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Why Tendonitis Should Not Be Left Untreated A Chiropractic Perspective

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
Handsome doctor is examining female patient's injured hand while working in his office

Tendonitis can happen in any area of the body where a tendon is being overused. If left untreated it can lead to serious/chronic issues. Most individuals experience this injury near joints around the shoulder, knee, elbow, wrist, foot, and can be a painful problem. The muscles’ have a regular blood supply of healing nutrients and fresh oxygen. But the tendons along with other connective tissues do not, which causes the tendons to become inflamed and unable to quickly heal. Most individuals don’t realize they are developing tendonitis until the pain starts to present. Chiropractic can help to prevent tendonitis from becoming a chronic problem.

Length of time for tendonitis to heal

Healing time depends on the overall health, age, and how serious the tendonitis is.

  • A mild case for a person under 40 could heal in two to four weeks
  • A moderate case in 4 to 6 weeks
  • An extreme case can take months

It is important to not ignore tendonitis, especially if it comes back after having tried the usual therapies.

Symptoms and Signs

Mild cases can feel like sore muscles. However, moderate symptoms, depending on the affected area, can include:

Shoulder

When reaching for something or lifting an object, pain is felt in the shoulder.

Elbow

Pain sometimes can be sharp on the outside of the elbow joint. This along with sore muscles or muscles that are painful to the touch. In the forearm and wrist, it can happen in the inner elbow but is not as common.

Wrist

Pain is usually in the inner joint of the wrist or below the thumb. And the joint is tender/sensitive to the touch. It can make driving a painful task.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Why Tendonitis Should Not Be Left Untreated A Chiropractic Perspective

In the Knee

Swelling and stiffness are common, along with pain when bending, walking, or when putting weight on the affected knee.

In the Foot

Pain is felt in the Achilles and the foot is tender/sensitive when walking.

If left untreated will it go away on its own?

In certain cases. it can but one should never ignore pain symptoms. Pain is the body’s way of telling the individual that there is something wrong.

Resting the affected tendons

The first thing a doctor will say is that the painful area needs to rest from various types of activities. Rest works to alleviate the symptoms of only the mildest forms of tendonitis. Most individuals are unaware that they have tendonitis until it reaches the moderate stage. Resting the affected area does help, however, even with moderate damage, rest alone probably won’t take care of the inflammation. An individual will need to do some sort of stretching/strengthening/rehabilitation of the area. Otherwise, when returning to normal activities including what caused the injury the individual is only going to overuse the tendon/s again.

Difficult to completely rest the affected joint/s

Completely resting the arm, hand, shoulder, or foot for 4-6 weeks is a serious challenge. Most individuals will not be able to accomplish this with their job, children, and all the other responsibilities that they have for 4-6 weeks. Most individuals can take a week, but even then don’t really stop using the affected joint completely. When the regular routine returns along with the activity/job that caused the tendonitis, because of the light rest, the pain comes back within a few days to a few weeks.

It can become a chronic condition left untreated

When left untreated tendonitis can become chronic. What happens is the constant inflammation progressively becomes chronic. Healing chronic tendonitis is a long and painful process that can require surgery. A chronic case can take months to heal along with rehabilitation to strengthen the affected tendons. Chronic cases can feel like a knife being driven into the joint, even with simple tasks like turning/pulling a door handle.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Why Tendonitis Should Not Be Left Untreated A Chiropractic Perspective

Avoiding surgery

Continued use of the joint means inflammation will continue and it will get worse. In severe cases, where conservative treatment/s has not helped surgery could be required. When it comes to tendon surgery, it does not heal like a broken bone. After the surgery, the joint can become permanently stiff and the full range of motion does not return. Healing time is around 12 weeks, depending on the overall health, age, and severity. A full recovery could take as long as 6 months. Avoiding surgery can be accomplished if proper treatment is sought out as soon as there is a feeling of joint tingling, numbness, and pain.

Healing treatment

Getting treatment as soon as possible is key. Even if the pain is not tendonitis but a pulled muscle, the body will heal faster with the proper treatment. Chiropractors are highly skilled specialists in the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic care that includes manipulation, massage, ultrasound, etc. has shown to be highly effective in the treatment of tendonitis. Depending on the diagnosis, a chiropractor will utilize other therapies as a part of the treatment plan, including:

  • Therapeutic massage
  • Heat therapy
  • Rehabilitation exercise
  • Rehabilitation stretching
  • Cold laser therapy

A chiropractor will perform a complete exam and order x-rays to determine if the pain is tendonitis or some other type of joint problem. A chiropractor will look at the whole body and lifestyle to find the root cause. This will help prevent the injury from reoccurring and become chronic. A chiropractor will also advise on:

  • Ergonomic changes to the workstation
  • Taking anti-inflammatory supplements
  • Refer the individual to a different specialist if other issues fall outside of their range of practice.

Tendonitis left untreated

Untreated tendonitis can lead to the permanent weakening of the tendon. This can lead to a rupture of the tendon, which requires surgery. It can also cause permanent damage to the tissues surrounding the area, as well as, scar tissue can form in and around the area. The pain and inflammation continue because the scar tissue is not as flexible as tendons. This often causes individuals to force the affected joint to work harder causing added inflammation. Untreated tendonitis can turn into a life-long issue that interferes with everyday activities like getting dressed, walking, eating, etc. Get started with a proper treatment and recovery plan to get back to living a healthy, pain-free life.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Heather Whitaker of Western Digital

Tracking inflammation/fluid imbalances from injury or surgery

After surgery or injury, inflammation can present with little or no visible symptoms. Precise measures of the body’s water can detect water retention and inflammation. This could help guide rehabilitation treatment. InBody effectively distinguishes water in the intracellular/within the tissues and extracellular/in the blood/interstitial fluids water that comprises total body water. The Edema Index can be used to detect fluid imbalances resulting from inflammation brought on by injury or surgery recovery. By assessing fluid balance in the body, inflammation can be identified, used to guide treatment options, and reduce the risk of re-injury or post-surgery complications. Tracking these values back to normal will help therapists by providing proof of the success of the treatment plan.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

Sharma P, Maffulli N. Biology of tendon injury: healing, modeling, and remodeling. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2006;6(2):181-90.

Dean BJF, et al., Review: Emerging concepts in the pathogenesis of tendinopathy, The Surgeon (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.surge.2017.05.005

Wilson JJ, Best TM. Common overuse tendon problems: a review and recommendations for treatment. Am Fam Phys. Sep 1 2005;72(5):811e8.

Chiropractic Sports Massage for Injuries, Sprains, and Strains

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
Fitness coach explans to athletic girl dressed in black sport clothes how works muscles of the arms .

A chiropractic sports massage will reduce the risk of injury, improve flexibility, and the circulatory system. A chiropractic sports massage is a focused treatment that is designed for biomechanical needs and physical demands of individuals that regularly engage in sports/physical athletic activities like:

  • Running
  • Gym workouts
  • CrossFit
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Raquetball
  • Skating
  • Cycling
  • Soccer
  • Yoga

Individuals that stress their body’s to the limits through physical activities can benefit from a chiropractic sports massage.

A chiropractic sports massage is not like a spa massage

A chiropractic sports massage is not like a spa massage. There are spa massages for helping individuals unwind and relax. And then there is a massage for healing sore muscles, tendons, ligaments after an intense game, workout, etc. This type of massage helps loosen the muscles/connecting tissues and allows the body to heal a lot quicker. This is done by increasing the blood and nerve circulation around the muscles.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Sports Massage for Injuries, Sprains, and Strains

Breaks down scar tissue

For individuals with previous injuries, a sports massage will help break down scar tissue that has developed. This allows for more flexibility and an increase in the muscles’ function.

More than a rubdown

The massage therapist might be an athlete or has extensive training in sports injury therapy. A sports massage is more than just a rubdown. Treatment depends on the individual’s favorite sporting activity/s along with the number and severity of the injury, sprain, or strain. The massage treatment could include:

Can help deal with hormonal changes

Female athletes tend to experience more hormonal changes than women that are not athletic. This massage helps improve the way the body deals with the changes and relaxes the mind while stimulating the body to release serotonin. When mind and body are relaxed, sleep improves helping to improve mood.

Helps prevent soreness

It helps to prevent muscle soreness after intense exercise or an intense game. It can alleviate discomfort and sore muscles. A session after a workout/game can make a significant difference in how the body feels the next day.

Helps remove toxins from the body

One of the benefits is that it will flush the lymphatic system, which removes toxins from the body. Toxins build up around the joints when they are stimulated through a massage. This allows the lymphatic system to get rid of the toxins. If the lymphatic system is stimulated during the massage, it will drain the toxins faster. This improves recovery time and helps prevent lymphedema or edema.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Sports Massage for Injuries, Sprains, and Strains

A combination of massage techniques

This type of massage is more than a single type of massage. This is to create the best chiropractic sports massage for the individual. It can consist of a combination of:

What to expect

If new to a chiropractic sports massage there will be a little soreness for up to 48 hours afterward. There might also be a thirsty or weak feeling as the body works to remove toxins and begin the healing process. Taking a hot bath/shower and keeping the body hydrated will help the process.

The difference between a sports and deep tissue massage

If experiencing knots in the muscles, a deep tissue massage could be the best option. This type of massage is designed to untangle knots, tightness, and soreness from a set of muscles caused by overexertion. However, a deep tissue massage could be part of the chiropractic sports massage treatment plan.

Massage time

A chiropractic sports massage can last about an hour, but it could be a short 30-minute session for those that have already gone through the initial treatment and are getting regular therapy. Everyone is different, individuals should discuss which session type works better for them with the massage therapist or chiropractor. Our chiropractor and physical therapy team are highly skilled professionals at addressing the source of pain and using a variety of techniques to help heal the body. A chiropractor can also advise on exercise, stretching programs, and diet to help improve performance and help to prevent further and new injury/s.

InBody

InBody Spotlight - Bryan Burnstein of Cirque du Soleil

Weight loss leveling off is normal

Everyone goes through weight loss plateaus. In a review published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, researchers found the individuals tend to level off around the 6-month mark. The trials assessed eight different types of weight-loss programs that included:

  • Diet alone
  • Diet and exercise
  • Exercise alone
  • Meal replacement
  • Very-low-energy diet
  • Weight-loss medication
  • Advice alone

No matter what strategy is being utilized every individual will hit a plateau. It’s easy to become fixated on the end result. Instead, focus on the journey.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet. American Massage Therapy Association. https://www.amtamassage.org/infocenter/economic_industry-fact-sheet.html?src=navdropdown. Released February 2017. Accessed May 17, 2017.

Neck Pain and Feeling Dizzy: Cervicogenic/Cervical Vertigo

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
Senior man is suffering from neck pain.

When neck pain and becoming dizzy present it is called cervical vertigo or cervicogenic dizziness. It can present from different causes. It could be a recent or previous automobile accident, or from slouching too much while looking down at the phone, or it could be an arthritic condition acting up. Whatever the reason/s the spinning, neck pain, and headaches, need to stop. Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a feeling of disorientation or unsteadiness caused by a neck injury or health condition that affects the neck region of the spine.

There is almost always neck pain when the dizziness starts up. The range of motion is affected and can present with a headache. A cervical vertigo episode can go on for hours, and the condition can last for years. Diagnosing cervical vertigo can be a challenge because some of the symptoms are similar or overlap with other medical issues. This can be inner ear infections/issues to stroke and traumatic brain injury/s like a concussion. Fortunately, once there is a correct diagnosis many of the treatment therapies can be done at home. If there is a cause coming from the neck then it can usually be treated without surgery.

How Balance Works

Keeping the body upright and moving takes a great deal of coordination. Balance involves the:

  • Eyes
  • Muscles
  • Joints
  • And the nervous system working together with the inner ear organs called the vestibular system.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Neck Pain and Feeling Dizzy: Cervicogenic/Cervical Vertigo

When everything is in sync, maintaining equilibrium is as natural as breathing. If one area gets damaged or becomes disrupted, maintaining vertical balance can be a challenge. The exact reason for cervical vertigo is still unknown, but many experts believe it involves a communication problem between the vestibular system and body awareness. Proprioception is the awareness of an individual’s body’s position and motions. It is how an individual knows where their limbs and joints are, and how they move through space. This awareness involves:

  • Sensors in the skin
  • Muscles
  • Joints that send signals to the nervous system

There is a theory that cervical vertigo happens when an injury or health condition interferes with the receptors in the neck, which throws off proprioception. This affects the signals being transmitted to the brain and vestibular system. The result is vertigo.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Neck Pain and Feeling Dizzy: Cervicogenic/Cervical Vertigo

Diagnosing Cervical Vertigo

There is no official test to diagnose cervical vertigo. Instead, a doctor needs to rule out other possible causes of symptoms and confirm the issue is neck-related. This is known as exclusion diagnosis. Other conditions that have similar symptoms and should be considered include:

Neck pain can be a clue that the problem could be cervical vertigo. When an individual has pain, it can be easier to diagnose because it is a kind of reference. When neck pain is not present, healthcare professionals look to the ear or brain.

Spine Conditions That Can Cause A Feeling of Being Dizzy

Sometimes, it can be caused by physical trauma, while other times, it is a result of a health condition that affects the spine. The most common causes include:

Age

Getting older is a potential risk factor from all the wear and tear of regular living. Age can affect neck strength, mobility and increases the chances of developing various health issues.

Whiplash

If the head and neck snap forward and backward at high speed, the result is often whiplash. It is a neck spasm after a high-velocity injury, most commonly an automobile accident.

Cervical spondylosis

This is also known as arthritis of the neck. Cervical spondylosis involves the breakdown of the spine’s discs and joints over time. The discs are the body’s shock absorbers. If they begin to lose water content this starts the degenerative inflammatory process. During this process, bone spurs can begin to develop. This can cause compression of the nerves, blood vessels, and the spinal cord, which can lead to vertigo.

Herniated disc

When the center of a spinal disc bulges out/herniates, it can press on the spinal cord, compressing the spinal cord or the nerves.

Poor posture

Slouching when sitting or looking down to read the phone can compress the vertebrae at the top of the spine.

Atherosclerosis

This is the hardening of artery walls and can restrict blood flow to areas that affect balance.

Neck surgery

This can cause vertigo if the surgery damaged the area, nearby blood vessels, or nerves.

Bow Hunter’s Syndrome

Also known as rotational vertebral artery occlusion. It is the compression of a blood vessel in the neck called the vertebral artery, although it is rare.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Neck Pain and Feeling Dizzy: Cervicogenic/Cervical Vertigo

Treatment Options

Cervical vertigo can be managed without surgery. A healthcare provider can begin the process of diagnosing and start treating any underlying health problems to relieve symptoms. Muscle relaxers and over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain, and medications like meclizine can help with dizziness.

Aerobic exercise

Physical activities like walking, running, biking or swimming can reduce inflammation and pain. However, for aerobic exercise to be effective, the heart rate has to hit the aerobic zone for at least 15 to 30 minutes per session, at least 3 to 5 times per week.

Strength and balance training

Exercise can ease symptoms. Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi incorporate mindfulness and breathing techniques that are proven to help with pain relief.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is recommended for building strength, improving posture, and neck mobility. Manual therapy works the muscles and joints and has been found to be helpful.

Massage

Therapeutic massage can be beneficial for cervical vertigo as it eases tension on the neck and allows better circulation in the arteries.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial for neck pain, and for the treatment of vertigo.

Chiropractic

Gentle chiropractic mobilization can help by correcting any injuries or misalignments.

Where to Go

Check with a healthcare provider first to check which is the right treatment to pursue. Conduct plenty of research and ask questions. Above all, don’t let symptoms go unaddressed.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Bryce Henson of Fit Body Boot Camp

Probiotics and Prebiotics

A probiotic is referred to as good bacteria that keeps viruses and bad bacteria in check. The health benefits range from:

  • Boosting immune system function
  • Reducing cholesterol levels
  • Keeps anxiety levels in check
  • Probiotics can be thought of as a personal army that protects the gut/body 24/7.

Yogurts that are low in sugar and high in bacteria cultures along with fermented foods are highly beneficial. If fermented foods cannot be taken, consider probiotic supplements to increase gut health. Good gut bacteria can be helped by consuming prebiotics. Prebiotics are a form of soluble fiber. The body cannot digest prebiotics, but gut bacteria can. Optimal sources of fiber-rich prebiotics can be found in nutrient-dense foods like:

  • Barley
  • Oats
  • Wheat bran
  • Leeks
  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Fruits
  • Legumes
  • Raw chicory

A diet with various types of fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity and prevent weight gain.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

Cleveland Clinic. 2020. “Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Dizziness Problems.” health.clevelandclinic.org/is-your-world-spinning-help-for-dizziness/

Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. (2018.) “Symptoms in cervical vertigo.”onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lio2.227

Pain Physician. (2013.) “Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Cervical Vertigo.”painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=MjM3NQ%3D%3D&journal=89

Physiopedia. (n.d.) “Cervicogenic dizziness: screening.” physio-pedia.com/Cervicogenic_dizziness:_screening

Benefits of Chiropractic After Auto Injury

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
Physiotherapist giving neck massage to a woman in clinic

After being involved in an auto accident, it could be weeks before the full effects of the trauma present. Visiting a chiropractor after an auto injury can help the body heal quicker and helps to prevent further injury. Benefits include:

  • Inflammation is reduced
  • It is non-Invasive
  • It is highly effective for pain treatment
  • Helps to lessen and avoid pain medications
  • Treats whiplash effectively
  • Reduces stress
  • Promotes quicker healing and recovery time
  • Reduces and prevents scar tissue

Especially for those that believe they are okay after an accident, it is highly recommended to get checked by a doctor of chiropractic just in case. This can help prevent more serious issues from developing.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Benefits of Chiropractic After Auto Injury

Injury From An Accident

There could be a wide range of injuries that an individual can suffer after an accident. These include:

Soft and Hard Tissue Injuries

  • Minor scrapes
  • Bruising/Contusions
  • Whiplash
  • Neck/Back injuries
  • Concussions
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Fractures
  • Broken bones
  • Internal Bleeding
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Burns

Chiropractic After Auto Injury

During an auto accident, the joints in various parts of the body are often jolted, shaken, and banged up. This damages the joints and the spine. Chiropractors specialize in treating these types of injuries. Chiropractic is a full-body approach that also includes inflammation alleviation and long-term injury therapy.

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to trauma. But inflammation and swelling that doesn’t go away can be detrimental to an individual’s health. Chiropractic treats the underlying injury reducing swelling for the body to heal in an optimal fashion. Because inflammation causes pain, chiropractic addresses inflammation, and pain in different ways. These include:

  • Heat and ice therapy
  • Massage
  • Physical rehabilitation
  • Anti-inflammatory diet
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • Cold laser therapy

The quicker chiropractic treatment is put into effect after an auto injury, the faster an individual can get back to normal.

Effective Pain Treatment

The spine can experience intense trauma after a car accident. This can cause it to slip out of alignment leading to pain in the back muscles. Auto injuries that result in a bulging or herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve can generate pain that can spread out to the:

  • Head
  • Neck
  • Shoulders
  • Arms
  • Abdomen
  • Legs

Chiropractic adjusting will bring the spine back into alignment, and treat the cause of the pain. This helps prevent/avoid long-term issues and complications that go with surgery or medications.

Whiplash Treatment

Whiplash is a common injury after an auto accident. The pain can take days or weeks to present. Without treatment, long-term whiplash injuries can become a chronic condition. Whiplash is an injury to the muscles and ligaments of the neck. Common treatment options include:

  • Massage
  • Spinal manipulation
  • Trigger Point exercises
  • McKenzie exercises
  • Stretching
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Benefits of Chiropractic After Auto Injury

Reduce Stress and Promote Healing

Even minor auto injuries can cause massive stress in one’s life. Dealing with the insurance, getting the car fixed, and dealing with the pain can take a serious toll. Chiropractic can help reduce stress through therapeutic massage which promotes optimal blood flow, which helps flush toxins and speeds up the healing of damaged and stressed muscles.

InBody

InBody Spotlight - Rick Mayo of Alloy

Snack Benefits

Fullness and Satisfaction

An example is almonds have more influence on satisfaction when eaten as a snack, instead of with a meal. And high-protein yogurt promotes healthy satisfaction more than chocolate or crackers.

Metabolism Benefits

Eating a high-protein diet has shown to increase the body’s Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). This process uses a lot of energy, meaning the body burns more calories when eating a high-protein snack.

Body Composition Benefits

For those wanting to build muscle, a high-protein diet is recommended. This is because when exercising muscle is broken down. Protein from the diet has amino acids that repair and rebuild Skeletal Muscle Mass. High-protein snacks can help meet protein recommendations to build Skeletal Muscle Mass.

Post-Workout

A healthy snack is perfect for replenishing the body’s energy after a workout. Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy, and protein helps repair the muscle fibers that were broken down. For top results, look for a snack that offers a balance of carbohydrates and protein.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. (2020) “Spinal Cord Injury: Facts and Figures at a Glance.” https://www.nspine injurysc.uab.edu/Public/Facts%20and%20Figures%202020.pdf

Kelsey L Corcoran, DC, Lori A Bastian, MD, Craig G Gunderson, MD, Catherine Steffens, Alexandria Brackett, MA, MLIS, Anthony J Lisi, DC, Association Between Chiropractic Use and Opioid Receipt Among Patients with Spinal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Pain Medicine, Volume 21, Issue 2, February 2020, Pages e139–e145, https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnz219

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955315000582

***MELATONIN*** & its effects on human structure | El Paso, Tx (2021)

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
***MELATONIN*** & its effects on human structure | El Paso, Tx (2021)
Today Dr. Alex Jimenez, Clinical Nutritionist Ana Paola Rodriguez Arciniega, and Senior Health Coach Kenna Lee Vaughn discuss the function of Chronobiotic molecule, Melatonin.

Discussion: Melatonin is the primary hormone synthesized in the pineal gland. It is considered synchronize our biological clock as a master clock that distributed temporal cues. Nevertheless, melatonin is involved in the protection of our GI tract, has immunologic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions that serve as a potent therapeutic option.

If you have any questions you can call us at 915-850-0900
–
If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way
please feel free to subscribe and share with us.

Thank You & God Bless.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, ATN, IFMCP. CIFM, CCST

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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 presentations share knowledge and information from research, experience, and the collaborative functional medicine community. The information and scope are limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. Our discussions include Integrative Doctors, Functional Medicine Experts, Nutritionists, Health Coaches, Chiropractors, Physical Medicine Doctors, Therapists, Exercise Performance Specialists, Physicians, and others. Each specialist practices within their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care plans for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our discussions, videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters and issues that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our collaborative clinical scope of practice. We make a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and identify the relevant research studies supporting our presentations. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover issues that may require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subjects matters presented, please feel free to contact Dr. Alex Jimenez.

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Chiropractic Protection

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Chiropractic Protection
Senior Asian woman with sore and muscle pain from laptop use in bed

Age is the primary contributor to many spinal conditions. This is because of the strain that comes after decades of wear and tear. The most damaging age-related spinal condition is spondylosis/arthritis of the vertebrae. This can lead to everything from herniated discs, to vertebral fractures. Spondylosis increases the risk for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. This condition involves the compression of the spinal cord, placing increased strain on the nerves, discs, and supporting soft tissue/s. A chiropractor will work with senior patients on all levels. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic will offer recommendations and educate the individuals on the effects of the condition and how to prevent and safeguard.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Chiropractic Protection

Signs and Symptoms cervical spondylotic myelopathy

The slow compression of the spine brought on by spondylosis generates the onset of numerous symptoms. Seniors should have a general understanding of these symptoms and be able to recognize them if they present.

  • Numbness in the fingers and toes
  • Loss of balance and coordination
  • Instability symptoms
  • General neck pain
  • Discomfort at the base of the neck
  • Referred pain in different areas of the body like the legs

An individual with preexisting spinal conditions has an increased risk of developing cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Conditions that further devolve from spondylosis include:

  • Herniated discs
  • Disc degeneration
  • Disc inflammation

Identification

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is triggered by a traumatic event or an underlying condition.

  • The first and most common is trauma.
  • Slip and fall accidents can cause damage to the cervical spine that takes longer to heal.
  • The stress further compresses the vertebrae because of the body’s need to support itself.
  • Trauma tends to affect muscles and ligaments. This weakens the overall support of the spine.
  • Arthritis is another catalyst for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
  • This autoimmune condition can affect the facet joints, causing instability that leads to compression.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Chiropractic Protection

Spine-health

Most senior individuals are aware and understand the increased risk of accidents and injury/s. A chiropractor will take the time to inform them and focus on helping the individual address specific conditions they have or have an increased risk of acquiring. For individuals with spondylosis or those at-risk should consider a chiropractic treatment plan that involves decompression techniques, and strength training of the core muscles. Combined with regular adjustments and wellness examinations will provide a solid foundation for avoiding the effects of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

InBody

InBody Spotlight - Lance Walker of Michael Johnson Performance

Vitamin D Keeps You on Your Feet

Falls are a primary cause of injury/s for older adults. Low vitamin D levels can be a contributor to weakened bones. There is a strong correlation that vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of falls in older adults. This has to do with the effects on muscle strength and function. Daily vitamin D plus calcium supplementation improves quadriceps strength, postural control, and regular functions, like standing, and walking. Supplements help counter the effects of aging and inactivity on the muscles and are important in the prevention of potential fall/s that could result in injury. The benefit of supplementing is noticeable in individuals that have a history of falls along with improvements in muscle strength, function, and an increase in strength, and functional performance.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

Etheridge J, Kalantar SB. The pathophysiology and biological mechanisms of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Semin Spine Surg. 2014;26:62-67.

*How do we evaluate patients? * Dr. Alex Jimenez | El Paso, Tx (2021)

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
*How do we evaluate patients? * Dr. Alex Jimenez | El Paso, Tx (2021)
As part of our personalized medicine approach in our offices, we take our remote patient monitoring and virtual health software beyond the technology to provide a complete support service. Today we present the use of our advanced Living Matrix platform designed by clinicians in collaboration with the Institute for Functional Medicine, a global leader in Functional Medicine education, to effectively evaluate patients, create personalized, actionable care plans, and track superior, life-changing health outcomes over time.
We explain the use of Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). This method which uses to measure the components of the body, including muscle mass, body fat, and total body

If you have any questions you can call us at 915-850-0900
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If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way
please feel free to subscribe and share with us.

Thank You & God Bless.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, ATN, IFMCP. CIFM, CCST

Join our webinars!
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralexjimenez
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crossfitdoctor

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 presentations share knowledge and information from research, experience, and the collaborative functional medicine community. The information and scope are limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. Our discussions include Integrative Doctors, Functional Medicine Experts, Nutritionists, Health Coaches, Chiropractors, Physical Medicine Doctors, Therapists, Exercise Performance Specialists, Physicians, and others. Each specialist practices within their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care plans for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our discussions, videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters and issues that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our collaborative clinical scope of practice. We make a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and identify the relevant research studies supporting our presentations. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover issues that may require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subjects matters presented, please feel free to contact Dr. Alex Jimenez.

Pulled Shoulder Muscle Injury Chiropractic Care

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
chiropractor massaging shoulder of man on Massage Table in hospital

The shoulder joint consists of different muscles that are for moving, protection, and provide a wide range of motion. When one or more of these muscles is pulled or strained it can affect the smallest movements. A pulled shoulder muscle can make simple activities difficult, painful, and impossible. Minor shoulder injuries can heal on their own with home remedies. A serious shoulder muscle injury should be addressed by a medical professional. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. Pulling a muscle in the shoulder can be caused by:

  • Injury
  • Overuse
  • General wear and tear

Pulled Shoulder Muscle Causes

Pulling a shoulder muscle can happen quickly like falling on the shoulder or from a car accident. It can also develop from months or years of working a job where individuals perform repetitive motions with the shoulders and overuse the muscles to the point of strain. No matter the cause, rehabilitation, and recovery depend on the type and severity of the injury.

Common Shoulder Muscle Injuries

The shoulder joint is surrounded by several muscles and tendons and because the shoulder can move so freely, it is a common area for a pull or strain. Different shoulder muscle injuries fall under being pulled or strained.

  • Rotator Cuff Tear
  • Shoulder Tear
  • Shoulder Sprain
  • Shoulder Strain
  • Pulled Muscle in the shoulder blade

A Pulled Muscle or Something Else

Unless an individual is a medical professional or has experienced this type of pain before, it can be hard to tell exactly what the cause is. Shoulder pain can have other or combined causes like inflammation of the tendons and joints, or the joint itself could be causing the injury. Here are a few ways to investigate what is causing shoulder pain.

Pulled Shoulder Muscle Symptoms

  • Pain in the shoulder blade area is characterized by dull, sore, or aching pain.
  • Sometimes shooting pain in the area between the shoulder blades will present, causing pain in the front or back of the shoulder.
  • Shoulder instability of the muscles or tendons.
  • The shoulder feels fragile
  • Movement causes pain
  • A bump can develop at the top of the shoulder near the end of the collarbone
  • General symptoms include:
  • Pain when the shoulder is at rest
  • Pain when the specific muscle is used
  • Tenderness
  • Possible swelling of the area
  • Inability to use the muscle at all

The Seriousness of a Pulled Shoulder Muscle

The majority of the time a pulled shoulder muscle is not serious. If the pain is not severe and it is not the result of an accident, it is okay to utilize home remedies to reduce pain and help the shoulder heal. However, there are symptoms that could indicate a serious injury or medical problem. If you experience shoulder pain and any of the following, seek immediate medical attention.

  • Severe and intense pain
  • Severe, abrupt pain that has no obvious cause
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest numbness or pain
  • Seeing clearly
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Sudden swelling, pain, or redness

For individuals that experience shoulder pain that does not get better over time, seek professional help, even if the pain is mild. A professional will develop the right treatment plan, reduce pain, and generate a healthy recovery, getting the individual back to normal and optimal health.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Pulled Shoulder Muscle Injury Chiropractic Care

Treatment and Recovery Options

Treatment and recovery plans are different for everyone. This is because it depends on the severity of the pull and the individual’s overall health. Many find that the pain is reduced with home remedies in two or three weeks. Chiropractic treatment for a pulled shoulder muscle can provide relief within one or two weeks.

Home Remedies for Pulled Shoulder Muscles

Depending on the severity and how much pain is presenting taking NSAIDs like Ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. Individuals can also incorporate the following:

Rest

The shoulder should rest for 2 or 3 days. This gets the healing process started and prevents further injuring the area.

Wrap or Sling

During the days of rest, keeping the shoulder from moving can be difficult. To avoid this, wrap the shoulder or utilize a sling to support the arm. Remember that these should not be used for more than 2 or 3 days.

Ice for Swelling

If there is swelling, applying ice to the area can help reduce the inflammation. Apply for 20 minutes every hour. The swelling should begin reducing in a day or two.

Gentle Stretching

Working out the muscles after the 2 or 3 days of rest is important. Stretches will help the muscle group strengthen and heal. Not stretching the muscles and not using them for an extended time could worsen the injury and increase the risk of further injury.

Stretching the Shoulder

As aforementioned not moving/stretching can cause more problems in the long run. Not using the muscle can cause it to atrophy, which means that it will take longer to heal with the surrounding muscles weakening. Gentle stretches for a pulled shoulder muscle include:

Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch

  • Bring the affected arm across the body at an angle
  • Cup the elbow of the affected arm with the other hand
  • Use that hand to gently pull the arm toward the body
  • Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds
  • Repeat 3 to 5 times

Pendulum Stretch

  • Bend slightly forward, support the body by placing the non-injured arm on a table or chair
  • Allow the injured arm to hang straight down
  • Start swinging the arm in small circles clockwise that gradually grow wider
  • Do for 1 minute, then switch counterclockwise for another minute
  • Repeat 4 to 8 times throughout the day
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Pulled Shoulder Muscle Injury Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic

If home remedies are not enough, then chiropractic can help. Chiropractors use a variety of treatment modalities for pulled shoulder muscles. These include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Manual stretching
  • Ultrasound
  • Cold laser therapy to reduce pain and swelling
  • Health coaching
  • Posture exercises
  • Physical rehabilitative therapy

If the pain is persistent, it could indicate more than a pulled muscle is causing the pain. This could be a pinched nerve or a joint issue. A doctor of chiropractic can develop the best recovery option to get to the root cause.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Rachel Cosgrove of Results Fitness

Women and muscle distribution

Research reveals that women could have a higher distribution of type 1 muscle fibers and lower distribution of type 2 muscle fibers which are more prevalent in men. Type 1 muscle fibers are slow-twitch muscles and are extremely useful in long-endurance activities like long-distance running. Type 1 muscle fibers are also the first ones that activate during any type of exercise. Type 2 are the fast-twitch muscle fibers and get activated when performing powerful or explosive bursts of movements like sprinting.

Because of these muscle-fiber differences, men are likely to excel in training that involves explosive, powerful routines. However, a study found that women can gain more muscle mass using a total body strength training program compared to men. For optimal results mix up the workout with a variety of resistance and strength training routines. This will allow for greater muscle mass growth.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

Kim, Jun-Hee et al. “Comparison of the Shoulder External Rotator Strength and Asymmetry Ratio Between Workers With and Without Shoulder Impingement Syndrome.” Journal of strength and conditioning research, 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003343. 17 Sep. 2019, doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003343

Verniba, Dmitry, and William H Gage. “Stepping threshold with platform-translation and shoulder-pull postural perturbation methods.” Journal of biomechanics vol. 94 (2019): 224-229. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.07.027

Dealing with Painful Trigger Points. Berkeley Wellness. http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/preventive-care/article/dealing-painful-trigger-points. Published September 1, 2011. Accessed June 14, 2018.

Control Carpal Tunnel Pain While Driving

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Control Carpal Tunnel Pain While Driving
Portrait of professional female driver driving her car. Transport concept.

One area to consider is driving. When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome pain most individuals think about keyboard typing, as the source of arm, wrist, and hand pain. This is true, but carpal tunnel can develop from:

  • Any repetitive motion
  • Gripping
  • Bending at the wrist
  • Vibrations going through the wrist

Long-distance truckers, those who drive for business or regular long pleasure trips on winding mountain roads can take a toll on the muscles, tendons, ligaments of the arms and hands. Combining a regular job, stacking, scanning, lifting, and typing away most of the day, then long commutes, and weekends driving around, an individual can begin to present with arm, hand, and finger pain.

Signs and Symptoms

Carpal tunnel can sneak up when least expected. Most individuals begin to feel a burning, tingling, or numbness in the thumb and first two fingers, and for some, the palm, as well. Discomfort or pain usually presents at night and in the morning. If the condition becomes worse, individuals often feel the need to shake out the hand or wrists, trying to bring relief from the pain and tightness. It can affect one hand or both hands. The pain can continue to increase and climb up the arm. Then normal tasks like pumping gas or writing with a pen become unbearable.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The median nerve controls the sensations to the palm, the thumb, and the four fingers of the hand. The nerve runs through a small passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Swelling or thickening of the tendons narrow the tight space and irritate the nerve.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Control Carpal Tunnel Pain While Driving

Diagnosis

There are different ways to diagnose the condition. To avoid damaging the median nerve, it is important to get a diagnosis as early as possible.

  • A doctor or chiropractor may order orthopedic or neurological testing.
  • They might perform a nerve conduction study, where small electrodes are placed on the wrists and fingers, then small amounts of electrical current are run through the electrodes.
  • The speed at which the nerves transmit the electric conduction is measured.

Treatment

The most common treatment is complete rest of the affected hand/s and wrist/s for fourteen to twenty-one days. Other treatments include:

  • Chiropractic
  • Physical rehabilitation
  • Stretches for the hands, arms, and wrists.
  • Strengthening exercises for the hands, arms, and wrists.

There is Still Pain At Night or When Driving

This is common and in many cases is brought on from bending the wrist. Recommended tips to help ease the pain of carpal tunnel include:

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Control Carpal Tunnel Pain While Driving

Chiropractic Help

A chiropractor is a highly trained specialist in the entire body’s musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment can help avoid developing chronic pain and surgery in the future. Correcting subluxations and restoring optimal blood and nerve energy flow in the arms, hands, and rest of the body is the objective. Chiropractic investigates and treats the compression of nerves anywhere in the body, including the forearm and wrist. Realigning the spine, shoulder, elbow, and wrist, blood circulation and nerve impulses will flow freely once again. A chiropractor could also recommend:

  • Heat/Ice therapy
  • Massage
  • Physical rehabilitation therapy
  • TENS device
  • Ultrasound
  • Infrared laser treatments

The treatment plan will depend on each individual’s unique case and circumstances. At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we care about each individual’s situation and are committed to doing whatever it takes to alleviate the pain and get the individual back to optimal health.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Anika Christ of Life Time Athletic

Soluble and Insoluble Fiber

All plant-based foods are generally a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and turns into a gel substance when it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. Foods high in soluble fiber include:

  • Apples
  • Beans
  • Blueberries
  • Lentils
  • Nuts
  • Oat products

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. The term roughage generally refers to this type. Roughage speeds up transition time in the digestive system. This is the basis for eating more insoluble fiber, to prevent constipation by helping food move through the system. Foods high in insoluble fiber include:

  • Brown rice
  • Carrots
  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes
  • Wheat
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Whole-grain couscous

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

Savage, Robert. “Re: Carpal Tunnel syndrome and work.” Journal of hand surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland) vol. 30,3 (2005): 331; author reply 331. doi:10.1016/j.jhsb.2005.02.007

Haas, DC et al. “Carpal tunnel syndrome following automobile collisions.” Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 62,5 (1981): 204-6.

Chiropractic Examination Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
Man suffering from neck ache on bed at bedroom

A fibromyalgia diagnosis involves the process of eliminating other disorders and conditions with similar symptoms. It can be difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia. There is no common exam or test that a doctor can use to definitively diagnose fibromyalgia. The elimination process is utilized because of several other conditions with similar symptoms. These include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Lupus
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Examination Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

It can take some time when an individual first notices symptoms and actually being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which can be frustrating. Doctors have to become detectives, working hard to find the right cause of pain and other symptoms. Developing the right diagnosis is necessary to create an optimal treatment plan.

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis Criteria

  • Pain and symptoms based on the total number of painful areas
  • Fatigue
  • Poor sleep
  • Thinking problems
  • Memory problems

In 2010, a study was published that updated the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia. The new criteria remove the emphasis on tender point examination. The 2010 criteria’s focus is more on the widespread pain index or WPI. There is an item checklist about where and when an individual experiences pain. This index is combined with a symptom severity scale, and the end result is a new way to classify and develop a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Diagnostic Process

Medical History

A doctor will look at an individual’s complete medical history, asking about any other conditions present and family condition/disease history.

Symptoms Discussion

The most common questions asked by a doctor are where it hurts, how it hurts, how long it hurts, etc. However, an individual should offer as much or added details of their symptoms. Diagnosing fibromyalgia is very dependent on the report of the symptoms, so it is important to be as specific and accurate as possible. A pain diary, which is a record of all symptoms that present will make it easier to remember and share information with the doctor. An example is giving information on trouble sleeping, with a feeling of tiredness a majority of the time, and headache presentation.

Physical Examination

A doctor will palpate or apply light pressure with the hands around the tender points.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Examination Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Other Tests

As previously stated symptoms can be very similar to other conditions like:

A doctor wants to rule out any other conditions, so they will order various tests. These tests are not to diagnose fibromyalgia but to eliminate other possible conditions. A doctor could order:

Anti-nuclear antibody – ANA test

Anti-nuclear antibodies are abnormal proteins that can present in the blood if an individual has lupus. The doctor will want to see if the blood has these proteins to rule out lupus.

Blood count

By looking at an individual’s blood count, a doctor will be able to develop other possible causes for extreme fatigue like anemia.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – ESR

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test measures how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. In individuals with a rheumatic disease like rheumatoid arthritis, the sedimentation rate is higher. The red blood cells fall quickly to the bottom. This suggests that there is inflammation in the body.

Rheumatoid factor – RF test

For individuals with an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis, a higher level of the rheumatoid factor can be identified in the blood. A higher level of RF does not guarantee that the pain is caused by rheumatoid arthritis, but doing an RF test will help the doctor explore a possible RA diagnosis.

Thyroid tests

Thyroid tests will help a doctor rule out thyroid problems.

Final Note Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Again, diagnosing fibromyalgia can take awhile. A patient’s job is to be proactive in the diagnostic process. Be sure you understand what the results will tell and how that specific test will help figure out the cause of the pain. If you don’t understand the results, keep asking questions until it makes sense.

InBody

InBody Spotlight - Nathan Shaw of Arizona Diamondbacks

Body composition and Diabetes Connection

The body needs a balance of lean body mass and fat mass to function properly/optimally and maintain overall health. The balance can be disrupted in overweight and obese individuals because of excess fat. Individuals that are overweight should focus on improving body composition by reducing fat mass while maintaining or increasing lean body mass. Balanced body composition can reduce the risk of diabetes, other obesity-related disorders, and a positive effect on metabolism. Metabolism is the breaking down of foods for energy, the maintenance, and repair of body structures.

The body breaks down the food nutrients/minerals into elemental components and directs them to where they need to go. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder meaning it changes the way the body makes use of the nutrients, in such a way that the cells are unable to utilize digested glucose for energy. Without insulin, the glucose cannot get into the cells, so it ends up lingering in the blood. When the glucose can’t make its way out of the blood, it builds up. All the excess blood sugar can potentially be converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. With an increase in fat mass, hormone imbalances or systemic inflammation can happen or progress. This increases the risk for other diseases or conditions. A buildup of fat and diabetes are associated with increased risk for:

  • Heart attacks
  • Nerve damage
  • Eye problems
  • Kidney disease
  • Skin infections
  • Stroke

Diabetes can even cause the immune system to become impaired. When combined with poor circulation to the extremities, the risk of wounds, infections, can lead to amputation of the toes, foot/feet, or leg/s.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

American College of Rheumatology. Fibromyalgia. 2013. http://www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases_And_Conditions/Fibromyalgia/. Accessed December 5, 2014.

Living with Fibromyalgia: Mayo Clinic Proceedings. (June 2006) “Improvement in Fibromyalgia Symptoms With Acupuncture: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025619611617291

What Are Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms and How Does It Cause Back Pain?: Clinical Biomechanics. (July 2012) “Functional capacity, muscle strength and falls in women with fibromyalgia” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268003311003226

Fibromyalgia Pain Causes And Chiropractic Treatment

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
Young elegant businesswoman with tense feeling in neck touching or massaging the zone with discomfort or pain while sitting by desk

Fibromyalgia or FM is a condition that increases an individual’s sensitivity to pain. It causes extensive body pain among other issues including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Numbness
  • Poor sleep
  • Bladder issues
  • Bowel problems

Fibromyalgia includes multiple tender points at specific areas of the body and widespread musculoskeletal pain. Research suggests that the nervous system is the key factor in the pathology of fibromyalgia. This condition affects around four million adults in the United States and roughly two percent of the adult general population. Like most chronic disorders symptoms can extend far beyond the defining criteria. There are chances that a physical examination and tests appear normal.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Fibromyalgia Pain Causes And Chiropractic Treatment

About Fibromyalgia

The condition is a chronic syndrome that is associated with arthritis. The major statistics and facts about fibromyalgia include:

  • Muscle tenderness is the primary syndrome
  • There is widespread pain that is arthritis-related
  • It can manifest as a primary or secondary condition
  • It can present unrecognized symptoms that can be difficult to identify
  • A high percentage of individuals suffer from sleep problems and fatigue
  • It affects physical and mental health
  • There are no specific tests to diagnose the condition
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Fibromyalgia Pain Causes And Chiropractic Treatment

Causes

There are several theories or triggers that contribute to the progression of fibromyalgia. They are:

Peripheral Sensitization

Injury or trauma to the nervous system or musculoskeletal system can lead to peripheral sensitization of the sensory nervous system. This tends to be the case with arthritis and peripheral nerve damage. Peripheral sensitization leads to increased sensitivity to sensory nerve stimuli. This results in increased sensitivity to touch and heat and can potentially lead to primary allodynia.

Central Sensitization

Central sensitization refers to changes in the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. The condition amplifies pain. Individuals with fibromyalgia have a reduced threshold for pain. This is caused by amplified brain sensitivity to pain indicators with repeated nerve stimulation leading to changes in the brain.

Sleep Disturbance

Sleep disturbances have been associated with fibromyalgia. Studies show that sleep pattern disturbance could be a cause and not just a symptom of fibromyalgia. Poor sleep quality accounts for the majority between pain and fatigue. Major disturbances include:

  • Shorter sleep time
  • The beginning of sleep is delayed
  • Waking right after sleep has begun starts to increase
  • Sleep efficiency decreases
  • Stirred/Waking out of sleep starts to increase
  • Nighttime activity increases

Post-traumatic Stress

This could be a trigger of fibromyalgia. Patients are recommended to get examined for PTSD. Studies suggest that women suffering from chronic pain that is spread throughout the body and fibromyalgia have an increased risk for posttraumatic stress. Patients also show a reduced function of the HPA hormone. This is proof of an impaired transmitter system. An altered transmitter system in individuals with fibromyalgia interferes with the body’s stress regulators.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Fibromyalgia Pain Causes And Chiropractic Treatment

Hormones

Fibromyalgia is more common in women than men. Studies have found that many women find their symptoms improve during pregnancy. Individuals with fibromyalgia tend to yield less cortisol when responding to stress compared to individuals that do not have fibromyalgia. The condition is mirrored when the body is deficient in cortisol.

Changes in Muscle Metabolism

According to NCBI Resources, fibromyalgia is associated with altered skeletal muscles. Decreased blood flow and deconditioned muscles can lead to fatigue along with reduced endurance that can lead to fibromyalgia.

Genetics

There are some studies that suggest that pain can be influenced by environmental and genetic factors. The condition does not get passed down directly from the parents. But the ailment can present to a group of individuals within a family.

Chiropractic

Most reports suggest that fibromyalgia is a chronic condition. When it is related to trauma, the condition tends to be chronic and severe. Reduced pain and improved function can be achieved with the proper treatment. There are treatment options in place that can help individuals alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Bryce Henson of Fit Body Boot Camp

Calorie Restriction and Fasting

Calorie restriction and fasting are traditional ways of losing weight and fat. While calorie restriction is self-descriptive, intermittent fasting and alternate-day fasting involves going for long stretches of the day and night without eating, then getting all of the nutrition in a shorter time. Alternating day fasting alternates days of eating normally, and then not eating at all. Calorie restriction will help an individual lose weight and fat in most cases. It is more effective than intermittent fasting, and not as difficult to maintain. Alternate Fasting results in the same amount of weight loss as calorie restriction. What makes maintaining Alternate Fasting long-term difficult is being able to fight off the hunger on the fasting days.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

American College of Rheumatology. Fibromyalgia. 2013. http://www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases_And_Conditions/Fibromyalgia/. Accessed December 5, 2014.

Wolfe F, Clauw DJ, Fitzcharles M, et al. The American College of Rheumatology Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia and Measurement of Symptom Severity. Arthrit Care Res. 2010;62(5):600-610.

Delayed Whiplash Injury Symptoms

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
Senior woman with neck pain at medical check with young doctor in hospital cabinet. Doctor wearing stethoscope writing prescription.

Car accidents even minor ones can cause musculoskeletal problems, especially in the neck and shoulder area. When whiplash symptoms do not present immediately, this is known as delayed whiplash. Depending on the severity, it can be dangerous. Delayed symptoms can show up anywhere from twenty-four hours to months after the accident. This is because the body is masking the symptoms as a reaction to a traumatic event. Symptoms like:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Headache
  • Anxiety
  • Present within 24 hours, but this is not always the case.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Delayed Whiplash Injury Symptoms

Delayed Symptoms

With delayed whiplash, symptoms typically don’t appear until 24 hours after the accident. But there are cases of symptoms being delayed up to six months. Whether immediate or delayed, symptoms include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Normal head movement is impaired
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Concentration problems
  • Sleep problems
  • Irritability
  • Chronic pain

Medical treatment should be sought out immediately if any of the below symptoms are experienced:

  • Weakness in the arms
  • The neck pain spreads to the shoulders and arms
  • Unbearable pain
  • Loss of vision

Causes of Delayed Whiplash

The most common cause of whiplash is automobile accidents. Even slow-speed tap can cause delayed whiplash symptoms if the head is snaps quickly, and it is not only being hit from behind automobile accidents that cause whiplash. Rear-end, front-end, and side collisions can cause whiplash and delayed whiplash symptoms. Any time the neck snaps in a quick fashion in any direction there is potential for a neck injury. Some less common causes include:

  • Contact sports
  • Amusement park rides
  • Getting hit on the head
  • Specific types of falls where the head quickly snaps around
  • Cycling accidents
  • Skating/skateboarding accidents
  • Skiing/snowboarding accidents
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Delayed Whiplash Injury Symptoms

Symptoms Can Get Worse With Time

Determining whether to seek medical attention if there is no pain or symptoms after the event can be difficult. However, symptoms can get worse over time and cause serious problems in the neck like:

  • Small fractures
  • Ruptured discs
  • Pinched nerves

Untreated Whiplash

Whiplash can get worse with time when they are not treated. This is why seeking medical care after the event is extremely important. As a doctor, a chiropractor can diagnose if any serious issues are present and develop the best plan to deal with pain and symptoms. When left untreated chronic whiplash and neck pain can develop. Chronic whiplash is rare but does happen, even with injuries that are considered not severe. Medical professionals will use X-Rays, MRIs, or CT scans to examine the extent of the injury and to prevent the symptoms from getting worse.

Treatment Options

Wearing a neck brace immediately following a neck injury can be an option but there is evidence that some movement of the neck and head should be incorporated, as it is beneficial for the healing process. If the pain is unbearable wearing a brace could be implemented into a treatment plan.

Ice and Heat

  • Ice and heat will help with stiffness and pain.
  • Ice will help relieve pain and should be used in 15-minute intervals.
  • Heat packs and ointments can help soothe the area, loosen up the muscles, and promote optimal healing.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Meds

Advil or Ibuprofen can be taken for pain and inflammation. These meds help the symptoms, but should not be the only pain reliever.

Ginger

  • Ginger tea can help those suffering from nausea and dizziness.
  • It contains anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Supplements include green tea, turmeric curcumin, fish oil, and sage.

CBD Oil and/or Ointment

CBD oil or ointments can help relieve pain and relax muscles.

Stretching

Gentle stretches can help the healing process and keep the neck muscles loose.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Delayed Whiplash Injury Symptoms

Chiropractic

Chiropractic can treat whiplash utilizing a number of different techniques. They will perform tests to diagnose the extent of the injuries and determine what type and the best treatment plan. The plan can include:

Inflammation reduction and Pain relief

Heat, ice, ultrasound, and laser therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments will help relieve pain from pinched nerves, bulging discs, and strained muscles.

Massage

Massage is a common practice in whiplash cases. It helps to kickstart the healing process by:

  • Promoting proper blood and nerve energy circulation
  • Loosens the muscles
  • Flushes out the toxins

Stretches and Tips

A chiropractor will train the patient on specific stretches/exercises, along with pain-relief tips to do at home. These can include:

Physical Therapy

  • Physical therapists can help by focusing on the muscles in the affected area.
  • They will teach the individual stretches and exercises to stretch and strengthen the strained muscles.
  • They can also utilize heat and ice therapy, ultrasound, and laser therapy.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Anuruddh Misra MD of Premise Health

Hot Yoga and Metabolic Rate

Both internal and external temperatures influence the body’s metabolic rate. The body’s chemical reactions happen more quickly if the temperature is higher. This is because the body works harder to restore normal temperature balance. Brief exposure to heat is not enough to increase metabolism. To raise BMR, longer exposure to heat is necessary. This is where hot yoga comes in. Hot yoga involves performing a sequence in a studio that is 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity rate of 40%. It is an intense workout that involves sweating. The high heat:

  • Increases blood flow
  • Warms the muscles for deep stretching
  • Helps the lymphatic system release toxins
  • Raises the body’s Basal Metabolic Rate

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

Balla, J I. “The late whiplash syndrome.” The Australian and New Zealand journal of surgery vol. 50,6 (1980): 610-4. doi:10.1111/j.1445-2197.1980.tb04207.x

Fitz-Ritson D. Phasic exercises for cervical rehabilitation after “whiplash” trauma. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1995 Jan;18(1):21-24.

Seferiadis, Aris et al. “A review of treatment interventions in whiplash-associated disorders.” 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. 13,5 (2004): 387-97. doi:10.1007/s00586-004-0709-1

Trapezius Muscle Spasms: Chiropractic Treatment and Relief

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Trapezius Muscle Spasms: Chiropractic Treatment and Relief
Cropped view of chiropractor massaging male patient neck in massage cabinet at clinic

The body’s muscles function to produce force and motion. The trapezius muscle is one of the largest, which makes it highly susceptible to injury/s and spasms. A trapezius muscle spasm is when the muscle starts to contract. This muscle group is based around the neck and shoulders and is used to move the scapula shoulder bone.

Causes of Trapezius Muscle Spasms

A few causes for this muscle to become inflamed/irritated include:

  • Poor posture
  • Injury
  • Stress
  • Tension
  • Improper lifting

Symptoms

The effects feel similar to a pulled shoulder muscle. Common symptoms include:

  • Upper body stiffness
  • Shoulder pain
  • Neck pain
  • Arm numbness/tingling
  • Lack of shoulder flexibility

Spasm and Pinched Nerve Difference

A muscle spasm and pinched nerve might seem or feel similar, but they are different. A muscle spasm makes the area tight and can cause muscle twitching. They vary in intensity with some spasms being mild and others excruciating. In some cases, a spasm can cause a nerve to get pinched if the knot contorts tightly around a nerve and if it is big enough. Conversely, a pinched nerve can also cause twitching, but it typically results in severe pain. Pinched nerves can also cause tingling sensations and numbness depending on the severity it could cause muscle spasms.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Trapezius Muscle Spasms: Chiropractic Treatment and Relief

Treating The Spasms

There are a few ways to treat this naturally.

Heat and Ice Therapy

One way to calm a muscle spasm is using heat and ice. The heat will increase nerve and blood circulation keeping the muscles flexible, and the warmth will soothe the injury. This helps prevent the muscles from spazzing and generating pain. Ice therapy also increases blood circulation but the focus is on reducing inflammation. The nerves become slightly frozen which stops the tingling, significantly reducing the pain.

If pain presents around the trapezius, immediately put an ice pack on. It should be applied every few hours in 15-minute sessions. Once the pain subsides, heat therapy can be applied. A heating pad placed around the area, a warm/hot bath, or standing in the shower if possible with a massage setting letting the warm/hot water hit the muscle. But it must be consistent, doing it for about 20-minute sessions three times a day.

Stretches and Exercises

Stretches and exercises can help keep the muscle flexible and prevent any tightening.

Upper Trapezius Stretch

This stretch will move the upper trapezius area, promoting flexibility and preventing the muscle from becoming stiff.

  • Sit in a chair with proper posture
  • Holding onto the chair with the left hand, wrap the right arm over the top of the head so that the hand touches the left ear.
  • Gently pull the head toward the right and hold.
  • Slowly move the head back and repeat with the other hand.

Shoulder Shrugs

  • Moving the shoulders up and down throughout the day stretches the trapezius.
  • It releases tension and strengthens the muscle to protect it.
  • This exercise should be done every few hours for about a minute or two.
  • Also occasionally rolling the shoulders will help stretch the smaller components of the trapezius.

Cobra Pose

This yoga pose is for relieving tension.

  • It can be very helpful for those suffering from severe spasms or from a pinched nerve.
  • The first thing is to lie face-down on the floor.
  • Keeping the feet straight behind, use the hands to gently push the upper body up so that the spine slightly curves.
  • Make sure that the hands are situated in front of the body and firm on the ground.
  • Hold for a few seconds and then release.
  • Repeat the process three more times.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Trapezius Muscle Spasms: Chiropractic Treatment and Relief

Therapeutic Massage

  • The soothing motions from a massage will calm irritated areas and encourage them to heal quicker.
  • At first, because of the tenderness around the area, a massage could present with pain.
  • The massage therapist needs to press on the area to increase blood circulation so that toxins get flushed out.
  • While it might hurt the individual soon notices that the swelling and pain are reducing.

Some massage techniques include:

Chiropractor

Chiropractors specialize in the musculoskeletal system and understand how the muscles, bones, and joints all work together. For muscle spasms, they investigate the problem and look at other areas of the body that could be contributing to or worsening the condition. For some, muscle spasms could be brought on by a misplaced joint pressing on the area. A chiropractor will palpate the areas to ensure this is not the case. And if there is a problem, they will perform a joint manipulation. This realigns the joint back in place and reduces muscle spasm symptoms. Over time the muscles become healthier because chiropractic releases toxins and improves the range of motion.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Mark Fitzgerald of Anaheim Ducks

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Often, muscle spasms are the result of inflammation. When a muscle swells, it can place pressure on surrounding nerves. The more intense the inflammation the more pressure/stress on the nerves. This can make moving and functioning very difficult because of the pain. To naturally reduce inflammation consider an anti-inflammatory diet. This type of diet is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that will work to reduce swelling. Although it might not completely repair the muscle injury, it can reduce symptoms and stop oxidative stress. Foods to eat more of are:

  • Cherries
  • Tomatoes
  • Almonds
  • Blueberries
  • Oranges
  • Salmon
  • Kale
  • Turmeric

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

Finley JE. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Myofascial Pain. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/313007-overview#showall. Updated May 21, 2017. Accessed July 16, 2018.

Rodante JA, Al Hassan QA, Almeer ZS. Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Uncovering the Root Causes. Practical Pain Manag. https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/pain/myofascial/myofascial-pain-syndrome-uncovering-root-causes. 2012;6. Last updated on October 5, 2012. Accessed July 16, 2018.

http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.656.582&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Whiplash and Chronic Whiplash Injuries Following An Automobile Accident

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Whiplash and Chronic Whiplash Injuries Following An Automobile Accident

While bruising, soreness, and scrapes are common, whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries may not show for several days or weeks. While today’s vehicles are safer than ever, they can still only do so much when it comes to the body and musculoskeletal health. Being involved in an automobile accident, even a light tap can give a sudden jolt to the spine that although the individual might not have felt anything like discomfort or pain, it was enough to shift the disc/s out of place or set them up to shift out of place. No one wants to be involved in a car or motorcycle accident, but regardless of good driving habits, or how advanced the safety features on the vehicle might be, the average driver will be involved in three to four automobile accidents in their life.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Whiplash and Chronic Whiplash Injuries Following An Automobile Accident

Whiplash

Whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents. More than 3 million Americans will see a doctor and a chiropractor for automobile accidents and whiplash effects. It only takes a 2.5 mph hit to cause an injury. And whiplash doesn’t only happen when hit from behind, there are several ways an individual can be subjected to whiplash, including being T-boned, amusement park rides, and falling off a bicycle or a horse.

Symptoms

Most whiplash symptoms develop in the first twenty-four hours, but this is not always the case. Common symptoms include:

  • Neck pain
  • A stiff neck
  • Intense neck pain when moving, rotating
  • Headaches that start at the base of the head
  • Loss of range of motion
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Shoulder pain
  • Arm pain
  • Upper back pain
  • Low back pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Difficulty with concentration
  • Memory difficulties
  • Sleep disorders

Facts and Stats

Most individuals realize they have whiplash a day or two after, but for others, it can take a few weeks or even months to present. Whiplash is classified by degree or grade:

Grade 0

The individual has no complaints and there are no symptoms/signs of physical injury.


Grade 1

There is neck pain but there are no physical signs of injury.


Grade 2

There are signs/symptoms of musculoskeletal damage and neck pain is presenting.


Grade 3

There are signs/symptoms of neurological damage and neck pain is presenting.

The average amount of time most individuals stay home from work is around 40 days. However, when whiplash pain lasts longer than a few weeks, it is deemed to be chronic whiplash.

Chronic Whiplash

Some individuals with whiplash experience painful symptoms for years. This is true of those that avoid or refuse medical attention and learn to live with it.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Whiplash and Chronic Whiplash Injuries Following An Automobile Accident

Treatment Options

There are very effective methods for treating whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries. Depending on the extent of the injury/s, developing the right treatment/rehabilitation plan requires individual consultation with a chiropractor to discuss options that can include:

Pain Relief

The pain can be excruciating. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for temporary relief. However, the individual will need extended treatment to ensure it does not become chronic pain.

Neck Brace

Neck braces help limit the pain, but should not be worn for more than three or four days. If worn for too long the neck muscles are prevented from gaining the strength needed to support the head.

Don’t Sit For Too Long

Avoid keeping the head in any one position for too long. This includes sitting in bed, watching TV, or working at a desk. This places a large amount of pressure and stress on the neck, making the pain even more severe and longer-lasting.

Sleeping Properly and Comfortably

For many, it can be difficult to get into a comfortable position when sleeping. Sleeping on the back with the head turned to one side can worsen the pain. Try a high-quality ergonomic pillow that allows the individual to sleep on their side and takes the pressure off of the neck.

Spinal Alignment

Whiplash can cause the spine to shift out of alignment. This can lead to additional problems in the back or shoulders. It’s always a good idea to see a chiropractor that specializes in motor vehicle accident injuries to realign the spine and neck, as well as for rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles and prevent further injuries. See a chiropractor for an evaluation of the injuries and develop a customized treatment plan that works for the individual’s condition.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Whiplash and Chronic Whiplash Injuries Following An Automobile Accident

Everyone is different

Some individuals can be stiff and sore for a few days and then are okay with not much pain. Some individuals experience severe pain immediately after the wreck, while others have no pain for days or even weeks. Both scenarios are pretty common. Soft tissue injuries can be very deceiving. Some don’t experience any pain for months after the accident. Many don’t think they need to see a doctor or chiropractor because there is no pain or symptoms. However, underneath serious problems could be getting ready to present including:

  • Constant headaches
  • Numbness or pins and needles in the hands or arms
  • Pain between the shoulder blades
  • Poor posture
  • Chronic muscle tension
  • Painful spasms
  • Degeneration of the discs
  • Painful inflamed arthritis
  • The quick development of arthritis
  • Sore, tight, or inflexible muscles
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Lance Walker of Michael Johnson Performance

A decrease in physical activity

Physical inactivity is a primary factor in the progression of sarcopenia. Resistance exercise can help maintain muscle mass and help build muscular strength. Individuals that are more sedentary can exacerbate the effects of sarcopenia.

A decrease in motor neurons

Aging is accompanied by motor neuron loss resulting from cell death. This leads to a decrease in muscle fiber. This decrease in muscle fibers leads to:

  • Impaired performance
  • A reduction in functional capacity
  • A decreased ability to perform everyday tasks

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

How the Neck Works: UpToDate. (2020) “Patient education: Neck pain (Beyond the Basics). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/neck-pain-beyond-the-basics

Symptoms: PLOS ONE. (2018) “Thoracic dysfunction in whiplash associated disorders: A systematic review.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5865734/

Causes: Mayo Clinic. (N.d.) “Whiplash.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921

Chiropractic Manipulation Under Anesthesia

By
Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP
-
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Manipulation Under Anesthesia
Medical doctor making ECG test in hospital. Medical Concept

Chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia, also known as M.U.A is a non-invasive stretching and musculoskeletal manipulation technique. This type of chiropractic treatment can offer relief from chronic and constant back pain and other types of pain that have not responded well or at all to conservative non-surgical care. Chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia breaks up adhesions/internal scar tissue that could result from an injury or previous surgery, helping restore the normal range of motion and reduce pain. This technique is utilized to treat:

Adhesions can grow around:

  • Spinal joints
  • Nerve roots
  • Inside the surrounding muscles

This can result in restricted:

  • Movement
  • Limited flexibility
  • Pain

Undergoing chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia while sedated means the body is in a highly relaxed state. This sedation allows the chiropractor to adjust the bones, joints into proper alignment and stretch the muscles without the individual’s voluntary/reflexive resistance. And the sedation allows the chiropractor to use less force, making the procedure painless.

Manipulation Under Anesthesia Specialists

This type of manipulation is a specialty procedure. Trained and certified physicians only perform it in the fields of:

  • Chiropractic medicine
  • Orthopedics
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Osteopathy

Advantages to MUA treatment

There are individuals with pain that respond well to regular chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy, or exercise. However, depending on their condition, relief might only last for a few days or weeks. This is where manipulation under anesthesia could improve the range of motion and relieve pain. Manipulation under anesthesia has been performed for more than sixty years. It can be cost-effective and safer than invasive treatment like spine surgery. It is recognized and covered by most insurance and workers’ compensation plans.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Manipulation Under Anesthesia

Determining if MUA is right for the individual and their condition

Manipulation under anesthesia is not for all individuals with back pain. LMUA is only recommended for patients that meet the procedure’s criteria. like any other type of recommended treatment, a doctor will carefully consider the individual’s medical history, symptoms, previous treatments, and effectiveness. A doctor will also perform a physical and neurological examination with an individual’s complete medical history. Test results will confirm the patient’s diagnosis and determine if anesthetic manipulation can help relieve pain and other symptoms. Tests can include:

  • X-ray
  • MRI
  • CT scan
  • A musculoskeletal sonogram uses sound waves to produce images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
  • EKG – electrocardiogram is a test that checks for problems with the heart’s electrical activity
  • Nerve conduction velocity test sees how fast electrical signals move through the nerve/s
  • Pregnancy test

Consideration for individuals with:

  • Pinched or entrapped nerve
  • Chronic/Persistent neck or back pain
  • Painful, restricted range of motion
  • Failed back surgery syndrome
  • Chronic sprains and strains
  • Acute muscle spasms
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic spinal disc conditions
  • Fibrous adhesion/s

Not an appropriate treatment for individuals with:

  • Uncontrolled diabetic neuropathy
  • Spinal cord compression
  • Morbid obesity
  • Any cancer
  • Acute or healing bone fracture/s
  • Osteomyelitis vertebral bone infection
  • Acute inflammatory arthritis
  • Metastatic bone disease
  • Severe osteoporosis
  • Acute inflammatory gout
  • Tuberculosis of the bone
  • Co-existing medical problems could mean an individual may not be able to undergo any procedure that requires sedation.
  • Another reason why a patient’s complete medical history is vital

Procedure

This procedure is usually performed in an ambulatory surgery center that is a modern healthcare facility focused on providing same-day surgical care for diagnostic and preventive procedures or at a hospital. An anesthesiologist administers the medicine/s. The patient could be sedated but not unconscious or general anesthesia meaning complete unconsciousness. The choice of sedation depends on various factors, like the patient’s diagnosis and how severe the condition is. The anesthesiologist can recommend a specific type of medicine or a cocktail of medications for the patient’s comfort during and after.

Once sedated, the chiropractor utilizes specialized techniques to stretch, adjust and mobilize the affected areas of the spine and body. The manipulations free up fibrous adhesions or scar tissue in one or more areas of the spine and surrounding tissues. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The individual will be awakened and then is carefully monitored in a recovery area. Many report an immediate reduction in pain and a broader range of motion after the procedure. There is usually temporary muscle soreness, similar to the soreness after an intense workout.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Manipulation Under Anesthesia

Before being discharged, the patient is provided instructions about aftercare therapy. Instructions may include:

  • At-home warm-up movements
  • Physical therapy rehabilitation
  • Passive stretching
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Cryotherapy or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and pain

Sessions necessary

Depending on the diagnosis and response to the initial session, manipulation under anesthesia could be performed on consecutive days or two to four days sequentially. With each session, the chiropractor adjusts a little more, incrementally helping achieve the desired increase in movement and pain reduction/alleviation.

Physical therapy, exercise, and stretching

Three to six weeks after the procedure, individuals continue with physical therapy to help prevent back pain from returning and any fibrous adhesions/scar tissue broken up from reforming. Exercise and stretching will help strengthen and stabilize the abdominal and spinal muscles and prevent pain from returning.

InBody

https://youtu.be/hOaoURnJadk

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is defined as a lack of uptake or intake of nutrition that can negatively affect body composition. An important nutrient that elderly individuals might not get enough of is protein. Trouble chewing, food cost, and trouble cooking are all factors that limit elderly individual’s access to protein, which can lead to sarcopenia. These complications can affect how the body responds to diet and exercise.

That is because protein requirements for the elderly are usually higher than for younger individuals. This comes from age-related changes in the metabolism that includes a decreased response to protein intake. This means that an older individual needs to consume more protein to achieve the same anabolic effect. Micronutrient deficiency is a lack of nutrients like minerals and vitamins. These support important bodily processes like cell regeneration, immune system function, and vision. A common example is iron and calcium deficiencies. This type of deficiency has the greatest impact on normal physiological functions in conjunction with protein-energy deficiency, as most micronutrients are acquired from food.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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

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

References

Guidelines for Manipulation Under Anesthesia

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