Back Clinic Chiropractic Examination. An initial chiropractic examination for musculoskeletal disorders will typically have four parts: a consultation, case history, and physical examination. Laboratory analysis and X-ray examination may be performed. Our office provides additional Functional and Integrative Wellness Assessments in order to bring greater insight into a patient’s physiological presentations.
Consultation:
The patient will meet the chiropractor which will assess and question a brief synopsis of his or her lower back pain, such as:
Duration and frequency of symptoms
Description of the symptoms (e.g. burning, throbbing)
Areas of pain
What makes the pain feel better (e.g. sitting, stretching)
What makes the pain feel worse (e.g. standing, lifting).
Case history. The chiropractor identifies the area(s) of complaint and the nature of the back pain by asking questions and learning more about different areas of the patient’s history, including:
Family history
Dietary habits
Past history of other treatments (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical and other)
Occupational history
Psychosocial history
Other areas to probe, often based on responses to the above questions.
Physical examination: We will utilize a variety of methods to determine the spinal segments that require chiropractic treatments, including but not limited to static and motion palpation techniques determining spinal segments that are hypo mobile (restricted in their movement) or fixated. Depending on the results of the above examination, a chiropractor may use additional diagnostic tests, such as:
X-ray to locate subluxations (the altered position of the vertebra)
A device that detects the temperature of the skin in the paraspinal region to identify spinal areas with a significant temperature variance that requires manipulation.
Laboratory Diagnostics: If needed we also use a variety of lab diagnostic protocols in order to determine a complete clinical picture of the patient. We have teamed up with the top labs in the city in order to give our patients the optimal clinical picture and appropriate treatments.
Low back pain is one of the most common ailments for people visiting a doctor or an urgent care clinic. When the back pain becomes intense, it can get you thinking something is seriously wrong with your back. The doctor might offer an x-ray or MRI scan to put your concerns at ease.
Fortunately, most cases of low back pain, even acute pain, improve within days or a few weeks. Most cases are remedied with chiropractic, physical therapy, heat/ice therapy, and rest. And a lot of these cases do not require any form of spinal imaging. However, those are why X-ray, MRI, and CT scans are necessary to figure out what’s happening.
Strained muscle
Sprained ligament
Poor posture
These typical causes of low back pain can be painful and limit activities.
Back Pain Lasting Longer Than 2/3 Weeks
Subacute pain lasts between 4 and 12 weeks, while chronic back pain lasts three months or longer. These are not indications of a severe lower back spinal condition.
Less than 1% of people with low back pain are diagnosed with the condition that may require spine surgery:
Doctors may recommend an x-ray or MRI if the low back pain is from a traumatic injury, like a:
Slip
Fall
Automobile accident
Other potential causes of low back pain may warrant medical imaging immediately or later.
The diagnostic process starts with the evaluation of the low back symptoms and how they relate to what was found during the:
Physical exam
Neurological exam
Medical history
A doctor utilizes these results to determine whether spinal imaging is necessary, along with the type of imaging test, x-ray, or MRI and the timing to confirm a diagnosis.
A Low Back X-Ray/MRI
X-ray spinal imaging best detects bony structural problems but is not so great with soft tissue injuries. X-ray series may be performed to diagnose vertebral compression fractures.
Anterior
Posterior
Lateral views
MRI is a radiation-free test. MRIs create 3-D anatomical views of the spinal bones and soft tissues. A contrast dye like gadolinium is used to enhance and improve the quality of the images. The contrast is injected through an intravenous line in your hand or arm before or during the test. An MRI can evaluate neurological symptoms, like radiating pain or pain that develops after a cancer diagnosis.
Symptoms, Co-existing Medical Diagnoses, and Conditions that may Require Spine Imaging
Neurological symptoms
Low back pain that radiates, fans out, or downward into the buttocks, legs, and feet
Abnormal reflexes in the lower body can indicate nerve disruption
Radiation to your entire body is measured through the millisievert (mSv), also known as the effective dose. The radiation dose is the same amount every time you experience an x-ray. When undergoing an x-ray, the radiation not absorbed by the body creates the image.
The effective dose helps a doctor measure the risk for possible side effects of radiographic imaging:
CT scans use radiation as well
Specific body tissues and organs in the lower back are sensitive to radiation exposure, like the reproductive organs.
MRI Radiation-Free Why Not Just Use This Test All The Time
MRI cannot be used on all patients because of its powerful magnet technology. Pregnant women or individuals with metal inside their body, like a spinal cord stimulator, heart pacemaker, etc., cannot be scanned with an MRI.
MRI testing is also expensive; doctors do not want to prescribe unnecessary tests that increase costs. Or because of the fine detail that MRIs provide, sometimes a spinal issue can look severe but is not.
Example: An MRI of the lower back reveals a herniated disc in a patient with no back/leg pain or other symptoms.
This is why doctors bring all their findings like the symptoms, physical exam, and medical history to confirm a diagnosis and create a custom treatment plan.
Imaging Test Takeaways
If low back pain takes its toll, listen to what the doctor recommends. They might not order a lumbar x-ray or MRI immediately but remember the issues mentioned above, like neurological symptoms and co-existing medical conditions. But these tests help discover the cause or causes of the pain. Remember this is to help get patients to their optimal health and pain-free.
How to eliminate Back Pain naturally | (2020) Foot Levelers |El Paso, Tx
NCBI Resources
Imaging diagnostics is an essential element in the evaluation of spine trauma. The rapid evolution of imaging technology has tremendously changed the assessment and treatment of spine injuries. Imaging diagnostics utilizing CT and MRI, among others, are helpful in acute and chronic settings. Spinal cord and soft-tissue injuries are best evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, whereas computed tomography scanning or CT scans best evaluate spinal trauma or spine fracture.
Arachnoiditis arach�?noid�?itis (?- rak-n?id-??t-?s) is a condition that is characterized by stinging, burning pain and neurological problems.
A common symptom is chronic and persistent�low back pain, lower limb pain.
It is inflammation of the arachnoidlining. This is one of three linings that surround the brain and spinal cord.
This inflammation causes:
Constant irritation
Scarring
Binding of nerve roots
Binding blood vessels
In the intradural space 3 meninges or protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Dura mater
Arachnoid
Pia Mater
Symptoms of Arachnoiditis
Predominant symptoms are chronic pain in the:
Low back
Lower limbs
In severe cases the entire body
Other symptoms can include:
Leg tingling, numbness, and weakness
Weird sensations like the feeling of insects crawling on the skin or water running down the leg
Shooting pain like an electric shock sensation
Muscle cramps, spasms, and twitching
The bladder, bowel, and possible sexual dysfunction
Progression of the disease can make symptoms more severe and possibly permanent.
The pain is constant and incurable, which makes the disorder very debilitating. Those with arachnoiditis usually cannot work and have a disability.
Causes
Three main causes of arachnoiditis are:
Trauma/surgery
Arachnoiditis has been recognized as a rare complication of spinal surgery usually after multiple or complex surgeries.
It can also be caused by trauma to the spine.
Similar causes include:
Multiple lumbar punctures
Advanced spinal stenosis
Chronic degenerative disc disease
Chemical
Myelograms have come under scrutiny as being a possible cause of the condition.
A myelogram is a test where a radiographic contrast dye is injected into the area around the spinal cord and nerves.
The dye becomes visible on:
X-rays
CT
MRI scans
Used by physicians to diagnose spinal conditions.
Now there is a concern that repeated exposure to some of these dyes may cause arachnoiditis.
There is also a concern of the preservatives found in epidural steroid injections, that they may cause the condition, especially if the steroid medicine accidentally enters the cerebral spinal fluid.
Infection
The disorder can also be caused by certain infections that affect the spine like:
Viral and fungal meningitis
Tuberculosis
Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for arachnoiditis.
Therefore, treatment is aimed at pain relief and is similar to how other chronic pain conditions are treated.
Examples include:
Spinal cord stimulation: is one of the best treatment options. Spinal cord stimulation runs on a device that transmits electrical signals to the spinal cord for relief.
Lidocaine intravenous infusions: Lidocaine is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Ketamine infusions: Ketamine is an anesthetic, that also helps with pain relief.
Low-dose naltrexone is an anti-inflammatory for chronic pain management.
Surgery is not recommended because it causes more scar tissue to develop and makes the irritated spine susceptible to more trauma.
Living with the Arachnoiditis
This condition can be extremely disabling.
Living with chronic pain is not an easy thing to do.
It affects the body and also causes mental stress.
People with the condition are encouraged to join support groups or find therapeutic outlets for stress.
Treatment plans are focused on pain relief and keeping a high quality of life.
Research is ongoing to find a cure.
*CHRONIC* pain Chiropractic Relief | El Paso, Tx
Patients with chronic pain discuss how their symptoms have affected their overall health and wellness. With chiropractic care, patients describe how Dr. Jimenez, a doctor of chiropractic or chiropractor in El Paso, Texas, has helped them recover their original quality of life.
Chiropractic care is an alternative treatment option that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a variety of health issues, including chronic pain and personal injuries. Patients highly recommend Dr. Jimenez and his staff as the non-surgical choice for auto accident injuries and slip-and-fall accidents.
NCBI Resources
Those who continue to deal with the pain after a few weeks� time may choose to look for other solutions. This is also true for people who experience repeated flare-ups, or chronic lower back pain. One of the best and most popular options is chiropractic care. Chiropractic care doesn�t focus solely on the pain but helps the body heal itself. Chiropractors understand the bones, muscles, discs, and nerves in the back, and can figure out the reason for the pain.
From there, they can create a customized treatment plan from compresses to�spinal manipulation�to exercises that help heal the area and reduces the pain.
Around 3 million individuals suffer from plantar fasciitis
Heel pain
Foot pain
Spurs
Tight tendons
Stiffness
Signs of a long day, wearing the wrong shoes, both or you may have a condition known as plantar fasciitis. We don’t take our health seriously until we go through excruciating pain or some form of debilitation. Feet are the foundation of the body and when they are not at 100% there are going to be problems.
Identifying, diagnosing, and treating plantar fasciitis can be fast and easy with chiropractic orthotics!
What is it?
Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of the tissues in your foot.
People think it only affects the heel, however, it can affect any or all of the bottom of the foot. Because it�s the tissue between the toes and heel that gets inflamed.
The tissue is called �fascia� hence the name of the condition: plantar fasciitis.
Heel spurs were once thought to be the cause of the discomfort, but now is a symptom of plantar fasciitis.
Many people who have plantar fasciitis wake up with stabbing pain in the bottom of their feet during the first few steps of their day.
Early morning pain and stiffness is a big indication of PF.
Also called �policeman�s heel,� pain and discomfort also arise after long periods of standing, walking, exercise.
The fascia in the foot acts as a shock absorber, which helps support the arch of the foot.
With time, increased tension, small tears begin to happen in the fascia, that leads to the inflammation.
Who gets Plantar Fasciitis?
People that stand on their feet for long hours, such as:
Factory workers
Teachers
Doctors
Nurses
Retail employees
Are at a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis.
Improper Footwear/Posture
Wearing improper shoes, meaning too tight, too loose is another contributing factor.
Shoes that have arch support and heel protection are considered best and help to avoid pain and discomfort.
Poor posture
Abnormal walking gait
When heel or foot pain is not treated, it can lead to
Back
Knee
Hip problems�
Many adjust their walking to compensate for the pain and discomfort that can lead to more problems.
Being flat-footed raises the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis regardless of age or lifestyle.
Other Contributing Factors
Weight also contributes to plantar fasciitis because it puts greater stress and tension on the feet as they hold the body. Exercise can help, but be sure that they are exercises specifically designed to help treat plantar fasciitis. Because certain types of exercise like running, aerobics, jumping, and dance-based workouts can lead to heel pain and plantar fasciitis.
Diagnosis
Identifying and diagnosing plantar fasciitis is straightforward and relatively easy. Diagnosing plantar fasciitis does not require an X-Ray or MRI, which is one reason many people avoid seeking treatment. But it’s best to seek the advice of a trusted healthcare professional.
Treatment
There are several ways to treat plantar fasciitis:
Rest is one of the best remedies, especially if it is caused by exercise or excessive stress.
Icing the area can help manage the pain
Stretching and/or light physical therapy
Stretches that focus on the Achilles tendon and lower leg muscles help stabilize and strengthen the ankles and heels.
This helps to:
Stand
Walk
Workout
Move around
Chiropractic and physical therapy can help with:
Stretching the muscles and tendons
Work out and tension
Provide day-to-day stretches
Kinesio taping along the bottom of the foot, heel, and lower leg but should be done first by a professional like your chiropractor to show the proper and most effective method then you can do it yourself.
Chiropractic orthotics, or custom insoles, can help immensely because they are custom made to each individual.
There are a variety of types designed for various types of pain and discomfort.
Custom chiropractic orthotics can work in nearly any type of shoe.
Athletic/Tennis/Skate shoes
Work Shoes/Boots
High heels
Sandals
They are easily and custom made specifically to your body, which factors in your weight, posture, and gait.
If you�re experiencing any of the symptoms like heel pain, throbbing pain when you wake-up, or pain along the arch of your foot, then don’t hesitate and make an appointment with us today!
Our chiropractic/physical therapy team will teach you how to make small adjustments to your lifestyle, show you how to stretch properly, and how to use custom chiropractic orthotics to get you back on your feet with comfort, control and freedom to live your life.
Manage *PLANTAR FASCIITIS PAIN* with Custom Foot Orthotics | El Paso, TX (2019)
Gloria underwent foot pain that stretched throughout her body. Her plantar fasciitis developed because of her regular activities. Gloria explains how her well-being has been influenced by her afflictions. The custom made foot orthotics supplied for her by Dr. Alex Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, TX, tremendously helped relieve her foot pain and plantar fasciitis symptoms. Gloria explains the comfort that the custom-made foot orthotics supplied for her symptoms. Gloria highly recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-surgical selection for foot pain and plantar fasciitis treatment, among other problems.
What’s Afoot
Particularly true with foot dysfunction is when the mechanics of the foot are off, which can throw off the alignment of the entire body.�Overpronation and oversupination in the foot�can lead to severe and�chronic back pain. Ankle pain refers to any type of pain or discomfort in the ankle. This pain could generally be due to an injury, such as a sprain, or due to another health issue. As stated by the National University of Health Sciences, or NUHS, an ankle sprain is one of the most frequent causes of foot pain, making up 85 percent of all ankle injuries. A sprain occurs when the ligaments tear or are overstretched.
Chiropractors utilize a combination of treatment techniques and methods to ease ankle and foot pain. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective, alternative treatment option which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a variety of injuries and conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system, including foot and ankle pain.
NCBI Resources
Plantar fasciitis/heel pain syndrome�is the most common cause of heel pain, that results from a gradual degeneration of the plantar fascia or sudden trauma.�Individuals describe the pain like sharp stabbing or deep aching in the middle of the heel or along the bottom of the foot that happens when walking or standing. Pain arises in the morning after taking the first few steps or after extended periods of sitting/lying down/non-activity.
If you have never been to see a chiropractor before, you may be wondering what you should expect. You likely have seen a video or heard someone talk about a chiropractic adjustment. Having your back or neck adjusted is definitely a big part of the process�but what else do you need to know? Continue reading to discover the basics of chiropractic and what you have to look forward to.
�Chiropractic Guide for First Time Patients
Your visit begins with a thorough examination.
Don�t expect to walk through the door of the chiropractor and get your back cracked. Chiropractors are highly-trained professionals that focus on individualized treatments and getting the best possible results. That means getting a clear picture of what your condition is and identifying the ideal treatments before starting with the adjustments.
The chiropractor will conduct a full physical examination to identify your injuries, any movement difficulties, etc. He or she will also ask a number of questions to find out how you feel and why you think you feel the way you do.
You might get an adjustment.
There are a lot of ways to adjust the human body, which are not limited to the standard adjustments you may have seen on TV or in movies. Your chiropractor can adjust not only your back but all of your joints, including knees, ankles, elbows and more. He or she can also use different tools to facilitate adjustments and employ techniques that range from extremely gentle to more forceful.
The adjustment you get will be based on your unique circumstances and the opinion of the chiropractor.
You might not get an adjustment.
It can be surprising to be told by the chiropractor that you won�t get an adjustment during your visit, but it does happen. Your chiropractor may determine that other therapies are better for your current condition. The adjustment may have to wait until your body is ready for it.
You will be offered alternative therapies.
Chiropractors focus on getting the best results for patients, which often means employing supplemental and complementary therapies in addition to chiropractic adjustments. Some common therapies include massage, decompression, electrical stimulation and more. Massage can relax soft tissues to allow for better adjustments, or to help adjustments stay in place. Decompression can increase blood flow to discs. Electrical stimulation can increase healing times.
You always have the final say in your treatment plan.
While the chiropractor will certainly have recommendations on which therapies are best suited to your needs, in the end, it is you who decides what happens. After your examination, the chiropractor will present the recommended options and let you decide if you want to start treatment.
You will experience improvements sooner rather than later.
Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how effective their chiropractic treatments are. Often after the first visit, you will feel less pain, more mobile and more at ease. A good adjustment and supplemental therapies can do a great deal to alleviate discomfort and stiffness. The good news is that each successive visit will only add to the good feelings you experience.
Getting Safe, Highly Effective Treatment
According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic care is one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive treatments available for injuries and degenerative conditions related to your muscles, joints and skeletal system. There are so many benefits, and so few potential downsides, that it is hard to find a reason not to try chiropractic!
31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time. This condition affects many, but finding the exact cause can be a challenge. Chiropractors are spinal specialists that are trained to not only alleviate pain but also find and help correct the cause of the problem.� Prevention is the best cure for any condition/ailment. When someone sees a chiropractor, they not only find relief for their condition, but they learn ways to prevent their symptoms in the future. Using proper exercise and ergonomics, they can ease the discomfort before it starts.
NCBI Resources
A�chiropractor�is the ideal�medical professional�to consult with for any unexplained pain in the musculoskeletal system. They are highly qualified professionals that their specialty is treating conditions like lower back pain and they are very affordable. If you or a loved one have pain in the lower back, gives us a call. We�re here to help!
Most people think that chiropractic care is something to do if they experience back or neck pain, and rightly so, as these are the most common reasons people visit a chiropractor. But chiropractic does way more than that.
Chiropractic helps with a variety of ailments from headaches to digestive issues and addresses problems like sports injuries, work injuries, arthritis, and injury prevention. Regular trips to the chiropractor are a good idea. Here are three important benefits that you can get from regular chiropractic adjustments.
What Taking an Active Role in Your Health Can Do
Chiropractic is a holistic kind of care that has a chiropractor serve as a guide as your own body uses its own innate ability to heal itself. When you see a chiropractor on a regular basis, even if there is not a pressing problem, you are taking an active role in assuring you are in the best health you can be.
Chiropractic adjustments correct misalignments in the spine that may be blocking nerve function and causing pain to muscles, joints, and ligaments. When you are adjusted by a chiropractor, these blocks are removed and you are able to move and function better than you did before.
A chiropractor can also provide you with nutritional and lifestyle advice, including exercises you can do between visits that will improve strength, flexibility, and various other functions. Without your active participation and cooperation, the success of chiropractic diminishes, so you can feel good about taking responsibility for your own health.
Improved Neurological Conditions
The spine connects to several different areas of the body, including the brain. Adjustments have been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, which in turn improves function in many areas.
The brain and spine are frequent communicators, and the nervous system is often the “wires” that are used to assure proper communication. Stress can trigger misalignments and the breakdown in these systems. Chiropractic is able to identify when stress is placed on these nerves and has even been shown to increase white blood cell count in some patients.
Eliminated Need for Pain Medications
One of the cornerstones of chiropractic is that it does not rely on pain medications or surgery in order to treat pain. Instead, it is designed to trigger your body’s own ability to heal itself without drugs and surgery.
Through methods such as manual adjustment, massage, and electrical muscle stimulation, chiropractic strengthens communication throughout the body in order to help it heal naturally. Chiropractors use important diagnostic tools such as x-rays, laboratory analysis, and reviewing your health history to pursue a treatment plan.
Conversely, when misalignments are allowed to build up over time, there is a greater risk that you will be tempted to seek out pain medications in order to mask the pain temporarily. While occasional use of these is okay, over time they can build up in the system and damage liver function, so it is important to find other methods of pain management whenever possible.
In closing, chiropractic benefits the overall health of people that utilize it consistently. So if you’re ready to experience these benefits yourself, just pick up the phone and give us a call. We’re here to help!
Benefits of Custom-Made *ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
Overpronation
99% of the population has some degree of foot pronation.
Foot pronation occurs when the foot/feet roll inwards.
People with excessive pronation may experience inward rotation of the knee and forward tilting of the pelvis, which causes pain in the:
Feet
Knees
Hips
Back
Shoulders
Neck
Foot Orthotics
Foot Dysfunction�can very easily cause a domino effect that extends all the way to the back. The feet are the foundation of the body and when there is a problem with the way they function it can cause the entire body to shift out of alignment.
Pronation & Misalignment
For the foot to function correctly, there must be a significant degree of pronation. However, excessive pronation, or overpronation, can cause injury and damage to the foot and ankle. It creates the arch in the foot to flatten, and the ligaments, tendons, and muscles under the foot overstretch.
NCBI Resources
Chiropractic seeks to find the cause of the conditions it is used to treat, including pain, instead of just treating symptoms. Because of this, the chiropractor will work to find the cause of the pain.
Sometimes there are abnormalities of the spine and it causes a misalignment of the natural curvatures or some curvatures may be exaggerated. These unnatural curvatures of the spine are characterized by three health conditions called lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis.
It is not intended to be naturally bent, twisted, or curved. The natural state of a healthy spine is somewhat straight with slight curves running front to back so that a side view would reveal them.
Viewing the spine from the back, you should see something completely different � a spine that runs straight down, top to bottom with no side to side curves. This doesn�t always happen though.
The spine is comprised of vertebrae, small bones that are stacked on top of each other with impact cushioning discs between each one. These bones act as joints, allowing the spine to bend and twist in a variety of ways.
They gently curve, sloping slightly inward at the small of the back, and again slightly at the neck. The pull of gravity, combined with body movement, can put a great deal of stress on the spine and these slight curves help absorb some of the impact.
Different conditions for different types of spinal curvatures
Each of these three spinal curvature disorders affects a certain area of the spine in a very specific way.
Hyper or Hypo Lordosis � This spinal curvature disorder affects the lower back, causing the spine to curve inwards or outwards significantly.
Hyper or Hypo Kyphosis � This spinal curvature disorder affects the upper back, causing the spine to bow, resulting in that area rounding or flattening abnormally.
Scoliosis � This spinal curvature disorder can affect the entire spine, causing it to curve sideways, forming a C or S shape.
What are the symptoms?
Each type of curvature exhibits its own set of symptoms. While some symptoms may overlap, many are unique to the specific curvature disorder.
Lordosis
A �swayback� appearance where the buttocks stick out or are more pronounced.
Discomfort in the back, typically in the lumbar region
When lying on a hard surface on the back, the lower back area does not touch the surface, even when attempting to tuck the pelvis and straighten the lower back.
Difficulty with certain movements
Back pain
Kyphosis
A curve or hump to the upper back
Upper back pain and fatigue after sitting or standing for long periods (Scheuermann�s kyphosis)
Leg or back fatigue
The head bends far forward instead of being more upright
Scoliosis
Hips or waist are uneven
One shoulder blade is higher than the other
The person leans to one side
What are the causes?
Many different health issues can cause the spine to become misaligned or to form a spinal curvature. Each of the spinal conditions mentioned is affected by different conditions and situations.
Lordosis
Osteoporosis
Achondroplasia
Discitis
Obesity
Spondylolisthesis
Kyphosis
Kyphosis
Arthritis
Tumors on or in the spine
Congenital kyphosis (abnormal development of the vertebrae while the person is in utero)
Spina bifida
Scheuermann’s disease
Spine infections
Osteoporosis
Habitual slouching or poor posture
Scoliosis is still a bit of a mystery to doctors. They are not certain what exactly causes the most common form of scoliosis that is typically seen in children and adolescents. Some of the causes that they have pinpointed include:
There are screenings available for both children and adults to identify any spinal curvatures in their early stages through your chiropractor. Early detection of these disorders is crucial in identifying them before they become too serious.
Personalized Spine & *SCIATICA TREATMENT* | El Paso, TX (2019)
The spinal cord and brain make up the central nervous system while the spinal nerves that branch to the spinal cord and cranial nerves that branch to the brain makes up the peripheral nervous system.
There are thirty-one sets of nerves that extend out of the spinal cord and are connected to it by the nerve root. Each nerve branches out about a half inch from the spinal cord before dividing into smaller branches. The dorsal rami are on the posterior side of the branch while the larger ventral rami are on the anterior side.
The dorsal rami provide nerve function for the skin of the trunk and posterior muscles. The ventral rami from T1 to T12 provide nerve function to the skin of the trunk as well as the lateral and anterior muscles. The anterior divisions that remain for plexuses, networks that provide nerve function to the body. Each plexus has specific areas on the body for skin sensitivity as well as certain muscles. Their point where they exit the spine determines how they are numbered. The four primary plexuses are:
Cervical plexus, C1 � C4, innervates the diaphragm, shoulder, and neck
Brachial plexus, C5 � T1, innervates the upper limbs
Lumbar plexus, T12/L1 � L4, innervates the thigh
Sacral plexus, L4 � S4, innervates the leg and foot.
These spinal nerves have two sets of fibers: motor and sensory. Motor fibers facilitate movement and provide nerve function to the muscles. Sensory fibers facilitate sensitivities to touch, temperature and other stimuli. They provide nerve function to the skin.
What are Myotomes and Dermatomes?
A group of muscles that are innervated by the motor fibers that stem from a specific nerve root is called a myotome. An area of the skin that is innervated by the sensory fibers that stem from a specific nerve root is called a dermatome. These patterns of myotome and dermatome are almost always identical from person to person. There are occasionally variances, but that is rare.
This consistency allows doctors to treat nerve pain in patients. If a specific area is hurting, they know that it is attributed to a certain myotome or dermatome, whichever the case may be, and its corresponding nerve root. Problems with nerve damage are often the result of stretching the nerve or compressing it.
When the nerves are injured in specific areas like the lumbosacral or brachial plexus, it presents as sensory and motor deficits in the limbs that correspond to them. Myotomes and dermatomes are used to assess the extent of the damage.
How are Myotomes and Dermatomes used to Assess Nerve Damage?
When a doctor tests for nerve root damage in a patient, he or she will often test the myotomes or dermatomes for the nerves assigned to that location. A dermatome is examined for abnormal sensation, such as hypersensitivity or lack of sensitivity.
This is done by using stimulus inducing tools such as a pen, paper clip, pinwheel, fingernails, cotton ball, or pads of the fingers. The patient is instructed to provide feedback regarding their response. Some of the abnormal sensation responses include:
A myotome is tested for nerve damage in the muscles which presents as muscle weakness. This grading scale, which assigns a rating to the degree of muscle weakness, is often used:
5 � Normal � Complete range of motion against gravity with full resistance
4 � Good � Complete range of motion against gravity with some resistance
3 � Fair � Complete range of motion against gravity with no resistance, active ROM
2 � Poor � Complete range of motion with some assistance and gravity eliminated
1 � Trace � Evidence of slight muscular contraction, no joint motion evident
0 � Zero � No evidence of muscle contraction
During a typical chiropractic exam, your chiropractor will assess both dermatomes and myotomes for potential neurological problems. This gives them additional insight on how to treat your condition, whether it’s related to a subluxation of vertebral bodies or other, other disease processes.
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