Most people know that a chiropractor can help with musculoskeletal problems, such as backaches and slipped discs, but many people do not realize that chiropractic can do much more. In fact, chiropractic can even improve your sleep.
Getting enough quality sleep each night is good for your health. Not getting enough sleep can increase your risk of developing obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other serious conditions, according to Harvard Medical School.
But what if you allow yourself plenty of time but still have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?
Chiropractic can help you sleep. In fact, one-third of people who undergo chiropractic adjustment report sleeping better immediately, according to the National Sleep Foundation. The benefits are not just for adults � 40 percent of infants slept better after just one chiropractic session. That is good news, considering one-fourth of babies experience sleep problems and when babies don�t sleep, nobody else in the house sleeps either!
3 Ways Chiropractic Can Improve Your Sleep
1. Pain relief
Pain can prevent you from getting a decent night�s sleep, especially if you have chronic pain that lasts for three or more months. In fact, one study shows that 20 percent of people with chronic pain experience at least one symptom of insomnia, compared with only 7.4 percent of people without chronic pain. Chiropractic can alleviate pain associated with backaches, headaches, whiplash, migraines and more to help you get the sleep you need.
Chiropractic can also help you sleep by providing a drug-free approach to pain relief. Many prescription pain relievers, such as those containing morphine, oxycodone, and opioids, can make you drowsy throughout the day. Daytime drowsiness might cause you to take naps throughout the day, which can interfere with your ability to sleep at night. The drug-free approach of chiropractic allows you to stay alert all day and sleep well at night.
Extensive research presented by the National Institutes of Health shows that chiropractic is as effective as other treatments, such as drugs, at relieving pain. Perhaps the best part of chiropractic is that the research shows that pain relief lasts up to 18 months of treatment � which means you can remain pain-free without using drugs for a year and a half.
2. Relieves muscle tension and stress
Stress can prevent you from falling asleep or sleeping well. Stress can also cause uncomfortable muscle tension that interferes with sleep. The National Sleep Foundation lists muscle tension as one of the three signs that you are under too much stress to sleep. Tension and poor sleep can be a vicious cycle, as tension can cause poor sleep and poor sleep can cause tension.
Chiropractic often includes massage to melt away painful muscle spasms. These therapeutic massages are relaxing, which helps you unwind enough to fall asleep. Chiropractic also stimulates blood flow, which helps bring oxygen to your brain and other parts of your body.
Your chiropractor may also be able to suggest gentle exercises, stretches and relaxation techniques to help you relax tense muscles and quiet your stressed-out mind.
3. Suggested sleeping positions
Your chiropractor may offer suggestions on sleeping positions and other ideas about how you can sleep better. Your chiropractor may discourage you from sleeping on your stomach if you are having back pain, for example, or be able to recommend a particular pillow or mattress to help you sleep better at night.
For more information on how chiropractic can improve your sleep, talk with your chiropractor. You may start sleeping better as soon as your first visit.
Reduce *IMBALANCE & PAIN* with Functional Orthotics | El Paso, Tx
Foot Orthotics
Foot Dysfunction�can very easily cause a domino effect that extends all the way to the back. The feet are the foundation of the body and when there is a problem with the way they function it can cause the entire body to shift out of alignment.
Recipe Ingredient Substitutions
Here is a guide to give your kitchen a healthy makeover! Here are tips to help you create a healthy environment for your home, and these substitutions will help you make delicious allergy-friendly�dishes.
NCBI Resources
We live in an extremely sleep-deprived society. According to the�Centers for Disease Control�(CDC), 1 in 3 people in the United States does not get enough sleep on a regular basis. Additionally, the�National Sleep Foundation�reports that 45 percent of adults in the US admit that insufficient or poor sleep has had an impact on their daily activities at least once in the previous week. What�s more, about a third of the people who said they slept the number of hours that doctors recommend reported experiencing poor sleep quality.
Functional hallux limitus is a differential diagnosis from structural hallux limitus. Functional hallux limitus, or FnHL, is identified by the movement deficiency of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, found between the bones of the foot and of the toes, during gait. The first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint reveals regular movements throughout an open kinetic chain evaluation. Radiographs may demonstrate a tiny amount of dorsal spurring of the joint, however, the joint doesn’t always necessarily demonstrate pervasive degenerative joint disease as an ultimate source of the health issue. �
Structural hallux limitus, or SHL, is identified by structural adaptations of the first MTP joint which restrict ordinary movement from happening in the first place. These changes can be acute, with very limited dorsiflexion mobility, )hallux rigidus) or minor, (hallux limitus) leading to small changes in dorsiflexion of the first MTP joint. When normal foot insertion during propulsion is interrupted during MTP joint movement to prevent functioning of the foot construction through maximal hallux dorsiflexion over the effect of the windlass mechanism, the small changes can become considerably significant. In SHL, movement is going to be disrupted during open-and-closed-kinetic string actions. Pain and joint mobility is ultimately connected with any movement of the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint of the foot and of the toes. �
�
Although the health issue itself is generally considered to be asymptomatic, the signs and symptoms of this condition can also be associated with a variety of other common pathologies of the foot, including heel pain, lesser metatarsal pain, Morton’s neuroma, Achilles tendon pain, and retrocalcaneal enthesitis as well as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and postural alignment abnormalities of the lower back, or lumbar spine, and the lower extremities, including sciatica. Research studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of the disorder is much higher among the symptomatic population. �
Identifying Functional Hallux Limitus
Functional hallux limitus is unfortunately still considered to be a rare health issue which often goes unaddressed. Outcomes for many different foot disorders will be jeopardized if treatment doesn’t address functional hallux limitus. Foot and postural abnormalities have a basis in poor function of stabilization and the windlass mechanism of the foot structure through the plantar fascia. By way of instance, if this stabilizing effect is not present, it’s hypothesized that a range of foot disorders may result as normal foot function which cannot be achieved without appropriate purpose of the plantar fascia. Addressing the proper function of the foot has a high level of predictability for healing mechanically induced foot pain and this remains the goal of footbed and shoe modifications as the primary focus of orthotic intervention throughout many years in medicine. �
Functional hallux limitus, or FnHL, is commonly diagnosed by a healthcare professional by detecting gait patterns and utilizing pedobarographic evaluations, which often require a qualified and experienced doctor or pricey equipment. The time consuming evaluations are also seldom able to be performed in the clinical setting. These challenges may probably contribute to the underdiagnosis of FnHL, or functional hallux limitus. Moreover, many healthcare professionals have also identified an FnHL evaluation demonstrated by the stiffening of large toe movement when implementing a loading force from the stage of maximal displacement to the first ray, especially when holding the foot and the toes in a neutral position. �
When hallux dorsiflexion at the MTP joint is ultimately evaluated, there is a stiffening or bending movement of the MTP joint, when roughly equal power is applied to the hallux as is applied to the first metatarsal head. Healthcare professionals have demonstrated how several evaluations associated with visual gait evaluations have demonstrated that 72 percent of patients with a pronated midtarsal joint also had a positive evaluation for functional hallux limitus. Approximately 66 percent of patients with normal midtarsal joint motion had a negative test result. Healthcare professionals believe this to be a reliable test for the diagnosis of abnormal foot function. These type of evaluation have been conducted on asymptomatic individuals. �
Functional Hallux Limitus and Sciatica
Functional hallux limitus is often commonly asymptomatic, therefore, it is rarely recognized as the functional inability of the first metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint to dorsiflex during gait. Normal movement is present in this joint during non-weight-bearing evaluations. Because the joint controls the pivot from which the entire body moves forward during each step, this disturbance in function, when repeated multiple times on a regular basis, can ultimately affect foot and postural biomechanics. It can also cause and aggravate many underlying health issues, including low back pain and sciatica. When functional hallux limitus is addressed in an orthotic treatment plan, 77 percent of long-term postural problem patients demonstrate 50 percent to 100 percent improvement in their overall health and wellness, among other health issues. �
As soon as the diagnosis for FnHL has been made, the healthcare professional is going to want to address this health issue with the best treatment approach. Because this is a fundamental derangement of movement of the first MTP joint, conservative treatment is often successful and can be easily demonstrated in the foot evaluation. Surgery is seldom indicated. This is in contrast to structural hallux limitus, or SHL, which often does require surgical interventions to restore pain-free assortment of motion. FnHL is generally a misalignment of the first MTP joint in which the first metatarsal is dorsally displaced, restricting the average movement of the proximal phalanx in the first metatarsal head. It’s essential for a healthcare professional to accurately diagnose functional hallux limitus to follow-up with the proper treatment. �
Because of the multifaceted nature of functional hallux limitus, understanding the health issue is ultimately fundamental for healthcare professionals and patients alike. Fortunately, there are many treatment approaches for functional hallux limitus depending on the nature of the pathology. As described above, functional hallux limitus is demonstrated as a normal range of hallux dorsiflexion during non-weight-bearing, however, there is a considerable decrease in hallux dorsiflexion. Functional hallux limitus has also been demonstrated to cause sciatica. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Fibromyalgia Magazine
The purpose of the article was to discuss the differential diagnosis in sciatica with a variety of health issues, including functional hallux limitus as well as structural hallux limitus, among others. Accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are important for the treatment of functional hallux limitus and low back pain or sciatica. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . �
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief. �
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
�
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download �
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force. �
Back pain and everything that comes with it can really take you out of it. It, being life, that you don’t get to participate in, because you have to anticipate how, whatever the activity may be, is going to affect your back. So you just skip activities altogether. No more! You have options and chiropractic care is one of them. Because back pain can occur due to a variety of health issues, diagnosis is essential to create the correct treatment plan.
Doctor of chiropractic Alexander Jimenez specializes in treating back pain. A few patients share their back pain experiences and how it affected their lives. They describe how Dr. Jimenez has helped them improve their overall health and wellness with chiropractic care. Patients highly recommend Dr. Jimenez and his staff as the back pain specialist.
El Paso Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
We Are Ready To Get You Back To Normal Life!
Low Back Pain & Your Feet
The feet are the foundation of the body; they support its weight. If there is not enough support, various parts of the body, especially the spine become exposed to added stress, this can lead to:
Back, hip, knee and foot pain
Poor posture and abnormal foot movement
Sports performance compromised
Greater risk of injury
An abnormal walk leads to imbalances throughout the knees, ankles, and feet, and can eventually cause pain throughout the body, and yes you guessed it the back.
Foot Levelers Kiosk
The Kiosk helps guide patients in selecting the best custom-made orthotics for their condition and lifestyle. It’s�
Fast:�Push the Start button and the scanner begins.
Easy to use:�User-friendly easy touch screen.
Engaging:�Videos explain the importance of healthy feet and the benefits of custom-made orthotics.
Cloud-based:�Results can be securely accessed from anywhere.
Comprehensive:�Easily retrieve previous scans to compare them to new scans and see the difference.
The Foot Levelers Kiosk helps you. It saves time so you can spend more time living your life.
Intake Form
This is the intake form that is used to set up a custom orthotics treatment plan.
Low Back Pain
When there are problems with the feet, it can cause problems through the legs and all the way to the spine. This can cause the ankle to pronate, meaning it rolls inward. This alters the way the�bones of the foot�line up which extends through the tibia, or shin bone.
The spine is the foundation for the body, supporting the spinal cord and the limbs. When there is a problem with any of the limbs it can affect the spine and vice versa. The intricate network of tendons, ligaments, and nerves work together within the incredible machine that is the human body.
When you visit a doctor office for a medical concern, the healthcare professional will perform a variety of diagnostic procedures to determine the source of your symptoms. The doctor will review the patient’s current symptoms and medical history as well as the patient’s results from a physical evaluation to diagnose an injury and/or an underlying condition. �
Once the healthcare professional has reviewed the patient’s current symptoms, medical history, and results from the physical evaluation, the doctor will make a list of the probable injuries and/or underlying conditions which may be causing the patient’s symptoms. This is the differential diagnosis. A differential diagnosis refers to the process of differentiating between two or more health issues which share similar signs and symptoms. The doctor will perform additional tests or assessments to rule out specific injuries and/or underlying conditions in order to reach a final diagnosis and follow-up with treatment. �
The differential diagnosis generally varies depending on the health issue. A variety of health issues can cause common symptoms which may make it challenging to determine the source of the pain and discomfort. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms rather than a single condition which can be a frequent symptom for many health issues. Sciatica is characterized as pain, tingling sensations, and numbness, due to compression or impingement along the length of the sciatic nerve. �
Sciatica commonly occurs when an underlying health issue results in the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. A bulging or herniated disk is one of the most common causes of sciatica. However, a variety of other underlying health issues can cause sciatica and determining what causes sciatica is necessary for proper treatment. In part 2 of this article, we will demonstrate the differences between sciatica and other health issues with similar painful symptoms.� �
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint is generally attributed to causing between 15 to 30 percent of chronic low back pain cases. Irritation, swelling, or inflammation of one or more sacroiliac joints is commonly referred to as sacroiliac joint dysfunction, sacroiliac joint disease, or sacroiliitis. Moreover, sacroiliac joint dysfunction or disease may cause sacroiliitis. �
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is characterized as a sharp, stabbing pain which radiates from the pelvis and hips, down into the lower back or lumbar spine and throughout the legs. Patients might experience tingling sensations or numbness. Every person experiences symptoms of SI joint dysfunction differently and the signs can vary from person to person, depending on the source of the sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Common signs and symptoms of SI joint dysfunction include: � �
low back pain
pain in the buttocks, hips, and pelvis
pain in the groin
painful symptoms in the SI joints
pain when standing from a sitting position
stiffness
burning sensations
weakness
numbness
pain radiating down into the thighs and legs
feeling like the legs may buckle and not support the weight of the body
Because the joints are situated deep within the human body, it often makes it difficult for healthcare professionals to diagnose the health issue. The healthcare professional may perform a variety of tests to diagnose SI joint dysfunction, such as provocative tests, injections, and/or imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to be able to follow-up with treatment. �
Gluteus Tendinopathy
Gluteus medius tendinopathy (GMT), also known as dead butt syndrome (DBS), is a painful health issue caused by the inflammation of the tendons in the gluteus medius muscle. Although GMT most commonly affects athletes, it can also affect people starting a new exercise program, during an intense workout routine or due to an underlying health issue. �
The common symptoms associated with gluteus medius tendinopathy, or GMT, include pain and discomfort, stiffness, and weakness in the hip or buttocks region. The painful symptoms can generally worsen throughout weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, running, and/or climbing. For many people, the pain and discomfort associated with dead butt syndrome, or DBS, can radiate down the hips, buttocks, and legs or thighs, similar to sciatica and hamstring tendinopathy. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms characterized by pain and discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness along the sciatic nerve. �
Many patients diagnosed with GMT also report experiencing painful symptoms when lying in bed on the affected hip or buttocks region as well as pain, discomfort, stiffness, and weakness throughout the night and upon rising in the morning. Moreover, if DBS progresses past the initial stage, the hip bursa may become inflamed, another health issue known as trochanteric bursitis, which may also cause swelling, tenderness, redness or warmth in the hip, among other health issues. �
When the tendon becomes inflamed due to an injury or an aggravated underlying condition, such as fibromyalgia, the gluteus medius can fail to trigger appropriately, hence why the “dead butt” term is utilized as an alternate name for this health issue. People sitting down for extended periods of time may cause their hip flexors to become tight and failure to stretch before physical activities can cause DBS. If left untreated, gluteus medius tendinopathy (GMT), or dead butt syndrome (DBS) may lead to complications, including trochanteric bursitis, IT band syndrome, and plantar fasciitis, among other health issues.
Ischiogluteal Bursitis
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac which functions by helping to decrease friction around the joints. However, when the fluid inside a bursa becomes infected or irritated due to excessive movement, the bursa can become swollen, causing pain and discomfort, ultimately making it difficult to move the affected joint. This health issue is commonly known as bursitis. �
Although bursitis generally occurs in the knee, called �housemaid�s knee�, or in the elbow, called �tennis elbow�, it can occur in any joint in the human body. When it occurs in the buttocks, it is known as ischiogluteal bursitis. In this instance, the bursa is found between the ischial tuberosity at the base of the pelvis and the tendon of the hamstring muscle. �
The symptoms of ischiogluteal bursitis can be similar to those of hamstring tendonitis. Several of the most common symptoms associated with ischiogluteal bursitis include pain and discomfort as well as tenderness in the buttocks region. Painful symptoms may frequently occur when stretching the hamstring muscle or flexing the knee against resistance. �
The symptoms of ischiogluteal bursitis can also be similar to those of sciatic nerve pain. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms characterized by pain, discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness. While the symptoms of ischiogluteal bursitis may be similar to those of sciatica, sciatic nerve pain occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated, compressed or impinged due to an injury and/or an aggravated condition. Ischiogluteal bursitis caused by an infection can ultimately be followed by a fever.
The three most common causes of bursitis are generally due to injury or trauma, infection, and crystal deposits. Trauma can include repetitive movements or a blow to the region. By way of instance, the injury could occur due to a fall. Occasionally, trauma or injury can cause blood to leak into the bursa, causing ischiogluteal bursitis, or any other type of bursitis. �
Infection septic bursitis, or an infection in the bursa, generally occurs in the joints which are located closer to the surface of the human body. This health issue frequently affects men, however, it does not seem to be a leading cause of ischiogluteal bursitis. Crystal deposits can also form around the joints when there is too much uric acid in the human body. People with gout can develop bursitis because it is also caused by crystal deposits and it shares many similar symptoms with bursitis. �
Proximal Hamstring Injury
Hamstring injuries are several of the most common types of injuries among athletes. These makeup for the most days or even weeks missed each year amongst AFL football players. The majority of partial or complete tears include either the hamstring muscle belly or the distal musculotendinous junction. However, a proximal hamstring injury is ultimately uncommon. In the total hamstring injury spectrum, it makes up for under 10 percent of hamstring injuries, among other health issues. �
The proximal hamstring tendon can become injured through progressive stretching or through sudden and intense contraction when the hip is forcefully flexed over an extended knee. In younger patients with an average proximal hamstring tendon, this can occur through sprinting or hurdling, however, the most common athletes affected in this instance involves waterskiiers who fall forward with an extended knee. In elderly patients, proximal hamstring injuries occur through a different type of trauma, such as slipping on a wet surface or even doing the “splits” inadvertently. �
Proximal hamstring injuries could include complete tendon ruptures or incomplete/partial tears. In young patients, the bone together with the tendon is frequently avulsed or fractured in the pelvis or the ischium. In older patients, the tendon usually avulses or tears from the bone of the ischium at its attachment point. Occasionally, the tendon may tear in its midsubstance, leaving a stump of tendon still attached to the bone. Frequently this type of injury is referred to as a partial tear. �
Adductor Injuries
An adductor muscle strain is characterized as an acute injury to the muscles of the groin. Although a variety of muscles in the human body can be injured, the adductor longus, medius, magnus, and the gracilis are some of the most well-known muscle groups to be affected by an injury.� According to healthcare professionals, atrains are muscle tears which generally occur due to the powerful contraction of the muscles against resistance, often during what is referred to as an eccentric load. �
An adductor muscle strain occurs during acute muscle contraction, such as during kicking, pivoting or skating. Factors which can predispose a person to injury include failure to properly stretch or warm up and fatigue from overuse. The risk of experiencing an adductor strain increases with sports involving strides like sprinting, soccer, and hockey. Sports with repeated movements like football, martial arts, and gymnastics can also substantially increase the risk of experiencing an adductor strain. Struggling to warm up, stretch or be properly conditioned can also cause an adductor muscle strain. �
The symptoms associated with an adductor muscle strain most commonly involve a variety of painful symptoms which are most frequently related to other types of muscle strain. Common symptoms of an adductor muscle strain include a sudden onset of pain and discomfort, occasionally accompanied by the feeling of a pop in the inner section of the thigh as well as the inability to maintain action after the first onset of painful symptoms. Because an adductor strain may cause groin or hip pain, many patients and healthcare professionals may confuse this type of injury with sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. �
Adductor tendinopathy is generally characterized as pain on palpation of the adductor tendons, adduction of the legs and/or of the injured leg. Pain can develop gradually or cause a sudden and severe, sharp pain. A swelling or a lump may also be experienced from the adductor muscle(s), stiffness at the groin area or an inability to contract or extend the adductors. In acute cases, exercises and physical activities will be restricted because the tendon can’t sustain repeated tensile loading. �
The adductors are triggered in many sports such as, running, soccer, horse riding, gymnastics, and swimming. The repetitive movements and the continuous change of direction in physical activities activate the adductor tendon, which makes athletes more prevalent to develop adductor tendinopathy and other groin injuries. Other causes of adductor tendinopathy can include over-stretching of the adductor tendons or a sudden increase in training, especially in the type of training. �
Adductor tendinopathy may occur due to considerable leg length discrepancy which affects gait pattern. Poor or abnormal movement patterns may also overly stress the adductor tendons. Muscular length gaps, strength imbalances or muscular weakness in the thoracic or the abdominals can also be powerful in developing adductor tendinopathy. Other causes include a failure to properly warm-up, inactivity, fatigue, obesity, age-related weaknesses, genetics or degeneration. �
Spinal Tumors
Most back pain is caused by other health issues. However, when painful symptoms are caused by spinal tumors, it’s essential for a healthcare professional to perform an accurate diagnosis to follow-up with proper treatment. There are three types of tumors which can cause back pain; vertebral column tumors, intradural-extramedullary tumors, and intramedullary tumors. �
Tumors in the spine can cause back pain when the growth weakens the bone, which can ultimately result in spinal fractures, compression or impingement of the nerves, and spinal distress. Spinal tumor symptoms may ultimately be similar to those of other well-known health issues, including sciatica, especially if the spinal tumor irritates the sciatic nerve.� Furthermore, the following symptoms below may ultimately be commonly associated with a spinal tumor, including: �
Neck pain or back pain followed by neurological health issues, such as tingling sensations, weakness, and numbness in the upper and lower extremities as well as abnormal bladder and bowel habits.
Painful symptoms, particularly in the morning
Severe pain with manipulation of the affected region of the spine
Painful symptoms which do not decrease with rest
Back pain and other associated symptoms, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fever, or chills.
If any tumor is located in the spine and if there’s no other known cancer, a healthcare professional may perform a series of comprehensive evaluations and additional testing of all common organs in which cancer can develop. Because many vertebral column tumors originate from cancer in another organ, the ultimate goal of spinal tumor treatment is to: � �
Regulate severe painful symptoms which occur with these spinal tumors by removing pressure on the nerve roots
Maintain neurological structure and function by removing pressure on the spinal cord
Correct structural and functional instability in the spine by correcting the unstable spine with a spinal fusion
�
As previously mentioned, when you seek medical attention for a health issue, it’s essential for the healthcare professional to accurately diagnose your medical concern in order to follow-up with the proper treatment. A differential diagnosis is a list of possible injuries and/or underlying conditions which may be causing symptoms. Sciatica, a group of signs and symptoms commonly characterized by pain, discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness, is a well-known health issue which can have many differential diagnosis. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Fibromyalgia Magazine
The purpose of the article was to discuss the differential diagnosis in sciatica with a variety of other health issues. Accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are important for sciatic nerve pain management. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . �
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief. �
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
�
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download �
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force. �
Most people think that chiropractic care is something to do if they experience back or neck pain, and rightly so, as these are the most common reasons people visit a chiropractor. But chiropractic does way more than that.
Chiropractic helps with a variety of ailments from headaches to digestive issues and addresses problems like sports injuries, work injuries, arthritis, and injury prevention. Regular trips to the chiropractor are a good idea. Here are three important benefits that you can get from regular chiropractic adjustments.
What Taking an Active Role in Your Health Can Do
Chiropractic is a holistic kind of care that has a chiropractor serve as a guide as your own body uses its own innate ability to heal itself. When you see a chiropractor on a regular basis, even if there is not a pressing problem, you are taking an active role in assuring you are in the best health you can be.
Chiropractic adjustments correct misalignments in the spine that may be blocking nerve function and causing pain to muscles, joints, and ligaments. When you are adjusted by a chiropractor, these blocks are removed and you are able to move and function better than you did before.
A chiropractor can also provide you with nutritional and lifestyle advice, including exercises you can do between visits that will improve strength, flexibility, and various other functions. Without your active participation and cooperation, the success of chiropractic diminishes, so you can feel good about taking responsibility for your own health.
Improved Neurological Conditions
The spine connects to several different areas of the body, including the brain. Adjustments have been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, which in turn improves function in many areas.
The brain and spine are frequent communicators, and the nervous system is often the “wires” that are used to assure proper communication. Stress can trigger misalignments and the breakdown in these systems. Chiropractic is able to identify when stress is placed on these nerves and has even been shown to increase white blood cell count in some patients.
Eliminated Need for Pain Medications
One of the cornerstones of chiropractic is that it does not rely on pain medications or surgery in order to treat pain. Instead, it is designed to trigger your body’s own ability to heal itself without drugs and surgery.
Through methods such as manual adjustment, massage, and electrical muscle stimulation, chiropractic strengthens communication throughout the body in order to help it heal naturally. Chiropractors use important diagnostic tools such as x-rays, laboratory analysis, and reviewing your health history to pursue a treatment plan.
Conversely, when misalignments are allowed to build up over time, there is a greater risk that you will be tempted to seek out pain medications in order to mask the pain temporarily. While occasional use of these is okay, over time they can build up in the system and damage liver function, so it is important to find other methods of pain management whenever possible.
In closing, chiropractic benefits the overall health of people that utilize it consistently. So if you’re ready to experience these benefits yourself, just pick up the phone and give us a call. We’re here to help!
Benefits of Custom-Made *ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
Overpronation
99% of the population has some degree of foot pronation.
Foot pronation occurs when the foot/feet roll inwards.
People with excessive pronation may experience inward rotation of the knee and forward tilting of the pelvis, which causes pain in the:
Feet
Knees
Hips
Back
Shoulders
Neck
Foot Orthotics
Foot Dysfunction�can very easily cause a domino effect that extends all the way to the back. The feet are the foundation of the body and when there is a problem with the way they function it can cause the entire body to shift out of alignment.
Pronation & Misalignment
For the foot to function correctly, there must be a significant degree of pronation. However, excessive pronation, or overpronation, can cause injury and damage to the foot and ankle. It creates the arch in the foot to flatten, and the ligaments, tendons, and muscles under the foot overstretch.
NCBI Resources
Chiropractic seeks to find the cause of the conditions it is used to treat, including pain, instead of just treating symptoms. Because of this, the chiropractor will work to find the cause of the pain.
When you visit a doctor office for a medical concern, the healthcare professional will perform a variety of diagnostic procedures to determine the source of your symptoms. The doctor will review the patient’s current symptoms and medical history as well as the patient’s results from a physical evaluation to diagnose an injury and/or underlying condition. �
Once the healthcare professional has reviewed the patient’s current symptoms, medical history, and results from the physical evaluation, the doctor will make a list of the probable injuries and/or underlying conditions which may be causing the patient’s symptoms. This is the differential diagnosis. A differential diagnosis refers to the process of differentiating between two or more health issues which share similar signs and symptoms. The doctor will perform additional tests or assessments to rule out specific injuries and/or underlying conditions in order to reach a final diagnosis and follow-up with treatment. �
The differential diagnosis generally varies depending on the health issue. A variety of health issues can cause common symptoms which may make it challenging to determine the source of the pain and discomfort. Sciatica is a collection of symptoms rather than a single condition which can be a frequent symptom for many health issues. Sciatica is characterized as pain, tingling sensations, and numbness, due to compression or impingement along the length of the sciatic nerve. �
Sciatica
The characteristic symptoms of sciatica can range from mild to severe where the sciatic nerve pain is described as a dull ache to pain or as a sharp, searing, or electric-like pain. Symptoms differ from one person to another. By way of instance, some people may experience shooting pain while some people may only experience tingling sensations and/or numbness. � The common symptoms of sciatica, also known as sciatic nerve pain, include: �
Radiating pain along the length of the sciatic nerve
Discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness
Muscle weakness in the lower back, hips, legs, and feet
A combination of pain, discomfort, tingling sensations and numbness
Painful sensations on one or both sides of the human body
Sciatica commonly occurs when an underlying health issue results in the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve in the lower back. A bulging or herniated disk is one of the most common causes of sciatica. However, a variety of other underlying health issues can cause sciatica and determining what causes sciatica is necessary for proper treatment. In part 1 of this article, we will demonstrate the differences between sciatica and other health issues with similar painful symptoms. �
Degenerative Disc Disease
The intervertebral discs also referred to as spinal discs or intervertebral fibrocartilage, provide the padding required between the vertebrae of the spine. The intervertebral discs are an elastic structure made from fibrocartilage tissue. The intervertebral discs cushion the stress of the spine, bears weight, and also helps the spine bend and flex. �
As people age, repeated daily stresses on the backbone and occasional trauma and/or injuries, including minor, undetected health issues, may ultimately damage the intervertebral discs in the back. Changes caused by damage may include: �
Decreased fluid: The intervertebral disks of a healthy young adult are made up of around 90 percent fluid. With age, the fluid material decreases, causing the disc to become thinner. The distance between each vertebra, in turn, becomes smaller and it makes them even less effective to function as a cushion or shock-absorber.
Disc structure: Small tears or cracks can become larger in the outer layer of the disc. The soft and gelatinous material from the inner part may push through the disc, causing a bulging or ruptured disc. The disc may break into fragments.
If the vertebrae have less padding between them, the backbone also becomes less stable. To compensate, the human body builds osteophytes, or bone spurs, small bony structures which develop along the edge of bones. These structures can compress or impinge the spinal cord or nerve roots. These changes can cause painful symptoms and lead to fatigue. �
The pain and discomfort can range from mild to severe and it may often be debilitating. It may result in osteoarthritis along with pain and stiffness. When degenerative disc disease affects the low back or the lumbar spine, the pain may radiate down the buttocks, hips, and thighs, into the knees and feet. There might also be tingling sensations and numbness, the collection of symptoms known as sciatica, caused due to the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve. �
Radiculopathy
The spine consists of 33 bones, best known as vertebrae, which shield the spinal cord from experiencing injury or trauma. Each vertebra is cushioned from each other with an intervertebral disk. This shields the vertebrae from rubbing over each other. When trauma or injury does occur, these intervertebral discs can become damaged and cause the compression or impingement of a nerve. Depending on which nerve is compressed, an individual can experience a variety of painful symptoms, including sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. Individuals can also develop radiculopathy seemingly without a cause. � Radiculopathy can ultimately develop due to a variety of injuries and/or aggravated conditions, including: �
Herniated discs, or when a disc protrudes, irritating the nerve root
Sciatica
Degenerative disc disease
Bone spurs
Tumors in the spine
Osteoarthritis or spinal arthritis
Spinal stenosis, or the narrowing of the spinal canal
Compression fractures
Spondylolisthesis, or when a vertebra slides over the vertebra beneath it
Scoliosis brought on by an abnormal curve in the backbone
Diabetes, caused by altered nerve blood flow
Cauda equine syndrome, or a condition where nerve root compression affects the pelvic organs and lower extremities
� Additional risk factors for developing radiculopathy include: � �
Aging
Being overweight or obese
Poor posture
Improper lifting methods and techniques
Repetitive movements
A family history of degenerative bone health issues
Individuals may experience painful symptoms in the low back, hips, and legs when nerve compression or impingement occurs in the lumbar spine or low back region of the spine. Lumbar radiculopathy is also commonly referred to as sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. Sciatica symptoms include pain, tingling sensations, and numbness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Occasionally, the nerve roots in charge of controlling the bowel and bladder may become irritated, resulting in bowel or bladder incontinence as well as loss of control. Other generalized symptoms associated with lumbar radiculopathy include: �
Sharp pain extending from the low back to the foot
Sharp pain with sitting or coughing
Weakness or numbness in the lower extremities
Tingling sensations and numbness in the lower extremities
Hypersensitivity, or sensitivity and reflex alterations
Sharp pain radiating into the upper extremities
Intense pain and discomfort with movements of the head and/or neck
Piriformis Syndrome
People with sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, will often report experiencing pain and discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness anywhere along the length of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest and largest nerve in the human body, which travels from the lower back into the hip and buttocks, down into the thighs, knees, legs, and feet. People with sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, may also experience another common health issue known as piriformis syndrome. � �
Piriformis syndrome can cause sciatica when a piriformis muscle spasm irritates the sciatic nerve. The piriformis is a muscle which extends from the front of the sacrum, the triangle-shaped bone between the two hipbones in the pelvis, across the sciatic nerve and into the top of the femur, the large bone in the upper leg. When an injury or underlying condition causes the piriformis muscle to compress or impinge the sciatic nerve due to inflammation, the end result is piriformis syndrome. �
Sciatica is the most common symptom associated with piriformis syndrome. Other common symptoms associated with piriformis syndrome include tingling sensations and numbness, muscle tenderness, pain and discomfort while sitting or engaging in physical activities, and difficulty sitting comfortably. The pain and discomfort will generally manifest on one or both sides of the hips, buttocks, and thighs, where it will then radiate down the back of the leg, knees, and feet. �
Facet Arthropathy
The facet joints are the joints which are found behind the spine to counterbalance the intervertebral discs found between the vertebrae of the spine. Over time, the natural aging process can cause the facet joints to deteriorate or wear down, causing facet joint arthritis or facet arthropathy. Individuals with facet arthropathy will experience low back pain as a dull ache on one or both sides of the lower back or lumbar spine which can worsen with standing, twisting, or bending backward. �
However, unlike the well-known signs and symptoms of sciatica, caused by the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve in the lower back, facet arthropathy signs and symptoms generally don’t radiate down the buttocks, hips, and thighs, or into the legs and feet. However, the facet joint, in the same way as any other joint which has arthritis, can also become enlarged and add pressure on nerve roots, causing pain and discomfort to radiate down into the lower extremities. �
Facet arthropathy may cause bone spurs, tiny bone outgrowths. Bone spurs can decrease the distance available between nerve roots, causing a health issue known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis may cause pain, weakness, and numbness on the buttocks, hips, and thighs. It’s frequently associated with other health issues which could lead to facet arthropathy. The natural aging process is frequently considered to be one of the most common indirect sources of facet arthropathy. Other health issues which can ultimately affect the facet joints and cause facet arthropathy include: � �
Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone, generally during middle age
Facet joint degeneration: Wear and tear on the facet joint brought on over time due to aging
Facet joint injury: Trauma to the facet joints caused by an impact, such as a fall or automobile accident
Synovial cyst: A fluid-filled sac which develops in the spine, generally as a result of aging
Ischiofemoral Impingement
Ischiofemoral impingement syndrome is a condition which occurs when the ischium and the head of the femur experience excessive amounts of pressure, generally due to trauma, overuse, or surgery. The trauma, overuse, or surgery, can also cause bone spurs to grow along the ischium. This gives the bones an abnormal shape which makes them no longer fit together. �
Because these don�t fit properly together anymore, the bones may then start to rub against each other during movement causing friction which can damage the joint and cause painful symptoms. As friction worsens, the pain may also increase and restrict movements. The symptoms for ischiofemoral impingement may vary and treatment can also depend on symptoms. �
�
The main symptom of ischiofemoral impingement syndrome is hip pain. The pain from this underlying health issue may start off as mild, however, it can often worsen as the rubbing of the bones causes more damage and inflammation. Ischiofemoral impingement syndrome can feel similar to a pulled hamstring but the pain is generally closer to the buttocks like sciatica. �
Ischiofemoral impingement occurs due to excess friction between the top of the thighbone, or the femur, and the hip bone, or the ischium. These two bones generally touch in a way which allows them to move without causing pain, however, trauma, overuse, and surgery can ultimately damage the bone. Moreover, if the damage causes a bone spur to grow on the hip or femur, as described above, the extra piece of bone�can cause more damage and make the condition worse.
When you seek medical attention for a medical concern, it’s fundamental for the healthcare professional to accurately diagnose your health issue in order to follow-up with the proper treatment. A differential diagnosis is a list of possible injuries and/or underlying conditions which may be causing symptoms. Sciatica, a collection of symptoms commonly characterized by pain, discomfort, tingling sensations, and numbness, is a well-known health issue which can have many differential diagnosis. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Fibromyalgia Magazine
The purpose of the article was to discuss the differential diagnosis in sciatica with a variety of other health issues. Accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are important for sciatic nerve pain management. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . �
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief. �
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Chiropractic care focuses not only on the skeletal system and joints but also on the treatment of muscle pain. The muscles are interwoven with fascia, a type of tissue that allows muscles to glide smoothly over one another. Both muscles and fascia can develop painful adhesions, often recognized by their hard or knot like texture under the skin.
Muscle pain can be quite uncomfortable and even debilitating in certain cases. When you are suffering from muscle pain, your chiropractor can provide some much-needed relief using a variety of effective treatment options.
What is it?
The word �myofascial� is a mouthful, but there is a reason it is used by chiropractors. The first part of the word, �myo�, generally refers to your muscles. The second part of the word, �fascia�, refers to the connective tissue that is found all throughout your body. Myofascial pain syndrome is used to indicate muscle pain in its various forms. This may include issues with your fascia, muscle tissue, or both.
Myofascial pain can vary considerably, ranging from mild and frustrating to completely debilitating. Fortunately, whatever the intensity of the discomfort, chiropractic treatment can provide a solution that lessens and often eliminates the pain.
Trigger Points
The knots you have probably felt in your muscles or had others identify are also known as trigger points. These tight spots are often sensitive to the touch and can be found in any muscle in your body. As they develop, they may produce symptoms like numbness, burning, weakness, pain, and tingling.
Trigger points are caused by trauma to the body, such as an accident in a car or during athletics. They can also be caused by more mild, long-term trauma, such as working at a desk without proper ergonomics or making a repetitive motion over a long period of time.
Trigger points are challenging to identify sometimes because they occur at different spots in different people. They also produce something called �referred pain�, a pain that is felt somewhere else besides where the actual trigger point is. Chiropractors are trained to track down trigger points, though, so even if they are somewhat hidden by referred pain, they can be found eventually.
How Chiropractic Helps with Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Chiropractors are not only good at finding trigger points, but they are also good at treating them. They accomplish this using a variety of techniques. Some of the benefits of chiropractic for myofascial pain include:
Adhesion Break Up
Trauma in the muscles can cause adhesions to form. Adhesions are when muscle fibers and/or fascia bond together into a form of scar tissue. The adhesions cause the muscles to catch instead of slide smoothly, which can have a cascading effect on the body. Not only does the adhesion hurt, but it also causes joints to become misaligned and further problems to develop.
Trigger Point Pressure
Sometimes the most effective way to treat a trigger point is to apply pressure to smooth out the muscle and fascia. Chiropractors can do this with their hands or specific tools.
Alignment Improved
The cause of trigger points and muscle pain is often trauma, but sometimes the trauma is not as obvious as an accident or a trauma directly to the affected area. Misalignment in the spine or the extremities can cause the body to move incorrectly. Over time, the incorrect movement patterns can put extra strain on the muscles. Chiropractic focuses on helping your whole body become aligned, which can ease muscle pain and prevent further issues from developing.
Muscle Pain
Please contact our office to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. Let us help alleviate your muscle pain and get you back on your feet again!
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Support for the 3 Arches
The feet are the foundation of the body. They provide the stability to perform activities by supporting the weight of the entire body using the 3-arched bond called the plantar vault.
The plantar vault provides numerous benefits:
Balances the body
Propels us forward
Absorbs heel-strike shock
Walking and running stresses adaptation
The Plantar Vault
The foot is made up of 3 arches. These arches are what keep the body balanced:
Medial longitudinal arch (A�C)
Lateral longitudinal arch (B�C)
Anterior transverse (metatarsal) arch (A�B)
Together, these 3 arches form an extremely strong, supportive �plantar vault� that distributes weight evenly throughout the entire body.
Arch Collapse
Over time, one or more of the arches will weaken due to pressure and wear and tear. This process is completely natural but injuries, a short leg, improper posture, and naturally weak ligaments and tendons can cause the collapse.
Custom-made orthotics are designed to provide the best possible support for all 3 arches:
Individually crafted from 3D scans to bolster the arches in your feet
Prescribed through Chiropractors to ensure you get the best possible orthotic
Available in a variety of styles and builds to suit your lifestyle and needs
Custom orthotics are designed to provide both the instant �ah� factor that over-the-counter orthotics like to market, and the actual needed support for your arches that will relieve pain now and prevent pain later by compensating for any and all of your weakened arches to correct your posture.
Orthotics For All Occasions
Typically, overpronation and oversupination, are caused by muscle imbalances in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Improper shoes, misalignment in the body, and other issues can cause these muscle imbalances. The chiropractor will work with the patient to find the cause of the foot problem so that can be corrected, then work to the damage or injury done.
Overpronation and oversupination can cause a variety of injuries and conditions that affect not only the feet and ankles, but also the knees,�hips, and back as well.
NCBI Resources
The human body is an intricate machine, and everything is connected so when something goes wrong in one area, it can cause problems in other areas. The back carries a lot of the stress in the body so when there is a problem with the hips, knees, or a foot dysfunction, the spine can bear at least some of the brunt of the pain and other effects.
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