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How The Sciatic Nerve Benefits From Decompression

How The Sciatic Nerve Benefits From Decompression

Introduction

The central nervous system in the body controls every muscle, tissue, organ, and nerve all over the entire structure. Since the nervous system in the body contains two main parts that keep the body functioning: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, these two systems work hand in hand as the central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. In contrast, the peripheral nervous system is composed of all the nerves branched out from the spinal cord and extended throughout the entire body. One of these nerves is the sciatic nerve, and when it gets irritated, it can send hot, burning pain from the lower back down to the feet. Luckily, non-surgical treatments like decompression can help alleviate sciatic nerve pain for many suffering individuals. For today’s article, we will be discussing the sciatic nerve, what happens when it gets affected and how decompression therapy can help alleviate sciatic nerve pain. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

What Is The Sciatic Nerve?

 

Are you feeling a searing, burning pain traveling from your buttocks to your feet? Has this pain felt uncomfortable when you try to stretch it out? Or does this pain hinders your ability to walk around to relieve the symptoms? It could be due to your sciatic nerve becoming irritated. Research shows that the sciatic nerve is the largest in the human body, originating from the lower back and traveling down to the feet. This nerve is part of the peripheral nervous system and is an important nerve that allows the legs to function like generally walking, running, and even standing so the body doesn’t fall over, as research shows. The sciatic nerve in the body provides two functions for the legs: motor function, which makes the leg’s muscles move from one place to another, and sensory function, which helps the person feel the sensations on their feet. When there are factors that cause the sciatic nerve to become irritated, it can lead to unwanted pain that can affect either side of the legs causing sciatica to form.

 

What Happens When The Sciatic Nerve Gets Affected?

When the sciatic nerve is being affected by numerous factors, research studies have stated that irritation, compression, and inflammatory factors affecting the lower back portion of the body also affect the sciatic nerve. This causes a symptom known as sciatica, and it can affect the lower half of the body down to the feet, affecting one side of the body in either leg. Research studies have found that sciatica usually starts to affect the legs through a herniated disc in the spine that pinches the sciatic nerve, causing searing, burning pain radiating down the back of the leg. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help sciatic nerve pain from progressing further and can even help alleviate other issues affecting the lumbar area of the back. When it is not treated right away, sciatica can cause permanent nerve damage to the lower half of the body.


Decompression Benefiting The Sciatic Nerve- Video

Feeling agonizing, burning pain emitting from the buttocks down to the feet? Does it hurt to walk a short distance? How about feeling low back pain on top of leg pain? You could be experiencing sciatic nerve pain, and decompression might give you the relief you are searching for. The video above explains the top 3 ways to apply traction or decompression to the spine and how it can help relieve back issues like sciatic nerve pain. Decompression helps the spine by taking the compressed spinal disc pressure off the irritated sciatic nerve root. This allows instant relief to individuals suffering from sciatica and alleviates other back and leg issues that make them miserable. Suppose you want to learn more about decompression and how it can benefit you in relieving sciatic nerve pain or even sciatica in the lower half of the body? This link will explain what it does for the sciatic nerve and the lower back.


Decompression Can Help Alleviate Sciatic Nerve Pain

 

Many beneficial treatments can help alleviate sciatic nerve pain and relieve many individuals suffering. Treatments like surgical decompression can help ease sciatic nerve pain. Research studies have found that endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression is helpful to help take the pressure off the sciatic nerve and improve the person’s hip function. This type of surgical decompression can help reduce the sciatic nerve pain associated with deep gluteal syndrome entrapping the sciatic nerve and causing radicular pain. Other treatments that can help with sciatic nerve pain are non-surgical decompression. Research studies have shown that non-surgical decompression can help increase the space of the intervertebral discs that are compressed and reduces the pressure off the irritated sciatic nerve root. Non-surgical decompression allows the lower half of the body to feel relieved by decreasing the mechanical stress it’s been under, improves mobility in the lower half, and reduces muscle spasms in the legs. Decompression treatments are beneficial to anyone that wants relief from sciatic nerve pain in their legs. 

 

Conclusion

Therefore, the sciatic nerve is the largest in the peripheral nervous system, located in the lower back, and travels down to the feet. This nerve has two primary functions that help the legs be in motion and feel sensations occurring in the feet. When unwanted factors start to affect the lower back, it can either irritate, compress, or inflame the sciatic nerve causing symptoms like sciatica to affect the legs. Treatments like decompression therapy can help take the pressure off the irritated sciatic nerve and relieve the individual from low back and leg pain. Incorporating decompression therapy is beneficial for many individuals that want to be pain-free on their health and wellness journey.

 

References

Giuffre, Brittney A, and Rebecca Jeanmonod. “Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 29 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/.

Ham, Dong Hun, et al. “Effectiveness of Endoscopic Sciatic Nerve Decompression for the Treatment of Deep Gluteal Syndrome.” Hip & Pelvis, Korean Hip Society, Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5861023/.

Medical Professionals, Cleveland Clinic. “Sciatic Nerve: What Is, Anatomy, Function & Conditions.” Cleveland Clinic, 15 June 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21618-sciatic-nerve-and-sciatica.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Sciatica.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435.

Wegner, Inge, et al. “Traction for Low-Back Pain with or without Sciatica.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 19 Aug. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6823219/.

Yeomans, Steven. “Sciatic Nerve and Sciatica.” Spine, Spine-Health, 7 June 2019, www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatic-nerve-and-sciatica.

Disclaimer

Outpatient Spine Surgeries

Outpatient Spine Surgeries

Many complex spinal surgeries take place in a hospital environment. The individual spends a night or two in the hospital, so medical staff can monitor them if any complications arise. However, outpatient surgeries have increased with new developments in minimally invasive procedures, pain management, and home rehabilitation. The improvements compared to traditional spinal surgical procedures are significant. These advancements have made it possible to perform more complex surgeries outside of a hospital. Outpatient surgeries have:

  • Accelerated recovery times
  • Decreased complications
  • Decreased infections
  • Healthier overall outcomes

Outpatient Spine Surgeries

Outpatient Surgery Candidates

Determining if outpatient surgery can be performed effectively depends on the injury/s and/or conditions that the individual is going through. An individual who is debilitated or has underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for complications or do not have support at home to assist with recovery and rehabilitation is recommended to have the surgery done in a hospital. To be considered for outpatient spine surgery, a surgeon looks at:

  • Age
  • Disease/s
  • Condition/s
  • Overall health
  • Weight
  • Body type

Individuals must also be a non-smoker or have quit before surgery, as smoking:

  • Interferes with proper healing
  • Can accelerate disc degeneration
  • Can cause ill effects on the spine and other areas of the body

Recovery times vary on a case-to-case basis and procedure type. Most procedures’ recovery time is between three weeks and three months.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers

An ambulatory surgery center or ASC is an outpatient clinic that offers surgical procedures. Standard outpatient procedures include:

  • Abdominal hernia repairs
  • Cataract surgeries
  • Skin therapies

Standalone ambulatory surgery centers offer same-day surgical procedures for individuals that meet specific criteria. Medical staff assess the patient’s condition and determine recovery at home. If issues arise, the individual can be transferred to a hospital. Some facilities are single-specialty facilities, focusing on one medical specialty, and others are multi-specialty, meaning they offer a range of medical services from:

  • Orthopedic
  • Podiatry
  • Pain management services

Procedures

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion – ACDF

ACDF is a two-part surgery. First, the surgeon removes part of an intervertebral disc with bulged and compressed nerves from the spinal cord.  Because there is less cushion, the vertebrae above and below are fused to prevent and eliminate painful movement. The discectomy:

  • Provides more accessible access to the vertebrae
  • Reduces healing time
  • Causes less pain

ACDF outpatient procedure treats several neck conditions that include:

  • Cervical spinal stenosis
  • Cervical radiculopathy
  • Neck-related degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated disc
  • Cervical spinal fracture

Individuals recover in the surgical center for one to several hours following the surgery before returning home. Traditional ACDF procedure takes three weeks to three months to recover.

Lumbar Discectomy

A lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that repairs a lower back herniated disc compressing the surrounding nerves. This procedure provides compression relief and allows the nerve to heal. A traditional lumbar discectomy takes four to six weeks to recover.

Lumbar Laminectomy

This minimally invasive procedure removes thickened ligaments and lamina from the lower back. This opens the spinal canal space, relieving pressure and bringing pain relief. The surgery commonly treats lower-back spinal stenosis. A traditional laminectomy takes four to six weeks to recover.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Outpatient lumbar spinal fusion permanently connects two or more vertebrae in the lower back. The surgery helps stabilize the spine from severe arthritis or herniated disc removal. Spinal fusion has been found to be effective for correcting certain spinal deformities. The surgery involves a short recovery time at the outpatient center, after which the individual can return home the same day. A traditional or open spinal fusion requires a two-to-three-day hospital stay. After four to six weeks and with a doctor’s clearance, individuals can return to light activities, with full recovery requiring six months.


Chiropractic Spinal Decompression


References

International Journal of Spine Surgery. (April 16, 2021) “The expanding frontier of outpatient spine surgery.” pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33900984/

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.) “Spinal fusion.” www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spinal-fusion/about/pac-20384523

Neurosurgeons of New Jersey. (July 21, 2019) “Lumbar discectomy recovery timeline: Your guide to recovery.” www.neurosurgeonsofnewjersey.com/blog/lumbar-discectomy-recovery-time/#:~:text=The%20overall%20lumbar%20discectomy%20recovery,discectomy%20recovery%20time%20should%20progress

Rothman Orthopaedics. (March 2, 2017) “Outpatient spine surgery: A new way to look at surgery.” rothmanortho.com/stories/blog/outpatient-spine-surgery

Alleviating Lumbar Pinched Nerves With Decompression

Alleviating Lumbar Pinched Nerves With Decompression

Introduction

The back and spine are bound to the musculoskeletal system, where they work together to keep the entire body moving and upright. The back muscles surround the spine along with the nerve roots, blood vessels, and tissues that help the back to be able to bend, twist, sit, and stand without any injuries or feeling pain. However, as the body ages naturally, so do the back muscles. They are strained and overused from strenuous activities that can injure the back muscles and pressure the nerve roots, causing them to be irritated. Fortunately, some treatments can help alleviate the stress of the nerve roots and relax the back muscles by loosening them up. Today’s article will focus on the lumbar pinched nerves, their symptoms, and how decompression therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of lumbar pinched nerves for many individuals. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

What Are Lumbar Pinched Nerves?

 

Feeling a sharp, sudden pain in your lower back? How about stiff muscles that feel overused after just picking something heavy? How about burning throbbing pain that travels down the legs? You might be suffering from lumbar pinched nerves, which can affect your quality of life. Research studies have mentioned that lumbar pinched nerves are primarily associated with low back pain and are among the most common complaints about many suffering individuals. Low back pain can cause degeneration of the vertebrae disc and constantly irritate the nerve roots spread out on the lumbar area in the spine. The lumbar spinal nerve roots will experience uncomfortable signals like pain, numbness, and tingling sensations that can cause on and off signals that irritate the nerve roots to cause radicular symptoms. Other research studies have found that radicular pain can cause irritating pain alongside the lumbar nerve root without any neurological involvement causing the sensory fibers to be numb. This will cause unwanted sensations to the lower back down the legs. 

 

The Symptoms

Research studies have stated that since radicular pain is one of the many reasons for low back pain, it can affect the nerve roots, depending on the severity. When the nerve roots are being compressed and start by sending on again off again signals, it can range from mild numbing pain that can cause numbing sensations to burning stinging pain that can cause motor dysfunction in the lower back. Some of the other symptoms that are caused by lumbar pinched nerves can include:


Spinal Decompression For Pinched Nerves-Video

Feeling a sharp burning pain radiating from the lower back down to the leg? How about feeling your foot has fallen asleep, and you can’t shake it off? Or have you lost the sensation in your lower back? These are all symptoms of lumbar pinched nerves that are associated with chronic low back pain. The best way to take the pressure off these irritated nerves is spinal decompression. The video explained how there are many techniques that spinal decompression has to offer when dealing with a variety of back issues like herniated discssciatica, low back pain, and even pinched nerves in the lumbar area of the spine. Spinal decompression can help relieve the pressure off the nerve roots that are branched out of the spine and relieve the symptoms causing pain. Suppose you want to learn more about decompression and how it can benefit you in alleviating pinched nerves on the lower back? This link will explain what it does for the lumbar area in the spine and provide relief to the back nerve roots.


How Decompression Therapy Can Help Lumbar Pinched Nerves

 

Since low back pain is associated with lumbar pinched nerves, various treatments can help take the painful symptoms away, and one of these treatments is spinal decompression. Research studies have mentioned that spinal decompression is a type of traction treatment that follows the fundamental goal and principle of relieving pain by using negative pressure. What this negative pressure does is that it causes any herniated or bulging discs to be repositioned and causes an influx of healing substances to come back to the compressed discs and take the pressure off the lumbar nerve roots that are causing the radiating pain. Other research studies have found that decompression therapy can significantly improve lumbar spinal stenosis that also causes lumbar pinched nerves to emit pain by relieving it and bringing physical function back to the legs and back. This will cause significant relief for many suffering individuals suffering from having lumbar pinched nerves.

 

Conclusion

Overall the lower back has nerves that are spread out and can provide a motor function for the back to move around while keeping the upper body upright. When these nerves are pinched or irritated constantly, they can cause unwanted back issues like low back pain, sciatica, or loss of all sensory and motor functions. When this happens, many individuals won’t have to worry about feeling low back pain or lumbar pinched nerves stopping them from daily activities. Spinal decompression therapy helps the individual gently take the pressure off the irritated nerve roots and causes relief to the lower back and legs. Spinal decompression therapy also allows the beneficial healing nutrients to restore the compressed spinal discs to the spine.

 

References

Alexander, Christopher E, and Matthew Varacallo. “Lumbosacral Radiculopathy – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 12 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430837/.

Allegri, Massimo, et al. “Mechanisms of Low Back Pain: A Guide for Diagnosis and Therapy.” F1000Research, F1000Research, 28 June 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4926733/.

Anjarwalla, N K, et al. “The Outcome of Spinal Decompression Surgery 5 Years On.” European Spine Journal : Official Publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, Springer-Verlag, Nov. 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2223332/.

Dydyk, Alexander M, et al. “Radicular Back Pain – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 2 Nov. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546593/.

Gay, Ralph. “All about Spinal Decompression Therapy.” Spine, Spine-Health, 24 Sept. 2013, www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/all-about-spinal-decompression-therapy.

Disclaimer

An Overview of Lumbar Traction Therapy

An Overview of Lumbar Traction Therapy

Introduction

As the body’s central support structure in the musculoskeletal system, the spine ensures that the body can do everything without feeling discomfort or pain. The spine has three sections in an S-shaped curve known as the cervicalthoracic, and lumbar. Each section helps keep the body upright and is composed of ligaments, soft tissue muscles, and nerve roots spread out all over the back. The spine and sections suffer the most from neck or back pain when the back becomes injured. When this happens, non-surgical treatments can help alleviate the painful symptoms and cause relief for many individuals. Today’s article gives an overview of lumbar traction therapy, how it can help with low back pain, and how it differs from decompression therapy. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

What Is Lumbar Traction Therapy?

 

Feeling your muscles become stiff on your lower back? Does your back hurt after picking up something heavy? How about a mild ache on your lower back that won’t disappear? Why not try lumbar traction therapy to alleviate these symptoms. Research studies have mentioned that lumbar traction has been used to alleviate symptoms of low back pain. What lumbar traction therapy does is that it allows the extension of soft tissue muscles that are around the facet joints while decreasing the pressure off the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine. This allows the anterior and posterior ligaments to be extended while stretching and relaxing the muscle to stop them from spasming, improving blood circulation around the spine. Other research studies have found that lumbar traction has helped reduce the pain intensity and disability for many individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. Traction therapy gently relieves the pressure off the spine and helps bring the nutrients back to the spinal discs to promote relief to the individual.

 

How Does It Help With Low Back Pain?

Since chronic low back pain is common worldwide, many individuals try to alleviate low back pain without going to surgery. Some will try medication to reduce severe pain; others will do light physical activities like yoga or meditation to stretch out the tense muscles. Traction therapy can help alleviate low pain symptoms and prevent other chronic conditions from progressing even further. Research studies have stated that traction therapy can help increase the spinal disc height and reduce internal pressure. This allows the irritated pain-sensitive fibers around the outer layer of the spinal discs to relax and relieve the spinal joints to be put back into normal position. Fortunately, traction therapy and even decompression therapy for low back pain can work together with other non-surgical treatments to help decompress the spine and lower the effects of chronic low back pain.


Lumbar Traction Overview-Video

Feeling mild to severe pain in your lower back? How about tenderness on certain parts of your back? Do your muscles ache and become stiff when carrying or lifting heavy items? Suffering from low back pain can hinder your daily activities and make you feel miserable. Like the video above, utilizing lumbar traction therapy can help relax the back muscles and provide relief to the compressed spinal discs that are pressing on the nerve roots. Traction therapy is a non-surgical treatment that allows individuals to lay down on a traction machine and be strapped in. The traction machine begins to slowly pull on the spine, causing the intervertebral disc to increase its height in the spine and any nerve roots that were being irritated to stop sending pain signals to and from the brain. Suppose you want to learn more about lumbar traction and how it can benefit you? In that case, this link will explain what traction does for the lumbar area in the spine and provide relief to the back.


How Is Traction Different Than Decompression?

 

Research studies show that lumbar traction therapy immediately improved the pain and functional status of many individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. Since traction therapy help with chronic low back pain, how is it different when individuals use decompression therapy? Traction therapy is performed mechanically or manually to help widen the spaces between the spinal vertebrae. In contrast, decompression therapy helps relieve the pressure of irritated nerve roots that are causing pain along the spinal column. Research studies have found that decompression uses negative pressure to reduce spinal disc protrusion and intradiscal stress off the spinal nerve roots. Traction and decompression therapy have one thing in common: relieve pressure off the spine and alleviate low back pain. These two therapies can also be combined with physical therapy that allows the individual to reduce the stress of the nerve roots and strengthen the back muscle tissues. Incorporating traction or decompression therapy will benefit anyone on their wellness journey by providing relief to chronic low back pain.

 

 

Conclusion

Therefore, as part of the musculoskeletal system, the spine can be injured in various scenarios that cause low back pain. Incorporating lumbar traction therapy can help alleviate low back pain either manually or mechanically, stretching the spine to help widen the spaces in the spinal column to relieve compressed spinal discs and loosen up the stiff back muscle to promote blood circulation to the back. Since decompression and traction are different forms of therapy, they do have something in common when it comes to low back pain: to relieve the symptoms of the individual. Once people start incorporating traction therapy as part of their journey to a healthy lifestyle, they can feel relieved and become pain-free from chronic low back pain.

 

References

Borman, Pinar, et al. “The Efficacy of Lumbar Traction in the Management of Patients with Low Back Pain.” Rheumatology International, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2003, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12634941/.

Koçak, Fatmanur Aybala, et al. “Comparison of the Short-Term Effects of the Conventional Motorized Traction with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Performed with a DRX9000 Device on Pain, Functionality, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Low Back Pain Associated with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Single-Blind Randomized-Controlled Trial.” Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bayçınar Medical Publishing, 16 Feb. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6709608/.

Oh, Hyunju, et al. “The Impact of Manual Spinal Traction Therapy on the Pain and Oswestry Disability Index of Patients with Chronic Back Pain.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6279706/.

Tadano, Shigeru, et al. “Lumbar Mechanical Traction: A Biomechanical Assessment of Change at the Lumbar Spine.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 9 Apr. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6454715/.

Tanabe;Akai M;Doi T;Arai S;Fujino K;Hayashi K; ;, Hideki. “Immediate Effect of Mechanical Lumbar Traction in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Crossover, Repeated Measures, Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Orthopaedic Science: Official Journal of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 Mar. 2021, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33785233/.

Disclaimer

Sports Strength, Balance, Core Decompression Clinic

Sports Strength, Balance, Core Decompression Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic Decompression Clinic focuses on the whole body, realigns the bones and joints, and helps strengthen the muscles. This helps prevent pain and injury and maintains spinal stability. Strong back muscles can help promote correct posture and keep the spine free from restriction. A stable spine is achieved when the back muscles can support and balance the everyday forces and stress of rigorous physical activity. Strengthening the back muscles can be done through yoga, weightlifting, and other recommended chiropractic exercises.

Sports Strength, Balance, Core Decompression Clinic

Sports Strength, Balance, Core Decompression Clinic

The primary muscles in the back include:

  • Latissimus dorsi/lats) are in the area below the armpits and down the sides of the back
  • Rhomboids are in the mid-upper back
  • Trapezius/traps run from the neck to the mid-back
  • Erector spinae run along the spine

Major Core Muscles

  • The transverse abdominis
  • Multifidus
  • Internal and external obliques
  • Erector spinae
  • Diaphragm
  • Pelvic floor muscles
  • The rectus abdominis/abs

Minor Core Muscles

  • Lats
  • Traps
  • Glutes

Exercises should target a combination of these muscles.

Core Importance

The core is a crucial area of the body. The body utilizes the core for all movements and as a stabilization unit. Lack of strength places unwanted tension and pressure on the spine. Chiropractic ensures all the joints function correctly and enhances the core to brace more effectively and efficiently.

Chiropractic Balance

Adjustments and decompression realign the muscles into the proper position and help lubricate the muscles to help ease the stabilizer muscles that could be tight or tense. Treatments used can include:

  • Spinal manual and motorized decompression
  • Extremity adjustments
  • Myofascial release
  • Active Release Technique
  • Trigger point therapy

Benefits

  • Natural pain relief
  • Injury prevention
  • Enhanced muscle performance
  • Expedited recovery
  • Increased endurance
  • Mobility enhancement
  • Increased strength

Core strength and stability play a huge factor in everyday life and functions. Maintaining health results requires attention to detail. Injury Medical Decompression Clinic will create a personalized optimal health treatment plan that focuses on whole-body realignment, simple lifestyle adjustments, health coaching/nutrition, and strength training to improve balance, strength, and core stability.


Spinal Decompression DRX9000


References

Globe G, Morris C, Whalen W, et al., “Chiropractic Management of Low Back Disorders: Report from a Consensus Process,” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics November/December 2008: 651-658.

Keller, MD, et al., “Trunk Muscle Strength, Cross-sectional Area, and Density in Patients With CLBP Randomized to Lumbar Fusion or Cognitive Intervention and Exercises,” Spine, 2004 29(1): 3-8 (3)

Mayer J, DC, Ph.D. Mooney V, MD, Dagenais S, DC Ph.D., “Evidence-informed management of CLBP with lumbar extensor strengthening exercises,” T Spine J, 2008;8:96-113. (3)

McKenzie, RA, “The Lumbar Spine: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy,” Spinal Publications/Printed by Wright & Carman, LTD, Upper Hutt, New Zealand, 1989 reprinted.

Sculco AD, Paup DC, Fernhall B, Sculco MJ, “Effects of aerobic exercise on low back pain patients in treatment,” Spine J, 1(2):95-101 (2001).

Alleviating Hip Pain With Decompression Therapy

Alleviating Hip Pain With Decompression Therapy

Introduction

The body is a marvelous functional machine that requires constantly moving worldwide. The body can do everyday movements from the head to the feet and be in weird positions without feeling pain. However, ordinary factors like natural aging, wear and tear, and issues affect the body over time. When these factors start to affect the body, they can cause unwanted symptoms that can inflict pain on specific areas around the body. Some areas that suffer pain include the hips, lower back, neck, the body’s internal systems, and the spine, causing the individual to be miserable. Luckily many treatments do relieve pain in the body and help dampen the effects of the unwanted symptoms that are hindering the individual. Today’s article focuses on hip pain, its symptoms, and how decompression therapy can help many individuals suffering from hip pain. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

 

What Is Hip Pain?

 

Are you feeling stiffness from your lower back and hips? Do your hips hurt after falling due to playing sports? How about pain from the lower back to the hips down to the feet? You might be experiencing hip pain. Research studies have stated that hip pain can be associated with many factors that can cause many individuals to be in distress, impair their daily activities, and affect their quality of life. Hip pain can be associated with simple movements that are damaged, like sitting and standing, which can be hard after a while. Other associations that hip pain can occur can be lower back painneuropathiesherniation, or chronic pain. According to research studies, hip pain is considered a musculoskeletal disorder. It shows that posterior hip pain in adults is caused by osteoarthritis or traumatic causes like sacral stress fractures that can affect the hips. This musculoskeletal disorder can become a problem for many older adults suffering from hip issues. 

 

The Symptoms

Research studies have found that hip pain is a musculoskeletal complaint affecting young and old adults. Since hip pain is associated with various chronic issues, it can cause many individuals to be miserable and be in constant pain. For adults, hip pain can be one of the issues for those suffering from osteoarthritis in the anterior hip region. As research shows, in the posterior hip region, hip pain can be associated with chronic conditions like piriformis syndrome and lumbar radiculopathy that are centralized in the lower back. Other symptoms that hip pain cause on its own do associate with other chronic conditions, including:


Preparing For Lubar Traction Therapy-Video

Are you experiencing discomfort from your hips while sitting or standing? How about sharp, throbbing pain coming from your lower back and affecting your hips and legs? Do you feel tenderness and swelling on your joints? These symptoms are various forms of hip pain, and lumbar traction can help lower hip pain symptoms. The video above mentions how to prepare for lumbar traction therapy and how it can alleviate symptoms caused by hip pain. Lumbar traction helps compressed disc in the lumbar region of the spine to be restored to its original state and even takes the pressure off the sciatic nerve and other nerve roots that are causing hip pain to the body. Utilizing traction therapy increases the disc height and allows the lumbar spinal discs to be rehydrated again. Suppose you want to learn more about lumbar traction or decompression and how it can benefit you? In that case, this link will explain what decompression does for the lumbar area in the spine and provide relief from hip pain and its associates.


How Decompression Therapy Helps With Hip Pain

 

Since hip pain is associated with various other conditions that can affect the body, the most common condition that the body has suffered from is low back pain. There are ways to treat hip and low back pain; some individuals utilize heat and ice to neutralize the pain to go away, and others use chiropractic therapy to get the joints to realign themselves. One of the treatments used to relieve hip and low back pain is decompression therapy. Research studies have found that decompression therapy is safe and effective in helping to improve the blood circulation to the hips to provide relief to the hips. Since hip pain is associated with low back pain, decompression allows the herniated discs to be taken off the nerves surrounding the hips and provide pain relief. Other research studies show that traction is used to create negative gravity pressure to help reduce the pressure that is causing pain to the soft tissues and the nerve roots. This negative gravity allows the spine to separate and create more height for the disc to rehydrate while relieving the individual.

 

Conclusion

Overall the body is a marvelous machine that has the ability to move without pain. When issues start to affect the body, like the hips and lower back, it can cause the individual to suffer from various forms of pain. Since hip pain is associated with low back pain, it can lead to other chronic issues like sciatica or osteoarthritis, affecting the joints and causing them to swell. Treatments like decompression or traction therapy are used to alleviate the pain caused by the hips or lower back. When people incorporate decompression or traction into their wellness journey, they relax a bit as they are laid down and have their spine stretched slowly. This will cause them relief and take the pressure off the nerve roots that are sending pain signals to the brain. This ensures them that they can take back their lives pain-free.

 

References

Ahuja, Vanita, et al. “Chronic Hip Pain in Adults: Current Knowledge and Future Prospective.” Journal of Anaesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8022067/.

Battaglia, Patrick J, et al. “Posterior, Lateral, and Anterior Hip Pain Due to Musculoskeletal Origin: A Narrative Literature Review of History, Physical Examination, and Diagnostic Imaging.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, Elsevier, Dec. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5106442/.

Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339166/.

Lee, Yun Jong, et al. “Causes of Chronic Hip Pain Undiagnosed or Misdiagnosed by Primary Physicians in Young Adult Patients: A Retrospective Descriptive Study.” Journal of Korean Medical Science, The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6300658/.

Wilson, John J, and Masaru Furukawa. “Evaluation of the Patient with Hip Pain.” American Family Physician, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 2014, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24444505/.

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An Overview On Cervical Traction Therapy

An Overview On Cervical Traction Therapy

Introduction

As part of the musculoskeletal system, the neck makes sure that the head stays upright and can move around. The neck is just like the lower back of the body as it is made up of ligaments and soft muscle tissues that can succumb to injuries and muscle strain. When this happens to the neck, the cervical area of the spine also gets affected, and it can cause pressure on the cervical nerve roots from herniation. This will cause the individual to suffer neck pain and muscle stiffness while also trying to find some relief. Thankfully, treatments that help alleviate neck pain have been effective by relaxing the tense muscles and taking the pressure off the cervical nerve roots. Today’s article will look at the neck’s function in the body, how neck pain affects the body, and how cervical traction can relieve many individuals suffering from neck pain. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-09

The Neck’s Function To The Body

Since the neck is part of the musculoskeletal system, it is essential to know that the ligaments, soft tissue muscles, joints, nerve roots, and discs are located in the cervical area of the body. The neck can keep the head upright while also making it move around, turn, and rotate without feeling any pain. Sometimes the neck joints make a “popping sound” when the head is tilted on either side, causing a sense of relief. The neck structure has two primary regions that make up the neck: the anterior and posterior cervical regions. Research studies have shown that the posterior cervical region is located at the front and sides of the neck that encompasses the lymph nodes and blood vessels that provide motor functions for the jaw to move. 

 

 

Research studies have stated that the anterior cervical region of the neck is located on the side and back of the neck where the cervical area of the spine is located. The anterior cervical region provides lymphatic drainage and various roles for the cranial nerves and protects them from injuries. These two regions help the structure and functionality of the neck and head as they’re responsible for providing a supportive connection to the brain and cervical spine, regulating metabolism, and amongst other necessary functions for the body; as other research studies explained, the neck’s purpose to the body. 

 

Neck Pain Affecting The Body

While the neck’s purpose in the body is to keep the head upright and keep a supportive connection to the brain and the spine, it can succumb to injuries like the lower back. Research studies have found that neck pain is considered a multifactorial disease that affects many individuals with numerous risk factors that contribute to its development. Some risk factors can be ordinary, like poor posture due to reading a book, looking at the phone, or being hunched over on the computer during working hours. In comparison, other risk factors are psychological, like stress and anxiety, where a person’s shoulders and neck muscles are tense, causing pain and disability to the body. Other research studies have stated that other factors for neck pain can be non-specific and usually on a postural or mechanical basis like cervical spondylosis or traumatic like whiplash. When these risk factors cause problems to the neck and shoulders, they can turn chronic over time unless it gets treated right away. Fortunately, some treatments can alleviate acute neck pain and relieve tense neck muscles.

 


An Overview Of Cervical Traction-Video

Are you feeling muscle stiffness around your neck and shoulders? How about waking up with a crick in your neck? Have your shoulders and neck strain while being hunched over while working at a desk? If you’ve been with any of these symptoms of neck pain, then cervical traction therapy could be the answer. The video explains how cervical traction can help restore the compressed spinal disc in the cervical area of the spine. What traction does is that it stretches the cervical spine and helps take the pressure off the cervical nerve root. The other beneficial factor is that cervical traction allows the tense neck muscles to loosen up while increasing the disc height of the neck. Many individuals suffering from neck pain will find relief after several cervical traction therapy treatments. Suppose you want to learn more about cervical traction or decompression and how it can benefit you? In that case, this link will explain what decompression does for the cervical area in the spine and provide neck pain relief.


What Is Cervical Traction Therapy?

 

The neck is part of the musculoskeletal system and can succumb to injuries like the lower back with tense muscles and herniated discs that press on the nerve roots. Many treatments can help alleviate neck pain: cervical traction therapy when this happens. Cervical traction can help improve the spinal curvature and relieve tense neck and shoulder muscles causing neck pain. Research studies have mentioned that cervical traction therapy has allowed the cervical vertebra to be separated from the facet joints while decreasing the pressure on the discs or the nerves, causing neck pain. Other research studies have found cervical traction therapy is a non-invasive procedure that provides instant relief for various cervical pathologies associated with neck pain. Cervical traction therapy can help alleviate neck pain and offer many individuals to get back to their daily activities without worrying about being in pain again.

 

Conclusion

The neck is part of the musculoskeletal system where its primary job is to keep the head upright while also providing it movement. Like the lower back, the neck can get injured through many risk factors that can turn into chronic neck pain over time. Sometimes, the risk factors could be ordinary, like poor posture or a simple muscle strain that affects the neck, while psychological factors like stress or anxiety could cause the neck muscles to tense. Treatments like cervical traction therapy allow the neck muscles and cervical spinal disc to decompress and provide relief to the symptoms caused by neck pain. When people utilize cervical traction therapy on top of other treatments provided in their wellness journey, they can feel no pain in their neck and continue doing their daily activities.

 

References

Abi-Aad, Karl R, and Armen Derian. “Cervical Traction – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 13 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470412/.

Binder, Allan I. “Neck Pain.” BMJ Clinical Evidence, BMJ Publishing Group, 4 Aug. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2907992/.

Kazeminasab, Somaye, et al. “Neck Pain: Global Epidemiology, Trends and Risk Factors.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 3 Jan. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8725362/.

Roesch, Zachary K, and Prasanna Tadi. “Anatomy, Head and Neck, Neck.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 26 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542313/.

Shah, Aaisha, and Bruno Cunha. “Anatomy, Head and Neck, Anterior Cervical Region.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 31 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557475/.

Stathakios, James, and Michael A Carron. “Anatomy, Head and Neck, Posterior Cervical Region.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 27 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551521/.

Xiao, Liang-Xing, et al. “Effect of a Traction Exercise Neck Brace on Cervical Spondylopathy Radiculopathy: A Clinical Study and Finite Element Analysis.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, Hindawi, 13 Apr. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8060117/.

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Out Of Alignment Hips Decompression

Out Of Alignment Hips Decompression

Healthy hips are necessary for standing, sitting, walking, running, bending, twisting, lifting, etc. Hip problems can seriously interfere with everyday activities. Out of alignment hips don’t just cause pain and soreness in the hip area but can radiate to other body areas. When the hip joint is out of alignment, the rest of the body has to start compensating for the misalignment, which can cause chronic pain in the back and/or legs.

Out Of Alignment Hips Decompression

Out of Alignment Hips

Discomfort and soreness begin as occasional but can quickly become regular. Individuals may also begin to limp when they walk, have a reduced range of motion in the hips, and pain that escalates with physical activity and improves with immobility/rest. Out of alignment hips can be caused by:

  • Lifting incorrectly
  • Repetitively carrying heavy loads on one side of the body places uneven pressure on the pelvis, causing an imbalance.
  • Performing repetitive motions that begin to stress the joint
  • Wearing shoes that do not provide proper support
  • Standing and leaning on one leg regularly
  • Injury/trauma
  • Physical leg length discrepancy
  • Functional leg length discrepancy
  • Scoliosis

Physical Leg Length Discrepancy

If the legs are different lengths, this can cause the hips to go out of alignment. Using a foot wedge/foot orthotic in the shoe can remedy the situation.

Functional Leg Length Discrepancy

Functional leg length discrepancy is a common cause of hip misalignment, meaning that leg length is equal, but the individual is doing something to cause the hips to go out of alignment. It usually involves posture, standing, walking, sitting, lifting, and carrying improperly or awkwardly and repetitively could create functional leg length discrepancy.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is only one cause of hip misalignment. It is not likely that an individual has scoliosis if they are an adult and have not previously been diagnosed with the condition. If a child has what looks like a misaligned hip, it is recommended to take them to get tested for scoliosis. Most children with the disorder will outgrow it, but they need to be monitored by a medical professional.

Symptoms include:

  • Uneven gait
  • Uneven shoulders
  • Hip pain on one side
  • Groin pain
  • Tight buttock muscles
  • Tight leg muscles
  • Back pain – upper and lower
  • Sciatica
  • Knee pain
  • Ankle pain

One of the most prominent signs that it is a hip problem is the presence of groin pain. Groin pain can radiate downward toward the buttocks, front of the thighs, and knees. The hip joint is located behind the groin; pain usually means the hip is the root cause.

Chiropractic Decompression

A chiropractic examination can identify uneven hips. Chiropractic and motorized spinal decompression can reset the hips to their proper position. A chiropractor will be able to rebalance the hips and help avoid invasive surgical treatments and long-term rehabilitation.


DRX9000 90 Seconds Spinal Decompression


References

Battaglia, Patrick J et al. “Posterior, Lateral, and Anterior Hip Pain Due to Musculoskeletal Origin: A Narrative Literature Review of History, Physical Examination, and Diagnostic Imaging.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 15,4 (2016): 281-293. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2016.08.004

Jones HR, Burns TM, Aminoff MJ, Pomeroy SL. Pain. Chapter: Diagnosis of Low Back, Buttock, and Hip Pain. Netter Collection of Medical Illustrations: Spinal Cord and Peripheral Motor and Sensory Systems, Section 8, 201-224.

Khamis, Sam, and Eli Carmeli. “A new concept for measuring leg length discrepancy.” Journal of orthopedics vol. 14,2 276-280. 27 Mar. 2017, doi:10.1016/j.jor.2017.03.008

Miyagi, Masayuki, et al. “Hip-spine syndrome: cross-sectional-study of spinal alignment in patients with coxalgia.” Hip international: the journal of clinical and experimental research on hip pathology and therapy vol. 29,1 (2019): 21-25. doi:10.1177/1120700018803236

Nunes, Guilherme S et al. “Acute Effects of Hip Mobilization With Movement Technique on Pain and Biomechanics in Females With Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Journal of sport rehabilitation vol. 29,6 707-715. 18 Oct. 2019, doi:10.1123/jsr.2018-0497

How The Central Nervous System Is Affected By Decompression Therapy

How The Central Nervous System Is Affected By Decompression Therapy

Introduction

The body is a functional machine that constantly moves and can twist, bend, turn, and do everyday movements without feeling pain. This is due to the spine, as its primary function is to keep the body upright and perform properly. The spine and the ligaments, the spinal cord, nerve roots, and spinal discs are all part of the central nervous system. When the body becomes injured due to accidents, many complications like spinal injurieslow back painherniated discs, or degenerative issues will affect the body, back, and spine. Fortunately, when problems like this happen to the spine, non-surgical therapies can help alleviate the pain and help restore the spine to its original functioning state. Today’s article dives in on the function of the central nervous system and how the spinal cord plays its role, and how spinal decompression therapy can affect the central nervous system. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

How Does The Central Nervous System Function?

Research studies have mentioned that the central nervous system controls everything in the body. Since the body can function with everyday movements and get to different places through any means, it is due to the central nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord, and its primary function is to receive, process, and respond to all sensory information that the body is going through. The brain is in the central nervous system that sends out neuron signals that travel down through the spinal cord and to every nerve root in the body. These nerve roots not only send out sensory information back to the brain but also protect the spine. Other research studies have shown that the central nervous system’s network has motor components that respond to its surroundings. The body’s central nervous system can also respond to environmental and injury stimuli. 

 

The Spinal Cord

 

As part of the central nervous system, the spinal cord’s primary function is to send out information from the brain through the nerves. Research studies have shown that the spinal cord is protected by the spine, an S-shaped curve that helps keep the body upright. What the spinal cord does is that it is within the spinal canal, and the spinal nerves that are attached to the spinal cord are spread out throughout the spine. Since the spinal cord helps the brain by sending out information to the body, research shows that when many disorders and injuries affect the spine, it can cause a range of symptoms that can affect the many parts of the body. These disorders and injuries can be mild, like low back pain, while others can be severe, like spinal stenosis or sciatica. These symptoms can cause immense pain to the body and the spine, but there are different ways to alleviate the pain so it won’t affect the spinal cord or the spine anymore. When many factors cause harm to the spinal cord, it can cause severe damage to the spine if it is not treated right away. 


How Spinal Decompression Helps The Spine-Video

Is your spine feeling a bit stiff from twisting and turning excessively? How about feeling tenderness in certain areas located on the back? How about sharp shooting pain that radiates down to your leg? If you are experiencing any of these painful symptoms, why not incorporate spinal decompression therapy into your wellness journey. The video above explains how spinal decompression therapy can help alleviate compressed spinal discs and release the pressure off the nerve roots along the spine. Since the central nervous system sends out information throughout the entire body, spinal decompression help alleviate the painful signals coursing throughout the body through traction and helps restore the spine to its original function. Suppose you want to learn more about spinal decompression therapy and how it can benefit you? In that case, this link will explain what spinal decompression does for the spine and the central nervous system.


How Spinal Decompression Affects The Central Nervous System

 

There are many ways to ensure that the spinal cord does not get injured severely and that the central nervous system is sending out the signals correctly. One of the ways is through spinal decompression therapy. Research studies have shown that spinal decompression therapy uses motorized non-surgical traction to help with low back pain and reduce the pressure on compressed spinal discs by increasing their disc height. When the spine starts to become compressed, it can affect the intervertebral discs causing them to be herniated and pressed on the spinal nerve root. This causes the brain in the central nervous system to send out signals to where the pain is located on the nerve root and causes many unwanted issues to affect the body. However, as research studies found, when utilizing spinal decompression, supine will help stretch the spine gently and help improve the lumbar range of motion in the spine. This will bring back a person’s quality of life and help them become pain-free.

 

Conclusion

In the body, the central nervous system is the control center to ensure that the body is functioning correctly while being home to the brain and spinal cord. The spine protects the spinal cord while its primary job is to send out signals from the brain throughout the spinal nerves that branched out of the spine, ensuring that the information helps with the body’s motor functions. When the body becomes injured, it can stop the signals from reaching their necessary places and cause immense pain all over the body. Spinal decompression therapy can help alleviate the pain by using traction on the spine and gently stretching the compressed spinal discs. This will take the compressed disc off the nerve roots and rewire the signals to stop causing pain to the body. Afterward, many people suffering from a compressed spinal disc will feel instant relief and continue in their daily lives.

 

References

Amjad, Fareeha, et al. “Effects of Non-Surgical Decompression Therapy in Addition to Routine Physical Therapy on Pain, Range of Motion, Endurance, Functional Disability and Quality of Life versus Routine Physical Therapy Alone in Patients with Lumbar Radiculopathy; a Randomized Controlled Trial.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 16 Mar. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8924735/.

Apfel;Cakmakkaya OS;Martin W;Richmond C;Macario A;George E;Schaefer M;Pergolizzi JV;, Christian C. “Restoration of Disk Height through Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Is Associated with Decreased Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 July 2010, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20615252/.

DeSai, Charisma, and Amit Agarwal. “Neuroanatomy, Spine.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 11 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526133/.

Ludwig, Parker E, et al. “Neuroanatomy, Central Nervous System (CNS) – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 14 Oct. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442010/.

Medical Professional, Cleveland Clinic. “Spinal Cord: Function, Anatomy and Structure.” Cleveland Clinic, 7 Oct. 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21946-spinal-cord.

Thau, Lauren, et al. “Anatomy, Central Nervous System – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 14 Oct. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542179/.

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Alleviating Whiplash Injury With Decompression Therapy

Alleviating Whiplash Injury With Decompression Therapy

Introduction

The neck holds the head in place in the body like the lower back has the upper body. The neck’s primary function is to support the head and allow it to turn left to right, rotate both counters and clockwise, and stretch to some extent. The neck is part of the cervical area of the spine and is composed of soft tissue muscles, ligaments, and nerve roots that connect to the central nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. However, like the lower back, the neck is sustainable to injuries that can affect a person. This could be numerous scenarios like an auto accidentneck strainspoor posture, or stiff neck muscles that cause the neck to ache and tense up. Fortunately, non-surgical treatments can help alleviate neck stiffness and bring back mobility to the neck muscles. Today’s article focuses on how whiplash injuries occur, their symptoms, and how cervical decompression can help alleviate whiplash on a person’s neck. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

How Does Whiplash Injuries Occur?

 

Whiplash is a common injury in many auto accidents and can range from mild to severe depending on which neck muscle is affected or injured. Since the neck is composed of soft tissue muscle, ligaments, and nerves that help protect the cervical area of the spine, injuries can occur to the neck, causing unwanted symptoms like whiplash to cause many issues to the neck. Research studies have found that whiplashes happen when a person has a traumatic experience that causes their neck to be forcefully moved back and forth rapidly like a whip. Other research studies have mentioned that since auto accidents like rear-end collisions are the leading causes of whiplash, other causes like trauma due to sports injuries like football or contact sports can also cause whiplash to occur in the individual. 

 

The Symptoms

When a person gets rear-ended from an auto collision or suffers from a brutal fall due to a sports injury, it can impact the body and the neck, causing unwanted symptoms to occur. Research studies have shown that a whiplash injury causes hyperextension to the neck muscles causing the individual to jerk forward and whip back rapidly, causing pain and injuring the ligaments to the neck. This causes various issues in the aftermath after a person suffers from whiplash and has neck-related symptoms pop up. Other research studies have stated that some of the signs that occur after whiplash has affected a person include:

When this happens to many individuals suffering from whiplash, treatments can help with whiplash symptoms and ease the neck back to functioning normally.


Cervical Decompression Therapy For Whiplash-Video

Are you feeling stiffness from turning your neck side to side? How about headaches forming after suffering from an auto accident? How about feeling the case of vertigo after getting up from a sports injury? This is due to whiplash, and cervical decompression can help restore the functionality of the neck. The video above explains how cervical decompression therapy can help alleviate the causes and symptoms of neck pain. What cervical decompression does is that it gently releases the compressed disc in the cervical area through traction and takes the pressure off any injured nerve roots that can cause an individual to be in pain. This non-surgical therapy will relieve the neck and reduce the symptoms that neck injuries have caused. Suppose you want to learn more about cervical decompression therapy and how it can benefit you. In that case, this link will explain what cervical decompression does and reduces neck pain.


How Cervical Decompression Therapy Alleviates Whiplash

 

Since whiplash is commonly caused by rear-end motor accidents, as stated earlier, the pain can range from mild to severe depending on how injured the neck muscles are and how severe the accident has caused. When this happens, various treatment options can help alleviate the pain and restore the functionality of the neck muscles. Cervical decompression helps loosen up the stiff muscles caused by whiplash and restore the neck function. Research studies have shown that cervical decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment that can help with recovery by improving neurologic function and helping with mobilization of the neck. Since some of the symptoms of whiplash include muscle stiffness and weakness, neck pain, and headaches, cervical decompression allows the neck muscles to relax through gentle stretching. Cervical decompression therapy enables the pressure to be taken off the anterior nerve root around the cervical area on the spine and causes relief to the individual. Other research studies have shown that when the anterior nerve root goes through cervical decompression therapy, it improves the nerve sensation, and strength is restored in certain neck muscle groups and diminishes the pain from the neck.

 

Conclusion

Overall, the neck’s primary function is to ensure that the head stays upright while doing everyday movements without feeling any pain in the neck muscles. When a person gets injured and their neck jerks back and forth abruptly can cause whiplash to the neck and unleash a variety of symptoms that can cause the neck to become stiff and be in constant pain. A whiplash is a common form of neck pain that usually involves trauma from a sports injury or an auto accident, and the pain ranges from mild to severe depending on the neck muscles that were injured. Non-surgical treatments like cervical decompression can help alleviate neck pain by using traction to gently stretch the spine in the cervical area and take the pressure off the cervical nerve roots. When individuals utilize cervical decompression as part of their wellness journey for neck pain they are in, they can feel instant relief and improve their neck mobility.

 

References

Chen, T Y, et al. “The Role of Decompression for Acute Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury in Cervical Spondylosis.” Spine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Nov. 1998, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9836353/.

Matz;Holly LT;Groff MW;Vresilovic EJ;Anderson PA;Heary RF;Kaiser MG;Mummaneni PV;Ryken TC;Choudhri TF;Resnick DK; ;, Paul G. “Indications for Anterior Cervical Decompression for the Treatment of Cervical Degenerative Radiculopathy.” Journal of Neurosurgery. Spine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2009, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19769497/.

Medical Professional, Cleveland Clinic. “Whiplash (Neck Strain/Neck Sprain): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 7 Oct. 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11982-whiplash-neck-strain-neck-sprain.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Whiplash.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 Feb. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash/symptoms-causes/syc-20378921.

Tanaka, Nobuhiro, et al. “Pathology and Treatment of Traumatic Cervical Spine Syndrome: Whiplash Injury.” Advances in Orthopedics, Hindawi, 28 Feb. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5851023/.

Yadla, Sanjay, et al. “Whiplash: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Associated Injuries.” Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, Humana Press Inc, Mar. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684148/.

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