Back Clinic Chiropractic. This is a form of alternative treatment that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of various musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, especially those associated with the spine. Dr. Alex Jimenez discusses how spinal adjustments and manual manipulations regularly can greatly help both improve and eliminate many symptoms that could be causing discomfort to the individual. Chiropractors believe among the main reasons for pain and disease are the vertebrae’s misalignment in the spinal column (this is known as a chiropractic subluxation).
Through the usage of manual detection (or palpation), carefully applied pressure, massage, and manual manipulation of the vertebrae and joints (called adjustments), chiropractors can alleviate pressure and irritation on the nerves, restore joint mobility, and help return the body’s homeostasis. From subluxations, or spinal misalignments, to sciatica, a set of symptoms along the sciatic nerve caused by nerve impingement, chiropractic care can gradually restore the individual’s natural state of being. Dr. Jimenez compiles a group of concepts on chiropractic to best educate individuals on the variety of injuries and conditions affecting the human body.
Relieve Lower Back and Hip Pain with Squats, Core Exercises, and Chiropractic Care at El Paso Back Clinic®
Many people in El Paso suffer from lower back pain and hip discomfort due to daily activities, work demands, injuries, or long-term issues. These problems often stem from muscle strains, poor posture, tight hips or glutes, and weak supporting muscles. At El Paso Back Clinic® in El Paso, TX, we specialize in helping patients overcome these challenges through personalized chiropractic care, rehabilitation, and safe exercises.
Squats and core exercises, performed correctly, strengthen the muscles that support the spine, improve alignment, and enhance hip mobility. This reduces stress on the back during movement. They are effective for chronic low back pain, mild sciatica, and general aches from weak muscles. Proper form is essential—sharp pain, numbness, or weakness means you should seek professional evaluation first.
Strong Core + Chiropractic for Lower Back and Hip Pain Relief
The lower back and hips are closely connected through shared muscles, joints, and nerves. Tight hips or glutes can tug on the back, leading to strain. Weak core muscles cause spinal instability and poor posture, leading to chronic pain.
Muscle imbalances force the back to overcompensate in everyday tasks.
Reduced hip mobility leads to excessive forward leaning, stressing the lower back.
Problems in ankle or upper back mobility contribute further.
These factors can result in lumbar instability or pain radiating from the hips to the back.
How Squats Benefit Lower Back and Hip Conditions
Squats strengthen the legs, glutes, and core. With proper technique, they relieve pressure from the lower back.
Proper squats maintain a neutral spine and engaged core, providing stability and minimizing lumbar strain. Activating core and hip muscles during squats supports the spine, preventing excessive arching or rounding.
Squats also increase hip mobility. Tight hip flexors are a common cause of back pain during deeper squats. Improved flexibility allows the hips to function better, sparing the back from overload.
Builds glutes and legs for stronger spinal support.
Enhances blood flow and reduces inflammation in the area.
Aids mild pain that improves with gentle activity.
Research supports that the correct form reduces risks associated with squats.
Core Exercises: A Key to Back and Hip Relief
Core exercises focus on deep muscles in the abdomen, back, and pelvis, acting as a natural spinal brace.
Strong core muscles enhance posture and balance, easing the load on spinal discs and preventing persistent pain from inadequate support. Studies show core stability exercises effectively reduce non-specific low back pain and improve function.
Core training also supports hip pain by stabilizing the pelvis, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis or glute tightness.
Planks and bird-dogs develop endurance in stabilizing muscles.
Pelvic tilts and bridges safely activate deep muscles.
Standing core activities help relieve pain from prolonged sitting.
Evidence indicates that core exercises often outperform general workouts in reducing pain.
Mastering Proper Form for Safe Squats and Core Work
Incorrect squat form is a leading cause of lower back pain. Frequent mistakes include back rounding, knee collapse, or excessive weight.
Safe squat guidelines:
Position feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
Engage your core as if bracing for impact.
Hinge at the hips, keep the chest high, and descend until the thighs are parallel to the ground.
Drive up through heels, maintaining a neutral spine.
For core exercises, prioritize controlled movement. Hold planks straight with tight abs—avoid dipping or arching.
Begin with bodyweight versions and always warm up to boost circulation and lower injury risk.
Pain during squats typically indicates a weak core, tight hips, or mobility deficits. Address these with targeted stretches and progressive loading.
When Exercises Are Helpful and When to Get Professional Care
Squats and core exercises support:
Chronic low back pain from muscle weakness.
Mild sciatica by decreasing nerve pressure.
Hip tightness referring pain to the back.
Posture-related daily discomfort.
They foster long-term resilience and prevent compensatory back strain. Halt immediately if experiencing severe pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of balance—these may indicate serious conditions such as a disc herniation.
Consult a provider before beginning, especially if you have pre-existing injuries.
Integrative Care at El Paso Back Clinic®
At El Paso Back Clinic®, Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, leads a team that delivers comprehensive, integrative chiropractic and wellness care for lower back and hip pain. Our approach combines squats and core exercises with chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, physical therapy, functional medicine, and rehabilitation programs.
Chiropractic adjustments correct misalignments and joint dysfunctions. A reinforced core helps maintain these corrections by enhancing spinal stability.
Dr. Jimenez creates tailored plans that address root causes through evidence-based protocols, drawing on over 30 years of experience in complex injuries, sciatica, and chronic pain. This multidisciplinary method often yields superior, sustained results compared to isolated treatments.
Visit our main location at 11860 Vista Del Sol, Suite 128, El Paso, TX 79936, or call (915) 850-0900 to schedule your consultation.
Beginner Exercises to Try Under Guidance
Start with these fundamentals, supervised by our team:
Bodyweight Squats: 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions, emphasizing technique.
Glute Bridges: Lie on your back, and elevate your hips by engaging your glutes.
Bird-Dog: On hands and knees, extend opposite arm and leg while bracing core.
Planks: Maintain position for 20-30 seconds, gradually increasing duration.
Pelvic Tilts: On the back, press the lower back into the floor via a pelvic tilt.
Incorporate 2-3 sessions weekly. Include hip mobility work and advance gradually.
Regain Comfort and Mobility Today
At El Paso Back Clinic®, squats and core exercises form integral components of our rehabilitation strategies for lower back and hip pain. They fortify stabilizing muscles, correct alignment, and promote mobility to manage strains, poor posture, instability, and tightness.
Combined with expert chiropractic and integrative care under Dr. Alexander Jimenez, they deliver lasting strength and relief.
Reach out to El Paso Back Clinic® today. Our team will assess your needs and develop a customized plan for optimal recovery.
Make Your Health Goals Stick in 2026: How El Paso Back Clinic’s Integrative Team Supports Real Change
The patient uses a weight machine for injury rehabilitation under the supervision of a doctor of chiropractic and a nurse practitioner.
Most people don’t fail at New Year’s goals because they “don’t want it enough.” They fail because life gets busy, pain flares up, energy crashes, and stress piles on. When your body hurts or feels stiff, even simple plans—like walking more, lifting weights, or sleeping better—can feel harder than they should.
At El Paso Back Clinic, the goal is to make health changes easier to achieve and maintain through a team-based, integrative approach. That means bringing together the strengths of chiropractic care (movement, structure, mobility, and recovery) with the strengths of nurse practitioner care and wellness coaching (nutrition, sleep, stress, and whole-body support). The clinic describes this as a blend of injury care, wellness strategies, mobility programs, and integrated medicine designed to improve function and quality of life. El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900+2El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900+2
This kind of care supports common goals like:
increasing fitness and mobility
managing pain so you can stay active
improving energy and sleep
lowering stress and improving your stress response
“Integrative care” means your plan isn’t built around only one angle. Instead, it connects the pieces that usually get separated:
How you move
How you recover
How you eat
How you sleep
How you manage stress
How do you build habits that fit your real life
El Paso Back Clinic describes integrative chiropractic benefits as going beyond traditional adjustments by combining care approaches that support overall wellness and function. El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900
Why this matters for resolutions
Many resolutions are difficult to maintain because the plans ignore the real barriers. For example:
You want to exercise more—but your back pain spikes.
You want to lose weight—but your sleep is poor and your stress is high.
You want more energy—but your nutrition is inconsistent, and you’re not recovering.
An integrative plan helps because it aims to reduce the friction that makes healthy habits feel impossible.
The Team Approach: Chiropractor + Nurse Practitioner Mindset
Many clinics talk about how chiropractic care supports goals such as mobility, stress reduction, better sleep, and improved performance. gotcore.net+2Freedom Chiropractic+2 At El Paso Back Clinic, that support is often strongest when chiropractic care is paired with whole-person planning.
The chiropractor’s lane: move better with less strain
Chiropractic care commonly focuses on:
joint motion and spinal mechanics
posture and movement habits
mobility and flexibility
recovery support when you start working out again
helping reduce strain patterns that keep pain looping
The descriptions of services at El Paso Back Clinic emphasize spine-focused care and the restoration of function for back and musculoskeletal concerns. El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900+1
The NP/wellness lane: build a plan that supports your body from the inside out
A nurse practitioner and wellness-minded team approach can support:
nutrition planning that fits your schedule
sleep improvement routines
stress management strategies
health screening and medical risk review when appropriate
coaching that makes change more realistic to sustain
This matches the habit-focused guidance many health organizations recommend: set realistic goals, build routines, and avoid extreme “all at once” changes. Prism Health North Texas
Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s clinical observations (El Paso context)
Dr. Alexander Jimenez (DC, APRN, FNP-BC) frequently describes a dual-scope approach that connects biomechanics (how you move) with broader health planning (nutrition, functional assessments, and recovery strategies). His published clinic content also highlights the use of assessments and, when needed, imaging and integrated care planning to support recovery and function. LinkedIn+3El Paso, TX Doctor Of Chiropractic+3El Paso, TX Doctor Of Chiropractic+3
Why Resolutions Often Fail (And How an Integrative Plan Fixes That)
Here are common “resolution killers” and what a coordinated plan can do differently:
Pain blocks movement → Address mobility limits and movement mechanics so activity feels doable. National Spine & Pain Centers+1
Low energy → Improve sleep, nutrition consistency, and recovery structure. gotcore.net+1
Stress overload → Add stress skills and routines that calm the system and support follow-through. NIH News in Health+1
No accountability → Regular check-ins and plan adjustments keep you from quitting after a setback. drmmalone.com+1
A key idea in habit-based care is that early wins create a “positive feedback loop”—you feel better, so it becomes easier to keep going. drmmalone.com
1) Increase Fitness and Mobility (Without Getting Injured)
If your goal is to work out more, the priority is often moving well enough to train consistently.
Many chiropractic resources emphasize mobility, flexibility, and injury prevention as people increase activity at the start of the year. 5280 Balanced Health Center+2Freedom Chiropractic+2 El Paso Back Clinic also emphasizes flexibility, mobility, and agility programs to improve ability and quality of life. El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900
A simple evidence-based target
For general health, adults are commonly advised to aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, plus 2 days of muscle-strengthening activities. CDC+1 That can be split into smaller chunks—like 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
What the integrative plan can look like
Assess mobility limits (hips, spine, shoulders) and address movement friction
Build a realistic weekly schedule
Progress intensity slowly, so you don’t crash or flare
Easy “start small” movement ideas:
10–20 minute walk after meals
2 strength sessions per week (basic full-body)
5-minute mobility routine daily
Progression rules that keep people consistent:
Add time before you add intensity
Keep at least 1–2 recovery days weekly
Measure consistency, not perfection
2) Manage Pain So You Can Stay Active
Pain goals often work better when you focus on function—not “zero pain tomorrow.” A pain-focused plan might aim to reduce flare-ups and increase what you can do safely. National Spine & Pain Centers
El Paso Back Clinic positions its care around helping people with frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes improve mobility and function. El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900
Practical pain goals that tend to stick
“Walk 20 minutes, 4 days/week without a flare.”
“Lift twice/week with pain staying under a 3–4/10.”
NP-style wellness support can focus on sleep, stress, consistency in nutrition, and pacing habits that support recovery. Prism Health North Texas+1
Helpful pacing ideas (simple but powerful):
Use shorter workouts more often
Stop just before your “flare threshold”
Build capacity gradually rather than “weekend warrior” bursts
3) Boost Energy the Smart Way
Energy is not just “motivation.” If you’re tired, your plan needs better recovery.
Many chiropractic sources link better sleep and reduced tension with feeling more capable and consistent over time. gotcore.net+1 El Paso Back Clinic also describes a wellness-focused approach aimed at improving energy, sleep, and overall function. El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900
It’s common to hear people say they want to “boost immunity.” A safe and practical way to think about this is:
You can support overall wellness by improving sleep, physical activity, and stress management—foundations that matter for health.
Regular physical activity is widely recommended for health. CDC
Mindfulness-based approaches have evidence supporting their effectiveness for stress, sleep, and pain management. NIH News in Health
So instead of chasing extreme detoxes or perfect diets, an integrative plan often focuses on steady basics:
sleep routine
movement most days
nutrition consistency
stress skills
That’s the kind of “quiet consistency” that makes resolutions last.
5) Lower Stress and Improve Stress Response
Stress shows up in the body: tight shoulders, headaches, jaw tension, shallow breathing, gut tension, and poor sleep.
Mindfulness-based treatments have evidence supporting reduced anxiety/depression symptoms and improved sleep, and may help people cope with pain. NIH News in Health Many chiropractic sources also connect care with stress reduction and better sleep as part of overall wellness. gotcore.net+1
Pick one main goal (fitness OR pain, energy, OR stress)
Add two support habits
Track consistency weekly
Adjust every 2–4 weeks
Examples of “support habits”:
protein at breakfast
20-minute walk 4x/week
5 minutes of mobility daily
bedtime routine 5 nights/week
A Simple 4-Week Plan (El Paso Back Clinic Style: Practical, Not Perfect)
This is a general example you can personalize with your provider team.
Week 1: Reduce friction
Identify mobility limits and pain triggers
Set one realistic activity goal
Begin a simple nutrition and sleep routine
Week 2: Build consistency
Add a second strength or mobility day
Keep intensity moderate
Track sleep and energy patterns
Week 3: Progress carefully
Increase walking time or training volume slightly
Add a stress routine you can repeat
Adjust the plan based on how your body responds
Week 4: Lock in your system
Keep what’s working
Simplify what isn’t
Create a “busy week version,” so you don’t fall off
This approach fits the clinic’s overall theme of improving function through mobility, recovery, and whole-person planning. El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900+1
When to Get Checked Right Away
If you have severe or unusual symptoms, don’t “push through.” Seek urgent medical care for red flags like:
chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting
sudden weakness, facial droop, confusion
loss of bowel/bladder control
fever with severe spine pain
major trauma with worsening symptoms
Bottom Line: Your Best Results Come From a Whole Plan
At El Paso Back Clinic, an integrative model supports real-life resolutions by combining:
When You Don’t Stretch: Why Muscles Get Stiff, Movement Gets Harder, and Injuries Become More Likely
A patient with chronic back pain does targeted stretches.
If you rarely stretch, your body can start to feel “tight,” which can change how you move. Many people notice they can’t bend, twist, squat, reach overhead, or turn their head as easily as they used to. Over time, this can affect your flexibility, your range of motion (how far a joint can move), and how smooth and efficient your daily movements feel.
At El Paso Back Clinic, Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, often explains this: when mobility decreases, the body starts to “compensate.” That means you move around a stiff area instead of through it, and those workarounds can build up stress in nearby joints and muscles (Jimenez, n.d.-a). This is one reason people can develop recurring back pain, neck stiffness, hip tightness, or shoulder irritation even without a single big injury.
What “Muscle Stiffness” Really Means
Muscle stiffness usually feels like tightness, soreness, or difficulty moving. It can happen after overuse, after you’ve been still for a long time, or when your muscles stay “stuck” in a more contracted state (Tarantino, 2025). Osmosis
Osmosis notes that stiffness can appear after a long period of minimal motion (such as bed rest or inactivity) or after new exercise that causes temporary muscle cell damage (Tarantino, 2025). Osmosis
Key idea: When your body doesn’t move a joint through its normal range often enough, the muscles and tissues around it can start to feel restricted. That restriction can make normal tasks think harder than they should.
Do Muscles Actually “Shorten” If You Don’t Stretch?
You’ll hear people say, “If you don’t stretch, your muscles will shorten.” That statement is partly true, but it needs context.
Adidas explains that the word “shorten” can be misleading: for most people, it feels like shortening because mobility and flexibility decrease when stretching is skipped, even if the muscle is not literally shrinking in everyday life (Adidas, 2025). adidas
Harvard Health adds an important clarification: without regular stretching, muscles can become tight, and when you need them for activity, they may not extend fully, increasing the risk of joint pain, strains, and muscle damage (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). Harvard Health
So the practical takeaway is simple:
Skipping stretching often leads to less mobility and flexibility
Tight muscles can reduce how far joints can move
Tight muscles can make injuries more likely when you suddenly “ask more” of your body
How Tight Muscles Reduce Range of Motion
Range of motion (ROM) is the movement around a joint or body part. When ROM is limited, you can’t move that body part through its usual, healthy motion (Jimenez, n.d.-b). El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900
El Paso Back Clinic explains how tightness—especially in areas like the hips and ankles—can reduce ROM and limit potential for form and strength. When posture and form are compromised, pain and injury risk can rise (Jimenez, n.d.-b). El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900
What limited ROM can look like in real life
You might notice:
You can’t turn your head fully when driving
You bend from your lower back instead of your hips
You can’t squat without your heels lifting
Your shoulders feel “pinched” when reaching into a cabinet
Your hamstrings feel tight when you try to walk fast
And here’s the tricky part: your body still gets the job done—just with more strain.
Why Stiffness Can Raise Injury Risk
Harvard Health explains that tight muscles may be more easily damaged when they are suddenly stretched during strenuous activity (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). Harvard Health
That’s why injuries often show up in moments like:
A weekend game after sitting all week
A sudden sprint to catch something
Lifting a heavy box with “cold” hips and hamstrings
A long drive followed by quick unloading or bending
Mayo Clinic also notes that better flexibility can help joints move through full ROM and may decrease injury risk, while emphasizing that stretching must be done correctly (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.). Mayo Clinic
Common Reasons People Stop Stretching (And How to Fix Them)
Most people don’t skip stretching because they don’t care. They skip it because it feels confusing, time-consuming, or uncomfortable.
Common barriers
“I don’t have time.”
“Stretching hurts.”
“I’m not flexible, so it doesn’t work for me.”
“I only need stretching if I work out.”
Better, more realistic reframes
You only need 5–10 minutes a few times a week to start seeing benefits (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.). Mayo Clinic
Stretching should create tension, not pain (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.). Mayo Clinic
Flexibility improves over weeks to months, not days (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). Harvard Health
Stretching supports everyday movement, not just workouts (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). Harvard Health
Safe Stretching Basics (So You Don’t Make Things Worse)
This matters: stretching done poorly can backfire.
Mayo Clinic recommends:
Don’t stretch cold muscles—warm up 5–10 minutes first
Don’t bounce
Hold stretches about 30 seconds (longer for problem areas)
Don’t stretch into pain (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.). Mayo Clinic
The American Heart Association adds:
Stretch when muscles are warm
Hold 10–30 seconds and repeat 3–5 times
Stretch slowly and smoothly (American Heart Association, 2024). www.heart.org
Quick safety checklist
Warm up first (easy walk, gentle movement)
Move slowly
Breathe
No bouncing
Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness, or joint pain
A Simple 10-Minute Daily Stretch Routine for Real Life
This is designed for normal adults: busy schedules, stiff hips, tight neck, and lots of sitting.
Step 1: Warm up (1–2 minutes)
Walk around the house
March in place
Gentle arm circles
Step 2: Do these 6 stretches (about 8 minutes total)
1) Hip flexor stretch (1 minute each side) Helps if you sit a lot and feel tight in the front of your hips.
2) Hamstring stretch (1 minute each side) Harvard points out that tight hamstrings from sitting can limit how well you extend your leg and support walking mechanics (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). Harvard Health
3) Calf stretch (45 seconds each side) Helpful for ankle mobility, walking, and squatting mechanics.
4) Chest opener (45 seconds) Stand in a doorway and gently open the chest to reduce rounded-shoulder posture.
5) Upper back reach (45 seconds) Hug yourself and gently pull your shoulder blades apart.
6) Neck side stretch (30 seconds each side) Gentle only—never crank your neck.
Step 3: Add “micro-mobility” during your day (optional but powerful)
Stand up every hour for 30–60 seconds
Do 5 bodyweight squats to a chair
Do 10 shoulder rolls
Take a 3-minute walk after meals
These small habits often matter as much as one long stretch session.
Stretching After Workouts: What You Should Know
Adidas explains the difference clearly:
Dynamic movement is best before workouts (prepares your body)
Static stretching is typically better after workouts, when you’re warm (Adidas, 2025). adidas
Mayo Clinic also cautions that stretching cold muscles can increase injury risk and notes that some intense activities may not benefit from heavy stretching right before performance (Mayo Clinic Staff, n.d.). Mayo Clinic
A balanced approach
Before exercise: warm up + dynamic mobility
After exercise: gentle static stretching + breathing
On rest days: short, consistent flexibility routine
When Stiffness Is a Sign You Need More Than Stretching
Sometimes the problem is not just “tight muscles.” You may have:
Joint restrictions that block movement
Spine or pelvis alignment issues affecting mechanics
Inflammation around a joint
Pain patterns that keep muscles “guarded”
A nerve-related problem (numbness, tingling, weakness)
El Paso Back Clinic notes that limited ROM in areas like the back, neck, or shoulders can be linked to the body being out of natural alignment, repetitive motions, or wear and tear (Jimenez, n.d.-b). El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900
If stretching doesn’t help—or makes symptoms worse—it’s smart to get assessed.
The El Paso Back Clinic Approach: Integrative Chiropractic + Nurse Practitioner Support
This is where integrative care can be a game-changer: you’re not only “stretching more,” you’re also finding out why you’re tight and building a plan that fits your body.
What chiropractic care can add
El Paso Back Clinic describes a “restoration” approach that may include:
Soft tissue work (to reduce tightness and improve circulation)
Adjustments (to address misalignments and support mobility)
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice clinicians who assess, diagnose, and treat illnesses and injuries and support chronic condition management (American Nurses Association, n.d.). ANA Healthgrades also describes NPs performing screenings and physical exams, ordering lab work, documenting care, and diagnosing certain conditions (Prosser, 2025). Healthgrades Resources
Why the combo helps stiffness and pain
Together, a chiropractor + NP team can:
Screen for red flags (nerve symptoms, systemic issues)
Decide when imaging or labs are appropriate
Build a movement plan that matches your pain level
Address sleep, stress, inflammation, and recovery habits
Track progress using measurable goals (like ROM improvements)
Dr. Jimenez’s Mobility & Flexibility materials emphasize that “great mobility” supports functional movement without ROM restrictions and that people who don’t stretch often may experience stiffened muscles that reduce effective movement (Jimenez, n.d.-a). El Paso Back Clinic® • 915-850-0900
Red Flags: When to Stop Stretching and Get Checked
Call a clinician promptly if you have:
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm/leg
Loss of balance, clumsiness, or trouble walking
Severe pain that doesn’t improve
Pain after trauma (car accident, fall, sports collision)
Fever, unexplained swelling, or sudden intense stiffness
Muscle stiffness can sometimes be related to underlying medical issues, and diagnosis may require an exam and follow-up testing, depending on the cause (Tarantino, 2025). Osmosis
The Bottom Line
If you don’t stretch regularly, it’s common to feel tighter and less mobile over time. That stiffness can reduce range of motion, make daily tasks harder, and increase your risk of injury when you suddenly push your body. The good news is that you don’t need extreme flexibility. You need consistent, safe mobility work—and when required, professional support to restore movement and reduce pain.
A practical plan usually includes:
Small daily stretching habits
Better warm-ups and recovery routines
Strength + mobility (not stretching alone)
Integrative evaluation when pain, ROM loss, or repeated flare-ups keep returning
Beat Holiday Stress with Fun Movement and Smart Body Care
A man and a woman play table tennis to ease holiday stress.
The holiday season brings joy, family time, and tasty food, but it can also be stressful. Busy schedules, shopping, travel, and extra tasks can make anyone feel overwhelmed. One great way to feel better is through simple movement and exercise. Physical activity releases endorphins, chemicals in your brain that improve mood and reduce stress (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Even short sessions of fun activities can clear your mind and boost energy.
Many experts agree that almost any form of movement helps manage stress. It acts like a natural reset for your body and brain (Kitsap Physical Therapy, n.d.). Adding some holiday cheer to your routine makes it easier to stick with. This guide shares easy, enjoyable ways to stay active and calm during the holidays.
Why Movement Helps Reduce Holiday Stress
Exercise does more than keep you fit. It pumps up endorphins, boosting a happier feeling, and distracts you from worries. Activities like walking or dancing provide “meditation in motion,” helping you forget daily irritations (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Regular movement also improves sleep, builds confidence, and helps your body better handle stress.
During the holidays, people often move less due to cold weather or busy plans. This can make stress worse. But even one quick workout can lift your mood for hours (Gorman, 2022). Fun, low-pressure activities work best to avoid adding more pressure.
Releases feel-good chemicals to fight anxiety
Clears the mind and improves focus
Boosts energy and helps you sleep better
Builds strength to handle physical holiday demands, like carrying bags
Fun Sports-Inspired Activities to Boost Endorphins
Try activities that feel like play. Sports-inspired moves get your heart pumping and bring smiles.
Jumping rope: A quick cardio blast that raises your heart rate fast. Do it for 10-15 minutes while listening to holiday music (Avec Apartments, n.d.).
Dance breaks: Turn on your favorite songs and dance freely. Join a family dance party or try simple steps. Dancing combines rhythm and fun for great stress relief (NMC Health, n.d.; Triathlete Magazine, n.d.).
Pickup games: Play basketball, tennis, volleyball, or soccer with friends or family. These team sports combine exercise with social time, which further lowers stress (King Chiropractic, n.d.).
Shadowboxing: Punch the air like a boxer. This low-impact move releases tension without needing equipment. It’s perfect for a hotel room or living room (FightCamp, n.d.; Triathlete Magazine, n.d.).
These activities are easy to start and don’t require much space or gear.
Quick and Easy Bodyweight Exercises for Fast Relief
No gym? No problem. These simple moves use only your body and take little time.
Here are some top picks:
High knees: Run in place, lifting knees high. Do it for 1 minute to get your blood flowing (Echelon Fit, n.d.).
Planks: Hold a straight body position on your forearms and toes. Start with 30 seconds of core strength work (Echelon Fit, n.d.).
Bodyweight squats: Lower as if sitting in a chair, then stand up. Great for legs and glutes (Hydrow, n.d.).
Push-ups: Modify on knees if needed. Strengthen your upper body quickly (Hydrow, n.d.).
Jumping jacks: Classic move to warm up and boost mood (Echelon Fit, n.d.).
Try a 20-minute circuit: 30 seconds of each, with short rests in between. Repeat a few times (FightCamp, n.d.). Add holiday twists, like “present pick-up” squats—bend down as if grabbing gifts (Performance Health Academy, n.d.).
Mindful Practices for Calm and Flexibility
For gentler options, try mindful movements that focus on breath and flow.
Yoga flows: Simple poses like downward dog or warrior help stretch and center your mind. A 15-20 minute session reduces tension (Avec Apartments, n.d.; King Chiropractic, n.d.).
Tai Chi: Slow, flowing moves called “meditation in motion.” It improves balance and eases stress without strain (Mind Body Spine, n.d.; FightCamp, n.d.).
These practices calm the nervous system and pair well with busier days.
Outdoor Options: Walks and Hikes for Mind Clearing
Fresh air makes everything better. A brisk walk or hike builds endurance and clears thoughts.
Go for a festive neighborhood walk to see lights. Make it fun with a scavenger hunt for decorations (NMC Health, n.d.).
Hike in nature for extra calm. Being outdoors boosts positive feelings, such as gratitude (Triathlete Magazine, n.d.).
Add active games, such as playing in the yard or stair climbing, between tasks (Muscle MX, n.d.).
Aim for 30 minutes most days. No special gear needed—just good shoes (Club Getaway, n.d.).
Make It Festive: Holiday-Themed Active Fun
Keep things light by tying movement to celebrations.
Dance to holiday tunes or play charades that get everyone moving.
Try “Santa bag throws” or “candy cane curls” with simple weights or air motions (Performance Health Academy, n.d.).
Family games like obstacle courses or mini-golf indoors keep energy high and stress low (NMC Health, n.d.).
These ideas turn exercise into shared joy.
How Integrative Chiropractic Care Fits In
Physical tension from stress often shows up as tight muscles or misalignment. Integrative chiropractic care helps by using gentle adjustments to ease tension and support the nervous system. This improves your body’s stress response and promotes better flexibility (Chiropractic Works Collinsville, n.d.).
Chiropractors may suggest stretches or movements to help maintain alignment. This holistic approach complements exercise for full-body relief. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a chiropractor and nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience, notes that spinal health drives overall wellness. His integrative methods combine adjustments with posture exercises and stress management for better mobility and calm (Jimenez, n.d.; Jimenez, 2025a). He often sees that staying active and making adjustments help prevent holiday-related tension and support recovery (Jimenez, 2025b).
Pairing chiropractic visits with daily movement creates a balanced way to enjoy the season.
Tips to Get Started and Stay Consistent
Starting small is key during busy times.
Pick activities you enjoy to make it fun.
Schedule short sessions, like 10-20 minutes.
Involve family or friends for accountability.
Listen to your body—keep it light to avoid extra stress.
Combine with deep breathing for extra calm.
Consistency brings the best results. Even small efforts add up to less stress and more energy (American Fitness Professionals & Associates, n.d.).
By adding these fun movements and mindful care, you can handle holiday demands with ease. Focus on feeling good, not perfect. Your body and mind will thank you.
Avoiding Common Christmas Accidents: Prevention and Recovery at El Paso Back Clinic®
After lying in an awkward position, the woman is suffering from back pain on the couch at home.
The Christmas season fills homes with lights, laughter, and loved ones. But it can also bring unexpected risks. From slips on icy paths to burns in the kitchen, holiday accidents happen more often than you might think. In El Paso, Texas, where winter weather can mix with the festive rush, these issues send many seeking help. Distracted or drunk driving spikes too, making roads risky. At El Paso Back Clinic®, we focus on wellness chiropractic care to help you prevent and heal from these mishaps. This article explains common Christmas accidents, their causes, and tips for prevention. It also shows how our integrative approach, led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, offers holistic recovery. Using spinal adjustments, massage, nutritional guidance, and NP-partnered care, we support your body’s natural healing to help you have a pain-free holiday.
Common Christmas Holiday Accidents at El Paso Back Clinic®
At our clinic in El Paso, TX, we see a rise in holiday-related injuries each year. These range from home mishaps to road incidents. Here’s a list of the most common ones we treat.
Falls: Decorating ladders or icy El Paso sidewalks leads to slips. These cause sprains, fractures, or head trauma. Nationwide, about 160 decorating falls occur daily, accounting for half of decorating injuries. Kids might tumble from unstable trees or during outdoor fun.
Fires: Faulty lights, dry trees, or candles spark fires. In homes across Texas, Christmas tree fires average 155 per year, causing injuries and property damage. We advise checking decorations to avoid these dangers.
Burns: Holiday cooking with hot oil or deep fryers can result in scalds. Touching lit decorations adds risk. Turkey fryers alone cause 5 deaths and 60 injuries annually. Even hot foods like fried treats can burn mouths.
Cuts: Knife slips while wrapping or carving happen often. Broken glass ornaments or toy packaging lead to ER visits – about 6,000 yearly for gift-opening cuts.
Strains: Lifting decorations, gifts, or snow strains muscles. Back issues account for 15% of holiday accidents, and 11,500 ER visits are due to shoveling. In El Paso, our patients often come in after heavy lifting.
Alcohol-Related Incidents: Festive drinks cause falls or “holiday heart” – heart rhythm problems from overdrinking. This leads to dizziness and more.
Food Poisoning: Rushed meals with undercooked food or leftovers breed bacteria. About 48 million cases occur in the U.S. each year, peaking during holidays.
Injuries Related to Toys and Gifts: Choking on small parts injures 251,700 kids yearly. Faulty gifts cause cuts or trips.
Distracted or Drunk Driving: Busy El Paso roads see more crashes from texting or drinking. Drunk driving deaths rose to 1,013 in December 2021.
These issues increase ER visits by 5-12% in the U.S. and by over 80,000 in the UK during festivities. At El Paso Back Clinic®, we help locals recover quickly.
Causes of Holiday Injuries Seen at Our Clinic
Many injuries stem from everyday tasks gone wrong. To stop recurrences, we at El Paso Back Clinic® pinpoint these causes.
Overexertion: Heavy lifting, like trees or bags, strains backs. Bending incorrectly causes 80% of lower back pain. Travel luggage accounts for 72,000 doctor visits each year.
Cooking: Burns from oils or knives in busy kitchens. One in ten child injuries comes from cooking. Grease fires are frequent.
Decorating: Ladder falls, electrical shocks, or ornament cuts. Decorating sends 13,000 to ERs yearly. Cord trips cause 2,000 injuries.
Accidents on the Road or at Home: Distracted driving in El Paso’s traffic or at home. Stress slows reflexes.
Winter sports add 186,000 injuries, though they are less common here. Plants like mistletoe can poison if eaten.
Prevention Tips from El Paso Back Clinic®
Prevent accidents with simple steps. Our team at El Paso Back Clinic® shares these to keep your holidays safe.
For Falls: Use stable ladders and salt icy paths. Get help when climbing.
For Fires and Burns: Inspect wires, water trees, and use LED candles. Watch stoves closely.
For Cuts and Strains: Cut safely and lift with your knees. Team up for heavy items.
For Alcohol and Driving: Designate a driver or use a ride. Drink moderately.
For Food and Toys: Cook thoroughly and chill food fast. Pick safe, age-appropriate toys.
Keep a first aid kit handy and manage stress. Visit us for pre-holiday check-ups.
How Integrative Chiropractic Care at El Paso Back Clinic® Helps
If injured, turn to El Paso Back Clinic® for natural healing. Our integrative chiropractic care, in partnership with NPs, treats the whole person. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, with over 30 years in El Paso, observes that holiday injuries often stem from poor posture or stress, leading to misalignment of the spine. We use non-invasive techniques to ease pain without meds or surgery.
Adjustments for Spinal and Joint Pain: Realign the spine to relieve strain from falls or lifts. This boosts movement and cuts swelling.
Massage and Physiotherapy for Muscle Problems: Ease tension from overwork. Improves circulation for faster recovery.
NP-Led Care for Holistic Wellness: Our NPs manage overall health, including burn care and effects of poisoning, with a natural focus.
Nutrition Guidance: Counter rich holiday foods with diet tips to aid digestion and immunity. Fiber-rich choices help.
Managing Underlying Conditions: Reduce stress hormones for better sleep and mood. Prevents further harm.
Dr. Jimenez’s team uses functional medicine to develop personalized plans that address issues like sciatica from slips. Chiropractic enhances the nervous system for better health during the holidays.
Enjoy a Healthy Holiday with El Paso Back Clinic®
Make Christmas memorable for the right reasons. Know the risks, prevent them, and seek our care if needed. At El Paso Back Clinic®, we’re here for your wellness. Contact us in El Paso, TX, for expert chiropractic support. Happy holidays!
Best Magnesium Supplements for Pain Relief: Types, Benefits, and Chiropractic Insights
A chiropractor and nurse practitioner discuss magnesium supplements for pain relief.
Magnesium is a mineral that your body needs for many tasks. It helps muscles work, nerves send signals, and bones stay strong. Many people do not get enough magnesium from food like nuts, seeds, and greens. This can lead to problems such as muscle pain, fatigue, and stress. Supplements can help fill the gap. In this article, we look at how magnesium eases pain. We focus on forms such as malate, glycinate, and topical. These can help with muscle soreness, nerve pain, and more. Chiropractors often suggest them to boost treatments. We base this on health sites and expert views. Read on to learn which type might work for you.
Pain comes in many forms. It can be sore muscles after a workout or chronic issues like fibromyalgia. Magnesium helps relax muscles and calm nerves. It also cuts down on swelling. Studies show it can lower pain without strong drugs. For example, it supports energy production, helping counter fatigue associated with pain. Different forms absorb in unique ways. Oral pills go through the gut. Topical ones soak into the skin. This matters for how fast they help. Always talk to a doctor before starting supplements. They can check if it’s safe for you.
Understanding Magnesium’s Role in Pain Management
Magnesium plays a big part in how your body handles pain. It blocks pain signals in nerves and helps muscles relax. Low levels can make pain worse. About half of adults in the U.S. lack enough magnesium (Team Red White & Blue, n.d.). This leads to cramps, spasms, and soreness. Supplements fix this by boosting levels.
Here are key ways magnesium helps with pain:
Muscle Relaxation: It controls contractions to stop cramps and tension.
Nerve Calming: It balances signals to reduce nerve pain.
Less Swelling: It fights inflammation that causes discomfort.
Better Recovery: It supports energy for healing after injury.
Chiropractors use magnesium with adjustments. It improves treatment outcomes by loosening tight spots. For acute pain, like after surgery, it cuts down on opioid needs (MedCentral, n.d.). For long-term pain, it eases symptoms in conditions such as migraines and back pain.
Magnesium Malate: Effective for Muscle Soreness and Fatigue in Fibromyalgia
Magnesium malate mixes magnesium with malic acid. This form absorbs well in the gut. It boosts energy by helping make ATP, the body’s fuel (Miye Care, n.d.). That’s why it’s beneficial for fatigue and soreness. People with fibromyalgia often feel worn out and achy. This type can help manage those symptoms.
Benefits include:
Eases Muscle Soreness: Reduces pain after exercise or daily strain.
Fights Fatigue: Supports energy to lessen tiredness in chronic conditions.
Helps with Fibromyalgia: Limited studies show it may lower pain severity (Healthline, n.d.).
Good Absorption: Less likely to cause stomach upset than other forms.
Chiropractors like malate for chronic pain. It supports metabolism and reduces fatigue (Sonoma Sports Chiro, n.d.). Take 200-400 mg a day. Start low to see how your body reacts. It’s often available in pill or powder form.
Magnesium Glycinate: Suitable for Nerve Pain and Relaxation
Magnesium glycinate binds to glycine, an amino acid that calms the brain. This form is easily absorbed and gentle on the stomach (Trace Minerals, n.d.). It’s great for nerve pain and stress. It helps regulate signals to stop overexcitement that causes pain.
Key advantages:
Calms Nerves: Lowers anxiety and eases nerve-related pain.
Relaxes Muscles: Reduces tension and spasms.
Aids Sleep: Promotes rest, which helps pain recovery (NMB Chiro, n.d.).
Fewer Side Effects: No laxative issues like some types.
For chiropractic patients, it cuts inflammation and boosts adjustments (SanTe Chiropractic, n.d.). It’s ideal for back or joint pain. Dose is 300-400 mg daily, often at night.
Topical Magnesium Chloride or Sulfate: Direct Muscle Relief Through Baths or Oils
Topical magnesium goes on the skin. Chloride absorbs well and targets sore spots (Health.com, n.d.). Sulfate, or Epsom salts, is for baths. It soothes muscles without gut processing.
Why choose topical:
Localized Relief: Applies right to the painful areas.
Quick Action: Bypasses digestion for faster help.
No Stomach Issues: Avoids diarrhea from oral forms.
Good for Baths: Epsom salts relax the whole body (Team Red White & Blue, n.d.).
Absorption varies by skin type. Studies are mixed, but many feel relief from soreness (Pierce Chiropractic, n.d.). Use oils or soaks 2-3 times a week.
Selecting the Right Form: Malate for Energy, Glycinate for Nerves, Topical for Localized Pain
Choose based on your pain type. Absorption differs: Oral forms, such as malate and glycinate, are absorbed through the gut; topical forms are absorbed through the skin (Drugs.com, n.d.).
Selection tips:
For Energy and Chronic Pain: Pick malate.
For Nerve Calm: Go with glycinate.
For Spot Relief: Use topical chloride or sulfate.
Consider Absorption: Glycinate is best overall (MN Spine and Sport, n.d.).
Chiropractors’ Preferences: Glycinate and Malate for Pain Management
Chiropractors favor glycinate and malate. Glycinate calms muscles and nerves, aiding adjustments (Everybodys Chiropractic, n.d.). Malate boosts energy for recovery.
How they work together:
Relax Muscles: Lessens tension for better alignment.
Cut Inflammation: Reduces joint swelling.
Boost Nerve Function: Improves signals for less pain.
Support Healing: Speeds recovery after treatments (ChiroCredit, n.d.).
Even phosphate forms help energy and relaxation in care (Edinburgh Chiropractic, n.d.).
Clinical Observations from Dr. Alexander Jimenez
Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, focuses on integrative pain care. His work stresses non-drug methods for back pain and neuropathy (Jimenez, n.d.). He sees magnesium fitting into plans that mix chiropractic with nutrition. It helps reduce reliance on opioids and boosts recovery. In his clinic, such approaches ease chronic pain by improving mobility and reducing inflammation.
Conclusion
Magnesium offers natural pain relief. Malate helps fight fatigue in fibromyalgia, glycinate calms nerves, and topical forms provide spot relief. Chiropractors use them to enhance care. Pick the right type for your needs. Always check with a health pro. This can lead to less pain and a better life.
Discover the importance of a clinical approach to opioid use disorder in developing effective intervention strategies.
Overcoming Barriers in Managing Opioid Use Disorder: Strategies for Effective Care
Many people today have a serious health problem called opioid use disorder (OUD). It is part of a bigger group of problems called substance use disorders (SUD). Treating OUD can be hard because everyone has different problems, such as other health issues or pain. Plans should be made for each patient by doctors and other health care workers. They also have to keep up with the latest laws, ethics, and ways to keep patient information safe. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 is an example of a general rule that applies to all patients. However, there are extra rules for people who are getting help with drug or alcohol problems.
This guide talks about how to deal with problems that come up when managing OUD. We talk about patient-centered care, how to talk to patients, stigma, team-based approaches, and the law. Health care providers can help patients get better faster by using these methods. Keywords like “managing opioid use disorder,” “overcoming stigma in OUD,” and “patient-centered care for SUD” bring out important points that make it easier to find and understand.
Learning Objectives
Explain treatment planning methods that use patient-focused choices and proven ways to talk.
Name the three kinds of stigma and how they affect people with mental health issues, SUD, and especially OUD.
Talk about legal, ethical, and privacy concerns in caring for people with OUD.
Effective Treatment Planning with Patient-Centered Decisions
People with complex issues, like mental health problems, SUD, and pain, need special care. Each person shows up differently, so health systems are now focusing on care that puts the patient first.
Patient-centered care means building teams with doctors, patients, and families. They work together to plan, give, and check health care. This way ensures the patient’s needs are met, and their wishes, likes, and family situations are respected. It focuses on shared choices about treatments while seeing the patient as a whole person in their daily life (Dwamena et al., 2012; Bokhour et al., 2018).
Studies show key steps for a good patient-centered plan:
Take a full patient history and a check-up, reviewing old and new treatments.
Find all available drug and non-drug options.
Check the patient’s current health, recent changes, and patterns.
Look at risks for misusing or abusing opioids.
If starting opioids or if the patient is already on them, think about opioid stewardship. This means checking harms, benefits, risks, side effects, pain control, daily function, drug tests, stop plans, and ways to spot OUD. These programs, sometimes called analgesia stewardship, help manage opioids safely (Harle et al., 2019; Coffin et al., 2022). Guides exist to set them up (American Hospital Association, n.d.; Shrestha et al., 2023).
Integrative chiropractic care can play a big role here. It uses spinal adjustments and targeted exercises to get proper spinal alignment. This helps reduce pain without relying only on drugs, making it a good fit for OUD patients with pain. For example, adjustments fix spine issues that cause pain, and exercises strengthen muscles to keep alignment right.
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) adds full management and ergonomic advice. They look at work setups to prevent pain, such as how to sit or lift. NPs coordinate care by reviewing options such as therapy, meds, and lifestyle changes, ensuring everything works together.
Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, with over 30 years in chiropractic and as a family nurse practitioner, observes that blending these methods cuts opioid use. At his El Paso clinic, he uses functional medicine to address root causes through nutrition and non-invasive treatments. He notes that poor posture from modern life worsens pain, leading to OUD risks. His teams help patients with self-massage and VR for recovery, reducing drug needs (Jimenez, n.d.a; Jimenez, n.d.b).
Evidence-Based Ways to Communicate
Good talking skills are key to building a patient-centered plan (Schaefer & Block, 2009). There are proven methods for starting conversations and getting patients involved.
One method is BATHE:
Background: Ask, “How have things been since your last visit?”
Affect: Ask, “How does this make you feel?”
Trouble: Ask, “What bothers you most?”
Handling: Ask, “How are you coping?”
Empathy: Say, “That sounds hard.”
This uses open questions to let patients lead and feel supported (Stuart & Lieberman, 2018; Thomas et al., 2019).
Another is GREAT:
Greetings/Goals: Start with hello and set aims.
Rapport: Build trust.
Evaluation/Expectation/Examination/Explanation: Check and explain.
Ask/Answer/Acknowledge: Listen and respond.
Tacit agreement/Thanks: Agree and thank.
This guide talks well (Brindley et al., 2014).
Motivational interviewing is also useful. It’s a team-style talk to boost a patient’s desire to change. Build a bond, focus on the issue, spark a desire for change, and plan steps (Frost et al., 2018).
These methods emphasize listening, clear communication, and a structured approach to planning. For OUD patients with pain or mental issues, mix techniques for the best results.
Dr. Jimenez shares that in his practice, these talks help patients see non-drug options, such as chiropractic adjustments. He finds that empathy reduces stigma and fear, encouraging openness about OUD (Jimenez, n.d.a).
Understanding Stigma in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Stigma blocks good talk for many with mental health or SUD. It’s attitudes, beliefs, actions, and systems that lead to unfair views and bad treatment (Cheetham et al., 2022).
Studies show stigmas like linking mental illness to violence (Perry, 2011). Media on shootings with mentally ill people strengthens this (McGinty et al., 2014; McGinty et al., 2016; Schomerus et al., 2022). For SUD, people think they’re more dangerous than those with schizophrenia or depression (Schomerus et al., 2011). Society blames people with SUDs more and avoids them (McGinty et al., 2015; Corrigan et al., 2012).
Views come from knowledge, contact with affected people, and the media. Public ideas are tied to norms on causes, blame, and danger. Race, ethnicity, and culture shape attitudes too (Giacco et al., 2014).
Health workers have biases. A survey of VA mental health providers showed awareness of race issues but avoidance of talks, using codes like “urban,” and thinking training stops racism (McMaster et al., 2021).
There are three stigma types:
Structural Stigma: The ways Society and institutions keep prejudice. In health, it’s worse care, less access to behavioral health. Less funding for mental vs. physical issues (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016).
Public Stigma: General or group attitudes, like police or church norms. Laws reinforce it, like broad mental illness rules implying all are unfit (Corrigan & Shapiro, 2010).
Self-Stigma: When people internalize stigmas, it leads to low self-worth and shame. “Why try” affects independent living (Corrigan et al., 2009; Clement et al., 2015).
Dr. Jimenez observes that stigma makes OUD patients hide symptoms, delaying care. In his integrative work, he addresses this through education on holistic options, showing that recovery is possible without judgment (Jimenez, n.d.b).
Overcoming Stigma and Addressing Social Factors
To fight stigma, use education, behavior changes, and better care. Laws like the ADA and MHPAEA help ensure equal coverage and prevent discrimination (U.S. Congress, 2009; U.S. Congress, 2008; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.; Busch & Barry, 2008; Haffajee et al., 2019).
These address social determinants of health (SDOH), such as coverage, access, quality, education, and stability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.).
Community programs help too:
West Virginia’s Jobs and Hope: Training, jobs, education, transport, skills, record clearing for SUD people (Jobs and Hope, n.d.).
Belden’s Pathway: Rehab for failed drug tests, leading to jobs (Belden, n.d.).
Education boosts provider confidence in OUD meds, reducing barriers (Adzrago et al., 2022; Hooker et al., 2023; Campbell et al., 2021).
Overcoming stigma is key to success in mental health and SUD.
Interprofessional Team Work
Teams improve outcomes for patients with chronic pain and mental health or SUD (Joypaul et al., 2019; Gauthier et al., 2019).
Teams include doctors, nurses, NPs, pharmacists, PAs, social workers, PTs, therapists, SUD experts, and case managers.
Each helps uniquely:
Pharmacists watch meds, spot interactions.
Case managers link specialists, find resources, and support families (Sortedahl et al., 2018).
Teams set goals, max non-opioid treatments (Liossi et al., 2019).
Integrative chiropractic care includes adjustments and exercises for alignment, easing pain naturally.
NPs give full care, ergonomic tips to avoid pain triggers, and coordinate options.
Dr. Jimenez’s clinic shows this. As a DC and FNP-BC, he leads teams with therapists, nutritionists, and coaches. He observes interprofessional work cuts opioid use by addressing the roots with functional medicine, VR, and nutrition. For OUD, he blends chiropractic care for pain, NP coordination for plans, and stigma-fighting through team support (Jimenez, n.d.a; Jimenez, n.d.b).
The Power of Chiropractic Care in Injury Rehabilitation-Video
Legal and Ethical Issues in SUD Care
Providers must know laws and ethics for mental/SUD patients, like discrimination, aid, and privacy (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2000).
Key Federal laws:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
ADA and Rehabilitation ban discrimination in government and in business services like hotels, shops, and hospitals. Protect those with impairments limiting life activities (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.).
Provisions:
Protect “qualified” people who meet the requirements.
Reasonable accommodations for jobs.
No hire/retain if there is a direct threat.
No denial of benefits, access, or jobs in funded places.
For SUD: Alcohol users are protected if qualified, no threat. Ex-drug users in rehab are the same. Current illegal drug users are protected for health/rehab, not others. Programs can deny if used during.
Workforce Act centralizes job programs; no refusal to SUD people (U.S. Congress, 1998).
Drug-Free Act requires drug-free policies for federal funds/contracts: statements, awareness, actions on violations (U.S. Code, n.d.).
States have their own laws; check the local laws.
Public Aid laws:
Contract with America Act (1996): No SSI/DI if SUD key factor (U.S. Congress, 1996).
Personal Responsibility Act (1996): Work after 2 years of aid, drug screens (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996).
These push work, sobriety.
Dr. Jimenez notes that legal awareness helps his practice by ensuring holistic plans comply and by reducing OUD risks through a non-drug focus (Jimenez, n.d.a).
Keeping Patient Info Private
Privacy is vital. Laws include:
HIPAA (1996): Protects PHI, sets use/disclosure rules (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.).
42 CFR Part 2: Extra for SUD records. No disclosure of name or status without consent. Fines for breaks. Applies to federal-aided programs (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, n.d.).
Consent needs: program name, receiver, patient name, purpose, info type, revoke note, expire date, signature, and date.
This fights discrimination fears, encouraging treatment (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2000).
Wrapping Up
As we navigate the ongoing challenges of opioid use disorder (OUD), it’s clear that effective management requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes patient well-being over quick fixes. From embracing patient-
It is clear that treating opioid use disorder (OUD) well requires a multi-faceted approach that puts the patient’s health and safety above quick fixes. Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in transforming lives by implementing patient-centered decision-making and evidence-based communication, and by eradicating the three types of stigma—structural, public, and self—that hinder recovery. Interprofessional teams help people get the full treatment they need, and privacy laws like HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 make sure that people with disabilities can get help without being discriminated against.
Chiropractic therapy focuses on spinal adjustments and specific exercises to support proper alignment. It is a non-invasive way to ease pain and reduce dependence on opioids. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) make this better by providing comprehensive care, offering ergonomic advice to prevent injuries, and coordinating multiple treatment options, such as lifestyle changes and therapy. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, emphasizes in his clinical practice that these integrative approaches not only address physical symptoms but also empower patients through education and tailored strategies, leading to enduring recovery and diminished opioid consumption (Jimenez, n.d.a; Jimenez, n.d.b).
As we look ahead, new advancements in OUD therapy by 2025 show a trend toward making it easier to get and more tailored to each person. For instance:
Drugs like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone that the FDA has approved are still the best way to treat OUD. They help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms and help people stay stable over time.
Precision medicine goes beyond one-size-fits-all methods by tailoring treatments to each person’s social, psychological, and genetic factors. This should lead to better results.
The World Health Organization’s 2025 updates put more emphasis on psychosocial support, with a focus on preventing overdoses in the community and making it easier for people to get care.
Declining Trends: The first yearly drop in opioid-related deaths since 2018 happened in 2023. This is a good sign because it shows that ongoing work in treatment, education, and lawmaking is having an effect.
We might be able to make OUD a treatable illness instead of a life sentence by combining these new ideas with collaborative care and reducing stigma. Policymakers, communities, and healthcare professionals must continue to advocate for equitable access to ensure that all individuals receive the evidence-based treatment they need. Overcoming problems in OUD management is about more than just getting better; it’s also about getting your dignity, hope, and a good quality of life back.
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