Spinal Arthritis Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL). Less frequent than DISH. Greater clinical importance d/t spinal canal stenosis and cervical myelopathy Asian patients are at higher risk Both OPLL & DISH may co-exist and increase the risk of Fx Imaging: x-rad: linear radioopacity consistent with OPLL Imaging modality of choice: CT scanning w/o contrast MRI may help�… Read More
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic health issue which affects approximately 1 percent of the population in the United States. RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes the inflammation and degeneration of the synovial tissue, specific cells and tissue which form the lining of the joints within the human body. Rheumatoid arthritis may and generally does affect every joint… Read More
Degenerative Arthritis Spinal Arthritis: Spondylosis aka Degenerative disease of the spine represents an evolution of changes affecting most mobile spinal segments beginning with: Intervertebral disc (IVD) dehydration (desiccation) and degeneration aka Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) with an abnormal increase in mechanical stress and degeneration of posterior elements affecting 4-mobile synovial articulations ( true osteoarthritis) 2-Facets in the L/S & 2-Facets… Read More
A teardrop fracture is caused when the anteroinferior aspect of a cervical vertebral body is damaged due to flexion of the spine together with vertical compression. The fracture throughout the body is also associated with deformity of the human body and subluxation or dislocation of the facet joints. A teardrop fracture is generally associated with a spinal cord injury due… Read More
Chiropractic care is a respected, effective treatment for a variety of conditions as well as for promoting overall wellness. Every day patients seek it out to manage their pain, find relief from health issues, and recover from injuries. But did you know that pro athletes also utilize chiropractic for injuries, soreness, and to keep them playing at optimal levels? What… Read More
A vertebral fracture is a common health issue which can often cause bone fragments to damage the spinal chord and nerve roots. Broken bones can occur due to trauma or injury from automobile accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, or sports injuries, among other causes. Depending on how severe the vertebral fracture is, individuals may have difficulty performing everyday activities. The purpose of… Read More
Fitness is loved by April Hermosillo. She enjoys exercising and eating foods that are healthful. As an athlete since age 14, her neck and lower back pain induced her to experience foot cramps. April Hermosillo tries not to allow her symptoms to change her life. April expresses just how much pain relief Dr. Alex Jimenez has provided her and how… Read More
Imaging diagnostics are an essential element in the evaluation of spine trauma. Over the last few decades, the rapid evolution of imaging technology has tremendously changed the assessment and treatment of spinal injuries. Imaging diagnostics utilizing CT and MRI, among others, are helpful in the acute and the chronic settings. Spinal cord and soft-tissue injuries are best evaluated by magnetic… Read More
Hyperextension Injury Hangman's Fx aka traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2 with a fracture of pars interarticularis or pedicles (unstable) MVA is the most common cause Mechanism: acute hyperextension of upper C/S similar to judicial hanging (never actually seen and most deaths are due to asphyxiation) Secondary flexion may tear PLL and disc Associated injuries: 30% have other c-spine fx especially Extension… Read More
Imaging Diagnosis Management: Cervical spinal trauma & radiographic variants simulating disease Cervical spine Arthritis Neoplasms Infection Post-Surgical cervical spine Cranio-cervical and upper cervical stability is dependent on transverse, superior and inferior bands of the C1-C2 ligament, alar ligaments, along with a few other ligaments Cervical Trauma The C/S is vulnerable to injury. Why? Stability has… Read More