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Triceps Tears: Diagnosis and Management Options

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-
Unknown trainer alone in gym and suffering from shoulder injury. One coach standing and rubbing arm.

“Torn triceps can be a serious injury for athletes and sports enthusiasts. Can knowing their symptoms, causes, risk factors and potential complications help healthcare providers develop an effective treatment plan?”

Triceps Tears: Diagnosis and Management Options

Torn Triceps Injury

The triceps is the muscle on the back of the upper arm that allows the elbow to straighten. Fortunately, triceps tears are uncommon, but they can be serious. The injury affects men more often than women and usually occurs from trauma, sports, and/or exercise activities. Depending on the extent and severity of the injury, a torn triceps injury can require splinting, physical therapy, and possibly surgery to regain movement and strength. Recovery after a triceps tear typically lasts around six months. (The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 2021)

Anatomy

The triceps brachii muscle, or triceps, runs along the back of the upper arm. It is named tri- because it has three heads – the long, medial, and lateral head. (Sendic G. 2023) The triceps originates at the shoulder and attaches to the shoulder blade/scapula and upper arm bone/humerus. At the bottom, it attaches to the point of the elbow. This is the bone on the pinky side of the forearm, known as the ulna. The triceps cause movement at the shoulder and the elbow joint. At the shoulder, it performs extension or backward movement of the arm and adduction or moving the arm toward the body. The main function of this muscle is at the elbow, where it performs extension or straightening of the elbow. The triceps work the opposite of the biceps muscle on the front of the upper arm, which conducts flexion or bending of the elbow.

Triceps Tear

Tears can occur anywhere along the length of a muscle or tendon, which is the structure that attaches the muscle to the bones. Triceps tears commonly occur in the tendon connecting the triceps to the back of the elbow. Muscle and tendon tears are graded from 1 to 3 based on severity. (Alberto Grassi et al., 2016)

Grade 1 Mild

  • These small tears cause pain that worsens with movement.
  • There is some swelling, bruising, and minimal loss of function.

Grade 2 Moderate

  • These tears are larger and have moderate swelling and bruising.
  • The fibers are partially torn and stretched.
  • Up to 50% loss of function.

Grade 3 Severe

  • This is the worst type of tear, where the muscle or tendon is completely torn.
  • These injuries cause severe pain and disability.

Symptoms

Triceps tears cause immediate pain in the back of the elbow and upper arm that worsens when trying to move the elbow. Individuals might also feel and/or hear a popping or tearing sensation. There will be swelling, and the skin will likely be red and/or bruised. With a partial tear, the arm will feel weak. If there is a complete tear, there will be significant weakness when straightening the elbow. Individuals may also notice a lump on the back of their arm where the muscles have contracted and knotted together.

Causes

Triceps tears usually occur during trauma, when the muscle is contracted and an external force pushes the elbow into a bent position. (Kyle Casadei et al., 2020) One of the most common causes is by falling on an outstretched arm. Triceps tears also occur during sports activities like:

  • Throwing a baseball
  • Blocking in a football game
  • Gymnastics
  • Boxing
  • When a player falls and lands on their arm.
  • Tears can also happen when using heavy weights during triceps-targeted exercises, such as the bench press.
  • Tears can also occur from direct trauma to the muscle, like a motor vehicle accident, but are less common.

Long-Term

Triceps tears can develop over time as a result of tendonitis. This condition usually occurs from repetitive use of the triceps muscle during activities like manual labor or exercise. Triceps tendonitis is sometimes referred to as weightlifter’s elbow. (Orthopedic & Spine Center. N.D.) The strain on tendons causes tiny tears that the body typically heals. However, if more strain is placed on the tendon than it can keep up with, the tiny tears can begin to grow.

Risk Factors

Risk factors can increase the risk of a triceps tear. Underlying medical conditions can weaken tendons, increasing the risk of injury, and can include: (Tony Mangano et al., 2015)

  • Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Lupus
  • Xanthoma – fatty deposits of cholesterol under the skin.
  • Hemangioendothelioma – cancerous or noncancerous tumors caused by abnormal growth of blood vessel cells.
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • Chronic tendonitis or bursitis in the elbow.
  • Individuals who have had cortisone shots in the tendon.
  • Individuals using anabolic steroids.

Triceps tears tend to occur more commonly in males between 30 and 50. (Ortho Bullets. 2022) This comes from participating in activities like football, weightlifting, bodybuilding, and manual labor, which also increases the risk of injury.

Treatment

Treatment depends on which part of the triceps is affected and the extent of the damage. It may only need resting for a few weeks, physical therapy, or require surgery.

Nonsurgical

Partial tears in the triceps that involve less than 50% of the tendon can often be treated without surgery. (Mehmet Demirhan, Ali Ersen 2016) Initial treatment includes:

  • Splinting the elbow with a slight bend for four to six weeks allows the injured tissue to heal. (Ortho Bullets. 2022)
  • During this time, ice can be applied to the area for 15 to 20 minutes several times daily to help decrease pain and swelling.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs – Aleve, Advil, and Bayer can help reduce inflammation.
  • Other over-the-counter medications like Tylenol can help decrease the pain.
  • Once the splint is removed, physical therapy will help restore movement and strength in the elbow.
  • Full movement is expected to return within 12 weeks, but full strength will not return until six to nine months after the injury. (Mehmet Demirhan, Ali Ersen 2016)

Surgery

Triceps tendon tears that involve more than 50% of the tendon require surgery. In some cases, however, surgery may still be recommended for tears smaller than 50% if the individual has a physically demanding job or plans to resume playing sports at a high level. Tears in the muscle belly or area where the muscle and tendon join are typically sewn back together. If the tendon is no longer attached to the bone, it is screwed back on. Recovery and physical therapy after surgery depend on the specific surgeon’s protocols. In general, individuals will spend a couple of weeks in a brace. Around four weeks after surgery, individuals will be able to start moving the elbow again. However, they won’t be able to start doing heavy lifting for four to six months. (Ortho Bullets. 2022) (Mehmet Demirhan, Ali Ersen 2016)

Complications

Complications can occur after triceps repair, whether there was surgery or not. For example, individuals may have problems regaining full elbow extension or straightening. They are also at a higher risk of re-rupture if they try to use the arm before it’s fully healed. (Mehmet Demirhan, Ali Ersen 2016)

Chiropractic Care for Healing After Trauma

References

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. (2021). Distal triceps repair: clinical care guideline. (Medicine, Issue. medicine.osu.edu/-/media/files/medicine/departments/sports-medicine/medical-professionals/shoulder-and-elbow/distaltricepsrepair.pdf?

Sendic G. Kenhub. (2023). Triceps brachii muscle Kenhub. www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/triceps-brachii-muscle

Grassi, A., Quaglia, A., Canata, G. L., & Zaffagnini, S. (2016). An update on the grading of muscle injuries: a narrative review from clinical to comprehensive systems. Joints, 4(1), 39–46. doi.org/10.11138/jts/2016.4.1.039

Casadei, K., Kiel, J., & Freidl, M. (2020). Triceps Tendon Injuries. Current sports medicine reports, 19(9), 367–372. doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000749

Orthopedic & Spine Center. (N.D.). Triceps tendonitis or weightlifter’s elbow. Resource Center. www.osc-ortho.com/resources/elbow-pain/triceps-tendonitis-or-weightlifters-elbow/

Mangano, T., Cerruti, P., Repetto, I., Trentini, R., Giovale, M., & Franchin, F. (2015). Chronic Tendonopathy as a Unique Cause of Non Traumatic Triceps Tendon Rupture in a (Risk Factors Free) Bodybuilder: A Case Report. Journal of orthopaedic case reports, 5(1), 58–61. doi.org/10.13107/jocr.2250-0685.257

Ortho Bullets. (2022). Triceps rupture www.orthobullets.com/shoulder-and-elbow/3071/triceps-rupture

Demirhan, M., & Ersen, A. (2017). Distal triceps ruptures. EFORT open reviews, 1(6), 255–259. doi.org/10.1302/2058-5241.1.000038

Endometriosis Support Therapies: A Holistic Approach to Treatment

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-
Close up view of woman holding a needle in an acupuncture therapy

“For individuals living with cyclical or chronic endometriosis symptoms, can incorporating support therapies help in disease management?”

Endometriosis Support Therapies: A Holistic Approach to Treatment

Support Therapies

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue similar to the uterine lining begins to grow outside the uterus where it does not belong. Endometriosis support therapies involve a comprehensive approach to treatment. It involves non-invasive treatments to help manage symptoms that can include:

  • Pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Massage
  • Medication
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
  • Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy – PFPT

  • Endometriosis can cause or contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction, causing pain, urinary disorders, bowel problems, and painful sexual intercourse.
  • Pelvic floor physical therapy improves the strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles.
  • Example support therapies can include kegel exercises and biofeedback. (Christine Mansfield et al., 2022)

Therapeutic Massage

A physical therapist uses various pressures, stretching, and/or trigger point release. This helps: (Sylvia Mechsner, 2022)

  • Release muscle tension
  • Lower cortisol – stress hormone
  • Improve circulation
  • Release endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs and hormonal contraceptives – birth control are the first line of treatment. Advil and Motrin are over-the-counter NSAIDs. If those don’t manage pain effectively, a healthcare provider may recommend prescription NSAIDs. (Sylvia Mechsner, 2022) Hormonal suppression agents or estrogen modulators are a second line of treatment for endometriosis and can include: (Christian M. Becker et al., 2022)

  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH)
  • Antigonadotropic meds
  • Aromatase inhibitors
  • Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)

Other medications include:(Sylvia Mechsner, 2022)

  • Valium – diazepam suppositories – Muscle-relaxing medications.
  • Gabapentinoids – Medications that treat nerve pain.
  • Antidepressants – these can increase the pain-reducing effect of other medications.

An endometriosis specialist. (Endometriosis Foundation of America. 2015) may suggest seeing a pain management specialist who provides nerve blocks or Botox injections. (Augusto Pereira et al., 2022)

Birth Control

Hormonal contraceptives suppress or regulate periods. They are effective for management, but not everyone can take them because of medical history, side effects, or fertility disorders and conditions. (Mert Ilhan et al., 2019) A healthcare provider can recommend alternative support therapies.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

  • A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation utilizes a battery-operated device that delivers low-voltage electrical stimulation to nerve fibers through electrodes placed on the skin.
  • Sessions are usually 15 to 30 minutes and work by disrupting pain signals. (Sylvia Mechsner, 2022)

Acupuncture

  • Acupuncture is a therapy in which a practitioner inserts thin needles into specific acupoints on the body to promote the flow of energy and alleviate pain. (Nora Giese et al., 2023)

Chiropractic

  • Chiropractic care focuses on spinal adjustments and alignment to enhance nervous system function, help alleviate pelvic discomfort and nerve pain – sciatica – and improve overall well-being. (Robert J. Trager et al., 2021)
  • Non-surgical decompression could be recommended to gently stretch the spine, relieve pressure, and flood the spine with added nutrients.

Movement Medicine: Chiropractic Care

References

Mansfield, C., Lenobel, D., McCracken, K., Hewitt, G., & Appiah, L. C. (2022). Impact of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy on Function in Adolescents and Young Adults with Biopsy-Confirmed Endometriosis at a Tertiary Children’s Hospital: A Case Series. Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 35(6), 722–727. doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2022.07.004

Mechsner S. (2022). Endometriosis, an Ongoing Pain-Step-by-Step Treatment. Journal of clinical medicine, 11(2), 467. doi.org/10.3390/jcm11020467

Ilhan, M., Gürağaç Dereli, F. T., & Akkol, E. K. (2019). Novel Drug Targets with Traditional Herbal Medicines for Overcoming Endometriosis. Current drug delivery, 16(5), 386–399. doi.org/10.2174/1567201816666181227112421

Becker, C. M., Bokor, A., Heikinheimo, O., Horne, A., Jansen, F., Kiesel, L., King, K., Kvaskoff, M., Nap, A., Petersen, K., Saridogan, E., Tomassetti, C., van Hanegem, N., Vulliemoz, N., Vermeulen, N., & ESHRE Endometriosis Guideline Group (2022). ESHRE guideline: endometriosis. Human reproduction open, 2022(2), hoac009. doi.org/10.1093/hropen/hoac009

Endometriosis Foundation of America. (2015). Seeking a doctor: finding the right endometriosis specialist. www.endofound.org/preparing-to-see-a-doctor

Pereira, A., Herrero-Trujillano, M., Vaquero, G., Fuentes, L., Gonzalez, S., Mendiola, A., & Perez-Medina, T. (2022). Clinical Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain in Endometriosis Unresponsive to Conventional Therapy. Journal of personalized medicine, 12(1), 101. doi.org/10.3390/jpm12010101

Giese, N., Kwon, K. K., & Armour, M. (2023). Acupuncture for endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Integrative medicine research, 12(4), 101003. doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2023.101003

Trager, R.J., Prosak, S.E., Leonard, K.A. et al. (2021). Diagnosis and management of sciatic endometriosis at the greater sciatic foramen: a case report. SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine, 3. doi.org/doi:10.1007/s42399-021-00941-0

Unveiling the Effects of Traction Therapy on Herniated Disc

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-

Can individuals with herniated discs find the relief they are looking for from traction therapy or decompression to provide pain relief?

Introduction

The spine allows the individual to be mobile and flexible without feeling pain and discomfort when a person is on the move. This is because the spine is part of the musculoskeletal system that consists of muscles, tendons, ligaments, the spinal cord, and spinal discs. These components surround the spine and have three regions to allow the upper and lower extremities to do their jobs. However, the spine also ages when the body starts to age naturally. Many movements or routine actions can cause the body to be stiff and, over time, can cause the spinal disc to herniate. When this happens, a herniated disc can lead to pain and discomfort in the extremities, thus making individuals deal with a reduced quality of life and pain in three spinal regions. Luckily, there are numerous treatments, like traction therapy and decompression, to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with herniated discs. Today’s article looks at why herniated discs cause issues in the spine and the effects of how these two treatments can help reduce herniated discs. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess how a herniated disc in the spine may be the issue causing musculoskeletal pain. We also inform and guide patients on how integrating spinal decompression and traction therapy can help realign the spine and reduce disc herniation that is causing spinal issues. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about incorporating non-surgical treatments as part of their routine to reduce pain and discomfort in their bodies. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

 

Why Herniated Discs Causes Issues In The Spine?

Have you been experiencing constant discomfort in your neck or back that doesn’t allow you to relax? Do you feel tingling sensations in your upper and lower extremities, making grasping objects or walking difficult? Or have you noticed that you are hunching over from your desk or standing and that stretching causes pain? As the spine keeps the body upright, its main components include the moveable vertebrae, the nerve root fibers, and spinal discs to help send neuron signals to the brain to allow movement, cushion the shocked forces on the spine, and be flexible. The spine allows the individual to perform various tasks without pain and discomfort through repetitive movements. However, when the body ages, it can lead to degenerative changes in the spine, causing the spinal disc to herniate over time. A herniated disc is a common degenerative musculoskeletal condition that causes the nucleus pulposus to break through any weak region of the annulus fibrosus and compress the surrounding nerve roots. (Ge et al., 2019) Other times, when repetitive motions start to cause a developing herniated disc, the inner portion of the disc can become desiccated and brittle. In contrast, the outer portion becomes more fibrotic and less elastic, causing the disc to shrink and be narrow. A herniated disc can affect young and old populations as they can have a multifactorial contribution that causes proinflammatory changes to the body. (Wu et al., 2020) 

 

 

When many people are dealing with pain associated with a herniated disc, the disc itself goes through morphological change through the characterization of the disc being partial damage, which is then followed by the displacement and herniation of the inner disc portion in the vertebral canal to compress the spinal nerve roots. (Diaconu et al., 2021) This causes symptoms of pain, numbness, and weakness in the upper and lower body portions through nerve impingement. Hence why, many individuals are dealing with referred pain symptoms from their arms and legs that are radiating pain. When nerve compression associated with herniated discs starts to cause pain and discomfort, many individuals begin to seek out treatment to reduce the pain that the herniated disc is causing to provide relief for their bodies.

 

Spinal Decompression In Depth-Video

Spinal Decompression in Depth | El Paso, Tx (2023)

The Effects Of Traction Therapy In Reducing Herniated Disc

Many people who are suffering from pain that is being affected by herniated discs in their spines can seek out treatments like traction therapy to alleviate pain. Traction therapy is a non-surgical treatment that stretches and mobilizes the spine. Traction therapy can be mechanically or manually done by a pain specialist or with the help of mechanical devices. The effects of traction therapy can reduce the compression force on the spinal disc while reducing nerve root compression by expanding the disc height within the spine. (Wang et al., 2022) This allows the surrounding joints within the spine to be mobile and positively affect the spine. With traction therapy, intermittent or steady tension forces help stretch the spine, reduce pain, and improve functional outcomes. (Kuligowski et al., 2021) 

 

The Effects Of Spinal Decompression In Reducing Herniated Disc

Another form of non-surgical treatment is spinal decompression, a sophisticated version of traction that uses computerized technology to help apply controlled, gentle pulling forces to the spine. Spinal decompression does is that it can help decompress the spinal canal and help pull the herniated disc back to its original position while stabilizing the spine and keeping the vital bones and soft tissues safe. (Zhang et al., 2022) Additionally, spinal decompression can create negative pressure on the spine to allow the flow of nutritional fluids and blood oxygen back to the discs while creating an inverse relationship when tension pressure is introduced. (Ramos & Martin, 1994) Both spinal decompression and traction therapy can offer many therapeutic pathways to provide relief to many individuals dealing with herniated discs. Depending on how severe the herniated disc has caused issues to the person’s spine, many can rely on non-surgical treatments due to its customizable plan that is personalized to the person’s pain and can be combined with other therapies to strengthen the surrounding muscles. By doing so, many people can be pain-free over time while being mindful of their bodies. 

 

References

Diaconu, G. S., Mihalache, C. G., Popescu, G., Man, G. M., Rusu, R. G., Toader, C., Ciucurel, C., Stocheci, C. M., Mitroi, G., & Georgescu, L. I. (2021). Clinical and pathological considerations in lumbar herniated disc associated with inflammatory lesions. Rom J Morphol Embryol, 62(4), 951-960. doi.org/10.47162/RJME.62.4.07

Ge, C. Y., Hao, D. J., Yan, L., Shan, L. Q., Zhao, Q. P., He, B. R., & Hui, H. (2019). Intradural Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report and Literature Review. Clin Interv Aging, 14, 2295-2299. doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S228717

Kuligowski, T., Skrzek, A., & Cieslik, B. (2021). Manual Therapy in Cervical and Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 18(11). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116176

Ramos, G., & Martin, W. (1994). Effects of vertebral axial decompression on intradiscal pressure. J Neurosurg, 81(3), 350-353. doi.org/10.3171/jns.1994.81.3.0350

Wang, W., Long, F., Wu, X., Li, S., & Lin, J. (2022). Clinical Efficacy of Mechanical Traction as Physical Therapy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Meta-Analysis. Comput Math Methods Med, 2022, 5670303. doi.org/10.1155/2022/5670303

Wu, P. H., Kim, H. S., & Jang, I. T. (2020). Intervertebral Disc Diseases PART 2: A Review of the Current Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies for Intervertebral Disc Disease. Int J Mol Sci, 21(6). doi.org/10.3390/ijms21062135

Zhang, Y., Wei, F. L., Liu, Z. X., Zhou, C. P., Du, M. R., Quan, J., & Wang, Y. P. (2022). Comparison of posterior decompression techniques and conventional laminectomy for lumbar spinal stenosis. Front Surg, 9, 997973. doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2022.997973

 

Disclaimer

Exploring Egg Replacement Options: A Guide for Allergies

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-
Chickpea water aquafaba with eggs. Egg replacement. Vegan concept

“Can egg substitutes or replacements be safe for individuals with an egg allergy?”

Exploring Egg Replacement Options: A Guide for Allergies

Substitutes and Replacements

Individuals should not assume either is safe unless they carefully read the label.

  • Egg substitutes may contain eggs.
  • Egg replacement products may be egg-free.
  • Look for alternatives labeled vegan or egg-free to ensure there are none.

Substitutes May Contain Eggs

Liquid egg substitutes in grocery store dairy aisles are made from eggs.  The following all contain eggs and are not safe for individuals with egg allergies:

  • Generic liquid egg substitutes in cartons
  • Egg Beaters
  • Powdered egg white products

Replacements Are Safe Alternatives

  • Special replacement products that do not contain eggs are available.
  • They are labeled vegan egg substitutes.
  • They are usually sold in powdered form.
  • They are useful for baking.
  • They cannot be used as a replacement for eggs in foods like a quiche.

Egg-Free Commercial Replacements

Always check the ingredients on the label before purchasing a product sold as a substitute or replacement to ensure it is completely free.

  • These products may also contain soy, dairy, or other food allergens.
  • Vegan – contains no animal products, which includes eggs and dairy.
  • Vegetarian – may contain eggs as they are not meat but an animal product.

Unaware of Foods With Eggs

Stay aware of eggs hidden in other food products, such as cakes, breads, pastries, noodles, crackers, and cereals.

  • The federal Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act requires that all packaged food products that contain eggs as an ingredient must list the word egg on the label. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 2022)

Other ingredients that indicate eggs are in the product include:

  • Albumin
  • Globulin
  • Lysozyme
  • Lecithin
  • Livetin
  • Vitellin
  • Ingredients starting with – ova or ovo.

Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms may consist of: (John W. Tan, Preeti Joshi 2014)

  • Skin reactions – hives, rash, or eczema.
  • Allergic conjunctivitis  – itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Angioedema – swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
  • Airway symptoms – wheezing, coughing, or a runny nose.
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms – nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Severe reactions – such as anaphylaxis, can cause multiple organ system failure.
  • Anaphylaxis is an emergency and requires immediate medical treatment.

A Guide For Food Allergies, Hypersensitivity and Intolerances

References

U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2022). Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). Retrieved from www.fda.gov/food/food-allergensgluten-free-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/food-allergen-labeling-and-consumer-protection-act-2004-falcpa

Tan, J. W., & Joshi, P. (2014). Egg allergy: an update. Journal of paediatrics and child health, 50(1), 11–15. doi.org/10.1111/jpc.12408

Understanding Restoration of Spinal Disc Height with Decompression Therapy

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-

Can individuals with spinal pain in their necks and back utilize decompression therapy to restore spinal disc height and find relief?

Introduction

Many people don’t realize that as the body gets older, so does the spine. The spine is part of the musculoskeletal system that provides structural support to the body by keeping it upright. The surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues surrounding the spine help with stability and mobility, while the spinal disc and joints provide shock absorption from the sheer vertical weight. When a person is on the move with their daily activities, the spine can allow the individual to be mobile without pain or discomfort. However, as time passes, the spine goes through degenerative changes that can cause pain and discomfort to the body, thus leaving the individual to deal with overlapping risk profiles that can affect their neck and back. To that point, many people seek out treatments to reduce the pain affecting their spine and restore the disc height in their bodies. Today’s article looks at how spinal pain affects a person’s neck and back and how treatments like spinal decompression can reduce spinal pain and restore disc height. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess how spinal pain can significantly impact a person’s well-being and quality of life in their bodies. We also inform and guide patients on how integrating spinal decompression can help reduce spinal pain and restore spinal disc height. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about incorporating non-surgical treatments into a health and wellness routine to relieve spinal pain and regain their quality of life. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

 

How Spinal Pain Affects A Person’s Neck & Back

Do you feel constant muscle aches and pains in your neck and back? Have you experienced stiffness and limited mobility when you are twisting and turning? Or do heavy objects cause muscle strain when moving from one location to another? Many individuals will be on the move and be in weird positions without feeling pain and discomfort when it comes to the spine. This is due to the surrounding muscles and tissues being stretched and the spinal discs taking on the vertical pressure on the spine. However, when environmental factors, traumatic injuries, or natural aging start to affect the spine, it can lead to the development of spinal pain. This is because the outer portion of the spinal disc is intact, and the inner portion of the disc is being affected. When abnormal stresses start to reduce the water intake within the disc, it can internally stimulate the pain receptors without nerve root symptoms inside the disc. (Zhang et al., 2009) This causes many individuals to deal with neck and back pain in their bodies and reduces their quality of life. 

 

 

Spinal pain can lead to overlapping risk profiles that cause many individuals to deal with severe low back pain and neck pain, which then causes the surrounding muscles to become weak, tight, and overstretched. At the same time, the surrounding nerve roots are also affected as the nerve fibers surround the outer and inner parts of the spinal disc, which causes nociceptive pain properties to the neck and back region and leads to discogenic pain. (Coppes et al., 1997) When many individuals are dealing with muscle pain correlated with the spinal discs, it causes a pain-spasm-pain cycle that can affect their bodies due to not moving enough and causing painful muscular activities when trying to be mobile. (Roland, 1986) When a person has limited mobility cause they are experiencing spinal pain, their natural disc height slowly degenerates, causing more issues to their bodies and socioeconomic burdens. Fortunately, when many individuals are dealing with spinal pain, numerous treatments can reduce spinal pain and restore their disc height.

 

Movement Medicine- Video

Movement Medicine: Chiropractic Care | El Paso, Tx (2024)

How Spinal Decompression Reduces Spinal Pain

When people are seeking treatments for their spinal pain, many will seek surgical treatments to reduce their pain, but it will be a bit pricey. However, many individuals will opt for non-surgical treatments due to their affordability. Non-surgical treatments are cost-effective and customizable to a person’s pain and discomfort. From chiropractic care to acupuncture, depending on the severity of the person’s pain, many will find the relief they seek. One of the most innovative treatments for reducing spinal pain is spinal decompression. Spinal decompression allows the individual to be strapped into a traction table. This is because it gently pulls on the spine to realign the spinal disc by reducing the pressure on the spine to invoke the body’s natural healing process to relieve pain. (Ramos & Martin, 1994) Additionally, when many individuals are using spinal decompression, the gentle traction provides a motorized distraction to the spine that may induce physical changes to the spinal disc and help restore a person’s range of motion, flexibility, and mobility. (Amjad et al., 2022)

 

Spinal Decompression Restoring Spinal Disc Height

 

When a person is being strapped into the spinal decompression machine, the gentle traction helps the spinal disc return to the spine, allowing the fluids and nutrients to rehydrate the spine, increasing the spine’s disc height. This is because spinal decompression creates negative pressure on the spine, allowing the spinal disc to return to its original height and providing relief. Plus, the amazing thing that spinal decompression does is that it can be combined with physical therapy to help stretch and strengthen the surrounding muscles near the spine to provide more stability and flexibility. (Vanti et al., 2023) This allows the individual to be more mindful of their bodies and start incorporating small habit changes to reduce the pain from returning. When many people begin to think about their health and wellness by going to treatment, they will regain their quality of life and get back to their daily routine without the issues affecting their spine. 

References

Amjad, F., Mohseni-Bandpei, M. A., Gilani, S. A., Ahmad, A., & Hanif, A. (2022). Effects of non-surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy on pain, range of motion, endurance, functional disability and quality of life versus routine physical therapy alone in patients with lumbar radiculopathy; a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 255. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05196-x

Coppes, M. H., Marani, E., Thomeer, R. T., & Groen, G. J. (1997). Innervation of “painful” lumbar discs. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 22(20), 2342-2349; discussion 2349-2350. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199710150-00005

Ramos, G., & Martin, W. (1994). Effects of vertebral axial decompression on intradiscal pressure. J Neurosurg, 81(3), 350-353. doi.org/10.3171/jns.1994.81.3.0350

Roland, M. O. (1986). A critical review of the evidence for a pain-spasm-pain cycle in spinal disorders. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon), 1(2), 102-109. doi.org/10.1016/0268-0033(86)90085-9

Vanti, C., Saccardo, K., Panizzolo, A., Turone, L., Guccione, A. A., & Pillastrini, P. (2023). The effects of the addition of mechanical traction to physical therapy on low back pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc, 57(1), 3-16. doi.org/10.5152/j.aott.2023.21323

Zhang, Y. G., Guo, T. M., Guo, X., & Wu, S. X. (2009). Clinical diagnosis for discogenic low back pain. Int J Biol Sci, 5(7), 647-658. doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.5.647

Disclaimer

Discover the Benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture for Healthy Skin

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-
A acupuncture needle therapy in the studio. High quality photo

“For individuals wanting to improve or maintain skin health, can incorporating acupuncture help improve skin and fight the aging process?”

Discover the Benefits of Cosmetic Acupuncture for Healthy Skin

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic acupuncture follows the traditional acupuncture practice of needle insertion. The objective is to reverse signs of aging and improve skin health.  It is sometimes referred to as acupuncture facial rejuvenation, which has been used as an alternative to surgical facelifts and other conventional procedures. Preliminary studies have examined how it can help remove age spots, lift droopy eyelids, and reduce wrinkles. (Younghee Yun et al., 2013)

How Acupuncture Works

In traditional Chinese medicine or TCM, acupuncture has long been used to improve the flow of energy – qi or chi – throughout the body. This energy is believed to circulate through energy pathways known as meridians. When health problems occur, according to TCM, there are obstructions or blockages in the circulation.
Acupuncturists can restore optimal circulation/flow and improve health by inserting needles into specific acupoints. (National Institutes of Health, 2007)

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic acupuncture is said to improve skin health and act as an anti-aging treatment by stimulating the production of collagen. This protein is a major component of the skin.  The skin’s inner layer loses collagen and firmness as the body ages.  However, further research is needed to support the claim that acupuncture can promote collagen production. Some suggest cosmetic acupuncture helps rejuvenate the skin by improving the body’s overall energy. One study found individuals saw improvements after five sessions of facial cosmetic acupuncture. (Younghee Yun et al., 2013) However, it is recommended that ten treatments be performed once or twice a week for optimum results. After that, maintenance treatments are done every four to eight weeks.  Unlike Botox or dermal fillers, cosmetic acupuncture is not a quick fix. The focus is to create long-term changes in the skin and body, which means improved:

When the needles are inserted into the skin, they create wounds known as positive microtraumas. The body’s natural healing and repairing abilities activate when it senses these wounds. These punctures stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which deliver nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells, nourishing them from the inside out.

  • This helps even out complexion and promotes skin radiance.
  • The positive microtraumas also stimulate the production of collagen.
  • This helps improve elasticity, minimizing lines and wrinkles.

Alternatives

Several natural remedies may help improve skin health and offer anti-aging benefits. Ceramides are a fat molecule found naturally in the top layer of the skin and an ingredient used in skin-care products. These may protect against aging-related dryness in the skin. (L Di Marzio 2008) Preliminary research suggests that applying white tea to the skin may fight the breakdown of collagen and elastin – a protein that supports skin elasticity and prevents sagging). There’s also evidence that natural substances such as argan oil, borage oil, and sea buckthorn may offer moisturizing benefits that could improve skin.(Tamsyn S A Thring et al., 2009)

While further evidence of cosmetic acupuncture is needed, integrating acupuncture can help manage stress and enhance overall health. Individuals considering cosmetic acupuncture should consult their primary healthcare provider to see if it is right for them.

Enhancing Health Together: Embracing Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Treatment

References

Yun, Y., Kim, S., Kim, M., Kim, K., Park, J. S., & Choi, I. (2013). Effect of facial cosmetic acupuncture on facial elasticity: an open-label, single-arm pilot study. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 424313. doi.org/10.1155/2013/424313

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (2007). Acupuncture: An Introduction. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Website. choimd.com/downloads/NIH-info-on-acupuncture.pdf

Kuge, H., Mori, H., Tanaka, T. H., & Tsuji, R. (2021). Reliability and Validity of Facial Check Sheet (FCS): Checklist for Self-Satisfaction with Cosmetic Acupuncture. Medicines (Basel, Switzerland), 8(4), 18. doi.org/10.3390/medicines8040018

Di Marzio, L., Cinque, B., Cupelli, F., De Simone, C., Cifone, M. G., & Giuliani, M. (2008). Increase of skin-ceramide levels in aged subjects following a short-term topical application of bacterial sphingomyelinase from Streptococcus thermophilus. International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology, 21(1), 137–143. doi.org/10.1177/039463200802100115

Thring, T. S., Hili, P., & Naughton, D. P. (2009). Anti-collagenase, anti-elastase and anti-oxidant activities of extracts from 21 plants. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 9, 27. doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-9-27

The Best Nonsurgical Treatments for Sciatica: What Works

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-

Can non-surgical treatments like acupuncture and spinal decompression provide relief to individuals dealing with sciatica?

Introduction

When many individuals start to feel pain running down their legs after a long day of activities, it causes them to have limited mobility and difficulty finding a place to rest. Many people think that they are just dealing with leg pain, but it can be more of an issue as they realize that it’s not just the leg pain they are experiencing but it is sciatica. While this long nerve comes from the lower back and travels down to the legs, it can succumb to pain and discomfort when herniated discs or muscles compress and aggravate the nerve. When this happens, it can impact a person’s mobility and quality of life, thus causing them to seek out treatment to reduce the pain from sciatica. Fortunately, alternative therapies like acupuncture and spinal decompression have been utilized to not only minimize sciatic pain but also provide positive, beneficial results. Today’s article looks at sciatica, how spinal decompression and acupuncture can relieve sciatica, and how integrating these two non-surgical treatments can lead to beneficial results. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess how sciatica can significantly impact a person’s well-being and quality of life. We also inform and guide patients on how integrating acupuncture therapy and spinal decompression can positively reduce sciatica. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about incorporating non-surgical treatments into a wellness routine to relieve sciatica and its referred symptoms. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

 

Understanding Sciatica

Do you often experience numbness or tingling sensations from your lower back to your legs? Do you feel like your gait is feeling off balance? Or have you stretched your legs after being seated for a while, which provides temporary relief? While the sciatic nerve plays a pivotal role in motor function in the legs, when various factors, such as herniated discs and even pregnancy, start to aggravate the nerve, it can cause pain. Sciatica is a deliberating pain condition often mislabeled as low back pain or radicular leg pain due to these two musculoskeletal conditions. These are comorbidities and can be exacerbated by simple twists and turns. (Davis et al., 2024)

 

 

Additionally, when many individuals are doing repetitive motions or dealing with degenerative changes in the spine, the spinal discs are more prone to herniation. They may press on the spinal nerves, causing the neuron signals to invoke pain and discomfort in the lower extremities. (Zhou et al., 2021) At the same time, sciatica can be both spinal and extra-spinal sources in the lumbar spinal region, which causes many individuals to be in constant pain and looking for relief. (Siddiq et al., 2020) When sciatica pain starts to affect a person’s lower extremities, causing mobility issues, many people seek treatments to reduce the pain-like effects of sciatica. 

 

The Science of Motion-Video

The Science of Motion "Chiropractic Care" | El Paso, Tx (2024)

 

Acupuncture For Reducing Sciatica Pain

When it comes to treating sciatica, many people can look into non-surgical treatments due to its affordability and effectiveness in reducing sciatica and its associated pain-like symptoms. Non-surgical treatments can be customized to the individual’s pain and be combined to restore a person’s quality of life. Two non-surgical treatments that can help reduce sciatica are acupuncture and spinal decompression. Acupuncture has a long history of providing significant positive effects on lowering sciatic pain and improving a person’s quality of life. (Yuan et al., 2020) Highly trained professionals from China use acupuncture and incorporate small solid needles to provide instant relief from sciatica’s associated symptoms. This is because acupuncture exerts analgesic effects by regulating microglia activation, inhibiting the body’s natural inflammatory response, and modulating receptors along the pain pathway in the nervous system. (Zhang et al., 2023) To this point, acupuncture can stimulate the body’s acupoints to restore balance.

 

The Effects Of Acupuncture

One of the effects of acupuncture for relieving sciatica is that it can reduce pain intensity by changing the brain’s activity patterns when the pain receptors are disrupted. (Yu et al., 2022) Additionally, when acupuncturists start to stimulate the nerves in the muscles and tissues, they release endorphins and other neurohumoral factors that help change the pain process in the nervous system. Acupuncture helps reduce inflammation while improving muscle stiffness and joint mobility through increasing microcirculation to reduce swelling while blocking sciatica pain from affecting the lower extremities. 

 

Spinal Decompression For Relieving Sciatica Pain

 

Another form of non-surgical treatment is spinal decompression, and it can help reduce the effects of sciatica and its associated pain symptoms. Spinal decompression utilizes a traction table to gently stretch the spine to create a negative pressure within the spinal disc and free up the affected nerves. For sciatica individuals, this non-surgical treatment relieves the sciatic nerve as spinal decompression helps reduce the pain intensity and improve mobility function in the lower extremities. (Choi et al., 2022) The main objective of spinal decompression is to create space within the spinal canal and neural structures to release the aggravated sciatic nerve from causing more pain. (Burkhard et al., 2022) 

 

The Effects Of Spinal Decompression

Many individuals can begin to feel relief from incorporating spinal decompression in their wellness treatment. This non-surgical treatment promotes fluids and nutrients to the spinal disc to kick-start the body’s natural healing process. When the spine is being gently stretched, there is less pressure on the sciatic nerves, which can alleviate the pain and improve mobility. Additionally, many individuals will feel their flexibility and mobility back in their lumbar region.

 

Integrating Acupuncture and Spinal Decompression For Relief

So, when many people start to integrate spinal decompression and acupuncture as a holistic and non-surgical approach for relieving sciatica, the results and benefits are positive. While spinal decompression targets the mechanical healing of the spinal disc and reducing nerve pressure, acupuncture focuses on relieving the pain and reducing inflammation at a systemic level. This enhances the body’s natural healing process and offers a synergistic effect to improve treatment outcomes. Non-surgical treatments like acupuncture and spinal decompression can provide a hopeful outcome for many individuals seeking relief from their sciatic pain without resorting to surgical procedures. These treatments allow the individual to regain their mobility in their lower extremities, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life by making people more mindful of their bodies and reducing the chances of sciatica from returning. By doing so, many individuals can live a healthier and pain-free lifestyle.

 

References

Burkhard, M. D., Farshad, M., Suter, D., Cornaz, F., Leoty, L., Furnstahl, P., & Spirig, J. M. (2022). Spinal decompression with patient-specific guides. Spine J, 22(7), 1160-1168. doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2022.01.002

Choi, E., Gil, H. Y., Ju, J., Han, W. K., Nahm, F. S., & Lee, P. B. (2022). Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2022, 6343837. doi.org/10.1155/2022/6343837

Davis, D., Maini, K., Taqi, M., & Vasudevan, A. (2024). Sciatica. In StatPearls. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29939685

Siddiq, M. A. B., Clegg, D., Hasan, S. A., & Rasker, J. J. (2020). Extra-spinal sciatica and sciatica mimics: a scoping review. Korean J Pain, 33(4), 305-317. doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2020.33.4.305

Yu, F. T., Liu, C. Z., Ni, G. X., Cai, G. W., Liu, Z. S., Zhou, X. Q., Ma, C. Y., Meng, X. L., Tu, J. F., Li, H. W., Yang, J. W., Yan, S. Y., Fu, H. Y., Xu, W. T., Li, J., Xiang, H. C., Sun, T. H., Zhang, B., Li, M. H., . . . Wang, L. Q. (2022). Acupuncture for chronic sciatica: protocol for a multicenter randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 12(5), e054566. doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054566

Yuan, S., Huang, C., Xu, Y., Chen, D., & Chen, L. (2020). Acupuncture for lumbar disc herniation: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore), 99(9), e19117. doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000019117

Zhang, Z., Hu, T., Huang, P., Yang, M., Huang, Z., Xia, Y., Zhang, X., Zhang, X., & Ni, G. (2023). The efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for sciatica: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails. Front Neurosci, 17, 1097830. doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1097830

Zhou, J., Mi, J., Peng, Y., Han, H., & Liu, Z. (2021). Causal Associations of Obesity With the Intervertebral Degeneration, Low Back Pain, and Sciatica: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 12, 740200. doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.740200

Disclaimer

Sports for Fitness: Enjoy Your Way to a Healthy Lifestyle

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-
Ball, soccer and team of fitness people play a game, training and practice together in the city. Fo.

“Can participating in a favorite sport several days a week help individuals trying to get fit or maintain a certain level of health?”

Sports for Fitness: Enjoy Your Way to a Healthy Lifestyle

Sports For Fitness

Spending hours in the gym can sometimes feel like a chore, especially for individuals who prefer competitive or recreational sports over traditional cardiovascular and resistance training. Various sports activities require only time, energy, sufficient apparel, and the willingness to play. Here are a few sports for fitness that can help improve overall health and wellness.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

Cycling is one of the best sports for fitness. Whether on roads or trails, fast or slow, it is a fantastic aerobic workout and benefits the leg muscles, specifically the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Research has shown that, especially for those with diabetes, cycling can lower the risk of premature mortality. (Mathias Ried-Larsen et al., 2021)

  • There are appropriate bikes for all ages and stages.
  • Beginners start with paved trails.
  • Intermediate to advanced levels can engage in road cycling and mountain biking.
  • Road or mountain bike races for individuals looking to compete.

Racket Sports

Racket sports players range from all ages and fitness levels, entry-level to highly competitive, and all provide intense workouts.

  • Racket sports target the muscles in the back, shoulders, arms, chest, quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core.
  • Racquet sports have also been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. (Pekka Oja et al., 2017)
  • Combine that with the endurance, speed, balance, and agility required to compete, and individuals will quickly see how these two sports can give a phenomenal workout while also burning a ton of calories.

Golf

For golf to be a fitness sport, individuals must walk all the holes while carrying or pushing the clubs.

  • What is needed is a supportive pair of shoes.
  • Walking the course can have multiple health benefits, including cardiovascular and respiratory health. (A. D. Murray et al., 2017)
  • Golf is a sport individuals can participate in at any life stage.

Water Sports

Paddleboarding, rowing, kayaking, and canoeing can provide a fitness solution for individuals who enjoy the outdoors. These sports increase heart rate, increase muscular endurance and strength, and burn serious calories. (Thomas Ian Gee et al., 2016)

Swimming

Activities that require upper and lower body muscles to work together rank high in sports for fitness. Swimming is the perfect full-body workout for anyone looking for an intense and competitive outlet that requires strength and endurance.

  • It is a sport or activity that is gentle on the joints. (Grace H. Lo et al., 2020)
  • Swimming can be a year-round sport with various levels of competition.

Triathlon Training

Triathlon training is for lifelong athletes looking to improve endurance and strength and exercise beginners who need a goal; it is the ultimate sport for fitness.

  • Running, biking, and swimming together challenges every muscle and significantly increases aerobic and anaerobic fitness. (Naroa Etxebarria et al., 2019)
  • There’s something for every fitness level, from short sprint competitions to full Ironman events.

Basketball and Volleyball

Basketball and volleyball offer the physical benefits of a hard workout. These sports require sprinting, pivoting, and jumping, which engages the cardiovascular system and strengthens every muscle. Playing volleyball in the sand makes the muscles work harder.

  • Both sports are appropriate for most levels of fitness.
  • Beginners are recommended to learn the basic skills and go through drills before moving to games or matches.
  • Both sports require constant movement, increasing the risk of injury, so it is important to learn the fundamentals.

Talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine or adding a new activity to an exercise regimen.

Lumbar Sports Injuries

References

Ried-Larsen, M., Rasmussen, M. G., Blond, K., Overvad, T. F., Overvad, K., Steindorf, K., Katzke, V., Andersen, J. L. M., Petersen, K. E. N., Aune, D., Tsilidis, K. K., Heath, A. K., Papier, K., Panico, S., Masala, G., Pala, V., Weiderpass, E., Freisling, H., Bergmann, M. M., Verschuren, W. M. M., … Grøntved, A. (2021). Association of Cycling With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Among Persons With Diabetes: The European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study. JAMA internal medicine, 181(9), 1196–1205. doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.3836

Oja, P., Kelly, P., Pedisic, Z., Titze, S., Bauman, A., Foster, C., Hamer, M., Hillsdon, M., & Stamatakis, E. (2017). Associations of specific types of sports and exercise with all-cause and cardiovascular-disease mortality: a cohort study of 80 306 British adults. British journal of sports medicine, 51(10), 812–817. doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096822

Murray, A. D., Daines, L., Archibald, D., Hawkes, R. A., Schiphorst, C., Kelly, P., Grant, L., & Mutrie, N. (2017). The relationships between golf and health: a scoping review. British journal of sports medicine, 51(1), 12–19. doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096625

Ian Gee, T., Caplan, N., Christian Gibbon, K., Howatson, G., & Grant Thompson, K. (2016). Investigating the Effects of Typical Rowing Strength Training Practices on Strength and Power Development and 2,000 m Rowing Performance. Journal of human kinetics, 50, 167–177. doi.org/10.1515/hukin-2015-0153

Lo, G. H., Ikpeama, U. E., Driban, J. B., Kriska, A. M., McAlindon, T. E., Petersen, N. J., Storti, K. L., Eaton, C. B., Hochberg, M. C., Jackson, R. D., Kwoh, C. K., Nevitt, M. C., & Suarez-Almazor, M. E. (2020). Evidence that Swimming May Be Protective of Knee Osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation, 12(6), 529–537. doi.org/10.1002/pmrj.12267

Etxebarria, N., Mujika, I., & Pyne, D. B. (2019). Training and Competition Readiness in Triathlon. Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 7(5), 101. doi.org/10.3390/sports7050101

Relieve Muscle Pain with Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Guide

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-

Can individuals dealing with muscle pain find relief from acupuncture therapy to get back to their daily activities and well-being?

Introduction

Many people worldwide have dealt with pain in their musculoskeletal system that has affected their daily routine. Some of the most common factors that people have experienced muscle pain include sedentary lifestyles from working at a desk job or physical demands from an active lifestyle. The muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues can become overstretched and overworked, causing the muscles to become weak. At the same time, visceral somatic issues in the neck, shoulders, and back can affect the upper and lower extremities, leading to a life of disability. Many factors that can contribute to the development of muscle pain can impact a person’s routine and cause them to find various techniques to reduce the muscle pain in their bodies. Since muscle pain can be in acute or chronic form, many individuals who are seeking treatment for their ailments can look into non-surgical therapies like acupuncture to not only reduce muscle pain but also find the relief they are looking for. Today’s article focuses on how muscle pain can affect a person’s well-being, how the essence of acupuncture can be beneficial for muscle pain, and how people can integrate acupuncture therapy as part of a wellness routine. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess how muscle pain can impact a person’s well-being. We also inform and guide patients on how acupuncture therapy can benefit the body by reducing the effects of muscle pain. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about incorporating acupuncture therapy into a wellness routine to reduce muscle pain and its referred symptoms. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

 

How Muscle Pain Can Affect A Person’s Well-Being

Do you feel the effects of tiredness and weakness in your upper and lower extremity muscles? Have you experienced general soreness or aches in your neck, shoulders, or back? Or does twisting and turning your body cause temporary relief to your body, only for it to be worse throughout the day? When it comes to muscle pain can be a multi-factorial condition where that can involve complex interactions on a person’s structure, physical, social, lifestyle, and comorbid health factors that can come into play as contributing factors for people to experience long-term pain and disability. (Caneiro et al., 2021) As many individuals start to do repetitive motions or stay in sedentary positions, muscle pain can develop when they stretch or try to move their muscles while doing their routine. The burden of muscle pain often correlates with socioeconomic factors that can cause many people, both young and old, to substantially limit their mobility and engagement in their routine, which predisposes increased risk factors to other chronic conditions they may have. (Dzakpasu et al., 2021)

 

 

When many individuals are dealing with muscle pain in its acute or chronic form, many often don’t realize that when the affected muscles in the upper and lower body quadrants are coping with pain, there is associated pain and stiffness from how active or inactive the muscles are can affect the soft tissue causing high mechanical stress to the affect the skeletal joints. (Wilke & Behringer, 2021) When this happens, many people will start to experience referred muscle pain in their bodies, causing issues with their mobility, flexibility, and stability. Coincidentally, muscle pain can also be a symptom of many people who have various pains in their bodies that have impacted their lives prior; seeking treatment can reduce the effects of muscle pain and help them take back their routine to lead a healthier lifestyle.

 

Movement Medicine- Video

Movement Medicine: Chiropractic Care | El Paso, Tx (2024)

The Essence Of Acupuncture For Muscle Pain

When many people are dealing with muscle pain, they are seeking treatments that are not only affordable but also can be effective in reducing the overlapping risk profiles that are affecting the body, causing muscle pain. Many treatments like chiropractic care, decompression, and massage therapy are non-surgical and are effective through consecutive sessions. One of the oldest and most effective treatments that can help reduce muscle pain in the body is acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture is a holistic treatment derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine that utilizes small, solid, thin needles inserted by professional acupuncturists to various acupoints. The main philosophy is that acupuncture provides relief to the body as it helps improve the body’s energy flow while maintaining a person’s overall health and vitality. (Zhang et al., 2022) When a person is dealing with muscle pain, the muscle fibers can develop tiny nodules known as trigger points that can induce pain in the affected muscle quadrants. With acupuncture needles placed in the affected area, local and referred pain is reduced, muscle blood flow and oxygen are returned to the body, and the muscle’s range of motion is improved. (Pourahmadi et al., 2019) Some of the benefits that acupuncture therapy provides include:

  • Increased circulation
  • Inflammation reduction
  • Endorphin release
  • Relaxing muscle tension

 

Integrating Acupuncture As Part Of A Wellness Routine

Many individuals who are seeking acupuncture therapy as part of their wellness journey can see the positive benefits of acupuncture and can combine it with other therapies to reduce the chances of muscle pain from returning. While acupuncture can help stimulate the nerves and restore motor function, treatments like joint mobilization can help stretch the affected muscles and joints to improve the body’s range of motion. (Lee et al., 2023) With many individuals seeking acupuncture treatment to reduce muscle pain, many can make small changes in their routine to prevent the pain from causing overlapping risk profiles to their bodies. When addressing the root causes of pain and promoting the body’s innate healing abilities, acupuncture can help restore balance, alleviate discomfort, and enhance overall well-being.

 

References

Caneiro, J. P., Bunzli, S., & O’Sullivan, P. (2021). Beliefs about the body and pain: the critical role in musculoskeletal pain management. Braz J Phys Ther, 25(1), 17-29. doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2020.06.003

Dzakpasu, F. Q. S., Carver, A., Brakenridge, C. J., Cicuttini, F., Urquhart, D. M., Owen, N., & Dunstan, D. W. (2021). Musculoskeletal pain and sedentary behaviour in occupational and non-occupational settings: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, 18(1), 159. doi.org/10.1186/s12966-021-01191-y

Lee, J. E., Akimoto, T., Chang, J., & Lee, H. S. (2023). Effects of joint mobilization combined with acupuncture on pain, physical function, and depression in stroke patients with chronic neuropathic pain: A randomized controlled trial. PLOS ONE, 18(8), e0281968. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281968

Pourahmadi, M., Mohseni-Bandpei, M. A., Keshtkar, A., Koes, B. W., Fernandez-de-Las-Penas, C., Dommerholt, J., & Bahramian, M. (2019). Effectiveness of dry needling for improving pain and disability in adults with tension-type, cervicogenic, or migraine headaches: protocol for a systematic review. Chiropr Man Therap, 27, 43. doi.org/10.1186/s12998-019-0266-7

Wilke, J., & Behringer, M. (2021). Is “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” a False Friend? The Potential Implication of the Fascial Connective Tissue in Post-Exercise Discomfort. Int J Mol Sci, 22(17). doi.org/10.3390/ijms22179482

Zhang, B., Shi, H., Cao, S., Xie, L., Ren, P., Wang, J., & Shi, B. (2022). Revealing the magic of acupuncture based on biological mechanisms: A literature review. Biosci Trends, 16(1), 73-90. doi.org/10.5582/bst.2022.01039

Disclaimer

Acupuncture for Muscle Pain: A Natural Remedy

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-

Can individuals dealing with muscle pain find relief from acupuncture therapy to get back to their daily activities and well-being?

Introduction

Many people worldwide have dealt with pain in their musculoskeletal system that has affected their daily routine. Some of the most common factors that people have experienced muscle pain include sedentary lifestyles from working at a desk job or physical demands from an active lifestyle. The muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues can become overstretched and overworked, causing the muscles to become weak. At the same time, visceral somatic issues in the neck, shoulders, and back can affect the upper and lower extremities, leading to a life of disability. Many factors that can contribute to the development of muscle pain can impact a person’s routine and cause them to find various techniques to reduce the muscle pain in their bodies. Since muscle pain can be in acute or chronic form, many individuals who are seeking treatment for their ailments can look into non-surgical therapies like acupuncture to not only reduce muscle pain but also find the relief they are looking for. Today’s article focuses on how muscle pain can affect a person’s well-being, how the essence of acupuncture can be beneficial for muscle pain, and how people can integrate acupuncture therapy as part of a wellness routine. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess how muscle pain can impact a person’s well-being. We also inform and guide patients on how acupuncture therapy can benefit the body by reducing the effects of muscle pain. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about incorporating acupuncture therapy into a wellness routine to reduce muscle pain and its referred symptoms. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

 

How Muscle Pain Can Affect A Person’s Well-Being

Do you feel the effects of tiredness and weakness in your upper and lower extremity muscles? Have you experienced general soreness or aches in your neck, shoulders, or back? Or does twisting and turning your body cause temporary relief to your body, only for it to be worse throughout the day? When it comes to muscle pain can be a multi-factorial condition where that can involve complex interactions on a person’s structure, physical, social, lifestyle, and comorbid health factors that can come into play as contributing factors for people to experience long-term pain and disability. (Caneiro et al., 2021) As many individuals start to do repetitive motions or stay in sedentary positions, muscle pain can develop when they stretch or try to move their muscles while doing their routine. The burden of muscle pain often correlates with socioeconomic factors that can cause many people, both young and old, to substantially limit their mobility and engagement in their routine, which predisposes increased risk factors to other chronic conditions they may have. (Dzakpasu et al., 2021)

 

 

When many individuals are dealing with muscle pain in its acute or chronic form, many often don’t realize that when the affected muscles in the upper and lower body quadrants are coping with pain, there is associated pain and stiffness from how active or inactive the muscles are can affect the soft tissue causing high mechanical stress to the affect the skeletal joints. (Wilke & Behringer, 2021) When this happens, many people will start to experience referred muscle pain in their bodies, causing issues with their mobility, flexibility, and stability. Coincidentally, muscle pain can also be a symptom of many people who have various pains in their bodies that have impacted their lives prior; seeking treatment can reduce the effects of muscle pain and help them take back their routine to lead a healthier lifestyle.

 

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The Essence Of Acupuncture For Muscle Pain

When many people are dealing with muscle pain, they are seeking treatments that are not only affordable but also can be effective in reducing the overlapping risk profiles that are affecting the body, causing muscle pain. Many treatments like chiropractic care, decompression, and massage therapy are non-surgical and are effective through consecutive sessions. One of the oldest and most effective treatments that can help reduce muscle pain in the body is acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture is a holistic treatment derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine that utilizes small, solid, thin needles inserted by professional acupuncturists to various acupoints. The main philosophy is that acupuncture provides relief to the body as it helps improve the body’s energy flow while maintaining a person’s overall health and vitality. (Zhang et al., 2022) When a person is dealing with muscle pain, the muscle fibers can develop tiny nodules known as trigger points that can induce pain in the affected muscle quadrants. With acupuncture needles placed in the affected area, local and referred pain is reduced, muscle blood flow and oxygen are returned to the body, and the muscle’s range of motion is improved. (Pourahmadi et al., 2019) Some of the benefits that acupuncture therapy provides include:

  • Increased circulation
  • Inflammation reduction
  • Endorphin release
  • Relaxing muscle tension

 

Integrating Acupuncture As Part Of A Wellness Routine

Many individuals who are seeking acupuncture therapy as part of their wellness journey can see the positive benefits of acupuncture and can combine it with other therapies to reduce the chances of muscle pain from returning. While acupuncture can help stimulate the nerves and restore motor function, treatments like joint mobilization can help stretch the affected muscles and joints to improve the body’s range of motion. (Lee et al., 2023) With many individuals seeking acupuncture treatment to reduce muscle pain, many can make small changes in their routine to prevent the pain from causing overlapping risk profiles to their bodies. When addressing the root causes of pain and promoting the body’s innate healing abilities, acupuncture can help restore balance, alleviate discomfort, and enhance overall well-being.

 

References

Caneiro, J. P., Bunzli, S., & O’Sullivan, P. (2021). Beliefs about the body and pain: the critical role in musculoskeletal pain management. Braz J Phys Ther, 25(1), 17-29. doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2020.06.003

Dzakpasu, F. Q. S., Carver, A., Brakenridge, C. J., Cicuttini, F., Urquhart, D. M., Owen, N., & Dunstan, D. W. (2021). Musculoskeletal pain and sedentary behaviour in occupational and non-occupational settings: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, 18(1), 159. doi.org/10.1186/s12966-021-01191-y

Lee, J. E., Akimoto, T., Chang, J., & Lee, H. S. (2023). Effects of joint mobilization combined with acupuncture on pain, physical function, and depression in stroke patients with chronic neuropathic pain: A randomized controlled trial. PLOS ONE, 18(8), e0281968. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0281968

Pourahmadi, M., Mohseni-Bandpei, M. A., Keshtkar, A., Koes, B. W., Fernandez-de-Las-Penas, C., Dommerholt, J., & Bahramian, M. (2019). Effectiveness of dry needling for improving pain and disability in adults with tension-type, cervicogenic, or migraine headaches: protocol for a systematic review. Chiropr Man Therap, 27, 43. doi.org/10.1186/s12998-019-0266-7

Wilke, J., & Behringer, M. (2021). Is “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” a False Friend? The Potential Implication of the Fascial Connective Tissue in Post-Exercise Discomfort. Int J Mol Sci, 22(17). doi.org/10.3390/ijms22179482

Zhang, B., Shi, H., Cao, S., Xie, L., Ren, P., Wang, J., & Shi, B. (2022). Revealing the magic of acupuncture based on biological mechanisms: A literature review. Biosci Trends, 16(1), 73-90. doi.org/10.5582/bst.2022.01039

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Managing Back Spasms: Effective Strategies and Techniques

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-
Female osteopath in white uniform massaging shoulders of woman lying on belly with hands behind head during physiotherapy treatment

“Learning the cause of the problem and how to manage it effectively can help individuals experiencing back spasms quickly and safely return to previous levels of function and activity.”

Managing Back Spasms: Effective Strategies and Techniques

Back Spasm

Individuals dealing with back pain or sciatica usually describe the symptoms as the back muscles tightening or spasming. A back spasm can feel mild, like a fist pressing into one side of the spine or an intense pain that prevents the individual from sitting, standing, or walking comfortably. Bask spasms can become severe, causing difficulty maintaining normal upright posture.

What Is A Spasm

A back spasm is a sudden onset of back muscle tightness. Sometimes, the tight sensation becomes so intense and severe that it prevents the individual from moving normally. Some individuals have difficulty bending forward because of the pain and tightness.

Symptoms

Most episodes last several hours to several days. Severe cases can last about six to eight weeks, but the spasms and pain subside gradually, allowing the individual to move normally and resume normal activity. Common sensations and symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty bending.
  • A tight sensation in the back.
  • Pulsing pains and sensations.
  • Pain on one or both sides of the back.

Sometimes, the spasm can cause radiating pain in the buttocks and hips. When severe, it can be accompanied by nerve pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates down one or both legs. (Medline Plus. 2022)

Causes

Back spasms are caused by tight muscle tissue, which often results from some mechanical stress. The stress causes the muscle tissue near the spine to be pulled abnormally. As a result of the pulling, the muscle fibers become taut and painful. Mechanical causes of back spasms may include: (Merck Manual, 2022)

  • Poor sitting and/or standing posture.
  • Repetitive overuse injury.
  • Lumbar strains.
  • Lumbar disc herniations.
  • Low back osteoarthritis.
  • Spondylolisthesis – vertebrae shift out of position, including anterolisthesis and retrolisthesis.
  • Spinal stenosis

All these can place increased stress on the anatomical structures in the spine. The lower back muscles near these structures may go into a protective spasm that can also cause a tight and painful sensation in the back. Other non-mechanical causes of low back spasms include: (Merck Manual, 2022)

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Lack of physical activity and exercise
  • Fibromyalgia

Risk Factors

Risk factors for back spasms include: (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2023)

  • Age
  • Job-related factors – constant lifting, pushing, pulling, and/or twisting.
  • Poor sitting posture or sitting for long periods without back support.
  • Lack of physical conditioning.
  • Being overweight or obese.
  • Psychological conditions – anxiety, depression, and emotional stress.
  • Family medical history of ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Smoking

Individuals can stop smoking, start exercising, or engage in positive activities to help manage stress. Individuals dealing with back spasms may need to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for back spasms can include home remedies or therapies from medical providers. The treatments are designed to relieve the spasms and manage the mechanical stresses that may have caused them. Medical professionals can also show strategies to prevent spasms. Home remedies can include: (Merck Manual, 2022)

  • Application of heat or ice
  • Low back massage
  • Postural adjustments
  • Gentle stretching
  • Analgesic medication
  • Anti-inflammatory medication (Anuj Bhatia et al., 2020)

If self-care strategies are unable to provide relief, individuals may need to visit a medical professional for treatment. Medical treatments can include: (Merck Manual, 2022)

  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Acupuncture
  • Non-surgical decompression
  • Transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation
  • Steroid injections
  • Lumbar surgery is a last resort treatment.

Most individuals are able to manage symptoms with physical therapy or chiropractic, which includes learning exercises and posture adjustments to relieve tightness.

Prevention

Simple lifestyle adjustments can have a significant effect on back spasms. Ways to prevent back spasms can include: (Medline Plus. 2022) (Merck Manual, 2022)

  • Maintaining hydration throughout the day.
  • Modifying movements and bending and lifting techniques.
  • Practicing postural correction techniques.
  • Performing daily stretching and strengthening exercises.
  • Engaging in cardiovascular exercise.
  • Performing meditation or other stress management techniques.

Personal Injury Rehabilitation

References

Medline Plus. (2022). Low back pain—acute. Retrieved from medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007425.htm

Merck Manual. (2022). Low back pain. Merck Manual Consumer Version. www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/low-back-and-neck-pain/low-back-pain

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2023). Back pain. Retrieved from www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/back-pain?

Bhatia, A., Engle, A., & Cohen, S. P. (2020). Current and future pharmacological agents for the treatment of back pain. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 21(8), 857–861. doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2020.1735353

Exploring the Role of Spinal Decompression in Treating Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-

Can individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis utilize spinal decompression to reduce low back pain and restore mobility?

Introduction

Many individuals worldwide have dealt with low back pain at some point in their lives that has affected their mobility and impacted their routine. Numerous environmental factors can lead to low back pain development, like improper heavy lifting, poor posture, traumatic injuries, and accidents that can affect the surrounding muscles, spinal cord, and nerve roots. When this happens, it can lead to lumbar spinal stenosis and cause overlapping risk profiles that are correlated with low back pain. When people are dealing with lumbar spinal stenosis, they could be thinking that their pain is in the lower extremities. To that point, many individuals seek treatment to not only reduce low back pain but also reduce the effects of lumbar spinal stenosis. Some treatments, like spinal decompression, which is a non-surgical treatment, can help restore mobility to the body. Today’s article looks at how lumbar spinal stenosis affects the lower back and its diagnosis while looking at how spinal decompression can provide relief to the individual and have positive benefits in restoring mobility. We talk with certified medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess how lumbar spinal stenosis correlates with lower back pain, causing mobility issues. We also inform and guide patients on how spinal decompression is an excellent form of treatment that can be combined with other therapies. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricate and important questions about incorporating decompression therapy to relieve the pain effects caused by lumbar stenosis while reducing the overlapping pain effects like lower back pain to regain a person’s mobility. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.

 

How Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Affects the Lower Back

Do you feel tingling sensations in the back of your legs affecting your ability to move around? Or does your lower back feel less mobile than it is used to? When many individuals are experiencing low back pain during their lifetime, it can often correlate with lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar spinal stenosis usually occurs when the spinal canal in the lower back becomes constricted, leading to degenerative changes. When the spinal canal starts to narrow in the spine, it can cause significant discomfort, interfere with daily activities, and may result in progressive disability for many individuals. (Munakomi et al., 2024) The symptoms caused by lumbar spinal stenosis range from mild to severe, and on which environmental factors correspond to the issue. At the same time, lumbar spinal stenosis is characterized by symptoms like low back pain that can cause spondylotic changes that induce low back pain that can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. (Ogon et al., 2022) This causes many people to go to their primary doctors to get a diagnosis and learn how to manage the pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis.

 

The Diagnosis Of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

When it comes to diagnosing lumbar spinal stenosis, many healthcare providers will incorporate a comprehensive evaluation, which includes a physical examination to see how mobile a person’s back is and imaging testing like MRIs and CT scans to visualize the spinal canal and assess the extent of the narrowing that is causing pain in the lower extremities. This is because when individuals deal with lumbar spinal stenosis, it can manifest with neurogenic claudication in the lower extremities, especially when a person is standing or sitting. The pain is decreased when their position is changed. (Sobanski et al., 2023) Additionally, lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the most commonly diagnosed spinal disorders that many healthcare professionals assess and evaluate. When there is a narrowing in the spinal canal, leading to the development of lumbar spinal, simple motions like walking can exacerbate the symptoms to the lower extremities and increase the oxygen in the spinal nerves, which may exceed the available blood flow to the extremities. (Deer et al., 2019) To that point, treatments like spinal decompression can help reduce lower back pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis.

 

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A Path To Relief Using Spinal Decompression

When it comes to individuals experiencing the pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis, many individuals can seek out non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression to relieve lower back pain. Spinal decompression has emerged as a non-invasive, effective treatment option for lumbar spinal stenosis. It utilizes gentle mechanical traction on the spine to be stretched, relieving the spinal nerves by creating more space within the spinal canal. Spinal decompression decreases the degenerative process while the surrounding muscles are gently stretched, and the spinal disc height increases due to negative pressure. (Kang et al., 2016) 

 

The Benefits Of Spinal Decompression & Restoring Mobility

Additionally, the gentle traction from spinal decompression helps enhance the production flow of nutrients and oxygen back to the affected spinal discs and spine to foster a better healing environment for the body. Since spinal decompression can be combined with other non-surgical treatments, like physical therapy and spinal manipulation, it can provide long-lasting positive effects for individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis. (Ammendolia et al., 2022) Some of the beneficial results of spinal decompression include:

  • Pain relief by alleviating pressure off the spinal nerves to reduce pain and discomfort in the lower extremities significantly. 
  • Improved mobility allows the individual to return to their daily activities with ease.

Many people can benefit from spinal decompression to reduce the effects of lumbar spinal stenosis and have their lower extremity mobility restored after consecutive sessions to reduce the chances of the pain from coming back. By thinking more about their health and wellness, many people can make small routine changes in their activities to mitigate the pain and remain mobile throughout their lives. This allows them to have a sense of hope to relieve them from the pain they have been under. 

 

References

Ammendolia, C., Hofkirchner, C., Plener, J., Bussieres, A., Schneider, M. J., Young, J. J., Furlan, A. D., Stuber, K., Ahmed, A., Cancelliere, C., Adeboyejo, A., & Ornelas, J. (2022). Non-operative treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication: an updated systematic review. BMJ Open, 12(1), e057724. doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057724

Deer, T., Sayed, D., Michels, J., Josephson, Y., Li, S., & Calodney, A. K. (2019). A Review of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Intermittent Neurogenic Claudication: Disease and Diagnosis. Pain Med, 20(Suppl 2), S32-S44. doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnz161

Kang, J. I., Jeong, D. K., & Choi, H. (2016). Effect of spinal decompression on the lumbar muscle activity and disk height in patients with herniated intervertebral disk. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 28(11), 3125-3130. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.28.3125

Munakomi, S., Foris, L. A., & Varacallo, M. (2024). Spinal Stenosis and Neurogenic Claudication. In StatPearls. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28613622

Ogon, I., Teramoto, A., Takashima, H., Terashima, Y., Yoshimoto, M., Emori, M., Iba, K., Takebayashi, T., & Yamashita, T. (2022). Factors associated with low back pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 552. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05483-7

Sobanski, D., Staszkiewicz, R., Stachura, M., Gadzielinski, M., & Grabarek, B. O. (2023). Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management of Lower Back Pain Associated with Spinal Stenosis: A Narrative Review. Med Sci Monit, 29, e939237. doi.org/10.12659/MSM.939237

 

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Relieving Leg Pain: Exploring Neurogenic Claudication

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-
Physiotherapist working at woman's legs for wellness and disability support.

“Individuals experiencing shooting, aching pain in the lower extremities, and intermittent leg pain could be suffering from neurogenic claudication. Can knowing the symptoms help healthcare providers develop an effective treatment plan?”

Relieving Leg Pain: Exploring Neurogenic Claudication

Neurogenic Claudication

Neurogenic claudication occurs when spinal nerves become compressed in the lumbar or lower spine, causing intermittent leg pain. Compressed nerves in the lumbar spine can cause leg pain and cramps. The pain usually worsens with specific movements or activities like sitting, standing, or bending backward.  It is also known as pseudo-claudication when the space within the lumbar spine narrows. A condition known as lumbar spinal stenosis. However, neurogenic claudication is a syndrome or group of symptoms caused by a pinched spinal nerve, while spinal stenosis describes the narrowing of the spinal passages.

Symptoms

Neurogenic claudication symptoms can include:

  • Leg cramping.
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations.
  • Leg fatigue and weakness.
  • A sensation of heaviness in the leg/s.
  • Sharp, shooting, or aching pain extending into the lower extremities, often in both legs.
  • There may also be pain in the lower back or buttocks.

Neurogenic claudication is different from other types of leg pain, as the pain alternates – ceasing and beginning randomly and worsens with specific movements or activities. Standing, walking, descending stairs, or flexing backward can trigger pain, while sitting, climbing stairs, or leaning forward tends to relieve pain. However, every case is different. Over time, neurogenic claudication can affect mobility as individuals try to avoid activities that cause pain, including exercise, lifting objects, and prolonged walking. In severe cases, neurogenic claudication can make sleeping difficult.

Neurogenic claudication and sciatica are not the same. Neurogenic claudication involves nerve compression in the central canal of the lumbar spine, causing pain in both legs. Sciatica involves compression of nerve roots exiting from the sides of the lumbar spine, causing pain in one leg. (Carlo Ammendolia, 2014)

Causes

With neurogenic claudication, compressed spinal nerves are the underlying cause of the leg pain. In many cases, lumber spinal stenosis – LSS is the cause of pinched nerve. There are two types of lumbar spinal stenosis.

  • Central stenosis is the main cause of neurogenic claudication. With this type, the central canal of the lumbar spine, which houses the spinal cord, narrows, causing pain in both legs.
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis can be acquired and develop later in life due to spine deterioration.
  • Congenital means the individual is born with the condition.
  • Both can lead to neurogenic claudication in different ways.
  • Foramen stenosis is another type of lumbar spinal stenosis that causes the narrowing of spaces on either side of the lumbar spine where nerve roots branch off the spinal cord. The associated pain is different in that it is either in the right or left leg.
  • The pain corresponds to the side of the spinal cord where the nerves are being pinched.

Acquired Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is usually acquired due to the degeneration of the lumbar spine and tends to affect older adults. The causes of the narrowing can include:

  • Spinal trauma, such as from a vehicle collision, work, or sports injury.
  • Disc herniation.
  • Spinal osteoporosis – wear-and-tear arthritis.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis – a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine.
  • Osteophytes – bone spurs.
  • Spinal tumors – non-cancerous and cancerous tumors.

Congenital Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Congenital lumbar spinal stenosis means an individual is born with abnormalities of the spine that may not be apparent at birth. Because the space within the spinal canal is already narrow, the spinal cord is vulnerable to any changes as the individual ages. Even individuals with mild arthritis can experience symptoms of neurogenic claudication early on and develop symptoms in their 30s and 40s instead of their 60s and 70s.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of neurogenic claudication is largely based on the individual’s medical history, physical examination, and imaging. The physical examination and review identify where the pain is presenting and when. The healthcare provider may ask:

  • Is there a history of lower back pain?
  • Is the pain in one leg or both?
  • Is the pain constant?
  • Does the pain come and go?
  • Does the pain get better or worse when standing or sitting?
  • Do movements or activities cause pain symptoms and sensations?
  • Are there any usual sensations while walking?

Treatment

Treatments can consist of physical therapy, spinal steroid injections, and pain meds. Surgery is a last resort when all other therapies are unable to provide effective relief.

Physical Therapy

A treatment plan will involve physical therapy that includes:

  • Daily stretching
  • Strengthening
  • Aerobic exercises
  • This will help improve and stabilize the lower back muscles and correct posture problems.
  • Occupational therapy will recommend activity modifications that cause pain symptoms.
  • This includes proper body mechanics, energy conservation, and recognizing pain signals.
  • Back braces or belts may also be recommended.

Spinal Steroid Injections

Healthcare providers may recommend epidural steroid injections.

  • This delivers a cortisone steroid to the outermost section of the spinal column or the epidural space.
  • Injections can provide pain relief for three months to three years. (Sunil Munakomi et al., 2024)

Pain Meds

Pain medications are used to treat intermittent neurogenic claudication. These include:

  • Over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen.
  • Prescription NSAIDs may be prescribed if needed.
  • NSAIDs are used with chronic neurogenic pain and should only be used when required.
  • The long-term use of NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers, and the overuse of acetaminophen can lead to liver toxicity and liver failure.

Surgery

If conservative treatments are unable to provide effective relief and mobility and/or quality of life are affected, surgery known as a laminectomy may be recommended to decompress the lumbar spine. The procedure may be performed:

  • Laparoscopically – with small incisions, scopes, and surgical instrumentation.
  • Open surgery – with a scalpel and sutures.
  • During the procedure, facets of the vertebra are partially or completely removed.
  • To provide stability, the bones are sometimes fused with screws, plates, or rods.
  • Success rates for both are more or less the same.
  • Between 85% and 90% of individuals undergoing the surgery achieve long-lasting and/or permanent pain relief. (Xin-Long Ma et al., 2017)

Movement Medicine: Chiropractic Care

References

Ammendolia C. (2014). Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and its imposters: three case studies. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 58(3), 312–319.

Munakomi S, Foris LA, Varacallo M. (2024). Spinal Stenosis and Neurogenic Claudication. [Updated 2023 Aug 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430872/

Ma, X. L., Zhao, X. W., Ma, J. X., Li, F., Wang, Y., & Lu, B. (2017). Effectiveness of surgery versus conservative treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis: A system review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International journal of surgery (London, England), 44, 329–338. doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.07.032

How Kinesiology Tape Can Help Alleviate Sacroiliac Joint Pain

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-
back view of woman on appointment with doctor who putting kinesio tapes on her body, healthcare

For individuals experiencing sacroiliac joint/SIJ dysfunction and pain, could applying kinesiology tape help bring relief and manage symptoms?

How Kinesiology Tape Can Help Alleviate Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Kinesiology Tape For Sacroiliac Joint Pain

A lower back ailment that is common during pregnancy. The pain is usually on one or both sides of the back, just above the buttocks, that comes and goes and can limit the ability to bend, sit, and perform various physical activities. (Moayad Al-Subahi et al., 2017) The therapeutic tape provides support while allowing for movement and may help treat and manage sacroiliac joint/SIJ pain by:

  • Decreasing muscle spasms.
  • Facilitating muscular function.
  • Increasing blood circulation to and around the pain site.
  • Decreasing muscle trigger points.

Mechanism

Some studies have found that taping the SI joint has benefits that include:

  1. One theory is it helps lift and hold the overlying tissues off of the SI joint, which helps decrease the pressure around it.
  2. Another theory is that lifting the tissues helps create a pressure differential under the tape, like non-surgical decompression, allowing increased circulation to the tissues surrounding the sacroiliac joint.
  3. This floods the area with blood and nutrients, creating an optimal healing environment.

Application

A sacroiliac joint on the right and left sides connects the pelvis to the sacrum or the lowest part of the spine. To apply the kinesiology tape correctly, locate the lowest part of the back within the pelvic area. (Francisco Selva et al., 2019) Ask a friend or family member for help if you can’t reach the area.

Blog Image Treating Sacroiliac DiagramTaping steps:

  • Cut three strips of tape, each 4 to 6 inches long.
  • Sit in a chair and bend the body slightly forward.
  • If someone is helping, you can stand and slightly bend forward.
  • Remove the lift-off strip in the middle and stretch the tape to expose several inches, leaving the ends covered.
  • Apply the exposed tape at an angle over the SI joint, like making the first line of an X, just above the buttocks, with full stretch on the tape.
  • Peel the lift-off strips from the ends and adhere them with no stretching.
  • Repeat the application steps with a second strip, adhering at a 45-degree angle to the first strip, making the X over the sacroiliac joint.
  • Repeat this with the final strip horizontally across the X made from the first two pieces.
  • There should be a tape pattern of star shape over the sacroiliac joint.
  1. Kinesiology tape can stay over the sacroiliac joint for three to five days.
  2. Watch for signs of irritation around the tape.
  3. Remove the tape if the skin becomes irritated, and consult your primary healthcare provider, physical therapist, or chiropractor for other treatment options.
  4. Some individuals with specific conditions should avoid using the tape and get confirmation that it’s safe.
  5. Individuals with severe sacroiliac pain where self-management is not working should see a healthcare provider, physical therapist, and or chiropractor for an evaluation and to learn therapeutic exercises and treatments to help manage the condition.

Sciatica During Pregnancy

References

Al-Subahi, M., Alayat, M., Alshehri, M. A., Helal, O., Alhasan, H., Alalawi, A., Takrouni, A., & Alfaqeh, A. (2017). The effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for sacroiliac joint dysfunction: a systematic review. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(9), 1689–1694. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.1689

Do-Yun Shin and Ju-Young Heo. (2017). The Effects of Kinesiotaping Applied onto Erector Spinae and Sacroiliac Joint on Lumbar Flexibility. The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy, 307-315. doi.org/https://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2017.29.6.307

Selva, F., Pardo, A., Aguado, X., Montava, I., Gil-Santos, L., & Barrios, C. (2019). A study of reproducibility of kinesiology tape applications: review, reliability and validity. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 20(1), 153. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-2533-0

Is Mayonnaise Healthy? Exploring the Nutritional Benefits

By
Dr. Alex Jimenez
-
Chef making sandwich with fresh ingredient.Delicious nutrition

“For individuals who want to eat healthier, can selection and moderation make mayonnaise a delicious and nutritious addition to a low-carbohydrate diet?”

Is Mayonnaise Healthy? Exploring the Nutritional Benefits

Mayonnaise Nutrition

Mayonnaise is used in various recipes, including sandwiches, tuna salad, deviled eggs, and tartar sauce. It is often considered unhealthy, as it is mostly fat and, as a result, calorie-dense. Calories and fat can quickly add up when not paying attention to portion sizes.

What Is It?

  • It is a blend of different ingredients.
  • It combines oil, egg yolk, an acidic liquid (lemon juice or vinegar), and mustard.
  • The ingredients become a thick, creamy, permanent emulsion when blended slowly.
  • The key is in the emulsion, combining two liquids that would otherwise not naturally come together, which turns the liquid oil into a solid.

The Science

  • Emulsification happens when an emulsifier – the egg yolk – binds the water-loving/hydrophilic and oil-loving/lipophilic components.
  • The emulsifier binds the lemon juice or vinegar with the oil and does not allow separation, producing a stable emulsion. (Viktoria Olsson et al., 2018)
  • In homemade mayonnaise, the emulsifiers are mainly the lecithin from the egg yolk and a similar ingredient in mustard.
  • Commercial mayonnaise brands often use other types of emulsifiers and stabilizers.

Health

  • It contains health-promoting properties, such as vitamin E, which improves heart health, and vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting. (USDA, FoodData Central, 2018)
  • It can also be made with healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, which maintain brain, heart, and skin health.
  • It is mostly an oil and high-fat calorie-dense condiment. (H R Mozafari et al., 2017)
  • However, it is mostly unsaturated fat, which is a healthier fat.
  • To maintain nutrition goals in mind when selecting mayonnaise.
  • For individuals on a low-fat or low-calorie diet, portion control is important.

Oil

  • Almost any edible oil can be used to make mayonnaise, making the oil the biggest factor in the recipe’s healthfulness.
  • Most commercial brands are made with soy oil, which some nutrition experts believe can be problematic because of the high levels of omega-6 fats.
  • Canola oil has a lower omega-6 content than soy oil.
  • Individuals who make the mayonnaise can use any oil, including olive or avocado oil.

Bacteria

  • The concern about bacteria comes from the fact that homemade mayonnaise is usually made with raw egg yolks.
  • Commercial mayonnaise is made with pasteurized eggs and is produced in a way that keeps it safe.
  • The acids, vinegar, or lemon juice can help keep some bacteria from contaminating the mayonnaise.
  • However, a study found that homemade mayonnaise may still contain salmonella bacteria despite the acidic compounds. (Junli Zhu et al., 2012)
  • Because of this, some prefer to pasteurize an egg in 140°F water for 3 minutes before making the mayonnaise.
  • Regardless of the type of mayonnaise, food safety guidelines should always be followed (United States Department of Agriculture, 2024).
  • Mayonnaise-based dishes should not be left outside refrigeration for more than two hours.
  • Opened commercial mayonnaise should be stored in the refrigerator after opening and discarded after two months.

Reduced-Fat Mayonnaise

  • Many nutritionists recommend reduced-fat mayonnaise for individuals on a low-calorie, low-fat, or exchange diet. (Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Dietary Guidelines Implementation, 1991)
  • While reduced-fat mayonnaise has fewer calories and less fat than regular mayonnaise, the fat is often replaced with starches or sugar to improve texture and flavor.
  • For individuals watching carbohydrates or sugar in their diet, check the nutrition label and ingredients before deciding on the right mayonnaise.

Body In Balance: Chiropractic, Fitness, and Nutrition

References

Olsson, V., Håkansson, A., Purhagen, J., & Wendin, K. (2018). The Effect of Emulsion Intensity on Selected Sensory and Instrumental Texture Properties of Full-Fat Mayonnaise. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 7(1), 9. doi.org/10.3390/foods7010009

USDA, FoodData Central. (2018). Mayonnaise dressing, no cholesterol. Retrieved from fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167736/nutrients

Mozafari, H. R., Hosseini, E., Hojjatoleslamy, M., Mohebbi, G. H., & Jannati, N. (2017). Optimization low-fat and low cholesterol mayonnaise production by central composite design. Journal of food science and technology, 54(3), 591–600. doi.org/10.1007/s13197-016-2436-0

Zhu, J., Li, J., & Chen, J. (2012). Survival of Salmonella in home-style mayonnaise and acid solutions as affected by acidulant type and preservatives. Journal of food protection, 75(3), 465–471. doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-11-373

United States Department of Agriculture. Food Safety and Inspection Service. (2024). Keep Food Safe! Food Safety Basics. Retrieved from www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/steps-keep-food-safe

Institute of Medicine (U.S.). Committee on Dietary Guidelines Implementation., Thomas, P. R., Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation., & National Cancer Institute (U.S.). (1991). Improving America’s diet and health : from recommendations to action : a report of the Committee on Dietary Guidelines Implementation, Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. National Academy Press. books.nap.edu/books/0309041392/html/index.html
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235261/

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