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The spine interconnects the entire body transmitting and receiving messages from the brain allowing for coordinated movement. Maintaining optimal spinal health requires some form of regular physical activity that counts as exercise. There are diverse ways to keep the spine at its healthiest. This includes:
Exercising and the benefits of exercise for spinal health.
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Regular exercise maintains spinal health and boosts the spine’s durability. Here are a few ways:
Regular body movement improves the quality of life and spinal health. This is because, like a high-quality engine, all the body’s systems are activated and operate at optimal level.
Individuals do exercise but often it is not getting enough exercise that contributes to declining health. Reasons for not getting enough physical activity are related to:
For individuals experiencing generalized fatigue, pain, or problems staying active, the guidance of a sports/fitness chiropractor can make a significant difference.
When spinal health is in top form the body can function at its absolute best. A fitness and sports chiropractor can inform/educate an individual, and based on their specific needs, on what type of exercise stretching regimen would benefit them the most. When the spine is in proper alignment, the motivation falls into place for maximizing an individual’s exercise routine and spinal health long-term.
Vitamin C is the most well-known immune-supporting vitamin. It is an antioxidant that reduces free radicals and protects from oxidative damage that can cause chronic diseases. Vitamin C deficiency can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases-CVDs, which include:
Vitamin C plays an essential role in collagen synthesis which helps reduce inflammation and inflammatory diseases. Studies have shown that vitamin C could help lower blood pressure. Vitamin C could also help prevent obesity and related illnesses. Sources of Vitamin C include:
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, Franklin BA, et al. American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(7):1334-1359.
McGill SM, Childs A, Liebenson C. Endurance times for low back stabilization exercises: clinical targets for testing and training from a normal database. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1999;80(8):941-944.
McGill SM. Low back stability: from formal description to issues for performance and rehabilitation. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2001;29(1):26-31.
Yang EJ, Park WB, Shin HI, Lim JY. The effect of back school integrated with core strengthening in patients with chronic low-back pain. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2010;89(9):744-754. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e3181e72239.
Cervicogenic headaches can be easily confused with migraine headaches. They can have various underlying triggers/causes that require different treatment approaches for pain management and recovery.
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A cervicogenic headache is regarded as a secondary headache brought on by an underlying trigger. They start in the neck and back of the head. Individuals usually describe the feeling primarily as muscle tension. This tension causes pain in the back of the skull that radiates/spreads up and outward to the front of the head. It is common for individuals to only notice the headache pain and not realize the underlying trigger in the neck. Symptoms associated with this type of headache include:
A common underlying trigger is a structural problem with the cervical spine/neck. This can cause:
Structural issues can come from:
A typical treatment from traditional medicine is pain medication/s. However, this will not alleviate the underlying neck issues that are causing the pain that can lead to chronic pain. Restoring alignment of the cervical spine is essential to bring back balance and optimal nerve health to the entire body. This will reduce symptoms and increase long-term healing. A highly recommended treatment option for spinal re-alignment is chiropractic care. Chiropractors are expertly trained to use science-based treatment techniques that are highly effective and bring positive results. Individuals are able to recover and educated on how to manage headaches/pain. As spinal alignment is achieved a chiropractor will make recommendations on natural pain management, stretching, exercise, posture, diet, and more.
Lean Body Mass is also known as lean mass is the total weight of the body minus all the weight due to fat mass.
Lean Body Mass LBM = Total Weight – Fat Mass
Lean Body Mass includes weight of the:
Lean Body Mass correctly describes the entire weight of the body minus the fat. Because Lean Body Mass comprises many areas, any change in weight can be recorded as changes in Lean Body Mass. Remember that the weight of the organs will not change significantly. Bone density decreases over time, but it will not significantly affect the weight of Lean Body Mass. Two major areas to focus on are body water and muscle mass. When discussing gaining muscle by consuming more protein or muscle-building exercise/workouts, what they are talking about is gaining or building Skeletal Muscle Mass. The three major muscle types include:
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Fredriksen, Torbjørn A et al. “Cervicogenic headache: too important to be left un-diagnosed.” The journal of headache and pain vol. 16 (2015): 6. doi:10.1186/1129-2377-16-6
Chaibi, Aleksander, and Michael Bjørn Russell. “Manual therapies for cervicogenic headache: a systematic review.” The journal of headache and pain vol. 13,5 (2012): 351-9. doi:10.1007/s10194-012-0436-7
Rubio-Ochoa, J et al. “Physical examination tests for screening and diagnosis of cervicogenic headache: A systematic review.” Manual therapy vol. 21 (2016): 35-40. doi:10.1016/j.math.2015.09.008
Many of us spend a great deal of work time sitting at a desk/station every day. The damage that is occurring to the spine and body can turn into a chronic condition. Chiropractic can reverse the sedentary effects of too much sitting and not enough moving. Between work and relaxation time, an individual can spend from 8 to 16 hours a day sitting, often with poor posture. The body needs to stay active to maintain health and high quality of life.
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Being sedentary can affect the body’s total health. Some of these effects include:
Chiropractors are experts in spine health. The spine’s integrity is at an increased risk when most of the day is spent sitting and slumping. When the body gets tired from being in one position too long poor posture and awkward positioning begin to develop. When posture is affected the body’s health is also affected. This includes chronic spine misalignment that can cause chronic pain conditions. Spine misalignments brought on from too much sitting can be subtle and hard to detect without the help of a professional. Through chiropractic, the body’s own healing potential is released and increased.
Once spinal alignment is restored, a chiropractor will guide the individual through the next steps to reverse the sedentary effects. They will make recommendations based on each individual’s specific lifestyle needs. In addition to the chiropractic care the treatment plan can include:
The objective is to reverse the sedentary effects and re-establish an individual’s optimal health. Individuals will feel more energized and motivated to begin incorporating more activity and movement into their regular daily routine.
It’s quite common for older folks to rely on cardio workouts like running instead of strength training to help build and maintain muscle mass. Cardio has its own benefits. However, the greatest benefits result from going out of the body’s comfort zone. Strength training has no age limit. Adding regular strength training twice a week can be all that an individual needs to reap the anti-aging benefits.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Biswas A, Oh PI, Faulkner GE, et al. Sedentary Time and Its Association With Risk for Disease Incidence, Mortality, and Hospitalization in Adults. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162:123-132. doi:10.7326/M14-1651. Accessed January 7, 2017.
Corliss J. Too much sitting linked to heart disease, diabetes, premature death. Harvard Health Blog. http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/much-sitting-linked-heart-disease-diabetes-premature-death-201501227618. Published January 22, 2015. Accessed January 7, 2017.
Florido R, Michos E. Sitting Disease: Moving Your Way to a Healthier Heart. U.S. News & World Report. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/09/14/sitting-disease-moving-your-way-to-a-healthier-heart. Published September 14, 2015. Accessed January 7, 2017.
O’Connor B. Sitting Disease: The New Health Epidemic. The Chopra Center Web site. http://www.chopra.com/articles/sitting-disease-the-new-health-epidemic. Accessed January 7, 2017.
Rheumatoid arthritis is said to affect around 1.5 million individuals. Recognized as an autoimmune condition that presents with chronic pain in the body’s joints. It commonly affects regularly used joints like the shoulders, hands, and feet. The condition can begin to present in individuals in their 30s. Concerns that come with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis are the condition’s effect on the spinal facet joints. These joints are susceptible to attack from a dysfunctional immune system, leaving them prone to weakness, inflammation, and nerve compression. Chiropractors understand the manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. They can pinpoint at-risk facet joints and provide corrective relief before more dangerous symptoms begin to present.
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There are two facet joints that connect each vertebra to the one above and below. Their objective is to stabilize the spine, whether in a neutral position or engaged in flexion/extension movement. When targeted by the body’s immune system, the joints begin to weaken. The body attacks the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. This creates friction that generates inflammation. Over time the joints break down leading to everything from loss of mobility to bone spurs. When left untreated the facet joints begin to deteriorate, causing nerve compression that can lead to permanent nerve damage. When the joints are not working properly the spine has to work around them.
Currently, rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured but symptoms can go into remission when treatment begins early. Chiropractic is an effective treatment at disrupting the symptoms of joint deterioration that stops the progression.
As rheumatoid arthritis affects the body’s joints, it is vital to protect the facet joints. These joints can experience degenerative damage that can cause long-term problems. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic provide individuals with the tools necessary to combat rheumatoid arthritis that medications by themselves might not be able to.
Muscle building is not just for bodybuilders and athletes. Everyone benefits from building muscle for long-term health. Monitoring the changes in Lean Body Mass can be accomplished by having body composition measured. Body composition analysis can divide an individual’s weight into various components. These include:
Building Lean Body Mass is an investment for maintaining health long-term. The more Lean Body Mass that is built the more is in storage/reserve when the body really needs it. Before adding protein shakes and resistance workouts to the daily regimen, a plan needs to be developed. The first step to building a healthy level of lean body mass is to measure how much there is with a body composition analysis.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Pope JE, Cheng J. Facet (Zygapophyseal) Intraarticular Joint Injections: Cervical, Lumbar, and Thoracic. Injections for Back Pain. 129-135. ClinicalKey.com. Accessed July 16, 2019.
Brummett CM, Cohen SP. Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Zygapophyseal (Facet) Joint Pain. 816-844. ClinicalKey.com. Accessed July 16, 2019.
Chiropractic treatment and physical therapy are treatment methods/approaches that are conservative, non-invasive, and are both practical options. Both address health concerns, like various types of pain, automobile, work, sports, and personal injuries. Both are focused on helping individuals achieve long-term results and maintain health.
Chiropractic and physical therapy are usually done in combination, as they complement one another. There are benefits and similarities between the two treatment options. Here are some general guidelines to decide which treatment option is best for your needs.
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Chiropractors are known for the ability to provide quick relief to individuals dealing with pain and stiffness in the joints, particularly the spine. They are experts in spinal realignment and proper posture. If flexibility is limited or the joints are locking up, a chiropractor is the recommended choice.
Physical therapists or PTs are the experts in body biomechanics and soft tissue injuries. If an individual finds themselves moving differently because of pain or injury, training and exercise will help movement and maximum recovery.
Chiropractors follow a meticulous expert-based protocol for achieving the best results. They provide a hands-on approach to treatment that requires regular follow-ups and maintenance. This is an approach that some individuals prefer. Physical therapy treatment/rehabilitation programs are typically short-term. The average treatment usually lasts only 12 weeks. A physical therapist’s primary objective is to provide a fundamental understanding of how to move properly and self-manage symptoms for the long term. This usually includes a balanced exercise program.
Insurance plans vary in what is covered. The first step is to see what an individual’s insurance will cover. Benefits can be found online or by calling a representative to see how to get the care/treatment needed. Most plans cover some form of physical therapy. Chiropractic is also usually covered by insurance providers. Skipping the insurance can also be done with chiropractic clinics providing affordable options.
There is no clear-cut answer as to which to see. A physical therapist or chiropractor. Individuals should follow a doctor’s recommendations as to which treatment type would benefit them. If no recommendations have been given then take a look at a clinic’s website to see what they are about. Fortunately, many chiropractic clinics include physical therapists as part of their medical team. Both chiropractic and physical therapists provide dynamic benefits for increasing and maintaining overall health.
The body knows when it needs water. Therefore drink when you are thirsty, not before. An adequate fluid intake should be timed according to feelings of thirst.
Those that exercise or engage in regular physical activities for prolonged periods should weigh themselves before engaging in the exercise/activity. Then drink according to thirst as the event goes on, then weigh yourself after the activity. The goal is to maintain the same weight or be slightly less. If an individual weighs more than what they drank, then they drank too much.
If an individual is not thirsty, the recommendation is to not drink water in excess. Nausea and even vomiting could ensue. A simple indicator to determine if enough water is being consumed is to check urine color. If it is colorless or slightly yellow then an individual is drinking enough water.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
American Association of Physical Therapists. www.apta.org
Cherkin, D C et al. “A comparison of physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, and provision of an educational booklet for the treatment of patients with low back pain.” The New England journal of medicine vol. 339,15 (1998): 1021-9. doi:10.1056/NEJM199810083391502
Fritz, Julie M. “Physical therapy in a value-based healthcare world.” The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy vol. 42,1 (2012): 1-2. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.0101
Shrier I. Does stretching help prevent injuries? Evidence-based Sports Medicine. Williston, VT: BMJ Books; 2002.
Individuals tend to think of chiropractic treatment for pain relief, injury recovery, and help with poor posture. This is correct, but regular chiropractic spinal adjustments can provide numerous benefits to feel your absolute best and improve an individual’s quality of life. Doctors of chiropractic/DCs perform a thorough physical and neurological evaluation of the individual to diagnose the root cause of spine pain. The proper diagnosis is essential to the individual’s customized treatment plan.
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Chiropractic spinal adjustments address a variety of health-related issues. A chiropractor will work with the individual to determine the most beneficial treatment possible. This includes posture training, exercise, stretching, massage therapy, and more. Below are a few of the benefits of chiropractic spinal adjustments:
Chiropractors are trained in musculoskeletal treatment and dedicated to providing the best possible. Spinal misalignment is often at the root of body dysfunction and poor health. Contact Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic today with your health goals and see how we can help achieve them.
Carbs help regulate muscle glycogen repletion. Glycogen is a form of glucose that gets stored for later use. When the body needs energy, the glycogen activates and is ready as a fuel source. Carbohydrates are stored as glycogen. When the body’s carbohydrates are low, glycogen stores are low. When carbohydrates are taken in the glycogen stores are refilled. Because glycogen is used for energy the replenishment of those stores is important. This is why it is recommended to take in carbs immediately after exercising/physical activity. This replenishes glycogen stores for later.
Low-carb diets and muscle loss. A study compared a low-carb diet to other diets and found the restriction of carbs resulted in protein loss. Restricting carbohydrates causes an increase in the amount of nitrogen that gets excreted. Nitrogen is a component of amino acids that forms muscle proteins. Loss of nitrogen indicates the muscles are breaking down.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Dubinsky RM, Miyasaki J.Assessment: Efficacy of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in the treatment of pain in neurologic disorders (an evidence-based review). Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2010;74:173-176.
Fritz JM, Lindsay W, Matheson JW, Brennan GP, Hunter SJ, Moffit SD, et al. Is there a subgroup of patients with low back pain likely to benefit from mechanical traction? Results of a randomized clinical trial and subgrouping analysis. Spine. 2007 Dec 15;32(26):E793-800.
For individuals that have a partner or spouse with chronic back pain, life can feel like it revolves around the pain. For the individuals going through the pain, it does. The pain can be debilitating to the body, emotional and mentally. The physical and emotional exhaustion of chronic pain can affect a partnership. But with the right support, treatment can be enhanced making the couple’s life a lot better.
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Individuals unhealthily deal with chronic pain communication in two ways.
This can turn to self-medicating bringing its own host of consequences. Regardless of how a spouse or partner communicates or not, the objective is to find healthier ways to work through the pain, work as a team, and support one another.
When it comes to normal daily activities, a common concern is the limitation of activities. This can be anything from exercising, standing, or walking. For the spouse or partner, it’s the same but instead is on the support/aiding side. The key is to clearly express the type of support they do and don’t feel benefits their pain management. For the spouse/partner, expressing the desire and willingness to provide assistance and empathy provides tremendous encouragement and opens the door to team-based healing.
Exercise and stretching are an integral part of treatment. There are a variety of exercises that can be done right at home. The addition of a second person is an added benefit. Recommended are easy stretches of the:
Start with straight leg raises or knee-to-chest stretches while lying on the back. The spouse/partner can help by adding pressure and support to the legs. Additional stretches can be added to the regimen, but the objective when stretching with a partner is communication. This means verbalizing each other’s needs and keeping an eye on one another’s faces for signs of distress.
Exercising as a pair has the added benefit of support and motivation. Non-impact core strengthening exercises are recommended. This includes yoga and pilates. With all exercise and physical activities, choose courses that are age/ability appropriate. With classes, partners and spouses should inform the instructor of the back pain so they can modify the workout accordingly.
A highly beneficial treatment/therapy from a spouse or partner is massage. Professional therapeutic massages provide the greatest relief. However, when not available, having a spouse/partner work out regular short massages around the affected areas provides immense relief. Massaging the body keeps acute conditions from becoming chronic, reducing pain and increasing mobility. This is recommended to fill the gaps in professional chiropractic treatment. Some basic techniques and tips:
Basic lifestyle adjustments can also help. Breaking up household chores based on those that cause pain flare-ups, and those that don’t can prevent episodes and make life healthier. For example,
Finding the root cause of the pain and seeking the most effective treatment possible is the goal. Treatment could involve a combination of several approaches.
Spousal/partner support through the pain, exercises, stretches, massage, and emotion will go a long way in expediting a healthy treatment plan.
Many think that muscle gain is only for highly active individuals and athletes. Not everyone wants to be muscular but everybody needs to be able to fight off infection. Protein is an important macronutrient that the body needs to function properly. Muscle is made up of water and protein. When the body enters a stressed state like getting sick, the body’s protein demands go up to four times the amount normally required.
If the body does not obtain the necessary protein it needs from an individual’s diet, it will turn to the muscles treating them as protein reserves. When this happens the muscles begin to break down. If the muscles are underdeveloped they have a reduced ability and strength to fight off infections and become more susceptible. Focusing on muscle gain will help with recovery, strength, and function. Focusing on muscle gain will help with recovery, strength, and function.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Massage therapy for back pain: International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. “Case Study: The Use of Massage Therapy to Relieve Chronic Low-Back Pain.” doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v9i3.267
Prevalence of back pain: Georgetown University: Health Policy Institute. “Chronic Back Pain.” https://hpi.georgetown.edu/backpain/#:~:text=Nearly%2065%20million%20Americans%20report,condition%20in%20the%20United%20States.
Yoga for back pain: National Institutes of Health. (October 31, 2011) “Yoga or Stretching Eases Low Back Pain.” https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/yoga-or-stretching-eases-low-back-pain#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20reports%20that,months%20after%20the%20classes%20ended.
The diabetic disease processes can be a contributor to chronic back pain. Diabetes can damage the human body from the eyes to the feet if left untreated, and the spine/back is a prime target. Data from 11 studies consisted of individuals over 18 years of age diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The results showed individuals with diabetes had a 35% increased risk of experiencing lower back pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 34 million people were found to have diabetes in 2021. Diabetes primarily impacts blood sugar/glucose levels. However, the disease can affect several of the body’s systems. It is a state of chronic inflammation.
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The connection between diabetes and back pain include:
Diabetic neuropathy happens when constant high glucose levels damage/injure the nerves. The result is symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness. It affects up to 50% of individuals with diabetes and can lead to severe chronic back pain. High sugar levels damage various organ systems including the nervous system that results in neuropathy that causes pain/discomfort.
A complication that diabetes can cause is compromised bone health. High glucose levels can damage the collagen that makes up bone. This creates an increased risk of vertebral and other types of fractures. The high-risk compounds fractures that do not heal properly or correctly. Diabetics have an increased risk of fracture because of the accumulation increase of advanced glycation products. This substance forms when proteins or lipids combine with sugar. With time these products can cause damage to various tissues that include bone.
Obesity contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes and is also a complication that results from incorrect glucose level management. Regardless of which came first, the added weight is a major contributor to back pain because of the added pressure/load on the spine. Excess weight and physical inactivity can result in serious issues of the musculoskeletal system.
Poorly controlled diabetes also reduces muscle blood flow and increases cartilage inflammation. Other types of tissue damage can occur like degeneration of intervertebral discs and spinal canal stenosis. Disc degeneration and spinal stenosis are common causes of back and neck pain. Diabetics are prone to infection/s. This can cause back pain if it is in the bone known as osteomyelitis.
There are steps that can help ease pain and discomfort.
Exercising/physical activity is a must. The body needs to move to get all the systems flowing improving diabetes and back pain. A sedentary lifestyle can take back pain to new levels with time. Even though when pain presents the first instinct is to stop and rest. Simple ways to get moving include:
Reducing stress will help manage back pain. A few ways to decompress and reduce stress include:
Smokers have a significantly higher risk for low back pain compared to non-smokers. Nicotine can alleviate pain short term, but over time the nerves become more sensitive and can increase the pain. Alcohol use can help numb the pain short term, but it can cause muscle spasms and dehydration intensifying the pain. Complications can arise if taking pain medication. The most important thing is managing diabetes effectively. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic will help the individual feel better, move better, and keep back pain away.
Vitamin D benefits muscle health, muscle mass, and blood sugar. Insulin is the hormone that lets blood sugar into the muscles. Individuals with adequate blood vitamin D levels significantly lower the risk of hyperglycemia than those with below-recommended levels. Research shows daily vitamin D supplements used in combination with calcium decelerate the gradual rise in blood sugar in those with prediabetes. Adequate vitamin D levels can prevent the progression of hyperglycemia. Supplementation is beneficial for individuals going through a deficiency. Adults should aim for a dietary intake of 600 – 800 IU per day. However, supplements are never a substitute for a healthy and diverse diet.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Pozzobon, Daniel, et al. “Is There an Association between Diabetes and Neck and Back Pain? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses.” PLOS ONE, vol. 14, no. 2, 2019, doi:10.1371/journal.pone .0212030.
“Diabetic Neuropathy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Mar. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580 .
Murray, Cliodhna E, and Cynthia M Coleman. “Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Bone Health.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 30 Sept. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6801685/.
Groen BBL, Hamer HM, Snijders T, van Kranenburg J, Frijns D, Vink H, et al. Skeletal muscle capillary density and microvascular function are compromised with aging and type 2 diabetes. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2014;116(8):998–1005. pmid:24577061
Eivazi M, Abadi L. Low Back Pain in Diabetes Mellitus and Importance of Preventive Approach. Health Promotion Perspectives. 2012;2(1):80–8. pmid:24688921
The pelvis is designed to bear and distribute the weight of the body along with regular everyday movement. It is built to properly distribute weight between the upper and lower body that utilizes the core muscles, ligaments, and joints creating a complex pelvic girdle that helps the body function properly. The bones of the pelvis house and protect organs like the:
When pain in the pelvis presents, daily physical activities can become difficult to get through. Chiropractic treatment combined with lifestyle adjustments can bring pain relief and strengthen the pelvis muscles/bones to maintain optimal function.
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When pain presents there can be a variety of underlying causes contributing to it. Certain causes are more serious than others. This is why seeking professional medical guidance is highly recommended for the best outcomes. Possible causes include:
These are a few causes that can contribute to mechanical changes and imbalances within the pelvis anatomy. If the pain is thought to be caused by an internal organ issue with nausea, fever, vomiting, or severe pain contact a healthcare provider immediately.
The pelvis can be thought of as a direct continuation of the spine. The lowest fused five vertebrae are known as the sacrum and are part of the pelvic girdle complex. Individuals dealing with pelvic pain typically experience the sensation within the joints themselves. These are the pubic symphysis and/or sacroiliac joints. These joints interact with the entire skeletal system. Learning how they operate can help bring relief and recovery. This is where a chiropractor can help.
Chiropractors are experts in total body alignment, restoring balance to the pelvis and spine. Plus through the treatment, they help increase the body’s natural ability to heal itself. When the lower back or pelvis is out of alignment the entire body along with its systems can be thrown off balance causing dysfunction. Chiropractic promotes and increases balance with pelvic adjustments and diverse therapies that include:
A professional chiropractor is one of the best options for the management and alleviation of pelvis pain. Pelvis misalignment can impede nerve energy and adequate blood flow. Chiropractic restoration strengthens and maintains optimal long-lasting results. Whether the pelvic pain comes from an injury, pregnancy, or pelvic shift/imbalance, a chiropractic provider can help address and alleviate the pain.
The kidneys are small organs that work twenty-four-seven to filter blood and flush waste. In one day the kidneys pump more than 400 gallons of recycled blood throughout the body. When the kidneys do not function properly the body can be engulfed with waste. This is why it is vital to keep them healthy. Individuals usually don’t realize how an unhealthy lifestyle can harm/injure the kidneys. Chronic kidney disease slowly progresses over years, and it is not reversible. Incorporating some basic healthy lifestyle adjustments can lower the risk of developing kidney-related diseases. Here are a few lifestyle adjustments that can keep the kidneys healthy.
An adequate supply of water in the kidneys flushes out sodium, urea, and toxins helping avoid kidney stones. The goal is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. Everyone’s water levels are different but body composition analysis can calculate what a normal level should be.
Poor diet and visceral fat gain have been linked to chronic kidney disease. Reducing visceral fat can be achieved by eating a restricted caloric diet of vegetables, fruit, and lean protein, as well as cutting back on processed foods.
Regular use of common medications and supplements can cause kidney damage and disease. Consult with a doctor before taking medications and supplements if there is kidney function impairment.
Individuals need to participate in regular cardiovascular and weight-resistance physical activity/exercise. High blood sugar levels have been shown to stress the kidneys. Building adequate muscle mass helps control blood sugar.
Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the kidneys. This reduces proper blood flow and accelerates kidney malfunction.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Harvard University. (07/2013)
“Fight Kidney Disease with a Better Diet, weight loss and smoking cessation.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/fight-kidney-disease-with-a-better-diet-weight-loss-and-smoking-cessation
Kim DH, Cho D, Dickman CA, Kim I, et al. Surgical Anatomy & Techniques to the Spine. 2nd Ed. Saunders, Elsevier, Inc. Philadelphia, PA.
Lirette LS, Chaiban G, Tolba R, Eissa H. Coccydynia: An Overview of the Anatomy, Etiology, and Treatment of Coccyx Pain. Ochsner J. 2014 Spring;14(1): 84-87.
Mayo Clinic, 10.12.20, “Kidney Infection” (08/2020) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-infection/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353393
The University of Michigan Medicine. (06/2019) “ Upper and Middle Back Pain” https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aba5320#:~:text=In%20most%20cases%2C%20upper%20and,muscle%20or%20group%20of%20muscles
Individuals are realizing the enhancements that chiropractic produces along with lifestyle adjustments. Chiropractic is about total body health. This includes:
Healthy living and regular chiropractic adjustments will elevate the body’s health to new levels.
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Getting to the root cause of any symptoms that are presenting and addressing them is essential before the body can be at its optimum. A common root cause of pain, low energy, and various general health complaints is spinal misalignment. Poor spinal alignment leads to poor nerve energy flow and poor blood circulation. When the body and nervous system function incorrectly, there is interference with the body’s ability to process normal functions that leads to various forms of dysfunction. A chiropractor can recognize the smallest of changes in the spine that could be affecting the body’s health.
Restoring spinal alignment is the first step in improving body health. If condition/s are present, first the pain will need to be reduced and under management, then the energy can be increased. A chiropractor will recommend lifestyle adjustments to start building a routine to take good health to optimal health. Recommendations include:
Regular physical activity/exercise for weight management, building muscle and maintaining balance. Specific exercises could be recommended for spinal alignment and core strength reinforcement.
The nutrients consumed can have positive and negative effects on the body’s ability to function and heal. A health coach and nutritionist can recommend a nutrition plan that will elevate the body’s health to new levels, increasing energy and helping with weight loss if it is necessary.
Stress is a major player when it comes to poor health. Chiropractic can help develop techniques and strategies to manage stress and reduce the strain on the body’s systems. This could include sleep hygiene, mindfulness, and more.
Healthy posture is highly neglected during daily activities, especially when sitting or lying down. A chiropractor will educate the individual on how to hold the spine and posture optimally to reduce awkward positions and unnecessary strain.
When making lifestyle changes, a vital component is learning how to incorporate the new adjustments consistently. This encourages the adjustment into becoming a healthy habit that can maintain optimal body health.
There are various techniques that support relaxation, and help turn off the stress response. Here are a few science-backed options:
Stress-related eating is associated with an increased craving for calorie-dense and highly palatable/tasty usually unhealthy foods. When stress rises, food cravings rise triggering fat gain.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Hawk, Cheryl et al. “Best Practices for Chiropractic Management of Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 26,10 (2020): 884-901. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0181
Walsh, Roger. “Lifestyle and mental health.” The American psychologist vol. 66,7 (2011): 579-92. doi:10.1037/a0021769
Stonerock, Gregory L, and James A Blumenthal. “Role of Counseling to Promote Adherence in Healthy Lifestyle Medicine: Strategies to Improve Exercise Adherence and Enhance Physical Activity.” Progress in cardiovascular diseases vol. 59,5 (2017): 455-462. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2016.09.003
A whiplash injury can cause pain for months, even years after the accident/incident. It can cause persistent pain in the neck, shoulders, back, as well as, headaches, and sleep problems. Waiting to see if it will go away is not recommended. Chiropractic treatment can effectively and successfully expedite the healing process getting back to normal life as quickly as possible. Chiropractors treat whiplash successfully using a combination of techniques, approaches, and exercises for pain relief, recovery, and long-term spinal health. The extent and severity of the whiplash injury determine what type of chiropractic treatment will be implemented.
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Whiplash injuries are often the result of:
It is primarily an injury of the neck muscles and ligaments, but can also damage the vertebral discs. It is not considered a serious or life-threatening injury, but it can cause long-term complications and severe chronic pain. The biggest risk comes from the delayed presentation of symptoms. It can take days and sometimes weeks for the effects of the injury to present. Individuals that are older or those with arthritis are more likely to have severe and long-term issues.
Typical symptoms like neck pain, blurry vision, stiffness, and dizziness are well known. These can range from mild to severe, and last for a few days, weeks, or, in severe cases, years. However, there are some symptoms that most don’t know about and include:
Individuals should be alert for signs/symptoms that the injury requires immediate medical attention. If any of the following are experienced seek immediate care.
Chiropractic treatment depends on the individual case. A doctor of chiropractic will determine the right treatment plan by the:
X-rays will be taken of the affected area to rule out any other trauma or injury. The chiropractor will evaluate the entire spine. This is based on how one part of the body influences other areas with the objective being to get the whole body functioning successfully at optimal levels.
Some of the more common treatments for whiplash include:
Visiting a chiropractor a short time after the injury means the neck will be inflamed. The doctor will utilize gentle, anti-inflammatory options like:
There are different types of spinal manipulation, these include:
This type involves a gentle but firm thrusting, usually done with the hands to the soft tissue areas. It stimulates the nervous system to realign subluxations, and restore mobility/flexibility of the spinal joints and vertebrae.
This is also a hands-on technique that treats slipped and bulging discs. This type of treatment utilizes a pumping motion on the disc/s and not the spine itself.
This treatment is used for patients with degenerative disc disease. Special instrument assistance is often used in combination with hands-on care.
Massage promotes healing, reduces pain, and improves blood circulation in and around the affected area. It helps relieve tension/stress in the shoulder and neck.
The muscles and tendons can become tight. A chiropractor will gently stretch the area to relieve pain, ease tension, and reduce tension headaches. Trigger point therapy uses persistent pressure by the chiropractor’s fingers. It relaxes and releases the tight areas.
McKenzie exercises help reduce disc tears common to these types of injuries. The chiropractor will show how to perform these simple movements at home as part of the recovery.
A chiropractor will offer tips and guidance on how to successfully avoid worsening the injury or create new injury/s. Stretches and exercises will be recommended to strengthen and maintain flexibility. Depending on an individual’s:
It is difficult to predict how long it will take to regain a previous level of fitness after an injury. Retraining to peak condition depends on the injury and how much damage was done. A key factor is to not adopt a sedentary lifestyle. Muscle memory can help as the muscles have special cells in the fibers that can recollect previous movements. This means when back to working out after an extended layoff, the body is able to regain the lost muscle. Some tips to help get back into shape:
Patience and persistence are essential to regaining fitness successfully.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Dagenais, Simon, and Scott Haldeman. “Chiropractic.” Primary care vol. 29,2 (2002): 419-37. doi:10.1016/s0095-4543(01)00005-7
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020138396000964
Ritchie, Carrie et al. “Medical and allied health service use during acute and chronic post-injury periods in whiplash injured individuals.” BMC health services research vol. 20,1 260. 30 Mar. 2020, doi:10.1186/s12913-020-05146-0
Ferrari, Robert, and Anthony Science Russell. “Survey of general practitioner, family physician, and chiropractor’s beliefs regarding the management of acute whiplash patients.” Spine vol. 29,19 (2004): 2173-7. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000141184.86744.37
