Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)�is a procedure that treats chronic neck conditions and is the most common spinal surgery performed in the U.S.�30 percent of Americans a year experience neck pain, chronic neck pain and radiculopathy or pain that spreads out and radiates to other parts of the body, in this case down the arms.
It�s a procedure that can work wonders, but as many as two-thirds of patients continue to manage neck pain and dysfunction after ACDF. One of the best ways of managing neck pain and dysfunction is to exercise. Research shows that a prescribed exercise program right after surgery can help lessen the pain and create less dependence on medications. A 2020 study published in SPINE suggests that patients that began therapeutic exercises right away had better results than individuals that started an exercise program after the six-week checkup/examination.
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What Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion Treats
The procedure is performed on individuals with degenerative disc disease or a bulging or herniated disc. These conditions can cause the spinal disc to place pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots that branch out, creating:
Numbness
Tingling
Pain
Weakness in one or both arms
Most individuals that are recommended to undergo the surgery experience symptoms that don�t respond to non-surgical therapies or medication/s. A significant symptom is hand/arm weakness and arm pain that�s worse than the neck pain.
ACDF Surgery
The ACDF procedure is broken into two parts: a discectomyand a fusion. Anterior means in front and in this case it’s the front of the neck that the surgeon accesses the damaged discs.�In a discectomy, the surgeon removes a portion/s or all of an intervertebral disc/s to release the pressure on the nerves. The fusion part fuses the two vertebrae together. This eliminates the painful movements. A bone graft is inserted between the vertebrae at the spot where the disc was removed. The bone graft serves as a structural scaffold that the body uses to build new tissue and cause the vertebrae to grow together.
The graft can come from three sources:
Your own bone called an autograft, this is usually a piece of bone from the pelvis just above where the front jean pocket would be.
Bone donation called an allograft that comes from a cadaver from a bone donor bank.
Substitute material/s like man-made plastic, ceramic, or bioresorbable compounds.
Home Exercise Program
There are those that are of the opinion to hold off on physical therapy or exercise until about six weeks post-ACDF when recovery is established. However, the study suggests it is more effective to begin a home exercise program (HEP) as soon as possible. At this time telemedicine is the replacement for in-person physical therapy sessions but works just as well. The study examined 28 individuals’ outcomes over 12-months post-operation.
The participants were divided into two groups:� Standard care and Early HEP. Both groups went through the standard postoperative care, along with medication, a cervical collar or neck brace, and restrictions of certain activities. The standard care group received physical therapy referral six weeks after surgery while the early HEP group was given a home exercise program to perform during the postoperative six-weeks.
This included walking and sleeping instructions and a range of motion/strengthening exercises. A cognitive-behavioral strategy was also given to help relax. The participants would phone-conference with a physical therapist on a weekly basis. Exercises increased in difficulty every two weeks, based on the therapists’ judgment. When compared to the standard care group, the early HEP group reported a reduction in short-term neck pain and were less likely to be using pain meds/opioids twelve months after their surgery.
Recovery Tips
Recovery time after ACDF surgery typically lasts about four to six weeks. If the bone graft was from the pelvis, there could be pain, soreness, and stiffness. To minimize discomfort, try not to sit or lie down for long periods. And remember to change position or take a quick short walk down the hall, to the kitchen, etc. every 20-30 minutes. If you are referred to physical therapy combine it with the home exercise program. The therapist will teach you exercises and proper form. Exercising ten minutes every day is far more effective than doing 45 minutes once a week.
Resuming normal activities gradually is crucial. No pain, no gain does not apply when recovering from ACDF surgery. Recovery exercises can feel great. However, pain and fatigue can sneak up the next day or the following week. Gradually easing back into daily activities can help avoid major setbacks. Work, shopping, house chores, childcare, and lawn care all fall into the activity category.
A recurrence of neck pain after recovery is normal. However,�discomfort can be minimized by taking a few precautions.
Use proper form when lifting
Keep objects close to the body
Keep the back flat as you lift
Maintain neutral neck position
Be aware of your posture when sitting, standing, walking, and sleeping
Gradually increase the exercise program
Don’t overdo it
Address underlying fear/anxiety
Fear of generating pain can cause tension and exacerbate or even create new pain symptoms
Stop smoking, as it has shown to impede the fusion and heighten the risk for complications
ACDF surgery can improve quality of life. Your surgeon is responsible for performing the procedure, it�s up to the individual to follow through with an exercise program and proper ergonomics for optimal results.
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then it might be something that may be attacking your immune system. Why not try to add some beta-glucan into your diet and overall health.
Throughout the last several years, beta-glucans have been gaining much attention due to the emergence of medicinal mushrooms in Western cultures. Across the country, studies have found that beta-glucans have been ubiquitous in the health food stores due to their immunomodulatory properties and cancer-protective effects. Since edible fungi have been known as the main source for beta-glucans, surprisingly though beta-glucan can be presented in a variety of foods like oats, barley, seaweeds, and yeast. Beta-glucan can also be found in dietary supplements for the body to consume.
Beta-glucans
Beta-glucan is technically a non-starch polysaccharide, a prebiotic fiber that is formed by ?-1,3 and 1,6 glycosidic bonds. With beta-glucan, it can possess numerous health benefits depending on the molecular structure of each type of bond. Studies have shown that beta-glucans that are found in cereal grains can help lower cholesterol levels and can effectively bind serum cholesterol. Beta-glucans can even play a beneficial role in obesity, metabolic disorders, and other chronic non-communicable diseases. Since beta-glucans are a prebiotic fiber, research shows that they can play a significant role in promoting a healthy microbiome in the body. It means that beta-glucan can stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria species, mitigating pathogenic ones, and even modulating inflammation to optimize the gut environment in the body.
Beta-glucans for Immune Support
In a 2019 study, it stated that �the relationship between immunity and nutrition is considered to be completely interconnected.� More studies have shown that beta-glucan can act on several immune receptors that can stimulate immune cell activity. This includes T-cells, macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and dendritic cells. One of the studies showed how beta-glucans could pose modulatory effects on both the innate and adaptable branches of the immune system. One of the protein receptors is known as dectin-1; this protein receptor is on the surface of macrophages and dendritic cells.
What dectin-1 can do is that they can initiate and regulate the innate immune response by insoluble binding ?-1,3, and 1,6 glucans, plus it has become essential for controlling infections in the body. While water-soluble ?-glucan can bind to the CR3 receptors, thus triggering the adaptive immune response to the body. With ?-glucans, they can enhance phagocytosis while also triggering the release of various interleukins and cytokines, thus possessing cytotoxic anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that TNF-?, IFN-?, and NF-??, can help to support the regulation of the T-helper cell 1 and Th-2 balance for immunological homeostasis for the body. Surprisingly in other articles, they talked about how yeast-derived ?-1,3/1,6 glucan can be delivered as an oral supplement for the winter months. The article study showed how it demonstrates its protective effects against upper respiratory tract infections in the body. The study even showed how it could reduce the upper respiratory tract infection symptoms that are already in older adults that have been infected. Another study showed that ?-glucan have cytoprotective abilities from viral infections and provide immunomodulatory properties to the body and the immune system.
With the population of many individuals, it turns out that the elderly population can benefit from the ?-glucan compound. With this compound, everyone can have a healthy immune system, especially during the cold and flu season. Having a healthy immune system is important because that way, the body can protect itself from harmful pathogens through functional medicine, healthy nutritious food, and supplements. By using these options, the body can heal itself and can dampen the effects of cold and flu symptoms.
More Research on Beta-glucan
Research studies have shown that ?-1,3 glucan from the fungal cell wall is one of the key ingredients for vaccines. The research shows as well that ?-glucan can produce robust humoral and cellular immune responses for the body when it is exposed to antigens. What is interesting is that ?-glucan is known to exert antioxidant activities in the body. With their reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging abilities, they can exert the antioxidants into the circulatory system and the mucosal immune system. There is a study that shows that ?-glucan in barley can possess a higher total of antioxidants significantly at a better capacity than oats and yeast. The study showed that ?-glucan could be subdivided into two groups depending on whether specific receptors are involved or not. It also stated that ?-glucan could be validated as a functional food ingredient.
Conclusion
All in all, ?-glucan is an amazing non-starch polysaccharide prebiotic fiber that has amazing properties that can help the body. ?-glucan can be found in mushrooms and a variety of other foods like seaweed and oats. This compound can help boost up the body’s immune system and can dampen any harmful pathogens effects that the body has come in contact with. This compound�s beneficial properties are amazing for anyone that consumes it and even added it to their daily diet. Some products combined with ?-glucan can support the immune system with hypoallergenic nutrients and targets amino acids.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
References:
Bacha, Umar, et al. �Nutraceutical, Anti-Inflammatory, and Immune Modulatory Effects of ?-Glucan Isolated from Yeast.� BioMed Research International, Hindawi, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5587958/.
Chan, Godfrey Chi-Fung, et al. �The Effects of Beta-Glucan on Human Immune and Cancer Cells.� Journal of Hematology & Oncology, BioMed Central, 10 June 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2704234/.
Fuller, Richard, et al. �Yeast-Derived ?-1,3/1,6 Glucan, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Innate Immunity in Older Adults.� Nutrition, Elsevier, 23 Mar. 2017, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900717300539.
Jurgelewicz, Michael. �New Study Demonstrates Novel Yeast-Derived Beta-Glucan Provides Immunomodulatory Effects in Older Adults.� Designs for Health, 21 Oct. 2018, blog.designsforhealth.com/si-42214/new-study-demonstrates-zinc-supplementation-improves-clinical-outcomes-from-traumatic-brain-injury.
Levitz, Stuart M, et al. �Exploiting Fungal Cell Wall Components in Vaccines.� Seminars in Immunopathology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4329074/.
Nakashima, Ayaka, et al. �?-Glucan in Foods and Its Physiological Functions.� Euglena, Co., Ltd., 14 Aug. 2017.
Nakashima, Ayaka, et al. �?-Glucan in Foods and Its Physiological Functions.� Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29491277.
Team, DFH. �Modulators of Immune Health: Beta-Glucans.� Designs for Health, 26 Mar. 2020, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1219.
Team, DFH. �Mushrooms for Nutritional Medicine.� Designs for Health, 14 Feb. 2019, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/952.
Vetvicka, Vaclav, et al. �Beta Glucan: Supplement or Drug? From Laboratory to Clinical Trials.� Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 30 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6479769/.
The University offers a wide variety of medical professions for functional and integrative medicine. Their goal is to inform individuals who want to make a difference in the functional medical fields with knowledgeable information that they can provide.
A February 2020 study explored the relationship between low back pain and menopause. Hormones and vitamin D play a role. Vitamin D deficiency is related to increased lower back pain and degenerative disc disease in postmenopausal women. Decreasing estrogen levels can also drop levels of vitamin D, which can be downright painful if left unaddressed.
Menopause:
Hot flashes
Mood swings
Sleep issues
Libido changes
A drop in�estrogen levels can cause these symptoms.
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Degenerative Disc Disease
In between the vertebra are fibrous discs that are the shock absorbers for the spine. These discs also support and stabilize the spine, which allows you to move freely pain-free. The health of the spine is a vital part of well-being and provides the ability to bend, lift, twist, and perform normal activities without pain.
With the passage of time, the discs start to dry out and lose their flexibility and elasticity. When the discs dry out, known as desiccation is a natural process that happens as we age and does not always cause pain symptoms. The discs become thinner and less able to absorb shock that can lead to pain and stiff movement. The loss of elasticity and height in the discs is known as degenerative disc disease.
Stenosis/Compression
With degenerative disc disease, sometimes the body tries to compensate for the loss of stability by producing more bone to stabilize the spine.
This causes bone growth/s, called bone spurs or osteophytes. These can crowd the spinal canal, which is a condition called stenosis.
Stenosis places pressure on the nerve roots that branch off the spinal cord.
The symptoms of this compression can present with:
Pins and needles sensations
Muscle spasms
Decreased sensation to touch
Weakness and pain in the back or that radiate down the arms or legs.
Treatments for degenerative disc disease include physical therapies and surgery. Most cases are treatable without surgery by utilizing physical therapy, occupational therapy, strength/flexibility exercises, injections, and supplements. Surgery could be considered to make more room in the spinal canal, relieve nerve compression, and reduce pain.
Vitamin D and Bone Health
Vitamin D has multiple functions in the body. It’s produced by the body when exposed to sunlight and is also found in certain foods and supplements. One function of vitamin D involves bone health support. The body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone production. Calcium is stored inside the bones.
When there is a deficiency in calcium, the body breaks down the bone/s and takes/pulls the calcium back into the blood. Inadequate vitamin D means the body is not able to absorb enough calcium and cannot prevent the bones from being broken down. Vitamin D deficiency at an early age can cause low bone density along with diseases like rickets, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bone gradually weakens and breaks easily.
It can cause vertebral compression fractures, where the vertebrae crack because the bone tissue is not strong enough to support the body�s weight and resist gravity.
Two causes of osteoporosis are nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances, like low estrogen production after menopause. Proper vitamin D/calcium intake is essential for preventing and reducing bone loss that can lead to these conditions and increased lower back pain.
Estrogen and Bone/Spine Health
Estrogen plays a role in male and female bone health. Cells called osteoblasts help in the production of bone are highly active. Estrogen helps slow the breakdown of bones and promotes bone growth. A drop in estrogen over time compromises the health of bones. Individuals with chronic hormone imbalances and postmenopausal women are frequently affected by bone disease/s and the loss of bone density over time.�Studies reveal the risk of developing osteoporosis is higher in postmenopausal women.
Estrogen helps maintain tissues that contain collagen, which is found in intervertebral discs. Lower estrogen levels following menopause have shown to lead to more severe lumbar disc degeneration and increased lower back pain in women when compared to men. This demonstrates the importance of monitoring changes in lower back pain for women after menopause.
Vitamin D and the Spinal Discs
The relationship between increased low back pain in postmenopausal women and vitamin D deficiency is real. Supplements can help correct these deficiencies, can help reduce low back pain and promote bone health.
Postmenopausal women are especially at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D and calcium supplements can be used in combination.The bone/s breakdown is stopped, while the bone tissue is strengthened thus reducing back pain. Low back pain brought on by degenerative disc disease is pretty much present in patients over age 65.
These health concerns can be helped through:
Vitamin supplementation
Exercise
Healthy diet
Slowing down bone loss can be achieved with strategies that range from diet change to prescription medication.
A doctor could recommend alternative treatments, as part of aplan for neck pain like acupuncture, herbal compounds, and yoga. You may want to try them out yourself. Many have reported that these have really helped. Please consult a doctor before trying any alternative therapies. These are safe but should be set-up by a professional to make sure they are done safely. For example, there could be negative interactions between herbs, supplements, and other medications being used.
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Acupuncture
This is an eastern approach to healing. Acupuncture focuses on the body’s energy force known as Qi or Chi. When the energy is blocked from flowing this is when physical illnesses develop. Acupuncture restores the healthy energy flow. It isn’t better or worse it is just different.
Herbal Medicine
There are herbal compounds that have proven to be useful for neck pain.
Capsaicin Cream
Capsaicin is a chili pepper extract and can help relieve neck pain. It temporarily reduces pain. Capsaicin cream can help with osteoarthritis and muscle pain, which both cause neck pain.
Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw comes from southern Africa, where it has been used for centuries to treat fever, arthritis, and gastrointestinal problems. It is used for conditions that cause inflammation and pain, like cervical osteoarthritis.
White Willow Bark
White willow bark is how aspirin in Europe was developed. Synthetic versions like aspirin can irritate the stomach, which is why the natural white willow bark is used instead. It helps with conditions that cause pain and inflammation like osteoarthritis.
Massage
Neck pain can be caused by stress, overuse, and misuse. Misuse means like sitting hunched over a computer for too long every day will take its toll. Massage helps to release tension, relieve muscle inflammation, and pain. Regular massages could help as a preventative measure.
Yoga/Pilates
Yoga and Pilates can increase core strength, improve balance, posture, and reduce stress. These can all help deal with neck pain/ prevent neck pain when done correctly and safely. Neck pain relief can be found with these treatments. Treatments that focus on relieving tension or stress can prove especially helpful if the pain is related to tight muscles and the physical effects of stress.
These alternative treatments could work at their optimal in combination with other therapies. This is to fully address the underlying spinal condition/root cause, along with any other neck-related symptoms.
Join us for a LIVE WEBINAR with Dr. Jimenez and Dr. Ruja as they discuss Health and Immunity from a functional medicine perspective as part of their Health and Immunity Series.
Dr. Jimenez and Dr. Ruja are both experienced chiropractors with extensive knowledge regarding the human body and how the body systems work. With extra training and education in functional medicine* they discuss immunity and overall health with great detail and understanding.
Functional medicine requires doctors to continue their education and re-evaluate how they treat patients, including clinical decision thinking. Functional medicine stems from the basis and clinical application of understanding whole body wellness and the interconnection between organ systems and their processes.
Dr. Jimenez and Dr. Ruja bring their knowledge to the people by explaining current health dilemmas in a way that is easy to understand while showing scientific data and providing their resources for all viewers to follow along with.
This webinar series will discuss topics such as:
?? Immune System Support
?? COVID-19 Statistics
?? Nutrition Support
?? Understanding COVID – 19
?? The connection between body systems
?? And more!
We are excited to have you join this LIVE WEBINAR event and encourage you to follow along by downloading the presentation: prezi.com/view/G5M24nJOzbC7rw25stGT/
Interested in more? Click the link to fill out our FREE functional medicine assessment today!: bit.ly/functionmed
Functional Medicine* and Integrative Wellness requires Doctors to engage in further education outside of their core training and within their scope of practice.
This webinar is led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, who has advanced training in functional medicine, neurophysiology, and clinical applications.
*Additional Education: M.S.A.C.P – Licensed in Texas & New Mexico. Scope of Practice Governed and Determined by State License & State Board Rules & Regulations.
Or join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
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Webinar ID: 959 5098 3232
Companies are doing what they can to keep operations moving and workers employed. Those that are able to work-from-home are doing so. But working from home is new to many and creates new challenges of converting an area in the house, apartment, etc, to become the workspace.
Back pain is common whether at the office or at the house. Everyday activities like the way you sit or lift can cause back pain if you�re not careful. At the house, it can be easy to lose track of time working. However, sitting with the wrong chair, at an improper height is not great for the body and overall health.
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Working from Home and Back Pain
You probably thought you�d be comfortable working while lounging in bed or slouching on the sofa. However, after a few hours,�you would have a sore back, neck, or shoulders muscles. Working on a laptop for hours daily�at the kitchen counter or hunched over a coffee table and not sitting at a table or desk with a proper chair can lead to pain.�The best way to reduce and avoid back/neck pain is to make a few changes to the workstation.
Setting Up The Workspace
A comfortable workspace will increase productivity and physically help you feel good.
Working comfortably for hours, maintaining proper posture, it would be wise to invest in practical office appliances that can support physical well-being. Proper office ergonomics include:
The correct chair height
Footrest
Working desk posture that keeps muscles and joints comfortable
Choosing the ergonomic office chair is important, considering you will be using it for back support. Office chairs are not a one size fits all. The choice could be the difference between having continuing back pain or improving comfort, health, and overall productivity.
Ergonomic Back Support
Despite the adjustable ergonomic chair, you might still have back pain while working. Consider the following because it might not be the chair that�s not working.
Keep Moving Around
Step counts could take a dive when working from home. Exercise and stretching at regular intervals are extremely important to protecting the spine throughout the day. Remembering to do this at home can be harder than working in an office environment. Use an automatic reminder on the phone. Our bodies need regular low-impact aerobic activity. It provides the tissues with vital blood flow and helps minimize back pain.
Be Sure To Check Your Posture
The spine is not fixed in abnormal positions. Sitting and slouching forward for a long time will contribute to back pain. The advantages of sitting straight:
Keeps the Joints Aligned
Keeps the Bones Aligned
Supports the Muscles
Supports the Ligaments
Prevents Muscle Fatigue
Sit all the way back in your chair and take full advantage of the lower back support. The knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle with the feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.
Proper Screen Height
The height of the computer screen should not be too high or too low. Your eyes should aim at the center of the screen without having to crane your neck up or down. It should be directly in front to avoid tilting or turning your head. A laptop should be raised anywhere from 5 to 10 inches to provide the proper height.
Speaker Setting
Don’t go for the multitask when it comes to the phone. Having the phone between your neck/shoulder and working at the same time can lead to stressing your back and hurting/injuring the muscles. Turn on the speaker or use a headset to avoid the awkward neck position.
Breathe Deep
Proper breathing keeps the body and the muscles in the mid and lower back nicely relaxed. Improper breathing can make the nervous system react, causing pain or discomfort. Breathing exercises can be a way to target lower back pain/s. No special equipment is needed and can be done anywhere, anytime. Concentration is the key. Inhale and bring the navel towards the spine and then exhale. This exercise will engage the core muscles and will support the upper body.
With so much at stake, our bodies have developed a complex self-defense system to protect the spinal cord and its critical two-way�sensory information flow. As the body�s nerve center the spinal cord controls almost all voluntary and involuntary movements throughout the torso, arms, and legs.�It also receives sensory input from the torso and limbs. The�spinal cord plays a critical role and needs to be defended. The most prominent protection for the brain is the skull, for the spinal cord, it is more complicated.
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Self Defense
The spinal cord consists of a bunch of nerves. One of the self-defenses is the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that cushions and nourishes them. On the outside, the spinal cord is protected by the tube structure known as the meninges. Three-layered membranes make up the meninges, each with its own protective role:
Pia mater
Arachnoid mater
Dura mater
Self-defenses do not stop there. Another self-defense includes the vertebrae or the backbones themselves, intervertebral discs, and various muscles and ligaments.
Meninges
The meninges are three layers of membranes that encapsulate the spinal cord at the brainstem from the top to the bottom of the spine. The innermost layer is the pia mater and is attached directly to the spinal cord. It is made up of mostly collagen that has an elasticity that allows the cord to maintain its shape. Next comes the arachnoid mater and is the middle layer.
Its primary role is to maintain the cerebrospinal fluid that fills the subarachnoid space between the pia and the arachnoid. A common condition known as arachnoiditis involves the arachnoid mater. It is a painful inflammation of the membrane that requires medical treatment. It can lead to disability if it is progressive.
Dura Mater
The outer layer is the dura mater and is the toughest. The dura rests on the arachnoid with a small amount of fluid in-between. The epidural space separates this membrane from the wall of the vertebral canal. Although it is tough, tears can occur. Tears can result from:
Injury
Epidural injections
Lumbar punctures
Complications from spine surgery
Some individuals can even develop tears spontaneously, sometimes as a result of a connective tissue disorder. When the dura tears cerebrospinal fluid leaks out of the space, leaving the brain and spine with less cushion and support.
Postural headaches are worse standing than sitting or laying down and can be severe are the most common symptom of spinal fluid leaks. But these tears typically heal quickly with bed rest.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid is the clear liquid that fills the space between the pia and the arachnoid. It is made in the brain�s ventricles with its primary function to protect and nourish the spinal cord and brain. The fluid also removes waste products from the brain. The fluid also plays a role in helping doctors diagnose disease/s.
If a doctor suspects a severe infection or disorder of the central nervous system, they perform a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. The fluid can also contain evidence of inflammation or infection from waste products that the central nervous system discarded into the fluid. A doctor inserts a needle between two vertebrae in the lower back to remove a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid is sent to the lab and analyzed. Lumbar punctures can be used to diagnose conditions like:
Infectious brain and spinal diseases like meningitis and encephalitis
To see how the fluid is moving diagnostic images are done by injecting dye know as myelography or radioactive substances known as cisternography into the subarachnoid space before imaging. Lumbar punctures can also be used to measure the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid.
Vertebrae
There are 33 bones that make up the spine that forms a framework shaping the body and protecting the spine.�In a healthy spine, the neck vertebrae curve slightly inward called lordosis, while the middle vertebrae curves outward called kyphosis before meeting the low vertebrae curved inward. This makes the spinal cord flexible and balanced.
Each vertebra has a complex shape with a precise configuration determined by the location in the spine. Many conditions of the vertebrae involve nerves that get pinched/compressed as they exit the spine. Pinched nerves usually result from bone spurs on the vertebrae that crowd the canal and from herniated discs.
Intervertebral Discs
The intervertebral discs are the spine�s shock absorbers. They fill the space between two vertebrae with no direct contact. The endplates of each are coated with protective cartilage which anchors the discs in place. The gel substance part of each disc is called the nucleus pulposus. The tough cover known as the annulus fibrosus wraps around each disc to protect and shape it. There are no blood vessels in the discs and are nourished by the endplates of the vertebrae.
Herniated discs are the most common disc-related condition. When a disc herniates, the annulus fibrosus tears. The tear leaks out the protective gel to bulge out into the spinal canal. With no room in the canal for anything but the spinal cord and spinal fluid, the gel puts pressure on the surrounding nerve/s and the spinal cord itself. This is called myelopathy when the spinal cord gets compressed. Non-surgical treatments are quite successful in healing herniated disc/s.
The spine�s self-defense is elaborate, effective, and complicated. Consult an experienced spine specialist/chiropractor who can produce the best results and benefits.
Dr. Alexander Jimenez takes a look at how to keep your back healthy while doing yard work and gardening. We�re looking for ways to find mental and physical engagement without socializing. Many individuals are breaking up isolation and monotony by doing some home projects out in the yard and garden.
Doctors may tell patients that yard work and gardening should be avoided if they have a bad back. Individuals with a history of back pain/issues or have had spinal surgery might think that gardening is out of the question.�None of this is true. Yard work and gardening can be therapeutic physically and mentally for individuals with compromised backs as long as they follow some common-sense safety concepts.
Gardening with an ergonomic approach can make yard work and gardening very back/spine-friendly. If possible try to get tools for gardeners with neck and back problems or modify your own. Modified tools can highly reduce the chances of injuring your back. Try to set up the yard or garden in a way where there is minimal bending and reaching.
If this cannot be achieved set up the work to be done in an order where any bending/reaching tasks are spaced out so as not to be doing them all at once. Here are some ways for back-preservation when doing yard work and gardening. They will make your work more productive and reduce fatigue, discomfort, and minimize the risk of exacerbating any back injuries/problems.
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Environment
Working in the right environment is an important step for those with a bad back. If possible garden on a raised platform or a raised garden that is at a comfortable height to be able to stand and garden without bending and reaching. Structures can be purchased, or make them yourself with old broken used furniture like tables, shelves, etc. Garden beds can be worked using the square foot technique to minimize bending, reaching and squatting.
The Square Foot gardening technique was invented in 1976 by Mel Bartholomew, a civil engineer, and efficiency expert that took up gardening after retiring. These types of gardens are made to be waist level using old furniture, self-made or store-bought frames that are back-friendly. Gardening like this means less time weeding, bending and reaching with more time enjoying the therapeutic benefits.
Preparation with the Spine in Mind
Here are some tips on modifying your methods and tools for safe yard work and gardening. One example is using a golf bag with wheels for carrying and select long tools. Also using a two-wheeled garden cart/wheel-barrow. It is more balanced than a standard wheelbarrow and is better for the spine.
Practice Safe Posture/Position
Never use the back muscles to lift. Lift with the legs. Bend the knees, hinge at your hips and keep the back straight. If needed practice bending in front of a mirror to see your form and make sure the technique is being done properly. Check out this YouTube video on raking and hoeing. Plant containers while standing using a potting bench, or an old table. Have a stool, chair or heavy-duty bucket to sit down easily when a break is needed.
Containers
One back-friendly gardening technique is to plant in containers. Plant them where they will sit, which minimizes having to lift or carrying to a location. Styrofoam peanuts can be placed at the bottom third of the container instead of gravel to make the containers lighter. If using large containers, invest in a wheeled pot dolly to move the containers easily.
Focus on the Time and Not the Task
With big projects, break them down into smaller more manageable tasks. Dividing the bed/s into halves or thirds makes the work more pleasant. Underestimating how long a project might take can be a major set back. So set time limits and follow through. When recovering from surgery or a back injury, set a limit of 15 minutes of work and see how it feels.If your back is not irritated or sore then expand to 30 minutes and so on.
Work smarter not harder. Under no circumstances should you shovel or pull up heavy, deep-rooted plant/s. This type of movement could put an end to yard work and gardening for some time. Do not forget that pain is our body’s way of telling us to stop. Be sure to talk with a spine specialist or chiropractor before starting yard work or gardening.
Gardening Benefits
Activity and fresh air can make us feel healthy and happy. Gardening can provide this along with healthy exercise. Therapeutic benefits of yard work and gardening have been well documented. Gardeners that did daily work were found to experience significant reductions in stress and improvement in overall health and quality of life compared to non-gardeners.
Gardening can significantly raise levels of energy, optimism, zest for life, self-esteem, openness and other factors relevant to self-image. Even a little gardening goes a long way. Just being outside and the physicality of yard work and gardening contributes to stress reduction. Another benefit from gardening is if planting herbs, and veggies you can cook even healthier. Much like a farm to table restaurant.
Join us for a LIVE WEBINAR with the Functional Fitness Fellas. We discuss the mechanics of functional movement and how it applies to working out and other body factors.
Functional Medicine* and Integrative Wellness require doctors to engage in further education outside of their core training and scope of practice.
Functional medicine requires doctors to continue their education and re-evaluate how they treat patients, including clinical decision thinking. Functional medicine stems from the basis and clinical application of understanding whole body wellness and the interconnection between organ systems and their processes.
Functional Fitness Fellas Alex Jimenez and Ryan Welage are both NCAA collegiate level champions. Not only do they have a close relationship with nutrition and fitness, but they understand the biochemistry level of it as well. In addition, Alex Jimenez and Ryan Welage are both medical students at the National University of Health Science studying to be naturopaths and chiropractors.
Join us for this live webinar event where we sit down with the Functional Fitness Fellas to discuss topics such as:
The Functional Fitness Fellas are here to educate, enlighten, and work towards preventing disease by caring for the human body through nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness.
This webinar is led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, who has advanced functional medicine, neurophysiology, and clinical applications.
*Additional Education: M.S.A.C.P – Licensed in Texas & New Mexico. Scope of Practice Governed and Determined by State License & State Board Rules & Regulations.
Or join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 436 2866
Webinar ID: 989 8718 5284
International numbers available:zoom.us/u/aeHB2ZmncF
PODCASTING WEBINARS NEW INSPIRING – INNOVATING & TRANSFORMING� HEALTH COACHING
The Live Wellness Healthcare Show welcomes and presents Trauma & Injury Doctors, Soft Injury Specialist, Rehabilitation Experts, Wellness Coaches, Fitness Leaders, Nutritional Experts and Clinical Specialist from the NHS, Local Community, CCGs, Primary Care, and Secondary Care together to harness the huge opportunity to improve services and patient experience through Live Digital Transformation & Broadcasting.� A live Interactive Telecast Forum.
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
