Dr. Jimenez, D.C., presents how to prevent atherosclerosis through various therapies that can help reduce the effects of cardiovascular diseases. By understanding the risk factors causing these issues, many specialists associated with cardiovascular disorders can develop a solution to minimize these symptoms that correlate with the vital organs and muscles with a personalized treatment plan. We acknowledge patients to certified providers that provide treatment options for cardiovascular disorders that can restore body functionality and improve a person’s health. We assess each individual and their symptoms by entrusting them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results for a better understanding. We recognize that education is a tremendous way to ask our providers questions about the patient’s knowledge and symptoms. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., implements this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Cardiovascular System & Atherosclerosis
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: When the body deals with various issues causing muscle and joint pain, it could be due to overlapping risk profiles affecting the cardiovascular system. In a normal functioning body, the cardiovascular system works with different systems, including the musculoskeletal system, the pulmonary system, the endocrine system, the central nervous system, and the gut system. The heart is one of the main vital organs in the cardiovascular system that supplies oxygen-riched blood to the different muscles, tissues, and organs to function properly. The oxygen-rich blood also carries other items to circulate in the body, like hormones, protein, and nutrients, to be used later. However, when environmental factors start to disrupt the body, they can affect the cardiovascular system and can do serious damage. To that point, it can develop cardiovascular diseases over time and cause body pain. Many studies and research have shown cardiovascular diseases are still the number one in the world that causes mortality and morbidity in the body. They can cause other issues that can affect the body.
One of the cardiovascular diseases that can lead to heart dysfunction is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque (fats, cholesterol, and other hard, sticky substances) that builds up over time along the artery walls that can slow down the blood flow, causing less circulation in the arteries. When the circulation becomes obstructed, it can lead to ischemia associated with a blood clot due to the different body areas not getting enough blood and oxygen to function properly.
Inflammation Associated With Atherosclerosis
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: When this happens, there can be an imbalance of LDLs (low-density lipoproteins) which can then develop various symptoms over time that can lead to muscle and joint pain. Some of the most common underlying reasons that can cause LDL imbalances associated with atherosclerosis could include the following:
Chronic inflammation
Immune dysfunction
Oxidative stress in the vascular system
Poor diet
Tobacco exposure
Genetics
Pre-existing cardiovascular disease
When various disruptors can damage LDL, it can become oxidized over time, damage the cardiovascular endothelium wall, and cause macrophage and platelet activation. To that point, once the macrophages start to eat, they form into foam cells and then explode and release peroxidation, which means that they damage the lining of the blood vessel.
Looking closer at the oxidized LDL, it can biotransform into pro-inflammatory markers and is correlated with vascular inflammation. When dealing with vascular inflammation, the body can develop metabolic endotoxemia. Metabolic endotoxemia is where LPS (lipopolysaccharides) levels elevate even though there is a presence of infections in the body. To that point, it can correlate to gut dysbiosis and chronic inflammatory diseases to stimulate the immune system to increase NFkB inflammatory cytokines and cause muscle and joint pain.
When there is an increase in inflammation due to atherosclerosis or any cardiovascular disease an individual may have, the signs and symptoms can vary depending on their environment. Excessive weight gain, hypertension, increased oxidative stress, high triglycerides, low HDLs, etc., can affect the body and make it dysfunctional. These mechanic factors can influence dysbiosis in the cardiovascular and gut systems, leading to chronic conditions like IBS, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases.
Treatments To Lower Inflammation
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: So what can we do to reduce the inflammation associated with atherosclerosis causing muscle and joint pain? Well, one of the ways that many people can do this is by eating less refined carbohydrates, and high sugar can lower high glycemic levels in the body can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Another way is to try the Mediterranean diet, which includes lean proteins, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, heart-healthy vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains to reduce inflammatory markers from proceeding further to causing issues in the body. Even supplements and nutraceuticals like glutathione and omega-3s can reduce chronic inflammation and cardiovascular disease complications by enhancing their antioxidant properties to preserve redox homeostasis while regulating oxidative stress in the body.
Another way people can prevent atherosclerosis is by exercising regularly. An exercise routine is an excellent way to keep the heart pumping and allow the muscles to move. Any exercise like yoga, Crossfit, dancing, swimming, walking, and running will allow more oxygen intake to the lungs, allowing the heart to pump out more blood to allow more circulation to the various organs, muscles, and tissues. Plus, any exercise can reduce plaque buildup in the arteries and reduce inflammation in the muscles and joints affecting the body.
Chiropractic Care & Inflammation
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: And finally, treatments like chiropractic care can help restore functionality to the body through spinal manipulation. Now, how does chiropractic care correlate with cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis? When the body is dealing with inflammation and chronic stress associated with atherosclerosis, the decrease in blood circulation can cause internal organ dysfunction and disrupt the transmitted signals to reach the brain. So when the transmitted signals become blocked, it can cause spinal subluxation to the spine and invokes pain in the upper, middle, and lower sections of the back, neck, hips, and shoulders. To that point, a chiropractor incorporates mechanical and manual manipulation to realign the spine and allow joint and muscle function back to the body. At the same time, chiropractic care can work with other associated medical providers to develop a personal treatment plan that allows the body to begin its recovery process.
Conclusion
Our goal is to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body to dampen the effects of cardiovascular diseases associated with pain. Covering some of the different ways to prevent atherosclerosis from affecting the cardiovascular system in the body can help the vital organs and muscles from producing more inflammation associated with pain. Incorporating heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory food, taking supplements, exercising, and going to treatments can make big changes to the body. The process may be tedious, but the results will slowly improve the body’s functionality and help the individual stay on the path of health and wellness.
Power walking is a fast-paced walking activity quicker than a typical walking pace. It is an exercise technique emphasizing speed and arm motion to increase health benefits. It’s not as high impact as jogging but significantly increases heart rate. Adding power walking to an overall health regimen can improve cardiovascular, joint, muscle, and overall wellness.
Power Walking
Power walking is considered from 3 mph to 5 mph and focuses on speed and arm motion to increase heart rate.
Because it requires more steps per minute, the heart rate will increase more than from a regular walk.
This makes for a more intense cardiovascular workout that burns more calories.
Benefits
Power walking is a great way to improve fitness, heart and joint health, and mental well-being. It has been shown to decrease diabetes risk and lower high blood pressure and some cancers. Other benefits include:
Improves Life Span
The National Institutes of Health recognize the benefits of walking, including a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.
This zone improves cardiovascular health, lowering resting heart rate and strengthening the heart.
Lowers Risk of Health Conditions
Lowers the risk of several conditions like heart disease, dementia, and type 2 diabetes.
Improves sleep quality, reduces sleep disorders’ risks, increases brain function, and supports bone health.
Strengthens Muscles and Bones
It releases pressure from the joints and the muscles and increases the body’s overall range of motion.
Quality of Life
It improves the quality of life as the body becomes more fit.
Reduces risk of illnesses.
Mental abilities and performance improve with increased circulation.
Attention, concentration, and motivation improve.
Technique Overview
Optimal power walking technique will maximize benefits and prevent injuries. Some recommended guidelines to follow:
Posture Awareness
The right posture will help the body maintain speed and will help protect/prevent injury.
Eyes forward, shoulders back, and head upright.
Pull your belly button in toward the spine to engage the core muscles.
If you start to slump forward, take a moment to correct your body position.
If you start holding tension in the shoulders and neck, take a moment to relax and release them.
Gently Swing Arms
Arms bent at around 90 degrees.
Move the arms up and back so the opposite arm and leg advance together.
If the right foot is stepping forward, the left arm should also go forward.
Adding arm motion increases speed.
Focus on controlling the range of motion.
The hand should not rise higher than the collarbone and should not cross the body’s center.
Walking Pattern
With every step, land on the heel and roll the foot toward the toes.
Concentrate on moving the hips forward and not side to side.
Movement
Use short strides and try for a quick pace.
Studies have shown that taking more steps per minute can positively impact insulin levels, body mass index, and waist circumference.
Gradually work up to longer distances and increased speed.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care can improve exercise experience, athletic performance, and sports performance. A few benefits include the following:
Increased limberness of the joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Increased elasticity and flexibility of the muscles.
Nervous system support improving response time, speed, and endurance.
Physical activity, no matter what intensity, is vital for health. If you are considering beginning an exercise program, talk to your doctor about developing a training program.
How To Walk Faster
References
Dunlop DD, et al. (2019). One hour a week: Moving to prevent disability in adults with lower extremity joint symptoms. DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.12.017
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Walking: Trim your waistline, and improve your health. mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20046261
Sharma, Ashish, et al. “Exercise for mental health.” Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry vol. 8,2 (2006): 106. doi:10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a
Tudor-Locke, Catrine, et al. “Step-Based Physical Activity Metrics and Cardiometabolic Risk: NHANES 2005-2006.” Medicine and science in sports and exercise vol. 49,2 (2017): 283-291. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000001100
Dr. Jimenez, D.C., presents how to reverse dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis through various therapies that can help the body function. By understanding the risk factors causing these issues, many specialists associated with these cardiovascular risk factors can develop a solution to reduce these and other pre-existing symptoms that correlate with the vital organs and muscles. We acknowledge patients to certified providers that provide treatment options for cardiovascular disorders that can restore body functionality and improve a person’s health. We assess each individual and their symptoms by entrusting them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results for a better understanding. We recognize that education is a tremendous way to ask our providers questions that apply to the patient’s knowledge and symptoms. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., implements this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Coming Up With A Treatment Plan
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Today, we will look at how to reverse dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis functionally. In the previous article, we observed the risk factors of dyslipidemia and how it is associated with metabolic syndrome. Today’s objective looks at the emerging biomarkers that could lead to dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Looking at the fundamental guidelines from lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, stress response, and incorporating supplements and nutraceuticals can help many individuals transform their health from a personal perspective. To that point, everyone is different, and their treatment plans are unique as they cater to each individual regarding health and wellness.
When it comes to functional medicine, tools like the Living Matrix and the IFM allow doctors to look at results that are being presented to the patient allowing them to see their cholesterol and the history that could lead to these cardiovascular disorders. Some of the earlier studies would enable doctors to prescribe their patients to go through nutrient depletion from statin therapy to reduce the effects of cardiovascular diseases. Supplements like CoQ10, vitamin K2, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, zinc, and copper are all heart-healthy supplements that can give an insight into what the individual is missing to prevent dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Another thing is that statin therapies could also note how the hormone levels are also being affected in the body as these cardiovascular risk factors can cause hormone levels to be lower than they are and can affect both men and women.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors & Treatments
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Now, this can be a double edge sword because we know that erectile dysfunction is a vascular issue, and it allows blood flow to the reproductive system. So say, for example, if someone has poor endothelial function reduction in nitric oxide vascular disease, they will have erectile dysfunction. So when this happens, statin therapy can help the individual and improve endothelial function. Utilizing these therapies is important when dysfunction in the body can cause overlapping risk profiles to the cardiovascular system and disrupt hormone reproduction. Without these various treatments, it can lead to pain associated with these symptoms that make the body have an imbalance of hormones, high cholesterol, and other issues that affect the body. As stated earlier, everybody is different, and the treatment plans are unique as they cater to each individual.
How can we tell when a person is dealing with dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis? After the examination and listening to how the patient is doing, many doctors would combine the AAPIER and SBAR protocol to come up with a diagnosis and look at the risk factors that correlate with these disorders. When the body is dealing with various environmental factors like poor sleep quality, being under constant stress, eating food high in saturated fats, and not getting enough exercise, it can cause the body to develop high cholesterol that can lead to building up plaque in the artery walls, causing chest pain associated with the heart. This is known as somato-visceral referred pain, where the affected muscle is causing issues to the corresponding organs related to pain. Another thing is that these environmental risk factors could overlap with inflammation and cause muscle and joint pain, which can cause complaints of limited mobility and stiffness that can cause a person to feel tight and miserable.
Inflammation Is A Key Factor
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Factoring inflammation as a key player affecting the body is the first step in functional medicine. When it comes to the body being in constant pain due to inflammation, chronic stress, dyslipidemia, or atherosclerosis, it can cause the brain to transmit signals through the spinal cord and cause the surrounding muscles to be sensitive. The inflammatory markers can cause many individuals to be easily confused as they think they are dealing with back pain instead of somato-visceral pain. This is because inflammation can be good or bad, depending on the severity. When the immune system begins to release inflammatory cytokines, despite no infections, bacteria, or viruses, into the cardiovascular, gut, and musculoskeletal systems, it can cause symptoms of swelling, pain, redness, and heat that can affect the corresponding organs. So inflammation affects the heart; it can cause overlapping symptoms of shortness of breath, fluid buildup, and mimic chest pains. At the same time, inflammation in the gut can lead to unwanted factors that can cause harmful changes that can impair the homeostatic mechanism and activate multiple pathways that can trigger cardiovascular disease risk factors like atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia.
Now how would atherosclerosis be correlated with the heart? When the body deals with factors that can correlate with inflammation, many factors like high blood pressure or plaque buildup cause a blockage in the arteries, which can cause blood flow reduction to the heart for circulation. When this happens, it can lead to cardiovascular disease associated with chest pains. In functional medicine, figuring out where the inflammatory effects are coming from, which is most likely in the gut, can help many individuals to reduce and reverse dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.
Reducing Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: When it comes to reducing the development of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, various ways can help protect vital organs and reduce the inflammatory effects in the musculoskeletal system. One of the treatments that functional medicine corresponds with is chiropractic treatment. When it comes to the organs and spinal nerves in the body, there is a connection, as all internal organs are connected through the spinal cord that sends signals to the brain. When the transmitted signals are blocked or interrupted by risk factors that have entered the body, the vital organs can not function properly. So how would chiropractic treatment help with this? A chiropractor would use manual and mechanized manipulation to realign the spine from subluxation. This will allow the blockage to interrupt the transmitted signals to function properly and restore joint function while preventing degeneration, slowing the disease’s progress in the bones, muscles, and organs.
Another way to reduce inflammatory effects in the body is by incorporating heart and gut-healthy foods that can lower inflammation and improve gut microbiome health. Eating nutritious foods that are rich in prebiotics, have anti-inflammatory properties, and have soluble fibers can help the body turn them into SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) that allow the large intestines to create more energy for the body. Incorporating these various ways as part of the treatment plan for individuals dealing with dyslipidemia or atherosclerosis can help reverse the effects slowly.
Conclusion
Combining heart-healthy foods, exercising regularly, and changing lifestyle habits can provide amazing results when these small changes are gradually incorporated. This will allow the person to see what works and what doesn’t while constantly communicating with their medical providers to ensure they get the amazing benefits that will improve their health and wellness.
Individuals dealing with aching knees is one of the most common health problems and affects people of all ages. The knee is the largest joint in the body, comprised of muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones. The knees support walking, standing, running, and even sitting. Constant use makes them highly susceptible to injuries and conditions. The knees are also surrounded by a complex network of nerves that transmit messages to and from the brain. Damage to the nerves from an injury or disease can create various symptoms of discomfort in and around the knee joint.
Knee Neuropathy
Causes
Knee discomfort symptoms can be brought on by injury, degenerative disorders, arthritis, infection, and other causes, including:
Rheumatoid arthritis
This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes the knees to swell and causes damage to the cartilage.
Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis causes the cartilage to steadily wear away, causing damage to the joints and various symptoms.
Cartilage Issues
Overuse, muscle weakness, injury, and misalignments can cause compensating postures and movements that can wear down and soften the cartilage, generating symptoms.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing knee neuropathy, including:
Previous knee injury
Undiagnosed and untreated knee injury
Unhealthy Weight
Gout
Compromised leg muscle strength and/or flexibility
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with a knee injury or disorder can vary, depending on the severity and damage. Symptoms can include:
Joint stiffness
Swelling in the joint.
Reduced movement/flexibility in the joint.
Increased instability/feeling of weakness in the knee.
Changes in skin color around the knee joint, like increased redness or pale discoloration.
Numbness, coldness, or tingling in and/or around the joint.
Pain symptoms could be a dull ache or throbbing felt throughout the knee.
Sharp, stabbing discomfort in a specific area.
If left untreated, knee neuropathy could permanently affect the ability to walk and lead to partial or total loss of knee function and mobility. Doctors recommend taking note of the following:
What activity/s generates symptoms?
Where are the symptoms located?
What the pain feels like?
Treatments available for knee pain
Chiropractic treatment offers various approaches to addressing the pain caused by nerve damage. Standard treatment includes chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic massage, non-surgical decompression, stretching, posture and movement training, and nutritional anti-inflammatory plans. Our medical team specializes in non-surgical treatments that decrease symptoms and increase strength, flexibility, mobility, and restore function.
Knee Injuries Adjustment
References
Edmonds, Michael, et al. “The current burden of diabetic foot disease.” Journal of clinical orthopedics and trauma vol. 17 88-93. 8 Feb. 2021, doi:10.1016/j.jcot.2021.01.017
Hawk, Cheryl, et al. “Best Practices for Chiropractic Management of Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 26,10 (2020): 884-901. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0181
Hunter, David J et al. “Effectiveness of a new model of primary care management on knee pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: Protocol for THE PARTNER STUDY.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 19,1 132. 30 Apr. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12891-018-2048-0
Kidd, Vasco Deon, et al. “Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for Painful Knee Arthritis: The Why and the How.” JBJS essential surgical techniques vol. 9,1 e10. 13 Mar. 2019, doi:10.2106/JBJS.ST.18.00016
Krishnan, Yamini, and Alan J Grodzinsky. “Cartilage diseases.” Matrix biology: journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology vol. 71-72 (2018): 51-69. doi:10.1016/j.matbio.2018.05.005
Speelziek, Scott J A, et al. “Clinical spectrum of neuropathy after primary total knee arthroplasty: A series of 54 cases.” Muscle & nerve vol. 59,6 (2019): 679-682. doi:10.1002/mus.26473
Dr. Jimenez, D.C., presents how dyslipidemia can increase the chances of various issues associated with multiple risk factors that can cause muscle and joint pain. By understanding where these issues affect the body, many specialists associated with dyslipidemia can come up with a solution to reduce dyslipidemia symptoms and other pre-existing symptoms that correlate with high cholesterol. We acknowledge patients to certified providers that provide treatment options for dyslipidemia that can restore body functionality and improve a person’s health. We assess each individual and their symptoms by entrusting them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results for a better understanding. We recognize that education is a tremendous way to ask our providers questions that apply to the patient’s knowledge and symptoms. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., implements this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Risk Factors Of Dyslipidemia
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Today we will look at the guidelines and the risk factors of dyslipidemia. When specialists utilize these guidelines that involve lipid production in the patient’s body, they use these guidelines to emphasize lifestyle therapies that can encourage more patient involvement and decision-making regarding their health. When an issue involves an increase or decrease in lipid production in the body, it can be due to lifestyle choices that can affect anyone and correlate to metabolic syndrome. In functional medicine, it is important to look, follow, and know these guidelines to understand better what is going on with the patients and come up with a treatment plan that can help reduce the risk factors of dyslipidemia and treat the symptoms associated with these risk factors.
Regarding these guidelines, doctors work with associated medical specialists that look into lipid production and develop a personalized list for the patients that shows the risk-enhancing factors causing dyslipidemia associated with cardiovascular diseases causing metabolic syndrome. Dyslipidemia is when an imbalance of lipid production in the body causes an increase in high cholesterol due to various factors that can lead to cardiovascular diseases. To that point, when a patient is dealing with high cholesterol due to a sedentary lifestyle or being constantly stressed, it can lead to an imbalance of lipid production and cause doctors to not just look at the standard lipid panels but also figure out how to come up with a treatment plan for their patients to regulate their lipid production.
How To Look For The Risk Factors Of Dyslipidemia?
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: So when it comes to looking at the risk factors that are developing dyslipidemia, functional medicine allows doctors to look at advanced lipid tests and evaluate the risk factors causing dyslipidemia. The evaluations of these tests find various risk factors that conventional medicine would not see, and it shows patients the importance of these results and gets their attention. To that point, many risk factors can enhance the progress of dyslipidemia. Risk factors include:
Having a family history of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD).
High levels of lipoprotein and triglycerides.
Excessive sedentary lifestyle.
Lack of physical activity.
Having pre-existing chronic inflammatory disorders that can cause hypersensitivity to the body.
All these risk factors can cause dyslipidemia to develop and can even overlap risk factors related to metabolic syndrome that can cause muscle and joint pain. Now how is metabolic syndrome associated with dyslipidemia?
Metabolic Syndrome & Dyslipidemia
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of disorders that could be associated with dyslipidemia, as it can cause a person to feel miserable and affect their quality of life. When individuals have high cholesterol due to physical inactivity, not consuming lots of healthy fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains, smoking, or being in constant stress, it can affect the body both inside and out as it can cause a person to have imbalances of lipid and hormone function. When these imbalances affect the body, they can affect the individual’s mentality, bring down their energy to feel sluggish, and cause inflammatory issues in their joints and muscles that can lead to various injuries and diseases.
An example would be an individual who comes in dealing with back pain associated with obesity and has been dealing with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. When that person is being examined by their doctor, their results show an imbalance of how much their body produces lipids. To that point, many individuals are unaware that they have dyslipidemia unless they have a routine blood test and if it has gone severe. Other symptoms that dyslipidemia can cause in the body include:
Leg pain
Chest pain and tightness
Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulders, and back
Heart palpitations
Sleep problems
Leg swelling
If it is not treated right away, it can lead to more issues that can cause pain to the body and leave them feeling hopeless. When these unwanted symptoms and pathogens start to affect the body, it can cause the vital organs that monitor lipid production to be dysfunctional and cause chronic symptoms to rise over time.
Treatments & Guidelines For Dyslipidemia
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: By looking at the guidelines, we can assess the situation that the patient is dealing with, come up with an evaluation of how to reduce these risk factors that are causing dysfunction in the patient’s body, and come up with a personalized treatment plan that encourages the patient to participate in and work with other associated medical providers to ensure health and wellness to the person. All is not lost, as there are ways to reduce dyslipidemia associated with metabolic syndrome.
Treatments like chiropractic care can help restore the body’s systems through spinal manipulation in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions to reduce stiffness and restore mobility to the person. An anti-inflammatory diet and exercise can help lower inflammatory effects and lower the high cholesterol the person is dealing with. And finally, exercise can help reduce stress and improve the range of motion of the body’s joints and muscles. All these treatments work together regarding a person’s health and wellness, as the body is a complex machine. The combination of functional medicine and chiropractic care can allow individuals to start making small changes in their lives to restore their health and become pain-free from metabolic syndrome associated with dyslipidemia. Remembering that it takes time for these treatments to show results of feeling good can make the journey to a healthier version of yourself worth it.
Idiopathic scoliosis means that no cause congenital or neuromuscular that created the spinal deformation has been identified. However, idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type, affecting 2% to 3% of individuals. Individuals diagnosed with an idiopathic disease or condition can be frustrated with more questions than answers, but it can still be treated in adults and kids.
Idiopathic Scoliosis
Congenital Scoliosis
Congenital scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine related to which the patient was born.
Usually, a failure of formation or segmentation during normal development leads to the spinal condition.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Individuals with neuromuscular scoliosis are usually born with neurological disorders that contribute to muscular unevenness, often resulting in the development of the condition.
For example, individuals with cerebral palsy are born with muscular unevenness that can contribute to scoliosis development.
Who Is Affected
Anyone can develop scoliosis, but children and adults are divided into separate categories.
Children
Children with this condition are divided into three subcategories:
Adolescents are from 11 onward or when starting puberty, to the point where the skeleton fully matures.
Adults
Idiopathic scoliosis in adults results from undiagnosed or untreated scoliosis in childhood that gradually progressed.
Causes
Research has found a genetic predisposition to developing scoliosis, as it has been found to run in families. Genetic testing has been designed to help determine the risk of developing progressive scoliosis. Theories have been presented about abnormalities that affect the nervous system. These include:
Dysfunctions of the brain stem or equilibrium have been frequently identified in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis.
Other theories suggest skeletal growth abnormalities or hormonal/metabolic dysfunction may contribute to the condition.
However, determining its exact cause remains unknown.
Signs and Symptoms
Here are some things to look out for.
The body leans to one side.
There is an unevenness of the ribcage or hips.
Uneven shoulders.
Shoulder blades may protrude or stick out.
The head is not positioned directly above the pelvis.
Diagnosis
Idiopathic scoliosis curves tend to follow predictable patterns.
Magnetic resonance images/MRIs of the spine can show evidence of any significant abnormalities. If no other related condition is present to suggest different causes, then the idiopathic scoliosis diagnosis can be made.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s age and the degree of curvature in the spine.
In many cases, adolescent or juvenile idiopathic scoliosis patients that have a mild curve can be treated with a brace.
Adults could need surgical intervention, such as a fusion surgery where rods and screws are added to realign the spine and relieve the pressure on the nerves.
Chiropractor
References
Burnei, G et al. “Congenital scoliosis: an up-to-date.” Journal of medicine and life vol. 8,3 (2015): 388-97.
Clément, Jean-Luc, et al. “Relationship between thoracic hypokyphosis, lumbar lordosis and sagittal pelvic parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 22,11 (2013): 2414-20. doi:10.1007/s00586-013-2852-z
Giampietro, Philip F et al. “Congenital and idiopathic scoliosis: clinical and genetic aspects.” Clinical medicine & research vol. 1,2 (2003): 125-36. doi:10.3121/cmr.1.2.125
Pinched Nerves and Muscle Spasms: A pinched or compressed nerve can occur in various body regions, from the wrist to the foot. When a nerve is compressed, a pins and needles feeling can present until the pressure is relieved, or there can be no sensation symptoms, but other symptoms like muscle spasms, especially in the arm or leg, can appear. Individuals will feel a repetitive fluttering or twitching when the arm or leg is not in motion. A pinched nerve could be the cause of spasms in the back or extremities. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help if symptoms are not stopping or worsening.
Pinched Nerves and Muscle Spasms
When multiple symptoms appear, individuals may not realize they are connected. Individuals may think aches, pains, and spasms are normal aging processes. Pinched nerves occur when there is an impingement on any one of the numerous nerves of the spine. Impingements can be caused by:
Repetitive motion injuries
Disc degeneration
Herniated/ruptured discs
Bone spurs
Arthritis
Trauma injury
The pain symptoms from the spasm can be quick, sharp, or pulsating and throbbing. The muscles respond by tightening or spasming as the nerve sends interrupted/incomplete signals. In addition to muscle spasms, a pinched nerve can contribute to other symptoms, including the following.
Tingling
Numbness
Pins and needles sensation
Reduced range of motion
Muscle weakness
Signs a Pinched Nerve Might Be Causing Spasms
Sudden shooting pain that radiates down the leg or arm.
Weak muscles
Muscle atrophy – shrinking or deteriorating.
Chronic tingling in the extremities.
A burning sensation in a specific area; this could but is not necessarily the source of the pinched nerve.
Electrical shock-type pain accompanies the spasms.
If a pinched nerve is left untreated and continues to generate symptoms, it can affect daily life and lead to uncomfortable long-term issues. Severe nerve compression combined with inflammation can cause damage to nearby soft tissues and muscles, leading to chronic conditions. When the nerves are damaged, it can be harder to control the muscles making certain motions uncomfortable or difficult to move certain body parts.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care, massage, and decompression therapy will relieve pinched nerves and muscle spasms and restore neuromusculoskeletal system function. The body will be realigned, and patients will be trained on stretching exercises, muscle strengthening, posture training, and nutritional support to optimize the body’s natural healing abilities to repair the damaged nerves.
Low Back Pain
References
Bustamante, S, and P G Houlton. “Swelling of the leg, deep venous thrombosis, and the piriformis syndrome.” Pain research & management vol. 6,4 (2001): 200-3. doi:10.1155/2001/104091
Chu, Eric Chun-Pu, and Robert J Trager. “Thoracic Schwannoma as an Unusual Cause of Sciatic Pain in the Chiropractic Office: A Case Report.” The American journal of case reports vol. 23 e938448. 16 Nov. 2022, doi:10.12659/AJCR.938448
Coletti, Roger H. “The ischemic model of chronic muscle spasm and pain.” European journal of translational myology vol. 32,1 10323. 18 Jan. 2022, doi:10.4081/ejtm.2022.10323
Hirayama, Jiro, et al. “Relationship between low-back pain, muscle spasm and pressure pain thresholds in patients with lumbar disc herniation.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 15,1 (2006): 41-7. doi:10.1007/s00586-004-0813-2
Kennedy, John G, and Donald E Baxter. “Nerve disorders in dancers.” Clinics in sports medicine vol. 27,2 (2008): 329-34. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2008.01.001
Waddell, Roger K. “Chiropractic care for a patient with spasmodic dysphonia associated with cervical spine trauma.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 4,1 (2005): 19-24. doi:10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60108-6
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
Power Walking
