Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Chiropractic Protection

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Chiropractic Protection — Senior Asian woman with sore and muscle pain from laptop use in bed

Age is the primary contributor to many spinal conditions. This is because of the strain that comes after decades of wear and tear. The most damaging age-related spinal condition is spondylosis/arthritis of the vertebrae. This can lead to everything from herniated discs, to vertebral fractures. Spondylosis increases the risk for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. This condition involves the compression of the spinal cord, placing increased strain on the nerves, discs, and supporting soft tissue/s. A chiropractor will work with senior patients on all levels. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic will offer recommendations and educate the individuals on the effects of the condition and how to prevent and safeguard.

Table of Contents

Signs and Symptoms cervical spondylotic myelopathy

The slow compression of the spine brought on by spondylosis generates the onset of numerous symptoms. Seniors should have a general understanding of these symptoms and be able to recognize them if they present.

Numbness in the fingers and toes
Loss of balance and coordination
Instability symptoms
General neck pain
Discomfort at the base of the neck
Referred pain in different areas of the body like the legs

An individual with preexisting spinal conditions has an increased risk of developing cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Conditions that further devolve from spondylosis include:

Herniated discs
Disc degeneration
Disc inflammation

Identification

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is triggered by a traumatic event or an underlying condition.

The first and most common is trauma.
Slip and fall accidents can cause damage to the cervical spine that takes longer to heal.
The stress further compresses the vertebrae because of the body’s need to support itself.
Trauma tends to affect muscles and ligaments. This weakens the overall support of the spine.
Arthritis is another catalyst for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
This autoimmune condition can affect the facet joints, causing instability that leads to compression.

Spine-health

Most senior individuals are aware and understand the increased risk of accidents and injury/s. A chiropractor will take the time to inform them and focus on helping the individual address specific conditions they have or have an increased risk of acquiring. For individuals with spondylosis or those at-risk should consider a chiropractic treatment plan that involves decompression techniques, and strength training of the core muscles. Combined with regular adjustments and wellness examinations will provide a solid foundation for avoiding the effects of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

InBody

Vitamin D Keeps You on Your Feet

Falls are a primary cause of injury/s for older adults. Low vitamin D levels can be a contributor to weakened bones. There is a strong correlation that vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of falls in older adults. This has to do with the effects on muscle strength and function. Daily vitamin D plus calcium supplementation improves quadriceps strength, postural control, and regular functions, like standing, and walking. Supplements help counter the effects of aging and inactivity on the muscles and are important in the prevention of potential fall/s that could result in injury. The benefit of supplementing is noticeable in individuals that have a history of falls along with improvements in muscle strength, function, and an increase in strength, and functional performance.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Etheridge J, Kalantar SB. The pathophysiology and biological mechanisms of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Semin Spine Surg. 2014;26:62-67.

How do we evaluate patients? Dr. Alex Jimenez | El Paso, Tx (2021)

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Dr. Alex Jimenez

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As part of our personalized medicine approach in our offices, we take our remote patient monitoring and virtual health software beyond the technology to provide a complete support service. Today we present the use of our advanced Living Matrix platform designed by clinicians in collaboration with the Institute for Functional Medicine, a global leader in Functional Medicine education, to effectively evaluate patients, create personalized, actionable care plans, and track superior, life-changing health outcomes over time.
We explain the use of Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). This method which uses to measure the components of the body, including muscle mass, body fat, and total body

If you have any questions you can call us at 915-850-0900
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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!
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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.

Pulled Shoulder Muscle Injury Chiropractic Care

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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chiropractor massaging shoulder of man on Massage Table in hospital

The shoulder joint consists of different muscles that are for moving, protection, and provide a wide range of motion. When one or more of these muscles is pulled or strained it can affect the smallest movements. A pulled shoulder muscle can make simple activities difficult, painful, and impossible. Minor shoulder injuries can heal on their own with home remedies. A serious shoulder muscle injury should be addressed by a medical professional. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. Pulling a muscle in the shoulder can be caused by:

Injury
Overuse
General wear and tear

Table of Contents

Pulled Shoulder Muscle Causes

Pulling a shoulder muscle can happen quickly like falling on the shoulder or from a car accident. It can also develop from months or years of working a job where individuals perform repetitive motions with the shoulders and overuse the muscles to the point of strain. No matter the cause, rehabilitation, and recovery depend on the type and severity of the injury.

Common Shoulder Muscle Injuries

The shoulder joint is surrounded by several muscles and tendons and because the shoulder can move so freely, it is a common area for a pull or strain. Different shoulder muscle injuries fall under being pulled or strained.

Rotator Cuff Tear
Shoulder Tear
Shoulder Sprain
Shoulder Strain
Pulled Muscle in the shoulder blade

A Pulled Muscle or Something Else

Unless an individual is a medical professional or has experienced this type of pain before, it can be hard to tell exactly what the cause is. Shoulder pain can have other or combined causes like inflammation of the tendons and joints, or the joint itself could be causing the injury. Here are a few ways to investigate what is causing shoulder pain.

Pulled Shoulder Muscle Symptoms

Pain in the shoulder blade area is characterized by dull, sore, or aching pain.
Sometimes shooting pain in the area between the shoulder blades will present, causing pain in the front or back of the shoulder.
Shoulder instability of the muscles or tendons.
The shoulder feels fragile
Movement causes pain
A bump can develop at the top of the shoulder near the end of the collarbone
General symptoms include:
Pain when the shoulder is at rest
Pain when the specific muscle is used
Tenderness
Possible swelling of the area
Inability to use the muscle at all

The Seriousness of a Pulled Shoulder Muscle

The majority of the time a pulled shoulder muscle is not serious. If the pain is not severe and it is not the result of an accident, it is okay to utilize home remedies to reduce pain and help the shoulder heal. However, there are symptoms that could indicate a serious injury or medical problem. If you experience shoulder pain and any of the following, seek immediate medical attention.

Severe and intense pain
Severe, abrupt pain that has no obvious cause
Shortness of breath
Chest numbness or pain
Seeing clearly
Difficulty speaking
Sudden swelling, pain, or redness

For individuals that experience shoulder pain that does not get better over time, seek professional help, even if the pain is mild. A professional will develop the right treatment plan, reduce pain, and generate a healthy recovery, getting the individual back to normal and optimal health.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Pulled Shoulder Muscle Injury Chiropractic Care

Treatment and Recovery Options

Treatment and recovery plans are different for everyone. This is because it depends on the severity of the pull and the individual’s overall health. Many find that the pain is reduced with home remedies in two or three weeks. Chiropractic treatment for a pulled shoulder muscle can provide relief within one or two weeks.

Home Remedies for Pulled Shoulder Muscles

Depending on the severity and how much pain is presenting taking NSAIDs like Ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. Individuals can also incorporate the following:

Rest

The shoulder should rest for 2 or 3 days. This gets the healing process started and prevents further injuring the area.

Wrap or Sling

During the days of rest, keeping the shoulder from moving can be difficult. To avoid this, wrap the shoulder or utilize a sling to support the arm. Remember that these should not be used for more than 2 or 3 days.

Ice for Swelling

If there is swelling, applying ice to the area can help reduce the inflammation. Apply for 20 minutes every hour. The swelling should begin reducing in a day or two.

Gentle Stretching

Working out the muscles after the 2 or 3 days of rest is important. Stretches will help the muscle group strengthen and heal. Not stretching the muscles and not using them for an extended time could worsen the injury and increase the risk of further injury.

Stretching the Shoulder

As aforementioned not moving/stretching can cause more problems in the long run. Not using the muscle can cause it to atrophy, which means that it will take longer to heal with the surrounding muscles weakening. Gentle stretches for a pulled shoulder muscle include:

Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch

Bring the affected arm across the body at an angle
Cup the elbow of the affected arm with the other hand
Use that hand to gently pull the arm toward the body
Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds
Repeat 3 to 5 times

Pendulum Stretch

Bend slightly forward, support the body by placing the non-injured arm on a table or chair
Allow the injured arm to hang straight down
Start swinging the arm in small circles clockwise that gradually grow wider
Do for 1 minute, then switch counterclockwise for another minute
Repeat 4 to 8 times throughout the day

Chiropractic

If home remedies are not enough, then chiropractic can help. Chiropractors use a variety of treatment modalities for pulled shoulder muscles. These include:

Chiropractic adjustments
Electrical stimulation
Manual stretching
Ultrasound
Cold laser therapy to reduce pain and swelling
Health coaching
Posture exercises
Physical rehabilitative therapy

If the pain is persistent, it could indicate more than a pulled muscle is causing the pain. This could be a pinched nerve or a joint issue. A doctor of chiropractic can develop the best recovery option to get to the root cause.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Rachel Cosgrove of Results Fitness

Women and muscle distribution

Research reveals that women could have a higher distribution of type 1 muscle fibers and lower distribution of type 2 muscle fibers which are more prevalent in men. Type 1 muscle fibers are slow-twitch muscles and are extremely useful in long-endurance activities like long-distance running. Type 1 muscle fibers are also the first ones that activate during any type of exercise. Type 2 are the fast-twitch muscle fibers and get activated when performing powerful or explosive bursts of movements like sprinting.

Because of these muscle-fiber differences, men are likely to excel in training that involves explosive, powerful routines. However, a study found that women can gain more muscle mass using a total body strength training program compared to men. For optimal results mix up the workout with a variety of resistance and strength training routines. This will allow for greater muscle mass growth.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Kim, Jun-Hee et al. “Comparison of the Shoulder External Rotator Strength and Asymmetry Ratio Between Workers With and Without Shoulder Impingement Syndrome.” Journal of strength and conditioning research, 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003343. 17 Sep. 2019, doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003343

Verniba, Dmitry, and William H Gage. “Stepping threshold with platform-translation and shoulder-pull postural perturbation methods.” Journal of biomechanics vol. 94 (2019): 224-229. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.07.027

Dealing with Painful Trigger Points. Berkeley Wellness. www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/preventive-care/article/dealing-painful-trigger-points. Published September 1, 2011. Accessed June 14, 2018.

Control Carpal Tunnel Pain While Driving

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Control Carpal Tunnel Pain While Driving — Portrait of professional female driver driving her car. Transport concept.

One area to consider is driving. When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome pain most individuals think about keyboard typing, as the source of arm, wrist, and hand pain. This is true, but carpal tunnel can develop from:

Any repetitive motion
Gripping
Bending at the wrist
Vibrations going through the wrist

Long-distance truckers, those who drive for business or regular long pleasure trips on winding mountain roads can take a toll on the muscles, tendons, ligaments of the arms and hands. Combining a regular job, stacking, scanning, lifting, and typing away most of the day, then long commutes, and weekends driving around, an individual can begin to present with arm, hand, and finger pain.

Table of Contents

Signs and Symptoms

Carpal tunnel can sneak up when least expected. Most individuals begin to feel a burning, tingling, or numbness in the thumb and first two fingers, and for some, the palm, as well. Discomfort or pain usually presents at night and in the morning. If the condition becomes worse, individuals often feel the need to shake out the hand or wrists, trying to bring relief from the pain and tightness. It can affect one hand or both hands. The pain can continue to increase and climb up the arm. Then normal tasks like pumping gas or writing with a pen become unbearable.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The median nerve controls the sensations to the palm, the thumb, and the four fingers of the hand. The nerve runs through a small passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Swelling or thickening of the tendons narrow the tight space and irritate the nerve.

Diagnosis

There are different ways to diagnose the condition. To avoid damaging the median nerve, it is important to get a diagnosis as early as possible.

A doctor or chiropractor may order orthopedic or neurological testing.
They might perform a nerve conduction study, where small electrodes are placed on the wrists and fingers, then small amounts of electrical current are run through the electrodes.
The speed at which the nerves transmit the electric conduction is measured.

Treatment

The most common treatment is complete rest of the affected hand/s and wrist/s for fourteen to twenty-one days. Other treatments include:

Chiropractic
Physical rehabilitation
Stretches for the hands, arms, and wrists.
Strengthening exercises for the hands, arms, and wrists.

There is Still Pain At Night or When Driving

This is common and in many cases is brought on from bending the wrist. Recommended tips to help ease the pain of carpal tunnel include:

Stretch hands and arms before driving
Position hands at 3 and 9 o’clock on the wheel
Wear a brace that will keep the wrist and hand straight
Keep hands warm by wearing driving gloves
Apply pain ointment/cream before driving and keep on hand

Chiropractic Help

A chiropractor is a highly trained specialist in the entire body’s musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment can help avoid developing chronic pain and surgery in the future. Correcting subluxations and restoring optimal blood and nerve energy flow in the arms, hands, and rest of the body is the objective. Chiropractic investigates and treats the compression of nerves anywhere in the body, including the forearm and wrist. Realigning the spine, shoulder, elbow, and wrist, blood circulation and nerve impulses will flow freely once again. A chiropractor could also recommend:

Heat/Ice therapy
Massage
Physical rehabilitation therapy
TENS device
Ultrasound
Infrared laser treatments

The treatment plan will depend on each individual’s unique case and circumstances. At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we care about each individual’s situation and are committed to doing whatever it takes to alleviate the pain and get the individual back to optimal health.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Anika Christ of Life Time Athletic

Soluble and Insoluble Fiber

All plant-based foods are generally a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and turns into a gel substance when it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. Foods high in soluble fiber include:

Apples
Beans
Blueberries
Lentils
Nuts
Oat products

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. The term roughage generally refers to this type. Roughage speeds up transition time in the digestive system. This is the basis for eating more insoluble fiber, to prevent constipation by helping food move through the system. Foods high in insoluble fiber include:

Brown rice
Carrots
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Wheat
Whole wheat bread
Whole-grain couscous

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Savage, Robert. “Re: Carpal Tunnel syndrome and work.” Journal of hand surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland) vol. 30,3 (2005): 331; author reply 331. doi:10.1016/j.jhsb.2005.02.007

Haas, DC et al. “Carpal tunnel syndrome following automobile collisions.” Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 62,5 (1981): 204-6.

Chiropractic Examination Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Man suffering from neck ache on bed at bedroom

A fibromyalgia diagnosis involves the process of eliminating other disorders and conditions with similar symptoms. It can be difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia. There is no common exam or test that a doctor can use to definitively diagnose fibromyalgia. The elimination process is utilized because of several other conditions with similar symptoms. These include:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Lupus

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Examination Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

It can take some time when an individual first notices symptoms and actually being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which can be frustrating. Doctors have to become detectives, working hard to find the right cause of pain and other symptoms. Developing the right diagnosis is necessary to create an optimal treatment plan.

Table of Contents

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis Criteria

Pain and symptoms based on the total number of painful areas
Fatigue
Poor sleep
Thinking problems
Memory problems

In 2010, a study was published that updated the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia. The new criteria remove the emphasis on tender point examination. The 2010 criteria’s focus is more on the widespread pain index or WPI. There is an item checklist about where and when an individual experiences pain. This index is combined with a symptom severity scale, and the end result is a new way to classify and develop a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Diagnostic Process

Medical History

A doctor will look at an individual’s complete medical history, asking about any other conditions present and family condition/disease history.

Symptoms Discussion

The most common questions asked by a doctor are where it hurts, how it hurts, how long it hurts, etc. However, an individual should offer as much or added details of their symptoms. Diagnosing fibromyalgia is very dependent on the report of the symptoms, so it is important to be as specific and accurate as possible. A pain diary, which is a record of all symptoms that present will make it easier to remember and share information with the doctor. An example is giving information on trouble sleeping, with a feeling of tiredness a majority of the time, and headache presentation.

Physical Examination

A doctor will palpate or apply light pressure with the hands around the tender points.

Other Tests

As previously stated symptoms can be very similar to other conditions like:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Hypothyroidism
Ankylosing spondylitis

A doctor wants to rule out any other conditions, so they will order various tests. These tests are not to diagnose fibromyalgia but to eliminate other possible conditions. A doctor could order:

Anti-nuclear antibody – ANA test

Anti-nuclear antibodies are abnormal proteins that can present in the blood if an individual has lupus. The doctor will want to see if the blood has these proteins to rule out lupus.

Blood count

By looking at an individual’s blood count, a doctor will be able to develop other possible causes for extreme fatigue like anemia.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – ESR

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test measures how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. In individuals with a rheumatic disease like rheumatoid arthritis, the sedimentation rate is higher. The red blood cells fall quickly to the bottom. This suggests that there is inflammation in the body.

Rheumatoid factor – RF test

For individuals with an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis, a higher level of the rheumatoid factor can be identified in the blood. A higher level of RF does not guarantee that the pain is caused by rheumatoid arthritis, but doing an RF test will help the doctor explore a possible RA diagnosis.

Thyroid tests

Thyroid tests will help a doctor rule out thyroid problems.

Final Note Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Again, diagnosing fibromyalgia can take awhile. A patient’s job is to be proactive in the diagnostic process. Be sure you understand what the results will tell and how that specific test will help figure out the cause of the pain. If you don’t understand the results, keep asking questions until it makes sense.

InBody

Body composition and Diabetes Connection

The body needs a balance of lean body mass and fat mass to function properly/optimally and maintain overall health. The balance can be disrupted in overweight and obese individuals because of excess fat. Individuals that are overweight should focus on improving body composition by reducing fat mass while maintaining or increasing lean body mass. Balanced body composition can reduce the risk of diabetes, other obesity-related disorders, and a positive effect on metabolism. Metabolism is the breaking down of foods for energy, the maintenance, and repair of body structures.

The body breaks down the food nutrients/minerals into elemental components and directs them to where they need to go. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder meaning it changes the way the body makes use of the nutrients, in such a way that the cells are unable to utilize digested glucose for energy. Without insulin, the glucose cannot get into the cells, so it ends up lingering in the blood. When the glucose can’t make its way out of the blood, it builds up. All the excess blood sugar can potentially be converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. With an increase in fat mass, hormone imbalances or systemic inflammation can happen or progress. This increases the risk for other diseases or conditions. A buildup of fat and diabetes are associated with increased risk for:

Heart attacks
Nerve damage
Eye problems
Kidney disease
Skin infections
Stroke

Diabetes can even cause the immune system to become impaired. When combined with poor circulation to the extremities, the risk of wounds, infections, can lead to amputation of the toes, foot/feet, or leg/s.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

American College of Rheumatology. Fibromyalgia. 2013. www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases_And_Conditions/Fibromyalgia/. Accessed December 5, 2014.

Living with Fibromyalgia: Mayo Clinic Proceedings. (June 2006) “Improvement in Fibromyalgia Symptoms With Acupuncture: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025619611617291

What Are Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms and How Does It Cause Back Pain?: Clinical Biomechanics. (July 2012) “Functional capacity, muscle strength and falls in women with fibromyalgia” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268003311003226

Fibromyalgia Pain Causes And Chiropractic Treatment

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Young businesswoman with tense feeling in neck massaging the problem zone — Young elegant businesswoman with tense feeling in neck touching or massaging the zone with discomfort or pain while sitting by desk

Fibromyalgia or FM is a condition that increases an individual’s sensitivity to pain. It causes extensive body pain among other issues including:

Anxiety
Depression
Fatigue
Numbness
Poor sleep
Bladder issues
Bowel problems

Fibromyalgia includes multiple tender points at specific areas of the body and widespread musculoskeletal pain. Research suggests that the nervous system is the key factor in the pathology of fibromyalgia. This condition affects around four million adults in the United States and roughly two percent of the adult general population. Like most chronic disorders symptoms can extend far beyond the defining criteria. There are chances that a physical examination and tests appear normal.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Fibromyalgia Pain Causes And Chiropractic Treatment

Table of Contents

About Fibromyalgia

The condition is a chronic syndrome that is associated with arthritis. The major statistics and facts about fibromyalgia include:

Muscle tenderness is the primary syndrome
There is widespread pain that is arthritis-related
It can manifest as a primary or secondary condition
It can present unrecognized symptoms that can be difficult to identify
A high percentage of individuals suffer from sleep problems and fatigue
It affects physical and mental health
There are no specific tests to diagnose the condition

Causes

There are several theories or triggers that contribute to the progression of fibromyalgia. They are:

Peripheral Sensitization

Injury or trauma to the nervous system or musculoskeletal system can lead to peripheral sensitization of the sensory nervous system. This tends to be the case with arthritis and peripheral nerve damage. Peripheral sensitization leads to increased sensitivity to sensory nerve stimuli. This results in increased sensitivity to touch and heat and can potentially lead to primary allodynia.

Central Sensitization

Central sensitization refers to changes in the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. The condition amplifies pain. Individuals with fibromyalgia have a reduced threshold for pain. This is caused by amplified brain sensitivity to pain indicators with repeated nerve stimulation leading to changes in the brain.

Sleep Disturbance

Sleep disturbances have been associated with fibromyalgia. Studies show that sleep pattern disturbance could be a cause and not just a symptom of fibromyalgia. Poor sleep quality accounts for the majority between pain and fatigue. Major disturbances include:

Shorter sleep time
The beginning of sleep is delayed
Waking right after sleep has begun starts to increase
Sleep efficiency decreases
Stirred/Waking out of sleep starts to increase
Nighttime activity increases

Post-traumatic Stress

This could be a trigger of fibromyalgia. Patients are recommended to get examined for PTSD. Studies suggest that women suffering from chronic pain that is spread throughout the body and fibromyalgia have an increased risk for posttraumatic stress. Patients also show a reduced function of the HPA hormone. This is proof of an impaired transmitter system. An altered transmitter system in individuals with fibromyalgia interferes with the body’s stress regulators.

Hormones

Fibromyalgia is more common in women than men. Studies have found that many women find their symptoms improve during pregnancy. Individuals with fibromyalgia tend to yield less cortisol when responding to stress compared to individuals that do not have fibromyalgia. The condition is mirrored when the body is deficient in cortisol.

Changes in Muscle Metabolism

According to NCBI Resources, fibromyalgia is associated with altered skeletal muscles. Decreased blood flow and deconditioned muscles can lead to fatigue along with reduced endurance that can lead to fibromyalgia.

Genetics

There are some studies that suggest that pain can be influenced by environmental and genetic factors. The condition does not get passed down directly from the parents. But the ailment can present to a group of individuals within a family.

Chiropractic

Most reports suggest that fibromyalgia is a chronic condition. When it is related to trauma, the condition tends to be chronic and severe. Reduced pain and improved function can be achieved with the proper treatment. There are treatment options in place that can help individuals alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Bryce Henson of Fit Body Boot Camp

Calorie Restriction and Fasting

Calorie restriction and fasting are traditional ways of losing weight and fat. While calorie restriction is self-descriptive, intermittent fasting and alternate-day fasting involves going for long stretches of the day and night without eating, then getting all of the nutrition in a shorter time. Alternating day fasting alternates days of eating normally, and then not eating at all. Calorie restriction will help an individual lose weight and fat in most cases. It is more effective than intermittent fasting, and not as difficult to maintain. Alternate Fasting results in the same amount of weight loss as calorie restriction. What makes maintaining Alternate Fasting long-term difficult is being able to fight off the hunger on the fasting days.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

American College of Rheumatology. Fibromyalgia. 2013. www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases_And_Conditions/Fibromyalgia/. Accessed December 5, 2014.

Wolfe F, Clauw DJ, Fitzcharles M, et al. The American College of Rheumatology Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia and Measurement of Symptom Severity. Arthrit Care Res. 2010;62(5):600-610.

Delayed Whiplash Injury Symptoms

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

Senior woman with neck pain at medical check with young doctor in hospital cabinet. Doctor wearing stethoscope writing prescription.

Car accidents even minor ones can cause musculoskeletal problems, especially in the neck and shoulder area. When whiplash symptoms do not present immediately, this is known as delayed whiplash. Depending on the severity, it can be dangerous. Delayed symptoms can show up anywhere from twenty-four hours to months after the accident. This is because the body is masking the symptoms as a reaction to a traumatic event. Symptoms like:

Pain
Stiffness
Headache
Anxiety
Present within 24 hours, but this is not always the case.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Delayed Whiplash Injury Symptoms

Delayed Symptoms

With delayed whiplash, symptoms typically don’t appear until 24 hours after the accident. But there are cases of symptoms being delayed up to six months. Whether immediate or delayed, symptoms include:

Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches
Normal head movement is impaired
Fatigue
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Depression
Anxiety
Concentration problems
Sleep problems
Irritability
Chronic pain

Medical treatment should be sought out immediately if any of the below symptoms are experienced:

Weakness in the arms
The neck pain spreads to the shoulders and arms
Unbearable pain
Loss of vision

Causes of Delayed Whiplash

The most common cause of whiplash is automobile accidents. Even slow-speed tap can cause delayed whiplash symptoms if the head is snaps quickly, and it is not only being hit from behind automobile accidents that cause whiplash. Rear-end, front-end, and side collisions can cause whiplash and delayed whiplash symptoms. Any time the neck snaps in a quick fashion in any direction there is potential for a neck injury. Some less common causes include:

Contact sports
Amusement park rides
Getting hit on the head
Specific types of falls where the head quickly snaps around
Cycling accidents
Skating/skateboarding accidents
Skiing/snowboarding accidents

Symptoms Can Get Worse With Time

Determining whether to seek medical attention if there is no pain or symptoms after the event can be difficult. However, symptoms can get worse over time and cause serious problems in the neck like:

Small fractures
Ruptured discs
Pinched nerves

Untreated Whiplash

Whiplash can get worse with time when they are not treated. This is why seeking medical care after the event is extremely important. As a doctor, a chiropractor can diagnose if any serious issues are present and develop the best plan to deal with pain and symptoms. When left untreated chronic whiplash and neck pain can develop. Chronic whiplash is rare but does happen, even with injuries that are considered not severe. Medical professionals will use X-Rays, MRIs, or CT scans to examine the extent of the injury and to prevent the symptoms from getting worse.

Treatment Options

Wearing a neck brace immediately following a neck injury can be an option but there is evidence that some movement of the neck and head should be incorporated, as it is beneficial for the healing process. If the pain is unbearable wearing a brace could be implemented into a treatment plan.

Ice and Heat

Ice and heat will help with stiffness and pain.
Ice will help relieve pain and should be used in 15-minute intervals.
Heat packs and ointments can help soothe the area, loosen up the muscles, and promote optimal healing.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Meds

Advil or Ibuprofen can be taken for pain and inflammation. These meds help the symptoms, but should not be the only pain reliever.

Ginger

Ginger tea can help those suffering from nausea and dizziness.
It contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Supplements include green tea, turmeric curcumin, fish oil, and sage.

CBD Oil and/or Ointment

CBD oil or ointments can help relieve pain and relax muscles.

Stretching

Gentle stretches can help the healing process and keep the neck muscles loose.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic can treat whiplash utilizing a number of different techniques. They will perform tests to diagnose the extent of the injuries and determine what type and the best treatment plan. The plan can include:

Inflammation reduction and Pain relief

Heat, ice, ultrasound, and laser therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Spinal Adjustments

Spinal adjustments will help relieve pain from pinched nerves, bulging discs, and strained muscles.

Massage

Massage is a common practice in whiplash cases. It helps to kickstart the healing process by:

Promoting proper blood and nerve energy circulation
Loosens the muscles
Flushes out the toxins

Stretches and Tips

A chiropractor will train the patient on specific stretches/exercises, along with pain-relief tips to do at home. These can include:

McKenzie exercises
Nutritional advice
Sleep tips
Posture exercises

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists can help by focusing on the muscles in the affected area.
They will teach the individual stretches and exercises to stretch and strengthen the strained muscles.
They can also utilize heat and ice therapy, ultrasound, and laser therapy.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Anuruddh Misra MD of Premise Health

Hot Yoga and Metabolic Rate

Both internal and external temperatures influence the body’s metabolic rate. The body’s chemical reactions happen more quickly if the temperature is higher. This is because the body works harder to restore normal temperature balance. Brief exposure to heat is not enough to increase metabolism. To raise BMR, longer exposure to heat is necessary. This is where hot yoga comes in. Hot yoga involves performing a sequence in a studio that is 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity rate of 40%. It is an intense workout that involves sweating. The high heat:

Increases blood flow
Warms the muscles for deep stretching
Helps the lymphatic system release toxins
Raises the body’s Basal Metabolic Rate

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Balla, J I. “The late whiplash syndrome.” The Australian and New Zealand journal of surgery vol. 50,6 (1980): 610-4. doi:10.1111/j.1445-2197.1980.tb04207.x

Fitz-Ritson D. Phasic exercises for cervical rehabilitation after “whiplash” trauma. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1995 Jan;18(1):21-24.

Seferiadis, Aris et al. “A review of treatment interventions in whiplash-associated disorders.” 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. 13,5 (2004): 387-97. doi:10.1007/s00586-004-0709-1

Trapezius Muscle Spasms: Chiropractic Treatment and Relief

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Trapezius Muscle Spasms: Chiropractic Treatment and Relief — Cropped view of chiropractor massaging male patient neck in massage cabinet at clinic

The body’s muscles function to produce force and motion. The trapezius muscle is one of the largest, which makes it highly susceptible to injury/s and spasms. A trapezius muscle spasm is when the muscle starts to contract. This muscle group is based around the neck and shoulders and is used to move the scapula shoulder bone.

Table of Contents

Causes of Trapezius Muscle Spasms

A few causes for this muscle to become inflamed/irritated include:

Poor posture
Injury
Stress
Tension
Improper lifting

Symptoms

The effects feel similar to a pulled shoulder muscle. Common symptoms include:

Upper body stiffness
Shoulder pain
Neck pain
Arm numbness/tingling
Lack of shoulder flexibility

Spasm and Pinched Nerve Difference

A muscle spasm and pinched nerve might seem or feel similar, but they are different. A muscle spasm makes the area tight and can cause muscle twitching. They vary in intensity with some spasms being mild and others excruciating. In some cases, a spasm can cause a nerve to get pinched if the knot contorts tightly around a nerve and if it is big enough. Conversely, a pinched nerve can also cause twitching, but it typically results in severe pain. Pinched nerves can also cause tingling sensations and numbness depending on the severity it could cause muscle spasms.

Treating The Spasms

There are a few ways to treat this naturally.

Heat and Ice Therapy

One way to calm a muscle spasm is using heat and ice. The heat will increase nerve and blood circulation keeping the muscles flexible, and the warmth will soothe the injury. This helps prevent the muscles from spazzing and generating pain. Ice therapy also increases blood circulation but the focus is on reducing inflammation. The nerves become slightly frozen which stops the tingling, significantly reducing the pain.

If pain presents around the trapezius, immediately put an ice pack on. It should be applied every few hours in 15-minute sessions. Once the pain subsides, heat therapy can be applied. A heating pad placed around the area, a warm/hot bath, or standing in the shower if possible with a massage setting letting the warm/hot water hit the muscle. But it must be consistent, doing it for about 20-minute sessions three times a day.

Stretches and Exercises

Stretches and exercises can help keep the muscle flexible and prevent any tightening.

Upper Trapezius Stretch

This stretch will move the upper trapezius area, promoting flexibility and preventing the muscle from becoming stiff.

Sit in a chair with proper posture
Holding onto the chair with the left hand, wrap the right arm over the top of the head so that the hand touches the left ear.
Gently pull the head toward the right and hold.
Slowly move the head back and repeat with the other hand.

Shoulder Shrugs

Moving the shoulders up and down throughout the day stretches the trapezius.
It releases tension and strengthens the muscle to protect it.
This exercise should be done every few hours for about a minute or two.
Also occasionally rolling the shoulders will help stretch the smaller components of the trapezius.

Cobra Pose

This yoga pose is for relieving tension.

It can be very helpful for those suffering from severe spasms or from a pinched nerve.
The first thing is to lie face-down on the floor.
Keeping the feet straight behind, use the hands to gently push the upper body up so that the spine slightly curves.
Make sure that the hands are situated in front of the body and firm on the ground.
Hold for a few seconds and then release.
Repeat the process three more times.

Therapeutic Massage

The soothing motions from a massage will calm irritated areas and encourage them to heal quicker.
At first, because of the tenderness around the area, a massage could present with pain.
The massage therapist needs to press on the area to increase blood circulation so that toxins get flushed out.
While it might hurt the individual soon notices that the swelling and pain are reducing.

Some massage techniques include:

Chiropractor

Chiropractors specialize in the musculoskeletal system and understand how the muscles, bones, and joints all work together. For muscle spasms, they investigate the problem and look at other areas of the body that could be contributing to or worsening the condition. For some, muscle spasms could be brought on by a misplaced joint pressing on the area. A chiropractor will palpate the areas to ensure this is not the case. And if there is a problem, they will perform a joint manipulation. This realigns the joint back in place and reduces muscle spasm symptoms. Over time the muscles become healthier because chiropractic releases toxins and improves the range of motion.

Body Composition

InBody Spotlight - Mark Fitzgerald of Anaheim Ducks

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Often, muscle spasms are the result of inflammation. When a muscle swells, it can place pressure on surrounding nerves. The more intense the inflammation the more pressure/stress on the nerves. This can make moving and functioning very difficult because of the pain. To naturally reduce inflammation consider an anti-inflammatory diet. This type of diet is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that will work to reduce swelling. Although it might not completely repair the muscle injury, it can reduce symptoms and stop oxidative stress. Foods to eat more of are:

Cherries
Tomatoes
Almonds
Blueberries
Oranges
Salmon
Kale
Turmeric

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Finley JE. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Myofascial Pain. Medscape. emedicine.medscape.com/article/313007-overview#showall. Updated May 21, 2017. Accessed July 16, 2018.

Rodante JA, Al Hassan QA, Almeer ZS. Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Uncovering the Root Causes. Practical Pain Manag. www.practicalpainmanagement.com/pain/myofascial/myofascial-pain-syndrome-uncovering-root-causes. 2012;6. Last updated on October 5, 2012. Accessed July 16, 2018.

citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.656.582&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Whiplash and Chronic Whiplash Injuries Following An Automobile Accident

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Whiplash and Chronic Whiplash Injuries Following An Automobile Accident

While bruising, soreness, and scrapes are common, whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries may not show for several days or weeks. While today’s vehicles are safer than ever, they can still only do so much when it comes to the body and musculoskeletal health. Being involved in an automobile accident, even a light tap can give a sudden jolt to the spine that although the individual might not have felt anything like discomfort or pain, it was enough to shift the disc/s out of place or set them up to shift out of place. No one wants to be involved in a car or motorcycle accident, but regardless of good driving habits, or how advanced the safety features on the vehicle might be, the average driver will be involved in three to four automobile accidents in their life.

Whiplash

Whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents. More than 3 million Americans will see a doctor and a chiropractor for automobile accidents and whiplash effects. It only takes a 2.5 mph hit to cause an injury. And whiplash doesn’t only happen when hit from behind, there are several ways an individual can be subjected to whiplash, including being T-boned, amusement park rides, and falling off a bicycle or a horse.

Symptoms

Most whiplash symptoms develop in the first twenty-four hours, but this is not always the case. Common symptoms include:

Neck pain
A stiff neck
Intense neck pain when moving, rotating
Headaches that start at the base of the head
Loss of range of motion
Dizziness
Fatigue
Shoulder pain
Arm pain
Upper back pain
Low back pain
Blurred vision
Anxiety
Nausea
Depression
Difficulty with concentration
Memory difficulties
Sleep disorders

Facts and Stats

Most individuals realize they have whiplash a day or two after, but for others, it can take a few weeks or even months to present. Whiplash is classified by degree or grade:

Grade 0

The individual has no complaints and there are no symptoms/signs of physical injury.

Grade 1

There is neck pain but there are no physical signs of injury.

Grade 2

There are signs/symptoms of musculoskeletal damage and neck pain is presenting.

Grade 3

There are signs/symptoms of neurological damage and neck pain is presenting.

The average amount of time most individuals stay home from work is around 40 days. However, when whiplash pain lasts longer than a few weeks, it is deemed to be chronic whiplash.

Chronic Whiplash

Some individuals with whiplash experience painful symptoms for years. This is true of those that avoid or refuse medical attention and learn to live with it.

Treatment Options

There are very effective methods for treating whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries. Depending on the extent of the injury/s, developing the right treatment/rehabilitation plan requires individual consultation with a chiropractor to discuss options that can include:

Pain Relief

The pain can be excruciating. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for temporary relief. However, the individual will need extended treatment to ensure it does not become chronic pain.

Neck Brace

Neck braces help limit the pain, but should not be worn for more than three or four days. If worn for too long the neck muscles are prevented from gaining the strength needed to support the head.

Don’t Sit For Too Long

Avoid keeping the head in any one position for too long. This includes sitting in bed, watching TV, or working at a desk. This places a large amount of pressure and stress on the neck, making the pain even more severe and longer-lasting.

Sleeping Properly and Comfortably

For many, it can be difficult to get into a comfortable position when sleeping. Sleeping on the back with the head turned to one side can worsen the pain. Try a high-quality ergonomic pillow that allows the individual to sleep on their side and takes the pressure off of the neck.

Spinal Alignment

Whiplash can cause the spine to shift out of alignment. This can lead to additional problems in the back or shoulders. It’s always a good idea to see a chiropractor that specializes in motor vehicle accident injuries to realign the spine and neck, as well as for rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles and prevent further injuries. See a chiropractor for an evaluation of the injuries and develop a customized treatment plan that works for the individual’s condition.

Everyone is different

Some individuals can be stiff and sore for a few days and then are okay with not much pain. Some individuals experience severe pain immediately after the wreck, while others have no pain for days or even weeks. Both scenarios are pretty common. Soft tissue injuries can be very deceiving. Some don’t experience any pain for months after the accident. Many don’t think they need to see a doctor or chiropractor because there is no pain or symptoms. However, underneath serious problems could be getting ready to present including:

Constant headaches
Numbness or pins and needles in the hands or arms
Pain between the shoulder blades
Poor posture
Chronic muscle tension
Painful spasms
Degeneration of the discs
Painful inflamed arthritis
The quick development of arthritis
Sore, tight, or inflexible muscles
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Dizziness

Body Composition

A decrease in physical activity

Physical inactivity is a primary factor in the progression of sarcopenia. Resistance exercise can help maintain muscle mass and help build muscular strength. Individuals that are more sedentary can exacerbate the effects of sarcopenia.

A decrease in motor neurons

Aging is accompanied by motor neuron loss resulting from cell death. This leads to a decrease in muscle fiber. This decrease in muscle fibers leads to:

Impaired performance
A reduction in functional capacity
A decreased ability to perform everyday tasks

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

How the Neck Works: UpToDate. (2020) “Patient education: Neck pain (Beyond the Basics). www.uptodate.com/contents/neck-pain-beyond-the-basics

Symptoms: PLOS ONE. (2018) “Thoracic dysfunction in whiplash associated disorders: A systematic review.” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5865734/

Causes: Mayo Clinic. (N.d.) “Whiplash.” www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921

Chiropractic Manipulation Under Anesthesia

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Chiropractic Manipulation Under Anesthesia — Medical doctor making ECG test in hospital. Medical Concept

Chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia, also known as M.U.A is a non-invasive stretching and musculoskeletal manipulation technique. This type of chiropractic treatment can offer relief from chronic and constant back pain and other types of pain that have not responded well or at all to conservative non-surgical care. Chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia breaks up adhesions/internal scar tissue that could result from an injury or previous surgery, helping restore the normal range of motion and reduce pain. This technique is utilized to treat:

Back pain
Neck pain
Joint pain
Muscle spasms
Long-lasting pain syndromes

Adhesions can grow around:

Spinal joints
Nerve roots
Inside the surrounding muscles

This can result in restricted:

Movement
Limited flexibility
Pain

Undergoing chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia while sedated means the body is in a highly relaxed state. This sedation allows the chiropractor to adjust the bones, joints into proper alignment and stretch the muscles without the individual’s voluntary/reflexive resistance. And the sedation allows the chiropractor to use less force, making the procedure painless.

Table of Contents

Manipulation Under Anesthesia Specialists

This type of manipulation is a specialty procedure. Trained and certified physicians only perform it in the fields of:

Chiropractic medicine
Orthopedics
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Osteopathy

Advantages to MUA treatment

There are individuals with pain that respond well to regular chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy, or exercise. However, depending on their condition, relief might only last for a few days or weeks. This is where manipulation under anesthesia could improve the range of motion and relieve pain. Manipulation under anesthesia has been performed for more than sixty years. It can be cost-effective and safer than invasive treatment like spine surgery. It is recognized and covered by most insurance and workers’ compensation plans.

Determining if MUA is right for the individual and their condition

Manipulation under anesthesia is not for all individuals with back pain. LMUA is only recommended for patients that meet the procedure’s criteria. like any other type of recommended treatment, a doctor will carefully consider the individual’s medical history, symptoms, previous treatments, and effectiveness. A doctor will also perform a physical and neurological examination with an individual’s complete medical history. Test results will confirm the patient’s diagnosis and determine if anesthetic manipulation can help relieve pain and other symptoms. Tests can include:

X-ray
MRI
CT scan
A musculoskeletal sonogram uses sound waves to produce images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
EKG – electrocardiogram is a test that checks for problems with the heart’s electrical activity
Nerve conduction velocity test sees how fast electrical signals move through the nerve/s
Pregnancy test

Consideration for individuals with:

Pinched or entrapped nerve
Chronic/Persistent neck or back pain
Painful, restricted range of motion
Failed back surgery syndrome
Chronic sprains and strains
Acute muscle spasms
Fibromyalgia
Chronic spinal disc conditions
Fibrous adhesion/s

Not an appropriate treatment for individuals with:

Uncontrolled diabetic neuropathy
Spinal cord compression
Morbid obesity
Any cancer
Acute or healing bone fracture/s
Osteomyelitis vertebral bone infection
Acute inflammatory arthritis
Metastatic bone disease
Severe osteoporosis
Acute inflammatory gout
Tuberculosis of the bone
Co-existing medical problems could mean an individual may not be able to undergo any procedure that requires sedation.
Another reason why a patient’s complete medical history is vital

Procedure

This procedure is usually performed in an ambulatory surgery center that is a modern healthcare facility focused on providing same-day surgical care for diagnostic and preventive procedures or at a hospital. An anesthesiologist administers the medicine/s. The patient could be sedated but not unconscious or general anesthesia meaning complete unconsciousness. The choice of sedation depends on various factors, like the patient’s diagnosis and how severe the condition is. The anesthesiologist can recommend a specific type of medicine or a cocktail of medications for the patient’s comfort during and after.

Once sedated, the chiropractor utilizes specialized techniques to stretch, adjust and mobilize the affected areas of the spine and body. The manipulations free up fibrous adhesions or scar tissue in one or more areas of the spine and surrounding tissues. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The individual will be awakened and then is carefully monitored in a recovery area. Many report an immediate reduction in pain and a broader range of motion after the procedure. There is usually temporary muscle soreness, similar to the soreness after an intense workout.

Recommended aftercare

Before being discharged, the patient is provided instructions about aftercare therapy. Instructions may include:

At-home warm-up movements
Physical therapy rehabilitation
Passive stretching
Electrical stimulation
Cryotherapy or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and pain

Sessions necessary

Depending on the diagnosis and response to the initial session, manipulation under anesthesia could be performed on consecutive days or two to four days sequentially. With each session, the chiropractor adjusts a little more, incrementally helping achieve the desired increase in movement and pain reduction/alleviation.

Physical therapy, exercise, and stretching

Three to six weeks after the procedure, individuals continue with physical therapy to help prevent back pain from returning and any fibrous adhesions/scar tissue broken up from reforming. Exercise and stretching will help strengthen and stabilize the abdominal and spinal muscles and prevent pain from returning.

InBody

youtu.be/hOaoURnJadk

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is defined as a lack of uptake or intake of nutrition that can negatively affect body composition. An important nutrient that elderly individuals might not get enough of is protein. Trouble chewing, food cost, and trouble cooking are all factors that limit elderly individual’s access to protein, which can lead to sarcopenia. These complications can affect how the body responds to diet and exercise.

That is because protein requirements for the elderly are usually higher than for younger individuals. This comes from age-related changes in the metabolism that includes a decreased response to protein intake. This means that an older individual needs to consume more protein to achieve the same anabolic effect. Micronutrient deficiency is a lack of nutrients like minerals and vitamins. These support important bodily processes like cell regeneration, immune system function, and vision. A common example is iron and calcium deficiencies. This type of deficiency has the greatest impact on normal physiological functions in conjunction with protein-energy deficiency, as most micronutrients are acquired from food.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Guidelines for Manipulation Under Anesthesia

Sciatica Flare-Ups: Causes and Chiropractic Care

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

-

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Sciatica Flare-Ups: Causes and Chiropractic Care — Young businessman carrying huge stack of big boxes with office supplies during relocation to modern business center

Sciatica is a very common and painful issue. Keeping it in check can be difficult especially with various causes that can generate flare-ups. Individuals managing sciatica need to pay attention and be vigilant of the negative activities/movements that could cause symptoms to reappear. A few common causes include:

Excessively tight-fitting pants
Improperly lifting heavy objects
Poor posture
Weight gain
Not stretching out
Wearing the wrong shoes

Knowing what not to do is just as effective for helping sciatica flare-ups as knowing what is best.

Table of Contents

Sciatica Causes

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve. It comes out the spine through the pelvis, down the leg to the foot. There is one sciatic nerve on each side of the body, and either can become irritated, injured, and inflamed. However, it’s rare that both are irritated at the same time. The underlying causes can vary. Most of the time the cause is a herniated disc that presses against the nerve, causing the pain. Even though this happens in the lower back, an individual might only feel pain in the buttocks and the back of the leg. Other causes of sciatic nerve pain include:

Bone spurs
Degenerative disc disease
Muscle inflammation
Muscle spasms
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolysis

Making Sciatica Flare-ups Worse

What makes sciatica worse depends on the underlying cause. For most, this is a herniated or bulging disc that presses against the nerve. With this type of case, any increase in pressure on the discs can worsen the symptoms. Sitting down in fact puts more pressure on the spinal discs, worsening the pain. Lying down can also worsen symptoms. When the pain is peaking, lying down for a little while can help, but for too long can worsen symptoms. Standing with a neutral spine, and walking around a bit, can help with nerve pain relief and the healing process.

Improper/Poor Posture

Poor posture, especially the rounding of the lower back. This usually happens when sitting. The rounded low back becomes a bad habit that individuals think will help with the pain. This can cause a flare-up. The spine has a natural S-curve and the more an individual can maintain that natural curve, the better off they will be.

Weight Gain

Too much weight can cause flare-ups with added stress/pressure on the spine, especially the low back. Maintaining a healthy weight will help relieve the added pressure, however, many who experience sciatica have trouble exercising. This is where a physical therapist and chiropractor can assist an individual with customized exercise and diet programs to overcome this obstacle. Eating is a way that individuals deal with pain, anxiety, and depression. But weight gain and poor health can worsen sciatica. Individuals that are overweight tend to experience more inflammation throughout the body, making sciatica even worse.

Stretching

Not stretching, especially as the body gets older tightens the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. And stretching improperly can injure these areas. There are recommended and non-recommended stretches for individuals dealing/managing sciatica. Stretches that require bending the low back can place added pressure on the lumbar spine, causing sciatica flare-ups.

Lifting Heavy Things

Lifting and improperly lifting heavy objects can worsen sciatica. This has to do with the rounding of the low back. Any time the spine is taken out of its natural S-curve, there is undue pressure on the joints and discs. When lifting heavy objects in this position the problem is worsened. When possible avoid lifting anything heavy while dealing with sciatica. It’s healthy to stay active, but there is no need to do intense workouts at home or the gym, especially heavy lifting.

Tight Pants

Tight pants can contribute to sciatica. Whether shorts, jeans, or skirts, wearing overly-tight, form-fitting pants should be avoided until the sciatica is gone. And even after it is not recommended to wear overly tight-fitting clothing, as this can cause blood and nerve circulation problems.

Shoes

Like tight pants, the wrong shoes without adequate support can cause flare-ups. For example, high heels force weight distribution to the front of the feet. For the body to compensate, it’s normal to push the pelvis and hips forward. When the body is in this position for a long time it starts to place stress on the hamstrings, which will exacerbate sciatica. Shoes without adequate support place added stress on the feet, which gets transferred up the leg to the hamstrings. Customized shoe inserts designed especially for individuals with sciatica can help in preventing symptoms.

Improvement

Sciatica takes time to heal. Avoiding making it worse and taking all the steps to help it heal, can bring the body back to normal within 2 weeks. For most, it takes around 4 weeks for the pain to go away. This depends on various factors. For example, if sciatica develops during pregnancy, it could take longer to get rid of the pain. One sign that shows improvement is called centralization meaning the pain is moving out of the leg and into the spine. This is a good sign that the individual is on the right track.

Body Composition

Meal Planning

The convenience of food delivery is wonderful, but remember that frequently eating food prepared away from home increases the risk of weight gain and obesity. Restaurants tend to serve oversized portions and prepare meals with excessive calories, sodium, and sugar. The benefit of eating from home is that individuals have more control over the ingredients and cooking methods used to prepare the food. It helps to plan meals and snacks in advance to make sure they are balanced. Here are the types of foods that should be included in a balanced meal plan:

A variety of whole fruits
Non-starchy vegetables – leafy greens, red and orange veggies
Starchy vegetables – potatoes, green peas, legumes, winter squash
Grains, with the goal to make at least ½ from whole-grain sources
Low-fat or fat-free dairy milk, yogurt, cheese
Protein from various sources – lean meats, seafood, eggs, nuts & seeds, and soy products
Healthy cooking oils – olive oil or canola oil
Nuts and nut butter
Fresh or frozen fruits
Dried herbs and spices

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Sciatica. MedlinePlus. medlineplus.gov/sciatica.html. Accessed November 29, 2018.

Sciatica Sciatic Nerve Pain During Pregnancy. babyMed. www.babymed.com/pregnancy/sciatica-pain-during-pregnancy. Updated on August 29, 2018. Accessed November 29, 2018.

Shiel WC. Degenerative Disc Disease and Sciatica. MedicineNet. www.medicinenet.com/degenerative_disc/article.htm#what_are_the_symptoms_of_radiculopathy_and_sciatica. Last reviewed August 10, 2018. Accessed November 29, 2018.

What to Expect From Our History & Health Assessment | El Paso Functional Medicine

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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What to Expect From Our History & Health Assessment | El Paso Functional Medicine

Discussions: As part of our personalized medicine approach in our offices, we take our remote patient monitoring and virtual health software beyond the technology to provide a complete support service. Today we present the use of our advanced Living Matrix platform designed by clinicians in collaboration with the Institute for Functional Medicine, a global leader in Functional Medicine education, to effectively evaluate patients, create personalized, actionable care plans, and track superior, life-changing health outcomes over time.
We explain the use of Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). This method which uses to measure the components of the body, including muscle mass, body fat, and total body | Call: 915-850-0900

If you have any questions you can call us at 915-850-0900
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If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way
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Thank You & God Bless.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, ATN, IFMCP. CIFM, CCST

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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.

Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss — athletic woman abdominals training outdoors. Pretty sporty woman abs working out on beach wearing leggings and top. Healthy lifestyle.

Understanding the difference between weight loss and fat loss will help promote a healthy change and an improvement in an individual’s wellbeing. Fat loss can be a part of losing weight however, individuals lose more than just fat. For most individuals, fat loss is the goal, so taking a deliberate, focused approach will generate the best results. Here we discuss how individuals can optimize for fat loss.

Table of Contents

Understanding The Difference

Weight loss is the overall reduction in body weight
Fat loss is a reduction in body fat

When losing weight, the body is not just losing body fat, there are changes being made to each component of body composition. This includes:

Body fat
Lean Body Mass
Body Water

This is also true for weight gain. An individual cannot control how much is lost but can influence what is lost.

Weight Loss

There are hundreds of diet and exercise programs that can help achieve fat loss some better than others. The ones that tend to work better focus on the same thing, which is reducing energy intake from food/diet while increasing energy output through exercise and regular physical activity. This forces the body to make up for the missing energy by breaking down the body’s tissues, including fat and muscle. As an individual loses weight, they will also lose some muscle in the form of Lean Body Mass in addition to body fat.

Fat Loss

Body fat is a combination of essential fat and storage fat. Storage fat is adipose tissue that has accumulated for reserved energy. This type of fat changes with diet modification and regular exercise. Too much storage fat can negatively impact physical and mental wellbeing, so this should be the focus for better health.

Focus on fat loss and not weight loss

There is a clear association between obesity and chronic disease. Focusing on weight loss can lead to unintended consequences like eating disorders. This is why the focus on fat loss is key along with healthy body composition. This is the recommended approach because it encourages the individual to move more and eat healthily.

Understanding health benefits of losing fat

Body fat percentage works better as a gauge of health than weight.

Weight is composed of lean body mass, body fat, and water, so any changes that occur in these areas can lead to weight gain and not just fat loss. Excess body fat, specifically storage fat, has a close association to chronic diseases like:

Type 2 Diabetes
Hypertension
Heart Disease
Various Cancers

The key is understanding that a healthy body fat percentage will help reduce the risk of these diseases, improve mental health and overall health.

Different ways to measure fat loss

Tracking body fat loss means having body composition tracked and monitored. There are devices and methods for determining body composition, including:

For truly accurate results get tested by a highly skilled professional who uses medical-grade tools for assessment. Cheap plastic calipers and at-home scales don’t tend to be the best options.

Metabolism changes with weight loss

When losing weight there is more lost than fat. One loss can be Lean Body Mass, which is critical because the amount of Lean Body Mass that the body has directly influence Basal Metabolic Rate or the body’s metabolism. The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories the body naturally burns when resting. When focusing on weight loss and not making changes to minimize lean body mass loss, the individual decreases the size of their metabolism. However, if an individual continues with the same eating habits, this could be a setup for weight regain.

Weight loss can slow down metabolism

Here is an example of a typical set of body composition results of someone who would be clinically diagnosed as obese.

Along with weight and body fat mass measurements, the individual naturally developed muscles by carrying their body weight. This means that individuals that are obese also have relatively large metabolisms. Dramatic changes to Lean Body Mass and metabolism are not ideal, especially when the goal is maintaining healthy body weight.

This is why it is important to come up with a focused/customized approach for gaining muscle, losing fat, and body recomposition, rather than just weight loss. The weight and body fat bars on the above chart are significantly over average, as well as, the Skeletal Muscle Mass bar. This is common for individuals that are obese. Individuals that are obese have developed this muscle by carrying a large amount of weight. Large amounts of muscle begin to develop to move the heavy body.

Stopping weight regain

With weight loss, there will be some Lean Body Mass loss. This means a low metabolism, combined with non-regulated eating habits can lead to regaining weight. With no development of Lean Body Mass and skeletal muscle to help grow the metabolism, there is an increased chance for weight regain. It is crucial to focus on body composition, developing muscle, and Lean Body Mass. Along with continued changing eating habits after an individual reaches their target weight.

Building muscle, losing fat for healthy body composition

The main areas to focus on to change body composition, overall health, and wellbeing.

Focus on body composition not on weight loss

Instead, track changes in body composition. This means optimizing programs for fat loss while minimizing Lean Body Mass loss. Weight loss will occur, but combined with proper nutrition and strength training can minimize Lean Body Mass loss.

Develop new eating habits

An important step is understanding how to improve eating habits by choosing a diet plan that will be fun and enjoyable. When optimizing for fat loss, it will take longer than weight loss. Effective dietary plans go for half to one pound of fat loss per week. This is a manageable and sustainable goal that will not cause negative effects on metabolism. Slow and steady is the better option and will lead to long-term changes.

Start strength training to increase metabolism

Strength training/weight lifting is a great way to increase metabolism. Increased muscle benefits range from:

Increased ability to recover from disease/s
Reducing insulin resistance
Keeps the body mobile
Helps combat obesity by increasing BMR and metabolism

Body composition in the long-term

Fat loss is more important than weight loss and will lead to long-term changes. Understanding that working out smarter and finding out body composition numbers will promote getting fit while keeping the fat off. It will take longer than expected, but dropping 30 pounds in less than a year then regaining it all back is counterproductive. Take the time to make small, impactful adjustments that will lead to a lifetime of optimal health.

InBody

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Hall, Kevin D et al. “Calorie for Calorie, Dietary Fat Restriction Results in More Body Fat Loss than Carbohydrate Restriction in People with Obesity.” Cell metabolism vol. 22,3 (2015): 427-36. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2015.07.021

Merlotti, C et al. “Subcutaneous fat loss is greater than visceral fat loss with diet and exercise, weight-loss promoting drugs and bariatric surgery: a critical review and meta-analysis.” International journal of obesity (2005) vol. 41,5 (2017): 672-682. doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.31

Tobias, Deirdre K et al. “Effect of low-fat diet interventions versus other diet interventions on long-term weight change in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology vol. 3,12 (2015): 968-79. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(15)00367-8

Aging and A Few Ways To Keep The Spine In Top Form

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Aging and A Few Ways To Keep The Spine In Top Form — fit woman in sportswear doing bows exercise in gym

Keeping an individual’s spine in top form equals less pain and more mobility, flexibility, and freedom. The body wears down and is a natural effect of aging that happens to every single one of us. Spinal issues related to aging can become serious if not addressed and enacted upon with exercises, stretching, and chiropractic maintenance.

Table of Contents

Aging and The Back

It is normal for the spinal discs and joints to deteriorate with age. Spinal stenosis or the narrowing of the spinal canal can also be part of the aging process. Two conditions brought on by aging are degenerative disc disease and arthritis that can also include stiffening of the spinal ligaments and osteoporosis.

Degenerative disc disease is experienced by 40% of individuals 40 years of age
Increases to 80% for individuals 80 years of age and older.
It centers around discs that gradually change from being mostly water to mostly fat.
When it is fat, the discs become narrowed and lose elasticity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that 23% of American adults have arthritis. This is a condition that mainly affects the facet joints. The joints become swollen, which reduces the range of motion and can impinge on the spinal nerves, causing pain, weakness, and sciatica. With time the ligaments around and in the spine stiffen, reducing the range of motion, causing stenosis. Bone loss, or osteoporosis, is brought on by changes in hormones and other factors like nutrition. Aging is a natural process, but individuals can help their spines stay in top form no matter how old they are.

Practicing Healthy Posture

Right off the bat proper healthy body mechanics is a must. Staying aware and mindful of body posture maintains alignment and keeps the body balanced. Healthy posture will help reduce the effects of:

Spinal stenosis
Degenerative disc disease
Herniation
Risk of spinal fractures

Practicing proper posture includes:

Reduce slouching
Make sure the workstation is in top form and ergonomically sound
Whatever activity an individual is engaged in, try to elongate and make the spine long.
This approach also carries over to lifting.
Make sure to bend the knees when lifting and keep the spine as vertical as possible.

Yoga

Yoga can be highly beneficial for a healthier, more youthful spine. Yoga fulfills three areas for keeping the spine in top form. This includes:

Regular exercise
Maintains flexibility
Achieves ideal body weight

Yoga is an age-defying activity for the spine. Because it:

Maintains strength
Flexibility
Posture
Balance
Can be helpful for a variety of spinal conditions, specifically arthritis pain
Falls can cause serious injuries. Yoga can also help work on balance as well.

See a Chiropractor

Preventive medicine is key to keeping the body healthy, youthful, and as strong as possible. A chiropractic examination can determine if there are any spinal problems and a diagnosis to develop an optimal treatment plan. If body function is limited because of pain in the back and/or legs, contact Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic and get the spine back in top form.

Body Composition

Exercise/Stability Ball Curls

This exercise works muscle groups specific to spinal strength and includes the:

Hamstrings
Glutes
Deep abdominals
Hip abductors and rotators

Exercises like this are one of the most effective ways to build functional strength and endurance in the hamstrings, hips and prevent injuries. To do this workout:

Lie on your back with the knees bent
Lift legs up so the bottom of the feet rests on top of an exercise ball
Roll your legs out until they are straight
Hold the position for a second or two
Return to the top of the movement while squeezing the hamstrings

Working these muscles will help make squatting, lunging, or bending motions easier on the spine.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Intro: Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series. (April 2006) “Artificial discs for lumbar and cervical degenerative disc disease -update: an evidence-based analysis” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23074480/

Intro: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (November 2020) “Arthritis” www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/arthritis.htm

Avoiding Back Injuries At Work

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Avoiding Back Injuries At Work — Young workers in a warehouse loading or unloading a pallet truck.

High-impact labor jobs can cause back pain, as well as jobs that require sitting all day. Nowadays, everyone is at risk of developing some form of back pain at their place of work. Here are a few tips for avoiding back injuries at work. It does not matter what an individual does for a living, or how it is done. Sitting, standing, lifting, bending, twisting, reaching, pulling, and pushing, all can have a negative impact on the spine’s health and the muscles in the back.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a common reason for missing work or restricting work time. Back pain and injury prevention/avoiding is the goal along with seeking the proper treatment as soon as possible.

Table of Contents

The Risk for Back Pain

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders that affect the spine are a worldwide problem. The World Health Organization has stated in the United States that there is an estimated 149 million workdays lost every year because of back pain, with total costs estimated to be around 100-200 billion a year. And the World Health Organization identified low back pain as the leading cause of disability in the world. The National Institute for Occupations Safety and Health, which is a division of the CDC, listed five primary risk conditions for work-related musculoskeletal disorders:

Regularly lifting of objects
Regular exposure to whole-body vibration like using a jackhammer or driving a forklift
Regular reaching overhead work
Working with the spine in a chronic flexion position
Repetitive work/tasks

Office Back Pain

Individuals that stare at screens most of the day means their spines are at risk for cervical spinal flexion. This can lead to neck, shoulder, and upper back pain. And sitting for long bouts of time with poor posture adds tremendous pressure and weight on the low back. When the body is seated for a long time, the body is not utilizing its core abdominal muscles and back muscles that keep the body and foundation strong and flexible. The more these muscles are under-utilized the more the body begins to fall into the vicious cycle of slouching, slumping, poor posture, and increased stress on the back muscles.

Avoiding Back Injury

With advancements in medicine, there are solutions for relieving pain and getting an individual back to regular work activity. Basic ways for avoiding injuries and keeping the spine healthy.

Lifting with the legs and not the back
Maintaining healthy weight
Healthy diet
Stretching before physical activity and also during work will keep the muscles active and optimal circulation
Overall physical fitness like taking a walk
Knowing when to rest giving the body a break
Focus on recovery during off-hours

Working with Spine Specialists

If the pain is constant or there is a high possibility of an injury, see a medical professional. The correct diagnosis leads to the right treatment, which can include:

Rest
Physical therapy
Chiropractic
Pain management
Medication
Injections
Surgery

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual will have a personalized treatment plan. A multi-approach is recommended, and the most therapeutic for long-term benefits. One treatment option to be very cautious about is opioids. A review in BMJ suggests opioids do not help individuals get back to work faster, and pain control is only short-term. Back pain inflammation is better addressed through anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and exercise. If pain or a back problem currently exists, see a doctor, chiropractor, or spine specialist and find out about treatment options and avoiding back problems.

Body Composition

Personal Trainers and InBody | IHRSA 2016

How Aging Affects the Body

The body’s muscles are constantly being broken down and repaired. When the muscles are used, microscopic tears happen from the regular wear and tear. This means rebuilding those tears with protein. However, as the body gets older, it stops rebuilding the muscles as efficiently. With time, there is a reduction in overall muscle mass and strength. That loss can come from a combination of factors including:

Hormone changes – for example, testosterone gradually decreases
Physical inactivity
Comorbid conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer

But this reduction in muscle mass doesn’t just happen to the elderly. Research has shown that strength and development in an individual’s 20s peaks and begins to plateau in their 30s. For many, decreased strength translates to being less active, and routine activities become more difficult to execute. Inactivity means fewer calories burned, muscle development decrease, and negative changes to body composition including muscle loss, and percent body fat increase.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

“Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/health-strategies/musculoskeletal-disorders/index.html

OSHA Technical Manual, Section VII, Chapter 1: Back Disorders and Injuries. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, DC. www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_vii/otm_vii_1.html#3

“Cervical spine joint loading with neck flexion.” Ergonomics. January 2020. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31594480/

“Back to Health.” Safety & Health. The National Safety Council, Itasca, IL. www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/18897-back-to-health