Last nights Super Bowl victory by the New England Patriots was one for the record books! Tom Brady led one of the greatest comebacks in sports history lifting New England from a 25-point hole to the Patriots� fifth NFL championship in the first Super Bowl overtime.
Nothing that Tom Brady has said about chiropractic care will come as a�surprise to Dr. Michael Miller, a graduate of the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic, who has been the chiropractic team physician for the Patriots for the past 30 years. He works with anywhere from 30 to 40 Patriots players before each game and is available for specific injuries during the game. He has been to seven Super Bowl games with the team and is the proud possessor of three Super Bowl rings and four championship rings. Miller was the first chiropractor to work for an NFL team 30 years ago, but now every team in the NFL has at least one chiropractor on its full-time staff.
Last evening, Dr. Miller won his fifth Super Bowl ring, along with Tom Brady and the whole Patriots team, making him the only chiropractor in the world with such an extensive collection. It�s another symbol�his role on the team: an important member that contributed to the success of these elite athletes.
Dr. Michael Miller is the Team Chiropractor for the New England Patriots Super Bowl-winning football team. He has served as the Patriots� team chiropractic physician since 1982.
Miller originally went to medical school with plans to become a medical researcher. But during his training, the neurophysicists he worked with suggested that chiropractic might be a better choice�because it focuses on the cause, rather than the symptoms, of disease.
As a chiropractor, Dr. Miller specialized in sports and rehabilitation�and developed a private practice that cares for patients of all kinds, including many professional athletes. �You can be your own boss, have your own practice, and have your own independence,� comments Miller. ��I enjoy that.�
He explains that there is a difference between working with professional athletes and his �regular� patients, but the reward is there either way. �It�s a special feeling when you get recognized by your patients,� says Dr. Miller.
Chiropractic is a natural form of therapy that�s a great fit for elite athletes, who are in a sense like high-performance racing cars. They�re fast, but their bodies are also subjected to tremendous forces when they perform, both during training and competition.These athletes simply can�t rely on drugs to keep playing and most wouldn�t even if they could.
Much of Dr. Miller�s work is done pre-game, making adjustments to players� knees, shoulders, ankles, and backs to help them avoid injury. As he says, �Their job is to get banged and be tackled. They are basically getting beaten up each game. They understand the importance of a chiropractor and see how it allows them to play longer.�
Many athletes in many sports have joined Tom Brady in telling their own stories and offering their endorsements. They recognize that chiropractic care has helped them be more injury-free and kept their bodies performing more optimally, which has made them better at their sport over the course of their careers.
Chiropractors are being utilized all over our beautiful country to advance high performance athletes. Tom Brady has his favorite chiropractor always standing strong to help him when the time is right. What a proud day for those Patriots, what a proud day for chiropractic.
Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the tremendous force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as neck pain. Neck pain is a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow up with the appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of neck pain that radiate to the shoulders and down the arms can be caused due to a variety of injuries and conditions, most occurring as the result of complications to the cervical spine and its surrounding structures. A subluxation, or spinal misalignment is one of the most common results of neck and back pain, however, the gradual degeneration of the spine can also create issues over time if not treated accordingly.
A cervical disc herniation is a frequent complication caused by the wear and tear of the tissues around the cervical spine, primarily a degeneration of the discs found cushioning each vertebra of the spine. This condition originates in the upper spine and can generally be referred to as a pinched nerve, ruptured disc or a herniated disc.
Anatomy of the Cervical Spine
The upper region of the spine is commonly described and identified by healthcare professionals as the cervical spine, which primarily functions to support the weight and movement of the head. The cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae, from top to bottom, C1 through C7. Each vertebrae in the neck is separated by intervertebral discs which consist of a fibrous tissue, known as the annulus, with a soft nucleus at the center. The annulus and the nucleus that make up each disc function simultaneously to provide each vertebra of the spine to absorb the shock of every movement of the spine as well as help the pressure of these be distributed evenly, separating each vertebrae individually to allow smooth movements.
However, when the annulus of one of these intervertebral discs ruptures, the nucleus can occasionally separate from the center of the disc. If this occurs, the disc is no longer able to properly separate the vertebrae as this process alters the natural shape of the discs, which could often lead to the compression and irritation of the spinal nerves. The symptoms of pain, discomfort and numbness experienced in the neck, shoulders and arms can be closely associated with the compression and irritation of the nerves surrounding the cervical herniated disc.
Causes of Cervical Disc Herniation
The gradual degeneration of the different structures of the body which occurs naturally over time is one of the most common causes of cervical disc herniations, although, these can generally develop until a person is in his 40�s. Other causes for cervical disc herniation includes trauma from improperly lifting heavy objects, equipment or machinery or from other physical activities such as an abrupt, intense twist. Additionally, cervical spine complications may be caused due to damage or injury resulting from an automobile accident or other personal injury accident.
Whiplash is a common injury caused due to the sudden force of an impact, which results in the jolting, back-and-forth motion of the head and neck in any direction, most commonly due to an auto collision. During a whiplash-associated injury, the structures that surround the cervical spine, primarily the tendons, ligaments and nerves, are stretched beyond their natural limit, partially or completely tearing the tissues around the cervical spine. Furthermore, the normal alignment of the spine may be affected, causing a subluxation in the vertebrae of the neck.
As a result, the intervertebral discs found between each vertebrae can become ruptured, leading to the compression or irritation of the spinal nerves, causing symptoms of pain and discomfort, among others, associated with a cervical disc herniation.
Symptoms of Cervical Disc Herniation
Cervical disc herniation could be the cause of an individual�s painful symptoms in their neck, shoulders, and/or arms. The following symptoms could suggest the presence of a cervical disc herniation, however, it�s essential to visit a healthcare professional to receive a proper diagnosis and similar symptoms could suggest the presence of another injury or condition.
Pain, discomfort, or burning sensations originating from the neck and traveling down one or both arms;
Pain with movements of the head or neck;
Pain in the shoulder region;
Tingling or numbness in one or both arms;
Weakness in one or both arms;
Limited mobility or difficulty properly moving the neck, arms or hands;
Difficulty sleeping due to neck, shoulder and/or arm pain.
Diagnosing Cervical Disc Herniation
Your healthcare provider should be able to properly refer you to the best doctors and specialists in the region to properly diagnose your injuries and/or conditions before following through with treatment. Chiropractic care is a common, alternative treatment options that is preferred by many individuals with spine complications. Chiropractic specialized on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions associated to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Foremost, when visiting a chiropractic office, the chiropractor will perform a thorough physical evaluation to determine the exact cause of the symptoms. In addition, the spine specialist may also take a closer look at the individual�s medical history, including previous test results and prior doctor visits. If necessary, the doctor of chiropractic may issue additional tests if necessary, including X-rays and MRI scans. Once the healthcare professional has concluded the diagnosis and has resolved the source of the symptoms, they will provide the patient with information regarding their injury or condition as well as cover the risks and benefits of each treatment option which may be available to the individual. The chiropractor will determine the individual�s best treatment options according to their specific type of injury or condition and depending on their severity.
Chiropractic Care for Cervical Disc Herniation
Chiropractic treatment utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to carefully restore the natural alignment of the spine, gradually re-aligning the vertebrae to reduce the pressure being applied against each structure. Chiropractic adjustments and manipulations can ultimately help decrease the compression and irritation of the spinal nerves, relieving the symptoms associated with cervical disc herniation. Subsequently, by reducing the individual�s pain and discomfort, their original strength, flexibility and mobility may also be gradually restores, helping them return to their normal lifestyles in no time.
Additionally, a chiropractor may recommend a series of stretches and exercises to speed up the rehabilitation process. Also, certain lifestyle changes may be implemented to ensure the recovery process proceeds smoothly without further issues. Physical therapy can also be an excellent treatment option to provide the patient with the necessary strength, flexibility and mobility to regain their original way of life.
In conclusion, in the instance that the individual is in need of further treatment through the use of other medical procedures, a chiropractor may refer the individual to other spine specialists that can provide other beneficial treatments and curative methods. In severe cases of cervical disc herniation, a patient may be referred to a spinal surgeon for treatment.
Chiropractic Care and Headaches
Complications affecting the cervical spine, such as a cervical disc herniation, can develop a variety of other symptoms, including headaches. Constant head pain can source from many types of issues along the upper region of the spine, commonly manifesting after an automobile accident or other form or personal injury accident. Fortunately, chiropractic treatment can help restore the original function of the structures surrounding the cervical spine, decreasing the symptoms, including headaches, improving the individual’s lifestyle.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the tremendous force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as neck pain. Neck pain is a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow up with the appropriate treatment.
This Sunday over 111 million people will tune into watch the SuperBowl. Behind the scenes both teams and coaches have been fine tuning their game plans as they prepare for the biggest game of their lives. As part of the players preparation there have been a few lucky individuals with direct access to care for these athletes. �Referred to as the �magic workers� by some players these men are the team Chiropractors who serve both the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
For the last 12 years, Dr. Gerry Ramogida and Dr. Jim Kurtz have had front-row seats to the spectacle of NFL games as chiropractic consultants for the Seattle Seahawks. Attending every game, �Dr. Ramogida was supposed to stay with the team for just a couple of years so he could show the trainers how to use some of his soft-tissue techniques. But as players got used to getting adjusted by him on�game days, a temporary job turned into a permanent one.
�There�s so much behind the scenes that you don�t get a sense for when you�re watching a game. It�s a massive effort. I am just happy to be a part of the preparation as these guys get ready to go out and do what they do best, compete.�
In a interview with Global News�Dr. Ramogida stated, �Over the period of that first season and into the next year, things very quickly became integrated. It�s been a great experience,� he says.
In recent news, The Professional Football Chiropractic Society (PFCS) has taken pride in announcing that all 32 teams in the National Football League offer their players and personnel chiropractic physician services as part of the triage in managing and preventing injuries. According to the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, this distinction is a benchmark for the profession and documents the important role that chiropractic care plays in optimizing athletic performance.
�The robust need for chiropractic care in the NFL has been deeply driven by the players� desire for peak physical conditioning and not simply for injuries,� states Spencer Baron, D.C., �From the earliest years of full contact football, their bodies are subject to structural stress that doctor of Chiroprctic (DCs) are specially trained to care for. �
Attending this weekend to the New England Patriots is Dr. Mike Miller. �Over twenty five years ago he became the official chiropractor of the New England Patriots. Since that time, he�s treated hundreds of players, watched ownership of the team change hands three times, and seen the Patriots go from one of the worst franchises in the National Football League to a team readying themselves to play in the Superbowl this weekend.
In a interview with Dynamic Chiropractic Dr. Miller states that his position with the Patriots involves him being present during mini-camps, training camp, preseason games, regular-season games (both home and away), and postseason games.
During the games, I see an average of at least 40 players, coaches, and other personnel who are affiliated with the team. I would say just about 90 percent get chiropractic services, because the present coaching staff of the Patriots has almost mandated chiropractic care with the players. The coaches speak about it at team meetings, as the new players and rookies come into the team in the preseason. During mini-camps, they explain the significance of chiropractic, and that we have a chiropractor who has had phenomenal results in dealing with injuries and preventing them from occurring, and that they would like the players to proactively be treated [by] me and begin a chiropractic course of care.
During the season, if there are any injuries, they (the medical staff) will generally send the player to my office to be evaluated. By game time, just about everyone on the roster is adjusted, and you start to learn the idiosyncrasies of each player, because each one wants certain things checked on them. Some are very firm with extremity adjusting; others enjoy use of a specialized technique that we use, called Graston Technique. Basically, it takes me about four hours before the game to go through the entire roster.
The NFL has just released a statement advocating for�all NFL teams as now employing a Chiropractor as part of their medical staff.
If you are interested in learning more about how to be an NFL Chiropractor you can connect with the Professional Football Chiropractic Association�on their website or on their Facebook page.
No matter what the outcome of this weekends game may be, rest assured that both teams will have been well adjusted and their nervous systems tuned on and ready to perform on the biggest stage of all.
Behind the bright lights of the stadium, there is another team that keeps these players and their performance at their optimal level. The healers�if you will, that audiences don’t see, but should know about. These are the Chiropractors!
Super Bowl LI kicks-off with a team of doctors of chiropractic (DC)�to help these professional athletes prevent, manage and care for injuries, as well as, achieve peak performance. The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress� (F4CP), the leading voice of the chiropractic profession, points to the role of DCs with all four play-off teams,and cites data from the Professional Football Chiropractic Society (PFCS) showing on average, a professional football DC performs between 30 to 50 weekly treatments during the regular season � not including training camp or the playoffs.
F4CP� celebrates Super Bowl LI with NFL doctors of chiropractic
New England Patriots Team Chiropractor of 35+ years and proud to attend his ninth Super Bowl, Dr. Michael Miller, states, �During the NFL season, I regularly visit the stadium on my afternoon off from my office, as well as on game days both at home and away. Chiropractic care is emphasized by the head coach, trainers and medical staff as a proactive regimen to prevent injuries, with most of the players receiving adjustments roughly 1-2 times per week.�
He adds that chiropractic care has proven itself over the years in the sports injury arena to be well-accepted as the choice of champions and an integral part of any injury prevention program. �We�ve also earned the respect of other team physicians as a necessary protocol, and are all committed to one goal: keeping the athletes performing at their maximum potential and preventing and managing injuries as they occur.�
He says that chiropractic care provides the athletes with the confidence they need to play without the distraction of pain. �The players are educated about the principles of chiropractic and that it is designed to eliminate the cause of their problem rather than just masking their symptoms.�
Joseph Krzemien, DC, team chiropractor, Atlanta Falcons, says that there is growing evidence and a correlation between football players who receive consistent chiropractic care and a decline in injuries during practice or play:
�During the six seasons I�ve spent with the Atlanta Falcons, my goal has always been to prepare each player�s body to better resist trauma and to speed its natural recovery time,� he says. �This season, the Falcons have been successful for a lot of reasons, but I firmly believe that regular chiropractic care has played an important role in helping us stay healthy and get to Super Bowl LI � I am proud of the role I�ve played in their success.�
For Michael Zoelle, DC, team chiropractor, Green Bay Packers, the trauma experienced by the athletes� bodies during a game is very similar to that of a car accident.
�Ensuring that the joints are functioning properly is critical in the healing process, as well as for injury prevention and optimal performance,� says Dr. Zoelle. �The players recognize that chiropractic care helps them to perform better and heal faster, ultimately leading to better team success.�
DCs receive a minimum of seven years of higher level education, and are qualified to diagnose, treat and manage a broad spectrum of health conditions. They are the primary care professionals for spinal health and well-being. For athletes, chiropractic care helps to reduce the risk of injuries and improve health and performance through enhancements in range of motion, flexibility, balance, muscle strength and other key factors.
On every sideline all over the NFL and NCAA game you will now see chiropractors fixing and maintaining their local teams. In our very own back yard, you will see chiropractors treating El Paso’s finest at most high school games. �UTEP now has Dr. Paul Munoz standing tall ready to help our kids perform better. �The story is getting better each and every year how the public understands joint health as to how it applies to peak performance. �This last Olympics we saw Usain Bolt getting tuned just before his record breaking run. �The day of ushering in alternative care for high performance has for sure landed. �The spine was created to propel the creature faster and to transmit power. �No surprise that most sports have embraced the science and art. �Proud to be a part of the movement…..
Super Bowl 50 showcased the leading players in the NFL along with Joshua Kollmann, DC and Brad Wiest, DC � chiropractors for the Carolina Panthers � and Shawn Caldwell, DC for the Denver Broncos. These doctors of chiropractic helped the players achieve optimal performance.
The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the value of chiropractic care, points out that all 32 NFL teams include the professional services of a doctor of chiropractic (DC) as part of their integrated health care team approach.
Marking their fifth year with the Carolina Panthers, Drs. Kollmann (pic. left) and Wiest (pic. right) highlight the integrative role of chiropractic care: �We are in the stadium training room twice a week � and more often during play-offs � addressing specific sports injuries or providing preventive, maintenance care that the athletes want in order to achieve peak performance. Every player is individually assessed and the treatment plan is communicated and discussed with the training staff. Since the physical nature of the sport really impacts body structure, many players look forward to their pre- and post-game spinal and extremity adjustments as well as other advanced approaches.�
Shawn Caldwell, DC, who has served the Denver Broncos since 2004 and is now preparing for his second Super Bowl, says, �I work hand-in-hand with the athletic trainers and focus on performing chiropractic spine and extremity adjustments that restore joint function. The goal is to enable players to perform optimally or heal from injuries. I am at the facility two-three times weekly or more if necessary. Some players get an adjustment every time I am in the training room, while others when they are symptomatic so they can return to the playing field.�
According to Kyle Prusso, DC, team chiropractor for the Oakland Raiders since 2005 and president of Pro Football Chiropractic Society, an organization of chiropractors who provide the highest quality chiropractic health care to the elite athletes of professional Football: �It�s great to see chiropractic care integrated in all facets of health care, especially in professional and amateur sports. One of the reasons is that athletes are asking for us, with increased player requests driving utilization of chiropractic across all sports. Athletes are very in tune with their bodies and recognize that chiropractic care can boost optimal performance levels.�
All doctors are passionate about their roles as team chiropractors to an NFL Super Bowl contender, as Dr. Kollmann says, �I am humbled by this position and want the world to know that this is a great time to be a chiropractor. It means the world to me to ignite and advance our profession � especially for those who are pursuing a chiropractic education as well as veteran professionals. We are igniting the profession and honor those DCs who pioneered the opportunities that have helped us to become a part of the NFL teams.�
Dr. Caldwell, who is also the chiropractor for the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball team, sums it up, �Chiropractors are playing an important role in the health care and performance of professional athletes. This is a fantastic experience for us and for the players.�
Doctors of chiropractic receive a minimum of seven years of higher level education, and are qualified to diagnose, treat and manage a broad spectrum of health conditions. They are the primary care professionals for spinal health and well-being. For athletes, chiropractic care helps to reduce the risk of injuries, and improve health and performance through enhancements in range of motion, flexibility, balance, muscle strength and other key factors.
If you are interested in learning more about how to be an NFL Chiropractor you can connect with the Professional Football Chiropractic Association on their website or on their Facebook page.
No matter what the outcome of this weekends game may be, rest assured that both teams will have been well adjusted and their nervous systems tuned on and ready to perform on the biggest stage of all.
Chiropractors swarm the field! Ready for some adjustments to help these players perform their best. The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the value of chiropractic care share the fact that all 32 NFL teams utilize doctors of chiropractic (DC), as part of their health care programs.
From runners to many other types of athletes, experiencing an accident that results in damage or injury, or developing a previous condition is not uncommon among athletes. Subsequently, a majority of athletes practice preventive measures or they stretch and exercise accordingly before performing in their specific sport or physical activity to avoid any injuries which could remove them from training or competition. Heel pain is among one of the most frequent symptoms athletes report from their sessions, especially since the feet are practically essential in most sports and physical activities.
Plantar heel pain is frequently diagnosed by healthcare professionals, including chiropractors and sports clinicians, often recorded due to mechanical, neurologic, traumatic or other systemic conditions. Without a doubt, plantar fasciitis is the most common pathology among sporting environments. However, other causes of heel pain may be previously considered when evaluating an athlete with heel pain.
Up to 2 million Americans describe symptoms of heel pain every year, accounting for an estimate of up to $400 million in medical bills. Regardless, not much is known about the pathophysiology and etiology of plantar heel pain. By emphasizing on the causes of plantar fasciitis as well as discussing other common mechanical issues behind heel pain, including plantar fascia tears/rupture, heel pain of neural origin, calcaneal stress fractures and atrophy of the heel pad, individuals can learn to understand the diagnostic criteria and possible treatment options of plantar heel pain.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Maintaining an athlete’s overall health and wellness is essential in order to prevent them from missing out on training or competition. However, when an injury or condition affecting the heel occurs, such as plantar fasciitis, chiropractic care can be a safe and effective alternative form of treatment to relieve the symptoms of pain and discomfort the athlete may have. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
It’s not uncommon for athletes to suffer damage or injury as a result of an accident while on the field, occasionally developing or aggravating a previous condition in the process, which can affect their performance. Sports or physical activities requiring rigorous training and performance during competitive have a higher risk of injury among athletes. Knee injuries are some of the most common complications affecting numerous athletes throughout their career, most frequently hyperextension knee injuries caused during contact sports.
Hyperextension knee injuries can vary from acute to chronic and these are generally painful. The infrapatellar fat pad, abbreviated as IPFP, is one of the most frequently affected structures due to hyperextension knee injuries. In the presence of an acute knee hyperextension injury, for instance, when an athlete is tackled in rugby, the posterior cruciate ligament, or PCL and/or the posterior lateral corner, or PLC, of the knee may suffer injury.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Knee complications can occur due to a variety of factors, such as an accident, however, these types of issues are most commonly the result of sports injuries. During specific sports or physical activities, wear and tear of the tissues is the most common reason knee injuries occur, however, a hyperextension knee injury may also frequently develop. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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he could show the trainers how to use some of his soft-tissue techniques. But as players got used to getting adjusted by him on�game days, a temporary job turned into a permanent one.
In a interview with Dynamic Chiropractic Dr. Miller states that his position with the Patriots involves him being present during mini-camps, training camp, preseason games, regular-season games (both home and away), and postseason games.
Joseph Krzemien, DC, team chiropractor, Atlanta Falcons, says that there is growing evidence and a correlation between football players who receive consistent chiropractic care and a decline in injuries during practice or play:
Marking their fifth year with the Carolina Panthers, Drs. Kollmann (pic. left) and Wiest (pic. right) highlight the integrative role of chiropractic care: �We are in the stadium training room twice a week � and more often during play-offs � addressing specific sports injuries or providing preventive, 
maintenance care that the athletes want in order to achieve peak performance. Every player is individually assessed and the treatment plan is communicated and discussed with the training staff. Since the physical nature of the sport really impacts body structure, many players look forward to their pre- and post-game spinal and extremity adjustments as well as other advanced approaches.�
Shawn Caldwell, DC, who has served the Denver Broncos since 2004 and is now preparing for his second Super Bowl, says, �I work hand-in-hand with the athletic trainers and focus on performing chiropractic spine and extremity adjustments that restore joint function. The goal is to enable players to perform optimally or heal from injuries. I am at the facility two-three times weekly or more if necessary. Some players get an adjustment every time I am in the training room, while others when they are symptomatic so they can return to the playing field.�
