Multiple Sclerosis, Sciatica, and Nerve Pain

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attractive woman touching back while suffering from pain

Multiple sclerosis and sciatica can exist side by side or have overlapping symptoms. The sciatic nerve begins at the lower back, then through the hips into the buttocks, and separates into both legs into the feet. Sciatica is a type of pain caused by a compressed/pinched or damaged/injured sciatic nerve. The sensation radiates across the nerve with frequency and severity at varying levels, depending on the individual’s body position and/or movement. Individuals with multiple sclerosis can also experience sciatica, believing it’s their multiple sclerosis. Neuropathic pain is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis or MS. It is caused by injury or damage to the nerves of the central nervous system and can cause burning, or sharp, stabbing sensations.

Table of Contents

Multiple Sclerosis and Sciatic Nerve Pain Difference

MS is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the protective layer around nerve fibers known as myelin. This affects the central nervous system pathways that regulate feeling and sensation in the body. It can cause painful sensations that include:

Muscle spasms
Burning, tingling, or aching in the lower legs
Electrical shock-like sensations travel from the back toward the legs.
Migraines
The painful sensations result from the damaged nerve fibers creating interference in the brain’s neural pathways.

Sciatica works differently

An autoimmune response does not damage the sciatic nerve’s pathway, but an added stress/pressure compresses the sciatic nerve. The pain is usually caused by a quick, jerking, twisting, bending, reaching motion that pinches or twists the nerve. Herniated discs and bone spurs are another common cause, along with being overweight can place intense pressure on the sciatic nerve. The critical difference is that multiple sclerosis causes the central nervous system’s signaling pathways to malfunction.

MS and Sciatica

Most individuals, around 40%, will at some point experience some form of sciatica symptoms. This is from age, and all the wear and tear the low back goes through daily. This is why it’s not unusual for individuals with MS to experience sciatica as well. MS can cause body changes that affect activity levels.

Decreased mobility can lead to sitting for extended periods that can strain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing sciatica.
There is evidence that the lesions that present from MS can extend to the sciatic nerve.
One study compared 36 individuals with MS to 35 individuals that don’t have it.
All of the participants underwent magnetic resonance neurography to obtain high-resolution nerve images.
The research found that those with MS had slightly more lesions on the sciatic nerve than those without MS.

Sciatica Care

It can be challenging to figure out the types of pain being experienced. Sciatica travels down the length of the nerve uniquely and is often felt in only one leg. The pain, tingling, numbness, electrical sensations can present only in the lower back, the buttock, the back of the leg, hamstring, calf, and foot, or in a combination of all the areas. Treatments for sciatica depend on the severity. They include:

Chiropractic
Physical therapy
Posture exercises
Lifestyle adjustments
Physical activity and exercise
Weight loss
Cold and hot packs
Acupuncture
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Medications – anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants, and antiseizure medications.
Steroid injections – corticosteroids
Surgery is a last resort reserved for severe cases that did not improve with other treatments and therapies.

It can be easy to mistake sciatica as a symptom or related condition of multiple sclerosis. Chiropractic can help alleviate sciatica, and although treatment cannot directly treat MS or its symptoms, it can relieve pain and discomfort.

Body Composition

Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy or diabetic kidney disease is the result of mismanaged diabetes. Kidney failure is a severe medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated. Chronic low kidney function results in:

Fluid retention in the body.
Inability to filter out metabolites and waste from the blood.
Increased risk of infections.

Common symptoms of diabetic kidney disease include:

Increased blood pressure

This is the result of increased stress on the body.
The kidneys can no longer filter out all the metabolites and excess fluid needed to stabilize the blood pressure.

Proteinuria or protein in the urine

Chronic kidney damage results in the protein being excreted through urine.

Fatigue

Poor kidney function affects every organ in the body.
The organs have to work harder to compensate, leading to fatigue and low energy.

Lower extremity edema

Fluid retention usually presents in the lower extremities.
Puffy, swollen ankles and legs may appear shiny or waxy.
This is common in individuals that have severe diabetic nephropathy.

Shortness of breath

As the fluid builds up in the body, additional weight can get stored on and around the lungs.
This can make breathing very difficult when lying down or when engaged in physical activity.

Impaired cognition

Metabolites in the blood can cause brain damage when not filtered properly.
Memory loss
Mood changes
Loss of consciousness

References

Jende JME, et al. (2017). Peripheral nerve involvement in multiple sclerosis: Demonstration by magnetic resonance neurography. DOI:
10.1002/ana.25068

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Sciatica.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435

Murphy KL, et al. (2017). Chapter 4: Neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis—current therapeutic intervention and future treatment perspectives.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470151/

Pain and itching. (n.d.).
nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Pain

Samson K. (2017). In the pipeline-multiple sclerosis neurography, MRI reveals peripheral nerve lesions in MS patients. DOI:
10.1097/01.NT.0000527861.27137.b0

Sciatica: Of all the nerves. (2016).
health.harvard.edu/pain/sciatica-of-all-the-nerve

Low Laser Therapy Repairs Tissues | El Paso, TX

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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When dealing with any kind of pain, many types of remedies can help alleviate the source of the pain. Whether muscle pain or cardiac tissue pain, the effects can be long-term if not appropriately treated. Doctors have discovered that low laser therapy can help repair injured muscles that patients have experienced. With low laser therapy, the beneficial effects can help repair injuries that the bodies’ skeletal and cardiac muscles have endured.

When the body gets injured, many people endure the pain later or during the accident. Sometimes the pain is short-termed or long-termed, depending on how severe the injury is. Short-term pain or “acute” pain can be simple, like a sprained joint; however, long-term pain or “chronic” pain, it’s more severe to the body and can have lasting effects. Chronic pain can hinder a person’s body from doing the most straightforward task. When people deal with chronic pain, it can drastically affect the body’s musculoskeletal system and even their cardiovascular system.

When the body’s musculoskeletal system is damaged, many complications can start affecting the joints in many different parts of the body. Chronic pain can cause inflammation throughout the body, causing a person not to have the energy to do any task they planned for the day. Sometimes the pain can be excruciating where the body just completely shuts down. When doctors see their patients, they ask them, “Where does it hurt?” meaning where the pain feels more excruciating on the person’s body. The patient will always tell their physicians that the pain is on their joints or back. So doctors would recommend low laser therapy.

Low Laser Therapy

With low laser therapy or phototherapy, the effects from the treatment can alleviate the pain from the body. Studies show that the application of low laser therapy in injured muscles can significantly enhance muscle regeneration in multiple and frequent applications. Low laser therapy does target the injured muscles because it uses irradiation, which targets the affected muscle while increasing the body’s natural antioxidants and cytoprotective heat shock proteins (HSP-70i). Phototherapy can even help reduce muscle fatigue in athletes when they are in a post-exercise routine.

Studies have found that physical therapists use phototherapy as another form of recovery treatment for athletes. What the laser does is that when it is placed on the affected muscle and joint pain, the infrared wavelength penetrates the skin and starts to affect the targeted area. The infrared wavelengths cause therapeutic effects by decreasing oxidative stress accumulated by the body while also reactivating oxygen species production, improving the body’s mitochondrial function, etc. Another study also shows that phototherapy can also repair cardiac tissue. The study shows that when doctors use phototherapy, it directly affects the intracellular mechanisms in the heart while also activating heat-independent tissues without causing tissue damage to the heart. The study also shows that phototherapy can be effective in various complications, such as lymphoedema and muscular trauma.

Conclusion

All in all, low laser therapy has beneficial properties in preventing muscle and cardiac muscle tissue damage. Its infrared radiation can help patients go about their day without the pain and suffering that their body endures. By reducing ventricular dilatation and preserving the body’s mitochondria while elevating the HSP-70i, the body can start on the road to recovery.

References:

Leal Junior, Ernesto Cesar Pinto, et al. “Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in the Development of Exercise-Induced Skeletal Muscle Fatigue and Changes in Biochemical Markers Related to Postexercise Recovery.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, Aug. 2010, www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2010.3294.

Kazemi Khoo, Nooshafarin, et al. “Application of Low-Level Laser Therapy Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Surgery.” Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291821/.

Oron, Uri. “Photoengineering of Tissue Repair in … – Medical Laser.” Photoengineering of Tissue Repair in Skeletal and Cardiac Muscles, 2006, medical.summuslaser.com/data/files/91/1585172203_ls8S6pcJwigZfZQ.pdf.

Polymyositis: Inflammatory Myopathy

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Concentrated brunette woman doing professional recovery massage — Mature grey-haired female lying on the couch while doing physiotherapy

Polymyositis is a disease that causes the body’s muscles to become irritated and inflamed. It can affect the muscles all over the body. The muscles gradually begin to break down and weaken, making everyday movements difficult. This disease falls into a category known as inflammatory myopathies.

Polymyositis Unknown Causation

The causes of polymyositis are currently unknown. However, experts believe it could be associated with or triggered by a virus or an autoimmune reaction. An autoimmune response is when the body attacks itself along with the body’s tissues. It’s seen in individuals ages 31 to 60 and is rarely seen in individuals younger than 18. In some instances, medication can lead to an allergic reaction/response that causes muscle irritation and damage. But in most cases, healthcare experts are not able to find the exact cause.

Symptoms

The condition can affect the muscles all over the body. Physical activities like walking, getting up from a chair, or lifting objects can become difficult to perform. It can also affect the muscles that allow for eating and breathing. The muscles at the center of the body tend to be affected the most. Common symptoms include:

Muscle pain.
Muscle stiffness.
Muscle weakness, specifically in the abdomen, shoulders, upper arms, and hips.
Joint pain and stiffness.
Breathing problems.
Problems swallowing.
Abnormal weight loss can become an issue if there are problems with swallowing.
Irregular heart rhythms if the heart muscle/myocardium becomes inflamed.
Individuals may notice they have trouble climbing stairs or lifting their arms.
The inflammation can worsen, causing pain and weakness that affects the wrists, lower arms, and ankles.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with the individual’s medical history, family medical history if necessary, and a physical examination. The examination includes seeing and feeling the strength of the muscles. Tests will be required that include:

Blood Tests

Blood tests allow the doctor to see if there are signs of muscle inflammation.
They also show if there are abnormal proteins that form in autoimmune diseases.

Electromyogram EMG

This test can be used to find abnormal electrical activity in the affected muscles.

MRI

Magnets and computer graphic imagery are used to help the doctor inspect for inflammation in the body.

Muscle Biopsy

A small piece of muscle tissue is removed to be analyzed with a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment depends on how severe the condition is, individual symptoms, age, and overall health. Currently, there is no cure for polymyositis, but symptoms can be managed. Individuals are recommended to utilize more than one type of treatment because the treatment plan may also need to be changed as treatment progresses. Treatments include:

Anti-inflammatory Medication

Steroid medication can help manage the disease and reduce symptoms, and corticosteroids can help ease inflammation in the body. The symptoms improve within 4 to 6 weeks, and a healthcare provider can lower the dosage after the symptoms decrease to reduce and ease any side effects.

Immunosuppressive Medication

These medications block or slow down the body’s immune system responses.
Talk with a doctor about the risks, benefits, and side effects of all medications.

Chiropractic and Physical therapy

Chiropractic treatment and physical therapy can help:
Aligning the spine to provide optimal nerve energy and blood circulation.
Therapeutic massage to stimulate and keep the muscles loose.
Specific exercises to help stretch and strengthen the muscles.
These can help keep the muscles from shrinking.

Heat therapy and Rest

Heat therapy and allowing the body to rest thoroughly can help decrease pain symptoms.

Special Braces

Body, hip, and leg braces can help support the muscles and help with mobility.

Complications

Polymyositis left untreated can lead to severe complications. The muscles become weaker, increasing the risk of falling and limiting daily activities.

If the chest muscles are affected, there could be problems with breathing that can lead to respiratory failure.
If the digestive tract is affected, malnutrition and unintentional weight loss can result.
Polymyositis poorly managed well can cause severe disability.

Body Composition

Nutrition and Muscle Growth

Protein

Protein is the foundation for gaining muscle.
This essential component is for all of the body’s daily functions.
It is essential to balance protein increase with overall diet.

Complex Carbs

Carbs are the body’s fuel source.
Carbs should be a daily element of nutritional intake because they are the primary component.
Acquiring energy
Preventing muscle weakness and degradation

Consuming Carbs

Understanding how accurate results only happen when both sides work together.
Healthy consumption of protein and carbohydrates can help muscle growth and sustain optimal health for all body types.

References

Corrado, Bruno et al. “Supervised Physical Therapy and Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis-A Systematic Review of the Literature.” Neurology international vol. 12,3 77-88. 24 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3390/neurolint12030015

Findlay, Andrew R et al. “An overview of polymyositis and dermatomyositis.” Muscle & nerve vol. 51,5 (2015): 638-56. doi:10.1002/mus.24566

Sasaki, Hirokazu, and Hitoshi Kohsaka. “Current diagnosis and treatment of polymyositis and dermatomyositis.” Modern rheumatology vol. 28,6 (2018): 913-921. doi:10.1080/14397595.2018.1467257

Van Thillo, Anna et al. “Physical therapy in adult inflammatory myopathy patients: a systematic review.” Clinical rheumatology vol. 38,8 (2019): 2039-2051. doi:10.1007/s10067-019-04571-9

Pain Under The Shoulder Blade

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Osteopath performing trigger point treatment on a patient applying pressure with his fingers to the muscles to relieve tension and pain in a career concept for alternative medicine

There are various causes for achiness or soreness under the shoulder blades. The shoulder blade is the triangular bone that forms the back of the shoulder. This pain can range from dull, sharp, burning, or a combination between the spine and shoulder blade to tender or achy across the shoulder or upper back. Pain can spread from another body part or structure, like the neck or spine. Inflammation from injury or overuse is noticeable at onset or gradually after engaging in physical activity and can limit arm movements and interfere with regular activities.

Table of Contents

Improper Posture

Improper poster combined with prolonged sitting can cause the spine to develop structural changes that cause pain under the shoulder blade. Habits that lead to poor posture include:

Hunching the back.
Tilting the head down – looking at the phone.
Leaning to one side while sitting, working.

Poor posture habits cause the muscles to weaken, placing added pressure on the spinal discs, muscles, and ligaments. This body imbalance can contribute to upper back and shoulder pain.

Lifting Improperly

Lifting weight above the head and not using the proper technique can leave the upper back and shoulders vulnerable to injury. Lifting an object that is too heavy or is held in an awkward way causing the spine to be misaligned creates added pressure in the upper back. This can strain the muscles, sprain ligaments, injure the shoulder joint, or spine, which can cause spreading pain under and/or near the shoulder blade.

Repetitive Overuse Injury

Painting, moving furniture, or participating in sports are activities that can overwork the upper back muscles and shoulders. Overuse can lead to muscle strains and ligament sprains. This can cause pain in the upper back between the shoulder blade and the spine. Scapulothoracic bursitis, also known as snapping scapula syndrome, is when the bursa between the shoulder blade/scapula and the thoracic spine becomes inflamed, causing pain.

Cervical Herniated Disc

A herniated disc in the cervical spine/neck happens when a disc’s outer layer/annulus fibrosus tears and the inner layer/nucleus pulposus starts to leak outward. This can cause pain and cause the nearby nerve roots to become inflamed, causing pain to run down into the shoulder, arm, and/or hand. A disc herniation in the lower part of the neck usually radiates pain into or near the shoulder blade area. Although less common, a herniation in the upper back can cause pain around or near the shoulder blade.

Dislocated Rib

An accident or fall could cause a rib to become dislocated or misaligned after repetitive/overuse strain or reaching too far overhead. Sharp pain near the shoulder blade can result from this activity and can sometimes make it challenging to take a deep breath.

Compression Fracture

A compression fracture occurs when a vertebral bone in the upper back weakens and compresses. This can lead to back pain with a heightened sensitivity across the shoulder area. The pain usually decreases with rest. Compression fractures are commonly caused by osteoporosis in older individuals. Any back or shoulder pain that persists for weeks or interferes with regular activities should be evaluated by a doctor or chiropractor. If the pain is severe or accompanied by symptoms like headache, tingling, weakness, or nausea, individuals are recommended to seek medical attention.

Body Composition

Carbohydrate/Carb Loading

Carbohydrates are macronutrients that serve a critical function in the body, as they are the body’s primary energy source. The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugar that enters the bloodstream and is stored for energy use in the muscles and liver as glycogen. The muscles only store small quantities of glycogen. And when engaging in physical activity or exercise, the energy stores get used up.

Carbohydrate loading can raise glycogen stores in the muscles from 25 to 100 percent of their average amount in men. Women have shown mixed results in studies on carbohydrate loading. Women need to take in more calories than men when carb-loading to experience the same gains in glycogen. Reasons to carb load are either to:

Build-up stores of glycogen so an individual can use the extra energy storage to help improve endurance.
Fill the muscles with glycogen to bring water into the muscles to help gain mass and tone.

References

Hanchard, Nigel C A et al. “Physical tests for shoulder impingements and local lesions of bursa, tendon or labrum that may accompany impingement.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2013,4 CD007427. 30 Apr. 2013, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007427.pub2

Mizutamari M. et al. Corresponding scapular pain with the nerve root involved in cervical radiculopathy. J Orthop Surg. 2010; 18(3): 356–60.

Sergienko, Stanislav, and Leonid Kalichman. “Myofascial origin of shoulder pain: a literature review.” Journal of bodywork and movement therapies vol. 19,1 (2015): 91-101. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.05.004

Kettlebell Strengthening For Back Pain Safety

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Athletes lifting kettlebells in health club — Full length of athletes lifting kettlebells in health club

Kettlebell training for the back muscles and back pain prevention can be part of a recommended treatment plan. When experiencing low back pain, many sports medicine experts recommend kettlebell exercise to strengthen the core and posterior chain. However, if not used correctly, kettlebell exercises can worsen back pain.

Table of Contents

Kettlebell

They are made of cast iron or steel and are named for resembling a tea kettle with an oversized handle. They can be used in one and two-handed movements.

Exercises and Movements for Back Pain

For individuals that are not experiencing back pain, kettlebell training can be excellent for maintenance and injury prevention. They strengthen the core and back muscles.

The kettlebell swing is an essential exercise and is one of the most important exercises when dealing with back pain issues.
A kettlebell is placed on the floor about 12 inches in front while standing with the feet a little wider than hip-distance.
The hips become the hinge.
Extend the arms down to the bell and grip it.
Begin swinging it up and down through the legs and then upward and outward to chest level.
The shoulders are to stay relaxed.
The hips are used to thrust and create momentum to swing the kettlebell.
Keep the spine neutral throughout the exercise to prevent injury.
The arms are to hold the bell only.
Don’t swing with the arms or shoulders, but push through with the hips.
The exercise can be swung up over the head but is not recommended for those with back pain.

Benefits

They are portable and don’t require a lot of space.
With kettlebells, an individual can train more easily than with barbells.
Kettlebell workouts provide strength training and cardiovascular fitness.
Once the proper technique is learned, individuals can set up a regular regimen at home.

Proper Form and Mistakes

Proper form is crucial. The primary movement most individuals have difficulty with is getting the proper hinging motion at the hip. Most individuals flex at the lower back and place increased pressure on the discs. Proper hip hinge motion means:

Keeping the low back straight
Flexing at the hip
Pushing back out with the buttocks when performing the swing motion.
When done correctly, an individual should be able to stop at any stage and hold that position.

Posture Form Tips

Form issues with kettlebells include:

Hip Hinge

When picking up the kettlebell, remember to hip hinge instead of squatting to maintain the back in a neutral position.
Drive the hips back in the same way when sitting down on a low chair.

Arching the back

If the pelvis is tilted too far forward, the back arches a lot.
This can narrow where the nerves leave the spine in the low back.
Keep the abdominals tight to prevent the pelvis from tilting forward.

Using the incorrect weight can also cause problems; this could be going too heavy or too light.

Too heavy increases the risk of straining the body and back.
A kettlebell that is too light does not provide the correct resistance to strengthen the muscles.
Another common mistake is overtraining. Specifically, individuals over 50 whose bodies don’t recover as quickly.
Individuals over 50 are recommended to spread out the workout days with more than one rest day.

Common Injuries

Proper training before working with kettlebells is highly recommended, especially for those already dealing with back pain. Individuals are encouraged to work with a physical therapist, sports chiropractor, or personal trainer who can teach proper techniques and specific exercises, observe the individual’s process, and make corrections. Improper technique can lead to:

Muscle strains.
Muscle spasms.
Compressed or pinched nerves.
Added stress to pre-existing low back conditions.
Impact injuries to the wrist and forearm.

Body Composition

Exercise Ball Pikes

Exercise ball pikes are an advanced total body workout. Muscle groups worked out include:

Deep abdominals
Hip abductors
Quadriceps
Deltoids
Scapula stabilizers
Pectoralis major/minor

To do the exercise:

Start in a pushup position with the arms on the floor in front.
Lift the legs, so the tops of the feet rest on the exercise/stability ball.
Knees should be bent to start the movement.
Extend the legs out as straight as possible.
Hold the position for a few seconds.
Return to the starting position.

References

Common Injuries Associated with Kettlebells: ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal (March/April 2017) “Managing Risks of Training with Kettlebells to Achieve Optimum Benefits.” journals.lww.com/acsm healthfitness/Fulltext/2017/03000/MANAGING_RISKS_OF_TRAINING_WITH_KETTLEBELLS_TO.6.aspx

Neck Crepitus Cracking, Grinding Sounds

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Strong good looking manual therapist working with charming lady in medical office — Man physiotherapist in white shirt sitting near the medical couch while he doing massage therapy for charming female patient in wellness center

Neck crepitus is a grinding sound that comes from moving or rotating the neck. Usually, it is not something to worry about, as the body is a sound system that generates various noises. For example, when hungry, the stomach rumbles. After digestion, the body releases the gasses through a burp. The bones can also generate neck cracking or popping sounds with regular movements. This unusual sensation is known as crepitus.

Table of Contents

Crepitus

Crepitus or crepitation is a scientific term that describes joint movements sounds. Sounds can include:

Popping
Cracking
Snapping
Grinding

However, crepitus can happen in any moveable joints in the body. An example could be a neck cracking or popping sound when looking over the shoulder.

Why the Neck So Susceptible

The cervical spine consists of seven segments, and each segment has multiple joints that interact with the segments above and below it. The cervical spine is a flexible system that protects the neurologic structures while maintaining head and neck stability. This flexibility and the multiple joints at each level can wear down, leading to arthritis and neck crepitus.

Other Symptoms

Neck crepitus can present without other symptoms. But it can also be associated with other severe symptoms that include:

Neck pain
Instability
Weakness
Numbness
Diminished manual dexterity
Difficulty walking

Risk Increases With Age

Neck crepitus can present at any age; however, the risk increases as the body ages. Some individuals may have neck crepitus symptoms more often. For example, the neck cracking or popping sounds could present just a few times a month. However, other individuals could have cracking, popping sounds daily or even throughout the day. Neck crepitus can increase or decrease in frequency. Symptoms could present for several days before the sensations stop entirely.

Possible Causes

Neck crepitus can have various causes, and multiple factors can also overlap to generate these sensations.

Articular Pressure Changes

Natural lubricating lining and fluid are found within the body’s joints. Small gas bubbles can form within the synovial joints, including the facet joints. When the bubbles collapse, they are released, creating cracking noises in the joints. The sounds can happen with regular everyday movements. This also occurs when a chiropractor or physical therapist performs spinal manipulations.

Tendon or Ligament Movement

Tendons are the tissue that connects the muscles to the bones, and Ligaments connect the bones. A tendon in motion can also make noises when sliding around a bone or over another tendon or ligament. The cracking can be caused by tight tissues and muscles from aging or muscles that have become weak/deconditioned.

Bones Grinding

Osteoarthritis, known as spondylosis in the spine, can cause the facet joints that connect the vertebrae to degenerate. The protective cartilage wears down, and the vertebral bones start to rub against each other. This can produce a grinding noise. However, the grinding can result from disc degeneration, which reduces the cushioning between the vertebrae.

When to Consult A Physician

If neck crepitus presents without other symptoms, it’s usually not serious. When neck crepitus presents with other symptoms, it is recommended to contact a doctor. These symptoms include:

Neck pain
Weakness
Sensory changes

If pain spreads out and runs down the arm or there is difficulty completing fine motor tasks like writing your name or getting dressed, consult a doctor. These symptoms can be caused by spinal cord or nerve root compression. Sometimes, neck crepitus can show up after a different health issue. For example, if an individual notices neck sounds weeks after cervical spine surgery, the spine surgeon can determine if the two are connected. A recent fall or car accident could also cause symptoms to present. If the crepitus presents almost every time with joint movement, there could be compromised joint function.

Treatment and Prevention

There are various treatment options for neck crepitus. It is recommended to start with conservative treatment like physical therapy and chiropractic pain management. Imaging scans are necessary to see if there are signs of compression on the spinal cord or nerves. Treatment objectives are to remove the pressure from the neural structures and restore the spine’s stability. Cervical traction is another form of treatment. Consult a physician, spine specialist, or chiropractor to properly diagnose the issues, figure out what is going on, and develop a personalized treatment plan if necessary.

Body Composition

Sugar Replacements

Sugar substitutes can help with weight control and diabetes by allowing individuals to eat sweets without raising blood sugar levels. Sugar replacements are additives that add sweetness to food without the calories of sugar. Some sugar substitutes are synthetically made, while others are natural. Sugar replacements include:

Sucralose

This artificial sweetener comes from sucrose and contains no calories. It is highly sweeter than sugar and can be found in grocery stores.

Fructose

This sweetener comes in crystalline form or high-fructose corn syrup, which is often used for baking. Fructose is sweeter than sugar and has been linked to early diabetes.

Stevia

This sweetener is extracted from the stevia rebaudiana plant species. It is calorie-free and can help manage and improve cholesterol levels.

Aspartame

Only a tiny amount is necessary, as this artificial sweetener is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It contains four calories per gram.
Aspartame has been associated with cancer, dementia, and depression. But research has not found a direct correlation, and currently, recommended amounts are safe to consume.

References

Mohamad, I et al. “Swollen neck and crepitus after bouts of cough.” Malaysian family physician: the official journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia vol. 8,3 49-50. 31 Dec. 2013

Nguyen, Andrew B et al. “Crepitus: an uncommon complication of a common procedure.” The Annals of thoracic surgery vol. 91,4 (2011): e63. doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.01.031

CBD, THC & HEMP? What is the difference? | El Paso, Tx (2021)

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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CBD, THC & HEMP? What is the difference? | El Paso, Tx (2021)

On today’s podcast Spencer Salas and Dr. Alex Jimenez discuss CBD, TCH, and Hemp. Spencer answers questions in an honest and sincere manner bringing light to the complex dynamics of the raw materials and ingredients that are so very important to healing and recovery.

Mr. Spencer Salas has a passion for natural healing. He shares his personal story and his powerful “WHY”.
He brings awareness to what is sometimes a confusing subject.

Mr. Salas answers deep questions on the following questions.

Questions:

1. Difference between Marijuana, Hemp, and CBD plants?
2. What are CBD and THC? Differences.
3. What are the benefits of CBD? Is it really a “cure it all”?
4. Principal uses of CBD, Productos most sold.
5. Explain the difference between Spectrum and Isolated CBD.
6. What are the laws in Texas to regulate this? Age limit?
7. Can CBD be detected on a drug test (field/lab)?
8. Is it addictive? What are the emotional benefits?
9. What is the process of harvest, production of CDB?
10. What is the dosage and how long does it take to see the benefits? How does it affect your body (cellular health)?

Check out his products: onlinecbdstore.square.site/

For an appointment please call:
915-412-6677

Fill your evaluation form online: dralexjimenez.livingmatrix.com/self_register_patients/new

What do we offer as an integrative team and how do we make it possible.
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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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Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed

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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 subject matters presented, please feel free to contact Dr. Alex Jimenez.

Compartment Syndrome Leg Pain

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Woman got leg injury during training outdoors — Cropped head of slim female sitting on sports ground after hurting knee and male taking care of her

Compartment syndrome is a condition that causes pressure within a group of muscles to build up to dangerous levels. This pressure build-up begins to decrease blood flow, not allowing proper circulation, nutrients, and oxygen from getting to the nerves and muscle cells. The syndrome can be acute or chronic, and surgery can be required. Acute compartment syndrome is considered a medical emergency, usually caused by a severe injury and requires immediate treatment; otherwise, it can lead to permanent muscle damage. Chronic compartment syndrome or exertional compartment syndrome is usually not a medical emergency and is often caused by physical exertion.

Table of Contents

Muscle Compartment

A compartment comprises a group of:

Muscles
Blood vessels
Nerves
They are kept in place by a fascia membrane.

The fascia does not stretch or expand because its job is to keep the tissues in place. If compartmental pressure builds up, swelling and bleeding may occur. When the tissues don’t have enough blood to provide the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients, the tissues begin to die, leading to permanent damage. Because the fascia does not stretch if there is swelling or bleeding within a compartment, this increases pressure on the:

Capillaries
Nerves
Muscles in that compartment.
Blood circulation does not reach the compartment to supply oxygen and nutrients.
Nerve and muscle cells get damaged.
Compartment syndrome most often takes place in the lower leg’s anterior/front calf compartment.

However, it can also develop in other areas like the:

Legs
Arms
Hands
Feet
Buttocks

Acute

The typical symptom is pain, specifically when the muscle in the compartment is stretched.

The pain is more intense than the injury itself.
Flexing, contracting, or stretching the muscles increases the pain.
Tingling or burning sensations may present.
Muscle tightness or fullness sensation like bloating.
Numbness or paralysis are late symptoms that usually indicate severe to permanent tissue injury.

The acute syndrome develops after a severe injury, like an automobile accident or from a broken bone. Injuries and conditions that can cause acute compartment syndrome include:

Fractures
Muscle contusion/bruise that goes beyond just a bump. Two examples include a motorcycle falling on the rider’s leg or a football player getting hit in the leg intensely.
Crush injuries.
Constricting bandages – Casts and bandages that are too tight can cause the blockage of blood. If symptoms develop, remove or loosen any constricting bandages. If it is from a cast, contact the doctor immediately.
Anabolic steroids – Taking steroids is a possible factor in compartment syndrome.

Blood circulation restoration after a blockage.

When sleeping, a blood vessel can get blocked. Lying for a long time in a position that causes a limb to go to sleep, then shifting, moving, or getting up can contribute to the condition. This type of development can happen in individuals with neurological damage or who do not realize what is occurring. This can happen after intense intoxication with alcohol and/or drugs.
Surgical repair of a damaged blood vessel that was blocked can result in compartment swelling.
Permanent disability and tissue death can result unless the pressure is relieved.

Chronic Physical Exertion

The pain and swelling from the chronic condition are caused by vigorous physical activity/exercise. It most often occurs in the leg. Individuals that participate in activities with repetitive motions have an increased risk. Physical activities/sports include:

Running
Biking
Swimming

This is usually not dangerous and is often relieved by discontinuing the specific exercise/s or physical activity for a while. Symptoms include:

Pain during exercise.
Cramping during exercise.
Numbness
Moving the foot is difficult.
Muscle bulge can be seen.

Chiropractic Treatment

Leg pain should not be ignored for long as the problems could escalate into severe/dangerous territory. Chiropractic treatment is highly effective in the detection and treatment of leg pain. Chiropractors are experts in the neuromusculoskeletal system. Their expertise in promoting physical function applies to the whole body’s systems, including the:

Muscles
Bones
Ligaments
Nerves
Tendons

They are trained to diagnose and treat developing and chronic musculoskeletal problems and know when to seek specialized medical care when necessary.

Body Composition

Can’t Individuals Just Exercise More and Eat Whatever They Want?

No individuals cannot just exercise/move more and eat whatever they want if they are serious about losing excess weight. A healthy diet and exercise are essential parts of the formula for effective weight loss. One study shows that being aware of diet in quality and quantity overtakes just exercising when achieving and maintaining healthy body composition changes as a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Evaluating the effects of diet, exercise, or a combination of both revealed that long-term success was most significant in the mix of diet and exercise. Individuals can exercise vigorously, but losing weight can be very difficult if they have unhealthy eating habits or cannot stick to a healthy diet. The individual can develop other health problems from an unhealthy diet.

References

Braver, Richard T. “Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome.” Clinics in podiatric medicine and surgery vol. 33,2 (2016): 219-33. doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2015.12.002

Joubert, Sonia V, and Manuel A Duarte. “Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome in a Healthy Young Man.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 15,2 (2016): 139-44. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2016.04.007

Schmidt, Andrew H. “Acute compartment syndrome.” Injury vol. 48 Suppl 1 (2017): S22-S25. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2017.04.024

Vajapey, Sravya, and Timothy L Miller. “Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic exertional compartment syndrome: a review of current literature.” The Physician and sportsmedicine vol. 45,4 (2017): 391-398. doi:10.1080/00913847.2017.1384289

Types of Vehicle Accidents and Crashes

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Car accident after a severe storm with crash electric pole — Car turned over after accident with crash electric pole after a severe storm

Common Types of vehicle/automobile crashes and accidents. Most accidents and crashes are caused by driving errors, recklessness, distraction, or disregard of traffic laws. Some accidents are caused by safety system failure or defective parts on the vehicle. Individuals can suffer severe and/or permanent injuries, even death.

Table of Contents

Types of Accident/Crashes

Single Vehicle Accident

This type of road, highway traffic accident where only one vehicle is involved. Most of these types of crashes are:

Run-off-road collisions
Collisions with fallen debris
Rollovers
Collisions with animals

Side Impact/T-bone Collision

These accidents, also known as broadside or T-bone collisions, impact the side of one or more vehicles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, these crashes and accidents often happen at:

Busy intersections
Parking lots
When a vehicle runs a red light, and a driver that has the green light gets slammed.
These types of collisions account for a quarter of passenger vehicle occupant deaths.
Injuries from a side-impact collision can be severe but vary depending on where the vehicle was struck.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions account for around a fourth of all collisions. These accidents and crashes happen because of:

Driver inattention
Distraction – Driver distraction has become a common factor in many rear-end crashes.
Tailgating – When a driver tailgates, they reduce the reaction time to come to a safe stop.
Panic stops
Reduced wheel traction because of damaged roads/highways or dangerous road conditions caused by weather.

Head-on Collision

Head-on collisions are often fatal road and highway accidents and crashes. This can be caused by drivers not seeing or paying attention to:

Wrong-way signs
New construction
Construction detour directions
Street conditions
Staying in the proper lane
Impaired driving and going the wrong way have become common factors in head-on collisions.

Vehicle Rollover

These types of accidents and crashes can be complex and violent. Rollovers happen from:

Drivers speeding, making sharp turns, cutting across lanes to exit
Road conditions
Construction
Vehicle dysfunctions like an accelerator that gets stuck, loss of brakes,
Weather and environmental factors
Impaired driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, research shows that around 85% of rollover-related fatalities result from a single-vehicle accident or crash.

When involved in a car crash or accident, the force of the collision can shift the spine and body’s joints out of alignment causing all types of injuries. Adjustments and realignment can help alleviate the pain and help heal the injury/s. Chiropractic treatment following a crash or accident is an important step that can benefit the body’s health.

Body Composition

Benefits of Dairy Intake

Packed Nutrient Profile

Dairy foods have an impressive nutrition label, and dairy is considered a healthy source of many essential nutrients.

A cup of cow’s milk provides close to 8 grams of protein. This exceeds the protein content of most non-dairy milk alternatives.
There are also essential micronutrients.
Increasing dairy consumption can significantly improve under-consumed nutrients like:
Calcium
Magnesium
Vitamin A
Vitamin D

Bone Health

A glass of milk has seven of the eight nutrients considered essential for bone maintenance. This includes:

Protein
Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Zinc
Vitamin K
Studies have found that milk and dairy intake increases bone formation and bone mineral content during childhood and adolescence.
This means that the bones are stronger and are at less risk of fractures.

References

Christ, Daniel. “Simulating the relative influence of tire, vehicle and driver factors on forward collision accident rates.” Journal of safety research vol. 73 (2020): 253-262. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2020.03.009

Texas DOT: 2017 Crash Statistics

Texas DOT: Total and DUI Fatal and Injury Crashes Comparison

Thorning, Tanja Kongerslev et al. “Milk and dairy products: good or bad for human health? An assessment of the totality of scientific evidence.” Food & nutrition research vol. 60 32527. 22 Nov. 2016, doi:10.3402/fnr.v60.32527

Maintaining Joint Health With Chiropractic

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Physiotherapist working with senior patient in clinic — Young woman physiotherapist helping senior man with elbow exercise in clinic. Young woman doctor checking elbow of senior patient. Old man during an appointment with professional osteopath in private clinic working and massaging his shoulder pain.

Optimal joint health is vital to keeping the body moving. They allow us to function throughout the day and perform various tasks. When healthy joints become injured or damaged, the body loses mobility. Joint issues/pain primarily present in the shoulders, wrists, hands, knees, ankles, and spine. Healthy joints are necessary for the full range of motion and comfortable movement. To keep joints healthy and fully functioning, chiropractic treatment is recommended to alleviate joint pain and improve joint health.

Table of Contents

Joint Health

Joints are designed to provide a full range of motion for the body parts they affect.
Joints are made to be able to endure weight and forces applied to them.
Every joint consists of two surfaces that make contact.

Types of joints include:

Ball-and-socket in the hip
Hinge joints in the knees and elbows.
Gliding joints in the spine.

The bones that make up the joint allow for movement, but the actual muscles pull the bones that generate movement.

The muscles are attached to bones by tendons.
Tendons are strong enough to facilitate movement and flexible to prevent damage to the muscle tissues.
Ligaments connect the bones and help to prevent uncontrolled movement.
The muscles, tendons, and ligaments are attached around each joint at specific positions and shaped to exact dimensions.
Synovial fluid lines the joints and lubricates the surfaces to reduce friction.

Injury and Conditions

Most injuries to joints occur from added and abnormal stresses placed on a joint.

A joint can become injured from a basic trauma accident. An ankle sprain, for example.
The ankle joint is protected by ligaments on the inside and outside.
When the ankle moves too far inward, the ligaments on the outside can tear.
The ankle swells, leading to pain.
In some instances, small pieces of bone and cartilage can also tear away.

Other injuries

Overuse/Repetitive stress injuries, also known as cumulative trauma disorders, can cause joint pain symptoms.
These injuries happen when stress is repeatedly placed on the joints.
The stress can come from:
Poor posture
Awkward/unusual positioning while working.
Little to no workstation ergonomics.

Arthritis

The most common cause of joint pain is arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the joints causing swollen and stiff joints, limiting mobility.
Osteoarthritis can also cause joint pain. This is when the joint cartilage breaks down from regular wear and tear.
The aging body becomes stiff, swollen and decreases the range of motion.

Other conditions

Pregnancy can place an incredible amount of pressure on the spine, knees, and hips as the body tries to balance itself with the added weight, causing joint pain.
Obesity can also lead to joint pain from the added weight and pressure.
Health conditions that cause inflammation can lead to joint pain, including Lyme disease and Lupus.
The jawbone is also a joint; Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction causes jaw pain, difficulty chewing and clicking, or locking.

Chiropractic can restore joint health.

Chiropractic can keep the joints in optimal health and functioning to the fullest. The objective is to activate the body’s natural ability to heal itself by improving the function of the central nervous system. Our team is dedicated to utilizing science-based chiropractic approaches to reduce pain and reverse painful conditions. It is also a natural method for relieving arthritis pain, slowing down the degenerative process, and helping to relubricate the joints. Contact us today to learn more about chiropractic and joint health.

Body Composition

Mediterranean Diet Can Be a Great Starting Point

There’s no perfect diet. Although human bodies are basically the same, individuals respond differently to certain diets. Diets can only go so far. The individual still has to put in the work of following the diet, exercising, developing new healthy habits, and maintaining them. The Mediterranean diet was reviewed by a panel of nationally recognized experts in:

Nutrition
Food psychology
Diabetes
Heart disease

They reviewed the diet profile to analyze certain categories. They included:

Ease of taking on the diet.
Weight loss effectiveness. This includes short-term and long-term.
Nutritional completeness based on Dietary Guidelines.
The diet’s potential for preventing and managing diabetes.
The diet’s potential for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.

The findings found the Mediterranean diet to be one of the best because of the many health benefits that come from the dietary changes.

References

Clark, Kristine L. “Nutritional considerations in joint health.” Clinics in sports medicine vol. 26,1 (2007): 101-18. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2006.11.006

Hui, Alexander Y, et al. “A systems biology approach to synovial joint lubrication in health, injury, and disease.” Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. Systems biology and medicine vol. 4,1 (2012): 15-37. doi:10.1002/wsbm.157

Keep Moving: Preventing Joint Injuries. American Chiropractic Association. www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Joint-Health.

What to Know About Joint Pain. Healthline. www.healthline.com/health/joint-pain#symptoms

Fibromyalgia Altered Pain Perception Processing

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Locating The Source Of Pain — An attractive young female nurse analyzing X-ray at computer in the hospital.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain throughout the whole body. It causes sleep problems, fatigue, and mental/emotional distress. It affects around four million adults in the United States. Individuals with Fibromyalgia tend to be more sensitive to pain. This is referred to as abnormal/altered pain perception processing. Research currently leans towards a hyperactive nervous system as one of the most plausible causes.

Table of Contents

Symptoms and Related Conditions

Individuals with fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia syndrome/FMS may have:

Fatigue
Sleep issues
Headaches
Concentration, Memory issues, or Fibro Fog
Stiffness
Tender points
Pain
Numbness and tingling in hands, arms, legs, and feet
Anxiety
Depression
Irritable bowel syndrome
Urinating issues
Abnormal menstrual cramps

Altered Central Pain Processing

Central sensitization means that the central nervous system, made up of the brain and spinal cord, processes pain differently and more sensitively. For example, individuals with Fibromyalgia could interpret physiological stimuli, like heat, coldness, pressure, as pain sensations. Mechanisms that cause altered pain processing include:

Pain signal dysfunction
Modified opioid receptors
Substance P increase
Increased activity in the brain where pain signals are interpreted.

Pain Signal Dysfunction

When a painful stimulus is felt, the brain signals the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers that block the transmission of pain signals. Individuals with Fibromyalgia could have a pain-blocking system that is altered and/or not functioning correctly. There is also the inability to block repetitive stimuli. This means that the individual keeps feeling and experiencing the stimuli even as they try to block them out, suggesting a failure in the brain to filter out irrelevant sensory information.

Modified Opioid Receptors

Research has found that individuals with fibromyalgia have a reduced number of opioid receptors in the brain. Opioid receptors are where endorphins bind so the body can use them when necessary. With fewer available receptors, the brain is less sensitive to endorphins, as well as opioid pain medication like:

Hydrocodone
Acetaminophen
Oxycodone
Acetaminophen

Substance P Increase

Individuals with fibromyalgia have been found to have elevated levels of substance P in their cerebrospinal fluid. This chemical is released when a painful stimulus is detected by the nerve cells. Substance P is involved with the body’s pain threshold, or the point when a sensation turns into pain. High levels of substance P could explain why the pain threshold is low in individuals with fibromyalgia.

Increased Activity in the Brain

Brain imaging tests, like magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, have shown that fibromyalgia is associated with greater than regular activity in areas of the brain that interpret pain signals. This can suggest that pain signals are overwhelming those areas or that the pain signals are being processed dysfunctionally.

Triggers

Certain factors can trigger a flare-up. These include:

Diet
Hormones
Physical stress
Too much exercise
Not enough exercise
Psychological stress
Stressful events
Sleep Patterns changed
Treatment changes
Temperature changes
Weather changes
Surgery

Chiropractic

Chiropractic focuses on whole-body wellness. 90% of the central nervous system goes through the spinal cord. A misaligned vertebral bone can create interference and irritation on the nerves. Fibromyalgia is a condition related to the hyperactivity of the nerves; therefore, any vertebral subluxations will complicate and aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms. By realigning the misaligned vertebrae releases the stress off of the spinal cord and spinal nerve root. That is why individuals with fibromyalgia are recommended to add a chiropractor to their healthcare team.

Body Composition

Dietary Supplement Quality Guide

Download

References

Clauw, Daniel J et al. “The science of fibromyalgia.” Mayo Clinic proceedings vol. 86,9 (2011): 907-11. doi:10.4065/mcp.2011.0206

Cohen H. Controversies and challenges in fibromyalgia: a review and a proposal. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2017 May;9(5):115-27.

Garland, Eric L. “Pain processing in the human nervous system: a selective review of nociceptive and biobehavioral pathways.” Primary care vol. 39,3 (2012): 561-71. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2012.06.013

Goldenberg DL. (2017). Pathogenesis of fibromyalgia. Schur PH, (Ed). UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc.

Kamping S, Bomba IC, Kanske P, Diesch E, Flor H. Deficient modulation of pain by a positive emotional context in fibromyalgia patients. Pain. 2013 Sep;154(9):1846-55.

Walking With Correct Posture

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Most individuals don’t think about how they walk or whether they are walking with the correct posture. Knowing how to walk with the proper technique and posture can help:

Ensure the bones and joints maintain proper alignment.
Decrease abnormal wear and tear on the joints, muscles, and ligaments from awkward positions.
Prevent neck, back, hip, and leg pain.
Reduce muscle aches and fatigue.
Reduce injury risk.
Improve balance, stability, and mobility.

Walking with the correct technique and posture is not complicated but requires individuals to stay aware of standing and moving.

Correct Posture

Walking is a physical activity that involves the whole body. It helps to focus on each part of the body to understand how to walk correctly fully.

Head-Up

Focus on standing straight with the chin parallel to the ground and ears aligned above the shoulders.
Imagine the head being pulled gently upwards by an invisible string attached to the sky/ceiling.
This can help prevent dropping the head into the chest while walking.
Maintain eyes forward and gaze.
Focus on an area about 10 to 20 feet ahead when walking.

Straighten and Extend the Spine

Focus on extending the spine while walking.
Avoid slouching, hunching, or leaning forward. This stresses the back muscles.

Relaxed Shoulders Down and Back

The shoulders have a role with posture and technique. Shoulders that are tense or hunched forward can strain the muscles and joints in the shoulders, upper back, and neck. When walking, perform the following:

Raise the shoulders as high as they will go in a shrugging motion, then let them fall and relax.
Shoulder shrugs will help relieve tightness or tension.
This places the shoulders in a natural position that allows for easy arm movement.
Keep the shoulders loose and relaxed.
Shoulder shrugs while walking can help ensure that the shoulders are relaxed and in the correct position.

Swing the Arms

Walking correctly can be helped by gently swinging the arms back and forth at the sides.

Make sure to swing the arms from the shoulders, not from the elbows.
Do not swing the arms across the body.
Do not swing the arms up too high.
Keep them around the midsection, not around the chest.

Engage the Body’s Core

The core muscles have an essential role and help the body move with ease.

Focus on tightening and engaging the core muscles by clenching the belly button toward the spine.
This helps maintain balance and stability.
It helps relieve stress and pressure on the back when walking.

Step Heel to Toe

Step in a steady heel-to-toe gait.

The foot should hit the ground with the heel first.
Then roll through the heel to the toes.
Push out of step with the toes.
Avoid flat-footed steps and/or landing with the toes first.

Injury Prevention

To prevent injury or overuse wear and tear on the muscles and joints, it is recommended to avoid the following:

Looking down too frequently

Looking down at the ground or phone too much places unnecessary strain on the neck.

Do not take long strides

The power comes from pushing off of the rear leg.
Overstriding places stress on the lower leg joints.

Rolling or swinging the hips

The hips should stay as level as possible.

Slouching

This will help avoid back and shoulder strain.

Wearing the wrong shoes

Wear the right shoes when walking for more than a few minutes.
Shoes should fit comfortably.
Provide arch and heel support.
Well-cushioned to absorb the shock of the feet hitting the ground.

Benefits of Correct Posture

The physical and mental benefits of proper posture and optimal walking technique include:

Alleviation of muscle and joint pain

Walking properly will avoid placing unnecessary stress and strain on the muscles, ligaments, and joints.

Increased energy

Walking with incorrect/awkward posture can wear out the muscles faster, whereas walking with proper form helps conserve energy.

Improved breathing

Walking with the shoulders back allows the lungs to fill and expand fully. This makes breathing more manageable and efficient.

Improved circulation

When the body is properly aligned and moving correctly, it’s easier for the blood to circulate throughout the body.

Digestion improvement

When the internal organs are not compressed from awkward postures, the body digests food more efficiently and increases blood flow to the digestive tract.

Enhanced core strength

The abdominal muscles gain strength and power from walking correctly.

Reduced headaches

Keeping the head straight, not bending forward, can help reduce neck strain, leading to reduced headaches.

Improved balance

Correct posture improves balance and less prone to falling.

Correct gait and posture are not complicated but do take some practice to develop healthy habits. For any issues with gait or back problems, talk to a doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor about technique improvement.

Body Composition

Ten-Thousand Steps Speed and Distance

Before deciding to put in the walking distance and time, speed also needs to be considered. Calories burned from walking depend on the intensity, or speed, of the walk. The average walking speed is about 3 miles per hour and the number of calories burned depends on walking speed.

A leisure 30-minute walk at two mph yields a burn of 102 calories
Moderate intensity of 3.5 mph in the same 30-minute walk increases to burn 157 calories.
The faster the pace, the greater the heart rate.
The more calories are burned covering the same distance.
However, reaching 10,000 steps can almost entirely be irrelevant if not careful with a stable caloric intake.

References

Buldt, Andrew K et al. “The relationship between foot posture and lower limb kinematics during walking: A systematic review.” Gait & posture vol. 38,3 (2013): 363-72. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2013.01.010

Common posture mistakes and fixes. (2019). nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/common-posture-mistakes-and-fixes/

The cost of being on your toes. (2010). Archive.unews.utah.edu/news_releases/the-cost-of-being-on-your-toes/

Hackford, Jessie et al. “The effects of walking posture on affective and physiological states during stress.” Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry vol. 62 (2019): 80-87. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.09.004

Perfecting your walking technique. (n.d.). health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/perfecting-your-walking-technique

Proper walking technique. (n.d.). mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/multimedia/proper-walking-technique/img-20007670

Chronic immune Dysregulation Part 2 | El Paso, Tx (2021)

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Chronic immune Dysregulation Part 2 | El Paso, Tx (2021)

Welcome to our new functional medicine presentation brought to you by Dr. Alex Jimenez where an expert will be talking to us about the role of telomeres and viral infections. Hope you enjoy this presentation titled Chronic Immune Dysregulation.

For an appointment please call:

915-412-6790

Fill your evaluation form online:
dralexjimenez.livingmatrix.com/self_register_patients/new

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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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Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

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

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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 subject matters presented, please feel free to contact Dr. Alex Jimenez.

Healthy Dark Chocolate Benefits

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Chocolate-banana smoothie, 70 % cocoa, all natural ingredience

Chocolate is comfort food. When stressed out, frustrated it makes you feel better, and when things are great, it can make them even better. However, there is a difference between the chocolate bar candies on the store shelves and healthy chocolate. Unhealthy chocolate is full of sugar and fat that can cause health problems like acne, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Healthy dark chocolate can be eaten regularly in moderation to gain a variety of health benefits what to know as far as what type of chocolate should be eaten and how much.

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Healthy Dark Chocolate

All the chocolate snacks, bars, minis, etc., contain added sugar, honey, and butter. These are not healthy for the body. Healthy dark chocolate contains at least 70% cocoa.

Dark Chocolate Nutrition

A 3.5 ounce – 100 grams dark chocolate bar contains:

11 grams of fiber
98% of recommended daily intake of manganese
89% of recommended daily intake of copper
67% of recommended daily intake of iron
58% of recommended daily intake of magnesium
Zinc
Selenium
Potassium
However, one bar contains 600 calories, which is why it needs to be consumed in moderation.

Cardiovascular System Benefits

Studies have shown that dark chocolate can restore elasticity and flexibility to the blood vessels and arteries. It was found to help prevent white blood cells from sticking to the blood vessel walls, a common cause of clogged arteries.

Lowers Cholesterol & Reduces Risk of Heart Disease

Dark chocolate has compounds that prevent the oxidation of LDL or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Less cholesterol means a lower risk of heart disease. Researchers found that dark chocolate reduced the risk of heart disease by 50% throughout a 15-year study.

Healthy for Expecting Mothers and Baby

Women that are pregnant and craving sweets can have dark chocolate. Eating dark chocolate can help improve blood flow to the arteries in the uterus. The improved blood flow helps the placenta develop and function normally, leading to a healthy pregnancy and delivery. It is recommended that pregnant women should only consume healthy dark chocolate during the first two trimesters and not in the third trimester. Speak to an obstetrician before making any diet changes.

Can Help Prevent Diabetes

When consumed in moderation, healthy dark chocolate can delay and even prevent the development of diabetes. This is achieved by improving insulin sensitivity. A study found that dark chocolate helped delay diabetes and also helped to lower blood pressure.

Beneficial for the Brain

Dark chocolate has been found to improve blood flow to the brain. This increases overall function. Subjects in a study found that after five days of consuming a small amount of dark chocolate daily, they had significantly increased the amount of blood in the brain. It was also found to help improve cognitive function in elder individuals. Another study found that 90 elderly patients had enhanced verbal skills and improved overall health.

Moderation Health

To be healthy, it needs to be consumed in moderation. This means about 1 ounce a day. A regular-sized healthy chocolate bar contains approximately 3.5 ounces. Therefore the bar should be split into thirds with one piece a day. Read the label carefully and ensure that that dark chocolate has a 70% or higher cocoa content. There can be several types of cocoa are on the label, including:

Cocoa nibs
Cocoa butter
Cocoa powder
All are perfectly healthy additions to a healthy dark chocolate bar.

It is recommended to avoid dark chocolate known as Dutched, or that has been processed with alkali. Treating dark chocolate with alkali reduces the bitter taste but also reduces the healthy antioxidants. Dark chocolate does have some sugar but is far less than the average milk chocolate bar. It is recommended to look for dark chocolate with sugar listed as the last or next to final ingredient on the list. Often the higher the percentage of cocoa, the less sugar.

Body Composition

Overeating

ASAPscience simplified the science of hunger and cravings in the above two-minute video. It explains the body’s hunger-regulation system and the why of second helpings how the appetite works. Appetite is different from hunger. Hunger is the need to eat, while appetite is the desire to snack mindlessly even after a meal. Hunger and appetite are influenced by a network of pathways involving the neuroendocrine system. Appetite regulation, fullness/satisfaction, and energy balance include:

The gut – the largest endocrine organ in the body
Various hormones
The brain

High-calorie foods rich in fat and sugar are highly desirable to the body. This comes from the hunter-gatherer ancestors who sought these foods for survival because they were scarce or difficult to come by. The instinct for fatty and sugary foods is still active even though these foods are available all over. The continual intake of high-calorie fat and sugary foods overrides the body’s natural hunger regulation system, leading to chronic overeating. The more an individual eats foods with high levels of fat and sugar, the more likely the body gets addicted to them.

References

Buijsse, Brian et al. “Cocoa intake, blood pressure, and cardiovascular mortality: the Zutphen Elderly Study.” Archives of internal medicine vol. 166,4 (2006): 411-7. doi:10.1001/archinte.166.4.411

Desideri, Giovambattista, et al. “Benefits in cognitive function, blood pressure, and insulin resistance through cocoa flavanol consumption in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment: the Cocoa, Cognition, and Aging (CoCoA) study.” Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) vol. 60,3 (2012): 794-801. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.112.193060

Francis, S T et al. “The effect of flavanol-rich cocoa on the fMRI response to a cognitive task in healthy young people.” Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology vol. 47 Suppl 2 (2006): S215-20. doi:10.1097/00005344-200606001-00018

Kinesiology, Kinesio, KT, Elastic Tape For Back Pain

By

Dr. Alex Jimenez

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Doctor helps woman by shoulder treatment with kinesio tape.

We see it on all types of athletes nowadays. They are wearing tape that looks like it’s for an injury. It is for injuries, but it can also be used as a preventative measure to avoid injuries. It is known as Kinesiology, Kinesio, KT, and elastic tape. It reduces swelling, increases mobility, and expedites recovery. It can be beneficial with back soreness/pain.

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Tape

When it comes to Kinesio tape for back pain, medical professionals reported the tape is most effective when incorporated with other pain treatments. A study found that taping various areas of the body safely relieved knee pain and reduced the need for pharmacological treatment for knee osteoarthritis. It is applied to the body to support a joint, improve circulation, or provide proprioception feedback to the brain. The tape can help increase awareness of a specific painful area, reminding the individual to maintain proper posture and not move in a way that causes pain. Online videos can teach how to tape a particular area of the body. Examples include:

Kinesiology tape for sciatica pain
Kinesiology tape lower back pain

Each joint and muscle requires various tapings or different patterns and directions. Applying the tape to body areas that an individual can reach and access, like the knee and ankle, can be simple. But it can be a challenge to apply it to the shoulder or back. This is when a physical therapist, chiropractor, medical clinician, partner, family member, or friend can help with the application. Kinesiology tape is designed to adhere for an average of three to four days, even when bathing.

Benefits

Kinesio taping for low back pain with help should be done in a shortened muscle position, meaning the person helping should apply the tape while the person experiencing back pain stands up straight. The taping can be two stripes going up and down, or it can be done with strips fanning out towards the buttocks. This gives support to the spine/back muscles and decreases pain.

Recovery and Prevention

Recovery from a spine condition or injury prevention, kinesiology tape can be used without any risk. It can help reduce pain, improve circulation, and provide muscle support. For a minor sprain or strain, the tape could help on its own. But for an individual experiencing severe back pain, it is recommended to seek professional medical care along with a stretching and strengthening regimen. The tape is recommended to be used as part of a complete treatment plan.

Body Composition

Five-Day Training Plan

The idea of training five times a week can be pretty intimidating. This is not about pushing yourself to your breaking point Monday through Friday. The objective of working out this frequently is about exercising normally, not like a professional athlete. That’s why many individuals divide up the areas they work out each day. Particular attention is given to one muscle group or system, letting the others rest and recover. This workout strategy is called a split and is favored by the bodybuilding community. Five-day splits are utilized to target different major muscle group/s every day. A standard training plan includes:

Monday

Back
Biceps

Tuesday

Chest
Triceps

Wednesday

Shoulders
Delts

Thursday

Legs
Lower Back

Friday

Biceps
Triceps

This is just one of the many programs that trainers, athletes, and fitness individuals have developed. Some individuals replace shoulders day with cardio; some do abs every day; it depends on what fitness goal the individual is going for.

References

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. (April 2016) “Kinesio taping for chronic low back pain: A systematic review” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27634093/

Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease. (August 2019) “The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping® for pain management in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial” journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1759720X19869135

What are the potential benefits for back pain?: Asian Journal of Sports Medicine. (June 2015) “Low Back Pain in Athletes” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4592766/