All can help relax muscles, relieve pain and increase mobility.
Proven Reduced Back Pain with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
Kent S. Greenawalt, President, and CEO of Foot Levelers discuss how custom foot orthotics can help reduce back pain, low back pain, and sciatica.
In a recent research study published by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), researchers demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics help considerably reduce back pain and several of its associated health issues.
The research study also demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care help tremendously reduce low back pain and sciatica.
Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care helped improve the patient’s overall health and wellness.
Dr. Alex Jimenez is a chiropractor in El Paso, TX. can help provide these benefits through the utilization of chiropractic care and Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics, among other treatments.
NCBI Resources
Pain in the upper and/or mid-back is not as common as lower back or neck pain. The upper back is called the thoracic spinal column, and it is the most secure part of the spine. The reach of movement in the upper back is limited because of the backbone�s attachments to the ribs (rib cage).
Upper back pain is generally caused by soft tissue injuries, like sprains or strains, muscle tension caused by bad posture, or looking downward for long time spans (eg, texting, mobile phone use).
Pain, tenderness, soreness on the left side, under the rib cage
Nausea or vomiting
Stool undigested, foul-smelling, mucus-like, greasy or poorly formed
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing pancreatic digestive disorders.
The Pancreas
The pancreas is a gland organ located in the abdomen. It is part of the digestive system, producing insulin and other vital enzymes and hormones that help break down food. It has an endocrine function, due to releasing juices directly into the bloodstream and has an exocrine function that releases juices into the ducts in the body.
One of its many jobs the pancreas does is that it secretes out enzymes into the small intestine and continues to break down that left in the stomach. Another job is that it produces insulin and secretes it into the bloodstream, where it can regulate the body’s glucose or sugar level. When there is a problem with insulin control in the body, it can lead a person to have diabetes. Other health problems include pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation in the pancreas. It occurs when the digestive enzymes become activated while irritating the cells in the pancreas. With repeated damages to the pancreas, it can cause either two forms of pancreatitis, which is acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Both are very painful and can form scar tissue in the pancreas, causing it to lose its function. A poorly functioning pancreas can cause digestion problems and diabetes. Here are the conditions that can lead to pancreatitis:
Abdominal surgery
Alcoholism
Certain medications
Cystic fibrosis
Gallstones
Obesity
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term progressive inflammatory disease in the pancreas that can lead to a permanent breakdown of the structure and function of the pancreas in the body. Studies stated that the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is long term alcohol abuse, it is thought to account for between 70 to 80 percent for all cases, and significantly it affects more men than women.
Common signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:
Severe upper abdominal pain that is more intense after a meal
Nausea and vomiting
When the disease progresses, the episodes of pain will become more frequent and more severe to individuals. Some individuals eventually suffer from constant abdominal pain, and as chronic pancreatitis progresses, the ability of the pancreas to produce digestive juices will deteriorate, and the following symptoms appear:
Smelly and greasy stool
Bloating
Abdominal cramps
Flatulence
Diabetes
There are numerous complications that an individual can potentially have with chronic pancreatitis. Nutrient malabsorption is one of the most complications since the pancreas is not producing enough digestive enzymes for the body to absorb the nutrients properly, leading to malnutrition. Another possible complication is the development of diabetes, where chronic pancreatitis damages the cells that produce insulin and glucagon to the body. Some individuals will also develop pseudocyst, which is fluid-filled that can form inside or outside the pancreas and can be very dangerous to the body since they can block the essential ducts and blood vessels.
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It causes the enzymes to be excessively produced, causing the pancreas gland to be swollen and inflamed. It will make digestion slow down and become painful, making the other body functions be affected as well as making the pancreas be permanently damaged and scarred.
Acute pancreatitis is painful and can develop quickly. It can trigger potentially fatal complications as the mortality rate can range from less than 5 percent to over 30 percent, depending on the severity of the condition and if it reaches to the other organs beyond the pancreas. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is the production of gallstones in the gallbladder, alcohol misuse, and infections.
When a person has acute pancreatitis, they feel the pain in the lower abdomen and then feel it more gradually as the pain intensified until it is a constant ache. Other symptoms include:
Vomiting and nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Pain with coughing, vigorous movements, and deep breathing
Tenderness when the abdomen is touched
Fever
Jaundice, yellowish tinge on the skin and the whites of the eyes
Pancreatic Cancer
Also known as �the silent disease,” pancreatic cancer happens when uncontrolled cell growth begins to form in a part of the pancreas. Tumors develop and interfere with the way the pancreas works. Pancreatic cancer often shows any symptoms until the later stages, and it can be challenging to manage. The signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back
Unintended weight loss or loss of appetite
Pale or grey fatty stool
Jaundice
New-onset diabetes
Blood clots
Depression
Fatigue
Conclusion
The pancreas is located in the abdomen, and its primary function is to produce insulin and necessary enzymes and hormone to aid the digestion of food. When complications are attacking the pancreas like pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis, it can damage the pancreas to stop producing insulin and can lead to chronic illnesses to spread all over the body. Some products can help support the sugar metabolism that the pancreas creates and offer nutrients and enzymatic cofactors to the gastrointestinal system in the body.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s proclamation on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Reference:
Banks, Peter A, et al. �The Management of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis.� Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Millennium Medical Publishing, Feb. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2886461/.
Bartel, Michael. �Acute Pancreatitis – Gastrointestinal Disorders.� MSD Manual Professional Edition, MSD Manuals, July 2019, www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/pancreatitis/acute-pancreatitis.
Brazier, Yvette. �Acute Pancreatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, and Complications.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 19 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160427.php.
Brazier, Yvette. �Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 23 Oct. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323423.php.
Crosta, Peter. �Pancreas: Functions and Disorders.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 26 May 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10011.php.
Felman, Adam. �Chronic Pancreatitis: Treatments, Symptoms, and Causes.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 19 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160459.php.
Health Publishing, Harvard. �Acute Pancreatitis.� Harvard Health, July 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/acute-pancreatitis-a-to-z.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. �Pancreatic Cancer.� Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Mar. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355421.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. �Pancreatitis.� Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 7 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20360227.
Have you been experiencing noticeable variations in your mental speed? Do you suffer from pain, discomfort, and inflammation? Have you been experiencing fatigue, especially after meals or exposure to chemicals, scents, or pollutants? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, you may be experiencing brain fog, unclear thoughts or concentration. �
Brain fog is a well-known symptom associated with a variety of health issues. It can affect many brain functions, including memory and concentration. It can occur as a result of poor lifestyle habits, including stress, an unhealthy diet, and lack of sleep, or due to other health issues, including multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Moreover, brain fog can be accompanied by other symptoms like vision problems. In the following article, we will discuss brain fog and vision problems. �
Contents
What is Brain Fog?
Brain fog can make a person feel as if the processes of thinking, understanding, and remembering are not working as they should. It can affect memory, the ability to process and understand information, visual and spatial skills, the ability to calculate and solve problems as well as executive functioning. If these essential brain functions don’t work efficiently, it can become challenging to understand, focus, and even remember simple things. It can ultimately lead to stress and fatigue. �
A variety of health issues can lead to brain fog. People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience changes in their ability to make decisions as well as to process and recall information. These changes are generally mild or moderate and they do not affect a person’s ability to live independently. However, they can be frustrating and these can make it difficult to complete regular tasks. Fibromyalgia can also affect a person’s concentration and memory. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is another chronic, or long-term, health issue that can result in brain fog, fatigue, and other symptoms, such as vision problems. �
Changes to a person’s hormone levels can also affect brain function, especially during pregnancy or menopause. A 2013 research study found that hormonal changes throughout a woman’s menopausal transition made it difficult for women to learn or retain new information and to focus on challenging everyday tasks. Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease can cause hormone imbalances. Memory and thinking problems similar to brain fog are also common in thyroid disorders. �
Depression is a mood disorder that affects how a person thinks and feels. Problems with memory, focus, and decision-making can contribute to brain fog. There may also be problems with sleeping and a lack of energy, which can make concentrating and completing everyday tasks much more challenging. Stress and anxiety can also make it difficult to think clearly. �
Vision Problems and Brain Fog
Many people with brain fog due to multiple sclerosis (MS) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) also experience vision problems. Healthcare professionals believe that vision problems associated with CFS and other health issues are caused due to brain dysfunction rather than eye dysfunction. Our brain constantly transmits signals into our eyes which allows us to know where we are as well as what it is that you�re seeing. The brain is also in charge of controlling the eye reflexes, including pupil dilation due to light and dark changes. However, these brain and eye functions may not work properly with brain fog. �
Most frequently, patients with brain fog experience vision problems where their environment appears to be blurry or it seems to be foggy. According to Dr. Peter Rowe, director of the Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Johns Hopkins Children�s Center in Baltimore, these vision problems most frequently occur when standing up, making the patients also feel lightheaded. �
Furthermore, other vision problems that CFS and MS patients commonly experience with brain fog, ultimately include: �
Difficulty when focusing on objects, generally those which are close up
Inability to see objects in peripheral vision, as though they have tunnel vision
Dizziness and being unable to look at moving objects without feeling dizzy
Seeing an excess amount of “floaters” and/or “flashes of light” in their vision
Intolerant to light or feeling discomfort in bright rooms and outdoors in the sunshine
Feeling as though the eyes are dry or as though they’re itchy, gritty, or burning
Proper Health Care with Brain Fog and Vision Problems
People with brain fog and vision problems associated with CFS, MS, or any other health issue will commonly visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist. However, an eye exam will generally return as “normal�. In addition, prescription lenses may not help because of rapid vision changes. If you do wear glasses, tints may ultimately help reduce sensitivity to light. �
Because blurred or foggy vision is the most common problem associated with brain fog, researchers and healthcare professionals believe that improving blood flow to the brain can help improve symptoms. Treating any underlying health issues and/or practicing proper lifestyle habits, such as eating a healthy diet, engaging in exercise or physical activity, and sleeping properly can help promote proper blood flow to the brain and ultimately improve brain fog and vision problems. �
Blurry or foggy vision, among other vision problems, are frequently believed to be a temporary symptom and are more associated with lightheadedness and blood flow to the brain. You may need to see a cardiologist or a neurologist to treat lightheadedness or dizziness. If you have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), multiple sclerosis (MS), or any other health issue where you find that you can�t tolerate bright light, you should wear sunglasses when you�re outdoors in the sunshine. �
Brain fog commonly includes feelings of confusion and disorientation, where it can make a person have difficulty thinking, understanding, and even remembering basic information. Brain fog is a symptom, rather than a single disorder, associated with vision problems and other health issues like CFS and MS. Researchers and healthcare professionals believe that because brain fog can ultimately affect brain function, it can also affect essential eye reflexes responsible for these well-known vision problems, among other symptoms, including fatigue. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Neurotransmitter Assessment Form
The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. Symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue. �
In honor of Governor Abbott’s proclamation, October is Chiropractic Health Month. Learn more about the proposal. �
Have you been experiencing noticeable variations in your mental speed? Do you suffer from pain, discomfort, and inflammation? Have you been experiencing fatigue, especially after meals or exposure to chemicals, scents, or pollutants?�Brain fog is a symptom that can affect many brain functions, including memory and concentration. It can also be accompanied by other symptoms like vision problems. In the article above, we discussed brain fog and vision problems. � 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. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �
References: �
Sissons, Claire. �Brain Fog: Multiple Sclerosis and Other Causes.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 12 June 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320111.php#1.
Orenstein, Beth W. �When Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Harms Vision.� EverydayHealth.com, Everyday Health, 4 March 2010, www.everydayhealth.com/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/vision-problems.aspx.
Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain
Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
�
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention. �
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
�
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download �
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Arachnoiditis arach�?noid�?itis (?- rak-n?id-??t-?s) is a condition that is characterized by stinging, burning pain and neurological problems.
A common symptom is chronic and persistent�low back pain, lower limb pain.It is inflammation of the arachnoidlining. This is one of three linings that surround the brain and spinal cord.
This inflammation causes:
Constant irritation
Scarring
Binding of nerve roots
Binding blood vessels
In the intradural space 3 meninges or protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Dura mater
Arachnoid
Pia Mater
Contents
Symptoms of Arachnoiditis
Predominant symptoms are chronic pain in the:
Low back
Lower limbs
In severe cases the entire body
Other symptoms can include:
Leg tingling, numbness, and weakness
Weird sensations like the feeling of insects crawling on the skin or water running down the leg
Shooting pain like an electric shock sensation
Muscle cramps, spasms, and twitching
The bladder, bowel, and possible sexual dysfunction
Progression of the disease can make symptoms more severe and possibly permanent.
The pain is constant and incurable, which makes the disorder very debilitating. Those with arachnoiditis usually cannot work and have a disability.
Causes
Three main causes of arachnoiditis are:
Trauma/surgery
Arachnoiditis has been recognized as a rare complication of spinal surgery usually after multiple or complex surgeries.
It can also be caused by trauma to the spine.
Similar causes include:
Multiple lumbar punctures
Advanced spinal stenosis
Chronic degenerative disc disease
Chemical
Myelograms have come under scrutiny as being a possible cause of the condition.
A myelogram is a test where a radiographic contrast dye is injected into the area around the spinal cord and nerves.
The dye becomes visible on:
X-rays
CT
MRI scans
Used by physicians to diagnose spinal conditions.
Now there is a concern that repeated exposure to some of these dyes may cause arachnoiditis.
There is also a concern of the preservatives found in epidural steroid injections, that they may cause the condition, especially if the steroid medicine accidentally enters the cerebral spinal fluid.
Infection
The disorder can also be caused by certain infections that affect the spine like:
Viral and fungal meningitis
Tuberculosis
Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for arachnoiditis.
Therefore, treatment is aimed at pain relief and is similar to how other chronic pain conditions are treated.
Examples include:
Spinal cord stimulation: is one of the best treatment options. Spinal cord stimulation runs on a device that transmits electrical signals to the spinal cord for relief.
Lidocaine intravenous infusions: Lidocaine is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Ketamine infusions: Ketamine is an anesthetic, that also helps with pain relief.
Low-dose naltrexone is an anti-inflammatory for chronic pain management.
Surgery is not recommended because it causes more scar tissue to develop and makes the irritated spine susceptible to more trauma.
Living with the Arachnoiditis
This condition can be extremely disabling.
Living with chronic pain is not an easy thing to do.
It affects the body and also causes mental stress.
People with the condition are encouraged to join support groups or find therapeutic outlets for stress.
Treatment plans are focused on pain relief and keeping a high quality of life.
Research is ongoing to find a cure.
*CHRONIC* pain Chiropractic Relief | El Paso, Tx
Patients with chronic pain discuss how their symptoms have affected their overall health and wellness. With chiropractic care, patients describe how Dr. Jimenez, a doctor of chiropractic or chiropractor in El Paso, Texas, has helped them recover their original quality of life.
Chiropractic care is an alternative treatment option that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a variety of health issues, including chronic pain and personal injuries. Patients highly recommend Dr. Jimenez and his staff as the non-surgical choice for auto accident injuries and slip-and-fall accidents.
NCBI Resources
Those who continue to deal with the pain after a few weeks� time may choose to look for other solutions. This is also true for people who experience repeated flare-ups, or chronic lower back pain. One of the best and most popular options is chiropractic care. Chiropractic care doesn�t focus solely on the pain but helps the body heal itself. Chiropractors understand the bones, muscles, discs, and nerves in the back, and can figure out the reason for the pain.
From there, they can create a customized treatment plan from compresses to�spinal manipulation�to exercises that help heal the area and reduces the pain.
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing some stomach digestive disorders.
The Stomach
The human stomach�s core function is to aid food to digest when an individual eats. The four critical components of the gastric digestive function are:
A reservoir capacity
Acid secretion
Enzyme secretion
Gastrointestinal motility
These four components help the stomach function properly in the digestive system and help the body absorb essential nutrients and are responsible for getting rid of waste out of the body. Any disorders like GERD, gallstones, and Crohn’s disease are a few of the many illnesses that can affect not only the stomach but the entire digestive system. It can cause a person to feel discomfort and can be long term if the individual has not treated it.
One of the main symptoms that GERD causes is heartburn. Heartburn is a discomfort feeling that is felt from behind the breastbone as a burning sensation. It tends to get worse on a person if they lay down, bend over, after eating food. Not all individuals with GERD experiences heartburn, there are other possible symptoms such as:
Chest pains
Difficulty swallowing
Bad breath
The sensation of a lump in the throat
Sour taste in the mouth
Respiratory problems
Tooth decay
Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluids that can form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that’s located on the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. It also holds bile fluid that releases into the small intestines. Gallstones can range in sizes from as small as sand to as large as a golf ball. According to Harvard Health Publications, about 80% of gallstones are made of cholesterol, while the other 20% is made up of calcium salts and bilirubin.
Gallstones can lead to pain in the upper right abdomen. An individual may start to feel gallbladder pains when they eat foods that are high in fat, especially fried foods. Furthermore, if the pain continues, it may lead to an inflamed gallbladder or cholecystitis. They may also experience symptoms like:
Pain on the right-hand side of the body, just below the ribs
Back pain between the shoulder blades
Pain in the right shoulder
Nausea
Dark urine
Clay-colored stool
Stomach pain
Researchers stated that some people develop the chemical imbalance in their gallbladders causes gallstones while others do not. Gallstones are more common among people with obesity, and studies revealed that women can develop gallstones and may require surgery to remove them.
Crohn�s Disease
Crohn�s disease is an inflammatory disease. It causes inflammation in the body’s digestive tract and can cause several chronic illnesses. Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can be in different areas of the digestive tract in different people. The inflammation often spreads deep into the layers of the affected bowel tissue, causing pain, and sometimes lead to life-threating complications.
Crohn�s disease symptoms can vary depending on which part of the gut is affected in the body. Specific symptoms can often develop gradually and become worse over time, and it is rare for the symptoms of Crohn’s disease to develop suddenly and dramatically. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
Pain
Ulcers in the gut
Mouth ulcers
Diarrhea
A fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Rectal bleeding and anal fissures
Anemia
The exact causes of Crohn’s disease are still unclear, but researchers theorized that it stems from an abnormal reaction in the immune system. The theory stated that the immune system attacks food, good bacteria, and beneficial substances as if they are unwanted substances. During the attack, the body’s white cells start building up in the lining of the gut and triggers inflammation. It is still unclear whether the abnormal immune system causes Crohn’s disease, but there are environmental factors that can increase the risk of inflammation.
Conclusion
The stomach’s primary function is to digest the food that a person consumes. Four components help aid the stomach to function correctly. When the stomach is dealing with chronic illnesses like Crohn’s disease, gallstones, and GERD, it can lead to inflammation on the intestinal barriers. When it is left untreated, it can lead to life long complicated problems in the body. Some products can help aid the stomach digestion as they help support the gastrointestinal system as well.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s bill on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Brazier, Yvette. �Cholecystitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 22 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172067.php.
Brazier, Yvette. �Crohn’s Disease: Symptoms, Diet, Treatment, and Causes.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 11 Jan. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151620.php.
Editorial Team, Healthline, and Heather Cruickshank. �Everything You Need to Know About Acid Reflux and GERD.� Healthline, 7 Dec. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/gerd.
Holland, Kimberly. �Understanding Crohn’s Disease.� Healthline, 2 May, 2019, www.healthline.com/health/crohns-disease.
MacGill, Markus. �GERD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14085.php.
Macon, Brindles Lee, et al. �Understanding Gallstones: Types, Pain, and More.� Healthline, 1 June, 2017, www.healthline.com/health/gallstones.
O’Connor, Anthony, and Colm O’Mor�in. �Digestive Function of the Stomach.� Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24732181.
Publishing, Harvard Health. �What to Do about Gallstones.� Harvard Health, 2011, www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-to-do-about-gallstones.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. �Crohn’s Disease.� Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353304.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. �Gallstones.� Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Aug. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214.
Unknown, Unknown. �Definition & Facts for GER & GERD.� National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Nov. 2014, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts.
Dr. John Coppola and Dr. Valerie Monteiro know the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy. Since many health professionals clarify peripheral neuropathy as an irreversible and permanent health problem which can only be handled via the usage of drugs/medications, Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro help cure cervical disease symptoms by treating the origin of the health dilemma.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment approach that could help naturally raise oxygen, blood circulation and flow within the human body. LLLT can speed up recovery to be stimulated by the mitochondria referred to as the cell’s powerhouses. Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro clarify how low-level laser treatment can help treat cervical disease symptoms and help overall well-being. Dr. Alex Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, TX, helps treat peripheral neuropathy symptoms and other wellness problems.
Contents
LLT Laser Therapy for Peripheral Neuropathy El Paso, TX (2019)
Neuropathy is a medical term used to describe a collection of general diseases or malfunctions which affect the nerves.
The causes of neuropathy, or nerve damage, can vary among individuals and these may be caused by different:
Diseases
Injuries
Infections
Vitamin deficiencies
Neuropathy can also be classified according to the location of the nerves being affected and according to the disease-causing it.
Neuropathy caused by diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy.
Furthermore, depending on which nerves are affected will depend on the symptoms that will manifest.
Peripheral neuropathy is simply referred to as neuropathy, which is a state that happens when the nerves become damaged or injured, oftentimes simply disturbed.
It�s estimated that neuropathy affects roughly 2.4 percent of the general populace and approximately 8 percent of people older than age 55.
Type
Neuropathy can affect any of the three types of peripheral nerves:
Sensory nerves�transmit messages from sensory organs:
Eyes
Nose
Brain
Motor nerves track the movement of the muscles
Autonomic nerves regulate the involuntary body functions
Sometimes, neuropathy will only impact one nerve. This is medically referred to as mononeuropathy and instances of it include:
Ulnar neuropathy affects elbow
Radial neuropathy affects arms
Peroneal neuropathy affects knees
Femoral neuropathy affects thighs
Cervical neuropathy affects neck
Sometimes, two or more isolated nerves in separate regions of the body can become damaged, injured or disrupted, resulting in mono neuritis multiplex neuropathy.
Most of the time, multiple peripheral nerves malfunction at the same time, a condition called polyneuropathy.
Cause
Neuropathies are often inherited from birth or they develop later in life.
The most frequent inherited neuropathy is the Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which affects 1 in 2,500 people in the USA.
Although healthcare professionals are sometimes not able to pinpoint the exact reason for an acquired neuropathy, medically referred to as idiopathic neuropathy.
There are many known causes for them, including:
Systemic diseases – a systemic disease is one that affects the whole body.
Physical trauma
Infectious diseases
Autoimmune disorders
The most frequent systemic cause behind peripheral neuropathy is diabetes, which can lead to chronically high blood glucose levels that harm nerves.
Other systemic issues can cause neuropathy, including:
Kidney disorders permit high levels of nerve-damaging toxic chemicals to flow in the blood
Toxins from exposure to heavy metals include:
Arsenic
Lead
Mercury
Thallium
Drugs/medications, including anti-cancer medications, anticonvulsants, antivirals, and antibiotics
Chemical imbalances because of liver illnesses.
Hormonal diseases, like hyperthyroidism, which disturbs metabolic processes, and potentially induces cells and body parts to exert pressure on the nerves.
Deficiencies in vitamins, such as E, B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), B12, and niacin can be vital for healthy nerves.
Alcohol abuse induces vitamin deficiencies and could harm nerves.
Cancers and tumors can exert damaging pressure on nerve fibers and paths.
Chronic inflammation can damage protective tissues around nerves, which makes them more vulnerable to compression, getting inflamed and swollen.
Blood diseases and blood vessel damage, which may damage or injure nerve tissue by decreasing the available oxygen supply
Symptoms
Depending on the reason and unique to each patient, signs, and symptoms of neuropathy can include:
Symptoms are dependent on autonomic, sensory, or motor nerves or a combination are affected.
Autonomic nerve damage can start a chain reaction of physiological functions like blood pressure or create gastrointestinal problems and issues.
Damage or dysfunction in the sensory nerves may impact sensations and sense of equilibrium or balance, while injury to motor nerves affects movement and reflexes.
When both sensory and motor nerves are involved, the condition is known as sensorimotor polyneuropathy.
Complications
Peripheral�neuropathy�may result in several complications, as a result of disease or its symptoms.
Numbness from the ailment can allow you to be less vulnerable to temperatures and pain, making you more likely to suffer from burns and serious wounds.
The lack of sensations in the feet, for instance, can make you more prone to developing infections from minor traumatic accidents, particularly for diabetics, who heal more slowly than other people, including foot ulcers and gangrene.
Furthermore, muscle atrophy may cause you to develop particular physical disfigurements, such as pes cavus, a condition marked by an abnormally high foot arch, and claw-like deformities in the feet and palms.
Treatment
The first step in neuropathy treatment should be finding the root cause that’s causing the neuropathy.
Treatment of diseases such as:
Diabetes
Guillain-Barre syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sarcoidosis
Other underlying diseases
Prevents continued nerve damage and in cases heals the damaged nerves.
If you are unaware of any underlying disease that is causing the peripheral neuropathy, make sure to let your doctor know of abnormal symptoms.
Medication
Peripheral neuropathy can be treated with various medications.
The first type used to treat mild symptoms are:
Over-the-counter pain medications
In more severe cases:
Opiates
Narcotic medications
Anti-seizure medications
A doctor may prescribe a lidocaine patch or anti-depressants to relieve symptoms.
Patients should thoroughly discuss�neuropathymedication with a doctor before proceeding.
Chiropractic/Massage/Physical Therapy
Various manual therapies can benefit symptoms in neuropathy treatment.
A therapist or chiropractor will perform various manipulation techniques, and teach exercises and stretches to help improve symptoms combined with increased muscle strength/control.
A therapist may also recommend braces or splints to improve mobility.
Patients should attend all physical therapy sessions to gain maximum benefits.
Low-level-laser-therapy LLT
The primary and most debilitating symptom of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a sensation of tingling, prickling, buzzing, pinching, burning, and/or sharp jabbing stabbing pain in the feet.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLT) takes information from the receptors on the membrane of the cell and mitochondrion or the engine of the cell.
This information reaches the cell’s DNA, that directly controls cell function.
When cells receive better information, they work better, along with the tissues they make up like:
Bones
Cartilage
Tendons
Ligaments
LLT promotes the healing and regeneration of damaged tissues,� and its�systemic effects on tissue function are also carried throughout the body by blood and meridians or energy channels.
The key basic physiological effects of llt low-level laser light include:
Increased cell membranepolarization/permeability
Adenosine-5-triphosphate (ATP) production and respiratory activity
Enzyme activity
Collagen and epithelial production
Capillary formation
Macrophage (immune system) activity
Analgesic effects due to elevated endorphin production
Electrolytic nerve blockage
Improved blood and lymph flow
An anti-inflammatory effect from improved circulation and accelerated tissue regeneration
Increased production of antioxidants
An additional benefit is that the light energy from llt low-level lasers will only be absorbed by cells and tissues that are not functioning normally and do not go after healthy cells.
Low-level laser therapy llt has the potential of providing an effective means of reducing low back pain that is:
While every type of neuropathy, such as diabetic neuropathy or autoimmune disease-associated neuropathy, develops its own unique group of symptoms, many patients will often report common complaints. Individuals with neuropathy generally describe their pain as stabbing, burning or tingling.�Low-level laser llt therapy can help relieve these symptoms.
If you experience unusual or abnormal tingling or burning sensations, weakness and/or pain in your hands and feet, it�s essential to seek immediate medical attention in order to receive a proper diagnosis of the cause of your specific signs and symptoms. Early diagnosis can help prevent further nerve injury.� And early laser treatment can help before symptoms really become severe. Visit http://www.neuropathycure.org.
Are you constantly feeling exhausted? Have you been noticing any mood changes? Do you struggle to focus on regular tasks? Brain fog, which often includes depression and fatigue, is a health issue that can have consequences on all facets of your life. �
Contents
Why Depression Causes Fatigue
Depression is just one of the most frequent mental health issues in the United States. Some symptoms, which may stem from depression, are excessive feelings of guilt, hopelessness, insomnia, and fatigue as well as brain fog, among others. �
Depression, brain fog, and fatigue, or chronic tiredness, can frequently go hand in hand. It is a vicious cycle: brain fog makes you spend energy for you to make it through the day, which in turn, makes you feel even more tired when you also have depression. Then when you’re feeling unproductive, it worsens your depression even more and it can affect your sleep. �
The direction of causality has not been ascertained but researchers have found definite links between inflammation, brain fog, and depression. These links can go beyond just the cognitive and psychological aspects of depression and brain fog. �
Other health issues that can involve autoimmune and/or inflammatory processes also correlate with brain fog, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, several healthcare professionals and researchers now believe that inflammation may be a significant origin of depressive symptoms, although not the sole one. �
Understanding Brain Fog
We hear the term brain fog a lot nowadays but what exactly is brain fog? Brain fog isn’t a health issue on its own but rather a symptom of several different health issues. It’s a collection of symptoms, such as lack of motivation, irritability, inability to focus, and memory problems. It may generally feel like you’re losing control of your brain or your overall health and wellness. �
If you’ve ever experienced brain fog, you will know that its intensity may differ from day to day, even from one moment to the other. It may also ultimately feel almost as if the exterior world is moving too quickly for you to keep up with it. �
It can also become extremely frustrating if you can’t recall an ideal word during a conversation or in the event that you forget if you’ve locked the door in the morning. You must understand that it’s brain fog and know that it’s not who you really are. However, with long-standing depression, it may also begin to feel as if you’ve just become lethargic and slow. �
Health issues, such as brain fog, can be caused by several different physical and mental health issues. It can be difficult to explain to others that you’re feeling fatigued since it’s often simply mistaken for being tired after a long day of work. �
But fatigue is much more than just being tired. People experiencing fatigue feel tired even after mild exertion. Getting through an average day appears to be a marathon. And waking up feeling unrefreshed is a major indicator that your feelings of fatigue can possibly be a much more intricate health issue associated with inflammation, brain fog and depression. �
Why Depression Causes Brain Fog
Because brain fog can be an indication of many different health issues and not just depression, the relationship between both is not entirely clear. Depression disturbs the balance of the “feel good” chemicals in the brain, known as dopamine, which can also result in a chronic sense of sadness and lack of health and wellness. But that is not the whole story. �
Your upbringing can also set you up with a lack of self-compassion, which the helplessness of brain fog amplifies. Research studies show that these states can relate to elevated inflammatory chemicals that make you feel much more brain fog. �
Another cause of brain fog includes depression medicines, like antidepressants. The purpose of these drugs and/or medications is to relieve depression symptoms and re-establish the balance of chemicals in the brain. �
However, these medicines appear to contribute to brain fog as a side-effect due to the biochemical changes which they cause in the mind. If you feel that your antidepressants may be the actual culprit, it may be well worth monitoring when you experience a brain fog episode. Tracking your symptoms, in general, can help you figure out ways to counter brain fog. �
Research shows that depression negatively affects the brain’s reward system by changing the amount of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation. A reward system that is disrupted can ultimately make it difficult to find the point in spending some energy to perform or participate in regular everyday activities. �
Insomnia, which is distinguished by difficulty falling or staying asleep, is closely related to depression. This usually means that the probability of depression raises since it deprives us of the physical repairs of sleep and power. And having depression, in turn, makes it difficult to get a good night’s sleep because of the cycle of unwanted thoughts. The end-product is, as you may have guessed, unbeatable tiredness or fatigue. After all, brain fog, depression, and fatigue all seem to be connected. �
Brain fog is closely associated with both depression and fatigue. Being open and honest about your symptoms can be a fundamental step in your recovery process. Although inflammation is the human body’s immune response to injury, infection, or illness, too much inflammation can actually cause a variety of health issues. Evidence from research studies has demonstrated that inflammation can ultimately be associated with brain fog, depression, and even fatigue symptoms.�- Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Neurotransmitter Assessment Form
The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. Symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue. �
In honor of Governor Abbott’s proclamation, October is Chiropractic Health Month. Learn more about the proposal. �
Are you constantly feeling exhausted? Have you been noticing any mood changes? Do you struggle to focus on regular tasks? Brain fog, which includes depression and fatigue, is a problem that can affect your overall health and wellness. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . �
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �
Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain
Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
� �
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention. �
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
�
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download �
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
How often do you become fatigued when driving compared to in the past? Or how often do you become fatigued when reading compared to in the past? And, how often do you feel you are not getting enough sleep or rest? If you experience any of these problems often, you may be experiencing brain inflammation and fatigue due to a variety of health issues. �
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and other similar health issues, such as Gulf War illness (GWI), share many common symptoms, several of which can include muscle pain and discomfort, fatigue, cognitive impairment, disrupted sleep, sore throat, headaches, and general malaise, typically after participating in any type of physical activity or exercise. �
CFS has frequently been referred to as a mental health issue. In 2015, a National Academy of Medicine-led comprehensive overview of scientific literature and patients’ accounts cautioned that many healthcare professionals are doubtful about the seriousness of CFS, commonly mistaking it for a mental health issue or believe it a figment of the patient’s imagination.” �
Moreover, the research study also supports that healthcare professionals should admit CFS as a health issue which needs diagnosis and treatment. The review also discussed what at the time was ultimately considered unknown causes of CFS. �
Although important progress was developed in the manner that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is diagnosed and perceived in the medical community, there’s currently no known treatment for the health issue and its causes still remain unknown. �
New research studies, however, offer new hope for fast and precise diagnosis of the health issue, as changes in brain chemistry associated with inflammation and neurological diseases have been found. Between 836,000 and 2.5 million people in the United States suffer from CFS. The findings may also help people with CFS receive successful treatment. �
Furthermore, one research study, which was directed by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., identified changes in brain chemistry that also exist in other similar health issues, such as GWI, a health issue which is ultimately believed to have affected approximately 175,000 war veterans returning from the Gulf War. �
Contents
Analyzing the Brain in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Dr. James N. Baraniuk, a professor of medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine, led the new research study, along with the findings which have been published in the journal Scientific Reports. Dr. Baraniuk and his group of researchers analyzed the cerebrospinal fluid of people with CFS and other health issues, such as GWI, in addition to healthy controls. �
The group pulled the fluid with a lumbar puncture, before and after the individuals participated in a session of physical activity or exercise. The group additionally analyzed the brains of the individuals utilizing functional MRI (fMRI). � The physical activity or exercise sessions lasted for 25 minutes and consisted of riding a stationary bicycle. The bike immunity increased as predicted by their own era, so the participants reached 85 percent of their maximum heart rate. �
Before participating in any physical activities or exercises, amounts of microRNA (miRNA), which are responsible for regulating protein generation, were exactly the exact same in all the individuals participating in the research study. However, 24 hours following the physical activities or exercises, this changed for the three distinct groups of participants. �
Every class had a different pattern of modification. The researchers stated, “CFS had 12 diminished miRNAs following physical activity or exercise.” Despite symptom overlap of CFS, GWI and other health issues in their differential diagnosis, miRNA patterns in cerebrospinal fluid signaled different mechanisms for post-exertional malaise in CFS and GWI. �
Additionally, the analysis also discovered miRNA changes in just two subtypes of GWI. Tachycardia that lasted for two to three days after the workout was developed by 1 subgroup. FMRI investigations revealed that these individuals had smaller brainstems in brain regions responsible for controlling the heartbeat. FMRI scans showed decreased brain activity. �
Another GWI group, however, introduced neither modifications to heart rate nor brainstem atrophy, but its own associates appeared to need extra brain regions so as to do a memory task. Surprisingly, Dr. Baraniuk discussed that the miRNA changes found in such states were different from those observed in depression, fibromyalgia, and Alzheimer’s disease, among others. �
“We certainly see three distinct patterns in the brain’s production of those molecules at the CFS group and both GWI phenotypes. This information will probably be well-received by individuals that suffer from such ailments that are misdiagnosed and rather may be medicated for depression or other psychological disorders,” stated Dr. James N. Baraniuk �
New research studies have demonstrated that changes in brain chemistry associated with inflammation may cause fatigue. Health issues like chronic fatigue syndrome and Gulf War illness are believed to be caused by neuroinflammation and other molecule changes in the brain. In the following article, inflammation and fatigue, can be caused due to a variety of causes, although the causes still remain mostly unknown. Although fatigue may be a frustrating symptom, relief is possible with proper treatment. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Neurotransmitter Assessment Form
The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. Symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue. �
In honor of Governor Abbott’s proclamation, October is Chiropractic Health Month. Learn more about the proposal. � Has it become harder for you to learn new things? Or is your temperament generally getting worse? How often do you get fatigued after meals? If you’ve experienced any of these situations, you may have brain inflammation. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . �
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �
Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain
Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
� �
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention. �
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
�
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download �
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Lower abdominal pain relieved by passing stool or gas
Alternating constipation and diarrhea
A hard, dry, or small stool
Use laxatives frequently
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you must be experiencing gastrointestinal impairments in your body.
Gastrointestinal Impairments
The digestive system is consisting of the gastrointestinal tract, which is home to the intestines, the liver, the colon, the gallbladder, the pancreas, and the stomach. When there is a disruption in the gastrointestinal tract, it can cause inflammation and chronic illnesses that can harm the body. Functional disorders in the digestive tract (GI tract) can look normal in the body, but it doesn’t work correctly.
Many factors can upset the GI tract and its motility, including:
Eating a diet low in fiber
Not getting enough exercise
Traveling or changes in a routine
Eating large amounts of dairy blankets
Stress
Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
Overusing laxatives
Taking certain medicines
Some of the most common problems that can affect the GI tract are constipation, IBS, and colon cancer.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a long term gastrointestinal disorder. It can cause abdominal pain, bloating, mucus in the stool, irregular bowel habits, and can alternate diarrhea and constipation. IBS can cause persistent discomfort to individuals, but they can improve the symptoms over time as they learn to manage the condition.
Some of the symptoms caused by IBS are:
Changes in bowel habits
Abdominal pain and cramping that lessens after using the bathroom
A feeling that the bowels not fully emptied after using the bathroom
Excess gas
The passing of mucus from the rectum
The sudden urgent need to use the bathroom
Swelling or bloating from the abdomen.
Signs and symptoms of IBS can vary between individuals and can often resemble other diseases and conditions. IBS symptoms can often get worst after earing, and a flare-up may last about 2 to 4 days, then the symptoms may either improve or go away entirely, but IBS symptoms can affect different body parts.
These can include:
Frequent urination
Bad breath
Headaches
Joint or muscle pain
Persistent fatigue
Anxiety
Depression
Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems that affects around 2.5 million individuals. It is a syndrome that is defined by bowel symptoms (painful or infrequent passage of stool, the hardness of stool, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation) that may occur either in isolation or secondary to another underlying disease like for example, Parkinson’s disease.
The cause of constipation is through the colon. The colon’s main job is to absorb water from leftover food as it passes through the digestive system and creates waste. When the waste is ready to be excreted out, the colon’s muscles propel the waste out through the rectum to eliminate from the body. If the debris remains in the colon for too long, though, it can be tough and challenging to excrete it out of the body.
Some factors can cause constipation; this can include:
Stress
Low-fiber diet
Lack of exercise
Certain medications
Particular diseases like a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes
Problems with the colon or rectum
Hormonal issues
Everyone’s definition of a regular bowel movement may be different. Some people can go about three times a day, while others can go to relieve themselves about three times a week. Some of the symptoms of constipation included are:
Fewer than three bowel movements a week
Passing hard, dry stools
Straining or pain during bowel movements
Still feeling full after a bowel movement
Experiencing a rectal blockage
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer. When tumorous growths develop in the large intestine or the colon, it develops colon cancer in the GI tract. The colon, the one organ where the body draws out water and salt from solid wastes. The waste then moves through the rectum and excretes out of the body through the anus.
Even though colon cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms in the earliest stages, but it can become more noticeable as the disease progresses. Some of the sign and symptoms of colon cancer include:
Diarrhea or constipation
Changes in stool consistency
Loose, narrow stools
Blood in the stool
Abdominal pain
Weakness and fatigue
Iron deficiency
If colon cancer spreads to a new location the gastrointestinal system, it can cause additional problems in the new area.
Conclusion
Having gastrointestinal impairments can cause the body to develop chronic illnesses. There are ways to make sure that the digestive tract is functioning correctly. An individual can change their diets and lifestyle and can make sure that their gut is working properly. When there is a disruption in the GI tract like IBS, constipation, and colon cancer, it can lead to many health problems if the individual is not careful. If an individual prolongs the symptoms, then they will develop life-long issues for their body. Some products help support the intestinal tract and help strengthens the natural defenses and support the intestinal immune function.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s declaration on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
Bharucha, Adil E, et al. �American Gastroenterological Association Technical Review on Constipation.� Gastroenterology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3531555/.
Brazier, Yvette. �Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Symptoms, Diet, Causes, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37063.php.
Crosta, Peter. �Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Causes.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 28 Aug. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150496.php.
Sethi, Saurabh. �What You Should Know About Constipation.� Healthline, 23 Aug. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/constipation.
Unknown, Unknown. �Digestive Disorders & Gastrointestinal Diseases.� Cleveland Clinic, 2017, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7040-gastrointestinal-disorders.
Whitfield, K Lynette, and Robert J Shulman. �Treatment Options for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: from Empiric to Complementary Approaches.� Pediatric Annals, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2830707/.
The percentage of individuals that are affected by fatigue, headaches, and overall pain is continuously growing. For the most part, these symptoms can all be linked back to a hormone imbalance. Hormone imbalances are more common than individuals realize and can affect people of all ages. Originally, hormone testing was completed through a blood draw (serum testing). However, as science is improving, there are now better, more functional ways of testing.��
As more and more studies are done, it is becoming more clear that salivary testing is superior to serum (blood) testing for hormones. There are two forms in which hormones exist in the human body, free (5%) and protein-bound (95%). Due to the protein-bound hormones being bound, they become too large to pass through into the salivary glands. This meaning that they are not bio-available and can not be delivered to the receptors in the tissues of the body.� The unbound hormones, or free hormones, are the relevant hormones that are found in the saliva. Considering the fact that free hormones are not as abundant, the hormone levels found in saliva are significantly less than those found in serum. However, many patients who are treated with serum hormone results are often overdosed because of the lack of correlation between bio-availability.
Contents
Labrix by Doctor’s Data
Similar to the D.U.T.C.H�hormone testing previously discussed, this company Labrix offers a variety of hormone testing as well.
Neurotransmitters:
NeuroBasic: ideal for monitoring therapeutic interventions of neurotransmitter imbalances previously tested or when symptoms are indicating an imbalance. This test measures Serotonin, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate, Glycine, Histamine, and Phenethylamine
Comprehensive Neurotransmitter: best when a comprehensive look at neurotransmitter secretion and metabolism of markers is needed. This test measures Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Glutamate, Glycine, Histamine, and Phenethylamineand DOPAC, 3-MT, Normetanephrine, Metanephrine, 5-HIAA, Tryptamine, Tyrosine, Tyramine, and Taurine.
NeuroHormones:�
NeuroHormone Complete Plus:� provides insight on how the HPA axis function may be contributing to patients’ symptoms, such as mood swings, fatigue, and pain. In addition, this test is ideal for those who are at risk for breast cancer, PCOS, or a strong family history of autoimmune disease.�This test is recommended for women only.� This test measures�Estrone, Estradiol, Estriol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA, Cortisol x 4, Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate, Glycine, Histamine, Phenethylamine
NeuroHormone Complete: useful for patients (men or women) who are experiencing any type of mood disorder, addiction, fatigue, chronic illness, confusion, weight issues, low libido, PMS, or chronic pain. This test measures Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA, Cortisol x 4, Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate, Glycine, Histamine, Phenethylamine.�
NeuroAdrenal: Included in this test is a full diurnal cortisol pattern, DHEA, and 6 primary neurotransmitters to help those with symptoms such as depression, anxiety, addiction, chronic illness, and low libido. This test measures DHEA, Cortisol x 4, Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate, Glycine, Histamine, Phenethylamine
Salivary Hormone:�
Comprehensive Plus: provides an assessment of breast cancer risk. This test is a considerationfor women only who have an increased risk for developing breast cancer, other hormonally sensitive cancers, PCOS or a family history of autoimmune disease. This test measures estrone, estriol, and Estrogen Quotient.
Women’s Helth and breast Profile: includes two risk assessment ratios, the Estrogen Quotient and the Pg/E2 ratio
Comprehensive Hormone: �assessment of hormonal status and endocrine function and includes estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and four cortisols. This profile is useful with male and female patients because it looks at the full diurnal cortisol pattern; it is especially important in patients who are experiencing the full diurnal pattern ( weight gain, high blood sugar, elevated lipids, chronic fatigue)
Short Comprehensive: useful in men and women whose primary symptoms are related to sex hormone imbalances (elevated or depressed E2, P or T)
Basic Hormone: a basic evaluation of the sex hormones and a brief glimpse at the adrenal function with the AM cortisol level. Best for men who are experiencing decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, loss os stamina, decreased mental sharpness and metabolic syndrome. Best for women who are experiencing hot flashes, anxiety, night sweats, breast tenderness, irritability, forgetfulness, and acne.�
Comprehensive Adrenal Function: provides insight into the body�s stress response. This test measures sIgA
Adrenal Function: comprehensive view of adrenal function, DHEA, and cortisol levels. This is best for people who are fatigued, nervous, weak, crave sugar, have headaches, irritability, and depression
Diurnal Cortisol: Similar to the test above but for patients who do not need DHEA testing
Melatonin: Provides a snapshot of the sleep/wake cycle during a one day period
Salivary Hormone + CAR :
CAR: has the capability to test all the same markers as above but adds Cortisol Awakening Response “CAR” to all of them.�
For more information regarding testing and hormones tested, please visitlabrix.com��
LABRIX BASIC BOX CONTENTS:
Upon opening every box (no matter the labrix test) the patient will see a requisition form, a billable stamp, and a FedEx envelope. Under these two items, a styrofoam box (insulated cooler) with the imprint “doctorsdata.com” will be present. Once the patient lifts the lid off of the styrofoam box, they will see two more pieces of paper.� The first being a list of symptoms (patient survey) on a white sheet of paper that the patient is to fill out and place back in the styrofoam box and the second a small instruction manual.
Neurotransmitter Tests Breakdown
For the Neurotransmitter Tests, the patient is provided with the basic kit described above. The only sample type required for the neurotransmitter tests is urine.
The contents of the styrofoam box include a small plastic cup, a clear plastic bag consisting of a white tube, a dropper, an absorbent pad, and a Lab-Brix ice pack. The first step is to freeze the ice-pack and keep it frozen until ready to ship.�
In order for this test to have proper results, the patient should collect their sample with their first or second-morning urine upon waking. Then, select on the requisition form which urine ( first or second ) the sample was collected from. It is also important to note on the requisition form what time the patient woke and what time the sample was collected. The urine sample should be collected midstream. Patients will collect their sample in the plastic cup provided, not directly in the tube. Next, the patients will use the dropper provided to transfer 10 ml of the sample from the cup into the tube. Ensure the lid is screwed on tightly and gently rock the tube back and forth for 3-5 seconds to mix the urine with the preservative. The patients will then wrap the absorbent pad around the tube (not inside the tube), and place the sample tube back in the plastic bag. The bag is then to be placed in the freezer for 4-6 hours, and is to be kept frozen until ready to ship!�
Neurotransmitter + Hormone Tests Breakdown
The Neurotransmitter + Hormone analysis tests consist of urine and saliva samples. This basic test kit includes everything above. However, upon opening this styrofoam box the patient will find two plastic bags. The first being a plain plastic clear bag with a dropper, white test tube, and absorbent pad. The second plastic bag is a biohazard bag that has multiple colors on the outside and consists of 4 clear small straws, an absorbent pad, and 4 small saliva collection tubes of various colors.�
The urine sample is instructed to be taken the same way as the neurotransmitter test.
The patient should collect their sample with their first or second-morning urine upon waking. Then, select on the requisition form which urine ( first or second ) the sample was collected from. (Remember, the individual is� to note on the requisition form time they woke and what time the sample was collected). Patients will collect their sample mid-stream in the plastic cup provided, not directly in the tube. Next, use the dropper provided to transfer 10 ml of the sample from the cup into the tube. Be sure to check that the lid is screwed on tightly and gently rock the tube back and forth for 3-5 seconds to mix the urine with the preservative. The patients will then wrap the absorbent pad around the tube (not inside the tube), and place the sample tube back in the plastic bag. The bag is then to be placed in the freezer for 4-6 hours, and is to be kept frozen until ready to ship!��
The salivary collection has a few more steps considering it is 4 samples rather than one. The timing for the salivary testing is critical, so timers are encouraged. As the patient wakes up, a timer should be set for 30 minutes later. This is when the first salivary sample (the pink tube) is to be collected. Before this test, the patient should not eat, drink, brush or floss. The second collection (green tube) is to be taken right before lunch, around noon. The third (orange tube), is to be collected in the evening before dinner, and the final collection (blue tube) before bed at night.�
For all salivary collections, each tube needs to be 3/4 of the way full. The straws provided are the patient’s choice to be used. As soon as the tube is 3/4 of the way full, snap the saliva lid tightly, put into the bag in which it came, and freeze for 4-6 hours, until ready to ship. Patients are to record the date and times of the saliva collections on the bag and requisition form.�
Salivary Hormone
Considering the salivary hormone testing is done using 4 saliva samples, the instructions are the same as the saliva collection in the test mentioned above. However, to review them again,�the timing for the salivary testing is critical, so timers are highly encouraged.
As the patient wakes up, a timer should be set for 30 minutes later. This is when the first salivary sample (the pink tube) is to be collected. Before this test, the patient is not to eat, drink, brush or floss. For the second collection (green tube), it should be collected right before lunch, around noon. The third (orange tube), is to be obtained in the evening before dinner, and the final sample (blue tube) before bed at night.�
For all salivary collections, each tube needs to be 3/4 of the way full. The straws provided are to be used at the patient’s discretion. As soon as the tube is 3/4 of the way full, snap the saliva lid tightly, put into the bag in which it came, and freeze for 4-6 hours, until ready to ship. Patients are to record the date and times of the saliva collections on the bag and requisition form.�
Salivary Hormone + CAR Breakdown
Aside from the basic components, the styrofoam box includes 6 colored salvia collection tubes, 6 straws, and an absorbent pad. The tests that fall under this category require 6 samples throughout the day. It is important to remember to write down the time the samples were collected as well as the time when the patient first woke up. The first sample (yellow tube) is to be taken as soon as the patient is awake but has not gotten out of bed. In order to accomplish this properly, it is best the patient sets the tube next to their bed the night before. This makes it easy to collect first thing in the morning. It is very important that the patient sets an alarm for 30 minutes after they wake up ( second test, pink tube)and for 1 hour after they wake up (third test, lavender tube). These tests are all to be done prior to eating breakfast, brushing and flossing teeth. The fourth collection (green tube) is to be taken before lunch and the fifth (orange tube) before dinner. The sixth and final sample (blue tube) is to be collected at least one hour after dinner. Just as the other saliva samples mentioned above, these tubes are to be filled 3/4 of the way, tightly closed, placed back in the bag they came in and frozen for 4-6 hours, or until they are ready to ship.
SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL TESTS:
Shipping should be done Monday-Friday as this will ensure the sample will be delivered to the lab on time. Make sure all paperwork is filled out properly and place contents back in the styrofoam box in the following order:�
sealed plastic bag with frozen specimen tubes
frozen ice pack�
requisition form, symptom sheet, and payment (if applicable)�
Next, place the lid back on the box and place the entire styrofoam box in the cardboard collection kit. Close the cardboard box and place it inside the FedEx shipping envelope provided. The patient will then write their name and address on the Billable Stamp and tear off the customer receipt for their records. Then, place on the FedEx envelope. The final step is to schedule a pick-up. In order to do this, the patient will call the FedEx toll-Free number at 1-800-463-3339 and select “schedule a pickup”. This MUST be a scheduled pick up from an address and NOT a dropbox.�
* It is important to note that patients should avoid eating avocados, eggplant, tomatoes, bananas, melons, pineapples, plums, nuts, nut butter, wine, cheese and chocolate 48 hours before and during the testing period as these could impact the results.
* Patients should keep in mind that strenuous exercise, alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco or any other product containing nicotine is to be avoided 24 hours before and during the collection period.
Labrix is a great company that allows patients a noninvasive way to have their hormone levels checked. Almost every patient who walks in the door can benefit from this test. I highly recommend this test because hormone levels can change based on age, PMS symptoms, fatigue, blood sugar issues, or stress! These results are accurate and have a decently quick turn around time. Gaining insight and taking control of your body is now easier than ever. – Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
*All information and photos/video content for this article are directly sourced from labrix. Please see labrix for more information and credit.
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