The shoulder joint consists of different muscles for moving, protection, and a wide range of motion. When one or more of these muscles is pulled or strained, it can affect the smallest movements. A pulled shoulder muscle can make simple activities difficult, painful, and impossible. Minor shoulder injuries can heal on their own with home remedies. A serious shoulder muscle injury should be addressed by a medical professional. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. Pulling a muscle in the shoulder can be caused by:
Injury
Overuse
General wear and tear
Pulled Shoulder Muscle Causes
Pulling a shoulder muscle can happen quickly, like falling on the shoulder or from a car accident. It can also develop from months or years of working a job where individuals perform repetitive motions with the shoulders and overuse the muscles to the point of strain. No matter the cause, rehabilitation and recovery depend on the type and severity of the injury.
Common Shoulder Muscle Injuries
Several muscles and tendons surround the shoulder joint, and because the shoulder can move so freely, it is a common area for a pull or strain. Different shoulder muscle injuries fall under being pulled or strained.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Shoulder Tear
Shoulder Sprain
Shoulder Strain
Pulled Muscle in the shoulder blade
A Pulled Muscle or Something Else
Unless an individual is a medical professional or has experienced this type of pain before, it can be hard to tell exactly its cause. Shoulder pain can have other or combined causes like inflammation of the tendons and joints, or the joint itself could be causing the injury. Here are a few ways to investigate what is causing shoulder pain.
Pulled Shoulder Muscle Symptoms
Pain in the shoulder blade area is characterized by dull, sore, or aching pain.
Sometimes shooting pain in the area between the shoulder blades will present, causing pain in the front or back of the shoulder.
Shoulder instability of the muscles or tendons.
The shoulder feels fragile.
Movement causes pain
A bump can develop at the top of the shoulder near the end of the collarbone.
General symptoms include:
Pain when the shoulder is at rest
Pain when the specific muscle is used
Tenderness
Possible swelling of the area
Inability to use the muscle at all
The Seriousness of a Pulled Shoulder Muscle
The majority of the time, a pulled shoulder muscle is not serious. If the pain is not severe and is not the result of an accident, it is okay to utilize home remedies to reduce pain and help the shoulder heal. However, some symptoms could indicate a serious injury or medical problem. If you experience shoulder pain and any of the following, seek immediate medical attention.
Severe and intense pain
Severe, abrupt pain that has no obvious cause
Shortness of breath
Chest numbness or pain
Seeing clearly
Difficulty speaking
Sudden swelling, pain, or redness
Individuals who experience shoulder pain that does not get better over time seek professional help, even if the pain is mild. A professional will develop the right treatment plan, reduce pain, and generate a healthy recovery, getting the individual back to normal and optimal health.
Treatment and Recovery Options
Treatment and recovery plans are different for everyone. This is because it depends on the severity of the pull and the individual’s overall health. Many find that the pain is reduced with home remedies in two or three weeks. Chiropractic treatment for a pulled shoulder muscle can provide relief within one or two weeks.
Home Remedies for Pulled Shoulder Muscles
Depending on the severity and how much pain is presenting, NSAIDs like Ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. Individuals can also incorporate the following:
Rest
The shoulder should rest for 2 or 3 days. This gets the healing process started and prevents further injuring the area.
Wrap or Sling
During the days of rest, keeping the shoulder from moving can be difficult. To avoid this, wrap the shoulder or utilize a sling to support the arm. Remember that these should not be used for more than 2 or 3 days.
Ice for Swelling
If there is swelling, applying ice to the area can help reduce the inflammation. Apply for 20 minutes every hour. The swelling should begin reducing in a day or two.
Gentle Stretching
Working out the muscles after 2 or 3 days of rest is important. Stretches will help the muscle group strengthen and heal. Not stretching the muscles and not using them for an extended time could worsen the injury and increase further injury.
Stretching the Shoulder
As aforementioned, not moving/stretching can cause more problems in the long run. Not using the muscle can cause it toatrophy, which means that it will take longer to heal with the surrounding muscles weakening. Gentle stretches for a pulled shoulder muscle include:
Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch
Bring the affected arm across the body at an angle
Cup the elbow of the affected arm with the other hand
Use that hand to pull the arm toward the body gently
Bend slightly forward, support the body by placing the non-injured arm on a table or chair
Allow the injured arm to hang straight down.
Start swinging the arm in small circles clockwise that gradually grow wider
Do for 1 minute, then switch counterclockwise for another minute
Repeat 4 to 8 times throughout the day
Chiropractic
If home remedies are not enough, then chiropractic can help. Chiropractors use a variety of treatment modalities for pulled shoulder muscles. These include:
Chiropractic adjustments
Electrical stimulation
Manual stretching
Ultrasound
Cold laser therapy to reduce pain and swelling
Health coaching
Posture exercises
Physical rehabilitative therapy
If the pain is persistent, it could indicate more than a pulled muscle is causing the pain. This could be a pinched nerve or a joint issue. A doctor of chiropractic can develop the best recovery option to get to the root cause.
Body Composition
Women and muscle distribution
Research reveals that women could have a higher distribution of type 1 muscle fibers and lower distribution of type 2 muscle fibers which are more prevalent in men. Type 1 muscle fibers are slow-twitch muscles and are extremely useful in long-endurance activities like long-distance running. Type 1 muscle fibers are also the first ones that activate during any exercise. Type 2 are the fast-twitch muscle fibers and get activated when performing powerful or explosive bursts of movements like sprinting.
Because of these muscle-fiber differences, men are likely to excel in training that involves explosive, powerful routines. However, a study found that women can gain more muscle mass using a total body strength training program than men. For optimal results, mix up the workout with a variety of resistance and strength training routines. This will allow for greater muscle mass growth.
References
Kim, Jun-hee et al. Comparison of the Shoulder External Rotator Strength and Asymmetry Ratio Between Workers With and Without Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003343. 17 Sep. 2019, doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003343
Verniba, Dmitry, and William H Gage. Stepping threshold with platform-translation and shoulder-pull postural perturbation methods.Journal of biomechanics vol. 94 (2019): 224-229. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2019.07.027
Dealing with Painful Trigger Points. Berkeley Wellness. http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/preventive-care/article/dealing-painful-trigger-points. Published September 1, 2011. Accessed June 14, 2018.
One area to consider is driving. When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome pain most individuals think about keyboard typing, as the source of arm, wrist, and hand pain. This is true, but carpal tunnel can develop from:
Any repetitive motion
Gripping
Bending at the wrist
Vibrations going through the wrist
Long-distance truckers, those who drive for business or regular long pleasure trips on winding mountain roads can take a toll on the muscles, tendons, ligaments of the arms and hands. Combining a regular job, stacking, scanning, lifting, and typing away most of the day, then long commutes, and weekends driving around, an individual can begin to present with arm, hand, and finger pain.
Signs and Symptoms
Carpal tunnel can sneak up when least expected. Most individuals begin to feel a burning, tingling, or numbness in the thumb and first two fingers, and for some, the palm, as well. Discomfort or pain usually presents at night and in the morning. If the condition becomes worse, individuals often feel the need to shake out the hand or wrists, trying to bring relief from the pain and tightness. It can affect one hand or both hands. The pain can continue to increase and climb up the arm. Then normal tasks like pumping gas or writing with a pen become unbearable.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The median nerve controls the sensations to the palm, the thumb, and the four fingers of the hand. The nerve runs through a small passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Swelling or thickening of the tendons narrow the tight space and irritate the nerve.
Diagnosis
There are different ways to diagnose the condition. To avoid damaging the median nerve, it is important to get a diagnosis as early as possible.
They might perform a nerve conduction study, where small electrodes are placed on the wrists and fingers, then small amounts of electrical current are run through the electrodes.
The speed at which the nerves transmit the electric conduction is measured.
Treatment
The most common treatment is complete rest of the affected hand/s and wrist/s for fourteen to twenty-one days. Other treatments include:
Apply pain ointment/cream before driving and keep on hand
Chiropractic Help
A chiropractor is a highly trained specialist in the entire body’s musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment can help avoid developing chronic pain and surgery in the future. Correcting subluxations and restoring optimal blood and nerve energy flow in the arms, hands, and rest of the body is the objective. Chiropractic investigates and treats the compression of nerves anywhere in the body, including the forearm and wrist. Realigning the spine, shoulder, elbow, and wrist, blood circulation and nerve impulses will flow freely once again. A chiropractor could also recommend:
The treatment plan will depend on each individual’s unique case and circumstances. At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we care about each individual’s situation and are committed to doing whatever it takes to alleviate the pain and get the individual back to optimal health.
Body Composition
Soluble and Insoluble Fiber
All plant-based foods are generally a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and turns into a gel substance when it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. Foods high in soluble fiber include:
Apples
Beans
Blueberries
Lentils
Nuts
Oat products
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. The term roughage generally refers to this type. Roughage speeds up transition time in the digestive system. This is the basis for eating more insoluble fiber, to prevent constipation by helping food move through the system. Foods high in insoluble fiber include:
Brown rice
Carrots
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Wheat
Whole wheat bread
Whole-grain couscous
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Savage, Robert. �Re: Carpal Tunnel syndrome and work.��Journal of hand surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)�vol. 30,3 (2005): 331; author reply 331. doi:10.1016/j.jhsb.2005.02.007
Haas, DC et al. �Carpal tunnel syndrome following automobile collisions.� Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation�vol. 62,5 (1981): 204-6.
A fibromyalgia diagnosis involves the process of eliminating other disorders and conditions with similar symptoms. It can be difficult to diagnose fibromyalgia. There is no common exam or test that a doctor can use to definitively diagnose fibromyalgia. The elimination process is utilized because of several other conditions with similar symptoms. These include:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Lupus
It can take some time when an individual first notices symptoms and actually being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which can be frustrating. Doctors have to become detectives, working hard to find the right cause of pain and other symptoms. Developing the right diagnosis is necessary to create an optimal treatment plan.
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis Criteria
Pain and symptoms based on the total number of painful areas
Fatigue
Poor sleep
Thinking problems
Memory problems
In 2010, a study was published that updated fibromyalgia diagnosis criteria for fibromyalgia. The new criteria remove the emphasis on tender point examination.The 2010 criteria’s focus is more on the widespread pain index or WPI. There is an item checklist about where and when an individual experiences pain. This index is combined with a symptom severity scale, and the end result is a new way to classify and develop a fibromyalgia diagnosis.
Diagnostic Process
Medical History
A doctor will look at an individual’s complete medical history, asking about any other conditions present and family condition/disease history.
Symptoms Discussion
The most common questions asked by a doctor are where it hurts, how it hurts, how long it hurts, etc. However, an individual should offer as much or added details of their symptoms. Diagnosing fibromyalgia is very dependent on the report of the symptoms, so it is important to be as specific and accurate as possible. A pain diary, which is a record of all symptoms that present will make it easier to remember and share information with the doctor. An example is giving information on trouble sleeping, with a feeling of tiredness a majority of the time, and headache presentation.
Physical Examination
A doctor will palpate or apply light pressure with the hands around the tender points.
Other Tests
As previously stated symptoms can be very similar to other conditions like:
A doctor wants to rule out any other conditions, so they will order various tests. These tests are not to diagnose fibromyalgia but to eliminate other possible conditions. A doctor could order:
Anti-nuclear antibody – ANA test
Anti-nuclear antibodies are abnormal proteins that can present in the blood if an individual has lupus. The doctor will want to see if the blood has these proteins to rule out lupus.
Blood count
By looking at an individual’s blood count, a doctor will be able to develop other possible causes for extreme fatigue like anemia.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate – ESR
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test measures how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. In individuals with a rheumatic disease like rheumatoid arthritis, the sedimentation rate is higher. The red blood cells fall quickly to the bottom. This suggests that there is inflammation in the body.
Rheumatoid factor – RF test
For individuals with an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis, a higher level of the rheumatoid factor can be identified in the blood. A higher level of RF does not guarantee that the pain is caused by rheumatoid arthritis, but doing an RF test will help the doctor explore a possible RA diagnosis.
Thyroid tests
Thyroid tests will help a doctor rule out thyroid problems.
Final Note Fibromyalgia Diagnosis
Again, diagnosing fibromyalgia can take awhile. A patient’s job is to be proactive in the diagnostic process. Be sure you understand what the results will tell and how that specific test will help figure out the cause of the pain. If you don’t understand the results, keep asking questions until it makes sense.
InBody
Body composition and Diabetes Connection
The body needs a balance of lean body mass and fat mass to function properly/optimally and maintain overall health. The balance can be disrupted in overweight and obese individuals because of excess fat. Individuals that are overweight should focus on improving body composition by reducing fat mass while maintaining or increasing lean body mass. Balanced body composition can reduce the risk of diabetes, other obesity-related disorders, and a positive effect on metabolism. Metabolism is the breaking down of foods for energy, the maintenance, and repair of body structures.
The body breaks down the food nutrients/minerals into elemental components and directs them to where they need to go. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder meaning it changes the way the body makes use of the nutrients, in such a way that the cells are unable to utilize digested glucose for energy. Without insulin, the glucose cannot get into the cells, so it ends up lingering in the blood. When the glucose can�t make its way out of the blood, it builds up. All the excess blood sugar can potentially be converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. With an increase in fat mass, hormone imbalances or systemic inflammation can happen or progress. This increases the risk for other diseases or conditions. A buildup of fat and diabetes are associated with increased risk for:
Heart attacks
Nerve damage
Eye problems
Kidney disease
Skin infections
Stroke
Diabetes can even cause the immune system to become impaired. When combined with poor circulation to the extremities, the risk of wounds, infections, can lead to amputation of the toes, foot/feet, or leg/s.
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
American College of Rheumatology. Fibromyalgia. 2013.�http://www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases_And_Conditions/Fibromyalgia/. Accessed December 5, 2014.
Living with Fibromyalgia:�Mayo Clinic Proceedings.�(June 2006) �Improvement in Fibromyalgia Symptoms With Acupuncture: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial��https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025619611617291What Are Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms and How Does It Cause Back Pain?:�Clinical Biomechanics.�(July 2012) �Functional capacity, muscle strength and falls in women with fibromyalgia��https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268003311003226
Car accidents, even minor ones, can cause musculoskeletal problems, especially in the neck and shoulder area. Depending on the severity, it can be dangerous. When whiplash symptoms do not present immediately, this is known as delayed whiplash. Delayed symptoms can appear anywhere from twenty-four hours to months after the accident. The body is masking the symptoms to react to a traumatic event. Symptoms like:
Pain
Stiffness
Headache
Anxiety
Present within 24 hours, but this is not always the case.
Delayed Symptoms
With delayed whiplash, symptoms typically don’t appear until 24 hours after the accident. But there are cases of symptoms being delayed up to six months. Whether immediate or delayed, symptoms include:
Medical treatment should be sought out immediately if any of the below symptoms are experienced:
Weakness in the arms
The neck pain spreads to the shoulders and arms
Unbearable pain
Loss of vision
Causes of Delayed Whiplash
The most common cause of whiplash is automobile accidents. Even a slow-speed tap can cause delayed whiplash symptoms if the head snaps quickly, and it is not only being hit from behind in automobile accidents that cause whiplash. Rear-end, front-end, and side collisions can cause whiplash and delayed whiplash symptoms. Any time the neck snaps in a quick fashion in any direction there is potential for a neck injury. Some less common causes include:
Specific types of falls where the head quickly snaps around
Cycling accidents
Skating/skateboarding accidents
Skiing/snowboarding accidents
Symptoms Can Get Worse With Time
Determining whether to seek medical attention if there is no pain or symptoms after the event can be difficult. However, symptoms can get worse over time and cause serious problems in the neck:
Small fractures
Ruptured discs
Pinched nerves
Untreated Whiplash
Whiplash can get worse with time when they are not treated. This is why seeking medical care after the event is significant. As a doctor, a chiropractor can diagnose if any serious issues are present and develop the best plan to deal with pain and symptoms. When left untreated chronic whiplash and neck pain can develop. Chronic whiplash is rare but does happen, even with injuries considered not severe. Medical professionals will use X-Rays, MRIs, or CT scans to examine the damage’s extent and prevent the symptoms from worsening.
Treatment Options
Wearing a neck brace immediately following a neck injury can be an option but there is evidence that some movement of the neck and head should be incorporated, as it is beneficial for the healing process. If the pain is unbearable, wearing a brace could be implemented into a treatment plan.
Ice and Heat
Ice and heat will help with stiffness and pain.
Ice will help relieve pain and should be used in 15-minute intervals.
Heat packs and ointments can help soothe the area, loosen up the muscles, and promote optimal healing.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Meds
Advil or Ibuprofen can be taken for pain and inflammation. These meds help the symptoms, but should not be the only pain reliever.
Ginger
Ginger tea can help those suffering from nausea and dizziness.
It contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Supplements include green tea, turmeric curcumin, fish oil, and sage.
CBD Oil and Ointment
CBD oil or ointments can help relieve pain and relax muscles.
Stretching
Gentle stretches can help the healing process and keep the neck muscles loose.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic can treat whiplash utilizing several different techniques. They will perform tests to diagnose the extent of the injuries and determine what type and the best treatment plan. The plan can include the following:
Inflammation reduction and Pain relief
Heat, ice, ultrasound, and laser therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Spinal Adjustments
Spinal adjustments will help relieve pain from pinched nerves, bulging discs, and strained muscles.
Massage
Massage is a common practice in whiplash cases. It helps to kickstart the healing process by:
Promoting proper blood and nerve energy circulation
Loosens the muscles
Flushes out the toxins
Stretches and Tips
A chiropractor will train the patient on specific stretches/exercises and pain-relief tips at home. These can include:
Physical therapists can help by focusing on the muscles in the affected area.
They will teach the individual stretches and exercises to stretch and strengthen the strained muscles.
They can also utilize heat and ice therapy, ultrasound, and laser therapy.
Body Composition
Hot Yoga and Metabolic Rate
Both internal and external temperatures influence the body’s metabolic rate. The body’s chemical reactions happen more quickly if the temperature is higher. This is because the body works harder to restore average temperature balance. Brief exposure to heat is not enough to increase metabolism. To raise BMR, more prolonged exposure to heat is necessary. This is where hot yoga comes in. Hot yoga involves performing a sequence in a studio that is 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity rate of 40%. It is an intense workout that involves sweating. The high heat:
Increases blood flow
Warms the muscles for deep stretching
Helps the lymphatic system release toxins
Raises the body’s Basal Metabolic Rate
References
Balla, J I. The late whiplash syndrome. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of surgery vol. 50,6 (1980): 610-4. doi:10.1111/j.1445-2197.1980.tb04207.x
Fitz-Ritson D. Phasic exercises for cervical rehabilitation after “whiplash” trauma. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1995 Jan;18(1):21-24.
Seferiadis, Aris, et al. A review of treatment interventions in whiplash-associated disorders. The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 13,5 (2004): 387-97. doi:10.1007/s00586-004-0709-1
The body’s muscles function to produce force and motion. The trapezius muscle is one of the largest, which makes it highly susceptible to injury/s and spasms. A trapezius muscle spasm is when the muscle starts to contract. This muscle group is based around the neck and shoulders and is used to move the scapula shoulder bone.
Causes of Trapezius Muscle Spasms
A few causes for this muscle to become inflamed/irritated include:
Poor posture
Injury
Stress
Tension
Improper lifting
Symptoms
The effects feel similar to a pulled shoulder muscle. Common symptoms include:
Upper body stiffness
Shoulder pain
Neck pain
Arm numbness/tingling
Lack of shoulder flexibility
Spasm and Pinched Nerve Difference
A muscle spasm and pinched nerve might seem or feel similar, but they are different. A muscle spasm makes the area tight and can cause muscle twitching. They vary in intensity with some spasms being mild and others excruciating. In some cases, a spasm can cause a nerve to get pinched if the knot contorts tightly around a nerve and if it is big enough. Conversely, a pinched nerve can also cause twitching, but it typically results in severe pain. Pinched nerves can also cause tingling sensations and numbness depending on the severity it could cause muscle spasms.
Treating The Spasms
There are a few ways to treat this naturally.
Heat and Ice Therapy
One way to calm a muscle spasm is using heat and ice. The heat will increase nerve and blood circulation keeping the muscles flexible, and the warmth will soothe the injury. This helps prevent the muscles from spazzing and generating pain. Ice therapy also increases blood circulation but the focus is on reducing inflammation. The nerves become slightly frozen which stops the tingling, significantly reducing the pain.
If pain presents around the trapezius, immediately put an ice pack on.It should be applied every few hours in 15-minute sessions. Once the pain subsides, heat therapy can be applied. A heating pad placed around the area, a warm/hot bath, or standing in the shower if possible with a massage setting letting the warm/hot water hit the muscle. But it must be consistent, doing it for about 20-minute sessions three times a day.
Stretches and Exercises
Stretches and exercises can help keep the muscle flexible and prevent any tightening.
Upper Trapezius Stretch
This stretch will move the upper trapezius area, promoting flexibility and preventing the muscle from becoming stiff.
Sit in a chair with proper posture
Holding onto the chair with the left hand, wrap the right arm over the top of the head so that the hand touches the left ear.
Gently pull the head toward the right and hold.
Slowly move the head back and repeat with the other hand.
Shoulder Shrugs
Moving the shoulders up and down throughout the day stretches the trapezius.
It releases tension and strengthens the muscle to protect it.
This exercise should be done every few hours for about a minute or two.
Also occasionally rolling the shoulders will help stretch the smaller components of the trapezius.
Cobra Pose
This yoga pose is for relieving tension.
It can be very helpful for those suffering from severe spasms or from a pinched nerve.
The first thing is to lie face-down on the floor.
Keeping the feet straight behind, use the hands to gently push the upper body up so that the spine slightly curves.
Make sure that the hands are situated in front of the body and firm on the ground.
Hold for a few seconds and then release.
Repeat the process three more times.
Therapeutic Massage
The soothing motions from a massage will calm irritated areas and encourage them to heal quicker.
At first, because of the tenderness around the area, a massage could present with pain.
The massage therapist needs to press on the area to increase blood circulation so that toxins get flushed out.
While it might hurt the individual soon notices that the swelling and pain are reducing.
Chiropractors specialize in the musculoskeletal system and understand how the muscles, bones, and joints all work together. For muscle spasms, they investigate the problem and look at other areas of the body that could be contributing to or worsening the condition. For some, muscle spasms could be brought on by a misplaced joint pressing on the area. A chiropractor will palpate the areas to ensure this is not the case. And if there is a problem, they will perform a joint manipulation. This realigns the joint back in place and reduces muscle spasm symptoms. Over time the muscles become healthier because chiropractic releases toxins and improves the range of motion.
Body Composition
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Often, muscle spasms are the result of inflammation. When a muscle swells, it can place pressure on surrounding nerves. The more intense the inflammation the more pressure/stress on the nerves. This can make moving and functioning very difficult because of the pain. To naturally reduce inflammation consider an anti-inflammatory diet. This type of diet is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that will work to reduce swelling. Although it might not completely repair the muscle injury, it can reduce symptoms and stop oxidative stress. Foods to eat more of are:
Cherries
Tomatoes
Almonds
Blueberries
Oranges
Salmon
Kale
Turmeric
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Finley JE. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Myofascial Pain.�Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/313007-overview#showall. Updated May 21, 2017. Accessed July 16, 2018.
Rodante JA, Al Hassan QA, Almeer ZS. Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Uncovering the Root Causes.�Practical Pain Manag. https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/pain/myofascial/myofascial-pain-syndrome-uncovering-root-causes. 2012;6. Last updated on October 5, 2012. Accessed July 16, 2018.
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.656.582&rep=rep1&type=pdf
While bruising, soreness, and scrapes are common, whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries may not show for several days or weeks. While today’s vehicles are safer than ever, they can still only do so much when it comes to the body and musculoskeletal health. Being involved in an automobile accident, even a light tap can give a sudden jolt to the spine that although the individual might not have felt anything like discomfort or pain, it was enough to shift the disc/s out of place or set them up to shift out of place. No one wants to be involved in a car or motorcycle accident, but regardless of good driving habits, or how advanced the safety features on the vehicle might be, the average driver will be involved in three to four automobile accidents in their life.
Whiplash
Whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents. More than 3 million Americans will see a doctor and a chiropractor for automobile accidents and whiplash effects. It only takes a 2.5 mph hit to cause an injury. And whiplash doesn’t only happen when hit from behind, there are several ways an individual can be subjected to whiplash, including being T-boned, amusement park rides, and falling off a bicycle or a horse.
Symptoms
Most whiplash symptoms develop in the first twenty-four hours, but this is not always the case. Common symptoms include:
Most individuals realize they have whiplash a day or two after, but for others, it can take a few weeks or even months to present. Whiplash is classified by degree or grade:
Grade 0
The individual has no complaints and there are no symptoms/signs of physical injury.
Grade 1
There is neck pain but there are no physical signs of injury.
Grade 2
There are signs/symptoms of musculoskeletal damage and neck pain is presenting.
Grade 3
There are signs/symptoms of neurological damage and neck pain is presenting.
The average amount of time most individuals stay home from work is around 40 days. However, when whiplash pain lasts longer than a few weeks, it is deemed to be chronic whiplash.
Chronic Whiplash
Some individuals with whiplash experience painful symptoms for years. This is true of those that avoid or refuse medical attention and learn to live with it.
Treatment Options
There are very effective methods for treating whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries. Depending on the extent of the injury/s, developing the right treatment/rehabilitation plan requires individual consultation with a chiropractor to discuss options that can include:
Pain Relief
The pain can be excruciating. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for temporary relief. However, the individual will need extended treatment to ensure it does not become chronic pain.
Neck Brace
Neck braces help limit the pain, but should not be worn for more than three or four days. If worn for too long the neck muscles are prevented from gaining the strength needed to support the head.
Don’t Sit For Too Long
Avoid keeping the head in any one position for too long. This includes sitting in bed, watching TV, or working at a desk. This places a large amount of pressure and stress on the neck, making the pain even more severe and longer-lasting.
Sleeping Properly and Comfortably
For many, it can be difficult to get into a comfortable position when sleeping. Sleeping on the back with the head turned to one side can worsen the pain. Try a high-quality ergonomic pillow that allows the individual to sleep on their side and takes the pressure off of the neck.
Spinal Alignment
Whiplash can cause the spine to shift out of alignment. This can lead to additional problems in the back or shoulders. It�s always a good idea to see a chiropractor that specializes in motor vehicle accident injuries to realign the spine and neck, as well as for rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles and prevent further injuries. See a chiropractor for an evaluation of the injuries and develop a customized treatment plan that works for the individual’s condition.
Everyone is different
Some individuals can be stiff and sore for a few days and then are okay with not much pain. Some individuals experience severe pain immediately after the wreck, while others have no pain for days or even weeks. Both scenarios are pretty common. Soft tissue injuries can be very deceiving. Some don�t experience any pain for months after the accident. Many don�t think they need to see a doctor or chiropractor because there is no pain or symptoms. However, underneath serious problems could be getting ready to present including:
Constant headaches
Numbness or pins and needles in the hands or arms
Pain between the shoulder blades
Poor posture
Chronic muscle tension
Painful spasms
Degeneration of the discs
Painful inflamed arthritis
The quick development of arthritis
Sore, tight, or inflexible muscles
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Dizziness
Body Composition
A decrease in physical activity
Physical inactivity is a primary factor in the progression of sarcopenia. Resistance exercise can help maintain muscle mass and help build muscular strength. Individuals that are more sedentary can exacerbate the effects of sarcopenia.
A decrease in motor neurons
Aging is accompanied by motor neuron loss resulting from cell death. This leads to a decrease in muscle fiber. This decrease in muscle fibers leads to:
Impaired performance
A reduction in functional capacity
A decreased ability to perform everyday tasks
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia, also known as M.U.A is a non-invasive stretching and musculoskeletal manipulation technique. This type of chiropractic treatment can offer relief from chronic and constant back pain and other types of pain that have not responded well or at all to conservative non-surgical care. Chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia breaks up adhesions/internal scar tissue that could result from an injury or previous surgery, helping restore the normal range of motion and reduce pain. This technique is utilized to treat:
Undergoing chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia while sedated means the body is in a highly relaxed state. This sedation allows the chiropractor to adjust the bones, joints into proper alignment and stretch the muscles without the individual�s voluntary/reflexive resistance. And the sedation allows the chiropractor to use less force, making the procedure painless.
Manipulation Under Anesthesia Specialists
This type of manipulation is a specialty procedure. Trained and certified physicians only perform it in the fields of:
Chiropractic medicine
Orthopedics
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Osteopathy
Advantages to MUA treatment
There are individuals with pain that respond well to regular chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy, or exercise. However, depending on their condition, relief might only last for a few days or weeks. This is where manipulation under anesthesia could improve the range of motion and relieve pain. Manipulation under anesthesia has been performed for more than sixty years. It can be cost-effective and safer than invasive treatment like spine surgery. It is recognized and covered by most insurance and workers’� compensation plans.
Determining if MUA is right for the individual and their condition
Manipulation under anesthesia is not for all individuals with back pain. MUA is only recommended for patients that meet the procedure’s criteria. Like any other type of recommended treatment, a doctor will carefully consider the individual’s medical history, symptoms, previous treatments, and effectiveness. A doctor will also perform a physical and neurological examination with an individual’s complete medical history. Test results will confirm the patient�s diagnosis and determine if anesthetic manipulation can help relieve pain and other symptoms. Tests can include:
Not an appropriate treatment for individuals with:
Uncontrolled diabetic neuropathy
Spinal cord compression
Morbid obesity
Any cancer
Acute or healing bone fracture/s
Osteomyelitis vertebral bone infection
Acute inflammatory arthritis
Metastatic bone disease
Severe osteoporosis
Acute inflammatory gout
Tuberculosis of the bone
Co-existing medical problems could mean an individual may not be able to undergo any procedure that requires sedation.
Another reason why a patient’s complete medical history is vital
Procedure
This procedure is usually performed in an ambulatory surgery center that is a modern healthcare facility focused on providing same-day surgical care for diagnostic and preventive procedures or at a hospital. An anesthesiologist administers the medicine/s. The patient could be sedated but not unconscious or general anesthesia meaning complete unconsciousness. The choice of sedation depends on various factors, like the patient’s diagnosis and how severe the condition is. The anesthesiologist can recommend a specific type of medicine or a cocktail of medications for the patient’s comfort during and after.
Once sedated, the chiropractor utilizes specialized techniques to stretch, adjust and mobilize the affected areas of the spine and body. The manipulations free up fibrous adhesions or scar tissue in one or more areas of the spine and surrounding tissues. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The individual will be awakened and then is carefully monitored in a recovery area. Many report an immediate reduction in pain and a broader range of motion after the procedure. There is usually temporary muscle soreness, similar to the soreness after an intense workout.
Recommended aftercare
Before being discharged, the patient is provided instructions about aftercare therapy. Instructions may include:
At-home warm-up movements
Physical therapy rehabilitation
Passive stretching
Electrical stimulation
Cryotherapy or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and pain
Physical therapy, exercise, and stretching
Three to six weeks after the procedure, individuals continue with physical therapy to help prevent back pain from returning and any fibrous adhesions/scar tissue broken up from reforming. Exercise and stretching will help strengthen and stabilize the abdominal and spinal muscles and prevent pain from returning.
InBody
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is defined as a lack of uptake or intake of nutrition that can negatively affect body composition. An important nutrient that elderly individuals might not get enough of is protein. Trouble chewing, food cost, and trouble cooking are all factors that limit elderly individuals’ access to protein, which can lead to sarcopenia. These complications can affect how the body responds to diet and exercise.
That is because protein requirements for the elderly are usually higher than for younger individuals. This comes from age-related changes in the metabolism that includes a decreased response to protein intake. This means that an older individual needs to consume more protein to achieve the same anabolic effect. Micronutrient deficiency is a lack of nutrients like minerals and vitamins. These support important bodily processes like cell regeneration, immune system function, and vision. A common example is iron and calcium deficiencies. This type of deficiency has the greatest impact on normal physiological functions in conjunction with protein-energy deficiency, as most micronutrients are acquired from food.
Dr. Alex Jimenezs Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
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