Resistance band exercises can be very useful for injury rehabilitation. As a part of a chiropractic neuromusculoskeletal treatment plan, personalized rehabilitation exercises using resistance bands can be prescribed to strengthen targeted areas of the body that require retraining due to an injury or condition. Resistance band training can effectively rehabilitate neck, shoulder, back, leg, knee, and ankle conditions and offer several advantages, from improving strength and posture to increasing mobility and improving joint health.
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Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are rehabilitation and exercise equipment that provide consistent resistance throughout a specific exercise. They are rubberized bands or elastic cables that can be color-coded (different brands may vary in color progressions) to signify the amount of resistance they provide. These bands are great for all types of injuries to the joints or muscles and have been found to be effective in the following types:
Weakened neck muscles from injury.
Shoulder dislocation
Tennis elbow
Hip bursitis
Knee injuries
IT band syndrome
Ankle sprains
Improve flexibility for arthritis.
The body does need time to heal before engaging in exercise, especially after major muscle, ligament, or tendon tears. A chiropractor or physical therapist will inform the patient when they can begin. However, some areas can be worked out three days after an injury.
Benefits
Resistance bands can isolate strength training and stretching to specific muscles affected by surgery or a non-surgical injury/condition in chiropractic and physical therapy. They can help in the following:
Increased circulation.
Increased range of motion and flexibility.
Increased muscular strength.
Improved posture.
Increased joint stability.
Improved balance.
Added benefits:
They are small, lightweight, and portable making them perfect for those that travel frequently.
They are simple to use.
They are cost-effective.
They provide a whole-body workout.
They come in different resistance levels to progress gradually.
Safe for every fitness level.
Exercises
Exercises with bands can be used in standing, sitting, or lying down positions. Some may consist of movements with resistance coming from body weight. Other activities may require additional resistance. Lunges are an example of a simple exercise to help rehabilitate certain back conditions.
Injury Stages
Strength and resistance training is essential for healing from neuromusculoskeletal injuries and overall health.
Early/Acute Stage
This stage entails light, gentle exercising that will allow damaged tissues to begin healing with simple movements to get circulation moving through the areas.
This gradually increases the weight on the injured bone, ligament, or muscle so the tissue can develop the ability to withstand strains from daily activities.
Late/Functional Stage
This is the final step, in which the tissues are stressed through functional exercises to be fit enough to return to work, sports, and activities.
Exercises For Lower Back
References
Lee, Jae-Kwang, and Jae-Hong Lee. “Effect of the lumbar stabilization exercise on the height difference between shoulders and range of motion in older adults.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 35,1 (2023): 46-50. doi:10.1589/jpts.35.46
Mikesky, A E et al. “Efficacy of a home-based training program for older adults using elastic tubing.” European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology vol. 69,4 (1994): 316-20. doi:10.1007/BF00392037
Seguin, Rachel C et al. “The Efficacy of Upper-Extremity Elastic Resistance Training on Shoulder Strength and Performance: A Systematic Review.” Sports (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 10,2 24. 14 Feb. 2022, doi:10.3390/sports10020024
Seo, Myong-Won et al. “Effects of 16 Weeks of Resistance Training on Muscle Quality and Muscle Growth Factors in Older Adult Women with Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,13 6762. 23 Jun. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph18136762
Yamamoto, Yutaro, et al. “Effects of resistance training using elastic bands on muscle strength with or without a leucine supplement for 48 weeks in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.” Endocrine journal vol. 68,3 (2021): 291-298. doi:10.1507/endocrj.EJ20-0550
An exercise routine is highly important for anyone trying to get a kick start on their health and wellness journey. It could be simple as walking around the park for 30 minutes, going to the community pool to swim, or taking a group fitness class with friends. Incorporating an exercise regime can even help reduce the effects of musculoskeletal disorders and their associated symptoms from causing pain in the muscles and joints in the body. Even though many individuals have busy lives, it is important to ensure that their bodies are getting enough exercise to feel less joint and muscle pain while improving other systems that benefit from training. Today’s article looks at how to keep a constant exercise routine, how exercise can help musculoskeletal disorders, and how the MET technique is combined with physical activity. We provide and mention valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who offer available therapy treatments like the MET technique combined with physical activities for individuals dealing with musculoskeletal pain disorders. We encourage each patient by referring them to our associated medical providers based on the patient’s diagnosis findings appropriately. We acknowledge that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most helpful questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Keeping A Constant Exercise Routine
Have you been feeling sluggish throughout the day? Do you believe you don’t have enough time to exercise and feel stressed? Or have you been experiencing unwanted pain and stiffness in your muscles and joints? Many individuals experiencing these issues in their bodies could not be getting enough exercise to reduce these musculoskeletal disorders. When it comes to many individuals trying to keep a constant exercise routine to better their health may be difficult but not impossible. There are many ways to incorporate a daily consistent exercise routine by making small changes in your daily life routine. Walking with friends or pets, attending a group fitness class, or doing squats at home can benefit muscle growth and promote motivation to continue these small changes. However, some of the reasons that many people need to exercise more are to need more time. Studies reveal that most people often refrain from any form of exercise due to needing more time out of their busy schedules. People who do not exercise regularly are potentially at risk of developing health-related problems and disorders linked to the musculoskeletal system.
Exercise For Musculoskeletal Disorders
When the musculoskeletal system is linked to health-related problems due to physical inactivity, when the body is not getting enough exercise, it can cause muscle and joint pain and other associated symptoms that can affect mobility. Research studies have revealed that pain in specific areas of the body, which includes the back, neck, and shoulders, is often due to extended periods of sitting down and inactivity that cause many people to develop musculoskeletal disorders. When pain and discomfort affect the body, it can cause visceral-somatic pain in different body areas. Not only that, but the various muscles in the upper and lower extremities of the body will become shortened and weak over time, leading to disability and poor posture. Now all is not lost, as there are ways to reduce the effects of musculoskeletal disorders and incorporate exercise as part of a person’s daily routine.
Lumbar Spine Injuries in Sports: Chiropractic Healing-Video
Have you been dealing with back, neck, or shoulder issues? Have you been feeling sluggish after a long, hard day at work? Or do you want to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine? Many individuals have been dealing with musculoskeletal issues in their bodies due to being physically inactive or not having enough time in their day. When this happens, it causes numerous disorders associated with the musculoskeletal system that correlate with the pain. However, making small changes in a routine is achievable by setting time aside for a few minutes and moving around to prevent issues from affecting the body. Studies reveal that performing exercise interventions for a few minutes may help reduce the effects of musculoskeletal complaints and boost work abilities. Additionally, exercises combined with chiropractic care can further reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders that are taking effect in the various joint and muscles by restoring the body and causing it to heal naturally. The video above explains how chiropractic care is incorporated into musculoskeletal disorders and helps relieve the pain-like symptoms associated with spinal subluxation.
The MET Technique & Exercise
Now, an exercise regime can help reduce pain-like effects on the musculoskeletal system and help with muscle growth. According to “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., each variation of exercise training, like strength and endurance training involves different muscle fibers in the body and helps with muscle growth. Now it is best to start slowly and build up to improving the body’s endurance to prevent injuries from affecting the muscle groups. Hence why available treatments utilize the MET technique combined with exercise to help stretch and strengthen the muscles and revitalize the joints. According to research studies, combining the MET technique and stretching before exercising has improved muscle and joint mobility and increased the body’s range of motion without pain. Incorporating stretching and exercise can help the body from developing future musculoskeletal issues and can be part of any daily routine for the busy worker.
Conclusion
With people having a busy schedule, incorporating a few minutes of exercising can benefit the individual and their musculoskeletal system. When the body is dealing with musculoskeletal issues associated with physical inactivity, it can lead to future disorders that can cause the body to deal with pain and immobility. Hence, small changes in a routine, like walking or exercising for a few minutes, can benefit the body in the long haul. Additionally, incorporating treatment techniques like the MET combined with exercise helps stretch and strengthen the musculoskeletal system, allowing the body to restore itself naturally to prevent further injuries.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Iversen, Vegard M, et al. “No Time to Lift? Designing Time-Efficient Training Programs for Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review.” Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8449772/.
Phadke, Apoorva, et al. “Effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Static Stretching on Pain and Functional Disability in Patients with Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal : Official Publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu Li Chih Liao, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Apr. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6385145/.
Shariat, Ardalan, et al. “Office Exercise Training to Reduce and Prevent the Occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office Workers: A Hypothesis.” The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences : MJMS, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5025063/.
Tersa-Miralles, Carlos, et al. “Effectiveness of Workplace Exercise Interventions in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Office Workers: A Systematic Review.” BMJ Open, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 31 Jan. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8804637/.
Maintaining a healthy and well-balanced nutritional plan is recommended for overall health. When the body is nourished healthily, it will perform optimally. Stress is part of daily life, and certain foods can enhance the body’s ability to handle stress, help target physical and emotional states, and protect the brain. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Team can provide therapeutic massage to increase circulation, and relax the mind and body, adjustments to restore any misalignments, and nutritional support and health coaching for total wellness.
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Foods For Stress
Anxiety is a widespread condition affecting millions of individuals. Trying to lower stress levels includes self-care, sleep management, physical activity, and incorporating foods to reduce cortisol levels, the primary hormone responsible for stress.
Cortisol
Cortisol has a variety of functions that include:
Manages how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Sleep cycle regulation.
Blood pressure regulation.
Increases blood sugar.
Decreases inflammation.
Cortisol is sometimes known as the stress hormone because the adrenal gland releases it when experiencing stress or when the body is under physical stress/inflammation. It is the key to managing the fight-or-flight instinct and is healthy for a short period as a protective mechanism providing the energy needed to respond to short-term stress. However, the long-term release of cortisol generates tension in the body, leading to chronic inflammation and raised blood pressure. Learning how to manage stress is necessary for lowering cortisol levels.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary and are different for everybody.
Physical
Exhaustion.
Sleep problems.
Headaches.
Muscle tension.
Jaw clenching.
Aches and pains.
Chronic illness from a weakened immune system.
Stomach or digestive problems.
High blood pressure.
Chest pain or a feeling like the heart is racing.
Dizziness.
Shaking.
Emotional and mental
Irritability and or anxiousness.
Sadness.
Depression.
Panic attacks.
Foods
The objective is to reduce inflammation, thus reducing cortisol levels. Recommended foods for stress include foods high in magnesium, vitamin B, Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and foods that benefit the gut. Here are a few.
Magnesium
Magnesium is highly beneficial in reducing inflammation, metabolizing cortisol, and relaxing the mind and body.
Dark chocolate.
Bananas.
Broccoli.
Spinach.
Avocados.
Pumpkin seeds.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B12 can help with the metabolism of cortisol.
The key to lowering stress is a whole-body approach that includes exercise, proper sleep, and managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, all of which can put the body in a prolonged state of inflammation. Incorporating these foods into a nutritional plan can help relieve stress naturally.
Impact of Stress
References
Aucoin, Monique, and Sukriti Bhardwaj. “Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Hypoglycemia Symptoms Improved with Diet Modification.” Case reports in psychiatry vol. 2016 (2016): 7165425. doi:10.1155/2016/7165425
Errisuriz, Vanessa L et al. “Perceived stress and dietary choices: The moderating role of stress management.” Eating behaviors vol. 22 (2016): 211-216. doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2016.06.008
Norwitz, Nicholas G, and Uma Naidoo. “Nutrition as Metabolic Treatment for Anxiety.” Frontiers in psychiatry vol. 12 598119. 12 Feb. 2021, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.598119
Serafini, Mauro, and Ilaria Peluso. “Functional Foods for Health: The Interrelated Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, Spices and Cocoa in Humans.” Current pharmaceutical design vol. 22,44 (2016): 6701-6715. doi:10.2174/1381612823666161123094235
Zellner, Debra A et al. “Food selection changes under stress.” Physiology & behavior vol. 87,4 (2006): 789-93. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2006.01.014
The lumbar/low back muscles support the upper body’s weight and are involved in moving, twisting, bending, pushing, pulling, and reaching. These repetitive actions can result in a lumbar strain, which is muscle damage or injury to the tendons or muscles of the lower back, causing spasms, soreness, and pain. A lumbar strain can be the source of severe pain symptoms; it can be debilitating and, if left untreated, can lead to chronic conditions. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can relieve symptoms, realign the body, relax, rehabilitate, strengthen muscles, and restore function.
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Lumbar Strain
The lumbar vertebra makes up the region of the spine in the lower back. Sudden injuries or overuse injuries can damage the tendons and muscles. Lumbar muscle strain is caused when the muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn. Lumbar strain can be acute/sudden or chronic/lingering. A strain that has been present for days or weeks is referred to as acute. It is considered chronic if it has persisted for over three months. It can occur at any age but is most common in individuals in their forties. Increased risk factors can include:
Weakened back or abdominal muscles can cause
Tight hamstrings can pull the low back muscles down.
Excessive lower back curvature.
Forward-tilted pelvis.
Symptoms
Lumbar strain can have varied signs and symptoms depending on the location, damage, and cause of injury. The damage can range from simple overstretching injuries to partial or complete tears of varying degrees. The tears cause inflammation in the surrounding area, resulting in back spasms and difficulty moving. A muscle spasm is a cramp caused by a sudden and involuntary contraction or twitch and can be one of the symptoms of a lumbar strain. Other symptoms can include:
Muscle spasms either with activity or when resting.
Stiffness in the low back.
Difficulty standing or walking, with slight relief when resting.
Trouble doing simple tasks like bending or climbing stairs.
Low back pain can radiate into the buttocks without affecting the legs.
The lower back may be tender and sore to the touch.
Decreased muscle strength.
Restricted or limited range of motion.
Inability to maintain healthy posture because of stiffness and/or pain.
Discomfort symptoms that persist.
Discomfort ranges from mild aches to sharp, debilitating pain.
Intermittent flare-ups.
Causes
There are often multiple underlying risk factors contributing to the injury or damage. A few of the most common causes:
Depending on the severity, a doctor or health care provider could recommend chiropractic treatment and physical therapy. The chiropractor will perform an evaluation, combined with the doctor’s diagnosis, to develop a customized/personalized treatment plan. Treatment may include:
Ice and heat therapy
Massage to stimulate blood circulation
Percussive muscle stimulation
Pelvic traction
Ultrasound
Stretching exercises
Exercises to do at home for long-term relief.
It is a safe option to loosen tight back muscles, relieve pain, and promote lower back healing.
Spine Injuries In Sports
References
Ball, Jacob R et al. “Lumbar Spine Injuries in Sports: Review of the Literature and Current Treatment Recommendations.” Sports medicine – open vol. 5,1 26. 24 Jun. 2019, doi:10.1186/s40798-019-0199-7
Domljan, Z et al. “Lumbalni strain-sindromi” [Lumbar strain syndromes]. Reumatizam vol. 38,5-6 (1991): 33-4.
Li, H et al. “Rehabilitation effect of exercise with soft tissue manipulation in patients with a lumbar muscle strain.” Nigerian journal of clinical practice vol. 20,5 (2017): 629-633. doi:10.4103/njcp.njcp_126_16
Williams, Whitney, and Noelle M Selkow. “Self-Myofascial Release of the Superficial Back Line Improves Sit-and-Reach Distance.” Journal of sport rehabilitation vol. 29,4 400-404. 18 Oct. 2019, doi:10.1123/jsr.2018-0306
The body needs a good amount of rest after being in motion throughout the day in the form of sleep. Whether the body has been doing errands, standing, running, or walking, many individuals need to rest for a few hours to promote muscle growth and mental recovery. To that point, a good hour and a half nap or a full 8-hours of sleep can do the body good. However, when environmental factors or traumatic accidents start to affect the body, it can lead to pain-like symptoms in the muscle groups that can disrupt the sleeping process and allow recovery to occur in the form of sleep. Fortunately, numerous treatment techniques and therapies restore the body and allow the musculoskeletal system to recover. Today’s article looks at how different sleeping positions correlate with the musculoskeletal system, how pain disorders affect a person’s sleep, and how the MET technique can provide better sleep. We provide valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers offering available therapy treatments like the MET technique for individuals dealing with poor sleep quality associated with musculoskeletal pain disorders. We encourage each patient appropriately by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results. We accept that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most crucial questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., assesses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Sleeping Positions & The Musculoskeletal System
Have you been feeling muscle stiffness in certain areas of your body? Do you feel aches and pains in your low back when stretching? Or have you experienced headaches that seem to go away and come back after a nap? Many of these symptoms are associated with how your sleeping position affects your musculoskeletal system. Many of us have different sleeping positions to feel comfortable and get a full night of sleep. From sleeping on the sides (left or right), on the back, or the stomach, finding a comfortable position can make the musculoskeletal system feel weird. Research studies have revealed that different body postures and movements during sleep have been associated with sleep quality and numerous health outcomes. So if an adult sleeps on their back or side, it could correlate with how much sleep their musculoskeletal system is getting for their mental and physical health. According to Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O. and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T book, “Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques,” stated that recovery of a normal sleep pattern is extremely important for the musculoskeletal system as it provides tissue repair and allows the pituitary glands to release growth hormones in the body while sleep is taking place at night. However, the book also mentions that sleep patterns can be easily disturbed by numerous factors that cause distress and pain to the body affecting the sleep cycle.
Pain Disorders Affecting Sleep
When environmental factors begin to affect how the body functions, it can lead to numerous issues and complaints to the musculoskeletal system that can affect a person’s ability to function over time. It could affect the person’s posture as the muscles are being overstretched, causing issues with the body’s functionality. Studies reveal that different habitual sleep postures or musculoskeletal disorders throughout the day could cause compressive load and muscle contractions on the spinal tissues causing them to become tight and leading to correlating risk factors to the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, environmental risk factors associated with pain can cause muscle weakness and contribute to musculoskeletal problems and imbalances that cause the muscle tissues to become short and tense while changing motor regulation and performance. This means that any muscles that have been overused and injuries can cause pain to the ligaments and joints of the body, leading to musculoskeletal pain and injuries that can affect a person’s quality of sleep.
The Secret Of Unlocking Mobility- Video
Have you been dealing with aches and pains in your muscles? Do you have issues with low back pain? Or do you feel your muscles tense when waking up from a good night’s rest? A good night’s sleep benefits the body’s musculoskeletal system by promoting tissue repair and growth. Many people dealing with musculoskeletal problems could affect their sleep cycle, causing pain-like symptoms in their bodies. When environmental factors or injuries occur to the musculoskeletal system, it can affect how a person sleeps and cause the muscles to become short and tense, leading to injuries over time. Luckily, available treatments are utilized to restore the body and stretch out the tight muscles to promote healing and help the individual to sleep better. The video above informs how chiropractic care can restore the body through spinal manipulation and allow mobility back to the different muscle groups. Many chiropractors would use various techniques to stretch the affected muscles and realign spinal subluxation in the body to help many individuals go throughout their day and have a better sleep.
The MET Technique & Better Sleep
When it comes to having a good night’s sleep, many individuals will find ways to reduce the pain that their body is experiencing by trying to find solutions to get those beneficial 8 hours. Studies reveal that sleep posture has been associated with sleep quality; it is important to identify the factors that could adversely affect a person’s ability to maintain sleep and reduce musculoskeletal issues. Treatments like chiropractic care combined with techniques like the MET (muscle energy technique) can help restore the body through spinal manipulation and stretching of soft muscle tissue when dealing with poor sleep and musculoskeletal problems. Studies reveal that the MET technique, combined with other treatments like chiropractic care, can help restore the range of motion to the joints while stretching weak and short muscles affected by musculoskeletal disorders. These combined techniques can relieve the body from pain and help many individuals sleep better while being aware of their bodies when sleeping to prevent future injuries or pain from reoccurring.
Conclusion
Knowing how you sleep and your position is important when it comes to having a better night’s sleep. Many factors are layered on top of one another that can affect the musculoskeletal system and cause the muscles to be tensed and short, which can lead to dysfunction and cause sleep issues. But with the combination of the MET technique and chiropractic treatment, many individuals can get their bodies restored and have a better night’s sleep without feeling muscle pain when waking up.
References
Cary, Doug, et al. “Examining Relationships between Sleep Posture, Waking Spinal Symptoms and Quality of Sleep: A Cross Sectional Study.” PloS One, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Nov. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8631621/.
Cary, Doug, et al. “Identifying Relationships between Sleep Posture and Non-Specific Spinal Symptoms in Adults: A Scoping Review.” BMJ Open, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 28 June 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6609073/.
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Skarpsno, Eivind Schjelderup, et al. “Sleep Positions and Nocturnal Body Movements Based on Free-Living Accelerometer Recordings: Association with Demographics, Lifestyle, and Insomnia Symptoms.” Nature and Science of Sleep, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Nov. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5677378/.
Wendt, Michał, and Małgorzata Waszak. “Evaluation of the Combination of Muscle Energy Technique and Trigger Point Therapy in Asymptomatic Individuals with a Latent Trigger Point.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696776/.
Constipation is a leading cause of low back pain in America and can cause a chain reaction in the rest of the body. When the digestional tract swells, it generates added stress on the back and surrounding nerves. Prolonged constipation and pressure can cause sciatica symptoms. Constipation sciatica can be relieved through chiropractic treatment, therapeutic massage, non-surgical spinal decompression, and functional medicine to alleviate symptoms and restore optimal body function.
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Constipation Sciatica
Sciatica is irritation, compression, and inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which supplies the thighs, lower legs, and feet. It is usually caused by a pinched/compressed of one or more spinal nerve roots between the vertebrae of the lower back. The buildup of stool in the intestines can cause a dull aching sensation in the low back that can radiate to surrounding areas. Common causes of constipation include:
Bowel movements vary for everyone, and not having a movement daily does not mean constipation is occurring. Some individuals have only three movements a week, while others have multiple movements daily. A recommended indicator of constipation is if there has been a sudden decrease in typical bowel movements. The digestive tract occupies a significant region of the lower torso. Back pain symptoms can present after the rectum becomes obstructed or stools have solidified in the colon. Once constipation has developed, the blockage presses against the nerves and muscles of the back. This causes a range of discomfort signaling by the brain, which worsens as the backup grows. Symptoms of general constipation include:
Feeling full despite not eating anything.
Bloating.
Swelling.
Abdominal cramping.
Infrequent bowel movements.
Discomfort or aching when trying to pass a stool.
Hard and/or lumpy stool.
Constipation is considered chronic when two or more of the following symptoms occur for at least three months:
Further decreased bowel movements.
Straining to defecate.
Stools do not loosen without the use of laxatives.
Passage of hard pebble/pellet stools.
Consistent abdominal pain that is relieved by even slight movement.
Feeling as if the bowels are not fully emptied or a blockage in the rectum.
Feeling the need to assist the release by pressing on the abdomen.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic treatment can realign the spine, release compressed nerves, increase the frequency of bowel movements, and through the massage and relaxation of the muscles, help to soften stools. Intestinal muscles push the stool to the anus, where it leaves/evacuates the body. Special nerve cells in the intestine, known as ganglion cells,innervate the muscles to push. These nerves connect to the celiac ganglion, which connects to the spinal cord through nerve roots that exit the spine in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar region. The celiac ganglion innervates the liver, stomach, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, small intestine, and the ascending and transverse colon. Treatment for constipation and back pain depends on the cause of the symptoms. For example, if the constipation is caused by dehydration, a chiropractor will instruct the patient on water intake as part of the personalized treatment plan.
Diagnosis to Recovery
References
Fernandes, Walkyria Vilas Boas, et al. “The effect of a six-week osteopathic visceral manipulation in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain and functional constipation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.” Trials vol. 19,1 151. 2 Mar. 2018, doi:10.1186/s13063-018-2532-8
Panarese, Alba, et al. “Chronic functional constipation is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency.” World journal of gastroenterology vol. 25,14 (2019): 1729-1740. doi:10.3748/wjg.v25.i14.1729
Rédly, Monika. “The effects of chiropractic care on a patient with chronic constipation.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association vol. 45,3 (2001): 185–191.
Trager, Robert James, et al. “Association between radicular low back pain and constipation: a retrospective cohort study using a real-world national database.” Pain reports vol. 6,3 e954. 26 Aug. 2021, doi:10.1097/PR9.0000000000000954
Medication overuse headaches – MOH comes from frequent or excessive use of pain-relieving medications, resulting in daily or near-daily headaches for which the drugs become less and less effective. They are also known as rebound headaches, medication misuse, or drug-induced headaches. It is a common disorder, with around one out of every 100 individuals experiencing these headaches yearly. They can be disabling, causing individuals to be less productive. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can assess, diagnose, and manage headaches naturally with massage, adjustments, and decompression.
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Medication Overuse Headaches
The same medications that relieve headache pain can trigger headaches if used too often, triggering an unhealthy cycle. Diagnosis of medication overuse headaches means an individual must experience headaches more than 15 days a month for at least three months while taking pain-relieving and/or antimigraine meds and cannot find other cause/s for their headaches. It is more common in women and individuals with headache disorders, chronic pain conditions, and individuals dealing with depression and anxiety.
Symptoms
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of headache being treated and the medicine used. Common symptoms include:
They occur every day or nearly every day.
They usually start when waking up.
They improve with the medication but then return as it wears off.
Headache can feel like a dull, tension-type headache or more severe, like a migraine.
Other symptoms can include:
Sleep problems
Restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Constipation
Irritability
Neck discomfort and pain symptoms
Weakness
Nasal stuffiness and/or Runny nose
Light sensitivity
Teary eyes
Sound sensitivity
Nausea
Vomiting
Medicines
Doctors and medical experts don’t know the exact reasons/causes why these headaches occur, and the risk varies depending on the medication. But most medicines have the potential to lead to overuse headaches, including:
Simple Pain Relievers
Common pain relievers like aspirin and acetaminophen like Tylenol can contribute to the condition. This is especially true if taking more than the recommended dosages.
Other pain relievers like ibuprofen – Advil, Motrin IB, and naproxen sodium – Aleve has shown to have a low risk of contributing to overuse headaches.
Combination Pain Relievers
Pain relievers that can be purchased at a store that combines caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen – Excedrin has been found to contribute to the condition.
This group also includes combination prescription medicines that contain butalbital – Butapap, and Lanorinal. Drugs that contain butalbital have a high risk of causing medication overuse headaches.
Migraine Medicines
Various migraine medicines have been linked with the condition. They include triptans – Imitrex, Zomig, and certain headache meds known as ergots, such as ergotamine – Ergomar. These medicines have a moderate risk of causing headaches.
The ergot dihydroergotamine – Migranal, Trudhesa have a lower risk of causing headaches.
A newer group of migraine medicines known as gepants appear not to cause headaches. Gepants include ubrogepant – Ubrelvy and rimegepant – Nurtec ODT.
Opioids
Opium-derived meds or synthetic compounds have a high risk of causing medication overuse headaches. They include combinations of codeine and acetaminophen.
Prevention and Chiropractic
The following steps can help prevent headaches:
Follow the label instructions of the medications and the instructions of the doctor.
Limit any headache medications taken as needed to relieve head pain to no more than two to three days a week.
Consult with a doctor if there is a need to take medications more than two days a week.
Contact a doctor if headaches present more than four days a month which could require headache-preventive medication.
Control and avoid anything that triggers headaches, like stress, dehydration, hunger, certain foods and drinks, and unhealthy sleep.
Chiropractic
Our team utilizes a personalized and combined treatment approach, including understanding the triggers. The team will work to understand each individual’s situation. A treatment plan can consist of the following:
Therapeutic massage to relax and release tight muscles and increase circulation.
Spinal manipulation and adjustments to realign the body, improve function and alleviate the stress on the nervous system.
Non-surgical spinal decompression.
Health Coaching
Nutritional recommendations
Posture retraining, work postures, ergonomics, targeted stretches/exercises, and relaxation techniques.
Chiropractic and Brain Health
References
Alstadhaug, Karl B et al. “Preventing and treating medication overuse headache.” Pain reports vol. 2,4 e612. 26 Jul. 2017, doi:10.1097/PR9.0000000000000612
Bryans, Roland, et al. “Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 34,5 (2011): 274-89. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008
Diener, Hans-Christoph, et al. “Pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of medication overuse headache.” The Lancet. Neurology vol. 18,9 (2019): 891-902. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(19)30146-2
Kulkarni, Girish Baburao, et al. “Medication Overuse Headache.” Neurology India vol. 69, Supplement (2021): S76-S82. doi:10.4103/0028-3886.315981
Negro, Andrea, and Paolo Martelletti. “Gepants for the treatment of migraine.” Expert opinion on investigational drugs vol. 28,6 (2019): 555-567. doi:10.1080/13543784.2019.1618830
From a young age, parents will always tell their kids to sit up straight or else they will have bad posture. As kids, we would tend to recline on the couch or chair, which would not affect our backs in the long run. However, as we age, move around more, and have jobs that require prolonged sitting or constantly looking down at our phones, our bodies are hunched or slouched for long periods. When the upper extremities, like the neck, shoulders, and thoracic region of the back, are hunched over, it can develop into future issues that cause musculoskeletal symptoms over time. When this happens, the muscle tissues begin to be overstretched. They could lead to overlapping problems that can cause many individuals to be dealing with upper back pain and areas of complaint. Today we are looking at the effects of poor posture, how prolonged sitting causes numerous symptoms, and how the MET technique relieves poor posture. We provide valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers offering available therapy treatments like the MET technique for individuals with poor posture and neck and back pain due to prolonged sitting. We encourage each patient appropriately by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results. We accept that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most crucial questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., assesses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Effects Of Poor Posture
Have you been dealing with muscle strains in your upper back, neck, and shoulders? Are you constantly hunched over at your desk or looking down at your phone? Or are you experience sciatic nerve pain from sitting down always? Many of these issues from prolonged sitting can rapidly develop into poor posture and affect the musculoskeletal system and the spine. Studies reveal that when many individuals spend a significant amount of time sitting, especially in an awkward position, which can cause an increased risk of spinal pain and other effects on the various muscle groups in the shoulders, neck, and thoracic region. Not only that but according to the book written by Leon Chaitow, N.D, D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T, “Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques,” mentioned the muscles in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar region of the body are among the first to be showing signs of changes in response to postural defects. To that point, when a person is slumped in a sitting position will cause strain to each muscle group in the back and affect both the upper and lower extremities of the body.
Prolonged Sitting & Symptoms
When many individuals are sitting down constantly, whether at a desk job or driving in a vehicle, it can take a toll on the entire body. When the body hasn’t been moving for a long time, it cause the individual to feel muscle strain and tightness in their upper body and a nagging sensation in their lower body. Studies reveal that prolonged sitting can cause discomfort in the lower back and causes reduced muscle endurance in the lower back, and could cause an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders like sciatic nerve pain, where the gluteal muscles irritate the sciatic nerve causing radiating pain to travel down the legs. Another research study also reveals that being in a forced position for an extended period can cause an impact on the seating position of the upper body and can be associated with upper musculoskeletal disorders causing an area of complaints in the chin, back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. When a person has been sitting for an extended amount of time without taking a stretch break, the muscles begin to be in a constant state of contraction and become short and tense.
The Benefits Of Good Posture-Video
Have you noticed that you have been leaning forward when walking from one location to another? Do you feel muscle tightness or irritating pain in your shoulders or legs? Or have you been experiencing unwanted pain in your neck and lower back? Many of these issues are due to having a slouched or hunched-over posture that can develop neck and back pain. Poor posture can lead to unwanted symptoms affecting the muscles and joints. Poor posture is due to everyday factors like being hunched over, looking down at the phone, or leaning forward to the computer. These little actions may not initially cause muscle pain but will cause issues over time. Luckily, there are various treatments to reduce the effects of poor posture and help restore the body. The video above explains the benefits of having good posture and trying to prevent future injuries and muscle strain from returning.
The MET Technique For Poor Posture
There are numerous ways to reduce the effects of poor posture from further affecting the body and reducing pain in the various muscles and joints. A good way to relieve stiffness in the neck and back is to do multiple stretches to restore blood flow back to the muscles. Another way to prevent neck and back pain is to incorporate MET (muscle energy treatment) techniques. Studies reveal that when individuals utilize MET treatments combined with posture correction exercises and stretches, it can significantly decrease pain in the neck and back while improving the range of motion to the muscles and soft tissues. Doing light stretches can help relieve tense muscles and promote good posture, as many individuals are becoming more aware of how they present themselves when they are not hunched over.
Conclusion
When it comes to our bodies, it is important to know that being hunched over can lead to poor posture, and sitting down for an extended period can develop neck and back pain associated with overlapping symptoms. Poor posture can cause the muscles to become tense, short, and stiff, and when a person stretches from being hunched over will experience pain. Luckily, incorporating various stretches and using the MET technique allows the muscles to be stretched and prevent future injuries from reoccurring while allowing the individual to be more aware of their posture.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Joshi, Reema, and Nishita Poojary. “The Effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Posture Correction Exercises on Pain and Function in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain Having Forward Head Posture-a Randomized Controlled Trail.” International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 June 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9134480/.
Jung, Kyoung-Sim, et al. “Effects of Prolonged Sitting with Slumped Posture on Trunk Muscular Fatigue in Adolescents with and without Chronic Lower Back Pain.” Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 23 Dec. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7822118/.
Kuo, Yi-Liang, et al. “Sitting Posture during Prolonged Computer Typing with and without a Wearable Biofeedback Sensor.” Int J Environ Res Public Health, 19 May 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8161121/.
Ohlendorf, Daniela, et al. “Influence of Ergonomic Layout of Musician Chairs on Posture and Seat Pressure in Musicians of Different Playing Levels.” PloS One, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 11 Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6289455/.
Athletes, pros, semi-pros, weekend warriors, fitness enthusiasts, and physically active and healthy individuals can feel cheated when they suffer an injury. Sports injury recovery involves rest, physical therapy, chiropractic realignment, and rehabilitation. However, it can be all for naught if the individual doesn’t recover mentally and emotionally. Coping with the stress of an injury, being sidelined and moving beyond the negative, and focusing more on positive strategies is important and requires physical and psychological toughness.
Contents
Coping With Sports Injuries
Incorporating sports psychology techniques is importantas individuals can experience injury-related emotions like anxiety, sadness, frustration, anger, denial, isolation, and depression. Dealing with an injury and using the off time to reflect and gain new perspectives allows the athlete to improve their objectives by being more focused, flexible, and resilient.
Strategies That Can Help
Understand The Injury
Knowing the cause, treatment, and prevention of the specific injury results in deeper understanding and less fear or anxiety. Talking with a doctor, sports chiropractor, trainer, coach, and psychological therapist can help individuals learn what they need to do to recover quickly and optimally. A few things to consider the following include:
Getting a second opinion is recommended, especially if surgery is being advised.
Focus On Recovering
Instead of focusing on being unable to play, losing strength, relearning movements, and the length of time it may take, accepting that the body is injured and needs to be repaired to return to play is more beneficial. Taking responsibility for the recovery process generates positive outcomes and builds confidence.
Stay Committed
Getting discouraged and missing therapy sessions is expected, especially at the beginning when unable to perform, and pain symptoms are presenting. To get the most out of rehabilitation, stay focused on what needs to be done, not what’s being missed.
To expedite healing, stay committed, and maintain a positive attitude to overcoming the injury.
Apply the same mindset and motivation as you would when practicing the game to the treatment and therapy sessions.
Listen to what the doctor, chiropractor, therapist, and athletic trainer recommend, just as you would a coach.
Set small goals to build momentum and maintain balance, with the end goal of fully recovering and returning to the game.
Self-talk is important to reflect on progress, setbacks, new perspective on the game, and what you want to achieve.
Strengthen the Mind
Research shows that the healing process can happen faster by using mental techniques like imagery and self-hypnosis. These techniques use all senses to generate mental images, emotions, and sensations of the desired outcome. They are used for improving sports skills and techniques, game anxieties, and injury recovery.
Support
A common response after an injury is self-isolating from the team, coaches, family, and friends. However, maintaining contact with others during recovery is highly recommended as all these individuals are there when you need advice, to vent feelings, or to raise your spirits when feeling discouraged. Knowing you don’t have to face the injury alone can push you to keep going.
Alternate Fitness
Individuals going through injury treatment will undoubtedly go through physical strengthening, stretching, etc. But depending on the type of injury, individuals can modify their sports training or add safe and gentle alternate forms of exercise to maintain conditioning and strength for their sport. This can encourage recovery, as the individual is still participating and working to return to play. Talk with the doctor, chiropractor, trainer, or therapist to help create an alternative workout program around the specific sport.
With a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, taking rehabilitation and recovery slow, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a positive mindset, coping with injuries can be a successful learning journey.
Unlocking Pain Relief
References
Clement, Damien, et al. “Psychosocial responses during different phases of sport-injury rehabilitation: a qualitative study.” Journal of athletic training vol. 50,1 (2015): 95-104. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-49.3.52
Johnson, Karissa L, et al. “Exploring the Relationship Between Mental Toughness and Self-Compassion in the Context of Sports Injury.” Journal of sport rehabilitation vol. 32,3 256-264. 1 Dec. 2022, doi:10.1123/jsr.2022-0100
Leguizamo, Federico et al. “Personality, Coping Strategies, and Mental Health in High-Performance Athletes During Confinement Derived From the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Frontiers in public health vol. 8 561198. 8 Jan. 2021, doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.561198
Rice, Simon M et al. “The Mental Health of Elite Athletes: A Narrative Systematic Review.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 46,9 (2016): 1333-53. doi:10.1007/s40279-016-0492-2
Smith, A M et al. “The psychological effects of sports injuries. Coping.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 9,6 (1990): 352-69. doi:10.2165/00007256-199009060-00004
Many individuals are constantly in their vehicles and driving from one place to another in the quickest amount of time. When auto accidents occur, numerous effects can affect many individuals, especially their bodies and mentality. The emotional impact of an auto accident can change a person’s quality of life and take a toll on the person as they become miserable. Then there is the physical side, where the body lunges forward rapidly, causing excruciating pain in the upper and lower portions. The muscles, ligaments, and tissues become overstretched beyond their capacity causing pain-like symptoms to develop and overlap other risk profiles. Today’s article discusses the effects of an auto accident occurs on the body, the symptoms associated with auto accidents, and how treatment like chiropractic care utilizes techniques like the MET technique to assess the body. We provide information about our patients to certified medical providers that offer available therapy techniques like MET (muscle energy techniques) for individuals dealing with back and neck pain associated with auto accidents. We encourage each patient appropriately by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results. We accept that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most crucial questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., assesses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Effects Of An Auto Accident On The Body
Have you been dealing with excruciating pain in your neck or back after an automobile collision? Have you noticed any of your muscles feeling stiffed or strained? Or have you been dealing with unwanted pain-like symptoms affecting your daily life? When a person has been through an auto accident, the spine, neck, and back along with their associated muscle groups, are affected by pain. When it comes to the effects of an auto accident on the body, we have to look at how the body reacts when the vehicles collide. Research studies have revealed neck pain is a common complaint to many adults involved in an auto accident. When a person collides with another car, their necks are lunged forward rapidly, causing a whiplash effect on the neck and shoulder muscles. Not only the neck is being affected, but also the back. Additional studies have mentioned that low back pain associated with vehicle collisions can cause the lumbar back muscles to be overstretched and develop non-fatal physical injuries over time, either during or the day after the accident. To that point, it can lead to unwanted symptoms associated with auto accidents and correlate with overlap risk profiles.
Symptoms Associated With Auto Accidents
The symptoms associated with auto accidents affecting neck and back muscles vary depending on the collision’s severity. According to “Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques,” Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., stated that when someone suffers from an auto accident, the traumatic forces affect not only the cervical or temporomandibular muscles but also the lumbar muscles. This causes the muscle tissue fibers to be torn and damaged, which causes muscle pain. The book also mentioned that a person injured in a collision could develop nociceptive modulated neck, shoulders, and back muscle dysfunction. To that point, the flexor and extensor muscles are hyperextended, shortened, and strained, which is the result of causing muscle stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion to the neck, shoulder, and back.
Unlocking Pain Relief: How We Assess Motion To Alleviate Pain-Video
Have you been experiencing a limited range of motion to your shoulders, neck, and back? What about feeling muscle stiffness when stretching? Or do you feel muscle tenderness in certain body areas after an auto accident? Many of these pain-like symptoms are associated with auto accidents affecting the neck, shoulders, and back. This causes constant body pain, and many issues develop over time in the various muscle groups. Luckily there are ways to reduce the pain and help restore the body to function. The video above explains how chiropractic care is used to assess the body through spinal manipulation. Chiropractic care uses various techniques to help with spinal subluxation and loosen up stiff, tight muscles to help relax and restore each muscle group while relieving unwanted pain from the muscle tissues and ligaments.
Chiropractic Care & The MET Technique Assessing The Body
Studies reveal that auto accidents are a major cause of spinal and muscle injuries treated by chiropractic care. When a person suffers after an auto accident, they will experience pain all over their bodies and try to find ways to relieve the pain affecting their daily lives through treatment. One of the treatments that can help reduce pain and restore the body is chiropractic care. When chiropractors are treating the body to reduce pain, they use various techniques like the MET technique (muscle energy technique) to stretch and strengthen soft tissue and use manual manipulation to realign the spine, work out the tight muscles, nerves, and ligaments to prevent further damage on the body while getting the affected individuals back to shape. Chiropractic care also has a close relationship with other treatments like physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles in the body and help many people be aware of how their bodies function.
Conclusion
Overall, when a person has experience pain in their back, neck, and shoulder muscles from an auto accident, it can affect their emotional and physical well-being. The effects of an auto accident cause unwanted pain symptoms to develop and correlate with nociceptive modulated dysfunction. To that point, it can cause issues like muscle stiffness and tenderness in the affected areas. Fortunately, treatments like chiropractic care allow the body to be restored through manual manipulation and the MET technique to gently stretch the soft tissues and muscles and realign the body back to functioning. Incorporating chiropractic care with the MET technique, the body will experience relief, and the host can be pain-free.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Dies, Stephen, and J Walter Strapp. “Chiropractic Treatment of Patients in Motor Vehicle Accidents: A Statistical Analysis.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 1992, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2484939/.
Fewster, Kayla M, et al. “Low-Velocity Motor Vehicle Collision Characteristics Associated with Claimed Low Back Pain.” Traffic Injury Prevention, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 May 2019, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31074647/.
Vos, Cees J, et al. “Impact of Motor Vehicle Accidents on Neck Pain and Disability in General Practice.” The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2529200/.
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