For individuals dealing with neck or arm pain and migraine headache symptoms it could be a splenius capitis muscle injury. Can knowing the causes and symptoms help healthcare providers develop an effective treatment plan?
Splenius Capitis Muscles
The splenius capitis is a deep muscle located on the upper back. Along with the splenius cervicis, it comprises the superficial layer – one of the three – of intrinsic back muscles. The splenius capitis works with the splenius cervicis, a smaller muscle located below it, to help rotate the neck and lower the chin to the chest, known as flexing. Maintaining a healthy posture is important because it helps keep the head in a neutral position.
Starting at the midline of the spine at C3 to T3, the splenius capitis spans the levels between the 7th cervical vertebra to the 3rd or 4th thoracic vertebrae, which varies for different individuals.
The muscle inserts at the nuchal ligament, which is a strong ligament of the neck.
The splenius capitis muscle angles up and out, attaching to the skull.
The splenius capitis and cervicis cover the vertical paraspinals, which are deeper and comprise the intermediate layer of the intrinsic back muscles.
The splenius muscles look like a bandage for the paraspinals and the vertical muscles that comprise the deepest layer.
The splenius muscles hold these deeper layers in the correct position.
These muscles start at the center of the spine and together form a V shape.
The sides of the V are thick, and the central indentation is shallow.
Pain
It’s common for individuals to experience pain associated with injury to the splenius capitis. This type of pain is known as splenius capitis syndrome. (Ernest E, Ernest M. 2011)
Symptoms
A headache stemming from injury often mimics a migraine headache. Symptoms of splenius capitis syndrome include: (Ernest E, Ernest M. 2011)
It’s recommended to contact a healthcare provider if experiencing symptoms that interfere with daily activities or quality of life. A healthcare provider will:
Can individuals with osteoarthritis incorporate spinal decompression therapy to restore spinal mobility and quality of life?
Introduction
As the body ages, so does the spine, as the spinal disc between the joints and the bones starts dehydrating from constant compression through repetitive motions. The many environmental factors contributing to this degenerative disorder can vary within the person and lead to arthritic conditions within the upper and lower extremities. One of the most common types of arthritis is osteoarthritis, and it can affect many people worldwide. Dealing with osteoarthritis in their joints can cause numerous pain-like symptoms that correlate with other body conditions, causing referred pain. However, many treatments can help slow the process of osteoarthritis and relieve the body from the pain-like symptoms of the joints. Today’s article looks at how osteoarthritis affects spinal mobility and how treatments can restore spinal mobility from the effects of osteoarthritis. We talk with certified medical providers who utilize our patients’ information to provide various treatments to reduce the impact of osteoarthritis on the joints. We also inform patients how multiple treatments can help slow down the degenerative process of osteoarthritis. We encourage our patients to ask their associated medical providers intricated and important questions about the pain-like symptoms they are experiencing from osteoarthritis. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
How Does Osteoarthritis Affect Spinal Mobility?
Have you noticed morning stiffness after a good night’s rest? Do you feel tenderness in your joints after some light pressure? Or do you feel limited mobility in your joints, causing a restricted range of motion? Many of these pain-like scenarios are correlated with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disorder that has affected many individuals, including older adults. As stated earlier, when the body ages, so do the joints, bones, and spine. Regarding osteoarthritis, the joints will degenerate through natural wear and tear around the cartilage. Osteoarthritis affects multiple joints like the hips and knees, which are the most common, and the spine, and causes numerous sensory-motor dysfunctions. (Yao et al., 2023) When the cartilage around the affected joints starts to deteriorate, the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis causes a disturbed cytokine balance of the proinflammatory cytokines to initiate a vicious cycle that causes cartilage and other intra-articular structure damage around the joint. (Molnar et al., 2021) What this does is that when osteoarthritis starts to affect the joints, it can lead to numerous referred pain-like symptoms.
However, although osteoarthritis can affect the joints, naturally, numerous environmental factors do play a part in the development of osteoarthritis. Physical inactivity, obesity, bone deformities, and joint injuries are some of the causes that can progress the degenerative process. The symptoms that are associated with these environmental factors include:
Pain
Joint stiffness
Tenderness
Inflammation
Swelling
Grating sensation
Bone spurs
Many individuals dealing with pain-like symptoms caused by osteoarthritis will explain to their primary doctors that the pain varies in duration, depth, type of occurrence, impact, and rhythm. This is because the pain from osteoarthritis is complex and multifactorial. (Wood et al., 2022) However, many individuals can look for the help they need to reduce the pain-like issues caused by osteoarthritis through treatments that can slow down the degenerative progress.
An In-depth Look At Spinal Decompression-Video
When it comes to seeking treatment to reduce the effects of osteoarthritis, many individuals seek out treatments that are cost-effective and safe for older individuals. Non-surgical treatments could be the solution many individuals seek to reduce the progress of osteoarthritis. When people experiencing osteoarthritis go to non-surgical treatments, they find out that the pain is decreased, their range of motion is increased, and their physical function has improved. (Alkhawajah & Alshami, 2019) At the same time, non-surgical treatments can be combined with other therapies to the individual’s personalized treatment plan. No-surgical treatments can range from chiropractic care to spinal decompression as they work on gently realigning the spine through traction and help reduce joint and muscle pain. The video above gives an in-depth look at spinal decompression and how it can benefit individuals who are in pain.
Spinal Decompression Restoring Spinal Mobility From Osteoarthritis
Since spinal decompression is a form of non-surgical treatment, it can help slow down the process of osteoarthritis. Spinal decompression incorporates traction to gently pull on the spine, allowing the discs and joints to be lubricated and permitting the natural healing process to occur. This is because the surrounding muscles that protect the joints are being stretched gently and the vertebral disc space is being increased to allow the disc to be rehydrated and the protrusion to recede back to its original position. (Cyriax, 1950) Spinal decompression can help slow down the degenerative process of osteoarthritis, and when combined with physical therapy, the surrounding muscles, tissues, and ligaments are strengthened.
In contrast, joint and spinal mobility and flexibility are increased. Spinal decompression can also help many individuals reduce their chances of surgery, as consecutive sessions can help provide pain relief and functional improvement to the spine. (Choi et al., 2022) When people regain their spinal mobility back to their bodies from spinal decompression, they can make small changes in their daily routine to slow down the degenerative process of osteoarthritis.
References
Alkhawajah, H. A., & Alshami, A. M. (2019). The effect of mobilization with movement on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 20(1), 452. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-2841-4
Choi, E., Gil, H. Y., Ju, J., Han, W. K., Nahm, F. S., & Lee, P. B. (2022). Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2022, 6343837. doi.org/10.1155/2022/6343837
Molnar, V., Matisic, V., Kodvanj, I., Bjelica, R., Jelec, Z., Hudetz, D., Rod, E., Cukelj, F., Vrdoljak, T., Vidovic, D., Staresinic, M., Sabalic, S., Dobricic, B., Petrovic, T., Anticevic, D., Boric, I., Kosir, R., Zmrzljak, U. P., & Primorac, D. (2021). Cytokines and Chemokines Involved in Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci, 22(17). doi.org/10.3390/ijms22179208
Wood, M. J., Miller, R. E., & Malfait, A. M. (2022). The Genesis of Pain in Osteoarthritis: Inflammation as a Mediator of Osteoarthritis Pain. Clin Geriatr Med, 38(2), 221-238. doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2021.11.013
Yao, Q., Wu, X., Tao, C., Gong, W., Chen, M., Qu, M., Zhong, Y., He, T., Chen, S., & Xiao, G. (2023). Osteoarthritis: pathogenic signaling pathways and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther, 8(1), 56. doi.org/10.1038/s41392-023-01330-w
For individuals that are feeling unmotivated to work out and exercise can developing a fitness mindset help improve and maintain motivation?
Fitness Mindset Motivation
Learning to exercise as part of a regular workout routine can have a significant impact on health and well-being. In the beginning, individuals are all in, but as time goes on, mental blocks can interfere with workout motivation. Being flexible with oneself and fitness/health goals is part of the process, and overcoming mental blocks is key to maintaining motivation. It’s all about creating a fitness mindset to maintain confidence and motivation and enjoy the benefits of regular exercise.
Feeling Tired
When feeling tired, individuals should ask themselves if it’s physical or mental fatigue. If the exhaustion is not from lack of sleep, illness, or a physically demanding job, it is more than likely mental tiredness. Mental exhaustion can often feel physical, and a recommended cure is physical activity. Often, once an individual starts working out and gets over the mental fatigue, they feel better. (Juriena D. de Vries et al., 2016) Regular physical activity can increase energy levels and leave the body feeling less fatigued. (Bryan D. Loy et al., 2013) However, individuals need to make sure there is ample recovery time to repair and restore the body after working out.
Self-Talk
Sometimes there is a small voice that says to take a day off or perform an easier workout. It’s okay to be flexible, but most times, individuals need to be ready to stand up to the skip-the-workout voices and stay motivated.
Remove Obstacles
Remove obstacles that can distract from exercising.
Have the workout gear ready and exercise time pre-scheduled so there are no second thoughts.
If limited space is an issue, find compact equipment like a cordless jump rope that doesn’t require a lot of room.
Don’t Allow Relaxation Takeover
Individuals who plan to exercise after school or work shouldn’t go home, sit down, and relax watching TV before working out.
Individuals who may need a transition to work out should try something gentle but active, like stretching or doing a light chore.
Individuals who exercise in the morning should wear their workout clothes immediately, so they can’t second guess and can continue their workout.
Remind yourself of the reasons for committing to exercise.
Research shows that using second-person self-talk can help maintain motivation. Encouraging oneself with phrases like you can do this, you got this, or you are going to achieve your fitness goals improves the chances of obtaining the desired outcome. (Sanda Dolcos, Dolores Albarracin. 2014)
Fight Through The Doubt
Start with small steps. Ask if doubt is stopping you from starting. If doubt begins to arise:
Ask For Help
A colleague, friend, or partner can help reinspire motivation.
Tell them about the challenges of sticking with exercise.
Ask them to work out together.
Do What Is Possible
If working out for 30 minutes is too difficult, don’t worry about it.
Go for as long as possible and try for more the next time.
Working out can feel like a job, but it does not have to.
For example, individuals sitting or standing all day can approach the workout as 30 minutes to get out and move around.
Or, after getting the kids settled in, it is time to do something for yourself and exercise the stress away.
Healthy Reminders
Write inspirational fitness mindset notes and put them where they will be seen regularly.
These can be exercise goals; for example, I will exercise for 30 minutes because I want more energy, better sleep, strength, etc.
Train The Brain For Exercise
When the issue is motivation, the mind needs to be convinced to exercise. How to use mind-over-matter skills:
Rewards
When finishing a workout, rewards can help.
Exercise has its own rewards – more energy, improved mood, stress relief, and reduced disease risk.
Maybe a new pair of shoes, earbuds or headphones, workout equipment, or a massage will increase motivation.
Make A Deal
Continue to exercise for whatever amount of time, and if the desire to stop is still present, then stop.
Nine times out of 10, individuals will keep going.
Pretend
Make-believe can encourage the fitness mindset.
Pretending to be in a race, or in a movie, anything that makes the body want to move.
Set Achievable Goals
Making difficult goals can generate the fear of being unable to achieve them.
Aim for small achievable goals that go along with a bigger overall goal.
That way, there are more victories, and the motivation to keep moving is maintained.
Competition
Healthy competition can be a great motivator.
Competing with oneself for faster times, heavier weights, or more frequency can keep the inspiration going.
Social media and apps to compete with family and friends can also help.
Visualization
Athletes use visualization techniques of going through the game, match, and tournament to get themselves prepared and ready to execute what they’ve been practicing.
Individuals can do the same thing by picturing themselves going through their workout from beginning to end.
Exercise provides meditation time to think about problems and challenges.
Use the workout time to work through the problems and refocus strategies to solve them.
Process Goals
Choosing specific goals that are part of the workout process, like working out 3-4 times per week, is recommended compared to using outcome goals, like losing ten pounds.
Outcome goals can be out of the individual’s control; instead, focus on the steps to achieve the goals, which lessens stress and is a more controllable method of working out. (Kylie Wilson Darren Brookfield. 2011)
Changing lifestyle to include exercise is not easy. The most important step is having the right attitude. (Margie E. Lachman et al., 2018) Thinking about exercise as an obligation will discourage motivation. Instead, create a fitness mindset to treat exercise like a break from all the stress and a reward for the mind and body to a healthier life.
Home Exercises for Pain Relief
References
de Vries, J. D., van Hooff, M. L., Geurts, S. A., & Kompier, M. A. (2016). Exercise as an Intervention to Reduce Study-Related Fatigue among University Students: A Two-Arm Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial. PloS one, 11(3), e0152137. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0152137
Bryan D. Loy, Patrick J. O’Connor & Rodney K. Dishman (2013) The effect of a single bout of exercise on energy and fatigue states: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behavior, 1:4, 223-242, DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2013.843266
Dolcos S, Albarracin D. (2014). The inner speech of behavioral regulation: Intentions and task performance strengthen when you talk to yourself as a You. Eur J Social Psychol. 44(6):636-642. doi:10.1002/ejsp.2048.
Lachman, M. E., Lipsitz, L., Lubben, J., Castaneda-Sceppa, C., & Jette, A. M. (2018). When Adults Don’t Exercise: Behavioral Strategies to Increase Physical Activity in Sedentary Middle-Aged and Older Adults. Innovation in aging, 2(1), igy007. doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igy007
Renner, F., Murphy, F. C., Ji, J. L., Manly, T., & Holmes, E. A. (2019). Mental imagery as a “motivational amplifier” to promote activities. Behaviour research and therapy, 114, 51–59. doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2019.02.002
Kylie Wilson & Darren Brookfield (2009). Effect of Goal Setting on Motivation and Adherence in a Six‐Week Exercise Program, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 7:1, 89-100, DOI: 10.1080/1612197X.2009.9671894
Can individuals dealing with myofascial pain syndrome in their bodies find the relief they are looking for through acupuncture?
Introduction
The musculoskeletal system has numerous ligaments, joints, soft tissues, and muscles that allow the body to be in motion without feeling pain or discomfort. The musculoskeletal system has upper and lower body portions, and each quadrant has a specific job it needs to do. The head works with the neck for the upper body portions to allow it to turn and be mobile. The shoulders work with the arms and hands to allow flexibility while stabilizing the neck. For the lower body portions, the hips and legs stabilize the upper body’s weight and help the different quadrants flex, extend, and rotate without pain. However, when traumatic or normal forces start to affect the body, it can lead to pain and discomfort, depending on the severity. When this happens, it can cause the muscle fibers from the upper and lower body portions to become tight and form tiny nodules known as trigger points to cause myofascial pain. This causes many individuals to be in constant discomfort and feel pain in different body locations. However, there are numerous treatments that can reduce the pain from the trigger points and restore muscle function to the body. Today’s article examines how myofascial pain syndrome affects the body, how non-surgical treatments like acupuncture can reduce trigger point pain, and how acupuncture can restore body function. We speak with certified medical providers who incorporate our patients’ information to provide various treatments to reduce the effects of myofascial pain syndrome on the body. We also inform patients how non-surgical therapies like acupuncture can help restore body function that is caused by myofascial pain. We encourage our patients to ask intricated questions to our associated medical providers about the pain-like symptoms they are experiencing from myofascial pain syndrome that is affecting their bodies. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome Affecting The Body
Do you feel pain radiating in certain locations in your body, affecting your daily routine? Are you feeling any complaints in your back, knees, elbows, or shoulders? Or do you have mobility issues that are affecting your gait and making you feel unstable? Many of these issues that people are experiencing are known as myofascial pain syndrome, and it can cause overlapping risk profiles in the musculoskeletal system. Myofascial pain syndrome is a problematic musculoskeletal pain originating from the muscles and surrounding fascia. (Tantanatip & Chang, 2023) This common musculoskeletal condition causes localized pain in certain body areas or referred pain to various muscle locations. When a person is dealing with myofascial pain syndrome, their muscles in the upper or lower body quadrants will become overstretched and tight through repetitive motions that can cause tiny nodules known as trigger points that can be a source of where the pain might originate from. When people are dealing with myofascial pain syndrome in their bodies, they will inform their primary doctors that they are experiencing pain in different locations in their bodies that are causing them pain. The doctor then will ask the individual numerous questions and examine where the pain is occurring. The doctor will also take note of the person’s daily routine, allowing the doctor to diagnose that myofascial pain syndrome is at play.
When myofascial pain syndrome affects body function, it can come in the forms of nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. When the muscle fibers in the upper and lower extremities are dealing with trigger points, the surrounding nerve roots that provide the sensory-motor function to the arms and legs can become irritated, causing spot tenderness, referred pain, and nerve root compression that can cause the muscles to succumb to muscle trauma and muscle overload. (Fernandez-de-Las-Penas et al., 2023) To that point, myofascial pain syndrome can affect a person’s quality of life as the mechanisms of the comorbidities combined with the psychological stressors that are impacting the muscles might sensitize the trigger points. (Sabeh et al., 2020) However, when the pain becomes excruciating in the muscles that are caused by myofascial pain syndrome, many individuals will start to seek treatment to not only reduce the pain but also restore their body functionality.
The Non-Surgical Approach To Wellness- Video
Have you been dealing with radiating or localized pain in different body locations? How about experiencing mobility issues when moving your upper or lower extremities? Or do you experience stability issues from walking from one location to another? Many of these pain-like scenarios are associated with myofascial pain syndrome that is affecting the musculoskeletal system. When the human body is dealing with myofascial pain syndrome, it can be difficult to diagnose due to the affected muscles causing referred pain. At the same time, when a person is dealing with myofascial pain syndrome is not finding treatment to reduce the pain, it can lead to major health problems like:
Mobility impairment
Muscle pain and hypersensitivity
Nerve issues
Neurological issues
When people with myofascial pain syndrome are looking for treatment, they are looking for cost-effective treatments that can be combined with other therapies that can help reduce the pain and restore body function to the extremities. Non-surgical treatments can be the solution for many individuals because they are cost-effective and can be personalized. The video above shows how non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care can help restore the body through manual and mechanical manipulation that can stretch and locate the trigger points while restoring body function to the extremities.
Acupuncture Reducing Trigger Point Pain
When a person goes in for non-surgical treatments for their myofascial pain syndrome, acupuncture could be the answer. Acupuncture is an Eastern medical practice from China performed by highly trained licensed professionals. So, how can acupuncture help alleviate trigger point pain from myofascial pain syndrome? Acupuncturists use solid, super thin needles to place them in specific points in the body to reduce the referred pain-like symptoms causing issues. This causes the myofascial trigger points to become inactive and, reduces intramuscular hypertension, relieves uneven musculoskeletal pull, and improves mechanical balance in the upper and lower extremities. (Lin et al., 2022)
Acupuncture Restoring Body Function
Acupuncture is traditionally used to restore the normal flow of energy to the body. Still, in the modern era, it has been shown to have multiple positive effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. So, since myofascial pain syndrome is both nociceptive and neuropathic, the effects of acupuncture can change the pain’s perspective while causing the body’s natural healing process to be restored. (Kelly & Willis, 2019) At the same time, acupuncturists can gently prick and stimulate the affected tendon with the myofascial to induce a muscle twitch to relax the tight muscle. (Qiu et al., 2023) This allows the body to relax and helps reduce the chances of trigger points returning to the muscle facia. For individuals who are looking for treatment for their myofascial pain syndrome, incorporating acupuncture could be the solution to restore body function to the musculoskeletal system.
References
Fernandez-de-Las-Penas, C., Nijs, J., Cagnie, B., Gerwin, R. D., Plaza-Manzano, G., Valera-Calero, J. A., & Arendt-Nielsen, L. (2023). Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Nociceptive Condition Comorbid with Neuropathic or Nociplastic Pain. Life (Basel), 13(3). doi.org/10.3390/life13030694
Lin, X., Li, F., Lu, H., Zhu, M., & Peng, T. Z. (2022). Acupuncturing of myofascial pain trigger points for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore), 101(8), e28838. doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000028838
Qiu, X. H., Yang, X. Y., Wang, Y. Y., Tian, S. L., Yan, Y. B., Xu, A. P., Fu, F., Wen, F. Y., Yang, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, Y. Q., Yang, Z. W., Xu, C., Sun, Q. H., Wu, X. L., Dai, X. Y., Li, N., & Cheng, K. (2023). Myofascial acupuncture versus routine acupuncture for mechanical neck pain: a protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 13(8), e068129. doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068129
Sabeh, A. M., Bedaiwi, S. A., Felemban, O. M., & Mawardi, H. H. (2020). Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Its Relation to Trigger Points, Facial Form, Muscular Hypertrophy, Deflection, Joint Loading, Body Mass Index, Age and Educational Status. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent, 10(6), 786-793. doi.org/10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_328_20
For individuals looking to improve heart health, can consuming prunes help support cardiovascular health?
Prunes and Heart Health
Prunes, or dried plums, are fiber-rich fruits that are more nutrient-dense than fresh plums and help digestion and bowel movement. (Ellen Lever et al., 2019) New research suggests they could offer more than digestion and constipation relief, according to new studies presented at the American Society for Nutrition. Eating prunes daily can improve cholesterol levels and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Eating five to 10 prunes a day may support heart health.
Heart health benefits of regular consumption were seen in men.
In older women, regularly eating prunes had no negative effect on total cholesterol, blood sugar, and insulin levels.
Another study found that eating 50–100 grams or five to ten prunes daily was associated with reduced heart disease risks. (Mee Young Hong et al., 2021)
The reductions in cholesterol and inflammation markers were because of improvements in antioxidant levels.
The conclusion was that prunes can support cardiovascular health.
Prunes and Fresh Plums
Although studies have suggested that prunes can support heart health, that doesn’t mean fresh plums or prune juice can offer the same benefits. However, there are not many studies on the benefits of fresh plums or prune juice, but it is possible that they would. However, further research is needed. Fresh plums that have been dried in hot air improve the nutritional value and shelf life of the fruit, which could be the reason the dried version retains more nutrients. (Harjeet Singh Brar et al., 2020)
Individuals may have to eat more plums to acquire the same benefits.
Eating 5–10 prunes seems to be easier than trying to equal the same amount, or more, of fresh plums.
But either option is recommended instead of prune juice as whole fruits have more fiber, make the body feel fuller, and are lower in calories.
Benefits For Young Individuals
Most of the research has been conducted on postmenopausal women and men over 55, but younger individuals can also benefit from eating prunes. A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is considered healthy, so adding prunes to one’s diet will add to health benefits. For individuals who don’t like prunes, fruits like apples and berries are also recommended for heart health. However, fruits only make up one part of the diet, and it is important to focus on a balanced diet with vegetables, legumes, and heart-healthy oils. Prunes contain a lot of fiber, so individuals are recommended to add them slowly into their daily routine, as adding too much at once can lead to cramping, bloating, and/or constipation.
Conquering Congestive Heart Failure
References
Lever, E., Scott, S. M., Louis, P., Emery, P. W., & Whelan, K. (2019). The effect of prunes on stool output, gut transit time and gastrointestinal microbiota: A randomised controlled trial. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), 38(1), 165–173. doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2018.01.003
Hong, M. Y., Kern, M., Nakamichi-Lee, M., Abbaspour, N., Ahouraei Far, A., & Hooshmand, S. (2021). Dried Plum Consumption Improves Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women. Journal of medicinal food, 24(11), 1161–1168. doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2020.0142
Harjeet Singh Brar, Prabhjot Kaur, Jayasankar Subramanian, Gopu R. Nair & Ashutosh Singh (2020) Effect of Chemical Pretreatment on Drying Kinetics and Physio-chemical Characteristics of Yellow European Plums, International Journal of Fruit Science, 20:sup2, S252-S279, DOI: 10.1080/15538362.2020.1717403
For individuals experiencing pelvic pain, can incorporating acupuncture help alleviate and reduce low back pain?
Introduction
In the musculoskeletal system, the upper and lower body portions have jobs to allow the host to be in motion. The lower body portions provide stability and maintain proper posture, which can help the surrounding muscles be strong and protect the vital organs. The skeletal joints in the body help ensure that the person’s body weight is evenly distributed. For the musculoskeletal system, the pelvic region in the lower body portion helps with stabilization and provides normal urinary function to the body. However, when normal and traumatic factors begin to affect the lower portions of the body, it can lead to pain-like issues that can cause some visceral referred pain to the lower back, and it can make many individuals think they are experiencing lower back pain, which is one of the symptoms associated with pelvic pain. When many individuals are experiencing pelvic pain associated with lower back pain, many will opt to seek treatment to reduce the pain-like symptoms and restore their body function. Today’s article looks at how pelvic pain is associated with low back pain and how treatments like acupuncture can help reduce pelvic pain associated with low back pain and provide relief. We speak with certified medical providers who incorporate our patients’ information to provide various treatments to ease low back pain correlated with pelvic pain. We also inform patients how non-surgical therapies like acupuncture can help reduce the effects of pelvic pain. We encourage our patients to ask intricated questions to our associated medical providers about the pain-like symptoms they are experiencing correlating with pelvic pain that is also causing issues in their lower backs. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
How Pelvic Pain Is Associated With Low Back Pain?
Have you experienced excruciating pain from excessive sitting that is causing pain in your lower back or pelvic region? Do you feel stiffness in your lower back and pelvic region due to poor posture? Or are you experiencing intense cramping around your pelvic area? When many individuals are dealing with these pain-like issues, it is correlated with pelvic pain. Now, pelvic pain is a common, disabling, persistent pain that is associated with comorbidities that are multifactorial and are often centralized pain. (Dydyk & Gupta, 2023) At the same time, pelvic pain is a challenge to diagnose due to being multifactorial and sharing the numerous nerve roots that are spread out and intertwined with the lumbar region. To this point, this causes referred pain to the lower back and causes many individuals to think they are experiencing lower back pain when, in actuality, they are dealing with pelvic pain. This is due to the pelvic floor muscles becoming weak, which can cause many individuals to develop poor posture, leading to low back pain over time.
Additionally, when the pelvic region is misaligned due to repetitive motions that cause lower back pain, it can cause the surrounding muscles to be overstretched and loose around the sacroiliac joints. (Mutaguchi et al., 2022) When this happens, the surrounding muscles surrounding the hips and lower back may weaken, leading to anterior pelvic tilt and causing alterations to the lumbopelvic area.
Since the lumbopelvic area is in the lower body portions, it can cause alterations to the body’s skeletal structure, leading to lower back pain. When an increasing number of individuals deal with spinal deformity, they will maintain a standing position while preventing their central gravity from moving forward by using their pelvic muscles to compensate for their weight. (Murata et al., 2023) When this happens, it causes the surrounding core muscles and back muscles to overstretch, which then causes the accessory muscles to produce more energy and do the primary muscles’ jobs. This causes urinary and muscle issues that cause tomato-visceral referred pain in the musculoskeletal system. However, there are numerous ways to reduce pelvic pain associated with low back pain while restoring pelvic function and restoring muscle strength to the surrounding core muscles in the pelvic region.
Is Motion Key To Healing- Video
Have you been experiencing any muscle stiffness around your hips, lower back, or pelvic region? Do you feel you have a limited range of motion in the morning, only for it to feel better throughout the day? Or are you experiencing bladder issues that are correlated with low back pain? Many of these pain-like scenarios are associated with pelvic pain and can cause common back pain issues that cause many individuals to be hunched over and be in constant pain. Since pelvic pain is a multifactorial musculoskeletal disorder, it can be associated with comorbidities that can cause issues to the lumbar region of the spine and affect the body’s mobility. However, numerous treatments can reduce the effects of pelvic pain and restore low back mobility to the body. When it comes to looking for treatments, many individuals will look for therapies that are cost-effective and can help reduce the referred pain that is associated with low back and pelvic pain. The video above shows how non-surgical treatments can help restore mobility to the lower extremities.
Acupuncture For Pelvic & Low Back Pain
When it comes to non-surgical treatments, many individuals will seek cost-effective treatments. Treatments like chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and massage therapy can help reduce low back pain, but for pelvic pain, many individuals will seek out acupuncture. Acupuncture is a medical practice performed by a highly trained professional that uses solid but thin needles in specific body areas. So, for individuals dealing with pelvic pain, acupuncture can help restore the balance of energy that is associated with the internal organs that are causing the pain. (Yang et al., 2022) Acupuncture can help restore power to the pelvic region by redirecting the energy to the body and helping reduce impairment and functional disorders. (Pan et al., 2023) Acupuncture can minimize low back pain by selecting certain trigger points that can influence the areas between the hips and back to unblock circulation back to the muscle. (Sudhakaran, 2021) When many people start incorporating acupuncture as part of their personalized treatment plan, they can utilize it with other therapies to feel better and improve their health.
Murata, S., Hashizume, H., Tsutsui, S., Oka, H., Teraguchi, M., Ishomoto, Y., Nagata, K., Takami, M., Iwasaki, H., Minamide, A., Nakagawa, Y., Tanaka, S., Yoshimura, N., Yoshida, M., & Yamada, H. (2023). Pelvic compensation accompanying spinal malalignment and back pain-related factors in a general population: the Wakayama spine study. Sci Rep, 13(1), 11862. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39044-2
Mutaguchi, M., Murayama, R., Takeishi, Y., Kawajiri, M., Yoshida, A., Nakamura, Y., Yoshizawa, T., & Yoshida, M. (2022). Relationship between low back pain and stress urinary incontinence at 3 months postpartum. Drug Discov Ther, 16(1), 23-29. doi.org/10.5582/ddt.2022.01015
Pan, J., Jin, S., Xie, Q., Wang, Y., Wu, Z., Sun, J., Guo, T. P., & Zhang, D. (2023). Acupuncture for Chronic Prostatitis or Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Res Manag, 2023, 7754876. doi.org/10.1155/2023/7754876
For individuals dealing with injuries and pain conditions, can incorporating acupuncture into a treatment plan help alleviate and manage pain?
Acupuncture Pain Management
Pain management techniques include physical therapy, medications, cold therapies, chiropractic, and massages. One method that is growing is acupuncture. (World Health Organization. 2021) According to a report by the World Health Organization, acupuncture is the most commonly used form of traditional medicine practiced globally. (World Health Organization. 2021) More than 10 million acupuncture treatments are administered annually in the U.S. (Jason Jishun Hao, Michele Mittelman. 2014)
What Is It?
Acupuncture is a medical practice that involves placing solid but super thin needles at specific points in the body to treat certain health issues. They can be used on their own or stimulated with electric currents, called electroacupuncture. Acupuncture originated in China about 3,000 years ago and is known as traditional Chinese medicine or TCM. In more recent years, the practice has gained acceptance and demand worldwide. (Jason Jishun Hao, Michele Mittelman. 2014)
How Does It Work?
Acupuncture pain management works by balancing the flow of qi/chi/energy, which moves through meridians, or channels in the body. By inserting needles into specific points along these channels, balance is reestablished for overall health and well-being. When the energy is imbalanced due to internal and external stressors that can include injuries, underlying conditions, unhealthy diet, and stress, individuals can present with symptoms and illness. Using diagnostic techniques and comprehensive interviews, practitioners can determine which organ systems and meridian channels need addressing to restore function. There are more than 2,000 acupoints in the body. (Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2024) Each point has its own purpose and function: some increase energy, others decrease it, helping balance the body to support healing and recovery. Acupuncture pain management goes beyond energy healing and can help alleviate pain by stimulating nerves, muscles, and fascia/connective tissue, regulating immune response, nervous system response, lymphatic flow, and increasing muscle relaxation.
Types
Different types of acupuncture have been modified in training and styles, but all involve needling into certain points and include:
Orthopedic/Dry Needling
This technique combines Traditional Chinese Medicine and structure manipulation to treat pain, tissue injuries, imbalances in the body, and other general systemic disorders.
Five Element Style
This is a spiritual and emotional technique that uses the five elements of nature, including wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, to transfer energy, creating balance in the body.
Japanese Style
uses similar techniques to TCM but uses a more subtle approach, such as using fewer needles or inserting them at lower depths in the body.
Korean
This technique uses both techniques from Chinese and Japanese acupuncture.
Practitioners may use more needles and different kinds of needles, like a copper variety, instead of the standard stainless steel type.
This type of acupuncture uses only acupoints on the hand to treat different areas of the body.
Auricular
This is similar to Korean acupuncture but relies on certain points in the ear to treat other areas of the body.
The goal is to overcome imbalances and disharmonies.
Distal
This technique treats pain indirectly.
Practitioners place needles in spots other than the area of discomfort.
For example, practitioners may place needles around the elbows for knee pain or the lower legs for shoulder pain.
Acupressure
This form of therapy stimulates different acupoints without using needles.
Practitioners use precise finger placements, hands, or other tools and essential oils to apply pressure over specific points to enhance energy flow.
Providers can combine and use various forms based on an individual’s needs.
Conditions
One analysis of more than 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies found it to be effective for post-stroke aphasia, neck, shoulder, lower back pain, muscle pain, fibromyalgia pain, lactation issues after delivery, vascular dementia symptoms, and allergy symptoms. (Liming Lu et al., 2022) A study on mice by neuroscientists found that electroacupuncture can decrease inflammation. (Shenbin Liu et al., 2020) The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that acupuncture can be helpful for: (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2022)
Nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing treatment
Chronic prostatitis
Digestion
Irritable bowel syndrome
Seasonal allergies
Urinary incontinence
Infertility
Asthma
Quitting smoking
Depression
Safety
When the treatment is performed by a highly trained, licensed, and certified acupuncturist, it is very safe. The most common serious adverse events were pneumothorax/collapsed lung, cardiovascular problems, and fainting, which in some cases caused trauma, like fractures. (Petra Bäumler et al., 2021) There are some short-term risks associated with acupuncture, including:
Pain
Bleeding
Bruising
Drowsiness
Dizziness for individuals that have not eaten or fear of needles.
Serious side effects associated with acupuncture, like a punctured lung or infection, are very rare. For individuals that have a metal allergy, infection, or open wound in the area where the needles will be inserted, it is recommended to avoid acupuncture. Individuals who have a bleeding disorder, are taking any medicines like an anticoagulant, or are pregnant, should talk to the acupuncturist before beginning a treatment plan.
What to Expect
Everyone’s visit will be tailored to their specific needs, and the first visit will likely last an hour or two. The initial evaluation will include a full medical/health history. The individual will spend a few minutes discussing concerns and health goals with the acupuncturist. Individuals will be asked to lie on the treatment table so the practitioner can access their limbs, back, and abdomen. After inserting needles, they will stay in place for about 20 to 30 minutes. At this time, individuals can relax, meditate, sleep, listen to music, etc. The practitioner may monitor if and how the pulse has changed and add or remove needles. After the needles are removed, the practitioner will determine the course of treatment. Depending on how chronic or severe the condition is, they may recommend several acupuncture pain management treatments over the course of several weeks.
Chiropractic Care For Healing After Trauma
References
World Health Organization. (2021). WHO benchmarks for the practice of acupuncture.
Hao, J. J., & Mittelman, M. (2014). Acupuncture: past, present, and future. Global advances in health and medicine, 3(4), 6–8. doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2014.042
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Acupuncture.
Lu, L., Zhang, Y., Tang, X., Ge, S., Wen, H., Zeng, J., Wang, L., Zeng, Z., Rada, G., Ávila, C., Vergara, C., Tang, Y., Zhang, P., Chen, R., Dong, Y., Wei, X., Luo, W., Wang, L., Guyatt, G., Tang, C., … Xu, N. (2022). Evidence on acupuncture therapies is underused in clinical practice and health policy. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 376, e067475. doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-067475
Liu, S., Wang, Z. F., Su, Y. S., Ray, R. S., Jing, X. H., Wang, Y. Q., & Ma, Q. (2020). Somatotopic Organization and Intensity Dependence in Driving Distinct NPY-Expressing Sympathetic Pathways by Electroacupuncture. Neuron, 108(3), 436–450.e7. doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2020.07.015
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2022). Acupuncture: what you need to know.
Bäumler, P., Zhang, W., Stübinger, T., & Irnich, D. (2021). Acupuncture-related adverse events: systematic review and meta-analyses of prospective clinical studies. BMJ open, 11(9), e045961. doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045961
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