Autoimmune Disease and Chiropractic Management

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Autoimmune Disease and Chiropractic Management — Fitness woman having a break on her exercise

The nervous system helps regulate the body’s immunity. Any dysfunction can initiate or aggravate issues associated with autoimmune disease. Chiropractic medicine focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself. These natural abilities function optimally when the body, and the nervous system, are well-balanced. Total body homeostasis elevates:

Mood
Immunity
Overall health
Quality of life

Table of Contents

Autoimmune Disease

The immune system goes after any foreign bodies that the body comes in contact with to combat/prevent illness and disease. This could be:

Bacteria
Cancer cells
Viruses

However, the system can over-activate and start attacking its own cells and organs. This can manifest as an autoimmune disease. The type of disease depends on the specific area of the body that is being attacked. Common autoimmune diseases include:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Multiple sclerosis
Irritable bowel syndrome
Psoriasis

A chiropractic approach to addressing autoimmune disease will usually begin with stress reduction. Therapies include:

Chiropractic adjustments to get the body balanced
Massage to loosen and relax the body’s tissues
Meditation to help manage stress, learn strategies of healthy coping
Yoga to keep the body limber
Exercise to strengthen the body inside and out
Diet to help with gut health and inflammation

The Nervous System and Immunity

The nervous system has a significant role in the body’s immunity. The system transmits signals when to battle illness when to engage in the healing process, and so on. If the nerve’s path is compromised it can interfere with the brain’s ability to properly function and regulate immunity. This can lead to an underactive or overactive immune system that translates into an autoimmune disease.

Proper spinal alignment is vital for maintaining optimal nervous system function. When the spine is out of alignment/balance, the communication highway/s are inhibited, deteriorating the body’s health and neural tissue response. Spinal misalignment restoration is a chiropractic specialty that will increase the body’s natural healing power and promote whole-body balance. The nerve circulation is optimized and can properly communicate without sending improper/damaged signals.

Chiropractic

Any type of misalignment can be overlooked as a cause for body dysfunction. Chiropractic is about naturally sustained spinal and whole-body health. It will optimize the body to manage the disease and possibly reverse it. Injury Medical and Functional Chiropractic Clinic can offer a variety of customized treatment plans to achieve optimal health and maximum quality of life.

Are You In Pain

Back Pain Treatment El Paso, TX Chiropractor

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

Stojanovich, Ljudmila, and Dragomir Marisavljevich. “Stress as a trigger of autoimmune disease.” Autoimmunity reviews vol. 7,3 (2008): 209-13. doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2007.11.007

Weakness, Pain, Numbness, Radiculopathy, and Chiropractic

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Dr. Alex Jimenez

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Weakness, Pain, Numbness, Radiculopathy, and Chiropractic — female physiotherapist doing massage to patient on massage table in hospital

Weakness, pain, and numbness can find their root in the spine. It is known as radiculopathy. If left untreated, health problems will only continue to get worse, with the potential to become a chronic condition. When it comes to degenerative pain conditions they usually start small. There is occasional discomfort that gradually develops into pain, then weakness and numbness.

Usually, by the time an individual seeks help, the original condition has devolved into radiating pain. This is why it is important to address the issue right away. Chiropractic works with individuals to help them understand the degenerative nature of pain and how to address and prevent it. Early intervention will prevent minor discomfort from turning into debilitating, chronic pain.

Table of Contents

Radiculopathy

Radiating pain root cause is a compressed or inflamed nerve. It happens at the site of compression and spreads outward growing larger with time. It can be a catalyst for different pain conditions and syndromes like sciatica or complex regional pain syndrome. There are a variety of terms for nerve pain, they are typically a form of radiculopathy.

Stages

The pain can spiral as fast as the underlying condition/s that is causing it. A compressed nerve that generates pain but does not become worse in severity is usually because the compression stays the same. Conversely, minimal discomfort brought on from shifted vertebrae can rapidly progress into weakness, numbness, and reduced mobility as a nerve is continually and severely getting compressed. Radiculopathy pain usually follows a pattern. Understanding the signs and symptoms will help determine to what extent the condition has progressed, and how it can develop into a worsening nerve injury:

Discomfort is the first stage. Subluxation, rotation, or a spinal shift is what is occurring, with the nerve not yet affected.
The pain signals that come from nerve compression along with the severity can help determine the cause of the condition.
Weakness usually follows pain. The nerve that is affected begins to take on permanent damage and cannot function properly.
Numbness follows the weakness reaching the most severe level. Mobility is limited along with a high increase for permanent nerve pain.

Being aware of these radiculopathy symptoms will help an individual stay ahead of nerve injury. Acting on discomfort can prevent progression into pain, addressing pain can stave off weakness, and acting upon weakness may prevent permanent nerve damage. The sooner an individual seeks help for any type of pain, the better chance they have to prevent degeneration.

Long-Term Prevention

It is crucial to consult with a chiropractor at the first sign of discomfort in the spine or if there is radiating/spreading back pain. A chiropractor will be able to provide decisive treatment that will bring relief and prevent the pain from worsening. The pain, weakness, and numbness can be avoided, along with long-term damage to the nerves.

Sciatica Pain Therapy

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

Stochkendahl, Mette Jensen et al. “National Clinical Guidelines for non-surgical treatment of patients with recent-onset low back pain or lumbar radiculopathy.” 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. 27,1 (2018): 60-75. doi:10.1007/s00586-017-5099-2

Chronic Fatigue, The Cervical Spine and Chiropractic Treatment

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Dr. Alex Jimenez

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chronic Fatigue, The Cervical Spine and Chiropractic Treatment — Beautiful blond office worker feels very tired at her new job in the office.

An examination of the cervical/neck region of the spine through chiropractic will help determine a thyroid diagnosis for individuals complaining of chronic fatigue. A thyroid dysfunction means going deeper into the body’s physiology and a thorough examination of the spine. Checking for subluxations in the cervical spine will reveal possible nerve blockage and any other contributing factors to a thyroid condition. Thyroid conditions tend to get overlooked because the symptoms are general. They range from:

Fatigue
Moodiness
Muscle pain
Brain fog

These are cornerstones of a thyroid condition. Under-active thyroid and/or thyroid cancer can have an impact on everyday life regardless of the severity. However, these symptoms can signify numerous other conditions.

Table of Contents

The Cervical Spine

The nerves connected to the thyroid gland can be traced down the spine to the last neck/cervical vertebrae, which is C7. A chiropractor will examine this region when individuals complain of fatigue, brain fog, or moodiness. Subluxation, translation, or disc deterioration at C7 could mean that the nerve signals and blood circulation to the thyroid are limited, interrupted, or completely blocked.

Linking cervical spine dysfunction to thyroid dysfunction

Spinal subluxations are not the full cause of thyroid dysfunction. A single vertebra might not show signs of movement, which means a chiropractor could have to look further into the spine. A chiropractic examination will search for problems that correlate with thyroid issues. For example, individuals with a cervical dysfunction could experience general nerve issues in this area. It could be a contributor to nerve signals not being delivered to the thyroid gland. Diagnosis of a root condition that has secondary effects on the gland is another way to qualify a thyroid condition.

Medical History

Questions that will be asked by a chiropractor during an exam could consist of:

Is there a family history of hyper/hypothyroidism?
Is the individual under intense stress from work, home, etc?
Are there other symptoms that could be associated with thyroid dysfunction?

All details are necessary for connecting nerve interruption to thyroid conditions then factoring how spinal manipulation could alleviate symptoms.

Cervical Misalignment Treatment

Combining the evidence of:

Subluxations
Blocked nerves
Cervical spine dysfunction

Any further symptoms/details will help form a complete picture of a thyroid condition. If that condition is being tested or treated by a general physician, it may still benefit from a chiropractic adjustment. Physicians could recommend diet and medication to bring the thyroid back to proper function, and chiropractic can help improve the nerve function of the gland. This includes:

Re-opening pinched pathways
Restored blood flow to the region
Helping nerve signals fire transmit properly

We advocate for an incremental, customized approach to restore cervical spine curvature and optimal nerve health. We have worked with a variety of individuals experiencing chronic fatigue, mental fog, and moodiness, and have helped link these symptoms to thyroid dysfunction. If it seems that there is constant confusion or disorganized thought patterns, schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about our chiropractic approach.

Neck Pain Chiropractic

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

Arick, Christopher T. “Chiropractic Management of a Patient With Chronic Fatigue: A Case Report.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 15,4 (2016): 314-320. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2016.08.006

Transverse Myelitis Rare Spinal Cord Disorder Possible Cause Covid-19

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Dr. Alex Jimenez

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Transverse Myelitis Rare Spinal Cord Disorder Possible Cause Covid-19 — Senior man suffering from back pain leans on a cane

Covid-19 has impacted everyone in so many ways. There is a possible connection between Covid-19 and a rare spinal disorder known as transverse myelitis. There have been three known cases of acute transverse myelitis brought on from covid-19. Although these case reports are not enough to prove that covid is the cause for transverse myelitis, researchers are delving into the possibility of a connection between the virus and this spinal condition.

Table of Contents

Transverse Myelitis

Transverse myelitis causes inflammation of the spinal cord. It can be caused by

Infections
Immune system disorders
Disorders that damage/destroy myelin

Myelin is the layer that forms around nerve cell axons or the wiring of the nervous system and insulates them. It consists of protein, fatty substances, and acts as a defensive sheath that allows electrical impulses to transmit properly. The insulation properties are essential for:

Proper motor function
Sensory function
Cognition

Without the insulation, the electrical impulses traveling through the spinal cord dissipate or weaken. The messages don’t reach the nerves and can lead to:

Muscle spasms
Twitching
Numbness

The most common disorder that destroys the myelin known as demyelination is multiple sclerosis. Transverse myelitis can affect individuals of:

Any race
Gender
Age

There are treatments, but there is no cure. Treatments consist of corticosteroids and other therapies to suppress the immune system. However, their focus is on preventing and minimizing permanent neurological damage.

Recognizing and Identifying

Symptoms of transverse myelitis can include:

Pain that usually starts in the lower back and causes shooting pain/sensations down the legs, arm, and torso
Leg/s and arm/s weakness
Sensory changes in the legs, torso, and genital area
Bladder and Bowel dysfunction
Muscle spasms
General discomfort
Headaches
Fever
Loss of appetite

Depending on the segment of the spine where the damage is occurring will determine which parts of the body are affected. Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical evaluation. A doctor will utilize various methods. A thorough neurological exam will be performed to rule out any issues that require emergency intervention. If a doctor suspects transverse myelitis they will order diagnostic tests like:

Magnetic resonance imaging or an MRI
Blood tests
Lumbar puncture

Treatment

As previously stated, there is no cure for transverse myelitis, and treatment focuses on managing complications. Treatments can include:

Pain medication
Antiviral medications
Intravenous corticosteroids
Immunomodulating agents
Plasma exchange therapy
Intravenous immunoglobin treatment

The hard facts are that while most people with transverse myelitis have at least a partial recovery, for some, however, recovery can continue for up to two years and longer. A combination of medications, chiropractic, and physical therapy can help improve physical symptoms.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is working to understand the process, as to how the immune system destroys or attacks myelin. Hopefully, this will lead to answers, improved treatment, and prevention. It is well-documented that Multiple sclerosis, bacterial infections, and other viruses can cause transverse myelitis, research must continue to see if there is a connection to covid-19.

Chiropractic Lower Back Pain Treatment

El Paso, TX Lower Back Bain Pain Chiropractic Relief

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

Chakraborty, Uddalak et al. “COVID-19-associated acute transverse myelitis: a rare entity.” BMJ case reports vol. 13,8 e238668. 25 Aug. 2020, doi:10.1136/bcr-2020-238668

Inflamed Plantar Fascia, Heel/Foot Pain, and Chiropractic

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Inflamed Plantar Fascia, Foot/Heel Pain, and Chiropractic — cropped shot of man sitting on bed and suffering from foot pain

One of the most likely causes of foot/heel pain is inflamed plantar fascia, which causes plantar fasciitis. It can be a painful and common injury from overuse of the ligaments in the foot. When this pain presents, it can make an individual not want to walk or place any type of pressure on the feet, as the pain worsens with pressure or impact on the foot.

Chiropractic care doesn’t just treat the spine but can help with various other musculoskeletal issues throughout the body. With chiropractic adjustments, rest, icing, and exercises, the ligaments, and tissues of the feet are worked out, massaged, and stretched back to their normal range.

Table of Contents

Plantar Fascia

There is a ligament called the plantar fascia. It runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel. The plantar fascia absorbs shock and helps support the feet when walking. However, ligament tension can begin to increase, specifically when standing for long periods. When the tension reaches its limit, small tears can begin to form along with inflammation causing pain.

The pain occurs when walking, standing, or immediately after waking up. The condition can happen to anyone but is more likely to become an issue for those who stand or walk as a regular part of their job, home activity, etc. Side effects from the foot pain often cause individuals to adjust their walking gait to avoid feeling discomfort, that stresses the rest of the body like the muscles, ligaments, joints that can lead to various types of injury/s.

Chiropractic Treatment

Individuals with an inflamed plantar fascia often experience a shooting/stabbing pain that worsens in the morning or after standing or sitting for an extended time. Repetitive impact on the feet and poor arch support from shoes cause small tears to happen over time from the continued stress. If it has just started the pain can be treated with ice and rest, but they are not for solving the root cause. Chiropractic can help bring pain relief that lasts along with recurrence prevention. Here are some a few ways a chiropractor can help:

Ankle Re-alignment

Ankle misalignment can contribute to plantar fasciitis at the plantar fascia has to work harder to move the foot without the ankle’s support. Manipulation and realignment of the ankle will improve foot function.

Massage

A chiropractor along with a physical therapy team can be utilized for soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy to release tension.

Exercises and Stretches

Various stretching and exercising techniques can be implemented to help speed up the healing process. A chiropractor will work the individual through exercises and stretches designed to relieve inflammation and stretch out the tissue. Specific exercises will also be taught to help strengthen the lower leg muscles to stabilize the heel and help prevent pain.

Posture

A chiropractor will correct any improper posture/s that has contributed to the foot pain or has become a way of being able to function as a result of the pain. This will return the individual to a normal gait when walking and running. Pressure on the feet and plantar fascia will be alleviated.

Spinal/Hip Re-alignment

Individuals learn to avoid pain by walking/moving in a different way than how the body is supposed to. This results in pain in the hips and back, as the body is being pulled in various ways. Manipulation and mobilization will be used to realign the body to its proper form.

Footwear/Orthotics

A chiropractor will make adjustments to the feet, ankles, and spine to reduce pain and relieve the pressure on the plantar fascia. Supportive footwear and orthotics could be recommended for extended/preventative care. Once diagnosed with a foot problem wearing proper shoes that support the feet is essential.
Orthotics can also help prevent injury to the back, joints, and muscles that were stretched or over-worked from an abnormal gait. When the pressure is relieved, the ligament starts to heal. This can take a few weeks. The result is a healthier heel/foot with proper function. Chiropractic can accelerate the healing process combined with home care. If pain is presenting in the heel, do not delay and focus on healing the foot.

Walking Incorrectly

Make a Difference in your Posture with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx

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

Goff, James D, and Robert Crawford. “Diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis.” American family physician vol. 84,6 (2011): 676-82.

Chiropractic Treatment For Chronic Stress Relief

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Treatment For Chronic Stress Relief — Office worker typing email on tablet computer. The woman feels stressed and nervous, holds an antistress yellow ball in her hand

Chronic stress is a continued and constant feeling of stress that negatively affects the body’s health if left untreated. It is caused by everyday pressures from work, family, or trauma, but instead of calming down and going back to a neutral demeanor, the worry and anxiety keep going. Chronic stress happens when the body experiences stressors to an intense degree, that the nervous system is not able to activate the relaxation response regularly.

Normal stress is an essential part of the body’s fight or flight response that keeps an individual safe from danger and ensures survival when something threatening occurs. If the stress becomes chronic and is not managed appropriately it can be detrimental causing or exacerbating serious health problems that include:

Mental health problems
Depression
Anxiety
Disorders
Cardiovascular disease/s
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Abnormal heart rhythms
Heart attack
Stroke

This affects almost every system in the body, directly and indirectly. The body can handle acute/short-term stress, but not chronic stress. Despite how chronic stress can damage overall health, chiropractic can bring the body back into balance and help manage the stress.

Table of Contents

Chronic Stress Health

There are a variety of factors that can lead to the onset of chronic stress and include:

Mental health problems related to depression, anxiety, etc
Traumatic events like natural disasters, automobile accident, injuries
Caring for a family member or elder that is sick
Continued exposure to negativity from social media, news, etc
Chronic blue light exposure from electronic devices
Unhealthy habits related to poor sleep, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise
Chronic illness
Having no stress management techniques or unhealthy coping methods

The body is not meant to be in a constant state of stress, as it does not allow the body to repair itself and rest properly. This can lead to the breakdown of cellular processes, proper organ functions, and lead to disease. Chronic stress has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and depression.

Identification

It is not easy to recognize chronic stress. This is because of its long-lasting nature that individuals get so accustomed to, that it becomes normal. Symptoms to look for when identifying chronic stress:

Mood fluctuations and/or irritability
Always worrying about something
No time to take care of oneself or take part in enjoyable activities
Little inconveniences become too much to handle
Constantly getting colds or infections
Rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms like junk food, or alcohol to manage the stress

Management Techniques

The ability to properly manage chronic stress is crucial for achieving optimal health. Management can be simple and straightforward. Options for management include:

Chiropractic
Healthy diet
Sleep improvement
Regular physical activity
Relaxation techniques like massage and heat therapy
Time management skills improvement
Reduced screen exposure specifically at night
Less time on social media
Mindfulness practice like meditation

Spinal Alignment

The techniques listed address reducing the external cues that affect internal health brought on by the stress response. Addressing internal imbalances will help the body return to a state of homeostasis. A common underlying imbalance that contributes to chronic stress is spinal misalignment. This is a root cause that could be over-activating the stress response which limits the body’s ability to return to a relaxed state.

Chiropractic Management

Spinal misalignment/s hinders the nervous system’s ability to regulate the body’s stress response. This is due to improper nerve signaling and poor blood, and energy flow. Chiropractic is a research-oriented, science-based natural medical approach that specializes in addressing spinal issues. It gets the body’s natural healing ability to activate returning the body’s natural state of balance.

Most Recommended Chiropractor

The Most Effective Chiropractor | El Paso, Tx (2019)

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

Abdallah, Chadi G, and Paul Geha. “Chronic Pain and Chronic Stress: Two Sides of the Same Coin?.” Chronic stress (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) vol. 1 (2017): 2470547017704763. doi:10.1177/2470547017704763

Chronic Inflammatory Response Balance Restored with Chiropractic

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chronic Inflammatory Response Balance Restored with Chiropractic — Bald man touching painful elbow and trying to massage it before physical exercise while sitting on medical couch in clinics and waiting for doctor

The body’s inflammatory response is a chemical one. It happens when the body’s tissues are damaged/injured from:

Bacteria
Trauma
Toxins
Heat

The damaged cells release different chemicals that include:

These chemicals cause the blood vessels to leak out into the tissues and cause swelling. Redness, swelling, and warmth/heat connected to an inflammatory response are secondary symptoms brought on from an increased blood flow that mobilizes the cells to the specific area to engage the healing process from illness or injury.

This process is vital in maintaining the body’s optimal health. The inflammatory response can become debilitating when it becomes chronic and leads to the onset or aggravation of a condition or disease. Chiropractic treatment will restore the body’s balance and reduce inflammation.

Table of Contents

Inflammatory Response Causes

There are different causes for the body activating a full inflammatory response. When inflammation is caused by an acute injury, virus, or bacterial infection, inflammation is necessary to help restore the body’s homeostasis. Conversely, chronic inflammation leaves the body in a state of stress and imbalance. This depletes energy reserves making it impossible for the body to properly rejuvenate. Common causes of chronic inflammatory response include:

Chronic stress/anxiety
Poor sleep
Unhealthy diet
Sedentary lifestyle
Being overweight
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes
Sensitivity to chemicals, environmental triggers, foods
Autoimmune diseases

Inflammation Reduction

While inflammation is necessary for proper body health, knowing how to manage symptoms can help reduce unnecessary pain. Inflammation can be reduced by:

A nutrient-rich diet that focuses on fruits and vegetables
Reducing processed foods specifically sugars
Avoiding common food allergens like gluten and dairy products
Weight loss
Sleep hygiene
Regular physical activity
Stress management
Body balance

Spinal Alignment

The nervous system plays a significant role in inflammatory response management. The system coordinates proper cellular processes and signals. It also helps with body regulation and restoration when inflammation is no longer needed. A spinal misalignment can throw the entire process into chaos and be an underlying cause that contributes to chronic inflammation. Spinal misalignments block vital nerve energy that helps the body self-regulate. With chiropractic nerve circulation is restored allowing the body to properly and optimally coordinate necessary functions.

Chiropractic Balance

Chiropractic is a science-oriented branch of medical care that focuses on optimizing spinal alignment. Addressing the root issue of spinal alignment will help restore the balance and energy needed to regulate the inflammatory response. Contact a chiropractic practitioner today and see what they can do for you and your health.

Car Accident Chiropractor

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

Medzhitov, Ruslan. “Origin and physiological roles of inflammation.” Nature vol. 454,7203 (2008): 428-35. doi:10.1038/nature07201

Chiropractic Posterior Adjustments for Bulging Discs

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Posterior Adjustments for Bulging Discs — high angle view of young woman suffering from back pain on couch at home

Bulging discs usually present in the lower back. Chiropractic studies have shown that the L4 and L5 segments are more susceptible to stressors that enable and cause the discs to bulge.

These vertebrae shift and become compressed with stress and time. The bulge eventually reaches a point that causes symptoms that include:

Pain
Limited range of motion
Mobility issues

Bulging discs are a common ailment that chiropractors specialize in treating and is one of the most common reasons individuals seek treatment. There is a surprise when individuals learn that spinal adjustments are only part of the solution for relief from bulging discs. Once a chiropractor realigns the vertebrae back into place, the individual must put in the work of preventing any re-bulging.

Once relief has been attained individuals can become hesitant when a chiropractor informs them of the need for posterior chain strengthening. Posterior chain adjustments along with strength exercises are very important for the prevention of further bulging discs and overall optimal spine health. Restoring the lower back’s curvature and maintaining alignment requires strengthening the support system. Part of the chiropractic experience is educating patients on how to best maintain their spines.

Table of Contents

Posterior chain Identification

A bulging low back disc is more than low back pain. A chiropractor will help an individual identify the posterior chain stimulus that is causing their bulging discs. An example to identify the posterior chain root that is causing the pain, a chiropractor will have an individual perform certain movements to figure out where along the chain the problems are occurring. It could be a weakness in the gluteal muscles or if the chiropractor asks the individual to touch their toes from a standing position and they are unable could show inflexibility.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Bulging discs begin with proper chiropractic adjusting and re-alignment. Palpitation along with radiological imaging will allow a chiropractor to determine which lumbar disc/s is bulging and to what extent. This will determine the treatment protocol that the chiropractor will take.

It can include drop table adjustments that will help shift any misaligned vertebrae, and traction to alleviate compression and inflammation. Depending on age, the severity of the bulge, and the cause of the condition, a combination of adjustment techniques could be utilized.

Strengthening

Once the pain has been addressed, a chiropractor will recommend exercises and stretches to strengthen the posterior chain and its support system. The disc/s that are bulging will be able to realign properly while any further bulges can be avoided. Strengthening is focused on the:

Gluteal muscles
Hamstrings
Quadriceps
Hip flexors
Low back

Core strengthening will increase the strength of these muscle groups. This means enhanced support for the entire spine promoting the spine’s ability to handle stressors and avoid bulging. Individuals have found benefits from yoga or a specific stretching regimen of the posterior chain. This helps reduce stress in overused/worked muscles that improve flexibility and mobility support systems.

Bulging disc relief

Bulging discs should not be ignored. If left untreated it could lead to more severe complications. To prevent recurring bulges along with low back pain, an individual needs to strengthen the posterior chain. Strengthening, and stretching are all crucial to the chiropractic adjustment process. A customized chiropractic treatment plan will ensure every individual gets the proper support their body needs.

Herniated Disc Treatment

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Djuric, N et al. “Lumbar disc extrusions reduce faster than bulging discs due to an active role of macrophages in sciatica.” Acta neurochirurgica vol. 162,1 (2020): 79-85. doi:10.1007/s00701-019-04117-7

Remote Working/School and Learning/Forming Spine-Healthy Habits

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Remote Working/School and Learning/Forming Spine-Healthy Habits — Caucasian woman performing a side stretching exercise for the spine working at home.

Remote working and learning have changed the way we operate, but too much sitting and no physical activity is the perfect set up for back pain. Here are a few tips for spine friendly remote working and learning. Spine-health is just as important working or learning remotely, if not more so because it is easy to fall into bad posture habits that will affect the spine. Poor home working/learning habits can cause upper and lower back pain that could become chronic.

Individuals become too comfortable making the home working environment a damaging experience on spinal health. For chiropractors, the pandemic brought an influx of individuals of all ages with upper, middle, and lower back pain. This was caused by poor posture when video conferencing on the couch, slouching at the table and sitting for way too long, and never getting up and moving around.

Children tend to present with pain and aches on the side of the spine versus pain directly centered. This is from side slouching, often when staring at the computer monitor. Adults, especially over 40 complained of pain and stiffness in the upper and lower back. Herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica risks increase as bad habits continue and do not improve. However, this can all be helped with a little exercise, work/school space optimization, and forming healthy work and schooling from home habits.

Table of Contents

Stretching Out

When working/schooling remotely, there’s a tendency to be more sedentary. Individuals need to learn to take time to stretch out and keep the body limber. It is easy to use breaks to scroll through social media or binge on movies, videos, etc. This can still be accomplished, but stretch out and move around while taking breaks. An exercise program of stretching daily during the workday and endurance training twice a week will help reduce back pain and increase flexion. Results vary for everyone and the type of stretching exercises they are performing.

Core Exercises

Core exercises are a perfect way to work out muscle stress and back pain resulting from poor posture. Slumped over a computer can place significant stress on the trapezius muscle causing the muscle to knot up and tighten. The trapezius muscle is crucial to neck and shoulder movement and helps stabilize the shoulder blades.

Trapezius stretch with band

Holding an elastic band between the hands, place the band at the back of the skull.
Slowly tilt the head back to its full range of motion as the resistance is felt.
Return the head back to the neutral position maintaining alignment with the spine.
Repeat ten times

Shoulder shrugs

Choose 2 items of equal weight such as 2 books, 2 quarts of water, or 2 hand weights, and hold one item in each hand.
Position keeping hands near your sides
Slowly raise up and shrug your shoulders for several seconds
Gently release shoulder shrug and bring back arms to neutral
Repeat for 10 reps

Posture

Proper posture is a learned process that requires practice. Using a mirror to check posture can help maintain proper posture while seated when working/schooling. Self-assessing posture correctly is important and viewing oneself in a mirror is an easy way to figure out what adjustments are needed. Questions to ask oneself while self-assessing include:

Is the head far too forward?
Is there slouching?
Are the shoulders curling/rounding around the body?

Posture tips when seated:

Keep the feet flat on the floor or on a footrest
If in the habit of crossing ankles and knees change position often
Position the back against the chair. If the spine does not align with the chair use a cushion or backrest
Position knees at hip height or a little lower
Maintain some space between the back of the knees and the chair’s edge
Look straight ahead but make sure the neck is comfortable
Position forearms parallel to the floor
Maintain relaxed shoulders

Adjust the Light

When lighting is not optimal there can be a tendency to strain forward in various positions. This can cause excessive stress and inflammation to the upper spine area. Natural ambient lighting is recommended. In general, the lighting set-up should be adjusted to easily see the screen without causing glare or any type of discomfort to the eyes.

Take a Walk

A daily routine that will support spine health is to take walk breaks every half hour for a few minutes. If every half hour is not doable then take a 5 or 10-minute break to walk around and stretch every hour. It is important not to remain seated for too long. Remember the body was meant to move and be active.

Optimization Work Station

Using ergonomic office furniture for home use can help prevent the development of unhealthy posture along with the development of further musculoskeletal issues. Laptops are great for their portability and ability to work-from-anywhere. However, actually placing them on your lap and working on them for too long will cause back and neck strain. It is difficult to position the keyboard and screen for maintaining a proper line of sight and hand position.

The most spine-healthy way to work on a laptop is to position the screen at eye level with the keyboard level with slightly extended hands. A recommended long-term solution is using a screen and keyboard that can be adjusted. One type of computer set up is an iPad positioned at eye-level with a stand and a wireless external keyboard/mouse on a table or desk.

A lot of money does not have to be spent on the setup. Books or boxes laying around the house can be used to prop up the screen to the proper height. The goal is when working/schooling remotely is to ensure the body is not hunched over, bent, or straining forward and to maintain proper posture with optimal spinal alignment.

There are unique spinal health challenges when working/learning remotely. However, they can be avoided with a little planning and small adjustments. Taking time to stretch, do a little exercise, walk around the house, have adequate lighting, and making some ergonomic desk, chair, and computer changes that will help maintain a healthy spine.

Back Pain Rehabilitation

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

Moretti A, Menna F, Aulicino M, Paoletta M, Liguori S, Iolascon G. Characterization of Home Working Population during COVID-19 Emergency: A Cross-Sectional Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(17):6284. Published 2020 Aug 28. doi:10.3390/ijerph17176284

Metabolic Syndrome and Chiropractic Body Wellness

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Metabolic Syndrome and Chiropractic Body Wellness — back view of man having chiropractic adjustment in clinic

Metabolic syndrome is the term for a group of risk factors like heart disease, diabetes, along with other health issues. The number of individuals dealing with the condition could be as high as 1 in 4. An individual can have one risk factor but most have several in combination. When there are three of these risk factors it becomes metabolic syndrome. The syndrome is a collection of conditions, that culminate in a correlative diagnosis. Risk factors/Symptoms include some or all of the following:

High blood pressure
High blood sugar
Increased triglycerides
Low HDL cholesterol
Obesity

The disease can lead to:

Gastrointestinal distress
Insulin resistance
Heart attack
Stroke
Heart disease

If left untreated and continued poor life choices that include unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity/exercise, and habit formation an individual can die from complications of the syndrome. The condition requires clinical treatment and medical assistance, however, chiropractic has been seen a a viable way to help treat the syndrome.

Table of Contents

Causes

The syndrome can have several causes that progress together:

Age the risk goes up as an individual gets older
Genetics and family history
Weight issues
Physical inactivity
Insulin resistance, a condition where the body can’t use insulin properly
The resistance can lead to high blood sugar levels

Individuals with metabolic syndrome tend to have excessive blood clotting and inflammation throughout the body. However, research has not shown whether these conditions cause the syndrome or worsen it.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic’s role is to stabilize the spine and the body. Too much weight leads to spinal dislocation and vertebral compression issues. This can lead to nerve impingement and disc problems. Even a small subluxation can turn into an extreme condition/s with widespread symptoms. Individuals that are overweight require a spinal realignment in order to gain proper stability. A chiropractor will administer corrective adjustments to generate the body’s natural healing process in the affected areas.

Restoring the nerve pathways will promote better blood flow and nutrient delivery to and through the spine. Chiropractic will set the tone for a metabolic syndrome reversal. The second phase of treatment will look at diet and exercise. This serves a dual purpose of introducing proper nutrition to the body, encouraging weight loss, and conditioning the individual’s mindset for the lifestyle adjustments/changes. A healthy/balanced spine will help those with metabolic syndrome get a proper foothold on turning their poor lifestyle into a healthy one.

Reversal

The syndrome can be reversed with the right treatment approach. Usually, this begins with weight loss. Once the weight begins to reduce the secondary benefits kick in. This includes a reduction in blood pressure and a decrease in triglycerides. Once an individual’s spine is stable, they will then be educated on how to adapt and apply a long-term plan to maintain healthy habits for diet, physical activity, sleep, and stress relief strategies. As chiropractors focus on whole-body wellness, treatment plans will also look at:

Sleep
Gut homeostasis
Chronic pain
Inflammation
Aches and pains

Remember, the spine is the root of the body. The key to wellness is total body balance. All-natural chiropractic medicine can help achieve optimal health.

Weight Loss Doctor of Chiropractic

Weight Loss El Paso, TX Doctor Of Chiropractic

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

Samson, Susan L, and Alan J Garber. “Metabolic syndrome.” Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America vol. 43,1 (2014): 1-23. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2013.09.009

Scar Tissue Break Down with Chiropractic, Mobility and Flexibility Restored

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Scar Tissue Break Down with Chiropractic, Mobility and Flexibility Restored — Physiotherapist giving backstroke therapy to a woman in clinic. Physical treatment concept

Scar tissue if left untreated/unmanaged could lead to mobility and chronic pain issues. Individuals that are recovering from a traumatic injury often have issues brought on from scar tissue. Scar tissue build-up is part of the healing process but in some cases, the tissue build-up can create another set of health issues. Restricted mobility and range of motion and lack of flexibility can worsen over time.

Chiropractors are taught to consider the presence of scar tissue when performing adjustments. This is especially true for patients recovering from a traumatic injury. If left untreated it could affect:

Recovery progress
Treatment approaches
The capability of the individual to handle the treatment
The planning and execution for a chiropractic recovery strategy

Table of Contents

Scar Tissue Breakdown

Scar tissue can be broken up, managed, and kept loose/relaxed through various chiropractic/physical therapy techniques, stretches, exercises, and diet adjustments. Breaking up scar tissue and keeping it relaxed is necessary to restore full movement and range of motion. A certain degree of scar tissue will remain to mark the wound, but the pliability and softness of these tissues can be treated. Chiropractors can implement several techniques to break down scar tissue.

Graston Technique

The Graston technique uses instrumentation for addressing scarring in soft-tissue areas like the legs, neck, and lower back. A chiropractor targets the thicker scar tissue areas gently breaking them down.

Instrument Adjustment

Using a pulsating instrument, chiropractors can target specific areas of scar tissue buildup. The instrument massages the areas to improve flexibility and reduce stress in the tissue.

Assisted Manipulation

The assisted manipulation technique soothes the area before performing manual adjustments. A chiropractor could use light oil for heat, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to loosen tension, or numbing gel/cream to soften any sensitivity.

Trigger point therapy

This therapy focuses on heavily scarred tissue areas, where there is substantial buildup. A chiropractor breaks down the scar tissue while continually testing the motion.

Therapeutic massage

Therapeutic massage is necessary with widespread scar tissue. It improves blood flow and gently stimulates scar tissue to improve movement and alleviate pain. These techniques and how they are applied depends on the individual and the amount of tissue build-up. For example, certain techniques work better for different situations like:

The Graston technique could help after surgery
Trigger point therapy can help when muscle spasms, and knots present
Therapeutic massage could be best suited for soft tissue scarring, like whiplash or muscle strains

Adjustment Attention

Recent injuries that produce scar tissue can usually be felt while a chiropractor palpates the area, while radiological imaging shows scar tissue from past injuries. A chiropractor will take note of these areas when developing a treatment plan. Severe scar tissue will need special focus, which could mean a longer recovery. This is because the body could take longer to adjust to the adjustments being made. A thorough consultation and investigation will be performed/examined before any adjustments begin.

Whiplash Chiropractic Massage

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

Shin, Thuzar M, and Jeremy S Bordeaux. “The role of massage in scar management: a literature review.” Dermatologic surgery: official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] vol. 38,3 (2012): 414-23. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02201.x

Overuse/Repetitive Motion Injuries and Chiropractic Treatment

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Overuse/Repetitive Motion Injuries and Chiropractic Treatment — Modern couple at home: wife is working with laptop computer, husband is doing chores. Busy businesswoman typing on office pc and sending email for remote work, white man washing floor with mop

Overuse/repetitive body movements occur in jobs, chores, video gaming, texting, and other forms of physical work. This means doing something over and over, with the hands and other muscles and bones of the body. Repeating bodily motions are common for individuals in their daily lives. However, doing these movements regularly and for too long can lead to muscle, ligament, tendon pain, and injuries. Performing the same motion over and over generates significant stress/pressure with a highly increased risk of injury/s.

The shoulders, elbows, knees, or wrists could present with stiffness and pain, even though there is no recall injuring any of these areas. These injuries are very common but are treatable with rest, physical activity modification, and chiropractic injury treatment. Once diagnosed a chiropractor/physical therapy team can begin developing a customized overuse/repetitive injury treatment plan.

Table of Contents

Identification of overuse/repetitive motion injuries

Overuse/repetitive motion injuries are also known as repetitive stress injuries. They are caused by gradual progressive damage to the:

Muscles
Ligaments
Tendons

Individuals that perform the same movement many times a day, every day. Much like a machine with various moving parts that over time wear down and need to be replaced. With the human body, these moving muscles/tendons/ligaments are pulled and stretched to such an extent that small tears form in the tissue. These tears can worsen over time. If the activity movements continue with no treatment, the tears can happen faster than the body can repair them, causing inflammation and pain. The symptoms of overuse/repetitive motion injuries usually include:

Pain
Stiffness
Reduced range of motion
Numbness
Weakness
Swelling
Redness in the affected body area

Pain may only present when performing the repetitive motion, but over time pain can begin to present when doing other tasks and begin to linger nonstop.

Causes of overuse injury

An overuse/repetitive injury can be any type of muscle or joint injury/s. Examples include tendonitis or a stress fracture caused by repetitive trauma. Overuse/repetitive injury/s usually happen from:

Performance errors when an individual takes on too much physical activity too soon, causing overstrain on the muscles, tendons, etc, as they are not used to the activity.
Exercising too long can strain the body
Rushing through a task, chore, job
Technique errors can take a toll on the body. Using poor form during work, exercise, playtime can overload muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

Chiropractic

These injuries can be temporary or become permanent conditions that depend on the severity of the injury and the damage done. Reach out to a professional as soon as possible to ensure the proper treatment path. Activity modification will be necessary, specifically when beginning treatment, as the injury needs time to recover from all the stretching, pulling, and tearing. Depending on the injury’s severity, there may be a need to stop the motion/activity entirely until the muscles, tendons, ligaments are recovered to a treatable degree and can be retrained. Part of the treatment will include:

Rest
Ice
Heat
Stretching
Diet adjustments to reduce inflammation

Chiropractic offers multiple benefits, including pain relief and improved mobility. A chiropractor will determine the appropriate techniques based on the individual’s injury and severity.

Tissue massages will loosen the tight muscles and relieve cramping.
Specific stretches will be incorporated to work on the range of motion and prevent stiffness.
Physical therapy will increase muscle strength and stability.
Spinal adjustments will be utilized for starting up the body’s natural healing ability and proper blood circulation

If dealing with an overuse/repetitive motion injury, contact a chiropractor. Our team targets the problem at the source promoting optimal healing and pain relief.

Chronic Hand Pain Treatment

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Yang, Guang et al. “Tendon and ligament regeneration and repair: clinical relevance and developmental paradigm.” Birth defects research. Part C, Embryo today : reviews vol. 99,3 (2013): 203-222. doi:10.1002/bdrc.21041

Bohm, J. “Occupational repetitive motion injury: clinical overview and chiropractic implication.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 13,5 (1990): 267-72.

Strengthening The Immune System With Chiropractic Support

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Strengthening The Immune System With Chiropractic Support — Physiotherapist massaging a senior womans leg in clinic

The immune system is made up of a network of cells and proteins that defend the body against infection/s. It is made up of specialized organs, and chemicals that fight microorganisms, specifically that are bacterial and can cause infection/disease. The system keeps a record of every germ so it can recognize and destroy any microbes if they enter the body again.
Immune system abnormalities can lead to:

Allergic diseases
Immunodeficiencies
Autoimmune disorders

Table of Contents

The Immune System

Protection from viruses and bacterias requires a long term solution/s for building and strengthening immunity. Chiropractic adjustments along with health coaching can help. The main organs of the immune system are:

White blood cells
Antibodies
Complement system
Lymphatic system
Spleen
Bone marrow
Thymus

The Microbiome

The health and variety of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract have been shown to have significant effects on overall health, including immunity. When gut health is optimized, it helps the body’s natural processes for detecting and fighting microorganisms. Simple ways to strengthen gut health include:

Diet

A healthy diet rich in a variety of whole foods and vegetables will promote diversity in the gut.

Supplements

Probiotics can significantly help strengthen gastrointestinal health.

Get Out In the Sun

Being outside provides the microbiome vitamin D which helps fight inflammation and strengthens the sense of well-being.

Nerve Signal Optimization

The central nervous system has a primary role in gastrointestinal motility and overall balance. Proper spinal alignment will help blood and nerve synapse circulation.

Maintaining Body Balance

A strengthened immune system is about maintaining whole-body balance. The body is a complicated system that operates/functions in top form when tuned up and in proper alignment.

Spinal Alignment

Chiropractic can provide expert treatment to restore spinal misalignment/s. This keeps the body functioning at an optimal level.

Exercise

A moving body is a healthy body. Regular exercise will benefit the immune system and keep it strong.

Stress Management

A high level of stress can compromise the immune system’s health. Regular physical activity/exercise, chiropractic, being aware of any health issues can help manage stress. Chiropractic immune system management will help promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract, help manage stress, get in more physical activity, and stay pain-free. Chiropractic can help kick in the body’s natural immune response and keep the flow going. Call today to see how we can help build a healthy immune system.

Lower Back Pain Treatment

El Paso, TX Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

Reference

Colombi, Andrea, and Marco Testa. “The Effects Induced by Spinal Manipulative Therapy on the Immune and Endocrine Systems.” Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) vol. 55,8 448. 7 Aug. 2019, doi:10.3390/medicina55080448

Activity Modification and Chiropractic To Help With Chronic Pain

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Activity Modification and Chiropractic To Help With Chronic Pain — Businessman at home sitting on the sofa and working with his laptop, lifestyle and business concept

Chronic pain and a healthy spine can require activity modification. This is so an individual can participate in activities in a way to help prevent pain from presenting. This could include:

Avoiding staying in static positions for too long
Continuous stretches throughout the day
Planning ahead when participating in physical activities that cause pain
Dietary adjustments to reduce inflammation and gain strength/flexibility
Customized exercise program
Health coaching guide

Table of Contents

Activity Modification

Chiropractic treatment not only involves correcting spinal alignment but also continuing an individual’s health education. The objective is to treat the source, not the symptoms. The goal with activity modification is to change the habit into a positive technique. Rigorous spinal adjustments will only help to a point if the habit continues. Whether there are any underlying conditions or it is an individual’s lifestyle, variables like:

Posture
Ergonomics
Biomechanics

These are the primary factors when it comes to spinal health. With recurring spinal problem/s, a chiropractor needs to trace back any kinetic behavior that could have contributed to inflammation causing pain symptoms. Recognizing poor kinetic habits and teaching activity modification are core objectives of chiropractic medicine.

Identification

Poor habits need to be identified. Two common are forward head posture and anterior pelvic tilt. These are signs of bad habits that affect spine health. Misaligned biomechanics can be a first clue in understanding why the individual continues to experience pain.

Consistent shifting of the body to not stay in one position for too long is recommended, but when there is recurring pain this is where a chiropractor can show an individual better methods and techniques of shifting to avoid the pain. Poor posture could be traced to sitting at a disproportionate desk with no ergonomic support. And a constant forward head position on the cervical spine, nerves, shoulders, can generate enormous strain.

Modification

Precision adjustments will alleviate the effects of spinal misalignment. But modifications need to become second nature. Chiropractic modification approaches will correct poor posture and body mechanics. A chiropractor will educate an individual to be mindful of certain movements and reinforce proper positioning.

Once an individual is familiar with a healthy way of moving/shifting to restore optimal mechanics, then the individual can learn to engage in other activities with the newfound activity modification tools. This will help break the cycle of chronic spinal misalignments.

Positive Change

Corrective relief and teaching proactive wellness is the primary role of chiropractic medicine. Activity modification can be an individual’s first line of defense for changing poor habits responsible for chronic pain and recurring musculoskeletal problems. Educating individuals on how to preserve spinal adjustments and adopting long-term, healthy habits will promote overall wellness.

Chiropractic Care CrossFit Rehabilitation

Chiropractic Care Sport Injury Rehabilitation El Paso, TX

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

Geneen, Louise J et al. “Physical activity and exercise for chronic pain in adults: an overview of Cochrane Reviews.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 4,4 CD011279. 24 Apr. 2017, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011279.pub3

Gastric Distress, Spinal Nerve Compression, and Chiropractic Release

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Gastric Distress, Spinal Nerve Compression, and Chiropractic Release — Senior man working in the office and having a bad stomach pain, elderly and health concept

Stomach ache, acid reflux, gas, and other symptoms of gastric distress can be linked to spinal issues and misalignment. The spinal cord sends nerve signals to all parts of the body, specifically those affecting digestion functions. The lumbar spine/lower back includes the sacrum which is vital in terms of nerve function.

Various spinal cord issues could cause problems with the rest of the body. These include:

Disc compression
Herniated discs
Strained ligaments

Misalignments/problems in the lower back can result in gastric symptoms like:

Constipation
Diarrhea
Bloating
Gas
Bladder malfunction

This is because this area of the spine includes sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves that are connected to the digestive system. Any problem with these systems can result in miscommunicated signals to the rest of the body. The wide-range effects that compressed nerves can have on the body, as well as, how the spine is affected by the obstruction of these nerves can be detrimental.

Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate and release the gastric distress are able to correlate their spine’s role in gut health. This along with an education on the central nervous system. A chiropractic approach can help as a long-term solution to gastric distress.

Table of Contents

The Nerves

Every organ in the body functions by sending and receiving electrical impulses, transmitted through the nerves. These impulses direct the function of organs. If blocked or the signals are improperly/partially sent/received, various health issues can begin to present. For the gut, proper nerve signal transmission at full capacity is crucial. The stomach needs to be able to properly digest food while absorbing nutrients and preparing for waste removal. This is where gastric distress conditions begin like:

Irritable bowel syndrome – IBS
Gastroesophageal reflux disease – GERD
Abdominal pain syndrome – APS

Nerve conditions worsen with time if the health and function of the affected nerves are not restored. This could mean severe chronic symptoms and the possibility of permanent nerve damage.

Nerve Blockage

Messed up nerve signals are usually pinched, blocked, or displaced. Most nerve bundles exit through the spine and are usually where a chiropractic exam will start. Through palpitation of the spine along with diagnostic imaging, a chiropractor can track down exactly where the nerve blockage/s are taking place.

The lower back and upper back are common areas to examine. This is because a majority of abdominal organ nerves branch out from these spinal segments. If spinal subluxations are present, more than likely they are affecting the function of these organs. Chiropractic will adjust the spine and reset/realign the spine to its proper form, allowing for proper blood circulation. Compressed nerves can also cause inflammation that could require more complex treatment.

Listening to the Body

If the gut is presenting with aches, and bloating after every meal, it could be indicating that something is wrong or off. Individuals cannot feel blocked nerve signals, but the gut can. Listen to it when it is alerting an issue or problem. We want to educate our patients on gut and spinal health. Chronic gastric distress can be corrected with chiropractic.

Chiropractic Pain Relief

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

Spiegel, Brennan M R et al. “Understanding gastrointestinal distress: a framework for clinical practice.” The American journal of gastroenterology vol. 106,3 (2011): 380-5. doi:10.1038/ajg.2010.383

Kehl, Amy S et al. “Relationship between the gut and the spine: a pilot study of first-degree relatives of patients with ankylosing spondylitis.” RMD open vol. 3,2 e000437. 16 Aug. 2017, doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000437