The bipedal posture of humans carries many benefits for us, but alternatively, this standing posture also adds pressure on the spine as well as other bones and surrounding muscles of the body. Together with an individual�s improper sitting position and the natural wear and tear degeneration of tissues through age, it�s not uncommon for individual�s to develop symptoms of back pain. In fact, back pain is considered to be the second most common cause people seek medical attention, only next to upper-respiratory infections. According to some experts, as many as 80% of individuals may experience back complications at some point in their lives.
Although back pain and its associated symptoms is common among the population, treating your injury or condition is crucial for individuals to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Chiropractic care focuses on the structure and function of the human body, primarily that of the spine. A chiropractor can diagnose a possible injury or condition causing back complications and determine the most appropriate treatment for each individual using spinal adjustments, manual manipulation and occasionally, recommending exercise and dietary lifestyle changes to improve a person�s wellbeing. Chiropractic adjustments can be an effective treatment for back pain as well as other types of pain.
Additionally, before relying on chiropractic care for diagnosing and treating a back complication, the common injuries or conditions relating to back pain can be prevented in a variety of ways such as,�maintaining a healthy diet and weight are important towards preventing back pain,�avoiding prolonged inactivity or bed rest, staying active, warming up or stretching before exercising or participating in other physical activities to avoid further injuries, maintaining a proper posture, wearing comfortable, low-heeled shoes, and sleeping on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in the spine.
Many people frequently experience back complications resulting from their everyday life routines. Back injuries can range from a sharp pain to a dull ache, typically associated with symptoms of tingling, numbness, and/or burning sensations.�While a majority of back complications can be considered minor injuries that usually heal rapidly, some complications can often develop into chronic back pain and chiropractic treatment can help. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
Chronic low back pain as well as radiating discomfort down one or both legs could indicate the presence of an injury or condition, such as lumbar stenosis. Spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine commonly develops with age, characterized as the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back. When this reduction in the vertebrae occurs, extra pressure is placed on the nerves as well as the spinal cord. Because these nerves run from the lower back to the legs, symptoms of leg pain, heaviness and/or cramping may also develop.
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Anatomy of the Spinal Canal
The spinal canal located in the region of the lumbar spine is the most frequent section affected by spinal stenosis. The lumbar spine is made up of five vertebrae extending between the ribcage and pelvis, medically labelled from top to bottom as L1 through L5. Each of these vertebrae are properly separated by intervertebral discs which function as shock absorbers, cushioning and distributing the pressure being exerted onto the spine.
Each vertebrae of the spine contain what is identified as vertebral arches, protruding arch-shaped bones which create the necessary space within the spinal bones for the spinal cord. That space is referred to as the spinal canal. When the structure of the spine is healthy and it functions effectively, the spinal canal should properly be capable of protecting the spinal cord, providing the necessary and safest space required to maintain overall wellness.
Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Individuals suffering from spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine commonly describe experiencing symptoms of pain and discomfort along the lower back, hips, buttocks and/or legs. Other prevalent symptoms of the condition include: lower back pain that radiated down one or both buttocks, legs, and/or feet; worsening pain in the lower extremities when walking; tingling sensations or numbness in one or both legs or feet; weakness in one or both legs or feet; restricted mobility or difficulty walking; and issues controlling bladder or bowel movements, a complication which may require immediate medical care.
Sciatica, best known as a set of symptoms rather than a single condition or disorder, can be a common diagnosis for determining the presence of an issue affecting the lower spine. Symptoms of sciatica include a collection of pain and discomfort, tingling sensations and numbness, burning sensations, and muscle weakness. Symptoms of sciatica can indicate a serious complication along the lumbar spine.
For individuals experiencing spinal stenosis in the upper back, referred to as cervical stenosis, the symptoms will be similar along the neck, shoulders, arms and/or hands.
Causes of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
The gradual degeneration of the spine caused by the natural changes that come with age are the most common cause for the narrowing of the spinal canal, mostly due to the repetitive stress and pressure of the surrounding tissues over the course of several years. As the spinal canal becomes narrower over time, a number of conditions and disorders can develop, causing the compression or impingement of the spinal cord and leading to the irritation and inflammation of the nerve roots. This process will ultimately cause symptoms to manifest along the lower back, buttocks, and/or legs.
Lumbar spinal stenosis can also be caused by the degeneration of the intervertebral discs found between each vertebrae of the spine. Spinal disc shrinkage can impede the disc�s ability to properly separate the individual bones of the spine. This problem can generally lead to a much more severe condition referred to as a lumbar disc herniation. Also, if the spinal cord ligaments have expanded due to the natural wear and tear alteration of the structures of the body, lumbar stenosis can develop. Consequently, the degeneration of the vertebrae in the spine is the most common cause for lumbar spinal stenosis.
Diagnosing Lumbar Stenosis
When visiting a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis, the doctor will primarily conduct a thorough physical examination of the patient to determine the source of the issue. The doctor of chiropractic, or other healthcare specialist, may also extensively review the individual�s medical history, referring them to receive other necessary or additional X-rays or MRI scans. By examining the patient�s symptoms as well as analyzing the test results, a chiropractor will be able to diagnose the individual�s injury or condition to discuss the best possible treatment options for you, including the thorough discussion of the benefits and risks of each option. Finally, the healthcare professional and patient can decide together on the preferred treatment procedure to follow to begin the rehabilitation process and restore their original health and wellness.
Treating Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Chiropractic focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries and/or conditions of the musculoskeletal and nervous system. A chiropractor may commonly utilize spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to carefully correct any misalignments in the spine that may be causing the impingement or compression of the spinal nerves. The chiropractic adjustments can help decrease the stress and pressure being placed against the structures and other tissues of the spine, reducing the symptoms of pain and discomfort associated with spinal stenosis along the different regions of the spine. Furthermore, the chiropractor may recommend a series of stretches and exercises according to the individual�s complications to speed up the rehabilitation process and help them regain their original strength, flexibility and mobility.
In the case that other forms of treatment are required to treat the individual�s injuries and/or conditions, the healthcare specialist will refer the patient to other professionals for treatment. A modification of the patient�s physical activities may be recommended as well. Other healthcare providers may provide the use of medications and other treatment methods or techniques, including physical therapy, to help improve the symptoms. While many individuals may try a number of conservative treatments to solve the issue, if the individual�s condition is severe enough to require spinal surgery, a healthcare provider may refer the patient to the appropriate doctor for treatment.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Low Back Pain After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. An auto collision can ultimately affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues surrounding the spine, commonly the lumbar region of the spine, causing symptoms such as low back pain. Sciatica is a common set of symptoms after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
Numbness in any portion of the hand or in specific fingers, followed by a tingling sensation and sharp pain traveling through the hands can occur as a result of various underlying conditions. Many people report symptoms suggesting the development of carpal tunnel syndrome but, although diagnosis might indicate the cause for the condition, sometimes a diagnosis could point to the incorrect root of the problem.
The median nerve and various other tendons travel from the forearm to the hand through a small indentation in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. The role of the median nerve is to provide movement and feeling in the thumb and first three fingers, excluding the smallest finger in the hand. When an individual begins experiencing the associated symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers or hand, these could be the result to an impingement of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel, generally caused by irritation on the nerves of the wrist.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Although many people could experience numbness in their fingers, the compression could be occurring at another region within the body. Regardless of the cause of your symptoms, if you�re experienced numbness in the hands and fingers, you should consider seeking chiropractic care.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by an impingement of the median nerve found at the wrist, usually causing symptoms of hand and finger numbness, tingling sensations, weakness, and pain. But, occasionally, the symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by complications to the spine, generally the cervical spine. For more information on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
After being diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, it�s associated symptoms are often a cause for anyone to seek immediate medical attention. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused when the median nerve, found within the carpal tunnel of the wrist, is compressed as a result of irritation, inflammation, or other underlying condition, and is characterized by symptoms of numbness and tingling sensations, weakness, and pain in part of the hand or certain fingers.
Natural Relief for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Although carpal tunnel syndrome is well-known as a complication of the wrist, spinal chiropractic adjustments can help with the condition. In fact, many cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can relate to complications on the cervical spine or neck. The median nerve or other nerves that travel through the hands may be impinged at the wrist but those same nerves originate from the neck. Any spinal complication causing a subluxation or misalignment of the spine, restricted mobility in the vertebra, or direct trauma from an injury to the spine, can interfere with the nerve impulse transmissions that trail down the arms and into the hands. A neck issue as the origin of carpal tunnel syndrome can commonly be determined when both hands are affected by the condition and its symptoms.
Preventing Workplace Pain
A chiropractor can help diagnose the source of an individual�s carpal tunnel syndrome. Chiropractic adjustments to the spine will gradually assist to re-align the spine and slowly release compression of the nerves that could be occurring on the spine.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is most commonly a condition affecting the median nerve at the wrist but most frequently, this condition could be caused by spinal complications. Chiropractic treatment can help alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome and its symptoms by progressively re-aligning the spine through spine adjustments in order to release the compression of the nerves at the level of the spine that could be resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and fingers. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition involving numerous symptoms affecting the hands and wrists. This painful condition is caused when the median nerve, found within the carpal tunnel of the wrist along with other tendons in the hand, becomes compressed.
The median nerve functions by controlling nerve sensations and impulses from the palm area of the fingers and the thumb as well as to the muscles in the hand, providing feeling and movement. When the tendons become irritated, causing inflammation and swelling, an impingement of the median nerve occurs, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome. The pinched nerve may then develop a variety of symptoms most commonly associated to the condition.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Trauma from an accident to the hand or wrist and/or overuse from repetitive activities, such as constant typing on a keyboard, are common reasons carpal tunnel syndrome develops. The added pressure begins to irritate and compress the median nerve, leading to the impairing symptoms of pain, among others.
The most common symptoms include pain, numbness, a tingling sensation, and weakness on the hands, wrists, and forearms. Pain and numbness in these areas is usually intense. The discomfort from these symptoms can affect an individual�s everyday lifestyles. Gripping objects may become difficult as carpal tunnel syndrome progresses over time due to loss of muscle strength. The tingling sensations radiating from the hand is often described as a feeling of �pins and needles� through the hands, wrists, and forearms.
After a long day of work, it�s not uncommon for people to experience symptoms of pain and discomfort throughout their body. In today�s world, however, everyday activities, such as typing and texting, can often cause more than temporary soreness on the extremities. The repetitive movements of the wrist over time may irritate the surrounding tissues, leading to damage, injury, and even the development of uncomfortable conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a frequently diagnosed medical condition, characterized by pain, numbness and tingling sensations in the hand and arm. The well-known condition develops when one of the major nerves which runs through the hand, medically referred to as the median nerve, is compressed or impinged as it travels through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway within the wrist that is surrounded by rigid tissues, making it minimally capable of stretching or increasing in size.
The median nerve originates from a bundle of nerve roots found in the neck. These roots merge into a single nerve in the arm, where it then travels down the arm and forearm, passing through the carpal tunnel at the wrist and into the hand. This main nerve functions to provide feeling in the thumb and index, middle and ring fingers. The median nerve is also in charge of controlling the muscles around the base of the thumb.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition which may occur due to a variety of factors. With constant overuse of the hand and wrist, the repeated motions or activities may result to irritation on the tendons in the wrist, causing inflammation and swelling to begin applying pressure against the nerve. Additionally, participating in activities which involve an excessive flexion or extension of the hand and wrist for extended periods of time can also increase pressure on the median nerve. On occasion, hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy can cause swelling. In other cases, the presence of previous conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, among other, can also be closely associated with median nerve compression. Furthermore, carpal tunnel syndrome is believed to be caused by hereditary traits. For some people, the carpal tunnel passage may be smaller than average and/or other anatomical differences can in turn change the amount of space between the narrow passageway and the median nerve, leaving people at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Research shows that women and older individuals have a higher chance of developing this uncomfortable condition.
Fortunately, whether you plan to prevent the development of carpal tunnel syndrome or you�ve been recently diagnosed with the condition, there are several effective treatment options available to relieve the painful symptoms and restore the individuals original hand, wrist and arm function.
Chiropractic and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Chiropractic care is one of the most common forms of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Foremost, a doctor of chiropractic, or DC, will evaluate the extent of the condition as well as diagnose the individual to determine any underlying cause behind the condition. After diagnosis, the chiropractor will follow up with an appropriate treatment regimen for the individual, according to their specific needs. Through a series of chiropractic adjustments and manual manipulations, the structures surrounding the hand, wrist and arm can be slowly adjusted to gradually reduce the pressure around the median nerve, ultimately reducing the individual�s symptoms. The chiropractor may also recommend a set of stretches and exercises to carefully restore the individual�s mobility and rehabilitate them back into their original state of well-being.
The repetitive movements of the wrist over time may irritate the surrounding tissues, leading to damage, injury, and even the development of uncomfortable conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900.
For running athletes as well as a variety of other sport professionals, proper muscle strength, flexibility and mobility is fundamental towards the best, overall performance. When an injury or a condition develops, the damage can lead to issues and complications for the athlete. Many muscles surrounding the lower spine, buttocks and thighs are ultimately essential for the athlete and following various methods and techniques can help.
The gluteus medius is a muscle that has peaked a considerable amount of interest among those who actively engage in sports and physical activity as well as healthcare professionals alike.
This muscle plays an important role in stabilizing the pelvis during the stance phase of gait and for controlling the sagittal, frontal and coronal planes of movement of the lower extremities during stance phase. An injury or condition affecting the gluteus medius can frequently be associated with a wide variety of musculoskeletal syndromes, including back, hip and knee complications from sports injuries.
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Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Gluteus Medius
During single extremity weight bearing exercises, such as stance phase of walking or running, lunging and landing from a jump, amongst others, the lower extremity joints are designed to naturally absorb the impact of gravity being placed against the body. When the force of gravity acts upon the body, the joints move into distinct directions and the muscles need to properly function as to counteract these forces. Generally, these muscles function isometrically and/or eccentrically. For instance, with the absorption movements of a pelvic lateral tilt, the hip abductors work to stabilize the movement. With an anterior pelvic tilt absorption movement, the pelvic posterior tilters such as the gluteals and hamstrings work to stabilize mobility. With hip joint flexion, adduction and internal rotation, the muscles are controlled by the gluteus medius and other hip joint external rotators, such as the gemellus muscles, quadrutus femoris, obturator muscles and the piriformis. And finally, the quadriceps controls the absorption movements of a knee joint flexion, the soleus of an ankle dorsiflexion and the tibialis posterior, FHL and FDL, stabilizes midfoot pronation.
The gluteus medius is a proximal hip muscle which purpose is to control proximal pelvic/hip joint motion that in turn controls lower limb kinetics around the knee and ankle. The gluteus medius attaches to the iliac crest and inserts onto the greater trochanter, functioning as a hip abductor, hip external rotator and stabilizer of the pelvis on the femur during stance phase of gait. It�s most significant role, however, is to compress the femoral head into the acetabulum during the stance phase of gait. The muscle is divided into three equal parts: anterior, middle and posterior.
The fibres which make up the posterior section of the muscle travel parallel with the neck of the femur while the middle and anterior sections travel vertically from the iliac crest to the anterosuperior feature of the greater trochanter. It�s been suggested, that each individual part of the muscle functions independently from each other as each of the three portions contain their own supply of nerves which run through the superior gluteal nerve.
Several conducted EMG studies found that the gluteus medius is not completely active during isolated abduction of the hip, an interesting find contrary to previous studies. The researchers also observed that the tensor fascia lata, or TFL, is considerably more active during isolated hip abduction. It was additionally suggested that the three portions of the gluteus medius muscle have a phasic muscle action during the stance phase of gait. First, the posterior fibres of the muscle are far more active at heel strike and then, the muscle is gradually inducted from posterior to anterior as the movement of the structures occurs from an early stance to a late stance of gait. Most specifically, the front section of the muscle is most active while at full stance during the single extremity support phase while the back fibres function effectively at the beginning of a heel strike.
During the same study, it was suggested that the primary purpose of the gluteus medius is to restrain the head of the femur into the acetabulum, or socket of the hip, throughout normal movement as well as to help stabilize the pelvis on the femur in single limb stance. They also proposed the assumption that each of the three distinct portion of the muscle performs a unique function of movement.
Primarily, the posterior fibres of the gluteus medius contract during the early stance phase to secure the joint into the socket. According to the study, this notion was supported by the observation that the posterior fibres have an almost parallel fibre alignment along the neck of the femur. Therefore, it can be concluded that the posterior fibres essentially function to stabilize and compress the hip joint.
Subsequently, the middle and anterior fibres of the gluteus medius, which travel vertically, initiate hip abduction, which is then completed by the TFL. These fibres function together with the TFL to stabilize the pelvis on the femur, in order to prevent the other side from dropping. The researchers demonstrated that the TFL plays the most crucial role when supporting the pelvis against the hip while the gluteus medius only aids this process. The anterior fibres allow the femur to rotate internally in relation to the hip joint during the mid-to-end stance phase. This is important towards pelvic rotation so that the opposite side leg can swing forward furing gait. The anterior fibres play this role along with the TFL.
Furthermore, the study hypothesized that the primary functions of the gluteus medius are to stabilize the femur against the ilium, to perform as hip rotators and to near the head of the femur into the acetabulum, creating a very tight and stable hip joint during gait.
The gluteus medius has been considered to only function while in neutral hip/pelvic postures as it would when supporting the pelvis and hip during single extremity stance. Exercises and physical activities which force these muscles into lengthened or overly shortened positions may in fact not target the gluteus medius but other hip abductors and external rotators instead. The gluteus medius has the largest CSA of the hip abductors and is considered to be the most dominant of the hip abductors. It can generate tremendous amounts of force despite of its size due to its short fibres which are packed tightly together. However, it does not create large forces over a wide range of lengths. Instead, it is designed to function isometrically to balance the hip on the femur.
Injuries to the Gluteus Medius
Injuries or conditions affecting the gluteus medius can be associated with a wide variety of musculoskeletal complications. These type of issues can occur when the muscles of the gluteus medius are unable to properly control the movements and alignment of the pelvis, femur and tibia. These injuries or conditions include but are not limited to: patellofemoral pain syndromes, lumbar spine complications, ITB friction syndromes and hip joint pathology.
For some time, it�s been believed that hip internal rotation is an undesired pathomechanism of the hip joint as hip joint rotation allows the femur to move inwards and develop valgus collapse at the knee. It�s been suggested that this unwanted hip internal rotation is a consequence of a weak gluteus medius and other hip joint external rotators. However, studies have also suggested that, as a matter of fact, these muscles seem to function better physiologically if the hip is placed in some internal rotation.
Direct trauma from an injury to the gluteus medius, such as trigger points, strain injuries, tendon tears and relative trochanteric bursitis, have also been closely associated to having a weak gluteus medius.
Rehabilitation Exercises for the Gluteus Medius
A wide range of studies have investigated the purpose of the gluteus medius whilst performing several lower extremity exercises. The following conclusions were based on corresponding electromyographic, or EMG, data during specific exercises. In a more recent study, researchers looked at the relative contribution between the gluteus medius and the TFL and identified five exercises that best utilized the muscles of the gluteus medius with minimal TFL: Clam with Thera band, sidestep with Thera band, unilateral bridge, quadruped hip extension, knee extending and quadruped hip extension, knee flexing.
Because there�s many exercise variations which may be beneficial to strengthen the gluteus medius, many healthcare providers may utilize a rehabilitation approach depending on the individual�s level of pain when performing the initially recommended exercises. If the individual experiences pain while participating on weight bearing movements, then non-weight bearing variations may be used. Healthcare providers may often also recommend specific exercises according to what they believe may be the most effective program for the individual�s gluteus medius complication. Furthermore, it�s been previously argued that what an individual feels in and around their posterolateral hip, may be the gluteus medius and/or other hip abductors, such as the gluteus minimus, or other deep hip rotators, such as the piriformis, the obturator group, quadrutus femoris and gemellus muscles. Studies utilizing both surface EMG and fine wire EMG on deep muscles are required to demonstrate the interactions between these muscles.
The gluteus medius functions in various ways during hip flexion to extension as demonstrated in the gait cycle, suggesting the muscle works through very neutral hip and pelvic positions, essentially functioning isometrically or through very short ranges of movement. The following exercises direct weight bearing through the hip joint or simulate weight bearing through the hip joint, making them more functional in terms of activation in weight bearing positions.
Standing Short Range Hip Abduction
This specific exercise, manages both the stance limb, isometric, and the non-stance limb, concentrically. First, the individual should stand with a band around the foot with the hand on the same side supported by a broomstick for balance. Then, the individual must carefully move the banded leg into abduction, then external rotation and extension. The stance limb must be in slight hip flexion and remain in this position. Follow by performing 8 to 10 repetitions of slow hip abduction/external rotation/extension. The individual should feel the effects of the exercise in both the stance side of the gluteus medius while in slight hip flexion as well as the abducting side of the gluteus medius into slight hip extension.
Kneeling Clam
This exercise is a variation of a popular clam exercise which has been demonstrated in several studies to activate the gluteus medius muscle. This is performed in weight bearing as the limb can accept axial loading via kneeling. First, the individual should kneel on a bench with a band wrapped around their knees. Keeping the feel together, holding onto a broomstick may be used for balance. Then, the individual must carefully move their knees apart whilst maintaining foot contact. This moves the hip into slight abduction and external rotation. Follow by performing sets of 10 to 15 repetitions and ensure the movement is kept small, about 2 to 3 inches only.
Modified Clam
This is another variation of the clam exercise which resembles the traditional clam exercise but with several variations. The first important difference is that the heels push into a wall or box to simulate weight bearing through the extremity. Then, the exercise is performed as an isometric hold and not an active abduction and adduction movement. Finally, the exercise is performed in two positions: slight hip flexion and slight hip extension. A light weight is generally placed on the knee to act as an external resistance. The goal is to hold the limb static for a specific period of time.
Hip Strengthening Exercises
Before attempting any of the above exercises, make sure you�ve consulted a healthcare professional to avoid further injury. The muscles around the hip can also be strengthened prior to experiencing any complication or may be occasionally directed by a specialist as part of the rehabilitation process. By strengthening the tissues around the hip, an individual can avoid damage and injury by increasing the strength and flexibility of the muscles to promote health and mobility.
Pelvic Manipulation, Massage and Chiropractic
Manipulation is the therapeutic application of manual pressure or force to restore the normal functioning of the body by balancing the structure. Often times, complications to the spine can affect other surrounding tissues of the body, including nerves, which can ultimately radiate pain and symptoms to various organs. Best known as osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT, this technique is typically utilized to treat a variety of musculoskeletal injuries or conditions, such as low back pain, neck pain and pelvic pain, caused by sports injuries, repetitive stress injuries and even, tension headaches. Foremost, a healthcare professional must properly evaluate and diagnose an individual to determine the presence of an injury or condition which may be causing painful symptoms. Individuals with pelvic pain, or instance, may experience painful symptoms along with connective tissue restrictions along their thighs, and glutes, including the gluteus medius. Pelvic manipulations may commonly be used in this case to improve blood flow to the affected area, decrease swelling and restore mobility to the surrounding structures.
Massage is similar to a manual manipulation. A massage is a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure into the connective tissue restrictions, also eliminating pain as well as other symptoms and restoring function. Massage can increase blood flow, which in turn delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles surrounding the affected regions of the body. The increased blood flow may also help carry away unnecessary substances which may have accumulated through time.
While osteopathic manipulation and chiropractic often seem to overlap each other, they do differ from each other. Chiropractic is a form of alternative treatment which focuses on musculoskeletal injuries and conditions as well as nervous system complications to naturally restore the structure and function of the body. After a careful analysis of the individual�s symptoms, a chiropractor may commonly follow through with a series of spinal adjustments as well as manual manipulations to correct any misalignments in the structures of the body. When certain areas of the spine are subluxated as a result of an injury or condition, the surrounding structures can often become irritated and inflamed, leading to complications within the tissues, including gluteus medius issues. A chiropractor will perform chiropractic adjustments to gently re-align the spine in order to progressively reduce the pain and swelling around the affected area. A chiropractor may even recommend a series of exercises according to the individual�s needs to promote healing and speed up the rehabilitation process. Chiropractic care has become a popular alternative for many types of complications, including back pain, neck pain and pelvic pain, among others primarily due to its effective treatment techniques.
In conclusion, a variety of methods and techniques are available to athletes to help them strengthen their gluteus medius, especially when enhancing their performance after experiencing an injury from their specific sport or physical activity. Commonly including several types of stretches and exercises aside from their preventive training, athletes can gradually improve the flexibility and mobility of their lower extremities. Also, chiropractic care as well as physical therapy and massage can tremendously help athletes recover to return-to-play immediately.�
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Low Back Pain After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. An auto collision can ultimately affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues surrounding the spine, commonly the lumbar region of the spine, causing symptoms such as low back pain. Sciatica is a common set of symptoms after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
Athletes are at higher risk of experiencing injuries or aggravating a previously existing condition due to the constant exposure to rigorous training and competitions. Although the lower extremities most frequently result in damage or injury, lower back complications have only been increasingly reported among the wide majority of athletes alike.
Among the young college athletes and professional athletes alike, low back pain is considered to be one of the most common complaints, estimated to affect more than 30 percent of athletes at least once in their career. A wide number of back injuries can affect the athlete, including muscle spasms and stress fractures, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, disc degeneration, facet joint arthropathy and disc issues, such as lumbar disc herniation.
Lumbar disc herniation is a well-known type of injury which often causes impairing low back pain, however, it can also compress the nerve roots in the area and generate radicular pain and other symptoms along the lower extremities, such as altered sensations and muscle weakness. Furthermore, this type of injury will not only affect the athlete�s ability to perform during their specific sport or physical activity, it may also become chronic and affect the athlete in the future.
Conservative treatments are frequently utilized when managing lumbar disc herniation in athletes, although surgical options may be considered if the injury is too severe. Many elite athletes often request faster recovery methods for their type of injuries and symptoms in order to minimize their time spent away from training and competition. As a result, a wide number of athletes will seek surgical alternatives earlier than recommended, provided they meet the criteria for lumbar spine surgery. The most popular surgical procedure for athletes with a low back disc herniation is the lumbar disc microdiscectomy.
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Anatomy & Biomechanics of the Lumbar Spine
The intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine perform an essential biomechanical role within the spine. These function to provide mobility between the segments of the spine while distributing compressive, shear and torsional forces. These discs are made up of a thick, outer ring of fibrous cartilage, known as the annulus fibrosis, which surround the gelatinous core of the disc, known as the nucleus pulposus, which is contained within the cartilage end plates.
Each intervertebral disc consists of cells and substances, such as collagen, proteoglycans and scattered fibrochondrocytic cells, which function to absorb and conduct increased forces from body weight and muscle activity. In order to effectively perform its function, the disc depends immensely on the structural condition of the annulus fibrosis, nucleus pulposus and the vertebral end plate. If the disc is healthy, it will evenly spread the forces being applied against the spine. However, disc degeneration caused by cell degradation, loss of hydration or disc collapse, can decrease the disc�s ability to withstand external forces and these will no longer be absorbed and conducted evenly across the spinal structures.
Tears in the annulus fibrosis of the disc along with extrinsic loads may ultimately cause the disc to herniate. Alternatively, applying a large, biomechanical force against a normal disc, such as a heavy compression on the spine due to a fall on the tailbone or strong muscle contraction from heavy weight lifting, can also damage the healthy structures of the disc and cause a rupture.
Disc herniation is characterized when the nucleus pulposus, the soft, jelly-like material in the center of a disc, pushes through a tear in the annulus fibrosis, the fibrous exterior of the disc. If the protrusion does not compress the nerve roots that travel along the spine, the individual may only experience back pain. But, if the herniated disc pushes against the lumbar nerve roots or other structures within the lower back, the individual may experience radicular pain along with neurological symptoms, such as numbness and paresthesia.
The pain and other symptoms associated with lumbar radiculopathy occurs due to a combination of nerve root ischemia from compression and due to inflammation caused by the chemicals released from a ruptured disc. During a herniation, the nucleus pulposus places unnecessary pressure against the weakened areas of the annulus, protruding through these weakened sites in the outer structure of the disc, ultimately forming a herniation. It�s important to note that when a lumbar disc herniation occurs, in a majority of cases, some form of disc degeneration may have existed before.
The Process of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Unlike other musculoskeletal tissues of the body, intervertebral discs generally degenerate sooner than other structures. Some studies have shown adolescents between the ages of 11 to 16 with signs of degeneration. As people age, the discs will naturally degenerate further. In a research study conducted using normal, healthy subjects between the ages of 21 to 30, more than one third of the individuals presented degenerated discs.
While the spinal discs may be at risk of injury in practically all fundamental planes of motion, these are often more susceptible to damage or injury during constant and repetitive flexion or hyperflexion along with lateral bending or rotation. Trauma from an injury caused by an excessive axial compression can also harm the internal structure of the discs. This can commonly result after the individual has suffered a fall or due to strong muscular forces being placed against the spine during specific activities, such as heavy weight lifting.
When it comes to athletes, they are frequently exposed to conditions of higher loading. A herniated disc can be categorized according to its location: central, posterolateral, foraminal or far lateral. Herniation varieties can also be classified as: protrusion, extrusion or sequestered fragment. Finally, disc herniation may be identified according to the level where they occurred on the spine. Most develop along the lumbar spine, often affecting the lumbar nerve roots which may lead to symptoms of sciatica. Upper lever herniated discs are rare, but when they do occur along with radiculopathy, they generally affect the femoral nerve.
Disc Herniation in Athletes
Athletes who participate in sports or physical activities which utilized combined trunk flexion and rotation have an increased chance of experiencing herniated discs. Individuals between 20 to 35 years of age are the most common group to herniate a disc, most likely as a result of the nature of the nucleus pulposis and due to behavior. This age group is most likely to be involved in sports which require higher loads of flexion and rotation or they may practice improper postures and positions when carrying weight.
The sports most at risk of disc herniation include: hockey, wrestling, football, swimming, basketball, golf, tennis, weight lifting, rowing and throwing activities, because these sports involve either high loads or high exposure to combined flexion and rotation mechanisms. Additionally, athletes who engage in more intense, continuous training routines appear to be at an increased risk of developing spinal injuries or conditions, similar to those involved in impact sports.
Signs and Symptoms Indicating Discectomy
An athlete is generally driven by motivation and goals when they choose to undergo surgery to treat a lumbar disc herniation. Rather than waiting for the symptoms to decrease over a period of rehabilitation, athletes prefer a relatively simple microdiscectomy.
A conservative period of management for symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc may involve: medication therapy, epidural injections, relative rest and trunk muscle rehabilitation, acupuncture and chiropractic care with massage. However, athletes who experience low back pain with pain radiating down one or both legs, neurological signs and symptoms, mild weakness of distal muscles, such as extensor hallucis longus, peroneals, tibialis anterior and soleus and those who demonstrated positive on the straight leg raise test, may meet the criteria to follow through with a surgical intervention for their lumbar herniated disc.
Generally, elite athletes have a shorter time span in which to allow conservative rehabilitation to be effective. For a majority of the population, medical practitioners often prescribe a minimum 6-week conservative period of treatment with a review at 6 weeks to decide whether they should extend the rehabilitation or to seek treatment from a specialist. This particular healthcare professional may then offer other alternative interventions to treat the issue.
For athletes, however, these time frames are compressed. Epidural injections are often offered to athletes to assess the issue quicker, and if there are no results within a determined period, an immediate lumbar spine microdiscectomy may follow.
Imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, are considered to be the preferred method for identifying lumbar disc herniation, as these are also very sensitive when detecting nerve root impingements. Because abnormal MRI scans can occur in otherwise asymptomatic individuals, it�s essential to establish a clinical correlation of symptoms before any surgical considerations. Additionally, individuals may present clinical signs and symptoms suggesting the presence of a lumbar herniated disc but they may lack sufficient evidence on MRI to meet the criteria to follow through with surgical interventions. Accordingly, it�s been proposed that a volumetric analysis of a lumbar herniated disc on MRI may be potentially valuable for assessing an individual�s and athlete�s suitability to receive surgery.
MRI Lumbar Spine Disc Herniation
Chiropractic and Massage
Fortunately, before considering surgical intervention, although more time and patience may be required, there are several effective, alternative treatment options that can help reduce and eliminate the symptoms associated with a lumbar herniated disc. Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system as well as the effects of these on general health. Chiropractic care emphasizes the treatment of the body as a whole rather than focusing on a single injury or condition. Through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, two of the most common techniques used in chiropractic, a chiropractor can carefully re-align the spine, helping to restore and reduce the pain and swelling caused by a lumbar herniated disc.
Along with a combination of massage, chiropractic care can ultimately help rehabilitate an injured athlete or individual. A massage, best referred to as myofascial release, is a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions, to eliminate pain and restore function. Massage can increase blood flow, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles surrounding the affected region of the spine. The increased blood flow may also help carry away unnecessary substances which may have accumulated through time. Chiropractic care and massage are safe and effective treatments that can help rehabilitate athletes with lumbar disc herniation without side effects.
Sports injuries can become a difficult situation for any athlete, especially if the symptoms become more severe, leading to further complications. When recovering from an injury, an athlete’s main concern involves them returning to play as soon as possible. Chiropractic care and the use of physical therapy as well as other types of treatment methods and massage can help individuals effectively recover from their injuries.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Low Back Pain After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. An auto collision can ultimately affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues surrounding the spine, commonly the lumbar region of the spine, causing symptoms such as low back pain. Sciatica is a common set of symptoms after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
Athletes are specially trained to exercise and compete vigorously without experiencing injury or aggravating a previously existing condition. However, accidents and direct trauma during their specific sport or physical activity can inevitably result in damage or injury to the individual. Muscle or tissue damage are common in sports and can be dealt with accordingly but when a bone fracture occurs, these may be more delicate and may require additional diagnosis and care in order to properly help an athlete recover.
Among the general population of athletes, stress fractures can be a rare cause of pain, accounting for only 2 percent of all reported sports injuries. However, a considerably higher number of stress fractures are diagnosed in long distance runners and triathletes.
Stress fractures occurring around the pelvis are significantly uncommon although, a majority of them are often considered a differential diagnosis when athletes, specifically long distance runners and triathletes, report hip, groin or buttock pain during and after running. Because stress fractures around the pelvic/hip region, including the sacral, pubic rami and femoral neck region, are rarely diagnosed, understanding and discussing the anatomy of the injury, their clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment for each of these types of stress fractures is important for an athlete in order to find a solution for those who do encounter it.
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How Stress Fractures Occur
Stress fractures occur over a determined period of time when the bone is no longer capable of withstanding submaximal, repetitive forces. They frequently result when normal stresses cause bone fracture with decreased bone density, such as in an elderly osteoporotic individual, or as a result of an abnormal stress being placed against a normal bone and causing a fracture, such as in a long distance runner.
When the bones are exposed to loading, the introductory physiological response is a respective increase in osteoclastic activity, or bone resorption, leading to temporary structural weakening before new bone formation. If these stresses continue to occur without having the bone properly adjust to this additional, ongoing osteoclastic activity, the pressure may exceed bone regeneration, causing microfractures to occur.
The first characteristic of a stress reaction observed through the use of MRI is bone oedema as well as increased activity on bone scan. Bone scan in the acute phase has high sensitivity but an increased uptake may also be due to infection, bone infarction or neoplastic activity. Researchers from previous studies stated that 60 to 70 percent of X-rays in the acute phase of stress fractures, approximately less than 2 weeks after the injury, have a negative result. Due to its high sensitivity as well as a lack of radiation and high specificity, even despite its elevated cost, MRI is often the preferred procedure to identify stress fractures in their early phases.
Various distinct intrinsic and extrinsic elements have been determined as risk factors for stress fractures. These include but are not limited to: biomechanics, strength and flexibility, nutrition, hormonal and menstrual disturbances, and footwear. These must all be considered prior to assessing an individual with a suspected stress fracture. During an analysis of 8 female athletes with sacral stress fractures, the most significant risk factor for these types of fractures was the rapid increase in impact activity during more intense exercise programs. An increase in workload should thus be considered a significant risk factor for stress fractures.
Anatomy of Sacral Stress Fractures
The sacrum consists of 5 fused vertebrae, S1 to S5, and is triangular in shape. It connects with the ilium at the sacroiliac joint and, due to its shape and function to distribute forces, it�s often described as the foundation to the arch of the pelvis. The sacrum, much like an inverted arch, supports the entire weight of the upper body and transfers force to the pelvis.
Sacral stress fractures most commonly occur in the lateral portion of the sacrum and are more frequently diagnosed in women. It�s been hypothesized that the shape of the female pelvis can lead create difficulty when distributing weight through the sacrum than the average male pelvis. However, it�s also been reported that several male elite Australian triathletes have experienced sacral stress fractures in recent years.
Symptoms
An athlete with a sacral stress fracture will often manifest acute onset back, buttock or hip pain which is generally described to occur suddenly during a run, making them incapable of continuing at the time. The individual may also experience limited mobility and they could or could not suffer pain on the palpation of the sacrum. Additionally, they may not experience any neurological symptoms but symptoms of sciatica may be common during this type of stress fracture. Sciatica can include pain, weakness or numbness and burning or tingling sensations along the lower back, buttock or hip, often radiating down the thigh. The individual may suffer pain or tightness when walking and they will experience symptoms when hopping on the affected side. Athletes with sacral stress fractures also frequently report pain during single leg loading tasks, for example, when putting pants on.
Diagnosis
Due to the extreme overlying soft tissue and complex bone anatomy, simple radiographs can rarely conclude the presence of a sacral stress fracture. Bone scan, MRI or CT can be utilized to effectively diagnose a sacral stress fracture. CT and MRI findings suggest that sacral stress fractures occur as a result of constant compressive forces which lead to microfractures of the trabecular bone. These fractures infrequently develop a visible callus on plain radiograph, therefore, MRI or CT scans should be utilized as a follow up imaging if poor healing is detected.
Treatment
The progression of treatment for an athlete with a sacral stress fracture broadly depends on the athlete�s symptoms as these are generally stable fractures. Rehabilitation procedures will progress from non-weight bearing to weight bearing to progressive return to running activities as the symptoms decrease. In most cases, a period of 6 weeks with no running followed by a 6 to 8-week period of a return to running progression may be required. A majority of published works indicate athletes may have a full return to activity by 4 months with rare cases taking up to 14 months.
Repeated CT scans approximately 4 and 8 months after the individual�s original diagnosis can often display no signs of previous fractures which demonstrate a quicker and fuller healing of the well-vascularized trabeculae microfractures when compared to fractures involving the less well-vascularized cancellous bone. Researchers concluded that women with sacral stress fractures who had the best diets and fewer prior stress injuries or menstrual irregularities, healed the fastest.
Anatomy of Pubic Rami Stress Fractures
The inferior pubic ramus slopes downward and medial from the superior ramus, narrowing as it goes down and it is the region where the adductor magnus, brevis and gracilis connect, including the obturator internus and externus. Pubic Rami stress fractures have been diagnosed among runners, triathletes and military service members. These generally occur in the inferior pubic rami next to the pubic symphysis. Researchers proposed that these fractures are a result of repetitive forces being applied to and transmitted to the bone through muscle contraction or fatigue. In a study on female military service members, it was suggested that over-striding during marching procedures was a potential factor contributing to pubic rami stress fractures.
Symptoms
Pubic rami stress fractures are generally detected either in competitive races or during intensive training sessions. These frequently occur at the insertion of the adductors and/or external rotators of the hip. Athletes with pubic rami stress fractures commonly suffer from pain in the hip, buttock, inguinal or adductor region which increases with activity and decreases with rest. It�s important to remember that pain caused by irritation and swelling along these regions may also cause symptoms similar to sciatica. It�s important to receive a proper diagnosis to rule out a compression of the sciatic nerve which could be causing neurological symptoms. Athletes with this type of injury often limp and on clinical testing, they may experience symptoms with passive hip abduction, resisted hip adduction and resisted hip external rotation. Stress fractures of the pelvis can be determined even without radiographic evidence if the following criteria are met by an individual. First, running will be impossible for the athlete as a result of severe discomfort in the groin area. Then, the individual will experience discomfort in the groin with an unsupported stance on the affected leg. And last, an athlete may suffer symptoms of pain and tenderness after deep palpation procedures.
Diagnosis
Simple radiographs may demonstrate displaced fracture lines but a lack of radiographic evidence in the early phases of injury is not uncommon. Bone scan, CT or MRI may be used to determine the presence of fracture and bone oedema may be evident on MRI.
Treatment
These fractures tend to have a high rate for healing following 6 to 10 weeks of rest, however, they have a small risk of non-union and re-fracture if the appropriate amount of rest is not followed. Fractures that display delayed union will likely demonstrate full recovery when further conservative procedures are followed. Progression of treatment should be guided by pain and at first, the individual may require the utilization of crutches as walking may be painful.
Anatomy of Femoral Neck Stress Fractures
The femoral neck is the flattened, pyramid shaped piece of bone which connects the femoral head to the femoral shaft.
Athletes with femoral neck stress fractures generally report hip or groin pain when running. This pain usually has an insidious onset and the symptoms may become significantly worse depending on the intensity or duration of a run. At first, symptoms may occur at the end of a run but as the stress reaction worsens, the pain may begin showing earlier in the run where gradually more time may be required to relieve the pain and discomfort. Athletes with femoral neck stress fractures may experience hip and/or groin pain while resting and may suffer restless nights of sleep due to the symptoms. Often, individuals will also report pain while rolling in bed, single leg stance and during active straight leg raise.
Femoral neck stress fractures are described as either tension or compression stress fractures. Fracture displacement determines the outcome of an injury and tension stress fractures generally have a higher rate of displacement as a result of non-union, malunion or osteonecrosis. Due to this fact, tension stress fractures are considered more serious than compression fractures and may require surgical fixation.
Diagnosis
Conventional radiographs are often negative in the acute setting but may shown signs during instances where symptoms have been present for 2 weeks or more. MRI is the favored standard for diagnosis and should be ordered when a stress fracture of the femoral neck is suspected.
Treatment
Tension side stress fractures require diagnosis from a healthcare professional immediately after its occurred due to their risk of displacement. Compression side fractures are often managed conservatively with protected weight bearing and ongoing monitoring to keep track of the individual�s healing process. Initial phases of management should include non-weight bearing on crutches until there are no symptoms at rest, then progress to partial weight bearing to full weight bearing over a period of 4-6 weeks. A gradual return to run program can be started at 8 to 12-weeks of treatment, once the individual is able to properly walk without experiencing pain and other symptoms.
Return to Activity Plan
With all stress fractures located around the pelvis, a careful, gradual return to activity plan can be an essential element of the rehabilitation process. To make sure the athlete receives progressive loading without sudden increases in workload, the return to activity plan should be at least as long as the time off the individual�s specific activity. For instance, if the athlete had a sacral stress fracture which required 6 weeks of no running, then that athlete needs at least a 6-week gradual return to running plan before they can return to their previous running load.
Hip Strengthening Exercises
A strengthening program of the lower extremities can additionally be implemented early in the rehabilitation process, first beginning with non-weight bearing exercises, which can gradually change as the individual becomes able to weight bear without pain. Early strengthening can also help decrease muscle loss and address any biomechanical complications the athlete might be facing. As the stress fractures heal and the tolerance for load improves, these exercises can be progressed to other higher-load exercises to provide the athlete�s body for the return of their specific sports activity.
Proper stretching and exercising techniques are effective methods and techniques that can help increase an athlete’s strength, mobility and flexibility to prevent experiencing an injury or aggravating a condition. Bone fractures, in this case, pelvic stress fractures, can be challenging to heal but with proper treatment, an athlete will be able to return-to-play in no time.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Low Back Pain After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. An auto collision can ultimately affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues surrounding the spine, commonly the lumbar region of the spine, causing symptoms such as low back pain. Sciatica is a common set of symptoms after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
Low back pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms that lead people to seek diagnosis and treatment with a healthcare professional. When the individual�s low back pain is accompanied with pain in one or both legs or buttocks, resulting in symptoms similar to sciatica, it may be an indicator that the patient may have a lumbar disc herniation, also referred to as a herniated disc, ruptured disc, or slipped disc.
Contents
Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae that extend through the length of the ribcage and pelvis. From top to bottom, these vertebrae are medically labeled L1 through L5 and they�re each separated by intervertebral discs. The discs are made up of a fibrous tissue known as the annulus with a soft nucleus found at the center of each disc. These discs are fundamental towards the proper function of the spine, performing the important roles of shock absorption and distribution of pressure.
In the instance the annulus becomes ruptured or torn, the nucleus can become separated from the disc. This complication can decrease the disc�s ability to properly separate the vertebrae, an issue which often leads to increased pressure due to the compression or impingement of the spinal nerves found between each vertebrae of the spine. Individuals with a lumbar disc herniation and symptoms of sciatica commonly experience pain and discomfort related to the pinching of the nerves, which can in turn radiate down the legs.
Generally, a herniated disc is caused by the natural degeneration of the body�s structures as we age. If not diagnosed or treated in time, however, this simple wear and tear complication can develop into a more serious injury or condition. In addition, intervertebral discs can also tear due to trauma from heavy lifting or as a result of a sudden injury, such as an automobile accident or a work injury.
Diagnosing a Lumbar Disc Herniation
A chiropractor can properly diagnose a variety of injuries or conditions relating to the musculoskeletal and nervous system, including a lumbar disc herniation. During the first consultation, the chiropractor will conduct a thorough physical exam, including a comprehensive review of your medical history and test results. Using this, the healthcare professional will be able to determine the source of the symptoms. In many cases, the specialist may require additional tests to confirm the presence of a specific injury and/or condition. Most chiropractic offices will provide you with up to date information about your diagnosis, as well as the risks and benefits of each treatment option. Chiropractors will work with the individual personally to decide on the best treatment option for their complication.
Treating a Lumbar Disc Herniation
Chiropractic adjustments and manual manipulations are the most common forms of treatment provided by a doctor of chiropractic, or DC. Using this gentle techniques, the healthcare specialist will carefully realign the spine, correcting the subluxations in order to decrease and eliminate the symptoms caused by nerve compression or impingement. Chiropractors may also redirect a patient to receive other types of treatment depending on the severity of their issue. Chiropractic care can help restore an individual�s strength, mobility and flexibility, offering a wide variety of benefits. Chiropractic treatment is well-known for its natural benefits, including the enhancement of many functions of the body.
Chiropractic Can Improve Sex Life
Many people visit the chiropractor with back pain, but after several sessions of treatment, they often return reporting that their sex life has improved. Jason Helfrich, co-founder and CEO of 100% Chiropractic, stated that the body can positively respond in many aspects when the unnecessary pressure on the nervous system is decreased or removed.
Every function of the body is controlled by the nervous system, however, when the spine is misaligned, known as a subluxation, the nerves traveling between the brain and the rest of the body, these can become blocked, compromising the body�s ability to function properly. A chiropractor�s goal is to remove these subluxations, since they can both cause pain and impede feeling. But treatment can help more than just improve symptoms of back pain. The lumbar region of the spine is where the nerves that extend into your reproductive regions are found. Correcting misalignments in the lower spine can improve nerve flow to your sexual organs, increasing things like blood flow to your clitoris or the penis.
�Correcting a spinal subluxation also allows the organs to send messages to the brain more easily. This means that not only do you become physically aroused faster, but your brain also registers that ready-for-action, heightened sense of pleasure more quickly, so you move past the mental obstacles that may be keeping you from orgasming�, quoted Helfrich.
Other Adjustments for an Improved Sex Life
Libido and fertility need a proper balance of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones, many of which are released in the upper cervical and neck area of the body. If there are any misalignments or subluxations in the upper region of the spine, the nerve transmissions exiting the brain can be interrupted due to the compression or impingement of these tissues, which will ultimately have an effect all the way down to the reproductive organs, among others.
Including fertility is affected by the nerves and hormones coming out of the spine, as they control the reproductive cycle.
Beyond all of the physiological benefits of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, chiropractic treatment can also simply give the muscles more range of motion. This means you can try previously difficult positions under the sheets, enhancing an individual�s sex life further.
�We want to improve people�s health, and health is about living life as its intended. Having a great sex life is huge part of that�, Jason Helfrich concluded.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Low Back Pain After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. An auto collision can ultimately affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues surrounding the spine, commonly the lumbar region of the spine, causing symptoms such as low back pain. Sciatica is a common set of symptoms after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
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