Many live with chronic discomfort and pain regularly in one or both knees. This could be from past injuries, being overweight, lack of physical conditioning, degeneration, or arthritis. Many take prescription or over-the-counter pain medication to deal with the discomfort. Pain medications only dull and mask the pain and discomfort associated with the symptoms. As a result, living with masked knee pain can worsen the condition, and the surrounding bones, joints, and tissues can begin to deteriorate. Chiropractic combined with massage, decompression, and traction therapy can significantly reduce or eliminate knee pain.
Knee Discomfort and Pain
The knee’s joint and ligaments need to be strong and healthy to support activities. The most common issues that individuals develop include:
Acute Injuries
Knee injuries can be caused by auto accidents, physical strain, playing sports, work accidents, workplace ergonomics, and walking up and down stairs.
Chronic or inflammatory medical conditions can wear down the cartilage cushion between the upper and lower leg bones.
Most common include gout, septic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Unhealthy postures and obesity can also contribute to the chronic degradation of the knee joint.
Knee discomfort and pain can present in various ways. Some might hear an acute popping in the knee followed by swelling. Others might notice the gradual development of stiffness and weakness over time. When injured or compromised, localized pain is one of the first indicators. Chronic knee and joint pain can lead to weakness, nerve damage, or create new injuries/problems. Not all knee pain is caused by injury; in many cases, a triggering incident, like an awkward step or misstep, a stretch that went too far, or a walk, can create an injury. Even a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to knee degeneration as the surrounding muscles can lose strength, placing unnecessary strain on the joints when movement is necessary.
Chiropractic
A chiropractor will examine the knee through a series of analyses, including x-rays, digital imaging, and a physical exam. The chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan to treat, rehabilitate, and strengthen the knee. The treatment can include:
Posture correction to distribute body weight evenly, lessening the stress on an affected knee.
Targeted exercises and nutritional recommendations will ensure long-term healing.
Q Angle of the Knee
References
Cimino, Francesca, et al. “Anterior cruciate ligament injury: diagnosis, management, and prevention.” American family physician vol. 82,8 (2010): 917-22.
Donnell-Fink, Laurel A et al. “Effectiveness of Knee Injury and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analysis.” PloS one vol. 10,12 e0144063. 4 Dec. 2015, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0144063
Hoskins, Wayne, et al. “Chiropractic treatment of lower extremity conditions: a literature review.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 29,8 (2006): 658-71. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2006.08.004
Neogi, Tuhina, et al. “Sensitivity and sensitization in relation to pain severity in knee osteoarthritis: trait or state?.” Annals of the rheumatic diseases vol. 74,4 (2015): 682-8. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204191
The brain sends neuron signals to the body to function for everyday movements like walking, running, or resting. These signals travel from the spinal cord through the numerous nerve roots connected to the muscles, tissue, and ligaments that support the joints and organs from multiple factors. However, these factors do affect the body over time, triggering issues that cause pain and discomfort to the body. When this happens, it disrupts the signals from traveling to and forth in the brain, causing dysfunction in the body and leading to neurological disorders associated with neuroinflammation. Today’s article looks at neuroinflammation, how it affects the body, and what is the link between neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in neurological treatments to help many individuals dealing with neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is Neuroinflammation?
Are you experiencing fatigue and losing focus from your brain? Do you constantly feel stressed or overworked? Or how about developing the risk of Alzheimer’s or other neurological diseases? Many of these symptoms are correlated with neuroinflammation in the brain. Neuroinflammation is defined as an inflammatory response that affects either the brain or the spinal cord. The body has an extensive network known as the immune system, which produces cytokines, antibodies, white blood cells, and other chemicals that protect the body from foreign invaders. Producing cytokines triggers inflammation in the body where the alien invaders are eliminated. The brain surprisingly has its immune system, which provides maintenance and plasticity. When traumatic factors begin to affect the brain’s immune system, the nociceptors become hypersensitive and overexcited due to the results of tissue injuries and inflammation in the peripheral nervous system. Studies reveal that inflammation in the peripheral nervous system results from hyperactivity in the nervous system, which implicates either a positive or negative outcome for the brain.
How Does Neuroinflammation Affect The Body?
Since neuroinflammation has positive or negative outcomes in the nervous system, it can also trigger the body, making it dysfunctional. Studies reveal that neuroinflammation is mediated by the production of cytokines, ROS (reactive oxygen species), and secondary messengers that becomes the consequences of neuroinflammatory responses. This means that the inflammatory effects are taken into account depending on the intensity and duration of the immune signals in the nervous system, which can be either negative or positive. The positive aspects of neuroinflammation include:
Reorganization of host priorities (immune-brain communication)
While the negative aspects of neuroinflammation include:
Cognitive impairment (aging)
Collateral damage( traumatic injuries)
Neuronal damage (neurodegenerative diseases)
Repeated social defeat stress (anxiety, depression)
Simplified Explanation On Neuroinflammation-Video
Have you been feeling anxious or depressed? Have you been forgetful as of late? Are you experiencing inflammatory effects in your brain? Many of these symptoms are signs that you could suffer from neuroinflammation in the brain. The video above explains neuroinflammation and how it is linked to the immune system affecting the body. Since neuroinflammation may cause various health issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, and other well-known symptoms, studies reveal that neuroinflammation is a common feature of neurodegenerative diseases. To that point, the relationship between neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases shows that neuroinflammation has been responsible for the abnormal secretion of proinflammatory cytokines to trigger the signaling pathways to the brain, making it dysfunctional.
The Link Between Neuroinflammation & Neurodegenerative Diseases
Since the brain is the primary command center for the body, the link between neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammation overlap and cause havoc in the body. Studies reveal that inflammatory and neurotoxic mediators are released in the brain, thus viciously triggering neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the body. When the body is dealing with neuroinflammation, one of the symptoms that are prominent in the body is chronic oxidative stress. Research studies have revealed that neuroinflammation has been associated with chronic oxidative stress, a vital feature of all neurodegenerative diseases causing genetic structural alterations. To that point, it results in neurodegeneration. Fortunately, there are ways to lower neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Some of the ways that many people utilize to reduce neuroinflammation include:
All these small changes are remarkable in reducing neuroinflammation and managing neurodegenerative diseases in the body. This will help many individuals dealing with neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases and can regain their health and wellness by managing it.
Conclusion
The brain is the primary command center that sends neuron signals to the body to function in everyday movement. The neuron signals travel from the brain to the spinal cord through the numerous nerve roots connected to the muscles, tissues, and ligaments to support the organs and joints. When environmental factors affect the body over time, it risks developing neuroinflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Neuroinflammation is when the inflammatory mediators start to affect the brain, it can make the brain disrupt the neuron signals from traveling to the body and cause issues associated with neurodegeneration. Fortunately, incorporating different ways to reduce neuroinflammation can help manage neurodegenerative diseases and benefit the body.
References
Chen, Wei-Wei, et al. “Role of Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases (Review).” Molecular Medicine Reports, D.A. Spandidos, Apr. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4805095.
DiSabato, Damon J, et al. “Neuroinflammation: The Devil Is in the Details.” Journal of Neurochemistry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5025335/.
Guzman-Martinez, Leonardo, et al. “Neuroinflammation as a Common Feature of Neurodegenerative Disorders.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, Frontiers Media S.A., 12 Sept. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6751310/.
Kempuraj, D, et al. “Neuroinflammation Induces Neurodegeneration.” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Spine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5260818/.
Matsuda, Megumi, et al. “Roles of Inflammation, Neurogenic Inflammation, and Neuroinflammation in Pain.” Journal of Anesthesia, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6813778/.
Around 60% of individuals have a condition caused by or complicated by chronic inflammation. The body reacts with acute inflammation, which is beneficial as the immune system fights off bacteria that could infect the injury. Examples could be getting a cut on the finger that swells for a day or so to repair the wound or catching a cold and coughing up mucus to expel the germs. However, acute inflammation only lasts as long as necessary; chronic inflammation can last for weeks, months, and years. Individuals can have chronic inflammation and not know the damage being done to arteries and organs until pain or other issues begin to present. There are a few anti-inflammatory diets, which are nutrition plans that can help reduce inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Diets
Health-promoting substances include vitamins, minerals, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, flavan-3-ols in tea and cocoa, and anthocyanins in blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and other red and purple plant foods. Certain chemicals in the body cause inflammation, and naturally-occurring chemicals in foods, can prevent and combat inflammation by providing essential nutrients.
Nordic Diet
This includes Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, which each have different cuisines, but traditionally, they share healthy foods that provide anti-inflammatory benefits, including:
Rye is a grain shown to help reduce blood sugar, the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein. Individuals that follow this way of eating have lower blood levels of C-reactive protein and other inflammation markers. A randomized study was done in various Nordic countries and lasted six to 24 weeks. One group was assigned a healthy Nordic diet while the other stayed on the country’s modern, less healthy diet. The studies found that individuals that practiced a healthy Nordic diet even for a short while improved inflammatory markers and lost weight.
Mexican Diet
Research has linked a traditional Mexican diet to lower inflammation. Staple foods of a traditional Mexican diet include:
Cheese
Corn tortillas
Fruits and vegetables, including hot peppers
Rice – brown and white
Legumes/Beans
Legumes/beans are linked to protection from inflammatory-related conditions that include:
Obesity
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Legumes are high in fiber, which helps:
Reduce inflammation
Reduce unhealthy cholesterol
Reduce blood sugar spikes after a meal, which helps prevent type 2 diabetes and inflammation.
A National Cancer Institute study of post-menopausal women of Mexican descent living in the U.S. found that those following a more traditional Mexican diet averaged 23% lower C-reactive protein levels.
Nutritionist Health Coach and Chiropractic
In some instances, chronic inflammation can come from acute inflammation that does not turn off, which can happen when the body does not make enough chemical substances responsible for turning off the immune response. Blood tests for inflammation can include tests that detect the C-reactive protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which measures the speed red blood cells settle in a test tube that shows if more inflammatory compounds are present. A combined approach and team of medical professionals, including chiropractic, massage therapy, health coaching, and nutrition, can help relieve and prevent inflammation.
Nutritionist
Consulting a nutritionist is recommended to figure out and determine the best diet/nutrition plan for the individual.
A nutritionist may also suggest supplementation like vitamin D, magnesium, and fish oil supplements.
Body composition analysis breaks down the body elements of water, protein, minerals, and fat that can also discover inflammation markers.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic adjustments help reduce the production of cytokines or proteins that regulate the cells of the immune system. Overproduction of cytokines can cause a severe inflammatory response. Chiropractic’s purpose is to rebalance the body by realigning the vertebrae to reduce pressure on the nerves and promote a healthy nervous system. When the spine and other joints are correctly aligned, the nerves function correctly, returning the body’s biomechanics to normal.
InBody Results
References
Galbete C, Kröger J, Jannasch F, et al. Nordic diet, Mediterranean diet, and the risk of chronic diseases: the EPIC-Potsdam study. BMC Med. 2018;16(1):99.
Lankinen M, Uusitupa M, Schwab U. Nordic Diet and Inflammation-A Review of Observational and Intervention Studies. Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1369.
Ricker MA, Haas WC. Anti-Inflammatory Diet in Clinical Practice: A Review. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2017;32(3):318-325.
Santiago-Torres M, Tinker LF, Allison MA, et al. Development and Use of a Traditional Mexican Diet Score in Relation to Systemic Inflammation and Insulin Resistance among Women of Mexican Descent. J Nutr. 2015;145(12):2732-2740.
Valerino-Perea, Selene, et al. “Definition of the Traditional Mexican Diet and Its Role in Health: A Systematic Review.” Nutrients vol. 11,11 2803. 17 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11112803
Yang, Yoon Jung, et al. “Dietary flavan-3-ols intake and metabolic syndrome risk in Korean adults.” Nutrition research and practice vol. 6,1 (2012): 68-77. doi:10.4162/nrp.2012.6.1.68
Many people worldwide know that exercising has impressive benefits that help improve the body’s overall wellness. The body has different muscle groups that have a casual relationship with the vital organs inside the body. Organs like the heart, lungs, gut, and bladder correlate with the different muscles through the nerve roots that connect them. When the body suffers from various factors that affect it, it causes referred pain to the body where one pain is at one location but radiates from the other side. Exercising can help the body recover through physical rehabilitation by reducing inflammation and scarring on the muscle tissues. One of the many exercises that helps strengthen the muscles, increase flexibility, and even improve posture is Pilates. Today’s article looks at Pilates, its benefits, and how it can help alleviate back pain. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in musculoskeletal treatments to help many individuals with low back pain issues affecting their bodies. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is Pilates?
Have you been feeling sluggish or having low energy throughout the entire day? What about experiencing pain in your lower back? Have you experienced muscle stiffness in certain areas around your body? Many of these symptoms are associated with musculoskeletal issues that correlate with different factors that affect the body; why not try an exercise regime like Pilates? Pilates is a system of exercises that uses a particular machine or body to improve a person’s physical strength and posture while increasing the body’s flexibility and enhancing mental awareness. Joseph Pilates developed Pilates in the early 20th century as an exercise program to help World War I soldiers improve their physical fitness levels. Pilates was used as rehabilitation therapy for injured individuals by incorporating resistance, stretching, and target muscle strengthening. Pilates is now utilized for all individuals with different bodies and fitness levels and can provide tremendous benefits.
What Are The Benefits?
Pilates, like any other form of exercise, has many beneficial properties that help improve a person’s health and wellness. Studies reveal that Pilates helps many individuals, including older adults, by improving their posture by decreasing thoracic flexion while increasing lumbar extension for pain relief. Some of the beneficial properties that Pilates offer to the body include:
Increasing core strength: The deep muscles in the abdomen, back, and pelvic regions become stronger and help stabilize the body more.
Strengthen muscle groups: Pilates helps make the muscles not only strong but also helps stretch them so that they can look long and lean. This makes the individual look toned.
It’s a whole body workout: As many exercises work on specific body parts, Pilates focuses on each muscle part of the body and helps muscle development.
Posture Improvement: Pilates help keep the spine aligned while strengthening the body and core. Over time a person’s posture will improve naturally, making them stand taller, stronger, and even more graceful.
Increases energy: Like all exercises, Pilates will give a person the energy boost they need. This is due to the focused breathing and increased blood circulation that stimulates the muscles and the spine.
Pilates Exercises For Back Pain-Video
Are you looking for a new exercise to tone your muscles? Have you been dealing with pain in your lower back? Do you have muscle weakness in some regions of your body? If you have been experiencing pain-related issues, why not try Pilates? The video above goes through a 10-minute Pilates workout for back pain. Studies reveal that non-specific low back pain is a highly prevalent condition many individuals associate with disability and work absence worldwide. Many environmental factors affect many individuals, causing them to suffer back issues. Pilates can help encourage many individuals to regain their health and wellness by incorporating core strength and stability while improving their posture.
Pilates Alleviate Back Pain
Many people don’t realize that some low back pain symptoms are related to poor posture. Poor posture can lead to associated symptoms of headaches, back pain, improper balance, and pelvic issues. What Pilates does is that it creates body awareness and helps improve the lower back muscles by strengthening them and relaxing the stiff muscles. Studies reveal that incorporating Pilates as physical therapy for individuals suffering from low back pain can help address the mental and physical pain aspects with core strengthening, flexibility, and relaxing the tense muscles. Many individuals should never put off exercising when it comes to back pain. Incorporating an exercise routine can benefit the body and prevent future injuries.
Conclusion
An exercise regime can provide many beneficial results for those looking for ways to be healthy, those suffering from injuries, or those who want to add something else to their workout routine. Pilates is one of those exercises that incorporates resistance, stretching, and muscle targeting as it is a full-body workout. Pilates is used in rehabilitation therapy for injured individuals and can provide tremendous benefits. Pilates can help many individuals with back issues associated with environmental factors like poor posture. Many individuals that utilize Pilates as part of their exercise regime will begin to feel stronger and healthier as their backs will thank them.
References
Baker, Sara. “Pilates Exercise for a Healthy Spine – Spineuniverse.” Spineuniverse, 28 Dec. 2019, https://www.spineuniverse.com/wellness/exercise/pilates-exercise-healthy-spine.
Kuo, Yi-Liang, et al. “Sagittal Spinal Posture after Pilates-Based Exercise in Healthy Older Adults.” Spine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 May 2009, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19404180/.
Sorosky, Susan, et al. “Yoga and Pilates in the Management of Low Back Pain.” Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, Humana Press Inc, Mar. 2008, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684152/.
Yamato, Tiê P, et al. “Pilates for Low Back Pain.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2 July 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8078578/.
A pinched nerve in the hip can cause numbness, tingliness, weakness, and pain. A pinched/compressed nerve creates pressure that can result from a bone structural issue like hip misalignment or the nerve getting overly stretched, stuck, twisted, or kinked. The pressure obstructs the neural pathways and decreases neural activity. This causes pain. If discomfort or pain is present, chiropractic, physical rehabilitation, rest, exercise, and ice and heat can release and reset the nerve and help prevent re-injury.
Pinched Nerve In The Hip
A pinched or compressed nerve results from pressure being applied to the nerve. A pinched nerve in the hip often causes pain in the groin region, radiating down the inner thigh to the knee. The pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp, burning pain. Individuals also report tightness, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the buttocks. The most common causes include:
Unhealthy posture.
Sitting for too long without moving around.
Misaligned bone or cartilage.
Muscle strain.
Pregnancy.
Obesity.
Inflamed tissue.
Herniated disc.
Arthritis.
Bone spurs.
Chiropractic
Different causes require different treatment approaches. For example, an obese individual could require chiropractic adjustments, specific exercises/stretches, and diet adjustments to address the whole body. The recommended treatment plans can vary but usually include:
Physical therapeutic massage.
Manipulative therapies of the joints and muscles.
Mobilization of the joints.
Soft tissue treatments.
Spinal decompression.
Exercise.
Walking and activity can worsen the pain when the hip presents with pain. This can cause the rest of the body to compensate by shifting the weight to the healthy side, which can cause even more pain in the back or legs or cause another injury. Regular chiropractic hip adjustments will improve posture, maintaining muscle and skeleton alignment that will prevent pinching nerves in the hip.
Chiropractic Hip Treatment
References
Ahuja, Vanita, et al. “Chronic hip pain in adults: Current knowledge and future prospective.” Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology vol. 36,4 (2020): 450-457. doi:10.4103/joacp.JOACP_170_19
Christmas, Colleen, et al. “How common is hip pain among older adults? Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.” The Journal of family practice vol. 51,4 (2002): 345-8.
“Free Communications: Case Reports: Hip.” Journal of Athletic Training vol. 38,2 Suppl (2003): S.73–S.74.
When many individuals look for ways to relax after a stressful event in their daily lives, many people have an exercise regime that allows them to take their minds off of their hectic lives. When finding the proper exercise, it is best to consider that everybody is different and has different fitness levels. Many individuals could be dealing with chronic issues that affect them drastically and with so much pain in their bodies. When these chronic issues overlap with muscle and joint pain, it can make the body dysfunctional while potentially being involved in environmental factors. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that helps tone muscles, relax tension in the body, and focus on deep breathing. Today’s article looks at the benefits of yoga for the body, how chiropractic care works together with yoga, and different yoga poses can help manage various chronic issues. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in musculoskeletal treatments to help many individuals with musculoskeletal problems affecting their bodies. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
The Benefits of Yoga For The Body
Have you been dealing with chronic stress affecting your quality of life? Have you been dealing with bladder or gut issues constantly? What about feeling muscle stiffness in your back, neck, shoulders, or pelvic regions? Some of these symptoms are signs that you could risk developing musculoskeletal problems associated with pain. Dealing with musculoskeletal issues related to pain can make a person feel miserable and have stress affecting their bodies. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that doesn’t put pressure on the joints and will provide a full-body workout through strengthening and stretching weak muscles. Yoga has many benefits for many individuals that are dealing with the following:
Studies reveal that environmental factors are involved in non-specified chronic pain in the spine, overlapping musculoskeletal disorders causing many individuals to try to find relief. Many individuals incorporate yoga because it is a safe and effective way to alleviate various forms of back, neck, or pelvic pain causing issues to the body. Yoga utilizes gentle stretching and strengthening of weak, injured muscles while increasing blood circulation to promote healing in the body.
Chiropractic Care & Yoga
When people are dealing with health conditions or injuries that have affected their bodies, it can make them feel frustrated and think their injuries are taking forever to heal. Many individuals don’t realize that incorporating yoga practices provides impressive health benefits while mirroring the similar foundations of chiropractic care. Both chiropractic care and yoga provide many beneficial results to an aching body that needs a good stretch and ready the body to heal itself naturally. Chiropractic care includes spinal manipulation to the spinal joints while reducing inflammation and strengthening weak muscles. Yoga allows the body to increase its flexibility and stamina, reduces stress and blood pressure, and provides a better sense of breathing and balance.
Yoga For Chronic Pain-Video
Have you felt muscle stiffness in your neck, back, or body? Have you felt sluggish or overly stressed from your day-to-day lives? Do you want to improve your balance? If you have been experiencing these issues affecting your quality of life, why not incorporate yoga as part of your exercise regime? The video above shows that yoga poses for chronic pain affect the body, including the neck, back, and pelvic regions. Studies reveal that yoga can help relieve intense neck pain while improving pain-related function disability. Yoga allows the muscles to not only relax but strengthen them as well. Yoga can also help improve the body’s range of motion through deep breathing and give more awareness of how the body holds tension in places a person hasn’t realized they were holding onto.
Yoga Poses For Different Issues
When a person does yoga, they will go through various poses and repeat them constantly as their body begins to get used to the movements. This allows the body to challenge itself and helps the individual focus more on deep breathing. A good example would be an individual taking a yoga class due to experiencing pelvic pain. By going through each yoga pose, many individuals suffering from pelvic pain will reduce the pain intensity while improving their quality of life. Below are some yoga poses that anyone can do to reduce pain associated with their back, neck, or pelvis.
Bridge Pose
Lie on your back
Bend both knees while placing the feet on the floor at hip-width apart
Arm on the sides with palms facing down
Press feet to the floor and lift the hips as you inhale
Engage the legs and buttock
Hold 4-8 breaths and exhale to lower the hips back to the ground slowly
Cobra Pose
Lie on your stomach with hands near the chest just under the shoulders and fingers facing forward
Keep elbows close to sides
Press hands on the floor and slowly lift your head, chest, and shoulders while slightly bending the elbows by inhaling
Exhale to go back down slow and rest your head
Cat-Cow
Be on all fours, hands under the shoulders and knees under hips (Think like a table)
Inhale to lower your core to the floor as your head looks up to the sky
Exhale slowly to lower your chin to the chest as you round your back
Continue fluid motion for a minute
Forward Bend
Be in a standing position, and feet are at a hip distance apart
Lengthen the body as you lean forward while keeping the knees slightly bended
Place hands on either legs, yoga block, or the floor (Whichever makes you comfortable)
Tuck the chin into the chest, letting the neck and head relax
Gently rock your head side to side to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders
Slowly roll up to a standing position allowing the arms and head to be the last to rise
Supine Spinal Twist
Lie on your back while your knees bent and feet flat on the floor
Extend arms out of the side and place palms down on the floor
As you inhale, breathe into the gut and lower limbs
Exhale to lower knees on the left side (Look at the opposite way to slowly stretch the neck and shoulder muscles)
Pay attention to the stretches for 5 breathes as well as the lengthening sensations on the ribs
Return the knees to the middle and repeat on the right side
Child’s Pose
Sit back on the heels with the knees together (For added support, you can use a rolled-up blanket under your knees)
Bend forward and walk hands in front of you
Gently rest your forehead on the floor
Keep arms extended in the front while focusing on relieving tension in the back as the upper body falls to the knees
Stay in that pose for 5 minutes
Conclusion
Incorporating yoga as part of an exercise regime allows the individual to focus on deep breathing while calming the mind. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that helps strengthen weak muscles associated with pain and inflammation. Yoga provides a full-body workout that benefits many people dealing with chronic pain. Utilizing yoga as part of a daily practice might help individuals learn to be calm and practice mindfulness.
Crow, Edith Meszaros, et al. “Effectiveness of Iyengar Yoga in Treating Spinal (Back and Neck) Pain: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Yoga, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Jan. 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4278133/.
Li, Yunxia, et al. “Effects of Yoga on Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Prisma Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Medicine, Wolters Kluwer Health, Feb. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6407933/.
Saxena, Rahul, et al. “Effects of Yogic Intervention on Pain Scores and Quality of Life in Females with Chronic Pelvic Pain.” International Journal of Yoga, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5225749/.
Ankylosing spondylitis/AS is a common type of arthritis that can cause damage to spinal structures, body parts, and organs. Ankylosing spondylitis causes inflammation in the spine’s ligaments and joints which can cause affected vertebrae to fuse, but other symptoms/complications are skin disorders. Ankylosing spondylitis flare-ups can present with skin disorders like rashes and the possible development of skin diseases like psoriasis.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
The inflammation causes back stiffness and pain that causes the spine to become inflexible and rigid. The vertebrae can fuse in extreme cases.
It is typically seen in the early adult population as back pain and hip pain.
Symptoms are more common in individuals between 17 and 45.
Men are more likely to be affected than women.
Genetics can play a role in this condition.
Doctors utilize multiple approaches to relieve symptoms and manage the condition through combined exercise, chiropractic, physical therapy, diet, and stress management to help improve quality of life.
Skin Disorders
A flare-up can present as a skin rash but can also affect the skin in other ways that include:
Rashes brought on by medication treatments.
Trouble healing from incisions after surgery.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis presents as red skin patches appearing anywhere on the body.
The most common areas are the scalp, palms, elbows, and knees.
The affected skin can itch, become tender, and can also sting and burn.
Some psoriasis outbreaks result in lesions or blisters.
Ankylosing Spondylitis vs. Psoriatic Arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis are related and come under spondyloarthritis/SpA rheumatic disease.
Ankylosing spondylitis is typically localized to the spine, whereas psoriatic arthritis can affect almost any joint in the body and presents with tendinopathy.
Some individuals with AS can begin to develop psoriasis.
Medications can also help but can produce side effects.
Ankylosing spondylitis skin disorders present ongoing challenges. However, increasing treatment options are helping to minimize the condition’s impact on a better quality of life.
AS Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
References
Meier, Katharina, et al. “Skin manifestations in spondyloarthritis.” Therapeutic advances in musculoskeletal disease vol. 12 1759720X20975915. 8 Dec. 2020, doi:10.1177/1759720X20975915
Myers, Elisha et al. “An Update on Narrowband Ultraviolet B Therapy for the Treatment of Skin Diseases.” Cureus vol. 13,11 e19182. 1 Nov. 2021, doi:10.7759/cureus.19182
National Institutes of Health. (n.d.) “Ankylosing spondylitis.” https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/ankylosing-spondylitis
Ye, Chao, and Wenyuan Li. “Cutaneous vasculitis in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis: A case report.” Medicine vol. 98,3 (2019): e14121. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000014121
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