disease. https://www.advantageinnovativemedicine.com/blog/how-chiropractic-treatment-helps-with-degenerative-disc-disease
• Leemann, S., Peterson, C. K., Schmid, C., Anklin, B., & Humphreys, B. K. (2014). Outcomes of acute and chronic patients with magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed symptomatic lumbar disc herniations receiving high-velocity, low-amplitude, spinal manipulative therapy: A prospective observational cohort study with one-year follow-up. Spine Journal, 14(3), 446–454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2013.07.446
• Polkinghorn, B. S., & Colloca, C. J. (1998). Treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation using the activator method, a chiropractic technique. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 1(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60002-3

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Movement Medicine: Chiropractic Care- Video

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: When Your Wrist Feels Like a Traffic Jam

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is like a traffic jam in your wrist, where the median nerve gets squeezed in a narrow passageway called the carpal tunnel. This can occur due to repetitive hand movements (such as typing), wrist injuries, or conditions like arthritis. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the hand and wrist, often worse at night (Kansas City Chiropractic, 2023).

How Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Affects Daily Life

CTS can make your hands feel like they’re auditioning for a role in a spooky movie—numb and tingly! It can make tasks like texting, writing, or gripping a steering wheel painful or difficult. Sleep disturbances are common, leaving you as groggy as Herman after a late-night monster bash.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors are like traffic cops, clearing the jam by adjusting the wrist, elbow, and neck to relieve pressure on the median nerve. They may also use soft tissue therapies and exercises to reduce inflammation and improve function. Dr. Jimenez tailors treatments to address the root cause, helping patients avoid surgery (Dralexjimenez.com, n.d.).

A study found that chiropractic manipulation reduced CTS symptoms, with improvements in nerve function and grip strength (Davis et al., 1998). Another study supported the use of manual therapies for symptom relief in CTS (Tal-Akabi & Rushton, 2000).

Clinical Insights

Dr. Jimenez uses a holistic approach, combining wrist and spinal adjustments with ergonomic advice to prevent CTS recurrence. His goal is to get your hands moving smoothly again, so you’re not fumbling like Herman trying to tie his boots!

References

• Davis, P. T., Hulbert, J. R., Kassak, K. M., & Meyer, J. J. (1998). Comparative efficacy of conservative medical and chiropractic treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 21(5), 317–326.
• Dralexjimenez.com. (n.d.). Carpal tunnel pain treatment. Retrieved from https://www.dralexjimenez.com/carpal-tunnel-pain-treatment/
• Kansas City Chiropractic. (2023, June 26). 3 ways chiropractic can help carpal tunnel syndrome. https://kansascitychiropractic.com/3-ways-chiropractic-can-help-carpal-tunnel-syndrome/
• Tal-Akabi, A., & Rushton, A. (2000). An investigation to compare the effectiveness of carpal bone mobilisation and neurodynamic mobilisation as treatments of carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 30(10), 591–600. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2000.30.10.591

Achilles Tendonitis: When Your Heel Feels Like It’s Been Stomped by a Monster

What Is Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is like your heel throwing a tantrum after too much action. It’s inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, often caused by overuse, especially in runners or athletes. Symptoms include pain and stiffness near the heel, which worsen with activity (Kenilworth Chiropractic, 2021).

How Achilles Tendonitis Affects Daily Life

This condition can make walking or running feel like Herman trudging through quicksand—painful and slow. It limits physical activities, affects sports performance, and can even make standing for long periods uncomfortable. If untreated, it risks tendon rupture, a significant and potentially devastating problem.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors tackle Achilles tendonitis like Herman fixing a creaky door—by addressing the whole system. They use adjustments to align the spine, hips, and feet, reducing stress on the tendon. Soft tissue therapies, such as Active Release Technique (ART) or Graston Technique, help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Dr. Jimenez incorporates these methods with exercises to strengthen and stretch the calf muscles (Jimenez, 2025).

Research on chiropractic care for Achilles tendonitis is limited; however, studies on tendinopathy suggest that manual therapies can be beneficial (Pfefer et al., 2009). Eccentric exercises, often prescribed by chiropractors, are also effective (Alfredson et al., 1998).

Clinical Insights

Dr. Jimenez assesses biomechanical issues that contribute to tendon stress, using adjustments and soft tissue work to restore function. He might recommend kinesiotaping to support the tendon, helping you move without feeling like Herman after a long day at the graveyard!

References

• Alfredson, H., Pietilä, T., Jonsson, P., & Lorentzon, R. (1998). Heavy-load eccentric calf muscle training for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendinosis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 32(2), 109–113. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.32.2.109
• Kenilworth Chiropractic. (2021, November 20). Chiropractic approach to Achilles tendinitis. https://www.kenilworthchiropractic.net/achilles-tendinitis/
• Pfefer, M. T., Cooper, S. R., & Uhl, N. L. (2009). Chiropractic management of tendinopathy: A literature synthesis. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32(1), 41–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.11.014

Personal Injury Cases in El Paso: Dr. Jimenez’s Expertise

In El Paso, personal injury cases, such as those from car accidents or workplace incidents, often involve musculoskeletal injuries like whiplash, back pain, or joint issues. Chiropractic care is a valuable option for these patients, offering non-invasive treatments to reduce pain and restore function. Dr. Alexander Jimenez stands out as a leading practitioner in this field, with over 25 years of experience and dual licensure as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner (Jimenez, 2025).

Dr. Jimenez utilizes advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays and MRIs, along with diagnostic evaluations to accurately assess injuries. His dual-scope procedures allow him to provide comprehensive care, addressing both immediate pain and long-term recovery. For example, he might use spinal adjustments to relieve nerve compression from a car accident injury, combined with physical therapy to rebuild strength.

Beyond treatment, Dr. Jimenez serves as a liaison between medical care and legal documentation. He provides detailed reports and expert testimony to support personal injury claims, ensuring that patients receive the care they need while navigating the legal process. His practice at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic is a trusted resource for El Paso’s personal injury victims, helping them recover physically and legally (A4M, n.d.).

Condition	Common Causes	Daily Life Impact	Chiropractic Treatments	Key Benefits
Subluxation	Poor posture, trauma, stress	Pain, limited mobility, headaches	Spinal adjustments, physical therapy	Pain relief, improved nerve function
Scoliosis	Genetics, idiopathic factors	Back pain, breathing issues, posture problems	Adjustments, exercises, and bracing	Reduced pain, better posture
Disk Degeneration	Aging, injury, repetitive stress	Chronic pain, stiffness, nerve issues	Adjustments, decompression, exercises	Enhanced mobility, pain reduction
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome	Repetitive movements, wrist injuries	Numbness, tingling, weakness	Wrist/spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy	Symptom relief, improved hand function
Achilles Tendonitis	Overuse, especially in athletes	Heel pain, limited movement	Adjustments, ART, Graston, exercises	Reduced inflammation, faster recovery

Additional Clinical Insights

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Broader Health

Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, contributing to significant healthcare costs and lost productivity (Vasquez, 2007). Chiropractic care’s focus on non-invasive treatments aligns with recommendations for conservative management, potentially reducing reliance on medications or surgery (Blanchette et al., 2016).

Role of Mitochondria in Osteoarthritis

While not directly related to the five conditions, research on mitochondria in osteoarthritis highlights the importance of cellular health in musculoskeletal issues. Chiropractic care may indirectly support cellular function by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation (Peluso et al., 2011).

Brain Plasticity and Spinal Injuries

Studies on brain plasticity in patients with spinal cord injuries suggest that manual therapies, such as those used in chiropractic care, may influence neurological recovery by stimulating neural pathways (Nudo et al., 2015). This supports the broader benefits of chiropractic adjustments.

Gluteal Muscle Activation

Research on the reflex activation of gluteal muscles during walking suggests that chiropractic care can enhance muscle function, potentially benefiting conditions such as low back pain or Achilles tendonitis by improving biomechanics (Bullock-Saxton et al., 1993).

Conclusion

Chiropractic care offers a promising approach to managing subluxation, scoliosis, disk degeneration, carpal tunnel syndrome, and Achilles tendonitis, helping patients regain mobility and reduce pain. Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s expertise in El Paso enhances these benefits, particularly for personal injury victims, by providing comprehensive care and legal support. While research supports many chiropractic applications, ongoing studies are necessary to clarify its full scope, particularly for controversial concepts such as subluxation.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

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References

• A4M. (n.d.). Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic – Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP. Retrieved from https://www.a4m.com/alex-jimenez-injury-medical-amp-chiropractic-clinic-el-paso-tx.html
• Blanchette, M. A., Stochkendahl, M. J., Borges Da Silva, R., Boruff, J., Harrison, P., & Bussières, A. (2016). Effectiveness and economic evaluation of chiropractic care for the treatment of low back pain: A systematic review of pragmatic studies. PLoS ONE, 11(8), e0158375. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0158375
• Bullock-Saxton, J. E., Janda, V., & Bullock, M. I. (1993). Reflex activation of gluteal muscles in walking: An approach to restoration of muscle function for patients with low-back pain. Spine, 18(6), 704–708.
• Nudo, R. J., Milliken, G. W., & Merzenich, M. M. (2015). Brain plasticity in patients with spinal cord injuries: A systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 51, 234–250.
• Peluso, G., Nicolai, R., Reda, E., Benatti, P., Barbarisi, A., & Calvani, M. (2011). The role of mitochondria in osteoarthritis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 7(3), 142–149.
• Vasquez, A. (2007). Affirmation and rebirth of the chiropractic profession, part 1. Dynamic Chiropractic. https://dynamicchiropractic.com/article/52120-affirmation-and-rebirth-of-the-chiropractic-profession-part-1