Sports Spine Specialist Chiropractic Team: Athletes strive to achieve their body’s maximum performance by participating in numerous training regimens consisting of strenuous exercises and physical activity and ensuring they meet all of their body’s nutritional requirements. Through proper fitness and nutrition, many individuals can condition themselves to excel in their specific sport. Our training programs are designed for athletes that look to gain a competitive edge in their sport.
We provide sport-specific services to help increase an athlete’s performance through mobility, strength, and endurance. Occasionally, however, the excess workouts can lead many to suffer injuries or develop underlying conditions. Dr. Alex Jimenez’s chronicle of articles for athletes displays in detail the many forms of complications affecting these professionals while focusing on the possible solutions and treatments to follow to achieve overall well-being.
Most people stretch and hardly pay any attention to it. Throughout the day a person may stretch upon waking or after they�ve been sitting in the same position for a while. They might do some stretches before working out or as part of physical therapy. Stretching often makes us feel better but it might be surprising to discover that it is actually beneficial to optimal body function.
As a person ages their muscles begin to tighten. This is a natural part of the aging process. However, it can cause inhibit range of motion and joint stiffness, making normal day to day activities more difficult. After certain injuries stiffness can set in, causing pain and decreased flexibility.
What many chiropractic patients may be surprised to learn is that stretching is a great complement to chiropractic care. When combined with simple stretches and low impact exercises, chiropractic patients often find that their injuries heal faster, their pain is reduced, and they simply feel better and more energetic. If that isn�t enough to convince you to incorporate stretching into your daily wellness routine, maybe these four compelling benefits will.
STRETCHING
Helps Keep The Spine Aligned
When you stretch the muscles in your chest, shoulders, and lower back it will improve your posture by helping to keep your spine in better alignment. When your muscles are not stretched properly they begin to draw up � and it usually isn�t in a uniform or symmetrical manner.
This means that muscles on one side of your spine may draw up more than the muscles on the other side. This can result in your body being pulled to that side, causing your spine to be pulled that way. Stretching prevents this from happening and when combined with consistent chiropractic care it can ensure good spinal health.
Improves Flexibility & Range Of Motion
Most people know, on some level, that stretching improves flexibility and range of motion. However, many do not act on that knowledge and they often wind up at the doctor�s office complaining of back pain. Stretching will make you more flexible which, in turn, will make you less prone to injury.
Your muscles will be able to work as effectively as possible. It is important that you don�t overdo it though. Some people take terrible risks when they stretch, thinking that if they force their bodies into certain positions or if they �bounce� to get a deeper stretch then they will be more flexible. Actually, the reverse is true. Stretching in an unsafe way such as bouncing or forcing your body far beyond its limits will result in injury including pulled muscles and muscle tearing.
Helps Relieve Stress & Detoxify The Body
When you stretch, two very significant things happen. First, your blood flow increases as blood is rushed to the muscles, your organs, and your brain. Secondly, it moves oxygen through these areas. As a result, toxins that have accumulated in your soft tissues are dispelled.
The simple stretching that relieves tension in muscles, combined with the detoxifying effect will help you feel less stressed. Stretching is a great stress management exercise, one you can do just about anywhere. You don�t need any special equipment and you can even do it right at your desk while you are working. A bonus is that you�ll feel the de-stressing effects instantly.
It relies on the body�s natural ability to heal itself by releasing the tension and easing the stiffness of the muscles in that area. The stiffer those muscles are, the more they will hurt when you try to move. By relaxing them through stretching you will find that you move much easier and with less pain.
Stretching has so many great benefits. Talk to your chiropractor about a customized stretching plan that you can do at home. You�ll love what it does for you. If you don�t have a chiropractor, give us a call at (915)850-0900. We�re here to help!
Truide Torres, office manager, developed facet syndrome from participating in gymnastics at a young age. Due to the additional stress being placed on her spine, Mrs. Torres was forced to reduce her engagement in exercise and physical activities. In order to continue being involved in fitness, Truide Torres found facet syndrome pain treatment with Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C. in El Paso, TX. Mrs. Torres was well-informed and properly treated by Dr. Jimenez for her face syndrome and she was able to participate in her exercise and physical activities once again. Truide Torres recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez and his staff as the non-surgical choice for facet syndrome pain treatment, describing them as a caring, knowledgeable and qualified group of healthcare professionals.
Facet syndrome (also popularly known as facet joint disease, facet osteoarthritis, facet hypertrophy or aspect arthritis) is a syndrome where the facet joints (synovial diarthroses, from C2 to S1) degenerate to the purpose of causing debilitating symptoms. In conjunction with degenerative disk disease, a distinct but related illness, aspect syndrome is thought to be one of the most frequent causes of lower back pain. The signs of facet joint syndrome rely almost entirely about the location of this degenerated joint, the severity of the harm and the amount of pressure that is being put on the surrounding nerve roots. It is essential to note that the amount of pain a person experiences does not correlate well with the amount of degeneration that has occurred within the joint. A lot of men and women experience little or no pain while others, with the specific same amount of damage, experience chronic pain.
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Volleyball Injury: James Hill is a school teacher and father of two older sons and his youngest daughter Madison Hill. As a part of an athletic family, Madison has been involved in sports since a young age, however, she experienced many injuries as a result. Fortunately, James Hill and his daughter Madison Hill met Dr. Alex Jimenez and he’s helped her get back up on her feet ever since. They both have learned to believe in chiropractic care due to Dr. Alex Jimenez’s innovative treatment methods and techniques. Mr. Hill expresses how much Dr. Alex Jimenez’s knowledge in sports injury treatment has expanded his overall understanding of the human body’s recovery process. After Madison suffered a recent ankle sprain, she was immediately reassured by Dr. Alex Jimenez regarding how much faster she could return-to-play with chiropractic care. James Hill and Madison Hill highly recommend Dr. Alex Jimenez and his staff as the non-surgical choice for volleyball sports injuries and other types of injuries.
Each year, millions of teenagers take part in high school sports. However, when an injury to a young athlete occurs, it can be disappointing to them and the family as well as to the coaches. The pressure to continue participating in their specific sport or physical activity can cause the young athlete to avoid receiving proper treatment, which could then lead to further injury with long-term effects. Sports injuries among young athletes fall into two primary categories: overuse injuries and acute injuries. Both kinds include injuries to the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) and bones. Whether an injury is acute or due to overuse, a young athlete who develops a symptom that persists or that impacts their athletic performance ought to be examined by a healthcare professional. Sports injuries that are untreated could lead to permanent disability or damage. Many high school sports injuries can be avoided through proper conditioning, training, and gear.
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Chiropractic care is extremely beneficial for many different conditions; some obvious while others are more obscure. Structural issues that affect the knees are often very responsive to chiropractic treatment. In the case of chondromalacia patellae and other knee problems, it has proven to reduce pain and help improve the condition considerably, providing the patient with increased mobility and flexibility.
Chondromalacia Patellae (aka Runner�s Knee)
Approximately 40 percent of injuries that runners experience are knee injuries. These injuries fall under the umbrella term of �runner�s knee.� This includes chondromalacia patellae which may also be referred to as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFMS).
Other runner�s knee injuries include iliotibial band syndrome, and plica syndrome. Chondromalacia patellae is one of the more common forms of runner�s knee, along with PFMS. Rest and ice are typical remedies, but when that doesn�t work or when the pain and mobility difficulties return once the patient returns to normal activities, chiropractic care is often a good treatment option.
Chondromalacia Patella
The knee is a marvelous piece of machinery. It is constructed to take the impact of the body�s weight, bending, and moving. Under the kneecap is a layer of cartilage which acts as a natural shock absorber. Injury, overuse, aging, or other conditions can cause damage to that cartilage.
This condition causes pain and impaired mobility, most commonly when the knees are in use such as walking up or down stairs. The pain may decrease with rest and ice, but sometimes that simply isn�t enough. Traditional treatments include physical therapy, medication for pain, and surgery.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of chondromalacia patellae is pain in the front of the knee. It is often described as a dull ache that is deep in the knee. This pain is often made worse when the patient sits with their knee bent for a long time, when they squat or kneel, or when they walk up and down stairs.
The more the patient uses the knee, the worse it is. However, rest and ice can work fairly quickly to help relieve the pain. If the pain persists even with rest and ice, then more aggressive care is usually advised. While traditionally doctors prescribe medication and even surgery, more patients are gravitating to drug free, less invasive treatments for knee pain. Chiropractic is a viable option.
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of chondromalacia patellae is not known. Doctors have been able to link the condition to several factors. Overuse of the knee places repetitive stress on the joint. This is commonly seen in sports or activities that involve a lot of jumping or running.
Poor muscle control is another common factor. The muscles that surround the knee and hip don�t function properly so that tracking of the kneecap is �off.� Injury is another common factor with chondromalacia patellae. When the kneecap endures a trauma such as fracture or dislocation.
There are several factors that may increase a person�s risk of developing chondromalacia patellae. Age is often noted in young adults and adolescents. Older individuals with knee pain are usually experiencing effects of arthritis.
Gender is another risk factor. Women develop the condition twice as often as men. Doctors theorize that this is due to the skeletal structure of a woman � the pelvis is wider which increases the angle where the bones of the knee joint meet.
Individuals who participate in certain sports, such as those that involve a lot of jumping and running, are at an increased risk of developing the condition. This is particularly true if they suddenly increase their level of training.
Chiropractic Treatment
Successful chiropractic treatments for chondromalacia patellae include nutritional intervention as well as adjustments and stretches. The treatment is designed to stretch shortened hamstrings and adjust the sacroiliac joint.
The point of much of the treatment is to improve tracking of the kneecap and increase motor control. Some practitioners use soft tissue work to help patients with knee pain. The whole body approach that chiropractic care offers not only provides relief from knee pain, but often cures or reduces the condition itself.
If you or a loved one are suffering from knee pain, give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic will do a thorough exam to determine the proper treatment protocol for your condition. You don�t have to live with pain. Again, give us a call. We�re here to help!
Wrestling Injury: Louie Martinez has had the pleasure of being a wrestling coach for approximately 15 years. Through his experience, Coach Martinez understands the importance of chiropractic care for the wrestler. Sports injuries can commonly occur in wrestling, however, Louie Martinez explains how with Dr. Alex Jimenez, it’s only a matter of visiting his clinic to receive the proper treatment to return-to-play. Coach Louie Martinez also describes how Dr. Alex Jimenez helped his sons, whom are also wrestlers, develop their overall potential.
Sports injuries are injuries which occur in sports, exercise or athletic activities. In the United States, there are approximately 30 million teens and kids alone that participate in some type of organized physical activity. About 3 million athletes, about 14 years of age and under, experience sports injuries yearly, which causes loss of time participating in their specific sport, exercise or athletic activities. Prevention helps reduce potential sport injuries. It is important to set up involvement in warm-ups, stretching, and exercises which focus on primary muscle groups commonly utilized in the sport of interest.
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There was a time when Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, was laughed off as �kids being kids.� Research has shown, however, that ADHD is a neuro behavioral disorder that is often diagnosed in children. In fact, 1 in 10 children receives a diagnosis of ADHD and experts are taking notice of the condition�s impact in learning and even daily living.
ADHD Drugs – Dangerous Game
Traditional treatments for ADHD are often heavily dependent upon medication, particularly stimulants like Ritalin. This drug has long been the standard for treating children diagnosed with ADHD and it, along with other similar drugs, have been shown to be somewhat effective in treating the symptoms of the condition in many patients. Unfortunately, that is not all that these drugs do.
Several of the drugs marketed specifically for ADHD are schedule II controlled substances and act very similar to amphetamines. Drugs including Ritalin have effects that closely mimic those of cocaine. Several of these drugs have been linked to cardiovascular problems in children and teens. Many of them are highly addictive.
Drugs like Adderall have become street drugs abused by teens and college students who enjoy its �speed� effects or who use it to stay awake so they can study. Some young women are abusing the drug by taking it as a diet aid.
Aside from all of this, though, are the effects a child�s brain and body undergo when they take the medication as prescribed. There is usually a distinct behavioral and personality change which often presents as a �dulling� or �stoned� reaction.
There are also great concerns that too little is known about the long term effects of taking ADHD drugs. It is a dangerous game to play with a child�s life.
Studies & Research
Several studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments as a viable therapy for ADHD. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 1989 was one of the early studies to explore this. The conclusion of the study was �impressive evidence� that the majority of the subjects did improve while using specific chiropractic care.
It also called for more studies to be conducted to further explore the possibilities that chiropractic care offers. Another study published in Explore (NY) in 2010 also provided strong evidence that chiropractic spinal manipulation has significant benefits for patients with ADHD.
Chiropractic For ADHD
Chiropractic is steadily gaining ground as a viable, effective, non-drug treatment for ADHD patients. Doctors of Chiropractic are teaming up with chiropractic neurologists to help move children away from the drugs. As they create chiropractic based ADHD treatments they not only free children from the unpleasant side effects of the medication, they also introduce them to a healthier lifestyle.
The patient is put through a variety of tests including a brain function exam. Their auditory and visual reflexes are tested as well as other assessments to determine not only the problem, but the specific manifestations of the problem as they relate to the patient. This results in a very individualized treatment plan that is tailored specifically to the patient�s needs, unlike �one size fits all� approach of drug therapy.
Through these individualized programs, data on the patient�s progress is constantly being gathered and compiled by the chiropractic neurologist. Often, children who go through such programs not only experience a significant grade improvement in the first three months, they also experience improvement in their academic performance even after the program is complete.
Improvements in patients who use drug therapy only experience the improvements as long as they are taking the drugs. Chiropractic neurology changes the brain function of the patient so that they enjoy its effects and benefits for life.
If you or a loved one is suffering from this condition, give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help!
When we think of cheerleaders we usually think of pretty girls in colorful outfits, pom pom’s in hand, cheering for their team. They are way more than that though. Cheerleaders are serious athletes.
It has taken a while, but the public is finally starting to realize just how true this is. Data collected by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research (NCCSIR), between 1982 and 2009 cheerleaders made up for more than 70 percent of catastrophic injuries in women�s college sports. At the high school level that number exceeded 60 percent.
Some claim that this high percentage of injuring among cheerleaders to be due to lax regulations at the state level. Some states refuse to recognize cheerleading as a sport and organizations such as the NCAA don�t either.
This leaves an already potentially dangerous activity without proper oversight of the government or regulating agencies. It also means that some people who manage cheer squads and organize competitions are not required to get the same coaching and safety training standards that those in other sports do.
Since chiropractic treats the whole body through not just structurally via spinal adjustments, but also through soft tissue techniques, patients can receive complete care after an injury and during rehabilitation. Cheerleaders are finding that chiropractic treatment provides numerous benefits and can even make them better athletes.
Cheerleaders
Chiropractic Helps To Improve Range Of Motion
Chiropractic care helps to improve a person�s range of motion which in turn helps to prevent injury and relieve the pain of injury. Chiropractic is growing in its popularity within the field of sports medicine because of its effectiveness. A 2010 study published in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association showed that chiropractic made a significant difference in performance.
Chiropractic Helps To Prevent Injury
Even when no injury is present, athletes can benefit from chiropractic care. This is especially true in high impact sports like cheerleading where athletes push their bodies beyond limits through acrobatics and some of the strenuous tricks that they do in the course of their sport. Chiropractic helps to loosen muscles, making them more pliable and flexible, thus less prone to injury.
Chiropractic Helps To Relieve Pain From Injury
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in March 2011 shows that chiropractic for pain relief can alleviate the pain of hamstring injury. The study was conducted over the course of a football season and involved 43 professional cheerleaders for football various football teams.
Throughout the study the cheerleaders received specific exercise intervention. At the end of the study those who had reported pain due to a hamstring injury experienced significant pain reduction after receiving chiropractic treatment.
Chiropractic Can Increase Physical Strength
While chiropractic is typically considered a therapy for alleviating skeletal and muscular complaints, a study in 2011 showed that it can also improve physical strength. The study involved judo athletes competing at the national level who used cervical spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). The final results of the study showed a 16 percent improvement in grip strength among the athletes who received only three SMT sessions.
The case for chiropractic treatment for athletes is very strong. It can help during training, recovery from injury, rehabilitation, and at every point in between. Although cheerleaders are still in their infancy of being recognized as serious athletes, the case for chiropractic care as a viable sports medicine therapy to improve performance and recover from injury is significant. The benefits that cheerleaders can receive from chiropractic treatment, as we can see, can really give them something to cheer about both on the field and off.
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