Spinal Misalignment Symptoms and Chiropractic

By

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cropped shot of chiropractor massaging back on patient on massage table in hospital

Individuals typically don’t think about their spine as they go through their everyday lives, bending, reaching, twisting, lifting, etc. However, it is through all of these movements/motions that spinal misalignments can occur, causing discomfort, pain, and health problems. This happens gradually, with individuals learning to live with the misalignment and accepting it as a normal part of life. Spinal misalignments, known as subluxations, are common but can be resolved through chiropractic treatment.

Table of Contents

Spinal Misalignment

The spine needs to stay strong, stable, and able to support the musculoskeletal system to keep the body upright and protect the central nervous system. When the spine is properly aligned, the body stays strong and mobile. When the spine is misaligned, it can cause central nervous system dysfunction. Chiropractic is highly effective and non-invasive to improve the body’s health. An individual will want to know if their spine is out of alignment to know what to do and what to avoid when back pain presents. Symptoms that the spine is out of alignment include:

Headaches, Back, and/or Joint Pain

Headaches, joint pain, and backaches can be misalignment symptoms and are the most common. Many individuals learn to live with chronic headaches and migraines but do not realize that chiropractic treatment can help to reduce or, in a case like this, can eliminate them. Back pain, especially low back pain, is another symptom of misalignment. However, there can be a variety of causes, like a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease; a chiropractor will alleviate the pain without medication or surgery. A chiropractor will find the root cause and correct any misalignments.

The Heels of Shoes Wear Out Unevenly

This symptom can come from cheap shoes, but it is often from a misaligned pelvis/pelvic tilt. The hips are shifted out of their proper position, which causes the feet to land on the ground unevenly.

Stiffness and/or Inability To Turn The Head or Hips

If the neck is stiff, there is difficulty or pain when turning, or you can hear the neck crack when turning, this is a sure symptom of cervical misalignment. The same is true with the hips. A subluxation can also cause muscles to tighten or damage the connective tissues, like the ligaments or tendons. Individuals can get used to feeling this way, but it can lead to losing the full range of motion, pain, stiffness, and inability to perform certain tasks.

Joint Stiffness, Aches, and Pains

Trying to push through back stiffness and aches and pains is not healthy. Improper ergonomics and postures could be caused by spinal misalignment or worsen a subluxation causing further injury. A chiropractor will:

Educate on proper ergonomics
Show how to improve posture
Perform adjustments
Recommend anti-inflammatory supplements
Perform physical therapeutic massage to eliminate stiffness, alleviate pain, and relieve stress.

Numbness or Tingling in Hands or Feet

This is a sure symptom of a misaligned spine. Numbness and/or tingling sensations often indicate pinched/compressed nerves. The compression or irritation can result in pain or the aforementioned sensations. A chiropractor will ease the pressure on the nerves, allowing for proper circulation and bringing back the full sensation to the affected area/s.

Body Composition

Fiber Health Benefits

Fiber health benefits include lowering the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and more. It is also beneficial for those who have diabetes to improve insulin sensitivity. Adding more fiber to your diet can enhance weight loss goals. Fruits and vegetables are the highest-fiber foods available.

Fiber and Gut Health

The beneficial bacteria in the gut thrive from fruit and vegetable fiber. Because the body does not absorb fiber, the bacteria ferment the fiber. Anti-inflammatory fatty acids are released as a by-product of this process and help protect the gut’s health. They can also help with appetite regulation.

Fiber-Rich Fruits and Veggies

Apples
Bananas
Oranges
Strawberries
Raspberries
Mango
Guava
Dark-colored vegetables
Potatoes

References

Czaprowski, Dariusz, et al. “Non-structural misalignments of body posture in the sagittal plane.” Scoliosis and spinal disorders vol. 13 6. 5 Mar. 2018, doi:10.1186/s13013-018-0151-5

Formica, M et al. “ALIF in the correction of spinal sagittal misalignment. A systematic review of the literature.” 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. 30,1 (2021): 50-62. doi:10.1007/s00586-020-06598-y

Granacher, Urs, et al. “Effects of core instability strength training on trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, dynamic balance and functional mobility in older adults.” Gerontology vol. 59,2 (2013): 105-13. doi:10.1159/000343152

Herniated Disc Pain Stretches and Exercises

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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African american woman training, doing back stretching exercise at yellow studio background, panorama — African american woman training, doing back stretching exercise at yellow studio background. Young slim lady making aerobics exercise and smiling to camera, panorama

Here are a few recommended stretches and exercises for relieving herniated disc symptoms. The vertebrae are the small bones that make up the spine. They have cushion discs between each one. These are the intervertebral discs and are the body’s shock absorbers. The discs can be thought of as small balloons that are filled with an elastic gel-type material. There are twenty-three of these cushions.

Functioning as the body’s shock absorbers transferring various forces, weight, and stress from vertebra to vertebra, so that no one is overburdened taking on all the impact the body goes through. But like any machine, the discs can wear down over time, and sustain injury. When this happens the cushioning gel can leak out and press on the nerve roots emerging from the spine. This type of injury is a herniated disc.

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Herniated Disc Treatment

A herniated disc can lose its height because of fluid and water loss.

This loss affects the bone structures bringing them closer together affecting the ligaments that connect each segment. The ligaments become loose and do not provide the same stability. Ligaments cannot be strengthened with exercise making it more important to strengthen the muscles around the spine to make up for this stability loss. Depending on the severity of the injury, the displaced disc can cause pressure to build upon the nerves, resulting in pain and other discomforts. This comes from the loss of the disc’s cushion causing the vertebrae to rub against each other. Stretches and exercises designed for herniated discs can work in conjunction with conservative treatment to relieve the pain and discomfort.

Stretches and Exercises for Pain Relief

Consult a medical spine specialist/chiropractor before beginning a stretch and exercise regimen. This is because the herniation can become worse or additional injury/s can occur without proper instruction. Once the injury and clinical considerations have been addressed, gentle stretches and exercises can help reduce the pain and other symptoms. Strengthening the back and hamstring muscles reduces pressure on the spinal column helping to prevent pain and promotes healing by:

Increasing blood flow to the spine
Building strength to support the spinal muscles
Decreases stress on the spine
Helps relieve the pain
Improves abnormal postures and awkward body positions

Equipment is not necessary but there are few items that can help the process.

Yoga mat for hard floors
A resistance band, a towel will work
Yoga blocks
Stable upright chair
Stopwatch/Timer a phone timer will work

Cervical/Neck Stretches and Exercises

A herniated disc in the neck is usually caused by a forward head posture and a swayback or excessive curvature of the spine.

Isometric hold

Sit straight
Relax the shoulders
Place one hand on the forehead
Push head into the hand without moving the head
Hold for 5 to 15 seconds.
Repeat 15 times

Chin tuck

Lie on your back on a flat surface
Place arms at sides
Tuck the chin in and down toward the chest until a stretch is felt
Hold for 5 to 10 seconds
Repeat 15 to 20 times

Lumbar/Low Back Stretches and Exercises

Back flexion stretch

This stretch extends the back muscles to relieve low back pain.

Lie flat on your back
Pull the knees toward the chest and wrap your arms around the knees
Lift head straight up off the floor until there is a stretch across the mid and low back
Hold for 10 seconds
Repeat 5 to 10 times

Piriformis stretch

This stretches the small muscle in the buttocks helping to relieve low back pain and helps with sciatica.

Lie flat on your back on the floor or yoga mat
Bend the knees
Plant feet on the floor
Pick up one leg and rest the ankle on the other leg’s bent knee
Reach one arm through the leg and use both hands to grasp the bent leg
Pull the leg toward the chest until there is a stretch in the buttock
Hold for 30 seconds
Repeat on the other leg

Prone extension stretch

This stretch helps reposition the disc back to its proper position, expediting the healing process. Start slowly and if pain presents, stop immediately.

Lie face down on the floor or yoga mat
Place the forearms on the floor next to the body
The elbows should be at a 45- degree angle
Slowly prop the body up, being sure to keep the hips on the floor
Keep pressing upward until the elbows are at a 90-degree angle
Hold the position for 10-15 seconds
Return to starting position
Repeat the stretch 10 times
Gradually increase the upward position hold time until it can be maintained for 30 seconds

Performing these stretches and exercises or similar types will help with herniated injury recovery and prevent worsening or creating new injuries.

Body Composition

Benefits of yoga

Yoga benefits mental and physical health. Yoga helps improve individual physical health. Specific poses can help:

Improve balance
Flexibility
Build/Tone muscle
Prevent injury
Improve sense of well-being

Yoga stretches the muscles while relieving physical and emotional stress. Practicing yoga regularly can prevent obesity, and reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Yoga can help decrease leptin which is a hormone that helps control appetite. This is important for individuals going through chronic stress who are twice as likely to develop metabolic syndrome.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Court C, Mansour E, Bouthors C. Thoracic disc herniation: Surgical treatment, Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research, 104(1)S31-@40, 2018, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877056817303419.

Baastrup’s Syndrome aka Kissing Spine Syndrome

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Mature man stretching back while working at home — Tired mature businessman stretching back while working from home. Business man suffering from back pain while working on laptop. Stressed mid adult man teacher taking a break after long hours at work sitting on couch.

Baastrup’s syndrome is named after Christian Ingerslev Baastrup. He discovered and described the condition in 1933. In this syndrome, pain and inflammation are triggered when the spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae begin to touch each other. This is where the term kissing spine came from. Most back and neck pain is attributed to inflammation or degeneration of the spinal vertebrae, discs, muscles, and nerves. This is a spinal condition that can cause problems with age. If experiencing pain that worsens when arching the back, consult a professional chiropractor. A physical examination and imaging could reveal the spine is going through this underdiagnosed condition.

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Kissing Spine

Spine problems mostly involve the vertebrae and the discs. However, the spine has other components, which include spinous processes. These are thin segments of bone that protrude off the back of each vertebra. Kissing spine syndrome, also known as Baastrup’s disease, or interspinous bursitis, happens when these spinous processes begin to move close together and touch/kiss. Pain and inflammation can be triggered by this.

It is believed to develop as a result of degeneration in the spine that comes with age. As vertebral discs break down from all the wear and tear of life, this can cause the spinous processes to move closer together and touch. This typically develops in the lumbar spine/lower back, but can also affect the cervical spine/neck. The most common symptom of kissing spine syndrome is back pain that worsens when touched or arching the back. For some individuals slumping forward or rounding the back, can help diminish the pain.

When the spinous processes touch, they begin abrasively rubbing against each other. This wears them down and can lead to other types of spinal degeneration. Over time secondary problems can begin to present including neurological conditions caused by compressed nerves. The condition is common in older adults from the natural wear and tear on their spines. But young individuals specifically athletes, can develop the syndrome.

Poor posture
Obesity
Spinal injury/s are additional risk factors.

Diagnosing the condition involves a physical exam and imaging scans to confirm that the spinous processes are in fact touching.

Chiropractic Care

A chiropractor can help manage the pain caused by degenerative disc disease and kissing spine syndrome. Treatment protocols for kissing spine syndrome include:

Spinal adjustments
Physical therapy massage
Spinal manipulation
Stretches
Exercises
Anti-inflammatory diet

Spinal decompression techniques can open the spinal segments so that the spinous processes don’t touch. Manipulations can facilitate proper joint mobility and alleviate inflammation. Physical therapy exercises and stretches will help stretch the spine and the supportive tissues. If experiencing neck or low back pain, contact Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic. Our spine specialists will listen, discuss, and develop a personalized treatment plan. We provide non-invasive approaches for long-term pain management and spinal correction for lasting comfort.

Body Composition

The Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet consists of eating foods that would have been available to humans before modern agriculture was established. If the food was not available to these human ancestors and they did not eat it, then it is not part of the Paleo diet. This includes eating:

Lean meats
Fish
Vegetables
Fruits
Eggs
Nuts

The Paleo cuts out foods like:

Grains
Legumes
Dairy
Sugars
Processed oils

One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared the Paleo diet to other control diets based on United States nutritional guidelines. The researchers found that the Paleo diet generated improvements in waist circumference, triglyceride levels, and blood pressure.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Philipp LR, Baum GR, Grossberg JA, Ahmad FU. Baastrup’s Disease: An Often Missed Etiology for Back Pain. Cureus 8(1): e465. Published January 22, 2016. www.cureus.com/articles/3982-baastrups-disease-an-often-missed-etiology-for-back-pain. Accessed December 20, 2018.

Filippiadis DK, Mazioti A, Argentos S, et al. Baastrup’s disease (kissing spines syndrome): a pictorial review. Insights Imaging. 2015 Feb; 6(1): 123–128. Published online January 13, 2015. link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13244-014-0376-7 Accessed December 20, 2018.

Lower Back Muscle Knots Can Be Broken Down With Chiropractic

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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chiropractor massaging back of man on Massage Table in hospital

Muscle knots are common and can occur anywhere on the body. They can cause aching and pain in the muscles and joints. When examining a muscle knot also known as myofascial trigger points, it can feel swollen, tense, or like a bump. A particular area where these knots present is in the low back. This happens from excessive wear-and-tear on the lower spine from work, school, daily tasks, and chores. This causes the muscle fibers to tear, and with restricted or no time to rest the area and let it heal properly leads to the fibers bunching/clumping together forming a painful knot.

Table of Contents

Muscle Knots In The Lower Back

A muscle knot in the lower back causes aching, soreness, and full-on pain. They tighten and contract even when the muscle is resting. The affected area often becomes inflamed or swollen causing pain and aches to radiate/spread to the gluteal muscles, as well.

Development

These knots develop when the tissue fibers pull apart and bunch up together. They start to stick together and with time the area becomes thicker. This results in the muscle knot. They can be caused by:

Stress
Tension
Poor posture
Muscle overuse
Muscle strain
Sedentary habits

Body dehydration and an unhealthy diet can also contribute to muscle knots. They look like a small bump under the skin. The bump can be red and is usually tender/sore when touched. However, not all muscle knots are visible, but when touched there is soreness and/or pain.

Do They Go Away?

They can go away on their own, but this comes from proper rest and recovery time. However, muscle knots should not be ignored, as even the smallest knot can compress surrounding nerves and muscle tissues. This can cause irritation and weakness. Larger muscle knots could cause movement/mobility issues.

Therapies

Stretching

Stretching will help stretch out and release tight muscle knots. Stretching loosens the muscle fibers and prevents them from becoming attached. Stretches to release a muscle knot include:

Start with these simple stretches/exercises and slowly work up to more vigorous ones.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care can break down muscle knots through various adjustments. They are experts on the musculoskeletal system and understand where the problem is occurring along with the connected muscles.

A chiropractor will palpate the spot where the most pain presents and the surrounding area.
They will begin with a soft massage. This warms up the area getting the blood circulating. The blood circulation helps prevent pain making the adjustment/s far more effective.
Then pressing on nearby joints that the muscle knot is connected to breaks up the tight fibers.
Then the section/area is stretched out. This extends the fibers and prevents them from winding back into a knot.
They will recommend stretches and exercises

Therapeutic Massage

A massage helps to release tension and encourages muscle knots to loosen up and break down. A massage therapist will perform a deep tissue massage or a Swedish massage. Massage helps to release endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkiller. These calm the body and reduce pain. They will also recommend simple massages at home. These can include:

Rolling a massage ball/roller on the muscle knot
Self-massage using the fingers in circular motions on the affected area

Heat and Ice

Hot and cold therapy can calm and prevent inflammation. Heating pads are best if the area has stiffness or is painful. The heat relaxes tight muscles and increases blood flow. Cold therapy stops the swelling. If the muscle knot gets bigger or begins turning red, icing the area is recommended. Alternating between the two can eliminate symptoms and assist with quicker healing.

Body Composition

Building Functional Strength

There are exercises to improve functional strength. Functional training targets specific areas:

These types of exercises should be incorporated into a workout routine. One exercise is:

Pushup to Arm and Hip Raise

The muscles worked include:

Pectoralis major/minor
Rectus abdominus
Obliques
Deep abdominals
Hip abductors and rotators
Scapula stabilizers

To do the exercise

Start with doing a normal pushup.
When the top of the movement is reached
Lift one arm up, turn the shoulder, and reach up
Then lift the outside leg up as high as possible and hold for 10 seconds
Repeat on the other side
Do 6-10 repetitions on each side

This exercise builds shoulder, arm, and hip strength. It engages the core and abdominal muscles and improves flexibility in the shoulders, back, and hips.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Cramer, Holger et al. “Postural awareness and its relation to pain: validation of an innovative instrument measuring awareness of body posture in patients with chronic pain.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 19,1 109. 6 Apr. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12891-018-2031-9

Malanga, Gerard A et al. “Mechanisms and efficacy of heat and cold therapies for musculoskeletal injury.” Postgraduate medicine vol. 127,1 (2015): 57-65. doi:10.1080/00325481.2015.992719

Gaining Relief From Back Pain During Menstrual Cycle

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Physiotherapist doing manual treatment — Professional senior physiotherapist doing manual treatment to a young woman with spine problems in the cabinet of rehabilitation clinic

Women are familiar with abdominal cramps, Pre Menstrual Syndrome, and headaches that accompany their menstrual cycle. However not as many are aware of backache to throbbing back pain sometimes before and/or after a monthly cycle. Many women go to over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. In a study, the regular use of NSAIDs found that it can lead to:

Stomach problems
Bleeding ulcers
Fluid retention
High blood pressure
Kidney
Heart problems

Table of Contents

Why Back Pain Presents During Menstrual Cycle

When the uterus is in a contracting state, the nerves around the pelvis feel the sensations. The uterus only contracts for a few seconds, but repeatedly for hours. Sometimes, the uterus compresses blood vessels in the region. This can limit or completely block the blood vessels supplying the muscles around the pelvis. This is a major contributor to back pain during a period. This is known as referred pain, which means the body feels the pain in one area, in this case, the lower back. But the pain is caused by another area of the body, the uterus. This can cause cramping and low back pain before, during, and after a period. If cramps and back pain become debilitating or worsen over time, it could indicate:

Fibroids
Endometriosis
Infection
Pelvic inflammatory disease
If fever is present along with back pain seek professional help as soon as possible.

Here are a few ways that can help bring relief from back pain during the monthly cycle.

Heat Therapy

Heat generates increased blood circulation, specifically where it is applied. Therefore any blood vessels that are blocked by the uterus will have improved circulation to the muscles surrounding the uterus, allowing them to relax. This could be the use of:

Heating pads
Hot water bottle
Warm bath or shower

If at work, many pharmacy stores and regular stores sell heat patches that are applied with adhesive tape. These can be used on the lower abdomen or lower back, providing soothing heat.

Light Exercises

Most doctors refer to exercise throughout the month, just not during the period. As staying in shape will maintain the body’s proper circulation and keep the muscles strong. However, some women can perform light exercises like yoga or swimming. This helps decrease back pain even on the first or second day of a menstrual cycle which for many women is the heaviest and most painful.

Meditate

Meditation can help gain control and insight from feelings about life situations. It takes practice, but once an individual gets the hang of it they are amazed at how much pain can be reduced with a 15-minute meditation session.

Supplemental Support

Taking omega 3’s and magnesium supplements can help with the pain. Omega 3s reduce blood clotting and improve circulation. They are natural anti-inflammatories that decrease prostaglandin, which is associated with backaches and cramps. Magnesium supplements, especially those that contain vitamin B6, can help relieve back pain before and after a period. Magnesium can also be found in:

Beans
Beets
Salmon
Shrimp

Chiropractic Care

The uterus, like every organ in the body, sends and receives nerve signals, from the brain to the uterus. The menstrual cycle has a close relationship with the spine because of its location. Regular chiropractic adjustments can maintain proper communication between the brain and uterus. Chiropractic realigns the entire spine back to its proper position. This relieves the pressure on the nerves of the reproductive organs. Seeing a chiropractor is the right step towards stopping the pain and healing the body naturally.

Body Composition

Weight and Strength Training For Women

Key points to remember include:

Women can gain as much muscle as men
Protein helps with body composition but there should be a balance of carbohydrates and dietary fat.
Positive body composition changes can be seen with higher load volume and less explosive tempo that is combined with shorter rest periods when weight or strength training.
When lifting weights or resistance training, it could be difficult to gain muscle mass if on birth control, near the perimenopausal stage, or officially on menopause.

One of the benefits of weight and strength training is that it can help an individual feel better about themselves. Weight training is associated with significant improvements in:

Body image
Quality of life
Physical activity behaviors
Overall satisfaction
Well being

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Brynhildsen, J O et al. “Does the menstrual cycle and use of oral contraceptives influence the risk of low back pain? A prospective study among female soccer players.” Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports vol. 7,6 (1997): 348-53. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0838.1997.tb00165.x

Forozeshfard, Mohammad et al. “Short term effects of Kinesio taping on pain and functional disability in young females with menstrual low back pain: A randomized control trial study.” Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation vol. 29,4 (2016): 709-715. doi:10.3233/BMR-160673

Seguin, Rebecca A et al. “Strength Training Improves Body Image and Physical Activity Behaviors Among Midlife and Older Rural Women.” Journal of extension vol. 51,4 (2013): 4FEA2.

Improper Posture Can Cause All Types Of Body Pain

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Male patients consulted physiotherapists with Low back pain for examination and treatment. Rehabilitation physiotherapy concept.

Improper posture affects the whole body and can lead to various pain issues throughout the body. Correcting posture is recommended before trying to correct it when pain begins to present. If pain is presenting, chiropractic treatment will bring relief, stabilize the spine, realign/balance the body, and educate the individual on maintaining proper posture through stretches, exercises, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Table of Contents

Improper posture symptoms

Neck Pain

Discomfort, stiffness, tightness, and pain are common when sitting at a workstation. This comes from a forward head/head jutting position. The head pushes forward and is not aligned with the shoulders. This means that the neck takes on a compromised position. The head forward position places significant strain on the neck muscles. Because of this neck discomfort and pain often occur later in the afternoon and evening. If not sure whether head jutting is taking place, try placing the chin to the chest. If not able or if there is discomfort/pain in the upper back, there is some forward head jutting.

Shoulder Discomfort and Pain

When we sit for extended periods, the body relaxes muscles that would normally be used if standing. One set of muscles is in the upper back. This causes slouching with a rounded upper back/shoulders. The more time the body stays in any one position, the more it begins to conform to the unhealthy position. This also causes pain in the upper, front part of the shoulders. The pain is noticeable when trying to bring the arm/s overhead or when trying to perform exercises like pushups or pullups.

Regular Headaches

Regular headaches are another symptom of improper posture. Forward head posture is usually a contributor combined with the long hours sitting or standing. However, headaches can be caused by a variety of causes that include:

Stress
Tension
Dehydration

Low Back, Tailbone Discomfort, and Pain

Lower back pain is a very common symptom of improper posture. For individuals under 40, pain and discomfort present because of improper posture while sitting or standing and a lack of stretching and exercise. Sitting for a long time causes the muscles that bring the thighs towards the chest, known as the hip flexors to be consistently flexed, with no relief. This causes the hip flexors to shorten and tighten. This pulls the pelvis out towards the front of the body, creating an exaggerated spinal curve.

Buttocks or Stomach Pushes Outward

Take a look at the body’s profile, does the butt and/or stomach stick out? If so this could be hyperlordosis also known as Donald duck posture. This can come from wearing high heels too much, the body having to carry extra weight in the stomach area, and sometimes this comes from pregnancy. Sometimes, this happens when individuals stand with their knees locked. This causes the rear end and/or belly to push out.

Correcting Improper Posture

The main problem with correcting posture is the ability to maintain proper posture. Many individuals go back to the unhealthy positioning without recognizing that they are doing it. There are devices to help correct poor posture habits. This could be a brace or harness that detects when the body is slouching and vibrates to let the individual return to a proper position.

Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy

The most effective and thorough way to correct years of improper posture is to see a professional chiropractor. A complete diagnosis, inspection, and analysis of an individual’s posture when sitting, standing, walking, and running will be done. They will educate the individual on correct posture, how to achieve and maintain it. If pain is presenting, the chiropractor will take steps to correct any subluxations, misalignments, and develop a personalized treatment plan, to heal the body first. Treatment modalities can include:

Chiropractic adjustments
Physical therapy
Massage
Heat therapy
Infrared
Ultrasound
TENS device
Health coaching
Nutritional advice

Once the body has healed and is moving freely, the doctor will recommend exercises and stretching programs to do at home. This will improve and help maintain proper posture. An experienced musculoskeletal professional will keep the body balanced and prevent further injuries.

Body Composition

Hydrating the body with water or a sports drink

Many individuals prefer drinking sports drinks during and after physical activities, sports, and exercise. Many are opposed to water because of the lack of taste, while sports drinks have taste and added electrolytes. But many sports drinks have added ingredients and sugars. This makes them not the best choice for individuals trying to lose calories. Take a look at some of the additional ingredients:

Electrolytes

Minerals, like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, have an electric charge that helps maintain the body’s ionic balance. The body loses electrolytes when sweating. A sports drink can help replace the lost electrolytes.

Carbohydrates

Most of the carbohydrates come from sugars. Carbohydrates are one of the body’s energy sources and sports drinks are designed to refuel the body after hard physical activity.

Amino acids

These are protein building blocks. Drinking a sports drink after an intense workout can help the body recover quicker. Therefore, some of the additional ingredients in sports drinks offer hydration extras that water on its own cannot. However, water should always be the first drink of choice. But there are certain times when a sports drink is what the body needs.

When participating in high-intensity physical activities, workouts, sports that last longer than 45 minutes to an hour. Here a sports drinks can help replenish the body’s electrolytes better than water.
Individuals that sweat high levels of sodium (look for sweat stains/rings on skin or clothing) can benefit from re-hydrating with a sports drink.
Endurance athletes, triathletes, marathon runners, long-distance athletes, etc can also benefit from a sports drink, from the increased fluid loss.
In these activities, athletes should make sure the sports drink they are consuming contains carbohydrates and electrolytes.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Hao, Ning et al. “Enhancing creativity: Proper body posture meets proper emotion.” Acta Psychologica vol. 173 (2017): 32-40. doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2016.12.005

Jaromi, Melinda et al. “Treatment and ergonomics training of work-related lower back pain and body posture problems for nurses.” Journal of clinical nursing vol. 21,11-12 (2012): 1776-84. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04089.x

O’Connor B. Sitting Disease: The New Health Epidemic. The Chopra Center Web site. www.chopra.com/articles/sitting-disease-the-new-health-epidemic. Accessed January 7, 2017.

Learning How To Combat Insomnia With A Few Strategies

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

doctor and smiling patient shaking hands

Learning how to manage and combat insomnia. Being wide awake early in the morning, trying hard to fall back to sleep before the alarm goes off. Individuals that have trouble falling asleep find that it usually happens right before a vacation. Everyone experiences an occasional sleepless night, but if insomnia continues on a regular basis it can lead to various health issues.

The average adult requires over eight hours of sleep for the body to function properly. But managing hectic lives means individuals end up going to bed later than sooner and not following the body’s natural biological rhythm. Remote and in-person learning, jobs, children, and other obligations require getting up with the birds with only 4-6 hours of sleep. A disruption to the body’s circadian rhythm that regulates:

Hormone production
Body temperature
Sleep
Can lead to insomnia.

Table of Contents

Mind and Body Performance

The body needs adequate, restful sleep to perform its best. Insomnia that is prolonged can cause brain fog and interfere with performing daily activities. It also increases the risk for:

Depression
Headaches
Learning abilities
Accidents – auto, sports, work, personal
Can lead to sleep medication dependency.

Stress, anxiety, profound caffeine, and alcohol consumption can contribute to insomnia. Learning how to effectively manage stress is recommended to getting a proper night’s sleep. Making lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference in the number of sleep hours. Here are a few strategies to try that could be effective:

Regular exercise/physical activity

Getting some physical activity before dinner can help put the body in a restful state before going to bed. However, do not exercise close to bedtime as this could make the body restless.
Getting out in the late evening sun as often as possible will help stimulate melatonin release. This will help reset the body’s circadian rhythm.

Stress-reduction

Stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, and Tai Chi are recommended to help teach the mind and body to relax.

Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol

These keep the body stimulated. Try to reduce/avoid from mid-afternoon until bedtime, and keep consumption of alcohol to a minimum.

Snacks

Have a small snack of protein with a complex carbohydrate just before bedtime. This could be peanut butter on a whole-grain cracker that can keep blood sugar from dropping, causing the individual to wake up.

Sleep cycle

Maintain the same sleep and wake schedule every day.
Do not alter by more than an hour on the weekends or on vacation.

Electronic devices

No television, computer, and phone use at least an hour before going to bed. This stimulates the brain, making it difficult to get to sleep.

Darkness

Keep the bedroom dark, quiet and cool.
If lying awake for more than 20 minutes, get up and sit in another dimly lit room until sleepiness starts to set in, then go back to bed.

Give these strategies a try and research others. They could help. For more information contact Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, to see how we can help.

Body Composition

Learning How To Incorporate Prebiotics

Incorporating more prebiotics into one’s diet is best done through nutrition. Prebiotic foods supply these nutrients directly to the colon, where they are broken down, fermented, and utilized. Prebiotic foods consist mainly of fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans.

Prebiotic Food Sources

Vegetable Sources

Asparagus
Garlic
Onion
Tomato
Sugar Beets
Leeks

Fruit Sources

Bananas
Apples

Other Sources

Peas
Barley
Soybean
Rye
Chicory Root
Dandelion Greens
Seaweed/Algae

However, cooking could alter the food’s fiber content, so look at recipes. Prebiotics also come in the form of supplements to make them easier to consume.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Goto, Viviane et al. “Chiropractic intervention in the treatment of postmenopausal climacteric symptoms and insomnia: A review.” Maturitas vol. 78,1 (2014): 3-7. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.02.004

Jamison, Jennifer R. “Insomnia: does chiropractic help?.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 28,3 (2005): 179-86. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.02.013

Kingston, Jana et al. “A review of the literature on chiropractic and insomnia.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 9,3 (2010): 121-6. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2010.03.003

How A Doctor Of Chiropractic Heals Sciatica

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

The spinal cord is the information pathway that transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body. The body’s limbs and organs cannot function properly without regular communication flowing through the spinal cord. Understanding how the sciatic nerve responds to the other parts of the body can clarify how a doctor of chiropractic heals sciatica. When severe pain presents normal communications are overridden for the sake of body and health preservation. The sciatic nerve is an important part of the spinal cord and requires a trained professional to aid in proper and effective healing.

Table of Contents

Basics On Sciatica

Sciatica happens when the nerves are compressed/pinched in some form. Lower back conditions can be the cause of such compression. Sciatica can be reduced and healed. Conditions that can lead to sciatic pain include:

Herniated discs
Subluxations
Disc Degeneration
Spinal Stenosis
Lower back disc bulge
Piriformis syndrome

Symptoms

Sciatica often includes:

Sharp pain
Numbness
Burning
Tingling sensation
Individuals can also experience weakness down the leg.

Normal activities can become strained as individuals experience these symptoms. Pressure on the nerve can be decreased and healed with professional chiropractic care. The human spine consists of 31 pairs of nerves. Five of these pairs are in the lumbar/lower back region and five are right below that area in the sacral region. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back. It goes down through the hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, and ends in the foot.

Causes could be something as simple as sitting on a bulging wallet or sitting for extended lengths of time can result in a decreased blood flow to the area. Also, direct trauma to the gluteal muscles from automobile accidents, sports, and work injuries can lead to sciatic nerve issues and pain.

Treatment Options

Tests and examinations will be conducted to figure out the origin of the pain to develop a personalized treatment plan to expedite the healing process. Treatment can include:

Chiropractic treatment
Decreasing muscle tension
Core stabilization
Spinal decompression
Rehabilitation therapy

Chiropractic treatment is designed to help the body activate its own healing system. It is non-invasive and drug-free providing an organic alternative. Advanced cases of sciatica can result in muscle weakness or a loss of sensation in the legs, if not properly treated. Individual treatment plans vary depending on an individual’s specific needs.

Prevention

Prevention is important once the condition is healing to not cause flare-ups. Sciatica symptoms can return, especially if proper and continued care to the spine is not maintained. Preventative care and maintenance are essential for ensuring a healthy spine and body. These tips can help avoid back injuries that can lead to sciatica and help with reoccurrences:

Practice proper posture
Regular exercise/physical activity with safe movements
Bend at the knees, especially when lifting heavy objects
Follow specific instructions given by a chiropractor

Body Composition

Healthy Snacks

Eggs

Eggs make a great snack that will keep the body full and help to eat less. They are a great source of protein and fat and have a healthy variety of vitamins and minerals. Hard-boiled eggs are easy to make ahead of time and are portable.

Cheese

Cheese is a great snack for protein and fat. But it is important to watch the serving size if watching/limiting calories. Cottage cheese is highest in protein but cream cheese and cheese sticks are also good options. Cheese can be paired with a serving of fruit or vegetables like grape tomatoes, bell peppers, celery, apples, or pears.

Jerky

Jerky is convenient and portable and is a great way to pack in extra protein throughout the day. The best option is grass-fed. Remember that some jerky is high in sodium if limiting sodium.

Greek Yogurt

Natural Greek yogurt is a great option for a high-protein snack. However, many yogurts are high in sugar. Therefore choose yogurt with less than 10 grams of sugar per serving, or opt for plain yogurt to avoid the sugar altogether. The yogurt can be sweetened with honey, fresh fruit, or mixed into a smoothie.

Hummus and Guacamole Dips

Hummus is a great source of plant-based protein and is balanced with carbohydrates, fat, and fiber. It is the olive oil in the hummus that provides a healthy dose of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats. Guacamole is a delicious source of healthy fats. Both dips are calorie-dense, therefore it is important to be aware of portion sizes. These can be paired with carrot sticks, bell peppers, or celery.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

National Institutes of Health. (2019.) “Sciatica.” medlineplus.gov/sciatica.html.

North American Spine Society. (2012.) “Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy.” www.spine.org/Portals/0/assets/downloads/ResearchClinicalCare/Guidelines/LumbarDiscHerniation.pdf

StatPearls [Internet]. (2020) “Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve.” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/

StatPearls [Internet]. (2020) “Sciatica.” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/

The Importance Of The Spine’s Curvature

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Portrait of a senior therapist at the office — Senior therapist showing on the anatomical model of the human spine during the consultation in the office

Individuals believe that a straight spine is a healthy spine. This is a misconception, a chiropractor knows that a healthy spine has the proper curvature, specifically an S curve from the top to the bottom. This curve allows/enables the spine to properly function for balancing and stabilizing the body. There are three primary curves that make up the S shape. These are:

Cervical lordosis – Neck curvature
Thoracic kyphosis – Middle back curvature
Lumbar lordosis – Lower back curvature

Lordosis is defined as an inward curve, while kyphosis is an outward curve.

Table of Contents

Curvature Significance

When the spine is properly curved and aligned there is flexibility and optimal support of the body. The curves of each section/area create a spring structure that enables the spine to perform as a natural shock-absorber. If the spine was straight, it would take a significant toll with all the wear and tear from constant vibration and shock. This would lead to fractures and other injuries. The curvature is important in aiding with weight distribution and the weight of gravity. Each curve works to distribute weight evenly throughout the spine so that the different muscle groups do not get overworked. This happens during dynamic movement.

Lifting
Bending
Reaching
Twisting
Turning
All require the spine to move harmoniously with the rest of the body, supporting the body’s weight and energy transfer.

The curves help reduce pressure between the individual vertebral discs. Because the discs are not stacked on top of each other, the weight from the above vertebra is not completely placed on the one below. So the lower vertebra takes only a portion of the weight, allowing the discs to perform as an absorbing cushion.

Maintaining The Curvature

An adult spine gradually becomes an S curve and is formed through development. Children are born with a C curve, with an outward curve until they begin to crawl. When the child begins to raise their heads up, the cervical portion of the proper S shape begins to take form. As the child learns to walk upright, the spine continues on its ultimate role of support. However, because spinal curvature is formed in the developmental stages, natural curvature formation has a limited time frame. Issues that happen at this time can disrupt the proper formation of the curves. This can result in malformations that could require long-term chiropractic treatment/rehabilitation to correct.

For adults that develop a normal S curve, spinal maintenance is critical. When subluxations/misalignments occur bulging, herniated discs, pinched nerves, and sciatica are sure to follow. Chiropractic adjustments will ensure the spine is reset and properly supported. As natural spinal development has passed maintenance is essential. Using precision tools and techniques, chiropractic treatment realigns the spine returning the natural S curve. Treatment plans and adjustments are customized to the individual and applied specifically to their unique spinal shape. This makes it possible to maintain a spine with precise curvature.

Body Composition

Fruit and Plant Antioxidants

Regular inclusion of antioxidant-rich foods in an individual’s diet will help reduce free radicals and prevent oxidative stress from accumulating. Fruits and veggies like:

Berries
Dark-colored grapes
Spinach
Kale
Sweet potatoes
Carrots
All are great sources of antioxidants.

Purple-colored fruits like blueberries and dark grapes contain an antioxidant called resveratrol that has therapeutic properties for heart disease. Beta-carotene is an orange-colored carotenoid with antioxidant properties that can also protect against heart disease. Orange, yellow-colored plant foods, and leafy greens are a solid source of the antioxidant carotenoid beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Minerals like zinc and selenium have antioxidants that can be found in vegan sources. And minerals found in fruits and veggies contain blood pressure-lowering potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Yang, Feng et al. “Balance chiropractic therapy for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.” Trials vol. 17,1 513. 22 Oct. 2016, doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1644-2

Taylor, J A. “Full-spine radiography: a review.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 16,7 (1993): 460-74.

Fedorchuk, Curtis et al. “Improvements in Cervical Spinal Canal Diameter and Neck Disability Following Correction of Cervical Lordosis and Cervical Spondylolistheses Using Chiropractic BioPhysics Technique: A Case Series.” Journal of radiology case reports vol. 14,4 21-37. 30 Apr. 2020, doi:10.3941/jrcr.v14i4.3890

Cardio Exercise Equipment That Won’t Worsen Back Pain

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Cardio workout in gym by beautiful female

At home or a gym, working out with cardio exercise equipment can be a highly beneficial treatment for back discomfort, soreness, and pain. However, when checking out all the cardio machines it is recommended to use those that will help with back pain and not worsen or cause further injury. The same goes for purchasing cardio equipment to use at home. Research has found that exercise training could be highly effective in the treatment of back pain. A study on pain found that the endorphins generated from aerobic exercise help to lessen low back pain. The North American Spine Society announced evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of back pain, and one of the top recommendations was aerobic exercise. Individuals can always go outside to:

Walk
Hike
Run
Bike ride

But mixing it up with cardio equipment can have its own benefits for different reasons. It could be too hot, raining, sometimes individuals prefer a set workout program to reach calorie or distance goals, and it could be easier on the spine. Working out at home or at a gym, cardiovascular machines can help bring relief for back pain.

Table of Contents

Cardiovascular Exercise Back Pain Treatment

Cardiovascular exercise is highly recommended for everyone. For individuals dealing with back pain, exercise combined with conservative therapy is usually part of a treatment plan. This includes:

Physical therapy
Chiropractic care
Health coaching
Diet
Aerobic exercise regimen

With an exercise program, experts recommend starting with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Moderate intensity workouts are meant to get an individual’s heart and blood pumping, sweating a little, and slightly deep breathing. These types of exercise include:

Power walking outside
Power walking on a treadmill
Stationary biking

As long as the physical activity gets the heart rate up, these exercises have been shown to decrease back pain, relieve stress, and elevate mood. 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise three to five times a week for six weeks is what is recommended. This will help the back become healthier, feel better, and is recommended by the American Heart Association.

Exercise Not For All Spine Conditions

However, not all spinal conditions benefit from regular exercising. Getting an evaluation from a doctor, spine specialist, or chiropractor is recommended for injuries, severe and/or persistent back pain before starting a cardiovascular exercise program. This could be a spinal fracture, or spinal condition that requires bracing, or intense physical therapy/rehabilitation. Individuals that do not exercise regularly or have a medical or heart condition/s definitely need to get a doctor’s clearance before beginning a cardiovascular workout regimen.

Top Cardiovascular Exercises and Equipment

Once a doctor clears the individual for aerobic exercise there is no cardio equipment that is off-limits. Elliptical machines and stationary bikes are the most well-tolerated by individuals with back problems/conditions. Because they are low impact. However, if it is tolerable using a jogging treadmill is beneficial as well. Listen to the body. If a workout on a treadmill causes back pain that is not just workout soreness, stop with that machine and try different cardiovascular equipment that is more low impact. Do not ignore back pain. If pain is continuous and exercising is not helping, stop and see a doctor, or chiropractor to evaluate and analyze the situation. Then they can adjust the exercise part of the treatment plan according to the presenting symptoms.

Body Composition

Concurrent Training

Concurrent training is the combination of aerobic and resistance exercises during the same workout session. Aerobic and resistance exercise impacts the body in different ways. The type of aerobic training determines how it interacts with resistance exercise. The order of the types of exercises like aerobic and resistance workouts can make a difference. Having an understanding of a few specifics about concurrent training will help to make decisions about an exercise program.

Aerobic/interval and resistance training does not seem to interfere with the others’ adaptations
However, gaining strength could be lowered by adding running to a resistance program
Whereas bicycling does not have the same effect.

Cycling and the ergonomics that go with it are similar to traditional lower-body resistance exercises. The muscle contractions that come with running result in muscle damage, while the contractions in cycling also cause muscle damage, it is not to the same extent. Pairing the exercise programs correctly is key, such as a running program in combination with an upper-body lifting exercise can be beneficial. While running and doing leg presses every day could interfere with each other and could cause injuries. Or if doing both aerobic and resistance exercises in the same session, or on the same day, consider the order of the exercises, depending on what the goal is.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

British Journal of Sports Medicine. (November 2020) “Which specific modes of exercise training are most effective for treating low back pain? Network meta-analysis” https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/21/1279

Pain. (December 2020) “Are endogenous opioid mechanisms involved in the effects of aerobic exercise training on chronic low back pain? A randomized controlled trial” https://journals.lww.com/pain/Citation/2020/12000/Are_endogenous_opioid_mechanisms_involved_in_the.23.aspx

North American Spine Society. (2020) “Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines for Multidisciplinary Spine Care” https://www.spine.org/Portals/0/assets/downloads/ResearchClinicalCare/Guidelines/LowBackPain.pdf

Problems and Issues With The Feet Can Affect The Whole Body

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

partial view of female massage therapist doing massage to patient on massage table in clinic

The feet are the foundation of the body. The feet carry the body’s entire weight allowing for movement with ease. The feet are a complex structure that consists of:

Bones
Joints
Muscles
Ligaments
Tendons
Nerve endings

Because of this, the feet are a high-impact area taking the everyday forces that come from:

Balancing
Walking
Running
Stopping
Twisting
Shifting positions
Tiptoe reaching

Common Symptoms

Symptoms commonly caused by foot issues include:

Soreness
Stiffness
Leg pain
Muscle Weakness
Poor balance

Flat feet, fallen arches, injuries, bone spurs, and other issues can cause problems with the rest of the body. The most common are:

Back Problems

When foot issues are present it’s common to change walking postures to avoid pain and discomfort. Individuals often do not realize they are doing it until the awkward postures begin to present with pain and discomfort. Overcompensation combined with unhealthy walking patterns can cause back pain. This is because the spine is becoming misaligned. Balance of the body is crucial. When something shifts the proper balance, the whole spine can shift out of alignment. This is especially true for individuals with flat feet. Flat feet can cause the ankle/s to lose alignment. This leads to problems up the body, from the knees to the hips to the spine and neck.

Joint Pain

Imbalances cause the feet and spine to not absorb shocks from everyday activity properly. This means the rest of the body, especially the joints, have an added job of absorbing the shock/impact. As time goes on the stress and shock can lead to severe ankle, knee, hip discomfort/pain, and malfunctions.

Posture Imbalance

These misalignments cause imbalance and posture problems. When the feet have lost the proper anchoring and alignment, overall posture and balance become affected. This increases the risk for dangerous slip and fall accidents that can exacerbate or cause new injuries. Posture problems are usually the result of the body trying to redistribute weight to reduce the pain and because it works then becomes a bad habit.

Referred and Radiating Pain

The muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet connect to the rest of the body. Any pain/issues like calf pain or weakness in the feet can begin to present in the lower leg since that is where the soft tissue is most closely connected.

Foot Problems/Issues

The most common foot problems podiatrists see that lead to the aforementioned ailments.

Flat Feet

Flat feet also known as fallen arches. This is a condition where the feet lack or have lost the arch when standing. This can be quite uncomfortable and creates weight distribution problems. It can be a genetic condition but is also be the result of wearing shoes without arch support for a prolonged time.

Corns and Bunions

Corns are round circles of thick skin on the toes, or on the soles of the feet. The body forms them naturally to prevent blisters, but they could be the result of poorly fitting shoes. Typically they are not painful when they form, but can become irritated over time. Bunions are bumps on the side of the big toe that can cause a bending inward toward the other toes, creating a painful angle. This can cause severe irritation and inflammation in the bump and toes. These can be genetic or caused by structural problems. But they can be caused by tight-fitting shoes or excess pressure on the feet for prolonged periods.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe, also known as mallet toe, is a condition that makes one or more of the toes pointing down rather than straight. Walking can cause pain, and movement of the toe can reduce or stop completely. This is caused by arthritis or an injury, it can be genetic, or the result of poor footwear.

Plantar Fasciitis

This condition causes pain that goes from the bottom of the heel to the middle of the foot. It is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament also located in this area. There is a wide range of pain levels that can range from dull to stabbing. It is often caused by poor footwear with no arch support that has been worn for long periods when walking, standing, and running. Weight gain is another cause, as the added weight could be too much for the foot to manage, causing strain.

Shoes

Individuals that wear high heels, shoes that are the wrong size, or other uncomfortable footwear consistently will more likely develop the aforementioned issues. Shoes with proper support are essential to optimal foot and body health because they evenly distribute the weight of the body lessening the impact from everyday activities.

Foot Orthotics

Another recommended option for alleviating foot issues is custom foot orthotic inserts. These can be fit into any shoe, and are customized to an individual’s feet. They’re affordable, and allow individuals to wear their shoes without pain.

Chiropractic & Physical Therapy

Chiropractic and physical therapy can help alleviate the pain that is resultant from foot problems. Seeing a podiatrist can treat the root cause of the condition, but the rest of the body could need chiropractic readjusting from the misalignment/s.

Custom Orthotics

Heat-related illnesses vary in their severity, but even light symptoms need immediate action to correct the problem before it does become severe.

Heat cramps

When exercising in the heat painful cramps can present. The affected muscle/s might feel hard, spasm, or generate sharp pain. The body temperature could still be within normal limits.

Heat syncope

Syncope is a loss of consciousness, that is usually recognized as exercise-related collapse. However, before this happens, there may be a feeling of lightheadedness or fainting. This happens when temperatures are high and the individual has been standing or exercising for a long time. The same can occur when standing up quickly after sitting for a long time.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion happens when the body temperature exceeds normal limits and rises as high as 104. This can cause nausea, weakness, cold, fainting, headaches, and vomiting. The body continues to sweat, but the skin may feel cold and clammy.

Heatstroke and Sunstroke

Heat exhaustion untreated leads to heatstroke or sunstroke. The body’s core temperature is greater than 104 degrees and in a life-threatening emergency. The skin is no longer capable of sweating and can feel dry or moist. Individuals can become confused, irritable, and experience heart arrhythmias. Immediate medical emergency treatment is necessary to stop brain damage, organ failure, and death.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Joint Bone Spine. (December 2014) “Effects of unstable shoes on chronic low back pain in health professionals: A randomized controlled trial” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1297319X14001456 Your Foot Type Matters: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. (July 2018) “Association between the hyper-pronated foot and the degree of severity of disability in patients with non-specific low back pain” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1360859217303388 How to Find the Right Shoes: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. (December 2001) “Biomechanical effects of wearing high-heeled shoes” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169814101000385

Eating Healthy And Chiropractic Medicine

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Beautiful fit woman eating healthy food after fitness workout

Eating healthy and spinal health are interconnected. Eating healthier will help to lose weight, and provide a healthier body mass index. This means more muscle mass, especially when integrated with more protein. The spine sustains and supports the whole torso and upper body. When weight increases in these areas it can cause an array of issues like subluxations, curvature problems, sciatica, and more. The extra muscle mass takes the added stress from any extra weight off of the spine. Strong muscles can carry the weight of the body, taking the pressure off the spine and keeping it healthy, and operating in top form.

Table of Contents

Making Healthy Adjustments

No matter where an individual is on their healthy eating plan, there are common practices that work for many and helps improve their diet. This involves integrating healthy food groups into the diet in different ways, and not giving up when mistakes are made, but learning from them. When developing new healthy habits it takes time, diligence, practice, and research to eat the right foods.

Fruits and Veggies

It is easier and tastier to forget the nutritious foods and go for the carbs, fats, etc. Rather than trying to add more vegetables, or eating fruit as a snack every day can be tough. An easier, and better way to integrate fruits and vegetables into one’s diet is to substitute the carbs and fats for fruits and veggies in the main meals every day.

This could be spiralized zucchini, squash, or no-carb spaghetti instead of pasta spaghetti.
Instead of ice cream try real fruit sorbet.
Mashed cauliflower instead of white rice or mashed potatoes.
There are plenty of substitutes that are healthier and just as tasty and as the real thing.
Healthy recipes out there that can give you ideas on how to do this.

The benefit of substituting fruits and vegetables, rather than just adding them to a diet is individuals increase their health by reducing unhealthy dietary elements and adding healthy new ones at the same time. However, this does not mean doing it all at once. The goal is to gradually substitute these nutritious foods into everyday dishes for maximum health benefits.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Eating Healthy And Chiropractic Medicine

More Fiber and Protein

It is important that the body gets enough fiber and protein as a healthy energy source. Many individuals can become dependent on:

Carbs
Fats
Sugars
Other unhealthy food groups for energy throughout the day.

Ingesting unhealthy foods all day every day takes a significant toll on the body. This includes:

Blood sugar
Weight
Energy
Mood

Fiber and protein are important because the two regulate the body’s systems to promote healthy bodily functions. Fiber helps the digestive system and regulates carbohydrate breakdown. This means the energy obtained from any carb will last longer and will not increase blood sugar when integrated with fiber. Most individuals know that protein builds muscle. But it also makes the body feel full much longer than carbs or sugars do. This allows for natural regulation of how much is eaten during the day so an individual does not eat more than the body needs. Carbs and sugars are not filling and can become addictive. This means that they can be eaten all day long without feeling full and just load up with empty calories. A few ways to integrate fiber and protein into a diet:

Breakfast

Eggs
Turkey bacon
Whole wheat/multigrain toast

Lunch

Whole wheat wrap or sandwich

Dinner

Brown rice and beans are loaded with protein and fiber.
A great substitution for vegetarians/vegans for more protein or fiber

Reduce Sugar Intake

Reducing sugar intake or switching to balanced sugars from fruits, yogurt, etc. A diet high in sugar can wreck the body, causing:

Weight gain
Mood swings
Overeating
Other unhealthy effects

Sugar is fine when practiced in moderation. But when it becomes a daily habit, that’s when it can start affecting the body. The objective is to drink more water, and use substitutions when cravings present. Try:

Yogurt instead of ice cream
Healthy fruit drinks instead of soda
Tea instead of wine
Keep the indulgences to once or twice a week if possible.

Eating Healthy Benefits

A few of the benefits from eating healthy that will improve quality of life:

Improved digestive health
Weight loss
Reduced to no back pain
Reduced to no foot pain
Healthy sleep patterns
Less fatigue
Improved focus
Improved brain health
Clear skin
Reduced to no irritability

Body Composition

New Health Issues

Steady weight gain throughout life can lead to adult diabetes. This is brought on by more body fat and muscle loss. Loss of skeletal muscle mass is linked to insulin resistance. The less muscle is available, the less insulin sensitive the body becomes. Loss of muscle can cause other problems with age. One damaging condition, especially for women, is osteoporosis. This happens when old bone is reabsorbed rather than new bone being created. Both men and women can have decreased muscle mass with thinner, weaker bones. This increases the risk of osteoporosis and the risk of serious injury from falls. Prevention includes Eat sufficient protein throughout the day. It is often best to space out protein intake across meals and not consume all at once to ensure the proper amount is being met daily. Regular body composition monitoring can help. The goal is to minimize muscle mass loss and fat mass gain as the body ages.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Cena, Hellas, and Philip C Calder. “Defining a Healthy Diet: Evidence for The Role of Contemporary Dietary Patterns in Health and Disease.” Nutrients vol. 12,2 334. 27 Jan. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12020334 Locke, Amy et al. “Diets for Health: Goals and Guidelines.” American family physician vol. 97,11 (2018): 721-728. Warensjö Lemming, Eva, and Liisa Byberg. “Is a Healthy Diet Also Suitable for the Prevention of Fragility Fractures?.” Nutrients vol. 12,9 2642. 30 Aug. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12092642

Chiropractic Circulation Improvement Can Help Increase Productivity

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Woman during the medical consultation at the rehabilitation gym — Young woman during the medical consultation with rehab at the rehabilitation gym

Brain fog, memory problems, concentration, and the inability to form clear thoughts is an issue that many will face at some point. The progression of losing the ability to focus or think clearly can lead to decreased productivity with normal daily tasks, work, or taking care of a household. It can be a short-term issue experience caused by sleep deprivation or stress. However, if these issues are allowed to continue it can negatively change an individual’s quality of life.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Improves Circulation That Can Help Increase Productivity

Table of Contents

Affected Productivity Factors

Causes that can lead to poor productivity include:

Sedentary lifestyle
Poor sleep habits
Chronic Stress
Chronic anxiety
Unhealthy diet
Chronic Pain
Allergies
Food allergies
Illness
Mental health difficulties
Hypothyroidism

Spinal Alignment Affects Brain Functions

The underlying issue/s associated with brain function and the ability to focus are connected to the spine being out of alignment. Individuals often have poor spinal alignment without even realizing it is happening. It affects the body’s blood and nerve transmitting abilities to complete normal daily tasks. Chiropractic treatment is an expert-based approach that focuses on restoring spinal alignment to increase an individual’s health and brain function. Proper spinal alignment allows the nerves to relay messages clearly and optimally through the spinal cord to the brain. This allows for:

Clear thinking
Improved memory
Better decision making
Staying focused on tasks

Chiropractic Optimal Nerve Flow

When the central nervous system/brain/spinal cord is not transmitting properly it can lead to significant issues with concentration and productivity. When nerve energy and brain function is optimized productivity is improved. Research has shown that chiropractic can help:

Reduce the risk of disease
Prevent injuries
Prevent pain conditions
Improved quality of life

Chiropractic medicine can increase the ability to focus, optimize brain health, and more.

Body Composition

Tracing the sources of fatigue

There is a difference between being tired periodically from a long day and being tired daily. Being tired daily is also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is a fatigue condition that has lasted longer than 6 months. It is typical to experience many of the symptoms of fatigue that disrupt the ability to achieve health goals like:

Weight loss
Muscle gain
Maintaining body weight

Symptoms include:

Constantly tired
Reduced appetite
Moodiness
Reaction time slows down
Memory Loss
Dizziness

The nature of hectic daily schedules can allow sources of fatigue to pile up. The objective is to find a balance between home, work, physical activity, diet, etc. Chiropractic medicine and health coaching can help develop an optimal plan to get healthy.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Craniocervical Junction Disorder. USC Spine Center Web site. spine.keckmedicine.org/treatments-services/craniocervical-junction-disorder/. Accessed August 25, 2017. Anderson, Brian, and Adam Pitsinger. “Improvement in chronic muscle fasciculations with dietary change: a suspected case of gluten neuropathy.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 13,3 (2014): 188-91. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2014.01.002 Ross, Amanda J, et al. “What is brain fog? An evaluation of the symptom in postural tachycardia syndrome.” Clinical autonomic research: official journal of the Clinical Autonomic Research Society vol. 23,6 (2013): 305-11. doi:10.1007/s10286-013-0212-z

Chiropractic Repair: The Body’s Proper Spinal Alignment

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Manual treatment to a woman's back — Close-up of physiotherapist doing manual treatment to a young woman with spine problems

When a machine isn’t working correctly because the mechanism’s parts have slipped, shifted, become loose, and are on the verge of breaking down, an expert/professional is called in to repair the damaged parts. The same can be said of the spine. From all the movement at home, work, shopping, activities the spine also compresses and falls out of place becoming misaligned. That’s when individuals need to call a chiropractor to repair/realign the spine. The spine is an integral component of the body’s functionality and health. This includes:

Structure
Support
Flexibility
Shock absorption
Protection of the neural tissues

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 The Body's Proper Spinal Alignment Achieved Through Chiropractic Repair

Table of Contents

Healthy Spinal Alignment

For the spine to operate at its best proper alignment is necessary. The spine is impacted by everyday activities that shift, jolt, bounce, and stress the spine. Exacerbating the regular wear and tear includes:

Poor posture
Awkward movement
Injuries
A poor diet that causes inflammatory responses

Spinal misalignment disrupts the essential functions that can lead to illness/disease. Some simple ways to assess individual spinal alignment.

The ears, shoulders, hips, and knees should be aligned with each other. From side to side when facing straight forward
Spinal rotation can be assessed by bending forward and touching the toes. Have a mirror or someone to look for a rib hump that is also used in scoliosis screening
The head, shoulders, and spinal curves align from the side in general creating an S shape

Every individualâ€™s spine varies significantly. This is why a professional chiropractic examination, diagnosis, and customized treatment plan will maximize spinal alignment and overall health.

Chiropractors are the Expert Repair Specialists

Chiropractors are specially trained at spotting spinal misalignment/s and repair. This is done non-invasively through manual adjustments and mobilization techniques. When the spine is in optimal alignment it will prevent and activate the body’s natural healing abilities. Once spinal alignment is achieved the chiropractor can help maintain proper alignment with exercise, health coaching, lifestyle adjustments, and nutrition to maximize individual health.

Body Composition

A partner, spouse, friend, co-worker, professional for maintaining health

Finding someone to share the highs and lows during an individual’s health journey will significantly help relieve stress and continue to be motivated. It can be a spouse, best friend, coworker, or licensed professional. When an individual vocalizes their thoughts and feelings, they gain confidence in their ability to handle whatever comes their way. This is an individual that will help navigate the negative emotions by listening and providing advice and encouragement. Take some time every week to share successes, failures, goals, etc. Whatever comes to mind to just get it out there so it can be evaluated and broken down into manageable parts. The great thing about sharing is that it can inspire positive changes.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for musculoskeletal systemâ€™s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Diebo, Bassel G et al. â€œSagittal alignment of the spine: What do you need to know?.â€Â Clinical neurology and neurosurgeryÂ vol. 139 (2015): 295-301. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2015.10.024 Caprara, Sebastiano et al. â€œSpinal sagittal alignment goals based on statistical modeling and musculoskeletal simulations.â€Â Journal of biomechanicsÂ vol. 102 (2020): 109621. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109621 Senzon, Simon A. â€œThe Chiropractic Vertebral Subluxation Part 10: Integrative and Critical Literature From 1996 and 1997.â€Â Journal of chiropractic humanitiesÂ vol. 25 146-168. 6 Apr. 2019, doi:10.1016/j.echu.2018.10.008

Exercise Benefits For Optimal Spinal Health

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Covid and training at home. Muscular man with strong back doing plank exercise in living room interior, free space

The spine interconnects the entire body transmitting and receiving messages from the brain allowing for coordinated movement. Maintaining optimal spinal health requires some form of regular physical activity that counts as exercise. There are diverse ways to keep the spine at its healthiest. This includes:

Stress management
Healthy weight
Proper posture
Regular exercise
Adequate hydration
Healthy diet

Exercising and the benefits of exercise for spinal health.

Table of Contents

Exercise Increases Spine Health

Regular exercise maintains spinal health and boosts the spine’s durability. Here are a few ways:

Core strength for the stability of the spine is increased
Flexibility of the spine increases without strain when moving around
Poor movement patterns that shift the spine out of alignment decrease
Improved posture that minimizes unnecessary pressure on the spinal joints and nerves
The body’s natural endorphins are released and properly circulate to provide natural pain relief
Increased blood circulation to the spine prevents injuries and helps flush toxins
Improved health of essential tissues like the discs, ligaments, nerve roots, and the cord

Regular body movement improves the quality of life and spinal health. This is because, like a high-quality engine, all the body’s systems are activated and operate at optimal level.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Exercise Benefits For Optimal Spinal Health

Guidance

Individuals do exercise but often it is not getting enough exercise that contributes to declining health. Reasons for not getting enough physical activity are related to:

Pain
Fatigue
Motivation or lack thereof
Not enough time
Not sure what to do
Results don’t show quick enough

For individuals experiencing generalized fatigue, pain, or problems staying active, the guidance of a sports/fitness chiropractor can make a significant difference.

Chiropractors Can Help

When spinal health is in top form the body can function at its absolute best. A fitness and sports chiropractor can inform/educate an individual, and based on their specific needs, on what type of exercise stretching regimen would benefit them the most. When the spine is in proper alignment, the motivation falls into place for maximizing an individual’s exercise routine and spinal health long-term.

Body Composition

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is the most well-known immune-supporting vitamin. It is an antioxidant that reduces free radicals and protects from oxidative damage that can cause chronic diseases. Vitamin C deficiency can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases-CVDs, which include:

Coronary heart disease
Ischemic stroke
Hypertension

Vitamin C plays an essential role in collagen synthesis which helps reduce inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Studies have shown that vitamin C could help lower blood pressure. Vitamin C could also help prevent obesity and related illnesses. Sources of Vitamin C include:

Tomatoes
Peppers
Citrus fruit
Strawberries
Sour cherries
Broccoli

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, Franklin BA, et al. American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(7):1334-1359.

McGill SM, Childs A, Liebenson C. Endurance times for low back stabilization exercises: clinical targets for testing and training from a normal database. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1999;80(8):941-944.

McGill SM. Low back stability: from formal description to issues for performance and rehabilitation. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2001;29(1):26-31.

Yang EJ, Park WB, Shin HI, Lim JY. The effect of back school integrated with core strengthening in patients with chronic low-back pain. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2010;89(9):744-754. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e3181e72239.