Herniated discs, although common, can be challenging to treat depending on the size. Over 3mm is considered a large herniated disc. However, it can progressively get more extensive, and this can cause severe side effects. The size can make the disc slip out of place and start compressing on surrounding nerves, leading to muscle weakness and nerve damage.
Contents
X-Ray and MRI
X-rays can’t detect herniated discs, and this is because they highlight calcium in the bones. Because the vertebral discs and the nearby nerves lack calcium, they don’t show up. They do help doctors see other problems that could be causing symptoms like a tumor. A herniated disc will show on an MRI and identify the size and position. Then a medical professional can get a closer look into the bone and surrounding nerves.
Degenerative Disc Disease
A herniated disc is not the same as degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease is when the cartilage and tissues around the disc wear out and down, causing the discs to slowly slide out of their normal position. A herniated disc is the disc getting pulled/yanked out of place.
Tests
Specific tests will help a medical professional like a chiropractor understand the severity of a herniated disc. These include a nerve conduction study and electromyography.
Nerve Conduction Study
A nerve conduction study records electrical impulses in the nerves. Electrode patches are placed on various areas with varying electrical intensities to see different readings. Through the study, medical professionals are better able to understand the health of the nerves.
Electromyography
Electromyography is similar to nerve conduction but uses needles. Electrode patches are placed around the body; then, tiny needles are inserted into a surrounding muscle. The patches then record the reaction of the nerves.
Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Treatment
A herniated disc will usually heal without surgery in around six weeks. However, a herniated disc growing in size can take longer because of a treatment plan that has to be updated accordingly as the treatment progresses.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is very useful in working out herniated disc symptoms.
The therapy will slowly help the body recover by using equipment and stretching techniques to strengthen and restore flexibility. One technique is water therapy. Water helps relax the body, and the buoyancy prevents pressure build-up on the spine. This allows the body to stay flexible while avoiding strain and pressure on the herniated disc.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors specialize in herniated discs. Chiropractic works on repairing the whole musculoskeletal system. Once imaging tests have been examined and a personalized treatment plan developed, they perform the necessary adjustments. These include:
Flexion-distraction
This technique uses a segmented table that raises and lowers to release pressure on the spine. The movement also keeps the disc from touching the surrounding nerves, significantly reducing pain.
Pelvic block
The pelvic blocking adjustment utilizes cushions placed under the pelvis. As the chiropractor adjusts the spine, the cushions help to pull the disc back into place gradually.
Therapeutic Massage
Many chiropractors utilize massage therapy as it is highly beneficial for relieving pain and expedites recovery time. One recommended massage for herniated discs is deep tissue massage. The benefits include:
Relieving pressure around the nerves.
Reduces muscle spasms.
Improves the spine’s range of motion.
Releases the body’s natural painkillers.
Recommendations
Individuals are recommended not to overextend the spine. Avoid engaging in physical activities that require a lot of bending, twisting, reaching, etc. However, resting for too long can worsen the condition as the body needs movement to recover correctly. Too much rest can lead to the muscles contracting, leading to painful spasms. Safe activities include:
Herniated discs often result from an injury, but they could also be caused by weakened joints and muscles. If the body does not get enough calcium, magnesium, or vitamin C, the discs can slip out of place more easily. Taking supplements will help strengthen the area by assisting in the production of collagen. Collagen attaches itself around the discs, ensuring they stay in place and are protected. Foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin c will also help. Foods include:
Red peppers
Pumpkin seeds
Lemons
Almonds
Milk
Healthy yogurt
Peas
Brussel sprouts
Hydration
Hydrating the body with plenty of water can reduce pain. Water increases the fluid around a herniated disc. The fluid works as a cushion between the herniated disc and the surrounding nerves, helping to not press on them. Drinking water will also help with movement and sleep.
Body Composition
What Happens To The Body When Eating Fruit
At the basic macronutrient level, fruit is made up of simple sugar called fructose. The natural sugar the body gets from a piece of fruit is not the same as industrial fructose added to processed products like high fructose corn syrup. Processed foods are filled with empty calories and little to no nutrition. When the body takes in fruit, the liver processes fructose before getting absorbed through the small intestine.
Research shows that adding more fiber-rich foods like fruit increases gut ecology to an anti-obese condition. This happens by increasing the lean-type bacteria and reducing obese-type bacteria. Fruit can help boost healthy bacteria that can help prevent weight gain.
Essential nutrients from fruit include Folate, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B1. The USDA recommends 2 cups of fruit a day, depending on age. Making half of each meal fruit and vegetables can be an effective strategy for weight maintenance. Fruit provides the body with a carbohydrate energy source, and fruit sources can also help meet dietary balance needs and promote long-term weight maintenance.
References
Deniz Bayraktar, Arzu Guclu-Gunduz, Johan Lambeck, Gokhan Yazici, Sukru Aykol & Harun Demirci (2016) A comparison of water-based and land-based core stability exercises in patients with lumbar disc herniation: a pilot study, Disability, and Rehabilitation, 38:12, 1163-1171, DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1075608
Gupta, Anmol et al. “Does Size Matter? An Analysis of the Effect of Lumbar Disc Herniation Size on the Success of Nonoperative Treatment.” Global spine journal vol. 10,7 (2020): 881-887. doi:10.1177/2192568219880822
Polkinghorn BS, Colloca CJ. Treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation using activator methods chiropractic technique. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1998 Mar-Apr;21(3):187-196. PMID: 9567239.
Sharma, Satya P et al. “Paradoxical Effects of Fruit on Obesity.” Nutrients vol. 8,10 633. 14 Oct. 2016, doi:10.3390/nu8100633
Calf pain is common in individuals that are on their feet for long periods. This could be standing, walking, as part of a job or jogging, and running. In most cases, calf soreness and/or pain result from repetitive/overuse strain/injury/tear of the calf muscles. Pain along with stiffness presents with physical activity, exercise, movement. Chiropractic treatment and Active Release can help alleviate and eliminate calf pain.
Contents
Calf Muscles
The calf muscle is in the back of the lower leg, behind the shin bone, and consists of three muscles. The calf muscle supports the body when standing and enables movement of the foot and lower leg. The calf muscles support the body when:
Walking
Running
Jumping
Standing on the toes.
Flexing the foot – lifting the toes toward the knee.
It helps push the body forward and allows jumping, ankle rotation, and flexing of the foot.
Causes, Conditions, and Disorders
The overuse of the calf muscles usually causes calf soreness, discomfort, and pain. Over time, tiny tears develop in the muscles of the lower legs and calves. Repeated use can lead to more severe injury or condition without proper treatment. Conditions include:
Strain
The most common injury is a strain. Strains happen when the muscle fibers are overused and get stretched too far and/or tear. However, the fibers may not tear in that instance, and so the tear could occur at a later time while doing a basic movement like slightly bending or kneeling to tie a shoe. This is when individuals wonder how a tear happened with a simple action. But the tear was already present, just not fully torn.
Cramps
Muscle cramps and muscle spasms in the calves can be excruciating limiting mobility. Calf cramps can happen during the day or at night. They can result from several factors that include:
Healthcare providers call this strain tennis leg because it happens when the leg extends and the foot flexes. Tennis players are in this position when they serve and push themselves off into motion; however, it can happen in any sport, job, chore that involves the same movement. This type of muscle strain injury affects the gastrocnemius muscle.
Compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome happens when pressure builds up inside a muscle. The pressure significantly reduces the flow of blood and oxygen. It can result from trauma like a fracture or strenuous exercise/activity.
Symptoms
Calf muscle issues can cause calf muscle:
Pain
Tightness
Stiffness
Pain may be sharp or dull
Pain can start as mild pain and progressively worsen.
Limited mobility
Limited range of motion
Muscle weakness
A bump, bulge, or lump in the back of the lower leg.
Tenderness
Bruising
General leg cramps are common and are more likely to happen as the body ages.
Healthcare professionals estimate around 75% of individuals over 50 have had leg cramps and pain.
Calf Health
To prevent and avoid problems with the calf muscles, individuals are recommended to:
Maintain a healthy diet and weight
Individuals that are overweight are more likely to pull or strain a muscle.
Excess pounds add pressure on the legs placing individuals at a higher risk of an injury.
If obese or overweight, talk to a healthcare professional about healthy weight.
Stay hydrated
Drink the proper amount of water and other fluids
This decreases the chance of causing a cramp.
Stretch and warm-up
Warmed-up calf muscles are less likely to stretch too far or tear.
Before engaging in physical activity at work or school, do a few warm-up stretches to increase flexibility.
When exercising, gradually increase the intensity.
Talk to a doctor about taking another medication that does not cause these side effects.
Body Composition
Nutrients of Protein
Protein is necessary for all of the body’s physiological functions. Protein and amino acids are the building blocks of the muscle tissue in the body. The body’s muscles are a house, protein is the bricks, and the amino acids that form protein are the building blocks of muscle. The body manufactures various amino acids, but nine are essential amino acids – EAA because they are not made in the body. Individuals have to consume EAAs from food sources like:
Meat
Beans
Nuts
Soy
A diet that consists of mixed amino acids can help maximize muscle protein synthesis. Protein is essential in building muscle because amino acids help repair and maintain muscle tissue. After a strenuous activity or a workout, protein helps the body repair muscles that are slightly torn. To build a healthy body, the body needs to have the right amount of protein. Protein is an essential component of:
Chiropractic medicine is used as a standard musculoskeletal injury/strain treatment and for rehabilitation. Chiropractic helps with:
Different types of back pain
Headaches
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Arm pain
Hand pain
Leg pain
Foot pain
Spine and nervous system health are essential for a properly functioning body and overall health. There are significant benefits of chiropractic care that can improve an individual’s overall quality of life and health. Chiropractic treatment can help:
Contents
Relieve Stress
Stress is natural in life, and it’s too much or poor management techniques that can cause pain and or injury. Chiropractic can improve how the body responds to stress. The nervous system is responsible for adapting the body to its environment, especially a stressful environment. Around 90% of the central nervous system travels down and through the spinal column. Spinal vertebral subluxations/misalignments can interfere with proper nerve flow disrupting body functions. Vertebral subluxation decreases the body’s ability to adapt to the environment. When this happens, stress can have a high adverse impact on the body’s health. An aligned spine along with an optimally operating nervous system helps the body to manage stress easier.
Improve Posture
Posture shifts affect spinal alignment and nerve function. The most common is Forward Head Posture/FHP. This is where the head shifts forward and down on the shoulders. This affects the natural curve in the neck, causing tension to form in the spinal cord. Improper ergonomics and overuse of electronic devices play a role in FHP. Chiropractic treatment helps and restores proper spinal alignment, significantly improving the body’s posture.
Elevate Mental Mood
Individuals in pain are often in a bad, sad, low mood reflecting their pain level. Balancing the body’s nervous system restores the balance of chemical flow in the body. Conditions like depression and ADHD have shown improvement with regular chiropractic care.
Strengthen Immune System Function
Spinal misalignment adversely affects the nervous system. The nervous system sends all the necessary information to different areas of the body. If the spine has been compromised, specific sites will not receive the vital signals required to function at full potential. This can affect any or all the systems in the body, especially the immune system. Chiropractic improves nerve flow to the organs of the immune system.
Enhance Thorough Sleep
Lack of sleep leads to all kinds of health issues. Lack of proper sleep can be from a nervous system that does not shut down, add pain, stress, and nightly symptoms do not allow the body to rest. Optimal spinal alignment relaxes the nervous system decreasing pain. Sleep improves over time, with individuals reporting reduced pain and an increase in health and wellness.
Body Composition
Gluten Effects
Gluten causes digestive issues/problems for individuals that have celiac disease or autoimmune thyroid disease. Individuals with these conditions that eat gluten foods can present with uncomfortable and painful effects. Symptoms can vary and have different classifications.
Classical Celiac Disease – CD
Classical celiac disease presents with symptoms that include:
Diarrhea
Discolored stools
Constipation
Abdominal bloating
Pain
Weight loss
However, these symptoms are more common in children with CD than adults. In adults, symptoms are more similar to those in non-classical celiac disease.
Non-Classical Celiac Disease
Non-classical celiac disease symptoms may not present with severe digestive symptoms as in classical CD but suffer from other symptoms. These include:
Silent CD is less visible. There might not be any symptoms, but damage to the intestines is still occurring.
References
Khodakarami, Nima. “Treatment of Patients with Low Back Pain: A Comparison of Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Manipulation.” Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 8,1 44. 24 Feb. 2020, doi:10.3390/healthcare8010044
Rubinstein, Sidney M et al. “Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 364 l689. 13 Mar. 2019, doi:10.1136/bmj.l689
Urits, Ivan et al. “A Comprehensive Review of Alternative Therapies for the Management of Chronic Pain Patients: Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and Chiropractic Care.” Advances in therapy vol. 38,1 (2021): 76-89. doi:10.1007/s12325-020-01554-0
Chiropractic medicine specializes in the musculoskeletal system. It treats the whole body because if one area of the body is inflamed, swollen, out of place, or damaged, it affects other areas. Chiropractic’s goals are to bring the body back into balance and get it functioning at an optimal level. Achieving overall health and wellness requires an individual’s body to be at its appropriate weight.
Contents
Obesity and Pain
Chronic pain and obesity are linked, according to various studies. Individuals dealing with chronic pain are more likely to become obese, and those who are obese have an increased risk of developing a chronic pain condition. Research studies also show that individuals that lose weight have a reduction to complete alleviation of pain.
The Pain Gain Cycle
The goal is to break the cycle. When an individual is dealing with pain symptoms, eating foods high in sugars and starches can be comforting. However, unhealthy food is fueling the pain and causing inflammation. Back pain commonly occurs in individuals that are obese. Chiropractic helps kickstart the weight loss process by relieving pain naturally and safely.
Spinal Alignment and Weight Loss
Spinal alignments go beyond relieving pain to help with weight loss. Adjustments improve the body’s ability to burn fat and maintain overall health. A spine that is out of alignment can affect the nerve pathways of the central nervous system and the communication signals affecting nearly every aspect of the body. Problems with the central nervous system can affect how the whole body burns fat and the metabolic system.
Hormone Regulation
Spinal misalignments can affect the body’s hormone regulation. These hormones include those for breaking down foods during digestion. Affected hormones can contribute to weight gain and prevent weight loss. Chiropractic corrects the nerve’s pathways, allowing for proper hormone regulation, which can help with weight loss.
Pain Relief and Exercise
Exercise is pivotal to losing weight, building muscle, and maintaining health. The problem for overweight individuals is that they are in too much pain to exercise. With back pain, just walking a quarter of a mile can become excruciating, and this is where chiropractic care for pain relief comes in. When managing pain through chiropractic, individuals can exercise regularly.
Nutrition and Lifestyle
The whole body is a unit where everything affects something else. Chiropractors are becoming or teaming up with certified nutritionists and health coaches. Part of a treatment plan includes nutritional recommendations personalized to individual needs and weight loss goals. They also recommend:
Specific exercises
Lifestyle adjustments
Third-party support
Whole Body Composition
Weight Loss and Cheat Meals/Days
A cheat day or meal every once in a while will not undo weeks and months of regular workouts and eating healthy. Cheat days can help individuals stay motivated for the long term. But this does not mean getting carried away and going on a bender or making cheat days a routine. The goal is to develop healthy eating habits that become the norm while decreasing the craving for junk food. Changing body composition and losing weight is a long-term journey, but done correctly and with support turns into a healthy body.
References
DeMaria, Anthony, et al. “A weight loss program in a chiropractic practice: a retrospective analysis.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice vol. 20,2 (2014): 125-9. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.11.007
James M Whedon, DC, MS, Andrew W J Toler, MS, Louis A Kazal, MD, Serena Bezdjian, Ph.D., Justin M Goehl, DC, MS, Jay Greenstein, DC, Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain, Pain Medicine, Volume 21, Issue 12, December 2020, Pages 3567–3573, doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnaa014
Okifuji, Akiko, and Bradford D Hare. “The association between chronic pain and obesity.” Journal of pain research vol. 8 399-408. 14 Jul. 2015, doi:10.2147/JPR.S55598
Most if not all of us have probably used heat and/or ice on a sprain, strain, or sore area of the body. Having a pinched nerve, however, has a different feeling than a sprain or strain. Chiropractic treatment for a pinched nerve is recommended, but if the pain isn’t too bad, then home care can work. Which is better for a pinched nerve, heat or ice? Both. Using heat and ice helps reduce swelling, increases blood flow to the area, and relaxes the muscles around the pinched nerve. The objective is to know when to use ice and/or heat.
Contents
Applying Heat on a Pinched Nerve
Applying heat on a pinched nerve is fine. The general guideline for a pinched nerve is to use heat only after the pain has subsided/reduced.
When pain presents or flares up, use ice before using heat.
Do not apply heat to the area directly after applying ice.
Wait 30 minutes to an hour.
Keep the heat on the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
Take a minimum 30-minute break between sessions.
If the heat helps, make the heat moderate and use it on the area for an hour or more.
Extended heat therapy is beneficial for severe pain from a pinched nerve.
The equivalent is like soaking in a hot bath.
Heat for a Pinched Nerve Benefits
Heat soothes and relaxes both the muscles and the mind.
Heat increases healing abilities by circulating new blood to the injured/affected area, helping to flush toxins away.
Decreases tension and spasms in the muscles.
Increases the range of motion in the joints.
When Not To Use Heat Therapy
It can be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Conditions include:
If home remedies don’t work, know when to consult a chiropractor.
Doctors of chiropractic specialize in pinched/compressed nerves. A chiropractor is trained in different techniques to relieve the pressure and release the nerve back to its proper position.
Body Composition
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease or PAD is the narrowing of the arteries that carry blood away from the heart to the other areas of the body. What to know about PAD:
Peripheral artery disease risks increase with age.
Over half of affected individuals do not present with symptoms.
Around one-fourth of individuals with peripheral artery disease have diabetes mellitus.
Smokers have an increased risk of developing PAD.
This is why it’s important to monitor blood pressure.
References
Chandler, Anne, et al. “Using heat therapy for pain management. (clinical practice).” Nursing Standard, vol. 17, no. 9, 13 Nov. 2002, pp. 40+. Accessed 15 Sept. 2021.
Edzard Ernst, Veronika Fialka, Ice freezes pain? A review of the clinical effectiveness of analgesic cold therapy, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Volume 9, Issue 1, 1994, Pages 56-59, ISSN 0885-3924, doi.org/10.1016/0885-3924(94)90150-3.
Shu, Jun, and Gaetano Santulli. “Update on peripheral artery disease: Epidemiology and evidence-based facts.” Atherosclerosis vol. 275 (2018): 379-381. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.05.033
Managing rheumatoid arthritis is an ongoing balancing act. Flare-ups can still present despite following the rheumatologist’s lifestyle instructions, proper medication use, and a well-maintained RA plan. Monitoring daily activities can help minimize the chances of experiencing episodes.
Contents
Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups
A rheumatoid arthritis flare-up is a short-term escalation of arthritis symptoms. A flare-up can go away within a day or can persist for several weeks or months. A flare-up usually involves joint stiffness and pain but can also present as any symptoms worsening. If the flare-up is severe, it can affect the ability to perform regular everyday activities.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary, and not every person experiences the same. Most individuals describe flare-ups with a sudden increase in:
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Limited joint mobility
Fatigue
Symptoms that feel like the flu.
Frequency and severity can also vary.
Back Pain Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many joints. It is the inflammation of a joint’s synovial membrane. These include the facet joints in the spine. The most commonplace in the spine affected by rheumatoid arthritis is the upper neck, around the base of the skull. The joints at the top of the neck get inflamed and can become unstable or form abnormal tissue that sticks out and compress the spinal cord.
Triggers
Several potential flare-up triggers include:
Stress
Not getting enough sleep
Medication changes
Injury
Excessive physical activity and/or exercise
Repetitive overuse injury
Smoking
Spinal infections
Airborne toxins can also be a trigger to a flare-up. Substances include chemicals like household cleaners. Switching to organic and environmentally safe cleaners can help. Airborne toxins are a concern in densely populated cities and areas that experience air pollution and smog. To minimize risks, staying indoors during times of poor air quality is recommended.
However, flare-ups can happen without an identifiable trigger. Certain foods can increase inflammation and could contribute to a flare-up, including:
Avoiding these foods and following a diet that has been developed to prevent symptoms will help significantly. The objective is to learn to identify an RA flare-up to moderate activities accordingly.
Prevention
Managing any chronic medical condition is challenging, especially when trying to predict when a flare-up will happen. There is not a foolproof strategy for prevention, but advice that can help minimize the risks of an RA flare-up.
Understand that the disease can change over time. This means changes in medications and the need for multi-approach treatment. Learning healthy self-care techniques will go a long way in managing symptoms.
Body Composition
Antioxidants protection
Metabolic processes, like energy production, and environmental pollution, can result in free radical production. These are highly reactive molecules that can damage the body’s cells and lead to oxidative stress. This can develop into a disease, including heart disease. The body has natural protective mechanisms to neutralize free radical molecules, including glutathione, which is the body’s top antioxidant. If glutathione becomes depleted because of increased free radicals, the body switches to dietary antioxidants from food as a secondary defense.
Pham-Huy, Lien Ai et al. “Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health.” International Journal of biomedical science: IJBS vol. 4,2 (2008): 89-96.
The hamstring muscles are three muscles in the back of the thigh. The sciatic nerve goes through or around and down the legs into the feet. Hamstring syndrome is a condition where injury or spasm apply pressure compressing the sciatic nerve.
The nerve can become pinched between the hamstring muscles and the pelvic bone or the band of tissue that connects the hamstring muscles.
This can cause discomfort, tingling, numbness, and pain down the back of the leg, hip, buttock, and into the foot.
Pain can present when sitting down or stretching the hamstrings.
Pain reduces when lying flat on the back.
Contents
Hamstring syndrome
This condition could be the result of wearing and tearing to the back muscles and hamstring muscles. It is often seen in individuals that play sports involving running, kicking, and/or jumping. But it can happen to anyone from some awkward leg motion causing the muscles to spasm that can twist around the sciatic nerve or pull on it, causing various symptoms. A doctor or chiropractor will diagnose the condition by examining the symptoms, physical activities, and leg. Most individuals diagnosed with hamstring syndrome report discomfort or pain where they sit down. The pain gradually worsens when performing physical activities, regularly sitting, and when flexing the knee. Hamstring syndrome usually gets better within a few weeks with proper rest and home care. A doctor or chiropractor will recommend exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles.
Home care
Ask the doctor or chiropractor about taking over-the-counter pain medication:
Acetaminophen – Tylenol
Ibuprofen – Advil, Motrin
Naproxen – Aleve
Read and follow all label instructions.
Use an ice pack on the pain area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for 3 days or until the swelling goes down.
After 2 or 3 days, if the swelling is gone, apply heat.
Use a warm water bottle, heating pad, or warm cloth over the area.
Avoid sitting if possible, unless it feels better than standing.
Take short walks to keep the muscles stretched.
Don’t do anything that causes symptoms to worsen.
Return to normal physical activities slowly.
If symptoms do not improve, then contact a doctor or chiropractor.
Caffeine falls under stimulants, or substances that excite the systems throughout the body.
Ingesting caffeine can cause the body to experience increased excitement, especially in the cardiovascular system.
This excitement causes the heart rate and blood pressure to rise
Then it lowers back down to baseline levels for most healthy individuals.
It is recommended to drink coffee in moderation, safe for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
References
de Ridder, Roel et al. “Neurodynamic sliders promote flexibility in tight hamstring syndrome.” European journal of sports science vol. 20,7 (2020): 973-980. doi:10.1080/17461391.2019.1675770
Matsuda, Dean K. “Editorial Commentary: Proximal Hamstring Syndrome: Another Pain in the Buttock.” Arthroscopy: the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery: official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association vol. 34,1 (2018): 122-125. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2017.08.260
Park, Jung Wee et al. “Deep gluteal syndrome as a cause of posterior hip pain and sciatica-like pain.” The bone & joint journal vol. 102-B,5 (2020): 556-567. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.102B5.BJJ-2019-1212.R1
Chiropractic treatment/care is a recommended pain relief option for musculoskeletal automobile, sports, personal – injuries, strains, sprains, pain, and rehabilitation. An initial chiropractic examination is similar to a standard examination administered by health care providers. What an individual can expect at their first consultation includes:
Some chiropractors offer individuals an initial interview over a video conference and/or phone call. It is focused on discussion with topics like the chiropractors:
The initial in-office clinical exam generally includes:
Patient History and Symptoms
The patient will be asked to fill out forms that can also be filled out online before the visit, saving a patient time if they so choose. This provides background information about symptoms and conditions in preparation for the in-person chiropractic consultation. Questions include:
Did the pain start as a result of an auto, sports, personal, work injury?
How did the pain start – activities, sports, work, etc.?
When did the pain start – a few days, weeks, months, years?
Where is the pain located?
Does the pain spread out to other areas?
Is the pain dull, sharp, burning, or throbbing?
Does the pain come and go, or is it constant?
What activities or body positions make it better and/or worse?
Patients are also asked to provide information on pre-existing medical conditions, family medical history if necessary, prior injuries, and previous and current treatments provided by other medical professionals.
Physical Examination
A chiropractic examination includes:
Reflexes
Respiration
Blood pressure
Pulse
Certain orthopedic and neurological tests can also be used. These include:
Range of motion
Neurological integrity
Muscle strength
Muscle tone
Walking gait
Posture analysis
Diagnostic Studies
Based on the medical history and physical exam results, diagnostic studies could help reveal pathologies and identify structural abnormalities to diagnose more accurately. X-rays are the most commonly used during an initial chiropractic exam and are used to:
Diagnose recent trauma
Diagnose bone fractures
Study spinal deformities
An MRI scan is recommended for soft tissue damage like a herniated disc, torn muscle/s, or nerve compression.
Patient Diagnosis after the Chiropractic Exam
All the findings from the medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests help the chiropractor form a diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, the chiropractor will discuss personalized treatment options.
Body Composition
Heart Disease
Many factors can contribute to heart disease, and research has pointed to inflammation caused by obesity as one of the most significant factors to its development. The main contributor is cytokines produced by excess body fat. Cytokinescause inflammation in the walls of the arteries causing damage and increasing pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the vessels. High blood pressure means that the heart is not pumping blood effectively, and the heart begins to enlarge. An enlarged heart is a significant risk factor that can lead to heart failure if interventions are not taken to repair the damage.
References
Jenkins HJ, Downie AS, French SD. Current evidence for spinal x-ray use in the chiropractic profession. Chiropr Man Therap. 2018; 26:48.
Wang, Zhaoxia, and Tomohiro Nakayama. “Inflammation, a link between obesity and cardiovascular disease.” Mediators of inflammation vol. 2010 (2010): 535918. doi:10.1155/2010/535918
Weeks, William B et al. “Public Perceptions of Doctors of Chiropractic: Results of a National Survey and Examination of Variation According to Respondents’ Likelihood to Use Chiropractic, Experience With Chiropractic, and Chiropractic Supply in Local Health Care Markets.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 38,8 (2015): 533-44. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2015.08.001
Relaxing the low back muscles. The low back supports the weight of the upper body and provides mobility. The lumbar spine/low back is a complex structure of interconnecting:
Bones
Joints
Nerves
Ligaments
Muscles
All work together to provide support, strength, and flexibility.
However, this complex structure is highly susceptible to injury and pain. The muscles in the low back support the spinal column and are responsible for flexing, rotating the hips when walking. The nerves in the low back supply sensation and power the muscles in the pelvis, legs, and feet. The most common acute low back pain cases are brought on from injury to the:
Muscles
Ligaments
Joints
Discs
The body also reacts to injury by triggering an inflammatory response. Inflammation can cause severe pain. The key is relaxing the muscles and keeping them loose.
Contents
Lower back pain causes
The most common cause is muscle spasms, which can be triggered by:
Quick awkward movements like twisting, reaching, and/or bending at the wrong angle can set off pain symptoms.
If the same back muscles are getting strained and/or pulled continuously, this could indicate an underlying problem with a misaligned vertebra.
Correct improper postures
Improper posture and body positioning eventually present with discomfort and pain. Individuals are constantly hunched over and slumped in front of computers and devices, along with sitting with crossed legs, sleeping on a non-supportive mattress, and there is a perfect recipe for low back pain. Adjusting sitting, desk, and computer ergonomics and using smart devices with posture awareness will go a long way to correct improper posture.
Stretch and loosen tight muscles
Stretch out throughout the day and before going to bed. Sitting all day at work, then going home and sitting all evening is not healthy for the body’s muscles. The muscles shorten, as do the ligaments and tendons. Stretching keeps the body loose and limber. Try out different forms of stretching, as well as foam rolling for the back.
Get the body moving
Cramped or pulled muscles need time to recover. Too much rest or being completely inactive makes sense but is not recommended. Light movement keeps the blood flowing, especially in and around the injured/sore area. This increases healing and shortens recovery time. Just some light walking is recommended. Getting up and moving while relaxing around the house will get the muscles back in shape.
Body Composition
Benefits of collagen
Gastrointestinal Health
Collagen generates a protective barrier effect on the intestinal mucosa that lines the digestive tract. One study found that collagen supplementation protects against the breakdown of the intestinal wall after a burn injury. A lack of collagen from aging or other factors could impair the structure of the intestinal mucosa. This could lead to digestive problems like leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.
Joint Health and Mobility
Collagen provides structure and cushion in the joints. As the body ages, the cushion wears down, and joint mobility decreases. This increases the risk of injury. Taking collagen supplements can help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions.
References
Finta, Regina et al. “The effect of diaphragm training on lumbar stabilizer muscles: a new concept for improving segmental stability in the case of low back pain.” Journal of pain research vol. 11 3031-3045. 28 Nov. 2018, doi:10.2147/JPR.S181610
Lugo, James P et al. “Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” Nutrition journal vol. 15 14. 29 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0130-8
High school football takes a toll on the body. The sport can cause all kinds of injuries that can range from mild – severe. Areas that are commonly injured include:
Head
Neck
Shoulder
Arms
Hands
Spine
Legs
Knees
Ankles
Feet
Chiropractic has become a medically recommended form of treatment and rehabilitation for these injuries but also injury prevention. Today all NFL teams utilize a chiropractic team for players and staff. College teams are also discovering the benefits that chiropractic offers. There are significant benefits that high school football players can attain from chiropractic care.
Contents
Enhanced Mobility
A chiropractic adjustment, technically known as chiropractic manipulative treatment/CMT, is a primary therapy in sports medicine. It helps to increase flexibility and minimize or eliminate pain during motion/movement. Adjustments have been shown to improve athletic performance.
Injury Prevention
Athletes who regularly use chiropractic experience a decline in sports-related injuries.
Treatment increases flexibility and mobility, allowing for optimal agility that has been linked to preventing injuries. This is because the body is relaxed and stays loose, even when tackled, instead of tensing up, which is a major contributor to strains and injuries.
Enhanced Strength
Chiropractic adjustments also help increase muscular strength, making the body stronger, and more resistant to injury. It has been shown to promote strength in the muscles after a few sessions effectively. The strengthened muscles also help avoid injury by being able to withstand the hits and recover faster. The strengthened body also helps to increase endurance and stamina.
Pain Relief
Many high school players use chiropractic to ease the general pain that comes from general practice and games. Adjustments and massage are highly effective for pain management and alleviate headaches, especially those that come from constant impact to the head and neck. It helps to alleviate soreness, stiffness, and pain from the entire body.
Sports Hernia
Athletes often experience athletic pubalgia. This is one of the most common causes of injury-related groin pain. Chiropractic can relieve the discomfort within 8 weeks in combination with rehabilitative stretches and exercises. Chiropractic plays a critical role in whole-body care, pain relief and keeps the body operating and performing at the highest level.
Body Composition
Water Intoxication
When an individual overwhelms their body’s ability to excrete water and waste products consumed, water intoxication can develop. Water intoxication causes disturbances in the body’s electrolyte balance. This can cause a life-threatening condition known as hyponatremia. With a rapid decrease in the sodium levels in the blood, relative to the amount of water, symptoms can develop rapidly:
If left untreated, later symptoms can develop into:
Seizures
Coma
Death
References
Hession, E F, and G D Donald. “Treatment of multiple lumbar disk herniations in an adolescent athlete utilizing flexion distraction and rotational manipulation.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 16,3 (1993): 185-92.
Pritchett, J W. “A statistical study of physician care patterns in high school football injuries.” The American journal of sports medicine vol. 10,2 (1982): 96-9. doi:10.1177/036354658201000206
Shane, Eric R et al. “Sports chiropractic management of concussions using the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 2 symptom scoring, serial examinations, and graded return to play protocol: a retrospective case series.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 12,4 (2013): 252-9. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2013.08.001
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
