Colder Weather Musculoskeletal Injuries

Applying plumber pipe drain and vent plumbing system at new home construction — Applying plumber pipe drain and vent plumbing system at renovation new home construction

As the weather gets colder, individuals may feel like their muscles and joints are frequently stiff and experience more aches and pains. This is even more evident for individuals that work outside in the winter or with specific ailments/conditions. Colder weather can increase the risk of suffering musculoskeletal injuries and intensify the condition.

Table of Contents

How Colder Weather Impacts The Muscles

Individuals with arthritic conditions might find that symptoms become exacerbated. This can keep individuals away from regular activities. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis tend not to react well to weather sudden atmospheric changes, worsening symptoms. However, individuals are well aware of how their body feels and moves when colder weather is present with or without existing conditions. Movement slows down, and when trying to move, the muscles can contract involuntarily, causing tension and stiffness. This usually results in soreness and pain. Feeling warm, safe, and comfortable is essential for the body’s overall health. Overuse and overexertion can increase the risk of injury in colder temperatures.

Barometric Pressure

When the weather gets colder, barometric pressure drops. The Body’s tissues like the muscles, tendons, and ligaments expand. This places pressure on nerves near the joints, causing discomfort and pain.
In cold weather, the fluid density in the joints lessens, causing the bones to rub against each other harder because the fluid is not thick enough to allow for proper lubrication.
The cold makes the muscles shiver, contract, and tighten. This can compress the nerves in the joints and increase pain symptoms.

Prevent Stiffness and Musculoskeletal-Related Injuries

Maintain an active lifestyle

It is recommended to engage in physical activity to exercise the muscles and joints.
Do some stretches before going out into the cold.
Use a heating pad and/or heating cream to warm up stiff muscles and joints.

Dress warm

Wear proper clothing to keep the body warm and protected.
Wear proper boots that are waterproof and have good treads to prevent falls.
Wear a warm hat to maintain head warmth, reducing the body heat that escapes from the head.

Warm-up during breaks

Try not to stay out in the cold for too long. If working outside, move indoors during breaks if possible.

Eat a healthy diet

Good nutrition helps maintain the whole body.
Omega 3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation. Salmon and nuts are recommended.
Leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in vitamin K, which helps soothe pain symptoms.
Vitamin C from citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, red bell peppers, and tomatoes also help stop cartilage loss reducing friction in the joints.

Proper sleep

Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Proper rest is essential to heal the body.

Chiropractic

A chiropractor can also help manage musculoskeletal condition-related pain during the winter months and help prevent musculoskeletal conditions for individuals that work outdoors.

Body Composition

Exercising

Aerobic Exercise

The American Heart Association recommends individuals get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week.
This can be split into 30 minutes a day on at least five days a week or in shorter sessions of 10 minutes several times a day throughout the week.

Aerobic exercise can include:

Running
Cycling
Hiking
Dancing
Walking

Resistance Training

Research has shown that resistance training with bands or weights can supplement aerobic exercise to reduce blood pressure.
It is recommended to complete 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions for each major muscle group during workout sessions.
Resistance training sessions should be spaced out throughout the week to limit muscle soreness and injury.

Resistance training can include: 

Resistance bands with freehand movements, squats, push-ups, bicep curls
Free weights dumbbells, barbells
Gym weight machines like the chest press and shoulder press

References

www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress/

Heil, Kieran et al. “Freezing and non-freezing cold-weather injuries: a systematic review.” British medical bulletin vol. 117,1 (2016): 79-93. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldw001

Kowtoniuk, Robert A et al. “Cutaneous Cold Weather Injuries in the US Military.” Cutis vol. 108,4 (2021): 181-184. doi:10.12788/cutis.0363

Long, William B 3rd et al. “Cold injuries.” Journal of long-term effects of medical implants vol. 15,1 (2005): 67-78. doi:10.1615/jlongtermeffmedimplants.v15.i1.80

Headaches and Treatment

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Programmers and developer teams are coding and developing software.

Headaches and Treatment: Headaches can range from mild, dull aches to severe throbbing pain. They can be episodic and chronic. Tension headaches are the most common that present with pain around the head, scalp, or neck. Migraines are often chronic, with the pain lasting for a few hours to a few days. The location of the headache and the type of pain being experienced can indicate the type of headache. Sources of headaches include, but are not limited to:

Certain kinds of foods
Sounds
Excessive noise
Bright lights
Changes in blood sugar
Too much exercise

Headache relief can come from over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, rest, and ice/heat packs on the forehead or neck. Research shows that individuals suffering from chronic headaches and migraines benefit more from long-term chiropractic than drug therapy alone. Doctors of chiropractic offer safe, effective, long-term relief. This is because most headaches have a spinal, muscular, or repeated pattern/s, which chiropractors have been trained to identify and treat.

Table of Contents

Tension Headaches and Treatment

Tension Headaches are usually worse in the afternoon and evening and are often work, school, and stress-related. The pain is usually felt on both sides of the forehead and/or the top of the neck. These headaches can last for long periods and can be triggered by something as simple as an airplane trip. Tension headaches are caused by tension and trigger points within the muscles that constantly contract and don’t relax. Chiropractic adjustments and muscle release techniques have proven to be highly effective.

Migraine Headaches and Treatment

Migraines are broken down into two categories:

Migraine with aura – Classic Migraine
Migraine without aura – Common Migraine

A migraine aura usually comes before the onset of a Migraine and consists of:

Visualizing a strange light
Strange smells
Confusing thoughts or experiences

Migraines are more common in women, but they do occur in men. Things that can trigger migraines include but are not limited to:

Medications
Certain foods
Environmental exposure
Sleeping habits

It is recommended to keep a headache journal to:

Account all foods eaten
Sleep patterns
Drinking patterns
Medications
Exercise habits
Stress scenarios
Headache frequency, duration, areas of pain, and discomfort.

Research has shown successful results from chiropractic manipulation applied to individuals suffering from migraine headaches. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, nutrition and supplementation have also shown positive and long-term effects.

Headaches and Treatment Chiropractic

Stress can manifest in many ways that lead to headaches. Chiropractic adjustments can improve acute and chronic neck pain, reducing the number of headaches, whether migraines, tension headaches, or some other kind. Chiropractors adjust the spine’s alignment to improve function and alleviate stress on the nervous system using a targeted methodology. This allows the body to function correctly and reduces stress and tension. A chiropractor will also recommend posture, stretches, exercises, and relaxation techniques.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Understanding how lifestyle affects the severity and frequency can be a large part of successful headache prevention. Specific adjustments can include:

Maintain regular sleep patterns.
Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.
Exercise regularly.
Aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week.
Eat regular healthy meals.
Do not skip meals.
Limit stress by avoiding conflicts and resolving disputes calmly.
Take daily stress breaks.
Do not overuse pain medications, as overuse can make headaches worse.

Body Composition

Respiratory System

The respiratory system refers to the organs in the body involved in breathing, inhaling oxygen, and exhaling carbon dioxide. These include:

Nose nasal cavity
Throat – pharynx
Voicebox – larynx
Windpipe – trachea
Lungs

The respiratory system is critical because it delivers oxygen to all the body’s organs, supporting life-sustaining functions. If oxygen supply is insufficient, the energy production necessary for organ function becomes compromised, leading to poor overall health. The respiratory system is divided into the upper and lower respiratory tracts:

The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, nasal cavity, mouth, throat, and voice box.
The lower respiratory tract consists of the windpipe, lungs, and all sections of the bronchial tree.
When breathing, the hairs/cilia in the nose and trachea prevent bacteria and foreign substances from entering the body.
Occasionally, pathogens will make it past the cilia and enter the body, causing illness.
This is when the immune system goes to work neutralizing any invading pathogens.

References

Bryans, Roland et al. “Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 34,5 (2011): 274-89. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008

Chaibi, A et al. “Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine: a three-armed, single-blinded, placebo, randomized controlled trial.” European journal of neurology vol. 24,1 (2017): 143-153. doi:10.1111/ene.13166

Côté, Pierre et al. “Non-pharmacological management of persistent headaches associated with neck pain: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for traffic injury management (OPTIMa) collaboration.” European journal of pain (London, England) vol. 23,6 (2019): 1051-1070. doi:10.1002/ejp.1374

Daghlas, Iyas et al. “Habitual sleep disturbances and migraine: a Mendelian randomization study.” Annals of clinical and translational neurology vol. 7,12 (2020): 2370-2380. doi:10.1002/acn3.51228

Iwasaki, Akiko et al. “Early local immune defenses in the respiratory tract.” Nature reviews. Immunology vol. 17,1 (2017): 7-20. doi:10.1038/nri.2016.117

Neck Adjustment Techniques

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Senior female patient while exercise treatment for neck with his physiotherapist. Pain in older woman neck vertebrae and rehab at medical center

Individuals turn to chiropractic care neck adjustments to help ease neck problems and alleviate pain. Some of the different types of neck-cervical conditions that chiropractic treats include:

Cervical intervertebral disc injuries
Cervical sprain injuries
Degenerative joint syndrome of the neck
Facet joint sprain
Whiplash

A chiropractor will evaluate the whole spine because other regions may be affected and/or contribute to the problems. They will determine areas of restricted movement and will look at walking gait, overall posture, and spinal alignment. Before deciding which approach to use, the chiropractor will thoroughly examine the specific cause of the problems. Neck adjustments consist of various techniques and methods.

Table of Contents

Neck Adjustments

Cervical Mobilization

Cervical mobilization focuses on using gentle motions around the neck.
It incorporates the high-velocity low-amplitude technique, which uses quick pressure to release an area.
This adjustment is best for reducing pain and increasing the neck’s range of motion.

Cervical Drop

The cervical drop technique requires the individual to lie on their stomach or side as the chiropractor adjusts the neck, and to prevent any added pressure around the neck, the headrest drops.
After the chiropractor prepares the neck for the adjustment, they will work on specific points, release the headrest, and quickly twist the neck.
All of this is done within seconds.
A standard cervical drop is flexion-distraction.
This will release tension in the spine.
This technique improves spinal flexibility by placing the vertebrae in their correct position.

Manual Traction

The patient sits in a chair for this neck adjustment.
Manual traction allows the chiropractor to move the neck at different angles and helps them determine the right amount of force during the adjustment.
A chiropractor will cradle the head in the palms of their hands and quickly move it from side to side.

Soft Tissue Massage

This technique is often used after a complete adjustment.
A chiropractor will gently massage the neck and apply pressure to any inflamed areas.
This increases blood circulation and prevents muscles from tensing and contracting.

Chiropractic Benefits

The benefits that come with using chiropractic neck adjustments include.

Improves Flexibility

One benefit of chiropractic neck adjustments is that they improve your flexibility.
Tight muscles or joints out of place make it harder for the neck to move, limiting its range of motion.
Chiropractic works to reduce poor flexibility by ensuring the bones and muscles are in their proper position.

Prevents Tension

Individuals that deal with severe tension often notice their neck and upper back feeling sore.
Tension tightens the muscles and can cause them to press on nerves.
If too much pressure is on them, the nerves can send out painful pulses.
A chiropractor will feel around the neck and shoulders to identify areas of concern. After the examination, they will make the proper adjustments to reduce pressure on the nerves and calm inflamed muscles.

Prevents Arthritis

Arthritis causes inflammation throughout the body. If not treated, this inflammation can increase the wearing down of bones.
Worn-down bones reduce strength and can irritate nerves.
Chronic neck pain could indicate that the joints in the neck are misplaced.
If these joints are not correctly realigned, the constant friction can begin to break down the bones leading to arthritis.
Chiropractic neck adjustments prevent this by ensuring the joints are in place and maintaining joint health by flushing toxins in and around them.

Anti-Inflammatory Food

Most neck pain is the result of inflammation. Individuals can take synthetic medications to reduce inflammation, but they have side effects. It is recommended to add natural anti-inflammatory foods to one’s diet. These won’t only reduce inflammation but can increase energy levels and help the body heal quicker. A few recommended foods include:

Avocados
Peppers
Strawberries
Blueberries
Turmeric
Salmon

Body Composition

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death of adults in the United States. Many factors can contribute to heart disease, and research has pointed to inflammation caused by obesity as one of the most significant factors contributing to the development. The main culprits are cytokines produced by excess fat in the body. These cytokines cause inflammation of the walls of the arteries, causing damage and increasing blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels. When high blood pressure is present, the heart does not pump blood effectively, causing the heart to enlarge. An enlarged heart is a significant risk factor for heart failure if steps are not taken to remedy it.

References

Bradley S. Polkinghorn, Christopher J. Colloca, Chiropractic treatment of postsurgical neck syndrome with mechanical force manually assisted short-lever spinal adjustments, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 24, Issue 9,
2001, Pages 589-595, ISSN 0161-4754, doi.org/10.1067/mmt.2001.118985. (www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161475401836915)

Haldeman S. Principles and Practice of Chiropractic. York, PA: McGraw-Hill; 2005.

Hawk, Cheryl et al. “Best Practices for Chiropractic Management of Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 26,10 (2020): 884-901. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0181

Eric L. Hurwitz, Hal Morgenstern, Philip Harber, Gerald F. Kominski, Fei Yu, and Alan H. Adams, 2002: A Randomized Trial of Chiropractic Manipulation and Mobilization for Patients With Neck Pain: Clinical Outcomes From the UCLA Neck-Pain Study American Journal of Public Health 92, 1634_1641, doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.92.10.1634

Wang, Zhaoxia, and Tomohiro Nakayama. “Inflammation, a link between obesity and cardiovascular disease.” Mediators of inflammation vol. 2010 (2010): 535918. doi:10.1155/2010/535918

The Latest Guidelines For Male Hormones | Part 3

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Table of Contents

Introduction

When the body is functioning properly, it is due to the hormones working on each organ and body system for individuals to achieve overall health and wellness. In males, the lead hormone is testosterone, and when hormones get off-balance it can cause problems to the male body. Hormones naturally decline due to age and chronic illnesses can also affect hormones causing individuals to be in pain and disrupting everyday activities. Part one explains what happens when there is low testosterone in a male body and part two explains what are the causes for low testosterone. Over the last decade, many of our patients asked complex and insightful questions about hormone replacement therapies. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialized in hormone wellness services, we advise our patients, appropriately, 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. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

In older males, hormones naturally decline due to age and the testosterone levels start to get off-balance when there is an overproduction from the adrenal glands. With hormone replacement therapy or HRT, it can help regulate and replenish testosterone levels in the body. Not only that but HRT can even help prolong the progress of prostate cancer and lower the overproduction of androgen hormones from the adrenal glands.

New Guidelines Presented at the American Academy of Anti-Aging.

Download

Testosterone Replacement Therapy & Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a common complaint that older males go through when they age. Testosterone replacement therapy or TRT shows promising potential by replenishing low testosterone levels and improving erectile dysfunction.

Review of studies done on TRT and ED. (Rizk et al, 2017)
The recently published Testosterone Trials – a set of RCTs of 790 men with late
onset hypogonadism randomly assigned to either testosterone gel or a placebo –
demonstrated that after 1 year of treatment that men who used testosterone gel
had an IIEF-ED score 2.64 points [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.06 – 4.02]
greater than men who had been assigned to the placebo arm
“The available literature supports a role for TRT in men with low testosterone
levels, ED, and low libido, with symptomatic improvement in these men.”

TRT and Cognitive Function

Since testosterone correlated with cognitive function, TRT improves it. High free testosterone, was associated with better performance on tests from memory, executive function, and spatial ability. Not only that, TRT can reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s and improve cerebral blood flow.

Androgen supplementation in elderly
hypogonadal men improve spatial cognition
and verbal fluency
In elderly men without dementia, it may reduce
working memory errors
Testosterone or DHT therapy in men aged 34 to
70 years improved verbal memory and spatial
memory respectively

Testosterone and Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes the brain to shrink and is one of the most common causes of dementia. Alzheimer’s can cause a person to decline their thinking, behavioral and social skills while also affecting their ability to function independently.

TRT prevents the production of beta-amyloid precursor
protein in men
– Gouras GK et al. Testosterone reduces neuronal secretion of
Alzheimer’s beta-amyloid peptides. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2000 Feb
1;97(3):1202-5
Alzheimer’s male patients TRT treated improved over 1 year;
control group deteriorated
– Tan RS A pilot study on the effects of testosterone in the hypogonadal aging male
patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Aging Male. 2003 Mar;6(1):13-7

Testosterone Replacement Therapy can have a beneficial impact on males which includes:

Erectile Dysfunction
Cognitive function in Alzheimer’s
Bone Mass Density
Body composition
Metabolic parameters
Maybe blood pressure

Testosterone and Inflammation

Testosterone therapy created a more anti-inflammatory profile by lowering fewer inflammatory cytokines like TNF and IL-1 beta. TRT can cause the body to produce more anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 and even help lower total cholesterol.

Inflammation plays a central pathogenic role in the
initiation and progression of coronary atheroma
and its clinical consequences.
Cytokines are the mediators of cellular
inflammation and promote local inflammation of
the arterial wall, which may lead to vascular
smooth muscle apoptosis, degradation of the fibrin
cap and plaque rupture

The Baseline Testing for Testosterone Deficiency

The guidelines recommend collecting an early-morning sample to compensate for the natural diurnal variation in testosterone levels. But for men 45 and older, this is unnecessary. About 2569 men at Minneapolis VA looked at testosterone levels based on age throughout the day. Only the youngest men (<45) had significant differences based on age and the different tests to detect testosterone deficiency include:

Blood testing (serum)
– Total/free testosterone
– SHBG
– DHT
– DHEA
– Estradiol
– LH/FSH
24-hour urine testing
Saliva testing
Blood spot testing
Dried urine test

Methods of Testosterone Therapy

There are many methods of testosterone therapy for males that have low levels of testosterone. This includes:

Transdermal patch
Topical Testosterone
Injectable Testosterone
Oral
Pellets
Clomiphene
HGH

TRT: Transdermal Patches

Transdermal Testosterone Patches are available in 2-mg and 4 mg preparations and the typical starting dose is 4-mg/day; can increase to 8-mg or decrease to 2 -mg as needed. What you need to do is:

Applied at night to a clean, dry area of skin on the back, stomach, upper arms, or thighs.
Sites should be rotated daily, allowing 7 days before re-applying to the same site
Side effects:
– Skin irritation, vesicle formation, contact dermatitis,
headache, and depression

TRT: Gel Formulations

Testosterone Gels are topical testosterone and can be applied in the morning to the shoulders, abdomen, or upper arm; preferably at the same location every day. What you need to do:

Use gloves or wash hands after application- They will have hormone on hands for 4-12 hours
Allow gel to dry (10-15 min) before covering with clothing
Wait 4 hours prior to showering or swimming
Wash with soap and water if skin-to-skin contact with another person
anticipated
– Dosing: 1% or 1.62% generally available
– 5 grams (50 mg testosterone) daily, can be increased to 7.5 – 10 grams as needed or 40.5 mg of the 1.62%, can be increased in increments of 20.25mg
Side effects: acne, headaches, emotional lability, nervousness, gynecomastia, mastodynia, insomnia, hypertension, hot flashes, polycythemia, and increased PSA
– Local skin irritation occurs much less frequently than with patches
– Major issue is transference
– Substantial variation in absorption

Injectable Testosterone

Injectable testosterone esters in oil are slowly absorbed from the lipid
phase. There are different esters absorb at various rates giving them different
half-lives:

T cypionate 12 days
T enanthate 10.5 days
T propionate 4.5 days

The longer-acting esters may convert more readily to estrogen and peak levels after IM use are greater than topical use but so is peak-trough fluctuation. There are two types of testosterone injections, there are testosterone enanthate or cypionate injections. What these two injections do are:

Commercially available or compounded
Q2 weeks 200mg IM (Older method)
– Supraphysiologic levels followed by low levels
– More aromatization to estradiol
– Less DHT than transdermal
Weekly dose 100mg IM
– Better physiologic, stable levels
– Less aromatization to estradiol
Bi-weekly dose 25-50mg IM or SQ (more irritating)
– SQ may have more consistent levels (Shippen)
– SQ is generally preferred by patients and achieves similar levels as IM

Testosterone Undecanoate Oral

The adverse effects are approved 3/2019 and have a BID formulation taken with food. The dosage is about 237 mg bid up to 396 mg bid (avail as 158, 198, and 237 mg soft gels). By taking testosterone undecanoate orally it is best to know that it can increase BP (Black box warning of the risk of major cardiac events), it can bypass the liver because it is absorbed through lymphatic circulation and it can avoid skin irritation (patches), transference (Topicals), pain (injections).

Testosterone Pellets

Testosterone Pellets can offer the longest duration of action with prolonged zero-order, steady-state characteristics. They can last 3 to 6 months depending on activity and stress level and are about 75mg per pellet and are measure 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) in diameter and approximately 9 mm in length.

Usages on testosterone pellets:

150mg to 450mg SQ Q 3-6 months
Insert 2 pellets for every 25 mg of testosterone propionate injection needed
weekly
Potential drawbacks:
– Minor office procedure
– Risk of infection and pellet extrusion
– Inability to remove pellet if a contraindication to testosterone therapy develops

Clomiphene

Clomiphene citrate is used off-label to attempt to increase sperm density in men with oligospermia or azoospermia and normal to low serum testosterone concentrations. Clomiphene is also used for testosterone deficiency in men who wish to preserve or improve fertility. Clomiphene is a weak estrogen receptor antagonist that stimulates increased pulsatile GnRH secretion from the hypothalamus and subsequent pituitary gonadotropin (FSH, LH) release. There have been multiple studies that suggest clomiphene citrate can improve semen parameters in patients with oligo-, oligo astheno-, and azoospermia. Clomiphene dosing includes:

25 – 50 mg every other day or 12.5 mg QD
Clomiphene given by 2 different dosing regimens were compared in 89 oligospermic men. The group receiving clomiphene 25 mg every other day showed a greater overall sperm improvement response (80%) than the group receiving clomiphene 25 mg daily for 25 days (50%). Increases in sperm concentration and total sperm count were significantly greater with the lower dose regimen. Pregnancy rates in the study were not significantly different during the 6 month
follow-up period (Homonnai et al, 1988).
May raise Testosterone levels w/ less impact on libido than Testosterone

Clomiphene side effects include:

Flushing, vasomotor, abdominal bloating, discomfort,
distension, nausea, vomiting, headache, visual disturbance, breast pain
Serious side effects: acute pancreatitis, functional visual loss, psychotic
disorder, a disorder of menstruation, hyperstimulation of ovaries,
hypertrophy of ovary, ovarian cancer
Watch out for pituitary apoplexy
Contraindications: liver disease or dysfunction, endometrial carcinoma,
ovarian cysts (not polycystic ovarian syndrome), undiagnosed uterine
bleeding, pregnancy

HCG

HCG does not negatively impact fertility/sperm count as testosterone often does and does not cause testicular atrophy. Surprisingly it is identical to LH with some FSH activity stimulating testosterone production by the testicle. HCG Dosing includes:

1000-3000 units intramuscularly 2-3 times weekly SC
Some use along with Testosterone for testicular preservation at doses from 500-1500 IU / week. No clear references for this.
Antibody production against the hCG is possible
– Most protocols recommend 2 months on and one month off hCG

HCG side effects and precautions include:

Anaphylaxis
Do not use in cancer or tumors
May cause water retention
VTE has been reported
Intracranial lesions
Prostate cancer or other androgen-dependent neoplasms
Do not use orally, contains benzyl alcohol
Administration of chorionic gonadotropin can stimulate the production of antibodies.
In rare cases, these antibodies may result in resistance to treatment by binding chorionic gonadotropin

Conclusion

All in all, hormones play a functional role in the body. When there are unwanted pathogens that entered the body and cause harm it can lead the body to be off-balance. In this case with hormones, when the unwanted pathogens cause the body to overproduce hormones, it can cause chronic illnesses that can cause pain and affect a person’s overall health and wellness.

Disclaimer

Planks For Spine Support and Back Pain Prevention

Dr. Alex Jimenez

focused sportswoman doing plank exercise at home in living room

Regularly doing planks can support/strengthen the spine and prevent back pain no matter the fitness level. It’s estimated that 70% of adults will experience back problems and pain. One of the best ways to keep the spine healthy is by strengthening the core muscles. The more these muscles are built up, the healthier the body will become. The plank position activates the entire core taking the pressure off of the spine.

Core Anatomy

The core is the center of the body. It contains all the muscles surrounding the torso. These muscles work together to:

Stabilize the body during movement.
Prevent injury when engaged in physical activity/exercise.
Provide spinal support.

The core is split into two groups of muscles: The inner core and the outer core.

Inner Core

The inner core consists of:

Multifidus Muscles

Located in the deep layer of the back on either side of the spinal column.

Quadratus Lumborum

The deep abdominal muscle in the lower back sits on either side of the lumbar region of the spine.

Transversus Abdominis

Located between the lower ribs and the top of the pelvis.

Pelvic Floor

This base group of muscles stretches from the tailbone to the pubic bone.

Diaphragm

A dome-shaped muscle that rests below the lungs.

Outer Core

Rectus Abdominis

These are more commonly known as the abs.

External Obliques

These muscles are located on either side of the rectus abdominis.

Internal Obliques

These muscles are located below the external obliques, inside the hip bones.

Erector Spinae

These muscles surround the spine and extend up both sides of the vertebral column.

Planks and Back Pain Prevention

When the core is not strong enough, the spine and back muscles overcompensate to keep the body standing correctly. Studies have shown how planks effectively activate the muscles responsible for spinal stabilization. The exercise targets the entirety of the core and strengthens the shoulders and glutes. Strengthening these muscles improves posture, helping to alleviate back problems and pain. However, it’s recommended to talk to a doctor before beginning a plank regimen if back pain is present. If done incorrectly, they could aggravate the back muscles.

Proper Form

Choose an area clear of furniture where the whole body can stretch out. Follow these steps:

Begin with hands and knees on the floor.
Extend the legs back while keeping the elbows directly below the shoulders and the wrists below the elbows.
Keep the head down, looking at the space just above the hands.
Engage the abs and keep the body rigid.
Imagine a perfectly straight line from the neck to the toes.
Hold the position for 10 to 60 seconds, depending on fitness level.
Lower the body gently to the floor.
Make sure not to curve the back as curving means that the abdominal muscles are being engaged, and tilting the head up can strain the neck.
Both can lead to injury, which is why maintaining proper form is essential.

Plank Variations

There are variations of this exercise for different levels of physical fitness. Once the modified and full plank has been mastered, various planks can target other areas of the body. These include:

Side Plank

These involve shifting the weight to one forearm while extending the other arm into the air.

One-arm Plank

These involve lifting one hand off the ground, then alternating.

Single-leg Plank

These require lifting one leg off the ground, then alternating.

Walking Plank

These shift the right hand and foot evenly, then bring the left hand and foot to the full plank position.

Reverse Plank

These require facing the opposite direction and pushing upwards towards the ceiling.

Anybody can work up to a plank at any age at any fitness level; it just takes time. Once achieved, it is a great way to keep the body’s core strong, healthy and helps prevent back problems.

Body Composition

Band Lateral Raise

The lateral band raise is an excellent workout for the shoulders. It works out the lateral deltoid, anterior deltoid, and serratus anterior.

Grasp one band in one hand.
Step on the free end with the opposite foot.
Right hand and left foot and vice versa.
Slowly extend and raise the arm until they are parallel to the floor.
Lower the arms in the same manner.
If the shoulders are healthy and strong enough, try adding dumbbells or kettlebells to increase the resistance.

References

Calatayud, Joaquín et al. “Tolerability and Muscle Activity of Core Muscle Exercises in Chronic Low-back Pain.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 16,19 3509. 20 Sep. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijerph16193509

World Health Organization. (2013) “Low back pain.” www.who.int/medicines/areas/priority_medicines/Ch6_24LBP.pdf

Youdas, James W et al. “Magnitudes of muscle activation of spine stabilizers in healthy adults during prone on elbow planking exercises with and without a fitness ball.” Physiotherapy Theory and practice vol. 34,3 (2018): 212-222. doi:10.1080/09593985.2017.1377792

The Latest Guidelines For Male Hormones | Part 2

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Table of Contents

Introduction

The body’s entire system is controlled by hormones. Hormones are what make the body regulate temperature and control the organ system so it can function properly. When there is an imbalance of hormones the body can develop chronic problems causing pain to individuals and disrupting their everyday activities. Many of our patients over the last decade have asked complex and intuitive questions about hormone replacement therapies. Part one explains what happens when there is low testosterone in a male body. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialized in hormone wellness 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

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

In older males, hormone replacement therapy can help replenish testosterone levels in the male body. When the hormones are off-balance, HRT can help reduce levels of androgen that the male body produces. With HRT it can help prolong prostate cancer progress and even lower the adrenal glands from overproducing unnecessary hormones that the body does not need.

What Constitutes “Stress”?

There are many factors that can cause body stress. There are two types of stress levels acute stress and chronic stress. Acute stress is caused by simple things like studying for an exam or running late to work. Chronic stress is caused by situations that can negatively affect a person’s health. Some examples include:

“Fight or flight” responses
– fear, anxiety, worry
Depression, feelings of defeat or
helplessness
Pain syndromes
Infection, inflammation
Hypoglycemia
Inadequate sleep
Disrupted light cycles
Toxic exposure

New Guidelines Presented at the American Academy of Anti-Aging.

Download

Let’s Talk About Toxins…

There are some toxins that can affect the human body and can cause prolonged effects that can lead to chronic pain.

Pesticides
Food additives and preservatives
Electromagnetic radiation
Heavy metals
Phthalates
Bisphenol A
And many more…

Toxins – Phthalates

Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used to make plastics more durable. However, these toxins can cause male hormones to be off-balanced.

Esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers
As of 2004, 800 million pounds produced
Introduced in the 1920bs
– 1856: castor oil
– 1870: camphor
– Enteric coatings
Current uses:
– Enteric Coatings
– Viscosity control agents
– Binders
– Lubricant

Phthalates can be found in hundreds of everyday products that we use in our day-to-day lives. These include:

Personal care items
– Make-up, shampoo, moisturizer, liquid soap, hair spray, cologne
Detergents
Cleaning materials
Modeling clay
Fishing lures
Paints
Children’s toys
Food packaging

Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A or BPA has been primarily used to make certain resins and plastics for everyday items and has been used in commerce for the past 50 years. Some of the common products that BPA has produces include:

Polycarbonate bottles (clear, flexible plastic)
Baby bottles
Water bottles
Dental sealants
Sports equipment
Eyeglasses
CD’s and DVD’s
Toiletries

When males are exposed to BPA, it can cause male infertility and erectile difficulty to the body and even lower testosterone levels causing the body to go haywire.

Increased Risk From TD on Cardiovascular Events & Mortality

With testosterone has many important effects on the body including the cardiovascular system. When there is a decrease in testosterone that happens in men after they turn 40 has been associated with an increase in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular risk.

A meta-analysis that investigated 16,184 community-based participants with a mean
follow-up of 9.7 years found that low T levels were associated with an increased risk of Overall and CV-related mortality with an HR for CV mortality of 1.35 (95% CI, 1.13-1.62; P<.001). (Araujo, 2011)
Meta-analysis of 70 studies showed a clear association between low T and CV disease Of those, 10 longitudinal studies demonstrated that overall mortality and CV mortality were highest in those with low T levels. Whether low T and increased mortality are simply covariates or a causal the relationship remains to be proven” (Corona, 2011)

Laughlin Rancho Bernardo Study

The prospective study of 794 men aged 50-91 with Testosterone at baseline and followed through mortality.
• Average 11.8 years f/u (but up to 20)
• Total and Bioavail Testosterone inversely related to the risk of death
in-depth of DM metabolic syndrome, CVD but attenuated for
adjustment by CRP ad IL-6
• Lowest vs highest quartiles of Testosterone conferred 40%
increased risk of overall mortality and 38% higher
risk of cardiovascular mortality

Khaw et al EPIC-Norfolk Study

“In men, endogenous testosterone concentrations are inversely related to mortality due to cardiovascular disease and all causes”

N = 11,606 men (no cancer or CVD)
– 825 men died matched with 1489 living men in the control group
– Nested case-control looked at endogenous Testosterone at baseline
Men have to have a follow-up 7 years

Testosterone Deficiency

A wealth of modern data accumulated over the past 2 decades has generally revealed that a low serum testosterone level is associated with increased risks of atherosclerosis, CV risk factors, and mortality. Testosterone therapy has beneficial effects on multiple risks factors and risk biomarkers related to these clinical conditions. Notably, TD has been projected to be involved in the development of approximately 1.3 million new cases of CV disease, 1.1 million new cases of diabetes, and over 600,000
osteoporosis-related fracture.

Testosterone and Sarcopenia

When testosterone levels start to lower in a male body it can correlate with the pathophysiology of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is defined as skeletal muscle mass and strength loss due to age and low testosterone can contribute to decreasing sex hormones and changes to body composition.

“Given the likelihood that age-related sarcopenia contributes importantly to frailty, and the importance of osteoporotic fractures as a cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly men, testosterone replacement is a potentially useful strategy for reducing age-associated disabilities in some aged men.”
– Three months of Testosterone enanthate injections increased lean body
mass in men over 60 yr of age.
– Testosterone treatment improved hamstring and quadriceps muscle
strength after 4 weeks in healthy older men
– Testosterone replacement for 2 yr produced again in the bilateral grip
strength in elderly hypogonadal men.

Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction

The body produces androgen for the male body to function properly. When there are low levels of testosterone and high levels of androgen it can cause erectile dysfunction.

“Visceral obesity, a component of metabolic syndrome, adversely affects endothelial function and testosterone levels, contributing to hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction. “
Clinical screening for the risk of erectile dysfunction in obese
patients should include:
– Waist circumference
– Testosterone levels
– Body mass index
– Physical inactivity
Study of Testosterone levels and ED in 802 men showed moderate and
severe ED assoc w/ lower T levels
– lower serum testosterone levels were strongly associated (p < 0.001) with severe
(OR 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62-0.86), and moderate ED (OR 0.85; 95% CI: 0.72-0.97)

Conclusion

All in all, hormones play a major role in the body. Hormones are what keep the body functioning properly and make sure the organs are doing their job. When unwanted pathogens start affecting the body, it can cause the hormones to be off-balance and cause major chronic problems that cause pain and illnesses that no one wants.

Disclaimer

Everyday Movements

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Charming elegant woman receiving professional treatment in spa wellness center — Cropped head back view portrait of unrecognized female in black sportswear standing in medical office while male massage therapist examining her back and spine

Posture is how we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. A healthy posture is the correct alignment of the body supported by the right amount of muscle tension. Our everyday movements and activities affect the body’s alignment. A postural imbalance can impact the body’s health in various ways. It can cause:

General soreness
Back pain
Muscular pain
Fatigue
Digestive problems
Poor self-esteem

Unhealthy posture can increase the risk of spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, stress joints, and muscles, resulting in permanent damage if left untreated. The best way to prevent postural imbalances is to be aware of the causes utilize proper ergonomic and movement strategies that can help avoid these problems. As the everyday bad habits, behaviors, and activities are understood, it is much easier to prevent and correct them.

Table of Contents

Everyday Posture Is Important

Specific muscles maintain the body’s posture, so we don’t have to think about it and constantly adjust. Muscle groups, including the hamstrings and large back muscles, are essential in maintaining healthy positions. When the muscles function correctly, the postural muscles prevent gravity from pushing the body forward. Postural muscles also maintain balance when moving. A healthy posture reduces strain on the supporting muscles and ligaments during everyday movement and weight-bearing activities. Engaging in healthy posture helps:

Keep the bones and joints in correct alignment so that the muscles function correctly.
Decrease the abnormal wearing of joints resulting in degenerative arthritis and joint pain.
Reduce the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, preventing injury.
Allow muscles to work more efficiently.
The body exert less energy.
Prevent muscle fatigue and muscle pain.
Prevent muscle strain and overuse disorders.

Unhealthy Posture

Unhealthy posture results when the body sits or stands with the spine in an abnormal position. When an individual practices unhealthy posture over a long period, it progressively leads to muscles and ligaments becoming elongated and weak, while others become short and tight. This creates a physical imbalance that leads to postural abnormalities like:

Rounded shoulders
Forward head posture
Thoracic kyphosis or hunched back
Lumbar lordosis
Swayback
Limited mobility
Increases the risk of injury

Causes

Habits

Individuals can begin to develop unhealthy habits that negatively impact their posture, like walking with their head looking towards the ground. This shifts the body out of alignment.

Sitting For Too Long

Spending too much time sitting even with the correct posture will impact the spine and muscles. It weakens the muscles, ligaments, and abdominals.

Weight

Carrying extra weight can force the spine into an awkward position. This is true for individuals with pot bellies, as it pulls the lower back forward, increasing the risk of lumbar lordosis.

Unhealthy Diet

If the spine does not have access to the vitamins and nutrients it needs, it can struggle to maintain its strength and flexibility. It is also more difficult for the body to repair damage to the spine’s muscles and ligaments.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and footwear can impact posture.
High heels, poor-fitting shoes, saggy jeans, large belts, heavy jackets, and other items can force the spine into an unnatural position.
These are fine to wear for short periods but avoid wearing them day in and day out.

Treatment

Chiropractors specialize in issues affecting the spine, especially posture. They can:

Perform a postural examination involving a complete assessment of the musculoskeletal system to identify any joint misalignments and issues that affect soft tissue.
Perform adjustments of misaligned joints using various techniques.
Recommend stretches to loosen/lengthen tight muscles and strengthen weak ones, leading to improvements. A chiropractor will develop an effective stretching regimen to target the correct muscles.
Recommend nutritional advice, exercise, and everyday habit adjustments.

Body Composition

Insulin Resistance

Individuals who sit for extended periods, don’t exercise and don’t watch their diet can experience insulin resistance. Insulin resistance happens when insulin cannot transport excess blood sugar out of the blood and into the muscles. One study found that women who sat for eight hours a day had a higher chance of developing diabetes. Individuals with diabetes tend to have more fat within their bodies, particularly visceral fat, increasing insulin resistance potential. Individuals with diabetes experience a faster loss of muscle mass as they age, further intensifying symptoms and deterioration of body composition.

References

Feldman, Anatol G. “The Relationship Between Postural and Movement Stability.” Advances in experimental medicine and biology vol. 957 (2016): 105-120. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-47313-0_6

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

Jung, Suk Hwa et al. “Visceral Fat Mass Has Stronger Associations with Diabetes and Prediabetes than Other Anthropometric Obesity Indicators among Korean Adults.” Yonsei medical journal vol. 57,3 (2016): 674-80. doi:10.3349/ymj.2016.57.3.674

Pope, Malcolm H et al. “Spine ergonomics.” Annual review of biomedical engineering vol. 4 (2002): 49-68. doi:10.1146/annurev.bioeng.4.092101.122107

Jackknife Tractor-Trailer Accidents and Crashes

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Tractor-trailer semi-trucks are a vital part of our transportation/supply system. However, weather, drivers that are not careful and/or well-trained can cause dangerous and sometimes fatal accidents. One type of accident resulting from truck driver negligence is the jackknife accident. Jackknife accidents are extremely catastrophic because they can involve numerous vehicles. Almost all of them involve life-altering or fatal injuries. Here’s what to know about these violent truck crashes.

Table of Contents

Jackknife Collision

A jackknife occurs when the trailer of semi-truck swings to one side at a 90-degree angle and uncontrollably overtakes other lanes of traffic. The term comes from the look of the tractor-trailer after the crash resembling a jackknife or the letter L. When a jackknife wreck happens, the trailer and cab can hit and crush other vehicles in its path. It can also block numerous lanes leading to additional collisions. Jackknife crashes can also be considered rollover crashes when the truck slides and rolls over onto its side, although not all rollovers end in a jackknife.

Causes

Jackknife collisions are often either the cause of driver negligence or inclement weather, other distracted drivers, truck maintenance, or a combination. These include the following:

Excessive Speed

If a truck driver is speeding, the trailer can slide sideways and jackknife when forced to stop too quickly.
The average tractor-trailer weighs about 80,000 pounds.
The average length of a trailer is between 70 – 80 feet.
Tractor-trailer trucks need 40% more time to brake.

Weather Conditions

If drivers do not take it slow enough, bad weather or road conditions can also cause a jackknife.
Ice, snow, rain, loose gravel, or loose asphalt can cause trailers to bounce and slide.
Hazardous road conditions, as accumulated oil can cause slipperiness.

Improper Following Distance

Truck drivers that do not provide an adequate following distance to allow for a safe stopping distance can cause the trailer to slide sideways and jackknife when having to slam on the brakes.
Drivers who do not exercise caution as they enter and properly maneuver down hills or curves can end up shifting out of position and possibly topple over.

Driver Operator Fatigue

Many tractor-trailer accidents/crashes happen when drivers have logged too many hours without proper rest.
When the body is tired, response time suffers.
If a driver is groggy, they lack the cognizance to maneuver out of a dangerous situation.

Inexperienced or Untrained Operators

Driving a truck is a demanding job that requires several skill sets and experience.
Truck companies try to lower costs by using inexperienced drivers that don’t have the training or experience for long hauls or driving on busy/dangerous highways and interstates.

Load Balance

Safe truck driving ensures the trailer’s cargo is loaded correctly and the weight is equally distributed.
When the load is unbalanced, it can shift, causing the trailer to tilt or tip.
Unbalanced loads are a common factor in rollover crashes.

Lack of Maintenance

Drivers or companies that ignore:
Routine maintenance
Alignment checks
Brake pad replacement
All can lead to accidents and crashes.

Research shows that jackknife crashes can cause widespread damage, as they usually spread across multiple lanes of traffic. Because of this, there is the danger of secondary crashes or vehicles not initially involved in the crash, running into the tractor, trailer, or scattered wreckage and debris.

18 Wheeler Accident Chiropractic Treatment

Analysis An Effective Tool In Physical Therapy Rehabilitation

Body composition is essential for understanding an individual’s physiological makeup and guiding a personalized treatment plan to target specific areas. InBody is non-invasive and convenient, making it ideal for rehabilitation practices. The InBody test provides comprehensive results that can educate and engage individuals in tracking their progress throughout their physical therapy. In less than 60 seconds, the InBody Test provides easy-to-understand, accurate, and objective measurements. Chiropractors and physical therapists use the InBody for:

Assessing muscle distribution.
Targeting areas weakened by injury or surgery.
Identifying fluid imbalances related to inflammation or postoperative edema.
Monitoring changes to determine the efficacy of exercise programs.
Guiding recommendations to ensure long-term success.

References

Girotto, Edmarlon et al. “Working conditions, and sleepiness while driving among truck drivers.” Traffic injury prevention vol. 20,5 (2019): 504-509. doi:10.1080/15389588.2019.1609670

Gray, Garry. “A bird’s eye view of driving safety culture: Truck drivers’ perceptions of unsafe driving behaviors near their trucks.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 64,2 (2019): 187-194. doi:10.3233/WOR-192985

Smith, Joyce A et al. “Spine and spinal cord injury in motor vehicle crashes a function of change in velocity and energy dissipation on impact with respect to the direction of the crash.” The Journal of trauma vol. 59,1 (2005): 117-31. doi:10.1097/01.ta.0000171534.75347.52

Stavrinos, Despina et al. “Commercial Truck Driver Health and Safety: Exploring Distracted Driving Performance and Self-Reported Driving Skill.” Workplace health & safety vol. 64,8 (2016): 369-76. doi:10.1177/2165079915620202

Stein, H S, and I S Jones. “Crash involvement of large trucks by configuration: a case-control study.” American Journal of public health vol. 78,5 (1988): 491-8. doi:10.2105/ajph.78.5.491

Leg Spasms and Cramping

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Fitness woman stretching legs — Portirat of a fitness woman stretching legs at outdoor stadium

Leg spasms and cramps are common conditions where the muscles in the leg suddenly become tight and painful. They present with no warning and can cause excruciating and debilitating pain. They usually occur in the calf muscles but can affect any area of the leg, including the feet and thighs. After the cramping has passed, pain and tenderness can remain in the leg for several hours. Although many leg spasm episodes go away by themselves, they can disrupt normal activities, exercise regimens, and sleep if they continue and are left untreated.

Table of Contents

Leg Spasms and Symptoms

A leg spasm is a sudden, sharp contraction or tightening of a muscle in the leg. This can last a few seconds to a few minutes. Muscle cramps anywhere in the body cause sudden contraction of the muscle. This is an involuntary function and can include the following symptoms:

Soreness and discomfort can be mild to extreme.
Muscle tightening.
Hardening of the muscle.
Twitching of the muscle.
Pain.

Leg spasms are typically brief and go away on their own, but individuals are recommended to seek treatment if they are frequently experienced or last for extended periods.

Causes

Dehydration

Dehydration is a common cause of leg spasms and pain.
Lack of fluids can cause the nerve endings to become sensitized, triggering muscle contractions.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease affects how the body circulates electrolytes, causing cramping.

Mineral Deficiency

When the body sweats, it loses water and electrolytes.
When the body is low on electrolytes
Imbalances in:
Sodium
Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium
It can affect nerve transduction and lead to muscle spasms.

Hypothyroidism

If the body does not produce sufficient thyroid hormone, this is known as hypothyroidism.
Over time, this deficiency can damage the nerves that send signals from the brain and spine to the legs.
Tingling, numbness, and frequent cramping can result.

Spinal Misalignment

Spinal misalignment can compress nerve roots that run down the leg.
This can cause radiating leg pain and spasms, specifically in the back of the thigh.

Muscle and Connective Tissue Injuries

Injuries like tears, strains, and sprains can lead to leg spasms and frequent cramping.

Pregnancy

In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, calcium and magnesium deficiency are common and can lead to leg spasms and cramps.

Treatment

The proper course of treatment for leg spasms depends on the severity and underlying cause/s. A chiropractor can identify the cause and develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve and eliminate leg cramps.

Chiropractic

Misalignments can compress the nerve roots radiating from the spine to the legs.
This can lead to radiating leg pain and/or leg spasms.
Realignment through chiropractic can relieve the pressure on compressed nerve roots, alleviating leg discomfort and pain.
A chiropractor will also recommend exercises and stretches to strengthen the legs and core muscles.

Physical Therapeutic Massage

A physical therapist will use various massage techniques to relax the leg muscles to prevent and reduce the severity of spasms.
Massage therapy will relieve any inflammation that accompanies leg spasms, decreasing pain and swelling in the area.

Health Coaching

Leg spasms can be caused by nutritional deficiency.
As a part of the treatment plan, a health coach will evaluate the individual’s diet and suggest changes that will help address any nutritional deficiencies contributing to leg spasms and cramps.

Body Composition

Track Inflammation and Fluid Imbalances From Injury or Surgery

Inflammation can occur with little to no visible symptoms following surgery or injury. Precision measurement of body water can detect water retention and inflammation to aid rehabilitation treatment. InBody effectively distinguishes water in the following compartments that comprise total body water.

Intracellular-ICW-within the tissues.
Extracellular-ECW-within the blood and interstitial fluids.
The Edema Index can be used to detect fluid imbalances resulting from inflammation from injury or recovery after surgery.

Assessing fluid balance in the body and specific segments can help identify inflammation and guide treatment to reduce the risk of re-injury or post-surgery complications. These measurements are provided for the whole body and can determine where fluid imbalances may be occurring for more precise analysis.

References

Araújo, Carla Adriane Leal de et al. “Oral magnesium supplementation for leg cramps in pregnancy. An observational controlled trial.” PloS one vol. 15,1 e0227497. 10 Jan. 2020, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0227497

Garrison, Scott R et al. “Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2012,9 CD009402. 12 Sep. 2012, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub2

Kang, Seok Hui et al. “Clinical Significance of the Edema Index in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.” PloS one vol. 11,1 e0147070. 19 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0147070

Luo, Li et al. “Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 12,12 CD010655. 4 Dec. 2020, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010655.pub3

Mekhail, Nagy et al. “Long-term safety and efficacy of closed-loop spinal cord stimulation to treat chronic back and leg pain (Evoke): a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.” The Lancet. Neurology vol. 19,2 (2020): 123-134. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(19)30414-4

Young, Gavin. “Leg cramps.” BMJ clinical evidence vol. 2015 1113. 13 May. 2015

The Latest Guidelines: Male Hormones | Part 1

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Introduction

Hormones in the body control the organs and the entire body system, from the endocrine system to the body’s temperature. When hormones get out of balance, they can lead to chronic problems. Over the last decade, many of our patients have asked great complex and insightful questions about hormone replacement therapies. We refer patients to skilled and qualified providers specialized in hormone wellness 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 good questions to our providers. We provide this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy can help older males replenish testosterone hormone levels. Another thing that hormone replacement therapy can provide is that it can reduce the levels of androgens in the body to prolong the process of prostate cancer while also lowering adrenal gland over-production.

Low T: The Clinical Problem

Hypogonadism affects 30% of men aged 40-79

– A gradual, age-associated decline in serum total testosterone levels begins in men
in their mid-30s and continues at an average rate of 1.6% per year

Symptoms
– Fatigue / Cognitive function decline
– Decreased libido
– ED
– Depression, irritability, decreased sense of well-being
– Decreased muscle mass / increased body fat
– Decreased bone mineral density

Download

Pregnenolone

Synthesized directly from cholesterol
– Precursor to all other sex hormones
Levels start to decline around age 30
Functions to:
– Enhance nerve transmission and memory
– Improve energy and sleep
– Increase stress resistance
– Mood elevation– Reduce pain and inflammation
Deficiency associated with:
– Depression
– Fatigue
– Inability to deal with stress
– Insomnia
– Lack of focus
– Memory decline

Pregnenolone Dosing

Pregnenolone SR to start at 10mg per day and
titrate up slowly until you reach a blood level of 100
which is optimal
SR form more physiological
Can cause agitation and anxiety if titrate too fast or if
the dose is high for patient

Progesterone

Made by the adrenal glands
Precursor to androstenedione
Levels start to decline in men around age 60
Functions to balance estrogen
– Inhibits aromatase and 5-alpha reductase
– Antagonizes stimulatory effects of estrogen on the prostate gland
and lowers PSA
– Stimulates anti-tumor antigen, p53, to prevent prostate cancer

Progesterone Dosing

In men, you start with 3-5mg topically daily
Usually added to testosterone/Chrysin cream
topically
Can use capsule form if the patient has sleep
issues. Dose range 5-15mg oral

DHEA

Made by the adrenal glands
The precursor to estrogen and testosterone
Production declines with age
Protective effect against:
– Cancer, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, and
autoimmune diseases
Symptoms of deficiency:
– Decreased energy & muscle strength, difficulty dealing with stress,
increase risk of infection, irritability, joint soreness, and weight gain

Actions of DHEA

Prohormone for sex steroids
Anti-glucocorticoid
Immune supporting
Anti-atherogenic lowers serum triglycerides
Enhances insulin sensitivity; anti-obesity effect
Maintains tissue strength and repair, supports bone density
Neuroprotective; enhances memory
Promotes a sense of well-being
Libido enhancing

DHEA Dosing

Replacement linked with an improved libido, mood, erectile function

Improves neural protection, especially when Cortisol is high
Men need 25-50mg per day
SR form is more physiological
DHEA is a large molecule, and therefore, it is not well absorbed topically
Side effects include oily skin, hirsutism, acne
K-DHEA form can be used if concerned for cancer and want to bypass
hormonal byproducts

Androstenedione

Common precursor of male and female sex hormones
– Converted to testosterone through 17ơ-hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase
– Converted to estrogen through the aromatase
Found in testes and adrenal glands
Short half-life
No reliable studies on benefits

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Most potent naturally occurring androgen
– 3 times more potent than testosterone
Synthesized from the conversion of testosterone
through 5-alpha reductase
Responsible for formation of male sex-specific
characteristics and development of male genitalia and
prostate
– Low levels can affect sexual function and libido, muscle
tone
Elevated levels can cause:
– Hirsutism
– Male pattern baldness
– BPH
– Prostate cancer
25% secreted by testes, 75% from
bioconversion from T in liver, kidney, muscle,
prostate, and skin
The blood concentration of DHT is 10% that of T but at least twice as potent due to increased affinity
for androgen receptor; cannot be aromatized to
estrogen
Produced in utero is responsible for the development
of male sex characteristics
A primary contributing factor in androgenic
alopecia, benign prostatic hypertrophy, hirsutism
in women

Estradiol/Estrone

Made in muscle, skin, and adipose tissue
Adequate levels protect against bone fractures,
and maintain cognitive function
Excess associated with:
– Gynecomastia
– Decreased sex drive/erectile dysfunction
– The doubled risk of stroke
– Higher rates of heart attack, peripheral artery disease,
and coronary atherosclerosis
– Insulin resistance
– Rheumatoid arthritis
– BPH
– Prostate cancer

Testosterone

Testosterone is the principal male hormone in males that are important for normal males’ sexual development and functions.

Principal male hormone
Anabolic steroid produced from cholesterol
Primarily secreted in the testes and small amounts secreted
from the adrenal glands
Functions:
– Anabolic effects: increased muscle mass, bone density, and
bone maturation
– Androgenic effects: development of sex organs, deepening
of voice, hair growth

Factors Contributing to Testosterone Decline

Many factors can contribute to the decline in male testosterone levels in the body.

AGE
Diet and insulin resistance
Stress levels/cortisol demand
Toxin exposure
Depression
Insomnia
Decreased muscle mass and strength
Osteoporosis
Decreased hair density
Erectile dysfunction

Male Diminished Libido

Low Bioavailable Testosterone
- Age-Related Testosterone Decline
  – (Leydig Cell Dies Every 4 Seconds)
- Obesity – Lowers Testosterone
- Beta-Blockers, Statins, NSAIDs, SSRIs
- High SHBG
  – Excess Prolactin
- Inhibits Dopamine Release
- Responsible for the Refractory Period

Andropause Contributes to Many Diseases

Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Brain (Dementia, Alzheimer’s)
Heart (MIbs)
Frailty Syndrome/Sarcopenia
Bone (Osteoporosis)
Inflammation

Testosterone Decline

Testosterone declines with age, beginning in the
early 30bs
By age 40, levels naturally decline by >1% per
year
Testosterone production declines due to:
– Increasing SHBG
– Decreasing LH
– Decreased Leydig cell activity
During the time between 25 to 75 years old:
– 30% decrease in Total Testosterone
– 50% decrease in Bioavailable Testosterone
Half of the healthy men between the ages of 50-70 years will
have a bioavailable testosterone level below the lowest
level was seen in healthy men who are 20-40 years of age.

TD and Metabolic Syndrome

When the testosterone hormone levels are low in a male’s body, it can also cause the body to develop metabolic syndrome.

The increased risk of insulin resistance and
metabolic syndrome is not due to changes in SHBG as the
inverse relationship with low testosterone persists when
looking at free T
Weight loss improves levels of both free and
total T proportionate to the amount of weight
loss
TD is associated with weight gain; weight loss
improves T levels
ADT is associated with increased BMI and
decreased lean body mass (compared to men
who had surgery and no ADT for prostate cancer)

Things That Can Increase Insulin

High carbohydrate diet
Increased stress
Decreased estrogens
Increased testosterone
Insomnia
Increased DHEA
Decreased thyroid hormone
Excessive progesterone
Lack of exercise
High chronic stress causes low DHEA and low testosterone
Cortisol will act as an anti-testosterone in the body

Conclusion

All in all, the effects of a healthy male’s hormone levels can be affected when the body is not taken care of or due to natural causes. Low testosterone levels can cause prolonged effects like metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. By combining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help the body achieve its overall wellness.

Disclaimer

Nutrition, The Nervous System, and The Spine

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Making nutritional choice.Confident young man holding apple and shopping bag while standing in a food store

Proper nutrition can be difficult for individuals with work, school, and busy schedules to prepare fresh, healthy meals. Healthy food is essential for a healthy nervous system and spine to promote a healthy musculoskeletal system, metabolism, bone strength, tissue growth, and repair. The body requires more nutritional value to heal itself to support damage or injury.

Table of Contents

Nervous System and The Spine

The nervous system runs throughout the body like an interstate highway and impacts every bodily function. Disrupting signals can cause a backup, like a massive traffic jam. At that point, no matter how healthy the diet is, the body is unable to process all the food thoroughly to break down all the nutrients. Chiropractic adjustments ensure that blood circulation and nerve energy flow function optimally so that messages sent from the brain and body are transmitted without disruption.

Disrupted Nervous System

The nervous system influences every part of the body, and digestion is no exception. The nervous system tells the body what it needs to do with the food/fuel. When the nervous system is unbalanced and experiencing problems, the nutrients that the body needs don’t get appropriately stored, broken down, or used correctly, leaving the body feeling not full and unsatisfied.

Nutrition Improves Musculoskeletal Health

It is essential to understand that nutrition and musculoskeletal health depend on a healthy nervous system and spine.

Food high in protein and calcium increases bone density.
Protein and calcium are vital as the body ages.
A healthy skeletal structure will ensure and maintain a healthy body.
Food is the primary source of nutrients for the body to rebuild and repair torn muscles.

The Relation Between Nutrition And Recovery

Nourishment plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s health and helps in reducing the risk of illness or injuries. There are several links between nutrition and recovery that includes:

Injury Rehabilitation

A diet rich in antioxidants like:
Berries
Apricots
Grapes
Milk
Nuts
The body becomes stronger to combat inflammation.

Foods rich in lean protein like:

Yogurt
Tofu
Beef
Provide the body with essential building blocks that help repair cellular damage.

Joint Or Back Pain Alleviation

Overweight and obesity generate unnecessary load on the spine or joints, resulting in back pain.
Reducing weight through proper nutrition filled with proteins and magnesium instead of unhealthy fats and calories will help reduce the strain being put on the musculoskeletal system.

Increased Energy Levels

Food high in sugar or preservatives makes the body feel sluggish and tired.
As a result, the body is constantly exhausted, fatigued, sleepy, and irritable.
Proper nutrition increases energy levels.
Maintaining the nervous system and spine’s overall health.

Body Composition

Malnutrition Risks

Malnutrition can be difficult to spot early, but there are various risk factors to recognize. These include:

Frailty is a strong predictor of malnutrition.
Decreased sense of taste or smell.
Constipation.
Impaired cognition.
Dysphagia – Difficulty swallowing.
Medications that affect appetite.
Tooth loss.
Parkinson’s disease.
Depression doubles the risk of malnutrition, especially among men.

References

Bollwein, J et al. “Nutritional status according to the mini nutritional assessment (MNA®) and frailty in community-dwelling older persons: a close relationship.” The journal of nutrition, health & aging vol. 17,4 (2013): 351-6. doi:10.1007/s12603-013-0034-7

Curtis, Elizabeth et al. “Determinants of Muscle and Bone Aging.” Journal of cellular physiology vol. 230,11 (2015): 2618-25. doi:10.1002/jcp.25001

Gentile, Francesco et al. “Diet, Microbiota and Brain Health: Unraveling the Network Intersecting Metabolism and Neurodegeneration.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 21,20 7471. 10 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijms21207471

Oxland, Thomas R. “Fundamental biomechanics of the spine–What we have learned in the past 25 years and future directions.” Journal of biomechanics vol. 49,6 (2016): 817-832. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.10.035

Pérez Cruz, Elizabeth et al. “Asociación entre desnutrición y depresión en el adulto mayor” [Association between malnutrition and depression in elderly]. Nutricion hospitalaria vol. 29,4 901-6. 1 Apr. 2014, doi:10.3305/nh.2014.29.4.7228

Arthritis Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Woman touching her inflamed knee with both hands — Side view of a mature Caucasian lady suffering from the joint pain in the street

Arthritis can be a debilitating disease that interferes with everyday life. There are over 20% of adults aged 65 and older that have arthritis along with all the symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. The most commonly affected joints include the shoulders, hands, spine, hips, and knees. Arthritis results from damage to joint cartilage from various factors such as age, wear and tear, injury, being overweight, and disease. While medication and surgery are the most common treatment options, an arthritis chiropractor can offer a conservative, natural, non-invasive option to manage symptoms.

Table of Contents

Arthritis Chiropractor Helps By

While arthritis, either caused by wear and tear – Osteoarthritis or disease – Rheumatoid Arthritis cannot be cured. An arthritis chiropractor can help manage symptoms and prevent progression. Chiropractors are trained to use various techniques to help alleviate pain and tension, including arthritis. Chiropractic treatment aims to alleviate pain by adjusting, massaging, and realigning the musculoskeletal system to relieve stress, stretch the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and restore balance within the body. They open the body to allow proper/optimal nerve energy and blood circulation. This is beneficial for arthritic joints to reduce unnecessary strain, translating to reduced wear on the joints and keeping the body active.

Benefits

There are significant benefits that regular chiropractic treatment can offer. These include:

Restored range of motion
Joint pain relief
Inflammation alleviation
Improved nerve function for optimal tissue healing
Improved biomechanics
Improved flexibility

Treatment

After an in-depth assessment, the chiropractor will recommend the best treatment options. Treatments include:

Pain Management

Pain relief is possible without medications with options like:
Electrical stimulation
Percussive massage
Traction therapy
Heating pads

Chiropractic Adjustments and Physical Therapy

Regular adjustments will keep the body optimally aligned and functioning smoothly.
Arthritis chiropractors can recognize the most subtle changes.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Healthy lifestyle adjustments help manage arthritis.
Guidance on healthy habits that include:
Anti-inflammatory foods
Weight loss
Proper sleep habits
Exercise training
Stress management

The sooner chiropractic care is sought out, the better to prevent symptoms from worsening. Chiropractic can generate great results with less need for medication/s or surgery.

Body Composition

Identifying The Risk of Sarcopenia and Decreased Mobility

As the body ages, it begins to lose muscle mass, and as more sedentary behavior is adopted, the rate of loss increases along with age-related injury. Identifying these age-related changes in muscle and how they relate to frailty risk can be challenging to identify and track. By accurately measuring fat-free mass in each region of the body, Skeletal Muscle Index – SMI quickly specifies muscle mass and frailty risk. Sarcopenia and frailty specifically affect the elderly population, affecting mortality, cognitive function, and quality of life. Loss of muscle in the arms and legs is associated with:

Reductions in mobility
Increased risk of falls
Frailty
Extended hospital stays

Falls and fractures frequently result in a cycle of muscle deterioration. Analysis tools can help track body composition changes to minimize muscle wasting and the risk of impaired mobility. Assessing skeletal muscle mass in outpatient and hospital settings can decrease debilitating outcomes before they happen. The InBody analysis is quick and easy, providing a calculation for skeletal muscle index and the sum of the lean mass in the arms and legs. The ease of performing the InBody test provides physicians more time to work with and educate individuals on adopting lifestyle changes to help prevent sarcopenia.

References

Aletaha, Daniel. “Precision medicine and management of rheumatoid arthritis.” Journal of autoimmunity vol. 110 (2020): 102405. doi:10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102405

Beasley, Jeanine. “Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: conservative therapeutic management.” Journal of hand therapy: official journal of the American Society of Hand Therapists vol. 25,2 (2012): 163-71; quiz 172. doi:10.1016/j.jht.2011.11.001

Demoruelle, M Kristen, and Kevin D Deane. “Treatment strategies in early rheumatoid arthritis and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.” Current rheumatology reports vol. 14,5 (2012): 472-80. doi:10.1007/s11926-012-0275-1

Kavuncu, Vural, and Deniz Evcik. “Physiotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis.” MedGenMed: Medscape general medicine vol. 6,2 3. 17 May. 2004

Moon, Jeong Jae et al. “New Skeletal Muscle Mass Index in Diagnosis of Sarcopenia.” Journal of bone metabolism vol. 25,1 (2018): 15-21. doi:10.11005/jbm.2018.25.1.15

Sciatica Causes: Genetics, Low Back Problems, Piriformis, Arthritis

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Patient complaining of back pain — Rear view of male patient complaining of back pain and female doctor examining him during medical exam at hospital

Sciatica Causes: The sciatic nerve forms by the union of Lumbar4 to Sacral31 nerve roots and exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, below the piriformis muscle located deep in the buttocks. The nerve runs down the back of the thigh, into the leg, and ends in the foot. The sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, irritated, and/or mechanically compressed. Any type of pain and/or neurological symptom/s from the sciatic nerve is referred to as sciatica. Sciatica is a type of lumbar radiculopathy, which means that the pain originates from the low back and/or sacral nerve roots.

Table of Contents

Sciatica Causes

Physical forces on the nerve can cause mechanical compression due to the following conditions:

Herniated Discs

A disc in the lower back can bulge or herniate, causing irritation and/or compression of a sciatic nerve root.

Foraminal Stenosis

Stenosis, the intervertebral opening through which the nerve roots travel, begins to narrow/close in, can compress or irritate the sciatic nerve.

Degeneration

Degenerative changes in the spine like the thickening of facet joint capsules and/or ligaments can compress the sciatic nerve.

Segmental Instability

Instability of a spinal vertebral segment that happens if one vertebra slips over the one beneath it – spondylolisthesis
Vertebral defects – spondylolysis
Complete dislocation of one or more vertebrae can compress the nerve root/s of the nerve.

Other Sciatica Causes

Tumors, cysts, infections, or abscesses in the lower spine or pelvic region can also cause sciatic nerve compression.

Chemical Inflammation

Chemical irritants can include hyaluronic acid and/or fibronectin/protein fragments that leak out of degenerated or herniated discs. These irritants can cause inflammation and/or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Degenerated discs can cause nerve tissues to grow into the disc, penetrating the outer and inner layers of the disc, causing sciatica. Immune system responses can contribute to pain when exposed to disc fluid.
Substances such as glycosphingolipids/fats and neurofilaments /protein polymers secreted by the immune system are increased in individuals with sciatica. These substances are released from the reaction between nerve roots and exposed disc material, causing inflammation.

Job Occupation

Individuals with specific jobs have an increased risk of developing sciatica. Examples include:

Truck drivers
Desk workers
Teachers
Warehouse workers
Machine workers
Plumbers
Electricians
Carpenters
Fitness trainers

Sitting and standing for long periods, using improper posture, constantly bending, twisting, reaching, and regularly lifting are risk factors for sciatica.

Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome is a condition where the piriformis muscle swells and spasms from overuse or inflammation irritating the sciatic nerve that is right underneath. The nerve can get trapped in the muscle causing sciatica-like symptoms that include:

Pain follows the same pattern in the leg as a compressed sciatic nerve root.
Tingling
Numbness

Discomfort from piriformis syndrome feels similar to sciatica, but it is not caused by compressed sciatic nerve root. Piriformis pain comes from compression of the sciatic nerve near the piriformis muscle.

Genetic Sciatica Causes

Sciatica caused by degenerated and/or herniated discs can be genetic. Research has shown that certain genetic factors are more prevalent in individuals with back and spinal problems. These congenital disabilities can cause the discs to become weak and susceptible to external stress. With time the proteins in the disc break down, compromising the integrity and function.

Arthritis and Joint Issues

Arthritis or other inflammatory conditions around the hip joint can cause pain down the leg, similar to sciatica. This is referred pain that spreads out from the source and is not radicular nerve pain that originates in the nerve roots.

Conditions like sacroiliac joint dysfunction or sacroiliitis can cause sciatica-like pain that runs down the back of the thigh but usually ends before or at the knee.
The pain can be acute and debilitating, like sciatica but is caused by an abnormal motion or malalignment of the sacroiliac joint.

Body Composition

Normal Cholesterol Ranges

High cholesterol can lead to severe consequences when left untreated, but it can be difficult to spot with no noticeable warning signs. This is why it’s essential to monitor cholesterol levels with blood tests, especially if there is an increased risk. Example of normal cholesterol levels for adults 20 years of age or older:

Total cholesterol 125-200 mg/dL
LDL <100 mg/dL
HDL >40 mg/dL men, >50 mg/dL women

Lifestyle

Lack of physical activity contributes to high cholesterol levels.
Diets that mainly consist of processed foods and saturated fats increase the risk of high LDL levels.
Smoking can lower HDL levels.

Aging

Individual risk for developing high cholesterol tends to increase as the body advances in age. This is why it is recommended to have regular physicals and blood tests.

Genetics

Some individuals are more genetically predisposed to developing high cholesterol and heart disease.
Knowing family medical history can help predict whether it may become a problem.

References

Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2021 Sep 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/

Giuffre BA, Jeanmonod R. Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve. [Updated 2021 Jul 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/

Hicks BL, Lam JC, Varacallo M. Piriformis Syndrome. [Updated 2021 Jul 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448172/

Raj MA, Ampat G, Varacallo M. Sacroiliac Joint Pain. [Updated 2021 Aug 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470299/

Pregnancy Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez

Beautiful young physiotherapist woman massaging tummy on pregnan — Shot of beautiful young physiotherapist woman massaging tummy on pretty pregnant woman on a stretcher at home.

With a growing belly and changes in connective tissue, many pregnant women are unable to stay comfortable. A pregnancy chiropractor is safe and effective in helping manage pain in the back, hips, legs, joints and establish pelvic balance. This can provide the baby with space to grow and move throughout the pregnancy and lead to faster, easier labor and delivery. Relief and better symptom management are possible with a pregnancy chiropractor.

Table of Contents

Chiropractic Is Safe During Pregnancy

Before engaging in any treatment during pregnancy, consult a doctor. For the most part, non-invasive chiropractic is considered safe for healthy, low-risk pregnancies and even higher-risk pregnancies once cleared by a doctor. Because pregnant women cannot take medications or undergo other invasive treatment options for pain, chiropractic treatment is recommended for sore, tight muscles, irritability, and pain management.

How A Pregnancy Chiropractor Can Help

What a chiropractor can offer includes:

Restore pelvic balance.
Improve mechanics for standing, sitting, and walking that could otherwise cause pain.
Pain management through therapeutic massage and adjustments.
Spinal alignment is restored.
Improved blood perfusion.
Energy levels improve.
Reduce symptoms of nausea.
Better positioning and movement for the baby.
Optimize the pelvic position to allow for an easier birth; evidence indicates a shorter labor time thanks to an optimal pelvic position.

Clinic Appointment

The pregnancy chiropractor begins with an initial consultation. Here the patient asks questions, discusses any concerns, along with a full assessment of medical history. They will suggest various treatment options to restore the body to its optimal balance. The chiropractor will continually monitor the patient to tailor the treatments to their specific needs and achieve the most relief.

Body Composition

Impact of Breastfeeding and Body Composition

It turns out that breastfeeding and weight loss are showing that there could be a relationship. A study suggested that breastfeeding could eliminate weight gain during six months. These findings are corroborated by another study comparing body fat loss between exclusively breastfeeding and mixed feeding mothers. The researchers found that exclusively breastfeeding promotes more significant body fat loss than mixed feeding among mothers during the first 12 weeks after childbirth. A weight loss of approximately about a pound per week between 4 and 14 weeks after delivery in overweight, lactating women who were exclusively breastfeeding showed no adverse effect on the growth and development of their newborns.

References

Bernard, Maria, and Peter Tuchin. “Chiropractic Management of Pregnancy-Related Lumbopelvic Pain: A Case Study.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 15,2 (2016): 129-33. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.003

Borggren, Cara L. “Pregnancy and chiropractic: a narrative review of the literature.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 6,2 (2007): 70-4. doi:10.1016/j.jcme.2007.04.004

Weis, Carol Ann et al. “Chiropractic Care for Adults With Pregnancy-Related Low Back, Pelvic Girdle Pain, or Combination Pain: A Systematic Review.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 43,7 (2020): 714-731. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.05.005

Holiday Chiropractic Stress Relief

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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

Getting ready for holiday celebrations takes a great deal of work. Visiting family and friends, traveling, spending hours shopping, wrapping gifts, setting up lights, trees, planning meals can make the body feel achy, tight, tired, and sore. Stress is multiplied by ten, adding to the muscle tension, which can cause illness and other health problems. Chiropractic treatment alleviates symptoms bringing stress relief to enjoy the holidays. This includes body adjustments, therapeutic massage, health coaching, nutrition guidance, strengthening exercises, stretch training, and everything to maintain full-body health, prevent illness and injury so individuals can feel and function at their best.

Table of Contents

Aches and Pains

Shopping at stores, malls can cause the body to experience adverse physical effects. Spending hours walking and standing can trigger neck, shoulder, back, leg, and foot pain. Spending hours hunched over a computer, laptop, tablet, or phone while online shopping can also cause neck, back, and shoulder pain. Soreness and pain can result from the spine and the rest of the body becoming misaligned.

Muscle tightening is a common sign of stress. When the mind and body become overwhelmed or anxious, the neck, shoulders, or upper back muscles can tense up. Muscle tension can limit the body’s range of motion and trigger headaches. Therapeutic massage, mobilization, soft tissue therapy, ultrasound, and other chiropractic treatments can generate stress relief. Massaging the body also triggers the release of endorphins that help the body calm down and relax. The adjustments and massage also increase/improve blood flow that supports healing and reduces anxiety when stress begins to build.

Stomach Issues

Following the usual diet during the holiday season is a challenge. Work parties, restaurant parties, and family meals offer an array of holiday foods and treats. The body is not used to eating a lot of rich, fatty, sugary, or fried foods, and can experience bloating, constipation, gas, and other uncomfortable symptoms. These issues can be traced to the nerves that control the organs. Chiropractic can balance the nerves to help avoid uncomfortable digestive problems and help the body handle the rich diet better.

Maintaining Health and Stress Relief

Aches and pains are not the only effects of stress, body misalignment, and tight joints and/or muscles. If these structures press against the nerves and/or organs, it can affect immune system function. Chiropractic ensures that the organs communicate correctly through the nerves, balance the body, reduce inflammation, and improve lymph fluid drainage. The fluid removes toxins and wastes from the body, making fighting colds and other illnesses easier.

Body Composition

White Coat Syndrome

White Coat Syndrome is the term used for any changes in blood pressure that individuals experience in response to being in a medical office or clinic. Three distinct diagnoses are based on how an individual’s blood pressure responds to being in the presence of a healthcare professional:

White Coat hypertension

This is when an individual is not taking medication for blood pressure but presents with high blood pressure in a medical office and returns to normal once they leave the medical facility.

White Coat effect

This is when an individual is taking medication for high blood pressure and shows a high blood pressure reading in a medical office that indicates their medication is not working.

Masked Hypertension

This is when an individual has normal blood pressure in a medical office but high blood pressure elsewhere.

References

Ahmad, Asma Hayati, and Rahimah Zakaria. “Pain in Times of Stress.” The Malaysian journal of medical sciences: MJMS vol. 22,Spec Issue (2015): 52-61.

PBS NewsHour. (December 2018) “Poll: How stressed are Americans this holiday season?” www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/poll-how-stressed-are-americans-this-holiday-season

Pioli, Mariana R et al. “White coat syndrome and its variations: differences and clinical impact.” Integrated blood pressure control vol. 11 73-79. 8 Nov. 2018, doi:10.2147/IBPC.S152761

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). (2019) “Holiday Safety Information Center” www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/holiday-safety

1...848586...126 Page 85 of 126