Yoga Has Been Shown To Help Reverse Scoliosis

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Yoga Ardha Uttanasana pose — Sporty beautiful young woman in white sportswear doing variation of Standing Half Forward Bend, Ardha Uttanasana pose with wooden blocks, studio full length shot on white background, isolated

A non-invasive method of treating scoliosis. Yoga Has Been Shown To Help Reverse Scoliosis. Scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine. The spine bends inward toward the front of the body at the neck region and lower back region. This curve is known as lordosis and bows outward in the middle-back region. This is known as kyphosis. If the spine curves to the side, this could indicate curvature that could be scoliosis. It can be painful and often can affect an individual’s appearance once the measurement goes beyond 25 – 30 degrees. One shoulder is usually higher than the other, and clothing cannot fit properly. If the curve goes beyond 60 degrees, it can affect breathing and cardiac function.

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Idiopathic Causes Unknown

This condition can consist of various components, especially with more intense curves. The ribs can shift backward on the side where the curve bulges. Most cases consist of adolescent idiopathic (without a known cause) scoliosis. Because the cause is unknown, there are not a variety of effective treatment besides surgery. Physicians carefully keep an eye for:

Curves under 25 degrees.
Bracing between 25 and 45 degrees.
Consider surgery for intense curvature.

Curves in individuals typically appear between 12 and 20 years old.

Yoga Shown To Reverse Scoliosis

Individuals are recommended to do just one yoga pose daily. However, depending on the type and severity of the curves, it could be more than one. They are asked to perform the pose for 5 minutes or less, depending on the condition. A yoga therapist, chiropractor, and physical therapist can generate significant spinal improvement. This could mean that a curve of 30 degrees could be reduced to around 18 degrees in 10-12 months. Individuals that do the poses at least 4 times a week have shown 80-90% improvement. The pose can be done at work during breaks, etc.

The biggest advantage of this technique is that it is non-invasive; it can help individuals with developing curves, reversing the curvature early. Most curves do not reach the point of surgery. In late adolescence and teen years, the spine is still quite flexible. This can help accelerate the effectiveness of the yoga pose to straighten the spine. The technique reduces the curve from worsening. X-rays will show if the curvature has improved or not. Patients could be asked to do the pose/s twice or more daily depending on the direction the condition is taking.

Body Composition

Gluten Effects

Gluten causes digestive issues for individuals that have celiac disease or autoimmune thyroid disease. Individuals with these conditions could experience a variety of uncomfortable and/or painful effects. These symptoms can vary based on their presentation. They fall into classifications.

Classical Celiac Disease

With classical celiac disease, symptoms include:

Diarrhea
Discolored stools
Constipation
Abdominal bloating and pain
Weight loss

However, these symptoms are more common in children than adults. In adults, symptoms are more similar to non-classical celiac disease.

Non-Classical Celiac Disease

With non-classical celiac disease, severe digestive symptoms may not present as classic celiac disease symptoms but develop other symptoms. These include:

Abdominal distention
Pain
Iron deficiency anemia
Fatigue
Migraines
Weak bones
Depression

Silent Celiac Disease

Silent celiac disease is less visible. Individuals might not see any symptoms. However, damage to the intestines is still happening from gluten consumption.

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease or ATD. Autoimmune thyroid disease includes conditions like Hashimoto’s disease. This affects the thyroid gland and causes:

Extreme fatigue
Sensitivity to cold
Hair loss
Body aches
Joint aches
Negative health effects

Studies have shown that gluten-free helps alleviate symptoms.

References

Loren M. Fishman, M.D., B.Phil. (oxon). Healing Yoga. (New York: W.W. Norton, 2014).

Loren M. Fishman, M.D., B.Phil. (oxon). “Isometric Yoga-Like Maneuvers Improve Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis—A Nonrandomized Control Trial.” Global Advances in Health and Medicine. February 24, 2021. journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2164956120988259

Fishman LM, Groessl EJ, Sherman KJ, “Serial Case Reporting Yoga for Idiopathic and Degenerative Scoliosis.” Global Advances in Health and Medicine. September 1, 2014. journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.7453/gahmj.2013.064

Adult Scoliosis: Diagnosis, Measurements, and Chiropractic

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Man during the consultation with therapist in the office — Man during the medical consultation with senior therapist looking on the tomography print at the office

Scoliosis in adolescents and teens can be corrected with proper bracing, adjustments and lead a normal life. For adult scoliosis correcting the problem is more difficult. Fortunately, cases of adult scoliosis are rare. Scoliosis cases that follow from childhood into adulthood require a comprehensive diagnosis to determine severity. Thoracolumbar scoliosis adult-onset scoliosis requires an understanding of the catalysts to develop an effective treatment plan. Chiropractors use a full range of diagnostic tools to measure the severity of adult scoliosis.

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Diagnosis

Adult scoliosis is the presentation of abnormal curvature of the spine. It can happen in the thoracic, lumbar spine, or both. This can have varying degrees of severity. Severe adult scoliosis can be apparent through visual assessment and examination. Cases that are not as obvious require utilizing diagnostic tools. These include:

Imaging

X-rays will show any asymmetry that is associated with scoliosis. This asymmetry can be present in the hips or shoulder and is usually qualified by spinal misalignment.

Walking Gait Examination

Inspecting how worn out an individual’s shoe/s are and having them perform various walking tests can reveal problems with gait. In adults, this can present instability. For example, having problems with balance or fast-twitch muscle response.

Neuromotor Exams

These exams are general and first performed to get a baseline diagnosis for the presence of adult scoliosis. Tests look at the left and right coordination along with the sense of touch capabilities. This measures the severity of the improper spinal curvature and how much it has affected the development of an individual’s motor functions. It is also done in the context of how it’s affecting the body’s biomechanics. Following these exams are quantitative tools/techniques for measuring the severity of adult thoracolumbar scoliosis. These include:

Cobb Angle Measurement

This tool determines the maximum degree of spinal curvature variation and provides a context for severity.

King Classification Tool

This examines the vertebral alignment to determine the spinal variance in specific vertebrae from the neutral center position.

Lenke Classification Tool

This spinal exam relies on measurements of three positions and looks for flexibility.

Combined Approaches

When assessing adult scoliosis, this is important to understand and helps determine how to proceed with treatment. The body is no longer in development as an adolescent. This means bracing does not come with a one-size-fits-all approach. Chiropractic can help with the assessment modalities used to investigate adult scoliosis cases. These measurement and analyses tools are often used in combination to develop a complete picture of what is going on.

Body Composition

Fill Up With Prebiotics

Individuals can help their gut bacteria thrive in the digestive tract by consuming prebiotics. Prebiotics are a form of soluble fiber. The body cannot digest these prebiotics, but gut bacteria can. Recommended sources of fiber-rich prebiotics can be found in nutrient-dense foods like:

Leeks
Garlic
Onions
Fruits
Legumes
Raw chicory

A diet with various fiber types has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity and prevent weight gain. Resistant starches like plantains, green bananas, and cooled potatoes have increased beneficial bacteria in the colon. Barley, oats, and wheat bran are insoluble high-fiber grains that are also recommended sources.

References

Aebi, Max. “The adult scoliosis.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 14,10 (2005): 925-48. doi:10.1007/s00586-005-1053-9

Haenen, Daniëlle et al. “A diet high in resistant starch modulates microbiota composition, SCFA concentrations, and gene expression in pig intestine.” The Journal of nutrition vol. 143,3 (2013): 274-83. doi:10.3945/jn.112.169672

Lowe, Thomas et al. “The SRS classification for adult spinal deformity: building on the King/Moe and Lenke classification systems.” Spine vol. 31,19 Suppl (2006): S119-25. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000232709.48446.be

Bursitis Types

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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chiropractor stretching arm of handsome patient lying on massage table in hospital

Bursitis types: This is a condition that affects the bursae, which are the small, fluid-filled sacs that provide cushion for the:

Muscles
Tendons
Bones near joints

The bursae make it easier for tissues to slide over each other. The body has around one hundred and sixty bursae. However, only a few become clinically affected. These include the:

Wrist
Elbow
Shoulder
Hips
Knees
The base of the big toe and heel

The condition typically presents near joints constantly being used repetitively, like a job, sports, house/yard chores, etc. What happens is one or more of the bursae sacs become inflamed, resulting in pain.

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Causes

Inflamed or irritated bursae typically cause it from overuse or intense/vigorous activity.
It can also be caused by bacterial infection.
Arthritis and gout can also cause bursitis.
Another cause is age.
As tendons age, they can tear easily, lose their elasticity, and can’t take too much stress.

Intense physical activities can lead to bursitis. These include:

Gardening
Typing
Working with a computer mouse
Throwing
Golf
Tennis
Manual tasks
Carpentry

These types of activities can lead to incorrect posture, overuse, and injury/damage.

Symptoms

The main symptom is pain in and around the affected area that worsens with movement. Depending on the severity of the strain and the length of time it has been going on, the pain can be intense with active and passive movements. Other symptoms include:

Tenderness
Stiffness
For some individuals, it can present as acute, with the intensity increasing.
This happens when movement aggravates the condition.

Bursitis Types

Four major types include:

Prepatellar
Trochanteric
Olecranon
Retrocalcaneal

Prepatellar Bursitis

Prepatellar is an inflammation of the sac situated between the skin and the patella/kneecap. The most common causes are trauma from a fall and direct pressure/friction from repetitive kneeling. This is one of the bursitis types that can get infected. Overproduction of liquid places pressure on the other areas of the knee, causing swelling. Most individuals report swelling and knee pain just over the front of the knee.

Trochanteric Bursitis

This bursitis type goes over the lateral area of the hip. There is a distinctive tenderness and aching pain. This type is more common for individuals with arthritis conditions and fibromyalgia. This condition is also seen after surgery, mainly osteotomies. The bursa can become inflamed in case of injury or overuse. It tends to affect middle-aged or older folks. Common causes include:

Muscle tears
Hip injuries
Tight hip or leg muscles
Disc disease of the low back
Leg-length inequality
Improper walking technique from a minor injury or strain
Overuse of the gluteal muscles
Flat feet
Improper footwear

Olecranon Bursitis

Olecranon is a common bursitis type. It is diagnosed by the appearance of swelling over the elbow. The swelling happens just behind the olecranon process of the ulna. The bursa can become infected. This bursitis does cause blood to rupture out, and fluid could be present. Individuals are advised to avoid leaning or resting on the elbows.

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

This is characterized by pain in the Achilles tendon. Chronic inflammation of the bursa is brought on by friction, supination, and overpronation. The flexibility of the calf muscles can be significantly reduced. Severe pain and swelling of the posterior soft tissue in front of the Achilles tendon are common symptoms. This bursitis type is often accompanied by mid-portion insertional tendinosis.

Risk Of Getting Bursitis

Anybody at any age can develop bursitis, but older individuals, specifically those in their forties and beyond, are more susceptible. This comes from all the wear and tear of the muscles and bones.

Risk Factors

Overpronation of the foot
Leg length deviation
Osteoarthritis
Obesity
Tight hamstring muscles
Incorrect physical training
Not stretching properly

Body Composition

When Inflammation Becomes Permanent

When white blood cells cause inflammation, it’s signaling that the body’s immune system works properly. The process works like this:

Inflammation activates
White blood cells attack the foreign invader
The invader is neutralized
The inflammation deactivates

This is how the body’s defense system naturally works. But, white blood cells are not the only type of cell that emit cytokines. Adipocytes or fat cells are another type of cell that can emit cytokines and cause inflammation. Scientists have learned that fat is an active endocrine organ that secretes various proteins and chemicals, including inflammatory cytokines. The body stores excess calories as fat to be used later for energy. When the body keeps adding more adipose tissue, cytokines are released by the fat cells, triggering inflammation. Obesity is characterized as a state of low-grade, chronic inflammation. Increased fat cells place the body in a constant state of stress activating immune responses. This means the body is in a constant state of inflammation with the immune system switch permanently on.

References

Aaron, Daniel L et al. “Four common types of bursitis: diagnosis and management.” The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons vol. 19,6 (2011): 359-67. doi:10.5435/00124635-201106000-00006

Coelho, Marisa et al. “Biochemistry of adipose tissue: an endocrine organ.” Archives of medical science: AMS vol. 9,2 (2013): 191-200. doi:10.5114/aoms.2013.33181

Khodaee, Morteza. “Common Superficial Bursitis.” American family physician vol. 95,4 (2017): 224-231.

Spinal Surgery Options

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Female doctor showing an x-ray on the tablet — Female doctor showing to female senior patient an x-ray on the tablet

Surgery options when back pain is becoming chronic or so severe that an individual cannot function normally and negatively affects their life. Pretty much everyone experiences back pain at some point. This is often from:

Lifting heavy/non-heavy objects incorrectly
Improper posture
Twisting in an awkward way
Overreaching
Muscle spasms
Physical activity the body is not used to doing

Most cases of backaches and pain go away by themselves or with conservative treatment. But sometimes, surgery is necessary.

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When Surgery Is Necessary

Acute back pain can last for days or weeks and can often resolve with physical therapy, chiropractic, and self-care. Back pain that continues for 12 weeks or longer is considered chronic. Around twenty percent of individuals who experience acute low back pain after a year begin developing chronic back pain. Doctors try to treat most back pain cases with non-surgical approaches.

They usually begin with physical therapy/chiropractic.
If that doesn’t work, then medication is incorporated.
However, many individuals do not want to take long-term medication, which is when surgery may be recommended.
In most cases, surgery is a last resort.

When the pain radiates to the legs or if it is causing problems with bladder and/or bowel function, these are definite signs/symptoms that surgery is needed. If the pain/dysfunction continues after thorough and effective non-surgical treatment, surgery could be recommended to preserve the spine to improve spinal strength and function before the problem worsens, causing further injury and damage. Some of the most common and effective spine surgery options include.

Surgery Options

Microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy is the most common back surgery in the United States. It is minimally invasive spine surgery. Microdiscectomy patients have low back pain combined with leg pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. In between the vertebrae are the body’s shock-absorbing discs. The discs can begin to bulge out, a bulging or herniated disc, and press on the surrounding nerve roots, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. A microdiscectomy removes the portions of the disc pressing on the nerve.

It is called micro because the surgeon wears specialized glasses known as loupes that act as microscopes. This is so the surgeon can see the details when they’re operating. The surgery is performed through a small incision in the middle of the back or on the affected side. Patients can go home a few hours after the surgery and return to normal activities within two weeks. The success rate is 85 – 95%, especially if the surgery is done early before the damage begins to spread out.

Laminectomy

The spinal canal contains a special lining. This is where the nerves and ligaments run through. Age, along with normal wear and tear on the body, causes the ligaments to thicken. This is when bone spurs can develop from osteoarthritis, and the discs can begin to bulge or rupture/herniate. This clogs and impinges the space where the nerves should easily flow through. This narrowing is called spinal stenosis. A laminectomy opens up the space relieving the compression/pressure. The procedure requires removing part of the back of a vertebra called the lamina. This enlarges the spinal canal and relieves the pressure on the nerves. The procedure is done through a small incision in the middle of the back but can also be done through a minimal incision. Leg pain improves after surgery. A traditional incision full recovery takes 6 to 12 weeks. The success rate is around 85 percent.

Spinal Fusion

A spinal fusion joins/fuses two or more bones in the spine. This is done when an individual has severe compression of the nerves, severe instability, or spinal revision surgery. A fusion can help stabilize spinal fractures. Other reasons for a spinal fusion are spine deformity, cancer of the spine, and sometimes used for intractable pain. A fusion stabilizes the spine with screws and rods. The disc causing the compression is replaced with a fusion device and bone graft. The surgery is often performed in combination with a laminectomy. Recovery and returning to activities can take around 3-4 months after the procedure. The success rate is 85-90% with pain improvement.

Kyphoplasty

Spinal compression fractures are common in individuals with osteoporosis. When they happen, the pain can be so intense that braces and medication don’t help. Kyphoplasty can bring pain relief. It can be performed by a pain management doctor, interventional radiologist, or surgeon in an outpatient X-ray facility and operating room. The procedure involves conscious sedation, sometimes accompanied by general anesthesia. A small instrument is inserted into the vertebra, and a balloon is inflated to make room for bone cement. After the bone cement is injected, patients can go home within a few hours. The success rate is around 85%, and recovery time could be several days.

Disc Replacement

This is a procedure that can replace spinal fusion for certain cases. A disc replacement can be done in the lumbar/low back or the cervical/neck spine. This procedure is performed to treat a pinched nerve and/or spinal cord compression. The injured/damaged disc is removed and is replaced with an artificial disc. The device allows for motion, whereas fusion procedures fuse the bones to stabilize and immobilize the area. Disc replacement is recommended for younger patients that don’t have serious arthritis. This is because they still have mobility. If significant arthritis is present, the patient could experience more pain and require spinal fusion. Recovery takes around six weeks. Intense physical activity is off-limits for two or three weeks after the initial recovery period. The success rate is more than 90%.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion – ACDF

This is a common neck/cervical spine procedure. This surgery is for pain relief, weakness, tingling, and numbness of the arms caused by a pinched nerve or stenosis. The damaged disc is removed through a small incision in the side of the front of the neck. The disc is replaced with a bone graft or specialized spacer and a small plate with screws. This is to stabilize the spine. It is highly effective in relieving pain and in preventing neurological decline from spinal cord compression. Recovery time is around 12 weeks before a full return to normal activities. However, individuals report feeling better after two weeks.

Back Surgery Options

The majority of cases involving back pain get better on their own or with conservative treatment. But if an individual cannot find relief, there are safe and effective surgery options that can help.

Body Composition

When The Immune System Activates

When the body gets sick from a bacterial infection, virus, etc., the body’s defense system activates, causing inflammation. This immune response serves as the first wave of defense against foreign invaders. The infected area becomes red and swollen from increased blood flow. For example, when the nose gets red from a cold, this is inflammation. The reaction is caused by white blood cells known as macrophages, and the proteins they emit called cytokines encourage inflammation. Inflammation that’s triggered by the immune system is normally a good thing. It means the body is releasing a proper amount of hormones and proteins. These activate the white blood cells to start the healing process and work to fight the infection.

References

Low Back Pain Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet

A review of complication rates for Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion (ACDF). Surg Neurol Int. 2019. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31528438/

Rheumatology Advisor. (2017.) “Back Pain.” www.rheumatologyadvisor.com/home/decision-support-in-medicine/rheumatology/back-pain/

Healthy Pregnancy With Chiropractic Treatment

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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pregnant woman enduring pain and leaning on table

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life. A healthy pregnancy is the objective, and therefore, essential to maintain a healthy diet and stay physically active. However, it can be easy to forget about the strain that pregnancy places on the body and push through the aches and pain with everything going on. Specifically the spine and pelvis. During pregnancy, the body goes through various changes to accommodate the growing baby. When pregnant, a hormone known as relaxin is released. This relaxes the joints for labor and delivery. Sometimes the ligaments can become too loose that they become structurally unstable. This causes pain. Other factors that can lead to spine misalignment and pain:

25 – 30 lbs of added weight and pressure on the spine, pelvis, legs, feet.
Weakened abdominal muscles.
Lower back curvature becomes more prominent.

Pregnant women going through discomfort/pain can benefit from chiropractic pregnancy adjustments. These maintain spinal alignment while keeping the baby safe. Chiropractors are trained to treat pregnant women; however, there is additional certification to specialize in this area. A prenatal chiropractor also provides information on:

Preparing the body for labor and birth
Maintaining healthy posture
Ensure the body is properly aligned throughout the pregnancy.
Diet
Health coaching
Postpartum care

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Chiropractic Benefits For A Healthy Pregnancy

The obvious benefits include back pain relief, quality of life improvement, and reducing the need for pain medications. Other benefits include:

Alleviates sciatic nerve pain
Helps to control urinary incontinence
Reduces pregnancy-related nausea
Aligns the pelvis for optimal delivery
Reduces labor and delivery time

There is little risk associated with prenatal chiropractic care. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women with health complications like vaginal bleeding or ectopic pregnancy.

Repositioning

If the baby does not have enough room or is going into a breeched position, a chiropractor will work on the ligaments and muscles in the pelvic region to decrease any intrauterine restrictions. Getting the pelvis aligned will allow for an optimal delivery position. This will help move the head down and give the baby more space. If there is a breech position, it is recommended to see a chiropractor once a week during the eighth and ninth months.

When to Start

After receiving approval from the obstetrician, a woman can see a chiropractor at any stage during pregnancy. Many women start chiropractic in the first trimester. This develops a relationship early and benefits the woman as her body changes throughout the pregnancy.

How Often

Most patients visit a chiropractor once a month during the first trimester. Then they increase the sessions as the pregnancy progresses. Every woman’s pregnancy is different, requiring a personalized/customized treatment plan. The chiropractor will best advise on the frequency of treatment.

Pregnancy Technique

A chiropractor’s job is to manipulate the woman’s spine, joints, and muscles into alignment.

The adjustments utilize gentle pressure. The techniques are adjusted accordingly. Depending on how far along the woman is, as well as musculoskeletal health. For example, they could emphasize focus on the pelvis to reduce stress on the uterus and ligaments for a few sessions. Then shift back to the spine. They will not exert excessive pressure on the abdomen and possibly incorporate specialized equipment specifically for pregnant women.

Sciatica

Symptoms of sciatica are common during pregnancy, typically in the later months. This comes from the added pressure on the sciatic nerve. It can be sharp, burning pain from the hip to the foot. This makes walking, sitting, and sleeping uncomfortable to unbearable. Some women are fortunate enough to experience relief if the baby moves off the sciatic nerve. However, most will need some form of treatment to manage and heal the symptoms. This usually includes:

Series of adjustments
Hot and cold therapies
Stretches

Chiropractic can continue to help after giving birth, providing post-natal care helping the body return to its pre-pregnancy state healthily and optimally.

Body Composition

Diet, Nutrition During Pregnancy

From a nutritional perspective, a high GI diet during pregnancy increases the chances of excessive weight gain and overweight babies. Intake of low-glycemic carbs is associated with weight gain in the normal range. If planning to get pregnant or are pregnant, pay attention to the quality of carb intake for a healthy pregnancy. Health care providers recommend avoiding extreme diets for the first four to six weeks after delivery. This gives the body time to recover and helps to establish a consistent milk supply, as rapid weight loss could interfere with breastfeeding. Before going on a diet or starting an exercise program, check with a healthcare provider to rule out any medical conditions.

References

30 of the Most Surprising (And Alarming) Back Pain Statistics. The Good Body. www.thegoodbody.com/back-pain-statistics/. Last updated May 30, 2017. Accessed September 22, 2017.

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

Gostine M. Is Lower Back Pain Normal During Pregnancy? BabyQ. www.babyq.com/lens/lifestyle/is-lower-back-pain-normal-during-pregnancy/. Published February 4, 2017. Accessed September 22, 2017.

Sabino J, Grauer JN. Pregnancy and low back pain. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2008; 1(2): 137–141. Published online February 26, 2008. doi: 10.1007/s12178-008-9021-8.

Drinking Tea For Inflammation and Back Pain

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Individuals and doctors have praised the anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving properties of drinking tea. Inflammation is the body’s natural immune response when injury and infection present. This is good. However, it’s meant to be a temporary response that deactivates when there is no longer any danger. When the body is exposed to various irritants like industrial chemicals, inflammatory foods like sugar, refined carbohydrates, and autoimmune disorders can cause the immune system to go into overdrive. Chronic inflammation can develop, circulating powerful hormones and chemicals through the body, causing damage to the cells. One consequence of chronic inflammation is back pain. Besides standard backaches, some chronic conditions are directly tied to inflammation. These include forms of arthritis:

Ankylosing spondylitis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Transverse myelitis
Multiple sclerosis
These conditions involve inflammation of the central nervous system.
Drinking tea can help with back pain and pain in general.

Table of Contents

Teas With Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Certain teas contain anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds are called polyphenols and work to decrease the chemicals in the body responsible for pain and inflammation. There are varieties of teas that contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Certain Teas Reduce Inflammation

Drinking specific teas with more polyphenols can better decrease inflammation. For example, green tea is higher in polyphenols than black tea. Recent studies centered on individuals with rheumatoid arthritis over six months found significant improvement in symptoms in those who drank green tea. Green tea works best when part of an anti-inflammatory and nutritional lifestyle adjustment. This supports combating inflammation. Other teas that are believed to reduce inflammation include:

Turmeric
Holy basil
Ginger

Three Cups a Day

The amount of tea depends on the quality of the tea and how it is prepared. Doctors recommend around three cups a day for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. However, these could contain caffeine. If this is an issue, there are decaffeinated versions with the same anti-inflammatory properties.

Drinking Tea Works Best When Combined with Other Treatments

If experiencing back pain or looking to combat a specific condition, it’s recommended to utilize various treatment approaches combined with drinking tea. This includes:

Chiropractic care
Physical therapy
Acupuncture
Mindfulness meditation
Yoga
Dietary supplements
Anti-inflammatory diet

Tea Is Not For All Types Of Pain

Certain back conditions benefit from drinking tea regularly; however, spine structural issues or fractures will not benefit from tea’s mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is vital for individuals with back pain that a spine specialist or chiropractor perform a proper and thorough examination, especially for Individuals that take medication that could directly interact with anti-inflammatory teas.

Drinking Tea for Back Pain

For most individuals, drinking tea is safe to help treat back pain conditions and added health benefits. For example, studies have found that green tea has mild anti-cancer, anti-diabetic properties and can help in maintaining a healthy weight. If tea helps reduce pain, it’s worth trying. Remember, pain is the body’s way to alert the individual that something is wrong.

Body Composition

Alcohol and Heart Health

According to the Mayo Clinic, consuming more than three alcoholic drinks in one sitting causes a temporary blood pressure elevation. Foods often served with alcohol are usually high in salt, which can also raise blood pressure. A few alcoholic beverages on a night out is fine, but heavy or binge drinking can lead to short-term spikes in blood pressure that could cause cardiac health problems. These are the short-term effects of alcohol on blood pressure. Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to long term health risks like:

Hypertension
Heart disease
Digestive issues
Liver disease
Stroke

It’s recommended that individuals incorporate regular exercise/physical activity and healthy diet changes and watch alcohol intake to improve heart health.

References

The Clinical Journal of Pain. (October 2019) “Nonspecific Low Back Pain:

Inflammatory Profiles of Patients With Acute and Chronic Pain” journals.lww.com/clinicalpain/fulltext/2019/10000/nonspecific_low_back_pain__inflammatory_profiles.2.aspx

Certain Teas Bring Down Inflammation More Than Others: Journal of Physical Therapy Science. (October 2016) “Green tea and exercise interventions as nondrug remedies in geriatric patients with rheumatoid arthritis” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5088134/

The Bottom Line: Proceeding of the Japan Academy, Series B Physical and Biological Sciences. (March 2012) “Health-promoting effects of green tea” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3365247/

Losing Weight To Alleviate Back Pain

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Fitness class training on rowing machine — Group of people exercising in gym using rowing machine together. Side view of sportswoman doing exercise on rowing machine in crossfit center. Muscular girl and sporty men workout on training simulator at cross fit gym.

Losing weight can be one of the hardest things to do. It is also one of the best things anyone can do to get rid of back pain and optimize overall health. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight impacts the whole body, especially the spine. It is prevalent for individuals who are overweight to experience back pain. This comes from the added weight that the feet, legs, pelvis, and spine have to support. For many, once the weight comes off, the back pain reduces significantly and/or disappears completely. For those embarking on a weight loss journey, our:

Chiropractic team
Physical therapists
Health coach
Nutritionist
Can provide resources to plan, encourage, and assist in reaching health goals.

Table of Contents

Overweight, Obesity and Back Pain

Spine pain is one of the top reasons individuals see a doctor. The need to lose weight is based on body mass index/BMI. BMI can be an indicator that an individual’s weight might not be in a healthy range. BMI ranges:

Normal weight – Body Mass Index of less than 25
Overweight – Body Mass Index of 25 to 30
Obese – Body Mass Index of 31 to 35
Extremely obese – Body Mass Index of 36 or higher

If unsure about how to get an accurate BMI measurement, talk to our team about InBody Testing.

Added Weight Places Pressure On the Spine

Added bodyweight places added strain on the low back. Studies have linked obesity with degenerative disc problems. Combined with the physical impact the added weight has on the spine and overall health, it can also affect spine surgery outcomes. Studies have shown that some overweight/obese individuals have an increased risk for surgery-related complications like:

Infection
Issues recovering from anesthesia
Overall recovery struggles

The good news is that individuals do not have to lose a significant amount of weight to see and feel the benefits. Losing 15% of excess weight will improve chronic back pain.

Exercise

Successful weight loss is the ability to maintain the loss. It needs to be something that can be committed to and brought into an individual’s lifestyle. Trying to go hard with an extreme diet or intense exercise program is not recommended. This is like not having any long-distance running knowledge along with training but entering a 12345K race. An individual will collapse after a few blocks. And sustained weight loss is just that, a long-distance journey that requires:

Getting educated about what is going on with the body
Understanding how foods affect/impact the body
Understanding the body’s unique needs to lose weight
Developing a personal health goal plan
Following through

Lifestyle factors contribute to healthy body weight. Being able to embed healthy habits into one’s life is the objective. Although it can sound easy to do, it can be a challenging process. With professional help, individuals can:

Maintain a nutritious and balanced diet
Have an active lifestyle
Maintain healthy sleep habits
Keep stress under control

Discussing a weight loss plan is very important. A professional health coach, nutritionist, and chiropractor will develop the right program that considers an individual’s specific health status.

Overall Health

Achieving a healthy weight will reduce to relieve back pain completely and significantly improve quality of life. Weight management is challenging, but once the benefits are seen and felt, it becomes second nature.

Body Composition

Healthy Kidneys

The kidneys pump more than 400 gallons of recycled blood through the body every day. These organs work nonstop to filter blood and remove waste. If the kidneys become impaired, the body can become overloaded with waste. Unhealthy lifestyle choices can harm/damage the kidneys. Kidney disease progresses slowly over the years. Individuals can lose 90 percent of kidney function before symptoms become serious. Chronic kidney disease is not reversible. However, with lifestyle adjustments, an individual can lower their risk of developing kidney-related diseases.

Proper Hydration

Drink plenty of water to clear sodium, urea, and toxins from the body and prevents kidney stones. Try to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Every individual’s body water levels are different. A body composition test can determine what is normal for the individual.

Maintain healthy diet

Poor diet contributes to visceral fat gain. This has been linked to chronic kidney disease. Reduce visceral fat by eating a healthy diet of vegetables, fruit, and lean protein. Cut down on salty, processed foods. Body composition testing can help form an individualized diet plan to reduce visceral fat.

Supplements, antibiotics, and OTC medications

Overuse of common over-the-counter medications and supplements can cause kidney damage and disease. Consult with a doctor before taking medications and supplements if there is kidney function impairment.

Maintain fitness and physical activity

Cardio and strength training exercises are recommended. High blood sugar levels stress the kidneys. Building adequate muscle mass will help control blood sugar. A body composition test can make sure there are adequate amounts of muscle mass.

References

Liuke M, Solovieva S, Lamminen A, Luoma K, et al. Disc degeneration of the lumbar spine in relation to overweight. Int J Obes (Lond). 2005;29(8):903-908.

Ogden CL, Carroll MD, Fryar CD, Flegal KM. Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: the United States, 2011–2014. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Center for Health Statistics.www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db219.htm. Page last updated: October 28, 2015. Accessed July 10, 2017

Samartzis D, Karppinen J, Chan D, Luk KD, et al. The association of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging with body mass index in overweight and obese adults: A population-based study. Arthritis & Rheumatology. 2012;64(5):1488-1496.

Playing Tennis With Back Pain

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Feeling pain because of trauma. Senior modern stylish man outdoors on the sportive field at daytime.

Tennis is a sport that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and provides optimal physical activity and cardiovascular exercise. Although it can be leisurely, it does require being light on the feet with quick, starting, stopping, turning, and twisting movements for those new to playing tennis. If back pain is present, playing can be difficult. One study showed almost 40% of tennis players missed one or more tournaments because of low back pain/problems. A 2016 study found that tennis players with low back pain have difficulty moving their muscles with ease.

Table of Contents

Know and Understand the Risks

Playing tennis has its risks when it comes to back pain. What can bring on or worsen back pain are the repetitive motions, like swinging, serving, volleying, and the uneven force placed on the body. This force is the power and momentum that is used for certain swings like serving and forehands. What happens is it does not evenly distribute through the body, increasing the potential to cause strains and sprains. For example, the serving motion repeatedly puts a hyperextension force through the spine. The result is overuse injuries.

Preparation

No one wants to injure their back for those new to tennis and those who have been playing for years. This is where off-court conditioning comes in and preventive measures. This includes:

Work on endurance and stamina
Strengthen the core muscles without aggravating the back
Ease into playing
Don’t play for too long when starting or multiple days in a row
Gradually increase the frequency and intensity
Focus on the fundamental skills rather than trying to blast the ball like the pros.
Trying to smash the ball too soon can result in a rotator cuff injury.

Stay Aware of Your Body

Playing tennis can cause an individual to become distracted; however, it’s crucial to be mindful of the body and what’s going on.

Pay attention to the heat.
Humidity
Proper rest between games
Hydration to prevent muscle cramping
Stretching before and after playing
Warming up and cooling down
Take a break and stretch out if pain symptoms present.
Never play through the pain that could result in worsening or creating new injuries.
Pay attention to proper form.
Apply modifications to prevent and avoid worsened back pain. This could be serving more simply or hitting around a stroke that generates pain symptoms.

Cooling Down

After a match, rehydrate the body and cool down. This could be a little walking around the court, if possible getting in a pool or water splash park, and let the musculoskeletal system recover. Do some spinal exercises afterward, like yoga poses. Applying anti-inflammatory creams or gels can help keep the muscles loose and promote circulation. Anti-inflammatory foods can help with pain and inflammation.

Spinal Conditions

There are individuals with spinal conditions that should not play tennis. These include:

Acute disc herniation
Active bone injury/s – fractures and stress fractures
Spinal instability – spondylolisthesis
Post-spine surgery
A spinal condition involving nerves and/or the spinal cord

Consult a doctor before adding tennis to a physical regimen. Tennis is an aerobic activity that has several benefits. It keeps the body physically active for mental and physical wellness. The hormones released can help mitigate musculoskeletal pain and negative emotions like depression and anxiety that can come from experiencing back pain.

Body Composition

Magnesium

Magnesium supports a healthy immune system. It helps maintain:

Healthy bone structure
Muscle function
Insulin levels
Facilitates the body with energy
Acts as a calcium blocker
Reduces cramping
Aids muscle relaxation after exercise/physical activity

Magnesium is essential in several biochemical reactions; a slight deficiency can increase cardiovascular disease risk. Deficiency can also lead to an increased risk of insulin resistance. Magnesium-rich foods are also high fiber foods. Dietary fiber helps with:

Digestion
Helps control weight
Reduces cholesterol
Stabilizes blood sugar

Recommended sources of Magnesium include:

Green vegetables – spinach, swiss chard, and turnip greens
Nuts – almonds and cashews
Seeds
Legumes
Cocoa

References

Clinics in Sports Medicine. (April 1988) “Low back pain in the competitive tennis player.” europepmc.org/article/med/2968850

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. (April 2016) “Trunk muscle activation, fatigue and low back pain in tennis players” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1440244015000845

Jahnen-Dechent, Wilhelm, and Markus Ketteler. “Magnesium basics.” Clinical kidney journal vol. 5,Suppl 1 (2012): i3-i14. doi:10.1093/ndtplus/sfr163

Katz, David L et al. “Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease.” Antioxidants & redox signaling vol. 15,10 (2011): 2779-811. doi:10.1089/ars.2010.3697

Wang, Jinsong, et al. “Dietary magnesium intake improves insulin resistance among non-diabetic individuals with metabolic syndrome participating in a dietary trial.” Nutrients vol. 5,10 3910-9. 27 Sep. 2013, doi:10.3390/nu5103910

Chiropractic Wrist and Hand Adjustments

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Woman receiving hand therapy exercises from physiotherapist in clinic

The hands are used for all kinds of tasks/chores day and night. Using the hands requires the wrists. When wrist pain presents, it can make life unbearable, causing individuals to make all kinds of awkward and unhealthy habits that can worsen and cause further injury. Chiropractic wrist and hand adjustments are recommended for this type of injury. A majority of wrist injuries are the result of micro-stress/repetitive tearing use. Repetitive stress injuries often require a multifaceted treatment approach. This is why chiropractic is so effective, in that it treats the symptoms and the causes to get back to work, school, and normal life quickly.

Table of Contents

Wrist Tendonitis

Wrist tendonitis happens when a tendon becomes inflamed. This is common among athletes, store workers, clerks, warehouse workers, hair stylists/barbers, etc. Individuals that are constantly using their hands, wrists, and arms have an increased risk of developing tendonitis. And without proper treatment and rest, the inflammation continues and worsens. Chiropractic wrist adjustments for wrist tendonitis include:

Diagnosis and assessment.
Swelling and pain are alleviated using ice, bracing, ultrasound, laser therapy, and other inflammation-reducing techniques.
Once the inflammation has been brought down, massage therapy is incorporated to keep the tendons loose and relaxed.
Physical therapy and manual manipulation will restore mobility and flexibility to the wrist.
When the pain is completely reduced and mobility is restored, chiropractic wrist adjustments will break down the scar tissue to prevent future injury.
The chiropractor will recommend ergonomic tips and exercises to prevent flare-ups.

Wrist Crepitus

Another common issue that can be painful is crepitus, which is a popping, clicking, and/or cracking in the wrist when moving the hand. Different causes depend on the type the popping/clicking/cracking. If it occurs without pain, more than likely, it is the gases escaping from the wrist joint. This is normal and is not something to worry about. However, a chiropractor can help if it becomes burdensome. Another cause is when a tendon extends or contracts over the bone with certain types of movements. This type of popping often results in pain and should be addressed by a professional to prevent further damage. Both issues are commonly treated with wrist adjustments.

Dislocated Wrist

A dislocated wrist needs immediate medical care from the emergency room. The wrist needs to be reset and given time to recover/heal before a chiropractor can work on it to repair any issues that the dislocation caused. There are benefits from chiropractic after a serious wrist injury that includes:

Pain relief
Function restored
Mobility restoration
Proper wrist alignment
Scar tissue removal
Strength training
Aching, popping, and cracking relief

Chiropractic Wrist Adjustment

Wrist adjustments depend on the injury/condition that the individual is going through. A chiropractor uses different approaches and techniques that return the joints to the proper alignment. Wrist adjustments are usually done by hand and are gentle. This is because the bones and tendons do not need major force to correct. Chiropractors focus on the wrist the same way they focus on the whole body.

They relieve pain and swelling first.
They determine what caused the injury.
Then focus on strengthening the joint.
Develop a prevention regimen to keep it from recurring.

Body Composition

Complete Body Measurement

Getting body composition tested will help progress to optimal health by the results, not the weight scale. Determining progress with metrics like this and lean body mass equips individuals with the knowledge needed to get the results faster and smarter. The quickest and easiest way to determine body composition is to use the InBody. This means focusing on body fat percentage instead of weight. The devices being used today are extremely accurate at giving reliable body fat percentage results. Get a complete readout of your body that includes:

Muscle mass
Fat mass
Body water
Body fat percentage

Getting as much information as possible using optimal tests will help with goal planning and achieving optimal health.

References

Hulbert, James R et al. “Chiropractic treatment of hand and wrist pain in older people: systematic protocol development Part 2: cohort natural-history treatment trial.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 6,1 (2007): 32-41. doi:10.1016/j.jcme.2007.02.011

Prasad, Ganesh, and Mustafa J Bhalli. “Assessing wrist pain: a simple guide.” British journal of hospital medicine (London, England: 2005) vol. 81,5 (2020): 1-7. doi:10.12968/hmed.2019.0051

Sadowski, M, and D Della Santa. “Les syndromes douloureux du poignet” [Wrist pain]. Revue medicale suisse vol. 2,92 (2006): 2919-23.

www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161475408002947

Bulging, Herniated Discs and Digestive Problems

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Close up of young woman suffering pain in side — Young sportswoman leaning on the building while having pause during running

There are different possible causes of abdominal pain and digestive problems. Sometimes a bulging disc is the cause. A bulging disc that is causing abdominal pain is rare but possible. When this happens, it’s usually a herniated disc in the upper back, known as the thoracic spine. When the disc bulges to the side, it can cause abdominal pain. One study found that half of the patients presenting with herniated discs also suffered from digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome.

Table of Contents

Thoracic Disc Herniation

The thoracic spine is the region between the base of the neck and the low back. This section is surrounded and stabilized by the ribcage, reducing the risk of disc herniation. Most herniated disc/s occur in the low back or the neck because those areas with a lot of movement are less stable than the thoracic spine. But they do happen and can contribute and/or cause abdominal pain. This is usually accompanied by pain in the mid-back and the chest. Because this is rare, physicians don’t immediately think that a herniation is causing abdominal pain. This can lead to unnecessary and expensive tests to find the problem.

Lateral Disc Herniation

This is not the most common type of disc herniation. The type of herniation that causes pain in the abdomen is known as lateral disc herniation. This is when the disc bulges laterally/sideways. What happens is it can compress and irritate the nerve root. This is what can cause pain in the abdomen. Types of disc herniations include:

Causes

Most thoracic herniations are caused by trauma to the upper back. This can come from a:

Fall
Auto accident
Sports injury
They can also be caused by degenerative disc disease. If this happens, the discs can become calcified, which could require surgery.

Movements like reaching up to get something or twisting motions like putting on a seatbelt can cause the pain to worsen. Most thoracic herniations happen in young individuals brought on by trauma to the area. Women tend to be affected more by thoracic disc herniation that causes abdominal pain.

Herniated Disc and Bloating

Bloating often comes with digestive problems. A herniated discs can also cause bloating along with abdominal and back pain. However, they are not always related because bloating, and other digestive issues can cause back and abdominal pain. Bloating and pain typically go away after a bowel movement. But it is important to see a medical professional if the problem lasts more than a few days.

Gas and a Herniated Disc

In certain cases, a herniated disc can cause gas. This is rare, but evidence suggests that nerve compression in the spine can affect the digestive system. If back pain, abdominal pain, and digestive issues are presenting, seeking out treatment is recommended.

Treatment

Chiropractors specialize in spinal care. The approach is to balance the entire body and heal the underlying issues. The nervous system travels through the spinal column. If injured or damaged, it can cause all kinds of issues. This includes abdominal pain and digestive problems. A chiropractor will:

Bring pain relief
Realign the spine
Balance the body
Recommend exercises and stretches
Offer nutritional recommendations
Recommend sleeping positions to prevent pain at night

They are different techniques to treat disc herniations. These include:

Full-body diagnosis
Detailed medical history
MRI, CT, or X-Rays
Laser therapy
Ultrasound
Ice and heat
Electrical stimulation
Massage
Physical therapy

Body Composition

Binge Eating

A common and powerful trigger of binge eating is restrictive dieting. This type of diet is a common weight-loss method for short-term goals. This is because a highly controlled program of calorie intake makes it easier to prevent overeating. The problem is that this type of restriction is not sustainable. Most individuals can avoid certain foods for only so long. However, this is not the only reason for binge eating. Many individuals use food as an emotional suppressor. They overeat during:

Levels of high stress
Boredom
Bouts of sadness
Exhaustion/excessively tired

The brain and body are conditioned to crave certain and usually addictive foods. When individuals want to get their minds off of something, cravings can activate and become overpowering. Although it is not an addiction to alcohol or drugs, food addiction is still an addiction. Working through addictive behavior toward any substance will improve the quality of life. Overcoming food addiction promotes physical health benefits and improved mental health. Recognizing addictive behaviors when it comes to food is the first step.

References

Al-Khawaja, Darweesh O et al. “Surgical treatment of far lateral lumbar disc herniation: a safe and simple approach.” Journal of spine surgery (Hong Kong) vol. 2,1 (2016): 21-4. doi:10.21037/jss.2016.01.05

Lara, F J Pérez et al. “Thoracic disk herniation, a not infrequent cause of chronic abdominal pain.” International surgery vol. 97,1 (2012): 27-33. doi:10.9738/CC98.1

Papadakos, Nikolaos et al. “Thoracic disc prolapse presenting with abdominal pain: case report and review of the literature.” Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England vol. 91,5 (2009): W4-6. doi:10.1308/147870809X401038

Polivy, J et al. “Food restriction and binge eating: a study of former prisoners of war.” Journal of abnormal psychology vol. 103,2 (1994): 409-11. doi:10.1037//0021-843x.103.2.409

Alcohol And Back Pain

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Woman with cart in alcohol drinks department — Woman with cart in supermarket, alcohol drinks department, family shopping. Female customer choosing alcoholic beverages in shop, buyers in market

Studies have found that individuals who consume alcohol in moderation have lower inflammation markers than individuals who do not drink alcohol or heavy drinkers. Other studies have found that alcohol abuse can be associated with chronic back pain. Chronic back pain can lead to alcohol dependency; however, regular alcohol over-consumption can contribute to back pain. The role of alcohol when it comes to back pain is a complicated situation because of the variables. There are social drinkers, weekend bingers, etc. Most individuals want answers to questions like:

Will consuming alcohol cause back pain?
Can alcohol affect sciatica?
Why does it hurt in the back after drinking?

Table of Contents

Alcohol and Back Pain

Alcohol’s role in back pain can take on different forms, both healthy and harmful, as aforementioned individuals that consume light to moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages have reduced inflammation throughout the body compared to heavy drinkers or those who don’t drink. Another consideration is that many individuals with back pain take medication/s. This can present a series of issues when mixed with alcohol. Most individuals with back pain can drink in moderation. But this is easier said than done because many do not understand the medical definition of moderate drinking.

Moderate Drinking

Moderate drinking is defined as up to one drink a day for women and up to 2 drinks a day for men. A standard drink in the United States is a drink that contains around 0.6 fluid ounces/14 grams of pure alcohol. Alcoholic beverages can vary in terms of how much alcohol they contain. A few examples of different alcoholic beverages that contain the same amount of alcohol and count as one drink:

12-fluid-ounce regular beer contains 5% alcohol
A 5-fluid-ounce glass of wine contains 12% alcohol
A 1.5-fluid-ounce glass of 80-proof distilled spirits contains 40% alcohol

Medical professionals and national health advisory boards agree in general that moderate drinking is the healthy way to consume alcohol. However, some individuals should avoid alcohol completely, specifically if taking pain medication/s for spine problems/conditions.

Medication

Medications, even over-the-counter types like ibuprofen, can cause serious issues when combined with alcohol. Some common back pain medications can create unfavorable reactions when alcohol enters the system:

Alcohol and acetaminophen can lead to liver failure.
Alcohol mixed with aspirin increases gastric bleeding risk.
Alcohol increases the analgesic and sedative effects of opiates.

For those taking medication/s for back pain, there needs to be an understanding of how alcohol interacts with the medication/s. Keeping track of the drug warnings can be challenging, especially if taking multiple medications. It is recommended to follow the expertise of local pharmacists and personal doctors. They will provide an explanation and an understanding of how the medications work together and if alcohol can be safely consumed in moderation or should be avoided.

Drinking The Pain Away

One benefit of moderate drinking is that it can help the body relax and reduce stress. This can help manage and prevent back pain. However, it is estimated that around 28% of individuals with chronic pain begin to turn to alcohol to manage the pain. This can lead to various problems.

Alcohol’s pain-numbing effects activate when drinking beyond the recommended moderate drinking. This can lead to excessive alcohol consumption.
The more alcohol consumed to relieve pain, the more likely a tolerance will develop that can lead to dependence.

However, chronic drinking to dull back pain can cause the body to develop increased sensitivity to pain. If there is withdrawal from alcohol after months or years of use, an individual may feel pain to a greater degree than before. Because of this, many go back to drinking for pain management. Excessive use can cause significant health issues.

Spinal Health

Having an honest conversation about drinking individual habits with a personal doctor is the recommended way to protect your body’s overall health safely. A doctor will help explain how alcohol relates to the individual, as they best understand how alcohol affects their specific spinal condition and how it interacts with treatment.

Compositional Testing

Alcohol Consumption and Body Composition

Alcohol can be included as part of a healthy diet and achieve the body that an individual is working towards. When drinking, try to remember the following:

The metabolism of alcohol does affect fat metabolism.
Try to avoid consuming excessive calories to prevent fat storage.
If drinking regularly, take alcohol into account, with the usual caloric intake.
If trying to maximize time spent in the gym, limit sugary mixers and cocktails.
When choosing beer, stick to lighter versions.
Keep calories in check by choosing low-calorie spirits.
Be sure to eat plenty of lean protein to feel full and satisfied.
Stay hydrated
Get to sleep on time.
Drink responsibly.
Excessive levels of alcohol are never healthy.

References

Ferreira PH, Pinheiro MB, Machado GC, Ferreira ML. Is alcohol intake associated with low back pain? A systematic review of observational studies. Man Ther. 2013;18(3):183-90. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2012.10.007.

Imhof A, Woodward M, Doering N, et al. Overall alcohol intake, beer, wine, and systemic markers of inflammation in western Europe: results from three MONICA samples (Augsburg, Glasgow, Lille). Eur Heart J. December 2004;25(23):2092-2100.

Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol and Your Health. National Institutes of Health: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/. Accessed March 30, 2018.

Clinical implementation of FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION| El Paso, Tx (2021)

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Clinical implementation of FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION| El Paso, Tx (2021)

Welcome to the last part of our newest functional Medicine presentation brought to you by Dr. Alex Jimenez, in this episode we will talk about developing skills in working up a patient using the functional medicine paradigm. Also you will be able to integrate concepts from the functional medicine matrix model that help in the recognition of clinical patterns and last you will determine which functional nutrition dietary intervention would be most appropriate for your patient. –

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

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

Join our webinars!
el-paso-tx-functional-medicine.eventbritestudio.com

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed

Online Appointments or Consultations: bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment

Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History

If you are someone who truly cares about their health we recommend you look at the care plans we offer on our site:

www.functionalmedicine.expert/

Please Subscribe: bit.ly/drjyt

Facebook Clinical Page: www.facebook.com/dralexjimenez/
Facebook Sports Page: www.facebook.com/pushasrx/
Facebook Injuries Page: www.facebook.com/elpasochiropractor/
Facebook Neuropathy Page: www.facebook.com/ElPasoNeuropathyCenter/
Facebook Fitness Center Page: www.facebook.com/justplayfitness

Yelp: El Paso Rehabilitation Center: goo.gl/pwY2n2
Yelp: El Paso Clinical Center: Treatment: goo.gl/r2QPuZ

Clinical Testimonies: www.dralexjimenez.com/category/testimonies/

Information:
Clinical Site: www.dralexjimenez.com
Injury Site: personalinjurydoctorgroup.com
Sports Injury Site: chiropracticscientist.com
Back Injury Site: www.elpasobackclinic.com
Rehabilitation Center: www.pushasrx.com
Functional Medicine: wellnessdoctorrx.com
–

Twitter: twitter.com/dralexjimenez
Twitter: twitter.com/crossfitdoctor

Disclaimer:
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our presentations share knowledge and information from research, experience, and the collaborative functional medicine community. The information and scope are limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. Our discussions include Integrative Doctors, Functional Medicine Experts, Nutritionists, Health Coaches, Chiropractors, Physical Medicine Doctors, Therapists, Exercise Performance Specialists, Physicians, and others. Each specialist practices within their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care plans for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our discussions, videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters and issues that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our collaborative clinical scope of practice. We make a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and identify the relevant research studies supporting our presentations. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover issues that may require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subjects matters presented, please feel free to contact Dr. Alex Jimenez.

FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION & its clinical implementation | El Paso, Tx (2021)

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

*FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION* & its clinical implementation | El Paso, Tx (2021)

Welcome to our newest functional Medicine presentation brought to you by Dr. Alex Jimenez, in this episode we will talk about developing skills in working up a patient using the functional medicine paradigm. Also you will be able to integrate concepts from the functional medicine matrix model that help in the recognition of clinical patterns and last you will determine which functional nutrition dietary intervention would be most appropriate for your patient. –

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

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

Join our webinars!
el-paso-tx-functional-medicine.eventbritestudio.com

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed

Online Appointments or Consultations: bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment

Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History

If you are someone who truly cares about their health we recommend you look at the care plans we offer on our site:

www.functionalmedicine.expert/

Please Subscribe: bit.ly/drjyt

Facebook Clinical Page: www.facebook.com/dralexjimenez/
Facebook Sports Page: www.facebook.com/pushasrx/
Facebook Injuries Page: www.facebook.com/elpasochiropractor/
Facebook Neuropathy Page: www.facebook.com/ElPasoNeuropathyCenter/
Facebook Fitness Center Page: www.facebook.com/justplayfitness

Yelp: El Paso Rehabilitation Center: goo.gl/pwY2n2
Yelp: El Paso Clinical Center: Treatment: goo.gl/r2QPuZ

Clinical Testimonies: www.dralexjimenez.com/category/testimonies/

Information:
Clinical Site: www.dralexjimenez.com
Injury Site: personalinjurydoctorgroup.com
Sports Injury Site: chiropracticscientist.com
Back Injury Site: www.elpasobackclinic.com
Rehabilitation Center: www.pushasrx.com
Functional Medicine: wellnessdoctorrx.com
–

Twitter: twitter.com/dralexjimenez
Twitter: twitter.com/crossfitdoctor

Disclaimer:
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our presentations share knowledge and information from research, experience, and the collaborative functional medicine community. The information and scope are limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. Our discussions include Integrative Doctors, Functional Medicine Experts, Nutritionists, Health Coaches, Chiropractors, Physical Medicine Doctors, Therapists, Exercise Performance Specialists, Physicians, and others. Each specialist practices within their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care plans for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our discussions, videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters and issues that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our collaborative clinical scope of practice. We make a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and identify the relevant research studies supporting our presentations. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover issues that may require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subjects matters presented, please feel free to contact Dr. Alex Jimenez.

Clinical Implementation of FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION | El Paso, Tx (2021)

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Welcome to our newest functional Medicine presentation brought to you by Dr. Alex Jimenez, in this episode we will talk about developing skills in working up a patient using the functional medicine paradigm. Also you will be able to integrate concepts from the functional medicine matrix model that help in the recognition of clinical patterns and last you will determine which functional nutrition dietary intervention would be most appropriate for your patient. –

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

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

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The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our presentations share knowledge and information from research, experience, and the collaborative functional medicine community. The information and scope are limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. Our discussions include Integrative Doctors, Functional Medicine Experts, Nutritionists, Health Coaches, Chiropractors, Physical Medicine Doctors, Therapists, Exercise Performance Specialists, Physicians, and others. Each specialist practices within their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care plans for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our discussions, videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters and issues that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our collaborative clinical scope of practice. We make a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and identify the relevant research studies supporting our presentations. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover issues that may require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subjects matters presented, please feel free to contact Dr. Alex Jimenez.

Everyday Wear and Tear Stretches Chiropractic Recommended

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Mixed race couple practicing stretching exercise at home — Multiethnic mature couple exercising at home and watching training videos on digital tablet. Middle aged woman and indian man doing planks with a leg outstretched while watching fitness lessons online on digital tablet. Fit mid adult couple doing strenght plank following online tutorials.

Stretching out for everyday wear and tear. The body was designed for movement, mobility, and physicality. When discomfort, aches, and pain present in the neck, shoulders, back, and joints, it is often from a decrease of natural body movement. Many think that sitting still and resting is the best solution to alleviate the pain. While it is important to rest, it is the type of rest that helps the body. Sitting still with no movement is not recommended. The muscles, ligaments, and tendons need to flex and stretch out to help reduce pain and prevent injury. Safe, chiropractic-approved stretches can increase mobility and fluidity, helping the body stay flexible and loose.

Table of Contents

Stretching Out For Everyday Wear and Tear Is Important

Whether experiencing pain or are getting ready for the day, there are many reasons why stretching is important. One, stretching is essential to optimal joint health. When muscles surrounding the joints become tight/tense, this significantly reduces mobility in the joint. Regular stretching lengthens the muscles, relaxing the joints to move without discomfort/awkwardness. Stretching optimizes blood circulation to flow smoothly through the body. Routine stretching helps reduce stress and improves energy. Other benefits include:

Post-workout/exercise/physical activity soreness and pain relief
Improves athletic performance
Prevents injury/s
Helps heal existing injuries
Improves posture

Stretching Safe at Home

Chiropractors often recommend stretches for patients to follow to help improve their progress between appointments. If persistent pain is presenting, consult with a qualified chiropractic doctor before performing any stretches. If done incorrectly, they can exacerbate pain and cause further damage. No matter an individual’s lifestyle, the wear and tear of everyday life can cause tightness, inflammation, or generalized pain. Developing a regular stretching routine can address any tense, tight, sore areas that will help keep the body pain-free.

Tailbone Stretch

Most individuals feel tailbone pain from sitting for long periods of time. Reasons for tailbone pain can result from:

Falling backward
Sitting in the wrong position
Childbirth
Hypermobility
All can injure the tailbone and/or the surrounding muscles and tissue.

Tailbone stretching improves movement and flexibility in these muscles and tissue, maintaining the tailbone’s health. One recommended stretch is the piriformis cross leg stretch.

Lie flat on the back.
Bring both knees toward the hips.
Rest the right ankle across the left knee.
Wrap both hands around the left thigh
Pull toward the chest.
Hold for 20-30 seconds.
Slowly bring down both legs and return to the starting position.
Repeat on the other side.

Wrist and Hand Stretch

For those that are constantly writing, typing, or lifting regularly, wrist and hand pain can begin to present. Stretches for the hands and wrists can:

Increase flexibility
Alleviate pain
Reduce the risk of injury

The prayer stretch for the wrists and hands is specifically designed to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the wrists.

Standing with the back straight and feet shoulder-width apart.
Place hands together in a prayer position.
Hands in front of the face.
Pressing both palms together, slowly spread the elbows apart.
Begin to lower the hands to waist height
Stop once the hands become level with the belly button or when the stretch is felt.
Hold the position for 10-30 seconds.
Return to the original position.
Repeat as needed.

Knee Stretch

When tightness or soreness presents in the knee, stretching the hamstrings can help. The hamstrings go through a great deal of wear and tear, supporting the hips and knees, maintaining mobility and flexibility.

Standing with the back straight.
Step forward with the left foot.
Flex the left foot and keep the right foot flat.
Loosen the hips and bend the right knee.
As the right leg is bent, keep the left leg completely straight with the heel pressing into the ground.
If maintaining balance is difficult, use a wall for support.
Hold the position for 10-15 seconds.
Return to starting position.
Repeat on the other side.

Body Composition Health

The Gut’s Hormones

When a meal enters the stomach and intestines, it triggers the digestive tract to release hormones that create the full feeling. These are the gut’s hormones, with each having a specific set of actions and effects. Examples include PYY, GLP-1, and GIP. Gut hormones are essential because they signal the body to slow down or stop eating. Therefore, the size of a meal influences the number of gut hormones that get released. The body releases larger quantities of gut hormones in response to meals with a higher caloric density. This is because larger meals usually contain more calories. This is one reason the body feels more satisfied after a large meal. Smaller meals are less satisfying, which means an individual will want to eat again after the meal.

After eating comes the digestion and absorption of macronutrients. This is known as the postprandial state. The body is in storage mode during the postprandial state. Even though the metabolic rate increases after a meal, the contents of that meal get broken down and stored for fuel. Four hours after a meal, the body goes back to its baseline state, which primarily burns through the stored fuel. Eating frequent, small meals throughout the day means the body spends more of the day in the postprandial storage state.

References

Bandy, WD et al. “The effect of time and frequency of static stretching on flexibility of the hamstring muscles.” Physical therapy vol. 77,10 (1997): 1090-6. doi:10.1093/ptj/77.10.1090

Freitas, SR et al. “Stretching Effects: High-intensity & Moderate-duration vs. Low-intensity & Long-duration.” International journal of sports medicine vol. 37,3 (2016): 239-44. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1548946

Hotta, Kazuki et al. “Daily muscle stretching enhances blood flow, endothelial function, capillarity, vascular volume and connectivity in aged skeletal muscle.” The Journal of physiology vol. 596,10 (2018): 1903-1917. doi:10.1113/JP275459

le Roux, C W et al. “Attenuated peptide YY release in obese subjects is associated with reduced satiety.” Endocrinology vol. 147,1 (2006): 3-8. doi:10.1210/en.2005-0972