by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
When the spine degenerates with age, the spinal bones gradually begin to deform. These changes can then affect the soft-tissues surrounding the spine: muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, joints and even spinal nerves.
Through overuse, bad posture and/or as a result of an injury or other underlying condition, the spinal discs are the most commonly affected structures when the spine begins to degenerate. The spinal discs, or vertebral discs, primarily function as a shock absorber between each vertebra. These also act as ligaments to hold the bones of the spine together and provide mobility to the spine. As people age, the body begins to wear and tear from use. The spinal discs will degenerate from loss of fluid, causing these to become thinner and less flexible, no longer providing a comfortable cushion between each vertebra. The supporting ligaments, tendons and muscles can also begin to weaken, leading to various complications, including pinched nerves, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and misalignments of the spine.
Because spinal degeneration occurs over an extended period of time, its symptoms can appear subtle and are often overlooked in its early stages. However, once this natural wear and tear begins to develop into much more severe complications, a majority of individuals will experience neck, back and lower back pain, depending on the location of the spinal issue.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Spinal degeneration is a common term used to describe the aging process of the spine. Although the process occurs naturally over time, constant stress or pressure on the spinal bones and a variety of untreated spine complications can degenerate the tissues faster, ultimately changing the overall structure of the spine. Fortunately, chiropractic care can help slow down the degeneration process of the spine. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900,�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chronic Back Pain, Lower Back Pain
The fascia is a layer of connective tissue that supports the framework of the spine and musculoskeletal system. This tissue surrounds the muscles, allowing them to move smoothly against each other. The fascia helps prevent muscles from adhering into one another. However, with direct trauma from an injury, chronic postural stress or overuse of the muscles, myofascial trigger points and myofascial adhesions may develop, commonly known as myofascial pain syndrome.
Myofascial pain syndrome, often referred to as trigger joints, is a chronic pain disorder and it is the most frequent cause of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed aches and pains, especially for neck pain, back pain and recurrent headaches. In individuals experiencing the painful disorder, any pressure applied on these sensitive points in the muscles can cause symptoms of pain in unrelated areas of the body, medically known as referred pain. Myofascial pain syndrome can also cause symptoms similar to chest pain or sciatica.
While a majority of individuals have experienced muscle tension pain at some point in their lifetime, the pain and discomfort associated with myofascial pain syndrome can be persistent and may worsen over time.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T�s insight:
The human spine consists of many bones, joints and other complex tissues, including a broad structure of interwoven and layered muscles. The muscles surrounding the spine are essential towards the body�s overall stability.�However, with direct trauma from an injury, chronic postural stress or overuse of the muscles, myofascial trigger points and myofascial adhesions may develop, commonly known as myofascial pain syndrome. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
theaccidentdoctor:
The human spine is a complex structure consisting of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and other tissues. Spinal health is essential towards maintaining the body�s optimal performance as it functions to support an upright posture, provides flexibility to allow the body to bend and twist freely, and most importantly, it protects the spinal cord. While a healthy back can easily be taken for granted, a back injury or other type of complication may result in long-lasting consequences that could alter an individual�s aspect of daily life.
Unfortunately, back injuries are among the most common types of complications suffered after an automobile accident. Each day, thousands of individuals are involved in head-on, side-impact, and rear-end auto collisions, often leading to spinal injuries even during minor car crashes. Depending on the force of the impact, a single or multiple areas of the back may be affected. Automobile injuries can range from mild sprains and bruises to fractured vertebrae and spinal cord damage.
If you�ve had a car accident, it�s essential to take note of any symptoms of back pain, as there are a variety of spine complications which could result after experiencing an auto collision.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T�s insight:
After being involved in an automobile accident, injuries inflicted to the spine can be a common complication for many individuals. From herniated discs to compression fractions, the force of an auto collision can place great amounts of stress on the complex structures of the spine, often leading to damage, injuries and even aggravate an existing condition. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
When a worker suffers harm while on the job, they are supported by the worker�s compensation insurance. Medical bills are taken care of and the worker is compensated for lost wages from missed days at work after their injuries.�
After being injured, the worker�s priority is to restore their health and return to work as soon as possible. Many individuals with symptoms of pain and discomfort resulting from an injury or aggravated condition from a work injury may overuse their need for prescription killers, especially opioids, through the worker�s compensation system. The use of these drugs has increased tremendously over the past several years, regardless of their benefit.
While prescription drugs may provide a temporary relief from a variety of symptoms affecting an individual, these don�t address the problem at its source and their use for relief as a long-term solution is debatable. Fortunately, as the use of narcotic painkillers has risen, so too has the interest in more natural, alternative treatment options.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Unintentional injuries caused by unexpected accidents can happen anywhere, especially at the workplace. The health of workers is important towards the bright future of a company and thanks to the worker�s compensation system, many workers can receive the care they deserve after an injury, including experiencing the benefits of chiropractic care for their overall health and wellness. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
The symptoms of whiplash generally occur immediately after the automobile accident, but occasionally, these can take several hours or even days to develop.
If you have been involved in a car crash, it�s important to take prompt action in order to minimize the recovery time. According to research presented at the World Congress on Neck Pain in Los Angeles, the initial level of pain after a whiplash-related injury as well as psychological factors, such as having positive expectations for getting better, can best predict which individuals will recover quickly from whiplash.
Most cases will resolve in a matter of a few days while others may take weeks or longer to heal. It�s always recommended to seek professional medical attention after experiencing pain and discomfort, but in the meantime, the individual can utilize home remedies to relieve their symptoms while they begin their recovery process.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Although generally associated with automobile accidents, any impact or blow to the head that causes it to jolt back-and-forth can cause neck strain, otherwise known as whiplash. The abrupt force stretches and often even tears the muscles, tendons and other tissues in the neck. In fact, whiplash is the most common type of injury as a result of an auto collision. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Healthcare assistance is implemented by a practitioner according to every individual�s health concerns and needs. The knowledge and experience of healthcare providers, the medical care preferences of the patient and the facts or evidence regarding the effectiveness of a vast majority of treatments available for specific types of injuries and conditions, are all essential considerations for people when seeking the appropriate healthcare services.
Aside from all these medical interests, with the current state of our economy and the unknown future of healthcare in the United States, consumers not only need the best options for relieving their pain and discomfort or promoting their overall health, people also need the best cost-effective treatments available to them.
After suffering an injury due to an accident or aggravating a previous condition, a simple medical office visit for neck or back pain can be a tremendous concern for many individuals in terms of cost, often progressing to thousands of dollars in medical expenses and medication dependence. An average visit to a medical office can vary widely in price depending on the doctor and nature of the visit. Even for individuals with insurance coverage, a deductible or large co-pay can rapidly add up to undesirable medical bills.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
For many people, the struggle of excessive medical costs is a real situation they’re currently facing. Fortunately, there is an alternative treatment option which has considerably grown in popularity over the years due to its approach to wellness and prevention healthcare and it�s also been proven to be a great cost-effective form of medical care; chiropractic. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Post-traumatic stress disorder, also referred to as PTSD, is a psychological or mental health condition that develops in people who have experienced a traumatic, horrifying event. PTSD is primarily associated with soldiers returning from combat, although, this emotional ailment is not limited to military combat situations. As a matter of fact, automobile accidents are one of the leading causes of post-traumatic stress disorder nationwide.
For most people involved in an auto collision, the feelings of shock and fear may be difficult to deal with at first, but with time, patience, and plenty of self-care, their emotional health will generally restore on its own. But, if the symptoms worsen or they last for months or even years without improvement and these begin to interfere with the individual�s everyday functioning, they could have developed PTSD.
The most difficult feature about identifying PTSD, and therefore treating it, involves the numerous, different ways the condition may arise for each person. While several people can experience the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder as bad dreams or nightmares, other can experience them as anxiety in crowded places.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Being involved in a car crash is an undesirable and unexpected circumstance where a majority of individuals can suffer a variety of both physical and emotional harm, such as whiplash and back complications, and the uneasy feelings which result from the aftermath can often be overwhelming. However, these feelings can occasionally keep an individual from living a normal life after the incident. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, the painful disorder affects approximately 10 million individuals, mostly women, in the United States alone. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies pain sensations by altering the way the brain processes pain signals.
The severity of fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from one individual to the next and these may even fluctuate in a single person depending on various triggering factors, however, pain and fatigue are nearly always present. Several individuals report feeling discomfort in a single or multiple yet specific areas of their bodies while others describe overall pain in their muscles and other soft tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, that has lasted for at least three months. Widespread pain is identified when it occurs on both sides of the body and both above and below the waist.
The grade of pain associated with fibromyalgia can range from aching, tenderness and throbbing sensations to sharper, shooting and stabbing sensations. Intense burning, numbness, and tingling sensations may also be present.
Some individuals affected with fibromyalgia only experience mild cases of fatigue, but many describe feeling entirely physically and mentally drained. Waking up tired often despite sleeping for long periods of time is occurs frequently among people affected with the condition. Sleep may also be disrupted by the pain many individuals experience and other sleeping disorders, such as restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea, can develop alongside common fibromyalgia symptoms. The excessive exhaustion in these people can begin interfering with all their daily activities, affecting their quality of life.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Fibromyalgia is a widely misunderstood and often misdiagnosed chronic disorder. Commonly characterized by widespread, musculoskeletal pain, the condition may also be accompanied by fatigue, mood and concentration issues as well as sleeping problems. Living with the symptoms of fibromyalgia can greatly affect an individual’s quality of life if left untreated. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a natural form of health care that targets disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system while focusing on the relation between the body�s structure, primarily the spine, and its functioning. A doctor of chiropractic, or DC, may utilize a variety of treatment approaches depending on the individuals type of injuries or conditions.
Through various studies, chiropractic has demonstrated to be a cost-effective alternative treatment option. Chiropractic care contributes to fewer medical expenses because, not only does it relieve the symptoms of an injury or condition, regular spinal adjustments and manual manipulations can actually help prevent further damage or injury as well as prevent the development of numerous conditions, thus avoiding additional medical expenses. When the body is functioning effectively, it has the ability to heal itself. Chiropractic treatment naturally helps restore the body�s own recuperative capabilities to promote a faster, safer rehabilitation process while avoiding side effects.
Furthermore, chiropractic helps individuals avoid other costly and often unnecessary medical procedures, including tests, surgery and expensive drugs.�
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Back pain, and other symptoms caused by unexpected injuries or conditions, affect almost every individual at least once throughout their lifetime. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to ease many irritating symptoms. Although the effectiveness of a procedure is important, it�s essential to acknowledge that cost is just as important a factor when considering health care options. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Adult scoliosis, medically referred to as degenerative scoliosis, is distinguished by an unnatural, side-to-side curvature of the spine caused by a degeneration of the facet joints, which give the back flexibility and enable the spine to bend and twist smoothly. This condition occurs most frequently among individuals over 65 years of age. The characteristic scoliosis curve that generally forms into a �C� shape, commonly develops in the lumbar spine.
Many individuals are more familiar with adolescent scoliosis, also called idiopathic scoliosis, but the differences between the two conditions aren�t fully understood by the general population. Idiopathic scoliosis occurs in children and adolescents, typically ranging from 10 to 18 years of age and its cause still remains unknown to experts. In more severe cases of the condition, the lateral shift of the spine can progress immediately as the child grows, often requiring the utilization of a scoliosis brace or even surgery to slow down or stop the unnatural side-to-side curvature of the spine.
Unlike adolescent or idiopathic scoliosis, there is a known cause for adult or degenerative scoliosis. Degenerative scoliosis is caused by a gradual deterioration of the facet joints found in the back due to aging, the same type of process which leads to osteoarthritis of the spine. However, when scoliosis occurs in older adults, the pressure that builds up from the degenerating facet joints is known to be the leading cause for the once naturally straight spine, as viewed from the back, to begin abnormally shifting laterally, curving to one side.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Adult scoliosis, medically referred to as degenerative scoliosis, is distinguished by an unnatural, side-to-side curvature of the spine caused by a degeneration of the facet joints.�The inflammation caused by the degenerating facet joints is the leading cause for pain among many individuals. Chiropractic care�can help improve the mobility of the facet joints, reducing the inflammation and pain. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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