Spinal Decompression Nutrition

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Non-surgical spinal decompression relieves pain related to spinal conditions, injuries, and disorders that provides a comfortable, affordable alternative treatment option to costly and invasive surgical procedures. Non-surgical spinal decompression can also relieve pain associated with post-surgical rehabilitation. A key to successful outcomes is including added components of the treatment that includes spinal decompression nutrition.

Table of Contents

Spinal Decompression Nutrition

Proper nutrition and a balanced diet are essential elements of overall health. Individuals suffering from herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerated discs, sciatica, and chronic low back and neck pain are often deficient in vitamins and minerals, leading to inflammation and pain. These deficiencies can cause or exacerbate the pain and prevent or slow down healing. The bones, muscles, and other structures in the spine need proper nutrition to be strong enough to support the body and perform functions optimally. A health coach and nutritionist can recommend the proper diet and supplements to expedite healing, depending on the patient, the circumstances, and the individual situation. A non-inflammatory diet can make a big difference in patients’ symptoms and the effectiveness of decompression therapy.

The Right Foods

Eating a balanced diet with the right amount and variety of vitamins and nutrients can reduce back problems by nourishing the spine’s bones, muscles, discs, and other structures. While a healthy diet calls for various vitamins and nutrients, several healthy choices can directly benefit the spine. First and foremost is:

Sugar and Nitrate Reduction

High sugar diets lack the nutrients needed to prevent the release of inflammatory mediators.
The average individual consumes around 100 lbs of sugar per year.
Dessert foods are high in fatty acids, which increase inflammation.
Any foods containing high fructose corn syrup like salad dressings and sodas.
Processed foods high in nitrates like hot dogs, sausage, and lunch meats.

Super Foods

Increase healing of the spine at the cellular level with superfoods that include:

Shellfish – shrimp, crab, prawns, and oysters.
Dark green vegetables – spinach, asparagus, kale, and collards.
Red Fruits and Vegetables – red peppers, beets, dark berries like blackberries and blueberries.
Avocados
Olive oil.
Black olives.
Red onions and apples.
Flaxseeds, chia seeds, grains, and nuts.
Beans – navy beans, kidney beans, soybeans.
Cold Water Fish – sardines, mackerel, salmon, anchovies, and herring.
Winter Squash.
Water – maintaining hydration is important for re-hydrating degenerated, dried-out discs.

Pre Spinal Decompression Nutrition

The human body was created to heal itself; however, getting the proper nutrition can be difficult as circulation is impeded/blocked when going through a back injury or spinal condition. Eating and/or supplementing with essential nutrients and minerals could be recommended to encourage and engage the healing process. Using nutrients to improve recovery and healing is known as immunonutrition. Pre-decompression allows the tissues to begin healing. Then the chiropractic health team can prepare the tissues for decompression through therapeutic massage, heat, low-level laser therapy, and ultrasound.

Degeneration

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DRX9000 Explained by a Neurosurgeon

References

Calder, Philip C. “Fatty acids and inflammation: the cutting edge between food and pharma.” European journal of pharmacology vol. 668 Suppl 1 (2011): S50-8. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.05.085

Gay R. “All About Spinal Decompression Therapy.” Spine-health. www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/all-about-spinal-decompression-therapy. Published September 2013. Accessed April 2015.

InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. What is inflammation? 2010 Nov 23 [Updated 2018 Feb 22]. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279298/

Innes, Jacqueline K, and Philip C Calder. “Omega-6 fatty acids and inflammation.” Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids vol. 132 (2018): 41-48. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2018.03.004

Spinal Decompression For Treating Radiculopathies In El Paso, TX

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The spine is an S-shaped curve located in the back that makes sure that the body is standing upright, twisting, turning, bending, and moving from one place to another without any pain or problems. The spine is also protected by ligaments, the spinal cord, soft tissues from the musculoskeletal system, and spinal discs that ensure it doesn’t get injured. When a person gets injured from pulling a back muscle or is in an accident, the spine suffers the most as they are suffering from a variety of back pains that can hinder their quality of life and become miserable. There are many treatments for back pain that can provide relief to individuals suffering from back issues. In this article, we will be looking at the different types of radiculopathies that can affect the spine and how spinal decompression can help treat radiculopathy. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

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What Is Radiculopathy?

Since low back pain is common for many individuals, it can affect them in some way or form as the pain can range from a dull, mild ache to a severe sharp pain that can hinder a person. The variety of back pains can also vary from strains, ruptured discs, and pinched nerves, to name a few. One of the back pain conditions is radiculopathy, and research studies have shown that it is often described as a range of symptoms produced by a pinched nerve root in the spinal column. Radiculopathy can occur in different areas along the spine. The most common ones are in the lumbar and cervical spine. Other studies have also demonstrated that radicular back pain is one of the most common reasons many individuals have low back pain and can cause the person to be in pain and lose sensation and motor function depending on how severe the nerves are compressed in the spine.

Lumbar Radiculopathy

Radicular back pain is most often the painful secondary condition to compression or inflammation of the spinal cord. When it comes to lumbar radiculopathy, research studies have stated that the pain is being radiated on the lower half of the body, causing it to travel down from the back of the leg to the calf and the foot, hitting the sciatic nerve, thus developing sciatica. When this happens, many individuals will begin to feel worse from the leg pain than the low back pain since the sciatic nerve is inflamed and sending sharp, shooting pain along the leg, causing a person to be miserable.

Other research studies have shown that lumbar radiculopathy can cause by lumbar disc herniation and degeneration of the spinal vertebra. Some of the symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy usually depend on how severe the damaged nerve signals are and what degenerative conditions are happening to the spine. Some of the conditions include:

Pain
Numbness or tingling sensation
Spondylolisthesis
Sciatica

Cervical Radiculopathy

Research studies have stated that cervical radiculopathy is described when the nerve root from the cervical spine has become inflamed or damaged. Since the nerve roots are branched out from the spinal cord and help supply many motor functions to the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers, nerve damage to the cervical spine can cause immense pain. This can cause neurological deficits that can result from changes in neurological function in the body.

Other research studies have shown that when individuals are suffering from cervical radiculopathy, it is due to either the nerve root being compressed or inflamed that can cause a variety of symptoms that can affect the quality of life of a person. Some of the signs that are caused by cervical radiculopathy include:

Arm pain
Sensory deficits
Reflex deficits
Neck pain
Headaches
Chest pain

How The DRX9000 Treats The Back-Video

DRX9000 True Spinal Decompression Treatment For Low Back Pain

The video above explains how the DRX9000 is used on lower back pain individuals. The DRX9000 is often used for spinal decompression therapy as it gently stretches the spine and helps relieve unwanted back pain that the individual is suffering from. The DRX9000 is a traction machine that will help elongate the spine as it helps decompress the compressed and irritated spinal discs. The spinal disc will feel negative traction pull, and the necessary beneficial nutrients and oxygen rehydrating those discs and reabsorb the herniation back into the spine. Many individuals that utilize spinal decompression with the combination of physical therapy as part of their wellness journey will begin to get their quality of life back. If you want to learn more about spinal decompression therapy, this link will explain the benefits of spinal decompression and how it can alleviate low back pain symptoms.

How Spinal Decompression Treats Radiculopathies

Research studies have shown that when spinal decompression is combined with a routine physical therapy can help improve the pain caused by radiculopathy while also providing a lumbar range of motion, back muscle endurance, and bringing the quality of life back to many individuals. Since spinal decompression is when a person is lying on a traction table, fully strapped and gently pulled, that will allow relief to their spine. Other studies have shown that when lumbar traction is applied to individuals that are suffering from radiculopathies will feel a decreased pressure by vertebral separation to reduce the pinched nerve. Individuals who utilize spinal decompression for at least six weeks of treatment recommended by their primary physicians will begin to feel less pain in their back and feel better throughout the day.

Conclusion

All in all, radiculopathy is often described as a range of symptoms that can occur in different parts of the spine. Both lumbar and cervical radiculopathy have the exact causes as it involves a pinched nerve root that is compressed and inflamed, causing pain symptoms from the neck to the foot. With spinal decompression and physical therapy, many individuals will begin to feel instant relief as their spine is being gently stretched and the beneficial nutrients are reabsorbed back into the spine. Afterward, many individuals will be able to get back their quality of life pain-free.

References

Alexander, Christopher E, and Matthew Varacallo. “Lumbosacral Radiculopathy – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 12 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430837/.

Amjad, Fareeha, et al. “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 Musculoskeletal Disorders.” BioMed Central, BioMed Central, 16 Mar. 2022, bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-022-05196-x.

Ben-Yishay, Ari. “Lumbar Radiculopathy.” Spine, Spine-Health, 25 Apr. 2012, www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lumbar-radiculopathy.

Dydyk, Alexander M, et al. “Radicular Back Pain – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 2 Nov. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546593/.

Kang, Kyung-Chung, et al. “Cervical Radiculopathy Focus on Characteristics and Differential Diagnosis.” Asian Spine Journal, Korean Society of Spine Surgery, Dec. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7788378/.

Khan, Rehan Ramzan, et al. “Effectiveness of Mechanical Traction in Supine versus Prone Lying Position for Lumbosacral Radiculopathy.” Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, Professional Medical Publications, 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8377889/.

Medical Professionals, John Hopkins. “Radiculopathy.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2022, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/radiculopathy.

Meyler, Zinovy. “What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?” Spine, Spine-Health, 4 Jan. 2019, www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/what-cervical-radiculopathy.

Disclaimer

Sports Back Injuries: Spinal Decompression

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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The female athlete training hard in the gym. Fitness and healthy life concept. — Energy. Young muscular caucasian woman practicing in gym with the weights. Athletic female model doing strength exercises, training her lower, upper body. Wellness, healthy lifestyle, bodybuilding.

Whenever stepping out onto a playing field or gym, there is a risk of suffering sports back injuries. Back pulls, strain and sprain injuries are the most common. Low back pain is one of the most prevalent complaints at all levels of competition. 90% of these acute back injuries will heal on their own, usually in about three months. However, sometimes these injuries can be more severe and require professional medical care. Treatment options for different groups of athletes include nonsurgical motorized spinal decompression.

Table of Contents

Sports Back Injuries

Injury mechanisms vary from sport to sport, but there are recommendations regarding spinal decompression treatment for these injuries and return to play. Chiropractic healthcare specialists understand the sport-specific injury patterns and treatment guidelines for athletes following a back injury. Spinal decompression treatments are beneficial and result in higher rates of return to play depending on the specific sport of the injured athlete. A chiropractor will create a personalized spinal decompression treatment plan for the sport-specific context to meet the athlete’s short and long-term needs.

An estimated 10–15% of athletes will experience low back pain.
All types of sports place increased stress on the lumbar spine through physically demanding and repetitive movements/motions.
The repetitive shifting, bending, twisting, jumping, flexion, extension, and spinal axial loading motions contribute to low back pain even though the athletes are in top shape with increased strength and flexibility.
Injury patterns demonstrate the increased stresses that athletes place on the lumbar spine.

Common Spine Sports Injuries

Cervical Neck Injuries

Stingers are a type of neck injury.
A stinger is also known as a burner is an injury that happens when the head or neck gets hit to one side, causing the shoulder to be pulled in the opposite direction.
These injuries manifest as numbness or tingling in the shoulder from stretching or compressing the cervical nerve roots.

Lumbar Lower Back Sprains and Strains

When trying to lift too much weight or using an improper lifting technique when working out with weights.
Fast running, quick stopping, and shifting can cause the low back and hip muscles to get overly pulled/stretched.
Staying low to the ground and springing/jumping up can cause abnormal stretching or tearing of the muscle fibers.

Fractures and Injuries to the Supporting Spinal Structures

In sports that involve repetitive extension movements, spinal stress fractures are relatively common.
Also known as pars fractures or spondylolysis, these happen when there is a crack in the rear portion of the spinal column.
Excessive and repeated strain to the spinal column area leads to low back pain and injury.

Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression

Nonsurgical spinal decompression is motorized traction that is used to relieve compression pressure, restore spinal disc height, and relieve back pain.

Spinal decompression works to gently stretch the spine changing the force and position of the spine.
The gel-like cushions between the vertebrae are pulled to open up the spacing taking pressure off nerves and other structures.
This allows bulging or herniated discs to return to their normal position and promotes optimal circulation of blood, water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the discs to heal, as well as, injured or diseased spinal nerve roots.

Herniations

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DRX 9000 Decompression

References

Ball, Jacob R et al. “Lumbar Spine Injuries in Sports: Review of the Literature and Current Treatment Recommendations.” Sports medicine – open vol. 5,1 26. 24 Jun. 2019, doi:10.1186/s40798-019-0199-7

Jonasson, Pall et al. “Prevalence of joint-related pain in the extremities and spine in five groups of top athletes.” Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy: official journal of the ESSKA vol. 19,9 (2011): 1540-6. doi:10.1007/s00167-011-1539-4

Lawrence, James P et al. “Back pain in athletes.” The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons vol. 14,13 (2006): 726-35. doi:10.5435/00124635-200612000-00004

Petering, Ryan C, and Charles Webb. “Treatment options for low back pain in athletes.” Sports health vol. 3,6 (2011): 550-5. doi:10.1177/1941738111416446

Sanchez, Anthony R 2nd et al. “Field-side and prehospital management of the spine-injured athlete.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 4,1 (2005): 50-5. doi:10.1097/01.csmr.0000306072.44520.22

How Spinal Decompression Repair Herniated Disc

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The spine is encompassed by ligaments, soft tissues, joints, and the spinal cord, where it is protected. The spine also holds the body together by ensuring that the musculoskeletal system keeps the body upright and that it can twist, turn, bend, and move around when it is in motion. When the body sustains an injury from an accident or pulls a muscle, it can significantly affect the spine, causing immense pain to the lower back. When this happens, many treatments can help lower back pain by dampening the inflammation and causing relief to the individual. In this article, we will be looking at what is a herniated disc and its symptoms, as well as how decompression can help repair herniated disc in the spine. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

Download

What Is Herniated Disc?

Since mainly everyone has dealt with chronic back pain from an injury or pulling a back muscle at some point in their lives, this will cause many individuals to miss work and get treatment from their primary physicians as the pain is excruciating and can cause many people to miss out on everyday activities. Research studies have shown that lower back pain is one of the most common problems. With the different diagnoses for low back pain, DDD (degenerative disc disease) and lumbar disc herniation are considered the most common back pain. Research shows that herniated discs are formed when someone is lifting something heavy or twisting motions on the lower back, causing added stress on the spinal disc.

Research studies have stated that herniated disc has been the known cause of neck, back, and leg pain, and it is due to an injury to the spine. Herniated discs are caused because, usually, spinal discs have a soft, gel-like center on the inside and are protected by a firm outer layer between the spinal joints. Within time and age, the firm outer layer becomes weak and will eventually crack, causing the inner soft gel-like center to push through the cracks of the outer layer and press on the nearby spinal nerves. This will cause sharp shooting pain in the sciatic nerve, causing it to go from the buttock down to the foot.

The Symptoms

Since most herniated discs usually occur in the lower back, research studies stated that they could also occur in the neck. Depending on where the herniated disc is located and pressing on a nerve, it will usually affect one side of the body. Some of the symptoms that herniated discs are causing on the neck and lower back include:

Arm or leg pain
Shoulder pain
Numbness or tingling
Muscle weakness

Other research studies have also found that lumbar disc herniation can be compressed and irritate the lumbar nerve root and the dural sac of the spine and cause sciatica to form. Since lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common diagnoses for degenerative abnormalities of the lumbar spine, there are ways to treat lumbar disc herniation.

How Lumbar Traction Rehydrates Lumbar Disc-Video

Lower Back Decompression Machine - Lumbar Mechanical Traction

The video shows how a decompression machine uses traction to gently stretch the lumbar spine to rehydrate the lumbar disc back to its original state. As part of spinal decompression therapy, the decompression machine uses a traction machine to gently stretch the spine, causing instant relief to the individual suffering from low back pain or even herniated disc. When the spine gets a gentle stretch, the beneficial nutrients will go to the spinal disc, rehydrate them back into the spine, and improve the disc height. If you want to learn more about spinal decompression therapy, this link will explain the benefits of spinal decompression and how it can alleviate low back pain symptoms.

Repairing Herniated Disc With Decompression

With many treatments that can alleviate lumbar disc herniation, one of the non-surgical treatments providing relief to many individuals is spinal decompression therapy. Research studies have found that spinal decompression therapy has been used to help reduce the pressure of lumbar disc herniation and repair it by supplying nutrients and oxygen back to the lumbar disc. This will cause many individuals to feel instant relief as the herniated disc goes back into the spine with the nutrients and oxygen and repair them back to their original state. Other research studies also found that when combined with physical therapy, spinal decompression therapy is highly effective in the reabsorption of herniation and can increase the disc height for many individuals with lumbar disc herniation.

Conclusion

The spine’s primary function is to make sure that the body is upright and can bend, move, twist, and turn without any problems. The spine is encompassed by ligaments, soft tissues, the musculoskeletal system, the spinal cord, and the spinal disc. When a person accidentally pulls a muscle or sustains an injury, it can compress the spinal disc or cause it to develop a herniation and cause the person pain in their lower back. Luckily, treatments like spinal decompression allow gentle stretching on the spine to repair, restore, and rehydrate the spinal disc back to its original state. When this happens, many individuals will begin to feel instant relief and continue their day pain-free.

References

Al Qaraghli, Mustafa I, and Orlando De Jesus. “Lumbar Disc Herniation – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 30 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560878/.

Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339166.

Demirel, Aynur, et al. “Regression of Lumbar Disc Herniation by Physiotherapy. Does Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy Make a Difference? Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 Sept. 2017, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28505956/.

Härtl, Roger. “Lumbar Herniated Disc: What You Should Know.” Spine, Spine-Health, 6 July 2016, www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/lumbar-herniated-disc.

Medical Professionals, Cleveland Clinic. “Herniated Disk: What It Is, Diagnosis, Treatment & Outlook.” Cleveland Clinic, 1 July 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12768-herniated-disk.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Herniated Disk.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Feb. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095.

Vialle, Luis Roberto, et al. “Lumbar Disc Herniation.” Revista Brasileira De Ortopedia, Elsevier, 16 Nov. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4799068/.

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How Can Lower Back Decompression Help

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The body goes through many scenarios that sometimes can get injured depending on the situation. When that happens, the immune system goes on full alert and starts to heal the affected area, and the body will begin to feel better. Sometimes, the injuries will affect the back and spine as the spine makes sure that the body can bend, move, sit, and turn. The back muscles also do the same thing the spine does and even protect the spine from injuries. When injuries or a pulled muscle start to affect the back, it can cause many unwanted problems to rise and cause chronic low back pain and even herniated disc on the spine. Some treatments are non-surgical and can alleviate chronic low back pain for many individuals. In this article, we will be looking at what discogenic low back pain is and its symptoms, and how low back decompression can help many individuals. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

Download

What Is Discogenic Low Back Pain?

Since it is widespread for individuals to have back pain at some point in their lives and have to go to their primary physician to get time off their jobs to rest, there are two forms of back pain which are acute and chronic. Acute back pain only lasts between a few days to a week with rest and minimal light activity. Chronic back pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks and is considered an expensive benign condition in many industrialized countries. Some of the causes of chronic back pain can be an injury to the lumbosacral muscles and ligaments or even discogenic disorders like DDD (degenerative disc disease) or some form of trauma.

Discogenic low back pain is a common cause of chronic low back pain. It involves degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc in the spine while causing structural defects that result in biomechanical instability and inflammation. Research studies have stated that discogenic low back pain is considered multifactorial due to many physicians struggling to identify where the underlying source of pain is located at. Disogenic low back pain can also cause other types of back pain symptoms to pop up and cause the spinal nerve roots to compress and tear, causing chronic issues like herniated disc, spondylolysis, and foraminal stenosis to cause havoc on the back and making the individual suffering from chronic back pain miserable.

The Symptoms

Research studies have shown that discogenic low back pain symptoms usually start when there is an increased activity that causes intradiscal pressure on the spine. Some of the signs that it causes include:

Bending forward can increase low back discogenic pain
Pinched nerves that cause leg pain in the lower back
Sitting for long periods
Factors like stress and inflammation cause low back pain

Many of these symptoms can be the underlying issue when dealing with chronic back pain. If the pain is left untreated, it can develop into chronic problems that can cause immense pain to the back and the rest of the body. There are ways to treat chronic discogenic low back pain, and that is through low back decompression.

How The DOC Decompression Table Works-Video

DOC Decompression Table at Grand Island Physical Therapy Pain and Spine Center

The video above shows how the DOC decompression table works for individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. The DOC decompression table is part of a non-surgical treatment known as spinal decompression therapy. Research studies have stated that spinal decompression therapy allows gentle spine stretching using a traction machine like the DOC decompression table to relieve low back pain. The machine creates negative intradiscal pressure on the low back and allows the nutrients to return to the spinal disc and restore them. The DOC decompression table also enables many individuals suffering from low back pain to feel instant relief. If you want to learn more about spinal decompression therapy, this link will explain the benefits of spinal decompression and how it can alleviate low back pain symptoms.

How Does Low Back Decompression Help?

There are many ways to help treat low back pain, as there are surgical and non-surgical approaches to help alleviate low back pain. However, studies have shown that when many individuals suffering from low back pain go through a 6-week treatment, the results show a reduction in the pressure of the affected disc, causing facilitation of their regeneration and increasing the disc height. Another way to optimize low back decompression is when combined with physical therapy. Research studies have shown that it is more effective as it helps improve the pain, lumbar range of motion, and back muscle endurance. Incorporating these two treatments will help reduce low back pain and help improve the individual’s quality of life.

Conclusion

Since chronic low back pain is common for many working individuals, it is essential to know where the pain is located for many physicians to incorporate low back decompression to restore the nutrients in the spine and cause instant relief for many individuals. It is crucial to utilize non-surgical treatments like low back decompression to help alleviate chronic discogenic low back pain in many individuals. With physical therapy and low back decompression, many individuals can regain their quality of life and be worry-free from low back pain.

References

Amjad, Fareeha, et al. “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 Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 16 Mar. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8924735/.

Apfel, Christian C, et al. “Restoration of Disk Height through Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Is Associated with Decreased Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 8 July 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2912793/.

Fujii, Kengo, et al. “Discogenic Back Pain: Literature Review of Definition, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” JBMR Plus, John Wiley and Sons Inc., 4 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6524679.

Gay, Ralph. “All about Spinal Decompression Therapy.” Spine, Spine-Health, 24 Sept. 2013, www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/all-about-spinal-decompression-therapy.

Mummaneni, Praveen V. “Discogenic Low Back Pain.” SpineUniverse, SPU, 21 May 2019, www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/back-pain/discogenic-low-back-pain.

Disclaimer

Try Spinal Decompression

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Portrait of a senior therapist at the office — Portrait of a senior therapist sitting with anatomical model of the human spine in the medical office

Individuals with chronic back and/or leg pain are encouraged to try spinal decompression. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a treatment option therapy that has been proven to be safe, gentle, and successful. This therapy is motorized traction that takes the pressure off the spinal discs and stretches out the spine to its correct position. It is highly effective, comfortable, affordable, and a safe alternative to surgery. At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, our spinal decompression team/tables effectively treat:

Neck pain
Chronic back pain
Sciatica
Bulging discs
Herniated discs
Degenerated discs
Whiplash

Table of Contents

Try Spinal Decompression

The vertebral bones protect the spinal cord. Everyday wear-and-tear, improper posture and injury can cause parts of the vertebrae to compress the spinal cord’s nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy is also known as NSSD or SDT/Spinal Decompression Therapy. The goal of the treatment is to restore optimal health to the spine. Pain-causing conditions can be reversed or healed, and discs can be normalized through the decompression process as it encourages spinal repositioning to promote optimal healing.

Decompression Table

The spinal decompression table may consist of a manually operated cable and pulley system or a computerized table segmented by the upper and lower body.
The angle and pressure applied depend on the type of injury and the individual’s needs.
Each procedure is carefully calculated to reposition the spinal discs and disc material to alleviate pain.

How It Works

Spinal decompression is a mechanized version of a chiropractic adjustment. By gently stretching and moving the spine, the vertebrae have proper alignment restored, restoring range of motion, decreasing or eliminating pain, and improving mobility and function.

The individual is strapped to the machine with a harness that helps position the back for optimal decompression.
Depending on the condition and severity, the therapist will choose from a list of decompression programs.
Slowly, the spine is stretched and lengthened, relieving pressure.
The spine’s stretching and repositioning are different from standard physical therapy and manual manipulation treatment.
It is a gradual process to prevent the body from muscle guarding as the natural response to avoid injury.

Treatment Benefits

An examination is required to see if an individual meets the criteria. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy has been shown to:

Reduce or eliminate pain.
Rehydrate spinal discs.
Reduce disc bulging/herniation.
Improve functional abilities.
Decrease the need for surgery.

DRX9000

References

Apfel, Christian C et al. “Restoration of disk height through non-surgical spinal decompression is associated with decreased discogenic low back pain: a retrospective cohort study.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 11 155. 8 Jul. 2010, doi:10.1186/1471-2474-11-155

Koçak, Fatmanur Aybala et al. “Comparison of the short-term effects of the conventional motorized traction with non-surgical spinal decompression performed with a DRX9000 device on pain, functionality, depression, and quality of life in patients with low back pain associated with lumbar disc herniation: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.” Turkish Journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 64,1 17-27. 16 Feb. 2017, doi:10.5606/tftrd.2017.154

Macario, Alex, and Joseph V Pergolizzi. “Systematic literature review of spinal decompression via motorized traction for chronic discogenic low back pain.” Pain practice: the Official Journal of World Institute of Pain vol. 6,3 (2006): 171-8. doi:10.1111/j.1533-2500.2006.00082.x

The Efficacy of Spinal Decompression For Chronic Low Back Pain

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Table of Contents

Introduction

The body needs the spine to stay upright, bend, move, twist, and turn to function properly. The spine is an S-shaped curve structure protected by ligaments, soft tissues, the spinal cord, and muscle tissue if the back gets injured. When the body gets injured, or a back muscle is pulled, it can affect the spine and cause the individual to be in pain. Many individuals will experience some back pain that can affect their daily activity and try to find relief for their back pain. Some therapeutic treatments can help relieve back pain and help decompress the spine to cause instant relief. This article will look at what causes chronic low back pain, why it is expensive, and how efficient spinal decompression therapy is for chronic low back pain. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

Download

What Causes Chronic Low Back Pain?

Since the spine is an S-shaped curve protected by joints, ligaments, nerves, and muscles, its primary function is to provide the body with the support, strength, and flexibility it needs to move and function. Research studies have found that the low back supports the upper body’s weight, and when there is an injury to the muscles, ligaments, joints, or spinal disc, it can cause minor to severe pain to the back. When there is a significant overlap of nerves, it causes some difficulty for the brain to sense where the pain originates accurately. Other research studies have found that back pain is common due to soft tissue injury and mechanical issues that can cause low back pain to be chronic. Some of the factors that can cause chronic low back pain include:

Back muscle strain
Lifting heavy objects
Sports injuries
Poor posture over time

Why Is It Expensive To Treat?

Since chronic low back pain is an expensive benign condition in most industrialized countries, it is often one of the most frequent reasons for many individuals to visit their primary care physicians. This will allow them to take time off from work due to sickness or short-term disability and hospital admission and surgery. Research studies have stated that chronic low back pain can range from mild to severe, making it difficult for individuals to do everyday activities. About one-third to two-thirds of adults will suffer from low back pain at some time, and the prevalence of low back pain increases with age, and women are affected more often than men.

What Is Discogenic Pain?

Research studies have shown that discogenic low back pain is one of the common types of chronic low back pain that causes the formation of vascularized granulation tissue to degenerate. Discogenic pain most commonly affects the lower back, buttocks, and hips. Discogenic pain also involves:

The degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc in the spine.
Causing structural defects in the spine.
Causing the result of biomechanical instability and inflammation of the back.

Other research studies have found that discogenic back pain is multifactorial, causing physicians to struggle to identify the source of pain coming from the back.

How Efficient Is The DRX9000?-Video

DRX9000 Spinal Decompression video by Dr William Martin, a Stanford Alumni in McAllen TX

The DRX9000 is a spinal decompression traction machine that helps alleviate chronic lower back pain in individuals. Research studies have found that the DRX9000 uses a motor pulley that causes traction force on the spine to pull, causing it to decompress gently. The traction force from the DRX9000 allows the spine to stretch the soft tissues and separate joint surfaces causing instant relief to individuals suffering from lower back pain. Many individuals who use the DRX9000 as part of their spinal decompression therapy will begin to feel instant relief from their spine and regain their quality of life. If you want to learn more about spinal decompression therapy, this link will explain the benefits of spinal decompression and how it can alleviate low back pain symptoms.

The Efficacy Of Spinal Decompression

The efficacy of spinal decompression on chronic low back pain can provide immense relief to many individuals suffering from low back pain. Research studies have shown that spinal decompression therapy is effective for many individuals suffering from lumbar disc herniation as it helps with the resorption of the herniation disc back in the spine and increases the disc height. Research studies have shown that many individuals who completed an entire 6-week course of spinal decompression therapy have reported much improvement from the pain and disability they had suffered from chronic low back pain.

Conclusion

Chronic lower back pain is common for many individuals and can be expensive as the symptoms can range from a dull, mild ache to severe sharp, throbbing pain in the lower back. Chronic low back pain causes many individuals to go to their health care providers, allowing them to get out of work and causing early retirement for many working individuals. Incorporating spinal decompression therapy as part of chronic low back pain treatment can cause instant relief to many individuals as the spinal disc are getting the necessary beneficial nutrients back into their spine and improving their quality of life pain-free. All in all, spinal decompression utilizes gentle stretching on the spine using a traction machine, causing instant relief to many individuals that are suffering from chronic lower back pain.

References

Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2015, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25729196/.

Demirel, Ayunur, et al. “Regression of Lumbar Disc Herniation by Physiotherapy. Does Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy Make a Difference? Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2016, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28505956/.

Fujii, Kengo, et al. “Discogenic Back Pain: Literature Review of Definition, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” JBMR Plus, John Wiley and Sons Inc., 4 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6524679/.

Koçak, Fatmanur Aybala, et al. “Comparison of the Short-Term Effects of the Conventional Motorized Traction with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Performed with a DRX9000 Device on Pain, Functionality, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Low Back Pain Associated with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Single-Blind Randomized-Controlled Trial.” Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bayçınar Medical Publishing, 16 Feb. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6709608/.

Medical Professionals, Cleveland Clinic. “Low Back Pain: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments.” Cleveland Clinic, 18 Jan. 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7936-lower-back-pain.

Peloza, John. “Causes of Lower Back Pain.” Spine, Spine-Health, 20 Apr. 2017, www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/causes-lower-back-pain.

Peloza, John. “Lower Back Pain Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” Spine, Spine-Health, 20 Apr. 2017, www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment.

Peng, Bao-Gan. “Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Discogenic Low Back Pain.” World Journal of Orthopedics, Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited, 18 Apr. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3631950/.

Disclaimer

How To Treat Sensory Nerve Dysfunction With Spinal Decompression

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Table of Contents

Introduction

The spine is encompassed by ligaments, the spinal cord, nerves, and discs that ensure that the entire body is upright and allow it to move, bend, twist, and turn. The spine also holds parts of the musculoskeletal system as the muscles make sure that the muscles are doing their job correctly. When a person suffers from an injury or a pulled muscle on the back, it can cause unwanted symptoms that can affect the back and affect the entire body. When the spine gets injured, it can also cause many individuals to be in pain, affecting their daily activities. Many treatments can relieve the painful symptoms of back and spinal injury, including spinal decompression. In this article, we will be looking at sensory nerve dysfunction and how the effects of spinal decompression therapy can alleviate sensory nerve dysfunction. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

Download

What Is Sensory Nerve Dysfunction?

As part of the central nervous system, the sensory nerves send information from the peripheral nervous system to the spinal cord to the brain. These nerves make sure that the body feels something that a person is touching. When there is an injury affecting the peripheral nerves, it is known as peripheral nerve injury. Research studies have shown that peripheral nerve injury is when there is nerve damage to the body, affecting the brain’s ability to communicate with the muscles and organs. When the sensory nerve becomes damaged from an injury, this will cause many individuals to have a tingling sensation on their hands and feet.

Other research studies have also stated that neuropathic pain can damage the sensory nerve receptor that sends the signals from the spinal cord to the brain. It can cause many symptoms that can be altered and disorder the sensory nerves to develop neuropathic pain symptoms. Since the nerves from the central nervous system send the information from the spinal cord to the entire body, nerve pain damage can disrupt the signals and cause the individual to fall, causing injury to the body, especially on the back. Research studies have shown that many individuals suffering from peripheral nerve damage can result from traumatic injury, metabolic problems, exposure to toxins, and inherited causes that cause the nerve signals to be disrupted.

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?-Video

What is Spinal Decompression? DRX9000 for low back pain, sciatica and herniated disc. Avoid Surgery.

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that gently stretches the spine using a traction table to relieve back and leg pain. Research studies have found that spinal decompression therapy is used on the spine. It creates a negative intradiscal pressure to retract and reposition herniated or bulging disc material back to its original position in the spine. The gentle stretching from the traction machine allows the nutrients and other beneficial substances to go back to the spine and relieve the painful symptoms that cause injury to the spine. If you want to learn more about spinal decompression therapy, this link will explain the benefits of spinal decompression and how it can alleviate low back pain symptoms.

How Spinal Decompression Can Alleviate Sensory Nerve Dysfunction

The spine is encompassed by ligaments, the spinal cord, and discs that protect the spine from injury. When the spinal disc gets injured or naturally wears and tears due to age, it can cause the disc to lose the fluid that makes them sponge-like and compressed. When there is compression on the spinal disc, it can cause pain in the back. There is no pain when there is compression on the peripheral nerves unless the peripheral nerves have been irritated or pinched earlier. There are therapeutic treatments that can help alleviate the painful symptoms caused by the pinched nerves and bring back a person’s quality of life.

Research studies have found that ice treatments, electric treatments, and spinal decompression therapy allow individuals to get back their quality of life to about 90%. Since spinal decompression has a direct mechanical effect and a biochemical effect, the gentle traction will allow the intradiscal pressure from the damaged nerves to be reduced and retract the herniated disc. Spinal decompression therapy can influence sensory nerve dysfunction and restore motor functions in the body. Other research studies have also found that stretching, infrared radiation, and spinal decompression traction can significantly improve the pain and disability levels that are causing the individual pain in their lower back. Spinal decompression therapy will even alter the biomechanics and biochemistry of the spinal disc and nerve root, causing many individuals relief.

Conclusion

Therefore, the spine’s primary function is to make sure that the body can twist, bend, turn, and stay upright. When the back gets injured from a pulled muscle or an accident, it can immobilize the individual and disrupt their quality of life. If there is nerve damage from the injury, it can disrupt the nerve signals in the brain and cause the individual to lose balance and injure themselves even more. Utilizing non-surgical treatments like ice treatments, stretching, and physical therapy with the combination of spinal decompression therapy can help restore the back by gently stretching the spine with a traction table and restoring the lost nutrients of the spinal disc as well as restoring the motor and sensory nerve functions to the body.

References

Alrwaily, Muhammad, et al. “Assessment of Variability in Traction Interventions for Patients with Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, BioMed Central, 17 Sept. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6139896/.

Colloca, Luana, et al. “Neuropathic Pain.” Nature Reviews. Disease Primers, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Feb. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5371025/.

Daniel, Dwain M. “Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy: Does the Scientific Literature Support Efficacy Claims Made in the Advertising Media?” Chiropractic & Osteopathy, BioMed Central, 18 May 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1887522/.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Peripheral Nerve Injuries.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-nerve-injuries/symptoms-causes/syc-20355631.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Peripheral Neuropathy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 July 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061.

Disclaimer

Vehicle Collision Injuries – Decompression Benefits

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

doctor talking with patient in neck brace

Any vehicle crash, collision, or accident can cause various injuries, with back pain issues as a primary injury or a side effect from other injuries. Usually, injury symptoms begin right after the collision, but in other cases, individuals may not start experiencing symptoms until hours, days, or even weeks later. This is from the adrenaline that rushes throughout the body during the collision/fight or flight response delaying the injury symptoms. There are reports of individuals who walk away from an accident unscathed but require urgent medical treatment a short while later. Chiropractic care can provide manual and spinal motorized decompression benefits.

Table of Contents

Head Injuries

Head injuries occur when drivers and/or passengers hit their heads on the steering wheel, windows, dashboard, metal frame, and sometimes each other.
A head injury is considered a severe condition that can cause concussions, skull fractures, comas, hearing loss, cognitive and memory issues, and vision problems.
A significant head injury can cause extensive and costly medical treatment with the possibility of long-term medical care.

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries are common in vehicle collisions.
The most common is whiplash, with the head and neck-snapping from indirect blunt force, like being rear-ended.
Whiplash can cause significant damage to the ligaments and muscles, like swelling and neck pain, and temporary paralysis of the vocal cords.
Injury patterns of whiplash can differ depending on the speed, force, and overall health of the individual involved.

Back Injuries

Back injuries can range in severity from sprains to significant damage involving the nerves and/or the spinal cord.
If the damage is severe, it can lead to loss of sensation in the body, loss of limb control, or permanent paralysis.
Disc herniation/s can lead to disability, muscle weakness, tingling and numbness in the limbs, and radiating body pain.

Chest and Torso Injuries

Vehicle collision forces can result in severe chest injuries that include broken ribs.
Broken ribs might not sound dangerous by themselves; they can puncture the lungs leading to other injuries and internal bleeding.
Traumatic cardiac arrest can occur from the force of the impact.
Other injuries include:
Abdominal injuries to internal organs.
Damage to the pelvis.

Broken Bones

The legs, feet, arms, and hands are frequently injured, broken, and sometimes dislocated.
Motorcyclists are also at a higher risk for significant injury that includes:
Multiple fractures, internal injury, head injuries, and severe ligament damage.
Pedestrians struck by a vehicle have an increased risk for a combination of all injuries at once.

Non-Surgical Decompression Benefits

Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat injuries from vehicle collisions.
Non-surgical spinal decompression gently stretches the spine using a motorized traction device to help reposition the spine and remove the pressure.
As the pressure is taken off, the spinal discs regain their natural height, relieving the pressure on the nerves and other spinal structures.
Optimal healing is promoted by an improved circulation of nutrients, water, and oxygen to the injury site.
Decompression helps to strengthen the muscles in the affected area.
It provides positive spinal structural changes.
Improves nervous system function.

Non-surgical decompression is a tool for correcting injuries and relieving pain, allowing optimal health for the individual.

DOC Decompression Table

Highly Effective, Non-Invasive, and Affordable Decompression Benefits

Download

References

Apfel, Christian C et al. “Restoration of disk height through non-surgical spinal decompression is associated with decreased discogenic low back pain: a retrospective cohort study.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 11 155. 8 Jul. 2010, doi:10.1186/1471-2474-11-155

Koçak, Fatmanur Aybala et al. “Comparison of the short-term effects of the conventional motorized traction with non-surgical spinal decompression performed with a DRX9000 device on pain, functionality, depression, and quality of life in patients with low back pain associated with lumbar disc herniation: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.” Turkish Journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 64,1 17-27. 16 Feb. 2017, doi:10.5606/tftrd.2017.154

Macario, Alex, and Joseph V Pergolizzi. “Systematic literature review of spinal decompression via motorized traction for chronic discogenic low back pain.” Pain practice: the Official Journal of World Institute of Pain vol. 6,3 (2006): 171-8. doi:10.1111/j.1533-2500.2006.00082.x

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression For Chronic Low Back Pain

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Table of Contents

Introduction

The body makes sure that the spine is keeping it upright as the body allows the spine to twist, bend, and turn in different positions. When the body suffers from an injury, the immune system starts to take effect and begins to heal the body naturally in the affected areas. When the back gets injured from an accident or injured, the spinal disc in the spine will get damaged and lead to chronic issues that can cause a person to be miserable if it is not treated right away. However, there are non-surgical treatments that can relieve back pain symptoms and cause immense relief to the individual. In this article, we will be looking at what causes chronic back pain, its symptoms, and how non-surgical decompression can provide relief for chronic back pain. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

Download

What Causes Chronic Low Back Pain?

Mostly everyone would see a doctor or miss a couple of days at work due to having some back pain that causes them to be in pain and not do their daily activities due to it being common. Research studies have shown that back pain can range from a dull constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that can be very mild or severe depending on the injury. The causes of back pain can be from an accident that a person went through, lifting heavy objects, or can develop when a person ages naturally when the spinal disc is losing fluid and nutrients.

Two types of back pain can affect a person’s way of life depending on how severe the injury is. Acute back pain can last from a few days to a few weeks and can be resolved with a few days of self-care, and a person can take it easy with light activity. Chronic back pain is when the pain continues for about 12 weeks or more, causing it to persist where the individual needs medical treatment to relieve the pain. Other research studies have found many disorders like inflammatory disorders, trauma, DDD (degenerative disc disease), and other chronic disorders that can cause chronic back pain symptoms. Chronic back pain can also cause significant rates of disability while being a contributor to morbidity and mortality in a person.

The Symptoms

Since chronic pain is often defined as persisting pain that goes beyond the normal healing time, research studies have shown that chronic pain can cause a significant impact on musculoskeletal conditions like chronic back pain. The presence of chronic pain can create more chronic issues that a person is experiencing. Other research studies have stated that the symptoms that chronic low back pain causes in a person include:

Dull aching pain
Traveling pain in the buttocks, legs, & feet
Worsen pain after prolonged sitting
Pain feels better after shifting positions
Wake up with pain and feel better after moving around

An Overview On Chronic Low Back Pain-Video

Research studies have shown that chronic low back pain is a chronic pain syndrome in the lower back region of the spine that can last for at least three months. Chronic low back pain is often the second leading cause of disability worldwide. It is influenced by psychological factors like stress, depression, or anxiety that can impact a person’s way of life. Other research studies have shown that low back pain can cause pain, muscle stiffness, or tension localized below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal fold, characterized by sciatica symptoms. Chronic low back pain can be persistent for more than 12 weeks. It can cause immense individual pain, especially if the causes to have chronic low back pain have been associated with individual and workplace factors that cause the transition to chronic low back pain.

Non-Surgical Decompression For Chronic Low Back Pain

There are ways that many individuals can find relief after suffering from chronic low back pain and don’t require surgery. Non-surgical decompression therapy is where the individual is lying on a traction machine, and their spine gets a gentle stretch to relieve the compressed spinal disc’s pressure. Research studies have shown that non-surgical decompression therapy creates negative intradiscal pressure on the spine, allowing the herniated disc material to be pulled back into the spinal disc. Non-surgical decompression therapy also promotes the passage of healing nutrients back into the disc while fostering a better healing environment for the spine.

Many individuals who have non-surgical decompression therapy have reported at least 90% of improvement in back pain and have a better function when doing daily activities. Research studies have shown that spinal decompression therapy and general traction effectively improve the pain and disability of chronic low back pain issues for individuals suffering from intervertebral disc herniation and getting back their quality of life.

Conclusion

Chronic low back pain is caused by heavy lifting, injury, age, or accidents that cause the spinal disc to be compressed under immense pressure. Sometimes the pain levels can range from mild to severe, causing pain from the lower back to the legs and feet. When a person is suffering from chronic low back pain, it can cause them to be dysfunctional and ruin their daily lives. Non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression can help alleviate chronic back pain symptoms by gently stretching the spine and allowing the nutrients back to the spine. This will relieve the person’s spine and alleviate the painful symptoms causing back pain, causing the person to be pain-free and continue on their wellness journey.

References

Allegri, Massimo, et al. “Mechanisms of Low Back Pain: A Guide for Diagnosis and Therapy.” F1000Research, F1000Research, 28 June 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4926733/.

Casiano, Vincent E, et al. “Back Pain – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 22 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538173/.

Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2015, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25729196/.

Chou, Roger. “Low Back Pain (Chronic).” BMJ Clinical Evidence, BMJ Publishing Group, 8 Oct. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217809/.

Gay, Ralph. “How Spinal Decompression Therapy Is Thought to Work.” Spine, Spine-Health, 24 Sept. 2013, www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/how-spinal-decompression-therapy-thought-work.

Husky, Mathilde M, et al. “Chronic Back Pain and Its Association with Quality of Life in a Large French Population Survey.” Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, BioMed Central, 26 Sept. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6158815/.

Medical Professionals, NINDS. “Low Back Pain Fact Sheet.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 15 Nov. 2021, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet.

Peloza, John. “Lower Back Pain Symptoms.” Spine, Spine-Health, 20 Apr. 2017, www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/lower-back-pain-symptoms.

Disclaimer

The Effects Of Spinal Decompression For Lumbar Disc Herniation

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Table of Contents

Introduction

The spine is encompassed by soft tissues, the spinal cord, ligaments, and cartilage in an S-shaped curvature in the back. The spine’s primary function is to make sure that the body is supported in an upright position and holds parts of the musculoskeletal system while also making sure that the body bends, sits, moves, twists, and turns for proper functionality. When the body goes through an injury, the symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on how bad the damage is on the person and how severe it is. When a back injury causes immense pain to the individual, the pain can radiate from the back to the legs. However, there are ways to lower the effects of back pain through non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression to help alleviate back pain symptoms. In this article, we will be looking at what lumbar disc herniation is, its symptoms, and how spinal decompression can help lower the effects of lumbar disc herniation. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

Download

What Is Lumbar Disc Herniation?

In the back, the spine is in an S-shaped curve protected by soft tissue, the spinal disc, and the spinal cord. The spine makes sure that the body is moving and staying upright, and when there are factors that can cause back pain, it can lead to chronic issues that can affect the entire body. One of the chronic issues that can cause back pain is lumbar disc herniation. Research studies have found that lumbar disc herniation is due to aging and general wear and tear that causes the spinal disc to lose some of the fluid that makes them pliable and sponge-like.

Lumbar disc herniation is when the spinal disc’s outer ring can bulge, crack or tear when pressure is on the spine. This will cause the disc to protrude and push against a nearby spinal nerve root, causing shooting pain to the buttock and the leg. Research studies have shown that lumbar disc herniation is most often the result of disc degeneration. It is often due to individuals using their back muscles instead of their leg muscles to lift heavy objects. This can cause the spinal disc to twist and turn while lifting the heavy object and thus leading to a painful experience on the lower back.

The Symptoms

Research studies have found that nearly 80% of the population will usually sustain low back pain at least once. Since low back pain can be due to different factors, intervertebral degeneration leads to DDD (degenerative disc disease), and lumbar disc herniation as common sources. When the spinal disc starts to protrude from the spinal nerve, it can cause lumbar disc herniation to cause symptoms on the spine and the body. Some of the symptoms include:

Inflammatory signaling
The presence & effects of Propionibacterium acnes
Microstructural changes to the nerve root
Radicular pain
Sensory abnormalities
Pain from sitting, walking, sneezing

What Is Herniated Disc?-Video

What Is A Herniated Disc - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Research studies have found that a herniated disc is a spinal injury. The spinal disc’s outer layer is weakened and cracked from the compressed pressure that the spine sustained from an injury, and the inner layer pushes through the crack to bulge out. Herniated discs from the spine are one of the leading causes of sciatica and can happen anywhere on the neck or the lower back. There are therapeutic treatments that individuals can utilize once the pain of herniated disc has gone away. Some of the treatments include:

Resting for 1-3 days
Applied heat or ice to the affected area
Light stretching
Physical therapy
Spinal decompression

How Spinal Decompression Effect Disc Herniation

Research studies have stated that spinal decompression therapy and general traction therapy can provide effective results in improving the pain and disability of individuals suffering from intervertebral disc herniation. Since mostly about 80% of individuals have experienced lumbar pain, utilizing spinal decompression can help alleviate the effects of disc herniation. Other research studies have found that spinal decompression therapy can effectively help resorption the herniation and increase the disc height for individuals with lumbar disc herniation.

As part of a treatment for lumbar disc herniation, spinal decompression therapy can withdraw the inflammation from the sciatic nerve and reduce lumbar lordosis. The gentle traction on the spine from the traction table can reduce the pressure from the inside, thus shrinking the disc herniation and drawing in the necessary fluids, nutrients, and oxygen back to the spinal disc.

Conclusion

It is crucial to utilize spinal decompression therapy to treat lower back pain, herniated discs, and other common back problems. The spine makes sure that the body moves, twists, and turns. When a person pulls a muscle or injures their back from an accident or lifting something heavy will cause the spinal disc to bulge out and cause back problems to arise. Utilizing treatments for back pain like spinal decompression can help many individuals get the relief they deserve from the gentle spinal stretching to get the necessary nutrients back to the spine and alleviate the pressure pushing on the spinal disc.

References

Amin, Raj M, et al. “Lumbar Disc Herniation.” Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, Springer US, Dec. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685963/.

Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339166.

Demirel, Aynur, et al. “Regression of Lumbar Disc Herniation by Physiotherapy. Does Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy Make a Difference? Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 Sept. 2017, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28505956/.

Härtl, Roger. “Lumbar Herniated Disc: What You Should Know.” Spine, Spine-Health, 6 July 2016, www.spine-health.com/conditions/herniated-disc/lumbar-herniated-disc.

Medical Professionals, Cleveland Clinic. “Herniated Disk: What It Is, Diagnosis, Treatment & Outlook.” Cleveland Clinic, 1 July 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12768-herniated-disk.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Herniated Disk.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Feb. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095.

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How To Manage Low Back Pain With Spinal Decompression

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Table of Contents

Introduction

As a support structure connected to the musculoskeletal system, the spine makes sure that the body stays upright, moves, bends, sits, and twists as the body are in motion. The spine is also in an S-shaped curve encompassing the spinal cord, soft tissues, and cartilage and is protected by these components. When an individual gets injured and suffers from a back injury, the spine can become damaged, and the individual will be in pain. There are some ways to lessen the pain, and one of the ways to reduce back pain is through spinal decompression therapy. In this article, we will be looking at what low back pain is, its symptoms, and how to manage low back pain through spinal decompression therapy. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

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What Is Low Back Pain?

Approximately 25–60% of individuals who experience low-back pain (LBP) will report a recurrence of pain within as little as one year. Research studies have shown that low back pain is widespread in individuals. It can result from a variety of different injuries, conditions, and diseases from muscle or tendon injury in the back. Lower back pain is the most common cause of work disability in the US, as many individuals are on disability for low back pain for six months. Usually, many individuals will not return to work due to low back pain. The pain can range from mild to severe depending on the injury that a person has endured while also making it impossible for individuals to do their daily tasks because of low back pain. Low back pain is one of the most expensive reasons for work disabilities since it has been estimated that about 2% of individuals in the workforce in the US will be compensated for back injuries yearly.

Since low back pain is common in many individuals, other research studies have found that the lower bottom part of the spine has only five vertebrae, and it does all the heavy lifting that a person does. This part of the area will experience lots of movement and stress that a person is doing, which leads to wear and tear on the lower back and, later on, injuries. Structural abnormalities such as disc degeneration or disc herniation and resultant biochemical effects such as inflammation can be the cause of disc-related pain.

The Symptoms

Research studies have found that depending on how mild or severe low back pain causes in a person, the muscles that encompass the lower back will begin to feel a burning or stabbing sensation of pain that can run down from the lower back down to the legs. Some of the factors that can cause lower back pain can be age since low back pain is common as a person gets older, physical inactivity where there are unused muscles that are weak in the back, excess body weight which puts more stress on the back, and improper lifting which is where a person uses their back instead of their legs. Some of the symptoms that can cause low back pain can progress further into chronic issues include:

Sciatica
Stiffness
Posture problems
Muscle spasms
Numbness in one or both legs

How Spinal Decompression Works-Video

Spinal Decompression for Low Back Pain | San Diego Chiropractic

When a person suffers from low back pain, the pain symptoms can range from mild to severe as the pain travels from the lower back to the legs. The pain causes the individual to develop wear and tear on their lower back and, if it is not treated, can lead to chronic issues over time. One of the therapeutic options that can relieve their lower back pain is spinal decompression therapy. Research studies have stated that spinal decompression is a non-surgical decompression therapy that involves gentle stretching to the spine using a traction table to relieve back pain.

How To Manage Low Back Pain

Research studies have shown many ways to treat and manage low back pain. Some, if not most lower back pains can get better in a month with some home remedies. Since everybody is different and depending on what kind of back pain they have, some of the ways to manage low back pain include:

Light activity
Physical therapy
Chiropractic care
Massage
Spinal decompression therapy

Some of these treatments can help ease the symptoms of low back pain and provide relief to many individuals suffering from back pain and help lower the inflammation in the lower back. With these low back treatments, the body will be able to recover, and the individual can continue with their wellness journey by managing their lower back pain.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Since about 80% of adults have experienced lower back pain at some point, research studies have stated that when a person is dealing with lumbar pain due to a degenerative process and light external injuries to the spine can use spinal decompression therapy as a non-surgical treatment for lower back pain. Spinal decompression therapy can help reduce intervertebral disc pressure by supplying nutrients and oxygen through gentle spine stretching. Other research studies have found that individuals who use spinal decompression therapy for about 6-weeks will experience less stress on affected discs, a vertically expand of the intervertebral space, and restoration of disc height, as effective in reducing chronic low back pain.

Conclusion

Many individuals have suffered from lower back pain and experienced mild to severe symptoms that can cause them to stop their everyday activities. Utilizing non-surgical therapeutic options like spinal decompression therapy can help alleviate the painful symptoms of lower back pain by gently stretching the spine using a traction machine. Spinal decompression therapy can help release the intervertebral disc’s compressed pressure and help restore the disc height on the spine. When many individuals use spinal decompression therapy as part of their treatment, they can feel relief from their lower back pain and continue their wellness journey.

References

Apfel, Christian C, et al. “Restoration of Disk Height through Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Is Associated with Decreased Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 8 July 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2912793/.

Chhatre, Akhil. “Lower Back Pain: What Could It Be?” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2022, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/lower-back-pain-what-could-it-be.

Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339166/.

Gay, Ralph. “All about Spinal Decompression Therapy.” Spine, Spine-Health, 24 Sept. 2013, www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/all-about-spinal-decompression-therapy.

Medical Professionals, Cleveland Clinic. “Low Back Pain: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments.” Cleveland Clinic, 18 Jan. 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7936-lower-back-pain.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Back Pain.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369911.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Back Pain.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906.

Disclaimer

An Overview of Spinal Decompression Therapy

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Table of Contents

Introduction

The body is a well-tuned machine that makes sure that it moves constantly and functions appropriately. The body is also home to the organ systems, muscle tissues, skeletal joints, and cellular structures, where it’s their job to make sure that the body is working and getting the nutrients that it needs to keep everything working together. When different scenarios start to affect the body, it can cause different types of issues that can not only damage the body but also cause it to be dysfunctional. These scenarios can be done internally or externally to the body and can damage the organs, joints, or even the spine. In this article, we will be looking at what the spine does and what spinal decompression therapy is. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

Download

What Does The Spine Do?

The spine is located in the back and makes sure that the body is not falling apart as it is the body’s central support structure. Research studies have shown that as part of the musculoskeletal system since the spine is connected to different parts of the muscle tissues that make sure that the body is moving. The spine’s primary function is to help the body sit, stand, walk, twist, and bend as it is in motion. A healthy spine will have these natural curves that will absorb shocks that the body encounters and protect the spine itself from injury in an S-shaped curve. Other research studies have shown that the spine comprises bone, cartilage, ligaments, nerves, and muscles that play an integral role in how the spine is formed and how it functions. The many different parts that make up the spine include:

Vertebrae
Facet joints
Intervertebral disks
Spinal cord & nerves
Soft tissues

When back pain or spinal injury starts to affect the back and the spine, many back issues will begin to affect the spinal health over time. This is due to the spine’s vertebrae and disks wearing down due to age, and that can cause the individual pain. There are ways to lessen the pain from the spine, and that is through spinal decompression therapy.

Walking With Spinal Cord Injury-Video

Making the impossible possible: Walk with a spinal cord injury | Dennie Jager | TEDxYouth@Groningen

The spinal cord is made of soft tissues. It encompasses the spine as the spinal cord is a part of the central nervous system. Research studies have shown that spinal cord injury is when there is damage to any part of the spinal cord or damaged nerves that can often cause permanent changes in a person. Some of the symptoms caused by spinal cord injury can be complete, where all the sensory and motor functions are lost below the neck, or incomplete, where a person will have some of the motor and sensory functions below the waist. All is not lost as there is therapy rehabilitation to strengthen the spine and spinal cord from incomplete spinal cord injury, and one of those rehabilitations is spinal decompression therapy.

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Since the spine provides support to the body, spinal injury or spinal degeneration to the spine can cause excruciating pain to anybody. Around 80% of individuals usually suffer from a back injury. Research studies have shown that when a person is feeling severe pain in the spine, it is due to the compression that puts loads of pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves themselves. The best way to relieve the spinal cord’s stress is through spinal decompression therapy.

Research studies have found that spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical decompression therapy that involves stretching the spine by using a traction table to relieve back pain or even leg pain that a person is suffering from. Other research studies have stated that spinal decompression therapy can also reduce the pressure on the intervertebral disc by supplying nutrients and oxygen back to the disc. This will cause relief to those pressurized discs as it causes negative pressure on the spine. Once a person receives spinal decompression therapy, they will notice a significant pain reduction in their spine and a higher increase in their range of motion as they become pain-free.

Conclusion

All in all, it is essential to make sure that the spine is healthy. Since the body is a well-tuned machine, it is necessary that the spine is being taken care of. Even though there are many scenarios that the body can get into when a person gets a back injury, it is crucial to recover and go to therapy sessions to relieve the pain, or else it will get worse over time. Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical option that many individuals can utilize. It provides a gentle stretch on the spine, causing instant relief to the compressed spinal disc that is causing a person pain. Using spinal decompression as a therapy option can make a person pain-free and get them back on their wellness journey.

References

Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339166/.

Gay, Ralph. “All about Spinal Decompression Therapy.” Spine, Spine-Health, 24 Sept. 2013, www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/all-about-spinal-decompression-therapy.

Medical Professionals, Cleveland Clinic. “Spinal Decompression Therapy: Lower Back Pain & Back Pain Relief.” Cleveland Clinic, 18 Jan. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10874-spinal-decompression-therapy.

Medical Professionals, Cleveland Clinic. “Spine Structure & Function: Parts & Segments, Spine Problems, Spine Health.” Cleveland Clinic, 7 Dec. 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10040-spine-structure-and-function.

Sassack, Brett, and Jonathan D Carrier. “Anatomy, Back, Lumbar Spine – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 8 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557616/.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Spinal Cord Injury.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2 Oct. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20377890.

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Nutritional Supplements For Gut Health | Part 1

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Table of Contents

Introduction

The gut system has an important job: making sure that the consumed food is being digested and transformed into nutrients to be absorbed into the body. These nutrients keep track of how the body moves and grows, ensuring that the immune support stays functional. The gut system also holds the other systems like the endocrine, immune, musculoskeletal, and central nervous systems operating and functioning. When harmful pathogens start to enter the gut system, they can cause various gut disorders in the gut and, over time, can turn into chronic issues if it is not treated right away. Luckily there are some ways to prevent gut disorders from progressing further in the gut to avoid more problems. In this 2 part series, we will be looking at how to detox the gut and what kind of nutritional supplements can optimize gut health. Part 2 will look at what the other organs do in the gut system and how glutamine can help with gut support and dampen the effects of gut disorders. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialize in gastroenterology services. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

Download

How To Detox The Gut

Mostly everyone ingests over 30-50 tons of food in a lifetime. Like air & water, most food is laden with numerous chemicals that must be appropriately detoxified, otherwise deposited in various tissues. Detoxification is the least expensive and least invasive method used as a first-line approach in the 5Rs program to treat GI illness. This will cause many people to have lifestyle habits that further encourage more toxic burdens, stressing the detox capability of the liver. Research studies have shown that the intestinal epithelium plays an essential role as it is a barrier against exogenous harmful compounds. The intestinal epithelial cells are part of the detoxification system and are in charge of eliminating toxic compounds.

When individuals start to feel like their gut is starting to feel unwell or have a sense of unnecessary fullness in their gut, it could be constipation. Surprisingly, constipation is not just an inconvenience; it blocks proper detoxification and alters the microbial balance in the body. Other research studies have found that when there is an alteration in microbial colonization in the gut microbiota due to exposure to environmental toxins, the gut and the body needs to detox. One of the ways to start detoxing the gut is to:

Have proper hydration: Drink 6-8 glasses (48-64 oz) of water per day to help to flush out water-soluble toxins
Proper Elimination
Establish proper bowel movements
Mitochondrial function: The liver (other than the heart) has the most mitochondria per cell
Liver detoxification: It can be physically draining, so it’s crucial to limit exercise & emphasize rest

Understanding The Gut

The microbiome: Understanding gut health | Emmanuelle Lamontagne | TEDxYouth@MBJH

Research studies have shown that the gut microbiome plays a vital role in human health and influences the development of chronic diseases that can affect the body since the gut microbiota is home to trillions of bacteria that make sure that everything is working in the intestines and the rest of the organs in the gut system. When there are dietary patterns and environmental factors that can profoundly shape the gut microbiota, various gut issues can affect the gut and cause intestinal permeability, an imbalance of bacteria, and dysfunction in the body. Utilizing nutritional supplements can provide relief to the gut and dampen the effects of gut disorders on the digestive system.

Micronutrients & Barrier Functions

When the gut system is compromised, a person will begin to feel unwell, and if it is not treated, it will turn into chronic issues over time. Research studies have found that when there are micronutrient deficiencies in the gut system, it can exacerbate barrier leaks and morbidity. A compromised barrier function is related to deficiencies in:

Other research studies have found that incorporating a healthy diet and adding nutritional supplements into a healthy lifestyle can help reinforce the intestinal barrier function to help the gut system be restored to normal operations and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Glutamine

Glutamine is one of the most abundant free amino acids in the body and is utilized by the intestinal endothelium. Research studies have shown that glutamine has many beneficial properties that can help promote enterocyte proliferation, regulate the tight junction proteins and suppress pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in the gut. Some of the mechanisms that link glutamine with the intestinal barrier function have shown that glutamine is a critical substrate for metabolites within enterocytes, including ATP, glutathione, and DNA/RNA. Glutamine is an essential secondary signaling molecule within enterocytes, affecting critical metabolic and proliferative pathways in the cell.

Other research studies have shown that when the body is dealing with metabolic stress or even gastrointestinal diseases like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), glutamine can decrease those symptoms and contribute to favorable alterations in the gut microbiota while maintaining intestinal structure and function during aging. Glutamine can also promote sIgA secretion via direct (immunomodulatory) and indirect (microbiota) signals while modulating the GI permeability effects of HPA axis stress (i.e., CRF) and the gastrointestinal permeability effects of intensive exercise.

Conclusion

It is crucial to incorporate nutritional supplements like glutamine into a healthy gut system and at least some form of detox to ensure all the harmful bacteria are out of the gut system through secretion. Once that is done, then the individual can incorporate gut-healthy foods and nutritional supplements to replenish the beneficial bacteria back in the gut system. Once the beneficial bacteria start to heal the gut, the person will no longer be in pain.

References

Camilleri, Michael, et al. “Role for Diet in Normal Gut Barrier Function: Developing Guidance within the Framework of Food-Labeling Regulations.” American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, American Physiological Society, 1 July 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6689735/.

Claus, Sandrine P, et al. “The Gut Microbiota: A Major Player in the Toxicity of Environmental Pollutants?” NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes, Nature Publishing Group, 4 May 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5515271/.

DiGuilio, Katherine M, et al. “Micronutrient Improvement of Epithelial Barrier Function in Various Disease States: A Case for Adjuvant Therapy.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 10 Mar. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8951934/.

Hills, Ronald D, et al. “Gut Microbiome: Profound Implications for Diet and Disease.” Nutrients, MDPI, 16 July 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682904/.

Kim, Min-Hyun, and Hyeyoung Kim. “The Roles of Glutamine in the Intestine and Its Implication in Intestinal Diseases.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 12 May 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454963/.

Perna, Simone, et al. “The Role of Glutamine in the Complex Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Health: A Narrative Review.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 22 Oct. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6834172/.

Shimizu, Makoto. “Modulation of Intestinal Functions by Dietary Substances: An Effective Approach to Health Promotion.” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Apr. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942919/.

Disclaimer

Restaurant Work Shoulder and Hand Injuries

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Chef and cook working on their dishes indoors in restaurant kitchen. — A chef and cook working on their dishes indoors in restaurant kitchen.

Restaurant work takes a toll on the body with the repetitive moving, bending, twisting, reaching, prepping, cutting, serving, and washing. This is especially true of the shoulders, arms, and hands. When individuals avoid treating their aches and pains, this can lead to chronic pain conditions that can cause severe and permanent damage to the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic can alleviate the tingling and pain by removing the compression, re-stretching/lengthening, and strengthening the muscles and nerves to perform at optimal levels.

Table of Contents

Restaurant Work

The arms and hands are designed to accomplish various tasks. When functioning normally, tasks can be performed flawlessly. Repetitive/Overuse or trauma can cause nerve compression, stiffness, and pain, decreasing function and affecting daily routines.

Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common disorders that affect the arm and hands.
The carpal tunnel is a space where a nerve and several tendons pass. If the nerve becomes compressed, it can cause numbness, tingling in the fingers, pain, and muscle weakness, making it difficult to grip objects.
Discomfort and pain start gradually in one or both hands.
It can cause tightness and pain in the shoulder, forearm, wrist, and hand.
It can also cause numbness in the palm and fingers.
It can cause swelling and burning sensations.
Individuals often shake out the numbness and tingling sensations throughout the day or night.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis can present with carpal tunnel symptoms except for the gradual starting pain.
Tendonitis comes from Overuse and repetitive motions.
The pain will be tender directly on the affected area.
To help prevent and avoid, ask about exercises that stretch the affected tendons.
Ask a doctor or chiropractor which exercises and stretches are the safest for the specific condition.
Depending on the severity of the condition, individuals may need corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or surgery.

Injury Prevention Tips Restaurant Work

Learn to stop trying to carry everything in one trip.
Ask for help/support staff to servers who deliver large orders and for clearing.
Recommend changes if body posture increases injury risk.
Heavy trays and plates should be balanced on the palm for better weight distribution.
Healthy rotation ensures that one worker does not always have the chopping and cutting duties for hours.
Take frequent breaks from tasks that require repetitive motions.
Find various stretches and exercises to build strength and flexibility in the arms, wrists, and hands.
Avoid scheduling multiple consecutive long shifts for jobs that require repetitive hand motions.

Body Composition

Sticking To A Meal Plan

Identify personal motivation to stick to a meal plan other than improving body composition. To keep motivation high, individuals need to identify other reasons behind goals. This could be:

Saving money from the food budget.
Spending time with loved ones preparing a healthy recipe.
Setting an example to family and friends.
It can be whatever motivates you.
Reassess and tweak the meal plan as needed.
Nutritional needs or dietary preferences change.
Meal planning should be a dynamic process.
Don’t get disappointed if not going as planned.
Refocus by making changes as needed.

References

Gentzler, Marc D, and Janan A Smither. “Using practical ergonomic evaluations in the restaurant industry to enhance safety and comfort: a case study.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 41 Suppl 1 (2012): 5529-31. doi:10.3233/WOR-2012-0872-5529

Laperrière, Ève et al. “Work activity in foodservice: The significance of customer relations, tipping practices and gender for preventing musculoskeletal disorders.” Applied ergonomics vol. 58 (2017): 89-101. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2016.05.013

Masear, V R et al. “An industrial cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.” The Journal of hand surgery vol. 11,2 (1986): 222-7. doi:10.1016/s0363-5023(86)80055-7

www.osha.gov/etools/hospitals/food-services/work-related-musculoskeletal-disorders

Szabo, R M. “Carpal tunnel syndrome as a repetitive motion disorder.” Clinical Orthopedics and related research,351 (1998): 78-89.

Spinal Decompression Nutrition

The Right Foods

Sugar and Nitrate Reduction

Super Foods

Pre Spinal Decompression Nutrition

Degeneration

DRX9000 Explained by a Neurosurgeon

References

Introduction

What Is Radiculopathy?

Lumbar Radiculopathy

<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-85849" src="https://dralexjimenez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Anatomy-of-Lumbar-Radiculopathy.jpg" alt="" width="370" height="312" />

Cervical Radiculopathy

<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-85850" src="https://dralexjimenez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Anatomy-of-Cervical-Radiculopathy.jpg" alt="" width="369" height="330" />

How The DRX9000 Treats The Back-Video

How Spinal Decompression Treats Radiculopathies

<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-85851" src="https://dralexjimenez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/TRT600_use_prone_arms_down-scaled-1.jpg" alt="" width="370" height="301" />

Conclusion

References

Disclaimer

Sports Back Injuries

Common Spine Sports Injuries

Cervical Neck Injuries

Lumbar Lower Back Sprains and Strains

Fractures and Injuries to the Supporting Spinal Structures

Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression

Herniations

DRX 9000 Decompression

References

Introduction

What Is Herniated Disc?

<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-85836" src="https://dralexjimenez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/herniated-disc.jpeg" alt="" width="370" height="247" />

The Symptoms

How Lumbar Traction Rehydrates Lumbar Disc-Video

Repairing Herniated Disc With Decompression

<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-85838" src="https://dralexjimenez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/traction-therapy-500x500-1.jpg" alt="" width="373" height="304" />

Conclusion

References

Disclaimer

Introduction

What Is Discogenic Low Back Pain?

<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-85823" src="https://dralexjimenez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Discogenic-back-pain.jpg" alt="" width="319" height="354" />

The Symptoms

How The DOC Decompression Table Works-Video

How Does Low Back Decompression Help?

<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-85824" src="https://dralexjimenez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/blog-spinal-decompression-pulse-chiropractor-801-x-534-800x534-1.jpg" alt="" width="369" height="246" />

Conclusion

References

Disclaimer

Try Spinal Decompression

Decompression Table

How It Works

Treatment Benefits

DRX9000

References

Introduction

What Causes Chronic Low Back Pain?

<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-85810" src="https://dralexjimenez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/low-back-pain.jpg" alt="" width="368" height="245" />

Why Is It Expensive To Treat?

What Is Discogenic Pain?

How Efficient Is The DRX9000?-Video

The Efficacy Of Spinal Decompression

<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-85812" src="https://dralexjimenez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Decompression-in-Throgs-Neck-Bronx-NY.jpg" alt="" width="375" height="167" />

Conclusion

References

Disclaimer

Introduction

What Is Sensory Nerve Dysfunction?

<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-85802" src="https://dralexjimenez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/sensory-nerve-graphic-nurse-linda.jpg" alt="" width="370" height="205" />

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?-Video

How Spinal Decompression Can Alleviate Sensory Nerve Dysfunction

<img loading="lazy" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-85803" src="https://dralexjimenez.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/decompression.jpg" alt="" width="376" height="251" />

Conclusion

References

Disclaimer

Head Injuries

Neck Injuries

Back Injuries

Chest and Torso Injuries

Broken Bones