Repercussions

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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physiotherapist-doing-treatment-low-back-lumbar-pa-2022-02-10-02-13-52-utc_02 — Physiotherapist doing treatment to senior woman patient in clinic ,Elderly women suffering from low-back lumbar pain,Physical therapy concept

Sciatica is a radiculopathy, which is irritation of the nerve as it exits the spine and is typically caused by compression/pinching along the nerve’s path. Most sciatica cases improve within a few weeks of the injury incident. Left untreated, it can become chronic sciatica and can have long-term repercussions and effects. A herniated disc is the most common cause if it bulges next to the nerve; it can pinch off the nerve or leak fluid onto the nerve, causing inflammation, swelling, pain, numbness, and weakness. Another common cause is spinal stenosis. As the body ages, the canal through which the nerve and spinal cord run can begin to narrow, placing pressure on the nerves. Then there are muscle spasms, spinal fractures, and spinal cancer. Anything that changes the curvature of the spine, including pregnancy, can cause sciatica.

Table of Contents

Repercussions From Sciatica

The repercussions can vary or be a combination that includes:

Chronic Pain

The pain can be anywhere along the nerve; typically, it travels from the lower spine through the buttocks, down the back of the leg, and into the foot.

The condition can cause various types of pain: Burning, electrical, or shooting pain in the low back.
Symptoms can come and go and may present only when sitting, standing, lying, or engaged in a particular activity.
The severity of the pain can vary from mild to severe, mildly uncomfortable, to limiting function.

Posture Problems

When the body experiences chronic pain in a localized area, the body’s natural reaction is to avoid placing pressure, twisting or bending, or using a specific body part, manipulating healthy posture or walking gait to protect the low back or legs from pain.
This is referred to as muscle/posture guarding, which removes pressure from the site but alters the body’s natural alignment, affecting the spine’s characteristics and causing adverse side effects, like upper back and neck pain, headaches, and fatigue.
Unhealthy and awkward postures can negatively affect digestion, organ function, and breathing.

Loss of Balance

Sciatica commonly causes numbness and tingling in the leg, calf, foot, and toes.
The hidden danger behind numbness; it alters the body’s proprioception or awareness of its position.
When proprioception becomes inhibited or altered, communication signals from the body to the brain/vice versa get jumbled/interrupted, confusing the brain, throwing the body off balance.
This can result in falling injuries.

Numbness or Weakness

Sciatica is more problematic if the pain comes with neurological symptoms like numbness, muscle, or leg weakness.
This means there is an increased level of possible nerve damage if muscular weakness, which requires aggressive treatment.

Declining Reflexes

Depending on where the nerve is compressed, pain and numbness can affect the lower leg area and feet.
Damage to the nerve can cause the inability to flex the foot up.
The knee-jerk reflex, known as the patellar reflex, is the kicking motion of the lower leg when tapped on the patellar tendon.
Sciatica can numb the area, causing a delayed reaction or severe unresponsiveness to stimulation.

Permanent Nerve Damage

If left untreated, neurological symptoms like numbness and leg weakness can progress to permanent nerve damage.
However, this happens rarely but explains the importance of taking the injury seriously so full recovery is achievable.

Non-Surgical Sciatica Relief

Spinal Decompression Effective Long-Term Solution

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References

Berry, James A et al. “A Review of Lumbar Radiculopathy, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” Cureus vol. 11,10 e5934. Oct 17 2019, doi:10.7759/cureus.5934

Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2022 Feb 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/

Giuffre BA, Jeanmonod R. Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve. [Updated 2021 Jul 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/

Nori, Subhadra L. and Michael F. Stretanski. “Foot Drop.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, Dec 15, 2021.

Sciatica Being Treated Through Spinal Decompression

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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Table of Contents

Introduction

As part of the peripheral nervous system, the sciatic nerve is the largest nerve providing sensory and motor functions to the legs. The sciatic nerve is located in the lumbar regions of the spine that travels down to the leg. When the spine becomes injured or herniated, it can press on the sciatic nerve causing it to be irritated and cause throbbing, radiating pain that can cause symptoms like sciatica to invoke muscle weakness in the legs. Luckily, it’s rare for sciatica to affect both legs since it usually affects one leg at a time. However, various treatments provide relief for many people dealing with sciatica pain in their legs. Today’s article will focus on sciatica and how different treatments can help many individuals alleviate sciatica pain and reclaim their health and wellness. Referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialize in spinal decompression therapy. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is essential for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

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

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What Is Sciatica?

Feeling radiating, throbbing pain that runs down to your legs? How about muscle weakness in your thighs, legs, and feet? Does it hurt when moving around or shifting to relieve the pain? You could be suffering from sciatica, and research studies have mentioned that sciatica affects everyone, women, especially during their pregnancy, as it causes radiating leg pain and muscle disabilities in the lower regions of the body. Sciatica has a wide range of pain scales from short, sharp, shooting pain irritating to a burning, searing, throbbing pain that causes numbness and muscle weakness in the legs. Sciatica is usually caused by strenuous activities that require frequent lifting of heavy objects, which can cause the spine to over-twist and bend constantly. Additional information also mentioned that sciatica could be associated with other spinal disorders like spondylolisthesis, herniated discs, or muscle spasms that impact the spinal nerve and pressure it. This pressure causes the sciatic nerve to send pain signals to the brain and allows the inflammatory cytokines to irritate the sciatic nerve. Fortunately, various treatments help alleviate sciatica from causing more harm to the body and alleviate lower back pain and other chronic symptoms that affect the spine.

Non-Surgical Decompression Ft. DRX9000-Video

Sunny Kim, MD, a Johns Hopkins Alumni Features the DRX9000 Non-Surgical True Spinal Decompression

Feeling numbness and muscle weakness occurring in the back of your legs? How about a wide range of pain that hinders your ability to walk? Do you feel relief after shifting your position so you won’t feel any pain? You may be suffering from sciatica, and treatments like non-surgical decompression therapy can be the answer to alleviating sciatica pain. The video above introduces the DRX9000, a non-surgical decompression machine that utilizes many individuals through gentle traction and helps take the pressure off the sciatic nerve root that is causing sciatica. Decompression therapy allows the beneficial nutrients in the body to help repair the compressed spinal discs that aggravate the nerve roots in the lumbar region of the spine. When people use decompression therapy are part of their wellness treatment, they will feel a difference in their lower back and spine as decompression increases intervertebral disc height and relieve aggravating nerve roots from causing more pain to the body. Suppose you want to learn more about decompression and how it can benefit you in providing relief from sciatica and other spinal issues? This link will explain how decompression offers optimal comfort for many people that suffer from sciatica.

The Various Treatments For Sciatica: Decompression

When sciatica starts to affect the lower half of the body, it can hinder a person’s quality of life. Many people have tried to alleviate the pain by shifting their weight to a more comfortable position, while others go to various treatments that specialize in treating sciatica. One of the multiple treatments is decompression therapy. Research studies have proven that decompression therapy has provided many individuals relief from sciatica by increasing spinal height so the compressed discs that aggravate the sciatic nerve can return to their original form. Decompression therapy can reduce the pain that has been afflicted in the lumbar region and provide disc restoration to the spine. Additional research studies have also mentioned that decompression therapy has even helped reduce pain, disability, and straight leg individuals suffering from sciatica. Decompression uses negative pressure on the lumbar spine. It helps supply the necessary substances like nutrients and oxygen back into the compressed disc and relieves the sciatic nerve’s pain.

Physical Activities

Another form of treatment for sciatica that many individuals can utilize is physical activities. Incorporating light to moderate physical activities that can benefit those with sciatica can provide the relief they are searching for. Research studies have shown that individuals exercising for a while can help reduce the effects of sciatica or even lumbar radicular pain from developing. Exercises like yoga, jogging, and workout plans that focus on the legs and back help strengthen the muscles and spine from developing sciatica. Other research studies have shown that therapeutic exercises have helped support the core while stretching tight muscles like the hamstrings and even transporting beneficial fluids throughout the entire body. This will provide much-needed relief to many suffering individuals hindered by sciatica.

Conclusion

Overall, sciatica happens to everybody; it causes pain in the lower regions of the body. When a compressed spinal disc starts to irritate the sciatic nerve root, it can send radiating, searing pain that travels down the leg. Since the sciatic nerve root is the largest in the peripheral nervous system, it provides sensory and motor functions to the legs, allowing them to move around from place to place. When the spine gets injured and starts to affect the sciatic nerve, sciatica begins to develop, causing leg pain and spinal issues. Incorporating various treatments that help alleviate sciatica provides much-needed relief for many suffering individuals.

References

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

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

Davis, David, et al. “Sciatica – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 4 Feb. 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/.

Hochschuler, Stephen. “Sciatica Treatment.” Spine, Spine-Health, 5 June 2019, https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatica-treatment.

Koes, B W, et al. “Diagnosis and Treatment of Sciatica.” BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), BMJ Publishing Group Ltd., 23 June 2007, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1895638/.

Shiri, R, et al. “Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” European Journal of Pain (London, England), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5081102/.

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Have Sciatic Nerve Injury: Try Decompression

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Throughout the entire body, the nerves that start from the brain in the central nervous system and branch out from the spine, allow the user to feel, sense, and move wherever it is going. These nerve roots allow many of us to send the information that we are experiencing to and forth in the brain. These nerves also help with our motor functions such as walking, sitting, standing, and running in any location that we are currently at. When unforeseen circumstances like an injury to the body or accidents that start to affect the nerves, it can cause a variety of issues to occur and dampen the quality of life in a person. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help alleviate nerve injuries and reduce the pain that it is causing in each region of the body. Today’s article will look at spinal nerve injury, its symptoms, and how decompression therapy can help individuals that are suffering from sciatic nerve pain. Referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialize in spinal decompression therapy. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is essential for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

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

Download

What Is Sciatic Nerve Injury?

Do you feel a throbbing, radiating pain that travels from the lower back to the back of the leg? Does the back of your leg feel tender to the touch? Or does it hurt to walk or run, even for a short distance? These symptoms are caused by sciatic nerve pain and can be excruciating for many people. As mentioned in research studies, the sciatic nerve in the body is considered the largest nerve that resides in the lower back and travels down the buttock area to the legs. The sciatic nerve is responsible for the motor function of the legs to move around. When the spine succumbs to injury, the compressed discs between the spinal joints crack and herniate out of the spine, aggravating the sciatic nerve by producing pain signals, known as neuropathy, to the brain and radiating down the leg, causing leg pain. Additional studies have found that sciatic neuropathy causes deficits in the sensory and motor function of the legs while also mimicking other neuro- and radiculopathies factors that affect the lower half of the body. When the sciatic nerve root is aggravated on either side of the legs, symptoms like sciatica will develop and cause excruciating pain.

The Symptoms

When the sciatic nerve becomes aggravated, it can lead to sciatica and affect the legs’ motor and sensory functions. Research studies have found that sciatica is often mistaken for any low back or radicular leg pain when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated from a compressed spinal disc. When a person suffers from sciatica, the pain worsens when their bodies do everyday movements, depending on the severity. Additional research has found that symptoms and areas that are affected by sciatic nerve pain can include:

Electric shocking-like pain
A constant dull ache
Muscle weakness in the tighs, legs, and feet muscles
Paresthesia
Come and go discomfort

All is not lost, though, as treatments can help alleviate sciatic nerve pain and can help restore the compressed spinal discs back to their original functioning state.

Causes Of Sciatic Nerve Pain-Video

Have you started to feel radiating pain that travels down your leg? How about the discomfort that comes and goes when you shift your position? Do the muscles from your legs, thighs, and feet starting to feel weak? You might be experiencing sciatic nerve pain, and decompression therapy is the possible answer that you are looking for. The video explains the causes of sciatic nerve pain and how it affects the functionality of the legs. So by adding decompression therapy as part of your treatment, the sciatic nerve pain will be alleviated as the herniated discs return to the spine and take the pressure off the nerve root. Many individuals suffering from sciatic nerve pain will begin to feel relief in their legs when they go in for decompression therapy. Suppose you want to learn more about decompression and how it can benefit you in providing relief from sciatic nerve pain? This link will explain how decompression offers optimal comfort for sciatic nerve pain.

How Decompression Therapy Can Alleviate Sciatic Nerve Pain

When the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, it can send radiating throbbing pain down from the buttock to the legs. When sciatic nerve pain occurs, treatments like anti-inflammatory medication, physical activities, and chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the pain arising along the sciatic nerve. One of the treatments is spinal decompression. Research has shown that spinal decompression can help take the pressure off the sciatic nerves trapped in the piriformis muscles and relieve the lower half of the body. Decompression therapy uses gentle traction on the spine to pull the compressed spinal discs back into the spine. The pressure from the irritated sciatic nerve is relieved, and the pain signals are diminished.

Conclusion

Overall, the sciatic nerve is the largest in the central nervous system that can become irritated and cause pain in the lower half of the body. This is due to compressed spinal discs pressing on the sciatic nerve that sends throbbing, radiating pain down to the legs. When this happens, treatments like decompression therapy are there to help pull the compressed spinal discs back to the spine gently and relieve the pressure off the sciatic nerve. People that utilize decompression therapy are part of their wellness treatment and will begin to feel relief from leg pain and be able to restore motor function back to the leg muscles.

References

Davis, David, et al. “Sciatica – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 4 Feb. 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/.

Feinberg, Joseph, and Shikha Sethi. “Sciatic Neuropathy: Case Report and Discussion of the Literature on Postoperative Sciatic Neuropathy and Sciatic Nerve Tumors.” HSS Journal : the Musculoskeletal Journal of Hospital for Special Surgery, Springer-Verlag, Sept. 2006, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2488172/.

Guiffre, Brittney A, and Rebecca Jeanmonod. “Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 29 July 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/.

Son, Byung-Chul, et al. “Decompression of the Sciatic Nerve Entrapment Caused by Post-Inflammatory Scarring.” Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society, The Korean Neurosurgical Society, Feb. 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4345190/.

Yeomans, Steven. “Types of Sciatic Nerve Pain.” Spine, Spine-Health, 7 June 2019, https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/types-sciatic-nerve-pain.

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Sciatic Nerve Nutrition Decompression

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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latino woman working at juice bar and cutting fruits, making fresh smoothies from bananas,orange and melon. she useing eco metal reusable tubes and glass.

Food is more than just energy. Diets have a profound effect on everything in an individual’s life. Some foods can help the body heal or interfere with the recovery/healing process from injury/s and/or conditions that include sciatica. Making changes to a diet plays a significant factor in the recovery/rehabilitation phase, and adding certain foods will improve and expedite the healing process. A fully functional sciatic nerve nutrition diet plan must be personalized to each individual’s needs.

Table of Contents

Sciatic Nerve Nutrition

Sciatica can cause numbness, tingling, electrical shock-type pain, or a combination in the back, hip, outer side of the leg, and the foot. Clinical nutrition is a powerful tool when combating sciatica. Enzymes in certain foods can help reduce the inflammation associated with sciatica. A high percentage of individuals dealing with sciatica can enhance pain relief by adjusting their diets. Quick recommendations include:

Oily fish like salmon and halibut are rich in omega-three fatty acids that decrease inflammation in the body and the sciatic nerve.
Fresh pineapples and berries are anti-inflammatories that aid in healing and increase immune system function.
2-3 cups of green tea contain antioxidants that help control peripheral sensations and help manage pain.
Turmeric, ginger, and garlic contain anti-inflammatory agents that relieve swelling by reducing levels of inflammation-stimulating enzymes.
B-Vitamins are essential to maintain normal nerve function and can be found in green peas, spinach, navy beans, nuts, and bananas.
Magnesium-rich foods can ensure the body is not deficient and help control muscle spasms.
Foods rich in Vitamin A
Foods rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin K sources
Proper body hydration

Sciatica can also be triggered by a poor diet that causes constipation that can place pressure on the nerve. Therefore it is recommended to incorporate fiber-rich foods that include plenty of fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation.

Foods That Make Sciatica Worse

Inflammatory foods to avoid:

Sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.
Trans fats include margarine and any hydrogenated/solidified or partially hydrogenated oils.
Refined vegetable oils – These are vegetable, nut, or seed oils that have been highly processed. Cut down on french fries, chips, or other foods fried in these oils.
Refined carbohydrates – Carbohydrates that have fiber removed increase the growth of inflammatory gut bacteria. These include white flour, refined corn products, white rice, and various commercial cereals and sugars.
Excessive alcohol – Moderate amounts of alcohol can provide health benefits, but higher amounts increase inflammation.
Processed meats – are often processed at high temperatures, creating chemicals/substances associated with inflammation.

Spinal Decompression Can Get Rid Of Sciatic Nerve Pain

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Avoid Surgery

References

Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2022 Feb 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/

Garfin, SR et al. “Spinal nerve root compression.” Spine vol. 20,16 (1995): 1810-20. doi:10.1097/00007632-199508150-00012

Kumar, M. Epidemiology, pathophysiology and symptomatic treatment of sciatica: A review. nt. J. Pharm. Bio. Arch. 2011, 2.

Safari, Mir Bahram, et al. “Efficacy of a Short-Term Low-Calorie Diet in Overweight and Obese Patients with Chronic Sciatica: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 26,6 (2020): 508-514. doi:10.1089/acm.2019.0360

Decompression Therapy Can Improve Disc Height

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

-

Table of Contents

Introduction

Everyone worldwide has suffered from some reasonable amount of injuries in their spine. The spine is part of the musculoskeletal system that holds muscles, tissues, ligaments, and spinal cavities. In the spine, round, cushion-like discs are sectioned in each vertebra that helps protect the spine and spinal cord. As the body ages, so do the spine, causing the cushion-like disc to become stiff and compressed until they start to crack the outer layer. This crack allows the inner layer of the spinal disc to leak out and bulge out of the spine. This bulge then starts to press on the spinal nerve roots connected to the spinal cord causing the person to feel pain. When this happens, non-surgical treatments are available to help restore the spinal disc to the spine and allow the irritated nerve root to relax and repair itself. Today’s article explains how to take care of our spine, what happens when disc herniation is, and how decompression therapy can restore spinal discs and increase their height in the spine. Referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialize in spinal decompression therapy. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is essential for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

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

Download

Taking Care Of Your Spine

Feeling wear and tear on your back? Do you feel stiffness in your joints as you twist and turn? How about aches and pains in random places in the lumbar or cervical area of the body? When something like this happens to the body, it could be how you take care of your spine. In many previous articles, the spine is an S-shaped curve part of the musculoskeletal system that allows the body to do everyday movements that help a person move around. When a person injures their back, their spine usually takes damage in pulled muscles, stiff joints, a momentary sense of instability when getting up, and low back pain. Research studies have stated that when there are spine disorders in the back, it can involve the entire intervertebral disc, joints, and tissues that are connected to the spine.

Spine disorders are also associated with low back pain issues, causing them to lower the quality of life in a person and, if not treated right away, hinder their ability to move around. Additional information has mentioned that contributing factors affect when acute or repetitive trauma starts to cause low back pain issues. Compressing the spinal disc repeatedly through overtwisting and turning can increase the chances of internal disc disruptors and disc instability. When this happens, disc herniation does occur in the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine.

Disc Herniation

When there are spine disorders associated with low back pain, disc herniation is one of the factors for back sufferers. Studies have defined that disc herniation occurs in the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine, causing the spinal disc’s outer layer to crack and expose the inner walls to bulge out, causing the spinal nerve roots that are neck to them to be irritated and compressed. When the nerves start to become affected, it can cause pain and dysfunction in the spinal cord. Disc herniation can also progress to severe causes like loss of sensory and motor functions to the lower half of the body and lower back, causing muscle weakness. More research studies have stated that since disc herniation is so common for many people, it can be the pathogenesis of sciatica to develop. All is not lost, as there are treatments that provide the necessary relief for the spine and restore the intervertebral disc back to its original function.

Disc Height & Decompression- Video

Spinal Decompression: Study Shows Increased Disc Height & Decreased Pain | Podcast Ep. 236

Have you been experiencing numbness around some regions of your back? How about muscle stiffness that is occurring around your neck and lower back? Does it hurt when you stretch, and the pain radiates down your leg? Experiencing these symptoms is due to disc herniation and can cause severe spinal issues that affect the back and the spine. The best way to restore the spine is through spinal decompression therapy. The video above describes how spinal decompression can help improve spinal functionality by increasing the disc height and reducing the pain signals through gentle traction on the spinal disc leaving the nerve roots alone. This will allow the individual receiving spinal decompression therapy to have their sensory and motor functions back in their lower back and legs. Suppose you want to learn more about decompression and how it can benefit you in providing relief from disc herniation? This link will explain what decompression offers optimal comfort for disc herniation in the spine.

Decompression Therapy Helps Increase Disc Height

Since disc herniation has been associated with issues affecting the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine, some treatments are available to help with disc restoration, and it is none other than decompression therapy. Research studies have shown that when individuals go in for decompression therapy, they are first lying down on a traction table and are strapped in. This allows the provider to adjust and change the direction where the opposing force will begin to reduce the pressure that the herniated disc has caused on the irritable nerve root while increasing the hydration back to the cracked outer layer of the spinal disc. The continuous effects of spinal decompression allow the intervertebral disc to increase its height between the spinal columns and reduce the herniated material. Spinal decompression therapy can also help alleviate other low back and neck pain symptoms that a person could be suffering from.

Conclusion

Utilizing treatments to take care of the body can allow it to live longer and reduce other ailments that can hinder one’s functionality. Overall, spinal decompression therapy can help restore spinal disc herniation by causing anti-gravitational or negative pressure on the spinal canals and help restore the functionality of the spine. Incorporating decompression therapy as part of a wellness lifestyle can benefit most people who suffer from low back and neck pain. Without it, many people will suffer from chronic pain and spinal issues that can cause them to become miserable

References

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

Dydyk, Alexander M, et al. “Disc Herniation – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 18 Jan. 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441822/.

Raciborski, Filip, et al. “Disorders of the Spine. A Major Health and Social Problem.” Reumatologia, Narodowy Instytut Geriatrii, Reumatologii i Rehabilitacji w Warszawie, 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5090028/.

Tariq, Rayhan A, et al. “Back Safety – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 29 Nov. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519066/.

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

Disclaimer

How Degenerative Discs Can Affect Your Back

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

-

Table of Contents

Introduction

As part of the musculoskeletal system located in the middle of the back, the spine helps the body stay up and provides everyday movements that a person goes from one place to another. Ligaments, soft tissue muscles, nerve roots, and other components help protect the spinal cord and spine from significant injuries like auto accidents, a slip, fall, work injuries, or acute injuries like a slipped disc or degeneration, herniation, pulled back muscles. These damages can affect the back in multiple ways and cause most people to suffer from pain. Thus many people start trying to find ways to relieve the pain in their spine or back. Today’s article immerses us in how degenerative disc starts to affect the spine and how treatments like decompression can help reduce the pain affecting the back and the spine. Referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialize in spinal decompression therapy. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is essential for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

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

Download

The Spine Can Degenerate Naturally

Feeling tired and aching after a long workday? Do you think a variety range of pain starting to affect either your neck or lower back? How about feeling the wear and tear on your back due to normal activities? It is expected that the body naturally ages over time, causing muscles, joints, and even ligaments not to work correctly. For the spine, though, the spinal discs, which are located in-between the spinal joints, can also age and cause pain to the body. Studies have mentioned that degenerative disc disrupts the structure of the disc itself. In a healthy, average, functioning body, the spine allows mobility and stability to the person doing any activities without feeling discomfort. When habits and lifestyle choices begin to affect the body, it can develop over time into degeneration in the spinal joints, causing the spine to be afflicted. Other research studies have provided that disc degeneration on the spine affects not only the lumbar area but also the cervical area as it causes three stages during the degenerative process:

Dysfunction
Instability
Stabilization

These stages gradually affect the lumbar and cervical area over time; it causes spinal issues like osteoarthritis and spinal nerve root pressure in the back. When the spinal nerve roots become pressurized, it radiates pain that promotes muscle weakness in some back regions.

How Does It Affect The Back?

Since the spine does age naturally, causing disc degeneration, other symptoms in the lumbar regions of the back will begin to show up over time. Symptoms of low back pain seem to work hand-in-hand with disc degeneration as research studies have found that degenerative discs are irreversible in the spine. In contrast, low back pain can have adverse effects on many individuals. Low back pain exerts an enormous burden on the back’s lumbar region while promoting long-term disability. Anytime low back pain is associated with degenerative discs on the spine, the body loses the necessary sensory and motor functions such as movement limitations, balance issues, pain, muscle weakness, and reflex issues will hinder a person’s quality of life; studies have concluded.

An Overview On Degenerative Disc-Video

What is DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE? | How to Treat It WITHOUT SURGERY

Feeling pain along your spine? How about aches and discomfort in the lower regions of your back? How about muscle stiffness and discomfort around the cervical and lumbar region of the spine? Experiencing disc degeneration is no laughing matter; why not try non-surgical decompression to alleviate the severe symptoms of disc degeneration. The video above provides an overview of disc degeneration and how non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression can help promote relief to the spine. Decompression promotes traction through gentle pulling to elongate spinal disc height while releasing the compressed discs off the aggravated nerve roots causing low back and neck pain. Suppose you want to learn more about decompression and how it can benefit you in providing relief from disc degeneration and other low back conditions? This link will explain what decompression offers optimal comfort for disc degeneration in the spine.

How Decompression Treats Degenerative Disc

Since both the spine and body can age, naturally, many unwanted symptoms can pop up over time in random locations in the back. With disc degeneration, the spinal discs help cushion the spine from any injuries that it succumbs to. Treatments like decompression can help with low back pain and disc degeneration. Research studies have proven that decompression treatments allow the space in-between the spinal joints to be vertically expanded while lessening the pressure and restoring disc height to the spine. Utilizing decompression enables the spine to restore the natural beneficial substances for the spinal discs while loosening the muscles connected to the spine.

Conclusion

Overall, the spine can age naturally, causing issues like disc degeneration to occur and causes unwanted symptoms like low back pain to cause long-term disability to many people. Disc degeneration is irreversible, causing sensory and motor dysfunction to the body, making it unstable, have muscle weakness in certain areas in the back, and affecting a person’s quality of life. Treatments like decompression therapy allow the spine to be decompressed while elongating disc height, causing relief to the individual while restoring spinal health. These types of treatments are perfect for many individuals that are looking to reclaim their health and wellness.

References

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

Fakhoury, Jordan, and Thomas J Dowling. “Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 25 Aug. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560772/.

Jandrić, Slavica, and Branislav Antić. “[Low Back Pain and Degenerative Disc Disease].” Medicinski Pregled, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2006, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17345822/.

Kirnaz, Sertac, et al. “Pathomechanism and Biomechanics of Degenerative Disc Disease: Features of Healthy and Degenerated Discs.” International Journal of Spine Surgery, International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery, Apr. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8092938/.

Zheng, Chang-Jiang, and James Chen. “Disc Degeneration Implies Low Back Pain.” Theoretical Biology & Medical Modelling, BioMed Central, 9 Nov. 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4640162/.

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The Difference Between Traction & Decompression Therapy

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Anyone that has dealt with low back pain can describe it in various ways. Some may describe it as a mild, dull ache that can be a gradual nuisance throughout the day, while others describe it as sudden throbbing, burning pain that can radiate pain that travels down to the feet. Either way, having low back pain is horrible, and it could be developed more if people don’t change their habits to relieve back pain. Some of the risk factors can be poor lifestyle choices, common factors like looking down at your phone or lifting heavy objects, while others can be due to stress and anxiety. These risk factors can cause more pressure on the lower back; however, there are a variety of treatments that can help alleviate low back pain. Today’s article focuses on the differences between two non-surgical treatments, traction therapy and decompression therapy, and how they can relieve low back pain in their unique way. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is essential for asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

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

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The Difference Between Traction & Decompression Therapy

Are you feeling a wide variety of pain in your lower back? Has the pain been a dull gradual ache that causes you to place your hand on your lower back? Or is it a sudden throbbing pain that hinders your ability to do any errands? This type of pain is called low back pain, and trying out either traction therapy or decompression therapy could be the answer you are looking for low back relief. Say you want to try traction therapy. Well, research studies have mentioned that traction therapy can be both manually and mechanically used to gently pulls on the spine to increase the spinal disc height while reducing the internal pressure. This allows the pain-sensitive fibers surrounding the outer layer of the spinal disc to relax. Traction therapy also allows the physical function of the spine to recover and return to normal posture; plus decreases the pain and improves the biomechanic function of the spine’s mobility. Other research studies have found that when individuals try traction therapy, the positive results show that traction therapy can help alleviate leg pain conditions like sciatica and relieve nerve root tension.

If traction therapy is not suitable for you, decompression therapy can help. As research has stated, Decompression therapy is a treatment that helps reduce the pressure off the irritated spinal nerve roots that are sending out pain signals throughout the entire lower half of the body. Decompression helps compressed, bulging discs that are touching pinched nerve roots retract back to the spine and cause the relief to the individual. That allows the reduction of muscular back spasms and loosens tense soft tissues. Additional information has been provided that decompression works well with physical therapy by restoring lumbar functionality on the spine and enhancing muscle endurance on the back. Decompression even provides relief for individuals suffering from other back pain conditions such as herniation, slipped disc, poor posture, and pinched nerves.

An Overview Of Lumbar Traction-Video

LUMBAR TRACTION TABLE - with Ivan Prothoy

Feeling aches and pains all over your back? How about stiff muscles on your lower back when you stretch side to side? Does the pain come in a gradual or sudden throbbing way? These can be issues of low back pain and decompression, along with traction therapy can help you. The above explains what traction does while using the Chatanooga Trition machine. The machine helps many people suffering from low back pain issues and helps alleviate other chronic problems like sciatica, bulging disc, lumbar scoliosis, and pinched nerves in the lumbar region. People will feel instant relief after going in for a treatment to relieve low back pain. Suppose you want to learn more about decompression or traction therapy and how it can benefit you in relieving low back pain and other low back conditions? This link will explain what these two therapies do for the lower back.

How Both Traction & Decompression Therapy Alleviate Low Back Pain

Both traction and decompression therapy have unique ways of alleviating low back pain as both are non-surgical treatments. Research studies have demonstrated that the effects of both these treatments have increased back muscle activities through muscle endurance from the torso. Traction and decompression therapy can also provide valuable information in relieving low back pain due to degenerative changes in the spinal discs, as studies have concluded. Both treatments are excellent for many people suffering from lumbar, cervical, and leg pain, restricting their quality of life. Non-surgical treatments help people worldwide recuperate from suffering so long with back pain and help them utilize non-surgical therapy as part of their path to recovery.

Conclusion

Overall, even though traction and decompression therapy has unique functions to help alleviate pain, they both have one thing in common: they are used in non-surgical treatments to ease low back pain for many individuals. Integrating non-surgical treatments for a person’s health and wellness journey can help them live longer, develop new habits, and even help supply relief to their back. While traction therapy increases spinal disc height and decompression relieves pressure off irritated, pinched nerves, having low back pain is no laughing matter when it stops a person’s quality of life. Knowing that there are treatments for low back pain can help many individuals in the long run with their health and wellness.

References

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

Amjad, Fareeha, et al. “Effects of Non-Surgical Decompression Therapy in Addition to Routine Physical Therapy on Pain, Range of Motion, Endurance, Functional Disability and Quality of Life versus Routine Physical Therapy Alone in Patients with Lumbar Radiculopathy; a Randomized Controlled Trial.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 16 Mar. 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8924735/.

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

Horseman, Ian, and Mark W Morningstar. “Radiographic Disk Height Increase after a Trial of Multimodal Spine Rehabilitation and Vibration Traction: A Retrospective Case Series.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, Elsevier, Dec. 2008, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697595/.

Kang, Jeong-Il, et al. “Effect of Spinal Decompression on the Lumbar Muscle Activity and Disk Height in Patients with Herniated Intervertebral Disk.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Nov. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5140813/.

Oh, Hyunju, et al. “The Impact of Manual Spinal Traction Therapy on the Pain and Oswestry Disability Index of Patients with Chronic Back Pain.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Dec. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6279706/.

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Decompression Massage Center

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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physiotherapist treating a contracture in the patient's back

Massage is the manipulation of the body’s muscles and tissues using controlled force, gentle and slow kneading, and assisted instrumentation. Decompression Massage Center tailors treatment plans to the individual’s health needs to help expedite recovery. A medical decompression massage can:

Bring pain relief
Relieve stress
Relieve muscle aches and tension
Release knotted or cramped muscles
Improve sleep
Improve mental/emotional state
Accelerate injury rehabilitation
Strengthen the musculoskeletal system
Release toxins
Boost the immune system

Trained professionals perform massage therapy in a clinical or hospital setting to find and focus on problem areas. The therapeutic massage involves focused work on the body’s:

Soft tissues
Muscles
Tendons
Ligaments

Table of Contents

Discomfort and Pain Relief

A massage therapist works on several medical issues that are either chronic or acute, which include:

Overuse/Repetitive stress injuries.
Neck pain
Whiplash.
Migraines.
Tension headaches, cluster headaches, and sinus headaches.
Shoulder pain.
Back pain.
Radiating pain.
Strains and sprains.
Tendonitis.
Post-surgical scar tissue rehabilitation with a doctor’s clearance.

Decompression Massage

A therapeutic decompression massage is more profound, with individuals experiencing more tenderness as the therapist works through the tissue using various techniques and instruments that could incorporate:

Deep tissue massage
Percussive massage
Heat and ice
Myofascial release
Trigger point work
Various movement therapies
Gentle resistance stretching techniques

Massage Spot Work

A decompression massage could be recommended as an extended part of a treatment plan. Spot work focuses on areas of concern for a shorter period while enhancing the decompression treatment. Focused massage techniques will:

Alleviate pain
Increase range of motion
Restore movement and function
Assist in healing faster

Non-Surgical Solution For Neck and Back Pain

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Spinal DRX9000

References

Demirel, Aynur, et al. “Regression of lumbar disc herniation by physiotherapy. Does non-surgical spinal decompression therapy make a difference? A double-blind, randomized controlled trial.” Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation vol. 30,5 (2017): 1015-1022. doi:10.3233/BMR-169581

Keller, Glenda. “The effects of massage therapy after decompression and fusion surgery of the lumbar spine: a case study.” International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork vol. 5,4 (2012): 3-8. doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v5i4.189

Menard, Martha Brown. “Immediate Effect of Therapeutic Massage on Pain Sensation and Unpleasantness: A Consecutive Case Series.” Global advances in health and medicine vol. 4,5 (2015): 56-60. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2015.059

Zainuddin, Zainal, et al. “Effects of massage on delayed-onset muscle soreness, swelling, and recovery of muscle function.” Journal of athletic training vol. 40,3 (2005): 174-80.

Your Weight Could Affect Your Back: Try Decompression

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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Table of Contents

Introduction

As the world moves, so does the body. When the body does everyday movements like running, jumping, and walking without feeling pain. When people incorporate daily habits to live longer and have healthier bodies, the body will not succumb to injuries and pain. However, when certain circumstances like stress, anxiety, and unhealthy habits start to take hold of the person’s body, it can lead to complications like obesity, chronic inflammatory responses, and low back pain affecting the body. Treatments like physical therapy and decompression therapy have been used to help many individuals trying to get their lives back together. Today’s article focuses on how obesity is associated with low back pain, how it affects the body, and how decompression therapy can help weight loss patients experiencing low back pain. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

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

Download

Obesity and Low Back Pain

Feeling sluggish after walking around all day long? Do you feel shortness of breath? How about aches on your lower back? Experiencing any of these symptoms could result from obesity and low back pain affecting you. Research studies have mentioned that low back pain and obesity are the most common concerns for everybody worldwide. Since low back pain is the most musculoskeletal health concern and obesity is a health problem, many individuals will have an increased risk of lumbar radicular pain. This is due to the mass body index affecting the person’s body, as research studies have mentioned that obesity can have both biomechanical and meta-inflammatory effects on the spine. Since both male and female bodies are different in fat composition, it is more likely that female bodies tend to have more fat masses stored around the torso area, causing lower back pain issues than male bodies. In regards to that, lifestyle habits and changes can also cause obesity to progress further in both male and female bodies causing low back pain issues to develop further.

How Does It Affect The Body

When obesity and low back pain start to affect the body, research studies have shown that chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension are associated with obesity and can influence the path for diseases in the tendons and ligaments of the body. As the body goes through the natural aging process, this can lead to low back pain and cause many overweight individuals to be at risk of osteoarthritis. The excess weight starts putting more pressure on the knees, hips, feet, and lower back when this happens. This causes the pelvis to pull forward in the body, causing the lower back muscles to become strained. All is not lost as there are treatments to lose weight and alleviate the symptoms of low back pain.

DRX9000 Decompression Therapy-Video

DRX9000 Spinal Decompression Therapy:: Herniated Disc / Disc Herniation Treatment

Do you feel aches and strains on your lower back? How about feeling out of breath from walking? Do you feel the weight bearing down onto your legs and feet? Your weight could be affecting your back, and non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and decompression therapy might be able to help you out. The video above shows how the DRX9000 decompression machine can help alleviate low back pain by gently stretching the spine to elongate the disc height and loosen up the lower back muscles. While decompression therapy helps with low back pain, research studies have found that physical therapy can help promote weight loss. Losing the excess weight can alleviate low back symptoms that are causing the muscles and joints to relax and take the stress off the spine. Suppose you want to learn more about decompression and how it can benefit you in relieving low back pain and other low back pain conditions? This link will explain what it does for the lower back.

How Decompression Can Help Weightloss Individuals

As stated in a previous article, physical therapy and decompression go hand in hand in alleviating low back pain. For individuals suffering from obesity, physical therapy can help get them back in shape. With the right motivation to exercise, lose weight, and eat healthier, individuals will begin to see the excess weight be taken off and take the pressure off their lower backs. Research studies have mentioned that individuals who lose weight are allowed to do spinal decompression therapy. After a person starts to lose weight, the residual low back pain is still there and can be a nuisance to the back. Luckily, that is where decompression therapy comes in, and as research shows, decompression therapy can help relieve low back pain and reduce the symptoms of leg pain. This is beneficial for weight loss individuals as both of these therapies can help improve a person’s quality of life and help them on their weight loss journey.

Conclusion

Overall, obesity and low back pain can cause a person to become miserable and be in pain. When a person is obese, the excess weight around the torso can pressure the lower back, hips, knees, and feet. If a person is suffering from lower back issues, it can cause them to develop other back problems that can cause them to lean and find relief. Incorporating physical therapy and decompression therapy is a match made in heaven as many individuals lose weight and start to take the pressure off their lower back. Eating healthy foods, exercising, and changing certain lifestyles can help promote a healthy body without pain, and many individuals can benefit from that.

References

Chou, Louisa, et al. “The Association between Obesity and Low Back Pain and Disability Is Affected by Mood Disorders: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study of Men.” Medicine, Wolters Kluwer Health, Apr. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4839843/.

Frilander, Heikki, et al. “Role of Overweight and Obesity in Low Back Disorders among Men: A Longitudinal Study with a Life Course Approach.” BMJ Open, BMJ Publishing Group, 21 Aug. 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4550727.

Frisco, Donald. “Weight Loss for Back Pain Relief.” Spine, Spine-Health, 2 Nov. 2004, https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/nutrition-diet-weight-loss/weight-loss-back-pain-relief.

Kakiuchi, Masaaki, et al. “Relief of Low Back Pain after Posterior Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.” Spine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Sept. 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34435987/.

Mirtz, Timothy A, and Leon Greene. “Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Low Back Pain? an Example of Using the Evidence to Answer a Clinical Question.” Chiropractic & Osteopathy, BioMed Central, 11 Apr. 2005, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1151650/.

Ross, Donald A, et al. “Trends in Weight and Body Mass Index after Spinal Surgery for Degenerative Disease.” International Journal of Spine Surgery, International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery, Aug. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8375684/.

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How The Sciatic Nerve Benefits From Decompression

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The central nervous system in the body controls every muscle, tissue, organ, and nerve all over the entire structure. Since the nervous system in the body contains two main parts that keep the body functioning: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, these two systems work hand in hand as the central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. In contrast, the peripheral nervous system is composed of all the nerves branched out from the spinal cord and extended throughout the entire body. One of these nerves is the sciatic nerve, and when it gets irritated, it can send hot, burning pain from the lower back down to the feet. Luckily, non-surgical treatments like decompression can help alleviate sciatic nerve pain for many suffering individuals. For today’s article, we will be discussing the sciatic nerve, what happens when it gets affected and how decompression therapy can help alleviate sciatic nerve pain. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

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

Download

What Is The Sciatic Nerve?

Are you feeling a searing, burning pain traveling from your buttocks to your feet? Has this pain felt uncomfortable when you try to stretch it out? Or does this pain hinders your ability to walk around to relieve the symptoms? It could be due to your sciatic nerve becoming irritated. Research shows that the sciatic nerve is the largest in the human body, originating from the lower back and traveling down to the feet. This nerve is part of the peripheral nervous system and is an important nerve that allows the legs to function like generally walking, running, and even standing so the body doesn’t fall over, as research shows. The sciatic nerve in the body provides two functions for the legs: motor function, which makes the leg’s muscles move from one place to another, and sensory function, which helps the person feel the sensations on their feet. When there are factors that cause the sciatic nerve to become irritated, it can lead to unwanted pain that can affect either side of the legs causing sciatica to form.

What Happens When The Sciatic Nerve Gets Affected?

When the sciatic nerve is being affected by numerous factors, research studies have stated that irritation, compression, and inflammatory factors affecting the lower back portion of the body also affect the sciatic nerve. This causes a symptom known as sciatica, and it can affect the lower half of the body down to the feet, affecting one side of the body in either leg. Research studies have found that sciatica usually starts to affect the legs through a herniated disc in the spine that pinches the sciatic nerve, causing searing, burning pain radiating down the back of the leg. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help sciatic nerve pain from progressing further and can even help alleviate other issues affecting the lumbar area of the back. When it is not treated right away, sciatica can cause permanent nerve damage to the lower half of the body.

Decompression Benefiting The Sciatic Nerve- Video

Top 3 Ways to Apply Traction (Decompression) to Spine (Back Pain/Sciatica) With Equipment

Feeling agonizing, burning pain emitting from the buttocks down to the feet? Does it hurt to walk a short distance? How about feeling low back pain on top of leg pain? You could be experiencing sciatic nerve pain, and decompression might give you the relief you are searching for. The video above explains the top 3 ways to apply traction or decompression to the spine and how it can help relieve back issues like sciatic nerve pain. Decompression helps the spine by taking the compressed spinal disc pressure off the irritated sciatic nerve root. This allows instant relief to individuals suffering from sciatica and alleviates other back and leg issues that make them miserable. Suppose you want to learn more about decompression and how it can benefit you in relieving sciatic nerve pain or even sciatica in the lower half of the body? This link will explain what it does for the sciatic nerve and the lower back.

Decompression Can Help Alleviate Sciatic Nerve Pain

Many beneficial treatments can help alleviate sciatic nerve pain and relieve many individuals suffering. Treatments like surgical decompression can help ease sciatic nerve pain. Research studies have found that endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression is helpful to help take the pressure off the sciatic nerve and improve the person’s hip function. This type of surgical decompression can help reduce the sciatic nerve pain associated with deep gluteal syndrome entrapping the sciatic nerve and causing radicular pain. Other treatments that can help with sciatic nerve pain are non-surgical decompression. Research studies have shown that non-surgical decompression can help increase the space of the intervertebral discs that are compressed and reduces the pressure off the irritated sciatic nerve root. Non-surgical decompression allows the lower half of the body to feel relieved by decreasing the mechanical stress it’s been under, improves mobility in the lower half, and reduces muscle spasms in the legs. Decompression treatments are beneficial to anyone that wants relief from sciatic nerve pain in their legs.

Conclusion

Therefore, the sciatic nerve is the largest in the peripheral nervous system, located in the lower back, and travels down to the feet. This nerve has two primary functions that help the legs be in motion and feel sensations occurring in the feet. When unwanted factors start to affect the lower back, it can either irritate, compress, or inflame the sciatic nerve causing symptoms like sciatica to affect the legs. Treatments like decompression therapy can help take the pressure off the irritated sciatic nerve and relieve the individual from low back and leg pain. Incorporating decompression therapy is beneficial for many individuals that want to be pain-free on their health and wellness journey.

References

Giuffre, Brittney A, and Rebecca Jeanmonod. “Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 29 July 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/.

Ham, Dong Hun, et al. “Effectiveness of Endoscopic Sciatic Nerve Decompression for the Treatment of Deep Gluteal Syndrome.” Hip & Pelvis, Korean Hip Society, Mar. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5861023/.

Medical Professionals, Cleveland Clinic. “Sciatic Nerve: What Is, Anatomy, Function & Conditions.” Cleveland Clinic, 15 June 2021, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21618-sciatic-nerve-and-sciatica.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Sciatica.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 Aug. 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435.

Wegner, Inge, et al. “Traction for Low-Back Pain with or without Sciatica.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 19 Aug. 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6823219/.

Yeomans, Steven. “Sciatic Nerve and Sciatica.” Spine, Spine-Health, 7 June 2019, https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatic-nerve-and-sciatica.

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Outpatient Spine Surgeries

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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Experienced lady doctor explaining the spinal anatomy bacics — Blurred photo of a dark-haired focused female vertebrologist in eyeglasses touching with a pencil a vertebra model in his hand

Many complex spinal surgeries take place in a hospital environment. The individual spends a night or two in the hospital, so medical staff can monitor them if any complications arise. However, outpatient surgeries have increased with new developments in minimally invasive procedures, pain management, and home rehabilitation. The improvements compared to traditional spinal surgical procedures are significant. These advancements have made it possible to perform more complex surgeries outside of a hospital. Outpatient surgeries have:

Accelerated recovery times
Decreased complications
Decreased infections
Healthier overall outcomes

Table of Contents

Outpatient Surgery Candidates

Determining if outpatient surgery can be performed effectively depends on the injury/s and/or conditions that the individual is going through. An individual who is debilitated or has underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for complications or do not have support at home to assist with recovery and rehabilitation is recommended to have the surgery done in a hospital. To be considered for outpatient spine surgery, a surgeon looks at:

Age
Disease/s
Condition/s
Overall health
Weight
Body type

Individuals must also be a non-smoker or have quit before surgery, as smoking:

Interferes with proper healing
Can accelerate disc degeneration
Can cause ill effects on the spine and other areas of the body

Recovery times vary on a case-to-case basis and procedure type. Most procedures’ recovery time is between three weeks and three months.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers

An ambulatory surgery center or ASC is an outpatient clinic that offers surgical procedures. Standard outpatient procedures include:

Abdominal hernia repairs
Cataract surgeries
Skin therapies

Standalone ambulatory surgery centers offer same-day surgical procedures for individuals that meet specific criteria. Medical staff assess the patient’s condition and determine recovery at home. If issues arise, the individual can be transferred to a hospital. Some facilities are single-specialty facilities, focusing on one medical specialty, and others are multi-specialty, meaning they offer a range of medical services from:

Orthopedic
Podiatry
Pain management services

Procedures

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion – ACDF

ACDF is a two-part surgery. First, the surgeon removes part of an intervertebral disc with bulged and compressed nerves from the spinal cord. Because there is less cushion, the vertebrae above and below are fused to prevent and eliminate painful movement. The discectomy:

Provides more accessible access to the vertebrae
Reduces healing time
Causes less pain

ACDF outpatient procedure treats several neck conditions that include:

Cervical spinal stenosis
Cervical radiculopathy
Neck-related degenerative disc disease
Herniated disc
Cervical spinal fracture

Individuals recover in the surgical center for one to several hours following the surgery before returning home. Traditional ACDF procedure takes three weeks to three months to recover.

Lumbar Discectomy

A lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that repairs a lower back herniated disc compressing the surrounding nerves. This procedure provides compression relief and allows the nerve to heal. A traditional lumbar discectomy takes four to six weeks to recover.

Lumbar Laminectomy

This minimally invasive procedure removes thickened ligaments and lamina from the lower back. This opens the spinal canal space, relieving pressure and bringing pain relief. The surgery commonly treats lower-back spinal stenosis. A traditional laminectomy takes four to six weeks to recover.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Outpatient lumbar spinal fusion permanently connects two or more vertebrae in the lower back. The surgery helps stabilize the spine from severe arthritis or herniated disc removal. Spinal fusion has been found to be effective for correcting certain spinal deformities. The surgery involves a short recovery time at the outpatient center, after which the individual can return home the same day. A traditional or open spinal fusion requires a two-to-three-day hospital stay. After four to six weeks and with a doctor’s clearance, individuals can return to light activities, with full recovery requiring six months.

Back Surgery

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Chiropractic Spinal Decompression

References

International Journal of Spine Surgery. (April 16, 2021) “The expanding frontier of outpatient spine surgery.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33900984/

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.) “Spinal fusion.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spinal-fusion/about/pac-20384523

Neurosurgeons of New Jersey. (July 21, 2019) “Lumbar discectomy recovery timeline: Your guide to recovery.” https://www.neurosurgeonsofnewjersey.com/blog/lumbar-discectomy-recovery-time/#:~:text=The%20overall%20lumbar%20discectomy%20recovery,discectomy%20recovery%20time%20should%20progress

Rothman Orthopaedics. (March 2, 2017) “Outpatient spine surgery: A new way to look at surgery.” https://rothmanortho.com/stories/blog/outpatient-spine-surgery

Alleviating Lumbar Pinched Nerves With Decompression

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The back and spine are bound to the musculoskeletal system, where they work together to keep the entire body moving and upright. The back muscles surround the spine along with the nerve roots, blood vessels, and tissues that help the back to be able to bend, twist, sit, and stand without any injuries or feeling pain. However, as the body ages naturally, so do the back muscles. They are strained and overused from strenuous activities that can injure the back muscles and pressure the nerve roots, causing them to be irritated. Fortunately, some treatments can help alleviate the stress of the nerve roots and relax the back muscles by loosening them up. Today’s article will focus on the lumbar pinched nerves, their symptoms, and how decompression therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of lumbar pinched nerves for many individuals. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

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

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What Are Lumbar Pinched Nerves?

Feeling a sharp, sudden pain in your lower back? How about stiff muscles that feel overused after just picking something heavy? How about burning throbbing pain that travels down the legs? You might be suffering from lumbar pinched nerves, which can affect your quality of life. Research studies have mentioned that lumbar pinched nerves are primarily associated with low back pain and are among the most common complaints about many suffering individuals. Low back pain can cause degeneration of the vertebrae disc and constantly irritate the nerve roots spread out on the lumbar area in the spine. The lumbar spinal nerve roots will experience uncomfortable signals like pain, numbness, and tingling sensations that can cause on and off signals that irritate the nerve roots to cause radicular symptoms. Other research studies have found that radicular pain can cause irritating pain alongside the lumbar nerve root without any neurological involvement causing the sensory fibers to be numb. This will cause unwanted sensations to the lower back down the legs.

The Symptoms

Research studies have stated that since radicular pain is one of the many reasons for low back pain, it can affect the nerve roots, depending on the severity. When the nerve roots are being compressed and start by sending on again off again signals, it can range from mild numbing pain that can cause numbing sensations to burning stinging pain that can cause motor dysfunction in the lower back. Some of the other symptoms that are caused by lumbar pinched nerves can include:

Numbness around the area where the nerve is located
Sharp burning pain
Pins and needles sensation
Muscle weakness in the surrounding area
A sense that the foot has “fallen asleep”
The pain is worse when sleeping at night
Sciatica

Spinal Decompression For Pinched Nerves-Video

3 Top Spinal Decompression Techniques For Sciatica , Disc Bulges & Back Pain

Feeling a sharp burning pain radiating from the lower back down to the leg? How about feeling your foot has fallen asleep, and you can’t shake it off? Or have you lost the sensation in your lower back? These are all symptoms of lumbar pinched nerves that are associated with chronic low back pain. The best way to take the pressure off these irritated nerves is spinal decompression. The video explained how there are many techniques that spinal decompression has to offer when dealing with a variety of back issues like herniated discs, sciatica, low back pain, and even pinched nerves in the lumbar area of the spine. Spinal decompression can help relieve the pressure off the nerve roots that are branched out of the spine and relieve the symptoms causing pain. Suppose you want to learn more about decompression and how it can benefit you in alleviating pinched nerves on the lower back? This link will explain what it does for the lumbar area in the spine and provide relief to the back nerve roots.

How Decompression Therapy Can Help Lumbar Pinched Nerves

Since low back pain is associated with lumbar pinched nerves, various treatments can help take the painful symptoms away, and one of these treatments is spinal decompression. Research studies have mentioned that spinal decompression is a type of traction treatment that follows the fundamental goal and principle of relieving pain by using negative pressure. What this negative pressure does is that it causes any herniated or bulging discs to be repositioned and causes an influx of healing substances to come back to the compressed discs and take the pressure off the lumbar nerve roots that are causing the radiating pain. Other research studies have found that decompression therapy can significantly improve lumbar spinal stenosis that also causes lumbar pinched nerves to emit pain by relieving it and bringing physical function back to the legs and back. This will cause significant relief for many suffering individuals suffering from having lumbar pinched nerves.

Conclusion

Overall the lower back has nerves that are spread out and can provide a motor function for the back to move around while keeping the upper body upright. When these nerves are pinched or irritated constantly, they can cause unwanted back issues like low back pain, sciatica, or loss of all sensory and motor functions. When this happens, many individuals won’t have to worry about feeling low back pain or lumbar pinched nerves stopping them from daily activities. Spinal decompression therapy helps the individual gently take the pressure off the irritated nerve roots and causes relief to the lower back and legs. Spinal decompression therapy also allows the beneficial healing nutrients to restore the compressed spinal discs to the spine.

References

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

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

Anjarwalla, N K, et al. “The Outcome of Spinal Decompression Surgery 5 Years On.” 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, Springer-Verlag, Nov. 2007, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2223332/.

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

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

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An Overview of Lumbar Traction Therapy

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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Table of Contents

Introduction

As the body’s central support structure in the musculoskeletal system, the spine ensures that the body can do everything without feeling discomfort or pain. The spine has three sections in an S-shaped curve known as the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. Each section helps keep the body upright and is composed of ligaments, soft tissue muscles, and nerve roots spread out all over the back. The spine and sections suffer the most from neck or back pain when the back becomes injured. When this happens, non-surgical treatments can help alleviate the painful symptoms and cause relief for many individuals. Today’s article gives an overview of lumbar traction therapy, how it can help with low back pain, and how it differs from decompression therapy. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

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

Download

What Is Lumbar Traction Therapy?

Feeling your muscles become stiff on your lower back? Does your back hurt after picking up something heavy? How about a mild ache on your lower back that won’t disappear? Why not try lumbar traction therapy to alleviate these symptoms. Research studies have mentioned that lumbar traction has been used to alleviate symptoms of low back pain. What lumbar traction therapy does is that it allows the extension of soft tissue muscles that are around the facet joints while decreasing the pressure off the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine. This allows the anterior and posterior ligaments to be extended while stretching and relaxing the muscle to stop them from spasming, improving blood circulation around the spine. Other research studies have found that lumbar traction has helped reduce the pain intensity and disability for many individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. Traction therapy gently relieves the pressure off the spine and helps bring the nutrients back to the spinal discs to promote relief to the individual.

How Does It Help With Low Back Pain?

Since chronic low back pain is common worldwide, many individuals try to alleviate low back pain without going to surgery. Some will try medication to reduce severe pain; others will do light physical activities like yoga or meditation to stretch out the tense muscles. Traction therapy can help alleviate low pain symptoms and prevent other chronic conditions from progressing even further. Research studies have stated that traction therapy can help increase the spinal disc height and reduce internal pressure. This allows the irritated pain-sensitive fibers around the outer layer of the spinal discs to relax and relieve the spinal joints to be put back into normal position. Fortunately, traction therapy and even decompression therapy for low back pain can work together with other non-surgical treatments to help decompress the spine and lower the effects of chronic low back pain.

Lumbar Traction Overview-Video

Feeling mild to severe pain in your lower back? How about tenderness on certain parts of your back? Do your muscles ache and become stiff when carrying or lifting heavy items? Suffering from low back pain can hinder your daily activities and make you feel miserable. Like the video above, utilizing lumbar traction therapy can help relax the back muscles and provide relief to the compressed spinal discs that are pressing on the nerve roots. Traction therapy is a non-surgical treatment that allows individuals to lay down on a traction machine and be strapped in. The traction machine begins to slowly pull on the spine, causing the intervertebral disc to increase its height in the spine and any nerve roots that were being irritated to stop sending pain signals to and from the brain. Suppose you want to learn more about lumbar traction and how it can benefit you? In that case, this link will explain what traction does for the lumbar area in the spine and provide relief to the back.

How Is Traction Different Than Decompression?

Research studies show that lumbar traction therapy immediately improved the pain and functional status of many individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. Since traction therapy help with chronic low back pain, how is it different when individuals use decompression therapy? Traction therapy is performed mechanically or manually to help widen the spaces between the spinal vertebrae. In contrast, decompression therapy helps relieve the pressure of irritated nerve roots that are causing pain along the spinal column. Research studies have found that decompression uses negative pressure to reduce spinal disc protrusion and intradiscal stress off the spinal nerve roots. Traction and decompression therapy have one thing in common: relieve pressure off the spine and alleviate low back pain. These two therapies can also be combined with physical therapy that allows the individual to reduce the stress of the nerve roots and strengthen the back muscle tissues. Incorporating traction or decompression therapy will benefit anyone on their wellness journey by providing relief to chronic low back pain.

Conclusion

Therefore, as part of the musculoskeletal system, the spine can be injured in various scenarios that cause low back pain. Incorporating lumbar traction therapy can help alleviate low back pain either manually or mechanically, stretching the spine to help widen the spaces in the spinal column to relieve compressed spinal discs and loosen up the stiff back muscle to promote blood circulation to the back. Since decompression and traction are different forms of therapy, they do have something in common when it comes to low back pain: to relieve the symptoms of the individual. Once people start incorporating traction therapy as part of their journey to a healthy lifestyle, they can feel relieved and become pain-free from chronic low back pain.

References

Borman, Pinar, et al. “The Efficacy of Lumbar Traction in the Management of Patients with Low Back Pain.” Rheumatology International, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2003, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12634941/.

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

Oh, Hyunju, et al. “The Impact of Manual Spinal Traction Therapy on the Pain and Oswestry Disability Index of Patients with Chronic Back Pain.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Dec. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6279706/.

Tadano, Shigeru, et al. “Lumbar Mechanical Traction: A Biomechanical Assessment of Change at the Lumbar Spine.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 9 Apr. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6454715/.

Tanabe;Akai M;Doi T;Arai S;Fujino K;Hayashi K; ;, Hideki. “Immediate Effect of Mechanical Lumbar Traction in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Crossover, Repeated Measures, Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Orthopaedic Science: Official Journal of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 Mar. 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33785233/.

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Sports Strength, Balance, Core Decompression Clinic

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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Athletic young man exhausted after training on sports ground — Muscular handsome guy is suffering backache while having workout on horizontal bars in open air

Injury Medical Chiropractic Decompression Clinic focuses on the whole body, realigns the bones and joints, and helps strengthen the muscles. This helps prevent pain and injury and maintains spinal stability. Strong back muscles can help promote correct posture and keep the spine free from restriction. A stable spine is achieved when the back muscles can support and balance the everyday forces and stress of rigorous physical activity. Strengthening the back muscles can be done through yoga, weightlifting, and other recommended chiropractic exercises.

Table of Contents

Sports Strength, Balance, Core Decompression Clinic

The primary muscles in the back include:

Latissimus dorsi/lats) are in the area below the armpits and down the sides of the back
Rhomboids are in the mid-upper back
Trapezius/traps run from the neck to the mid-back
Erector spinae run along the spine

Major Core Muscles

The transverse abdominis
Multifidus
Internal and external obliques
Erector spinae
Diaphragm
Pelvic floor muscles
The rectus abdominis/abs

Minor Core Muscles

Lats
Traps
Glutes

Exercises should target a combination of these muscles.

Core Importance

The core is a crucial area of the body. The body utilizes the core for all movements and as a stabilization unit. Lack of strength places unwanted tension and pressure on the spine. Chiropractic ensures all the joints function correctly and enhances the core to brace more effectively and efficiently.

Chiropractic Balance

Adjustments and decompression realign the muscles into the proper position and help lubricate the muscles to help ease the stabilizer muscles that could be tight or tense. Treatments used can include:

Spinal manual and motorized decompression
Extremity adjustments
Myofascial release
Active Release Technique
Trigger point therapy

Benefits

Natural pain relief
Injury prevention
Enhanced muscle performance
Expedited recovery
Increased endurance
Mobility enhancement
Increased strength

Core strength and stability play a huge factor in everyday life and functions. Maintaining health results requires attention to detail. Injury Medical Decompression Clinic will create a personalized optimal health treatment plan that focuses on whole-body realignment, simple lifestyle adjustments, health coaching/nutrition, and strength training to improve balance, strength, and core stability.

Herniations

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Spinal Decompression DRX9000

References

Globe G, Morris C, Whalen W, et al., “Chiropractic Management of Low Back Disorders: Report from a Consensus Process,” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics November/December 2008: 651-658.

Keller, MD, et al., “Trunk Muscle Strength, Cross-sectional Area, and Density in Patients With CLBP Randomized to Lumbar Fusion or Cognitive Intervention and Exercises,” Spine, 2004 29(1): 3-8 (3)

Mayer J, DC, Ph.D. Mooney V, MD, Dagenais S, DC Ph.D., “Evidence-informed management of CLBP with lumbar extensor strengthening exercises,” T Spine J, 2008;8:96-113. (3)

McKenzie, RA, “The Lumbar Spine: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy,” Spinal Publications/Printed by Wright & Carman, LTD, Upper Hutt, New Zealand, 1989 reprinted.

Sculco AD, Paup DC, Fernhall B, Sculco MJ, “Effects of aerobic exercise on low back pain patients in treatment,” Spine J, 1(2):95-101 (2001).

Alleviating Hip Pain With Decompression Therapy

By

Dr Alexander D Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP

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Table of Contents

Introduction

The body is a marvelous functional machine that requires constantly moving worldwide. The body can do everyday movements from the head to the feet and be in weird positions without feeling pain. However, ordinary factors like natural aging, wear and tear, and issues affect the body over time. When these factors start to affect the body, they can cause unwanted symptoms that can inflict pain on specific areas around the body. Some areas that suffer pain include the hips, lower back, neck, the body’s internal systems, and the spine, causing the individual to be miserable. Luckily many treatments do relieve pain in the body and help dampen the effects of the unwanted symptoms that are hindering the individual. Today’s article focuses on hip pain, its symptoms, and how decompression therapy can help many individuals suffering from hip pain. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

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

Download

What Is Hip Pain?

Are you feeling stiffness from your lower back and hips? Do your hips hurt after falling due to playing sports? How about pain from the lower back to the hips down to the feet? You might be experiencing hip pain. Research studies have stated that hip pain can be associated with many factors that can cause many individuals to be in distress, impair their daily activities, and affect their quality of life. Hip pain can be associated with simple movements that are damaged, like sitting and standing, which can be hard after a while. Other associations that hip pain can occur can be lower back pain, neuropathies, herniation, or chronic pain. According to research studies, hip pain is considered a musculoskeletal disorder. It shows that posterior hip pain in adults is caused by osteoarthritis or traumatic causes like sacral stress fractures that can affect the hips. This musculoskeletal disorder can become a problem for many older adults suffering from hip issues.

The Symptoms

Research studies have found that hip pain is a musculoskeletal complaint affecting young and old adults. Since hip pain is associated with various chronic issues, it can cause many individuals to be miserable and be in constant pain. For adults, hip pain can be one of the issues for those suffering from osteoarthritis in the anterior hip region. As research shows, in the posterior hip region, hip pain can be associated with chronic conditions like piriformis syndrome and lumbar radiculopathy that are centralized in the lower back. Other symptoms that hip pain cause on its own do associate with other chronic conditions, including:

Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis
Lower back pain
Swelling in the joints
Compressed nerves
Sciatica
Joint pain

Preparing For Lubar Traction Therapy-Video

How to prepare for Lumbar Spine Traction?

Are you experiencing discomfort from your hips while sitting or standing? How about sharp, throbbing pain coming from your lower back and affecting your hips and legs? Do you feel tenderness and swelling on your joints? These symptoms are various forms of hip pain, and lumbar traction can help lower hip pain symptoms. The video above mentions how to prepare for lumbar traction therapy and how it can alleviate symptoms caused by hip pain. Lumbar traction helps compressed disc in the lumbar region of the spine to be restored to its original state and even takes the pressure off the sciatic nerve and other nerve roots that are causing hip pain to the body. Utilizing traction therapy increases the disc height and allows the lumbar spinal discs to be rehydrated again. Suppose you want to learn more about lumbar traction or decompression and how it can benefit you? In that case, this link will explain what decompression does for the lumbar area in the spine and provide relief from hip pain and its associates.

How Decompression Therapy Helps With Hip Pain

Since hip pain is associated with various other conditions that can affect the body, the most common condition that the body has suffered from is low back pain. There are ways to treat hip and low back pain; some individuals utilize heat and ice to neutralize the pain to go away, and others use chiropractic therapy to get the joints to realign themselves. One of the treatments used to relieve hip and low back pain is decompression therapy. Research studies have found that decompression therapy is safe and effective in helping to improve the blood circulation to the hips to provide relief to the hips. Since hip pain is associated with low back pain, decompression allows the herniated discs to be taken off the nerves surrounding the hips and provide pain relief. Other research studies show that traction is used to create negative gravity pressure to help reduce the pressure that is causing pain to the soft tissues and the nerve roots. This negative gravity allows the spine to separate and create more height for the disc to rehydrate while relieving the individual.

Conclusion

Overall the body is a marvelous machine that has the ability to move without pain. When issues start to affect the body, like the hips and lower back, it can cause the individual to suffer from various forms of pain. Since hip pain is associated with low back pain, it can lead to other chronic issues like sciatica or osteoarthritis, affecting the joints and causing them to swell. Treatments like decompression or traction therapy are used to alleviate the pain caused by the hips or lower back. When people incorporate decompression or traction into their wellness journey, they relax a bit as they are laid down and have their spine stretched slowly. This will cause them relief and take the pressure off the nerve roots that are sending pain signals to the brain. This ensures them that they can take back their lives pain-free.

References

Ahuja, Vanita, et al. “Chronic Hip Pain in Adults: Current Knowledge and Future Prospective.” Journal of Anaesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8022067/.

Battaglia, Patrick J, et al. “Posterior, Lateral, and Anterior Hip Pain Due to Musculoskeletal Origin: A Narrative Literature Review of History, Physical Examination, and Diagnostic Imaging.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, Elsevier, Dec. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5106442/.

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

Lee, Yun Jong, et al. “Causes of Chronic Hip Pain Undiagnosed or Misdiagnosed by Primary Physicians in Young Adult Patients: A Retrospective Descriptive Study.” Journal of Korean Medical Science, The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Dec. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6300658/.

Wilson, John J, and Masaru Furukawa. “Evaluation of the Patient with Hip Pain.” American Family Physician, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 2014, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24444505/.