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Chiropractic News

Back Clinic Chiropractic News. El Paso, TX. Chiropractor, Dr. Alex Jimenez brings various chiropractic news articles dealing with the latest in adjustment techniques, technology, and medical discoveries. It is the third-largest area of medicine today. The word chiropractic comes from Greek meaning treatment by hand, which is exactly what chiropractors do they use their hands to manipulate the body and promote healing and wellness. A doctor of chiropractic (DC), chiropractor or chiropractic physician, is a health professional who is trained to diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Chiropractors treat patients of all ages, infants, children, and adults. They believe in a traditional (non-surgical) hands-on method of treating these disorders.

The chiropractic philosophy is dependent on the following belief statements: All bodily functions are connected as well as the healing process requires the entire body. A healthy nervous system, especially the spine, is an important factor in a healthy body. The spinal cord carries advice throughout the body and is accountable for many bodily functions including voluntary movements (such as walking) and involuntary functions (like respiration). When the systems of the body are in equilibrium, it is called homeostasis. Disorders of the bones, muscles, and nerves increase the risk of disorder along with other health problems and can disrupt homeostasis. When body systems are in harmony, the human anatomy gets the extraordinary ability to keep well-being and heal itself. For answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Alexander Jimenez at 915-850-0900


Regenerative Medicine: Exploring the Benefits & Risks

Regenerative Medicine: Exploring the Benefits & Risks

Nowadays, individuals trying to avoid surgery have more therapy options. Can regenerative medicine help treat neuromusculoskeletal injuries?

Regenerative Medicine: Exploring the Benefits & Risks

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine utilizes the body’s raw cells and is used in cancer treatment and to reduce the risk of infections. (American Cancer Society. 2020) Researchers are looking for other ways to use these cells in medical therapies.

What are These Cells

Therapy

Regenerative cell therapy uses these cells as a treatment for a disease or condition.

  • Regenerative cells are given to individuals to replace cells that have been destroyed or have died.
  • In the case of cancer, they may be used to help the body regain the ability to produce regenerative cells after treatment. (American Cancer Society. 2020)
  • For individuals with multiple myeloma and certain types of leukemia, regenerative cell therapy is used to eliminate cancer cells.
  • The therapy is called graft-versus-tumor effect/GvT, where a donor’s white blood cells/WBCs are used to eliminate the cancerous tumor. (American Cancer Society. 2020)

What They Can Treat

This is a new treatment that is still going through research. The Food and Drug Administration has only approved it for certain cancers and conditions that affect the blood and immune system. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019) Regenerative cell therapy is FDA-approved to treat: (National Cancer Institute. 2015)

  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Neuroblastoma
  • It is also used to decrease the risk of infection after regenerative cell transplantation in individuals with blood cancers. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration. 2023)

Researchers are studying how these cells can treat other conditions. Clinical trials are analyzing how to use the therapy for neurodegenerative diseases like:

  • Parkinson’s
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Multiple sclerosis – MS
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS. (Riham Mohamed Aly. 2020)

Cell Types

During regenerative cell therapy, the cells are given through an intravenous line. The three places where blood-forming cells can be obtained are bone marrow, the umbilical cord, and blood. Transplants can include: (American Cancer Society. 2020)

Autologous

  • The cells are taken from the individual who will be receiving the therapy.

Allogeneic

  • The cells are donated by another individual.

Syngeneic

  • The cells come from an identical twin, if there is one.

Safety

The therapy has shown to provide benefits but there are risks.

  • One risk is known as graft-versus-host disease – GVHD.
  • It occurs in one-third to half of allogeneic recipients.
  • This is where the body does not recognize the donor’s white blood cells and attacks them causing problems and symptoms throughout the body.
  • To treat GVHD medications are given to suppress the immune system to stop attacking the donor cells. (American Cancer Society. 2020)

Other potential risks can include: (American Cancer Society. 2020)

  • Cancer relapse
  • New cancer
  • Hepatic veno-occlusive disease
  • Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder – PTLD

Future Possibilities

The future of regenerative cell therapy is promising. Research is ongoing to find out how these cells can treat conditions and find new ways to treat and cure diseases.
Regenerative medicine has been researched for over twenty years for conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. (National Institutes of Health. 2022) This therapy is a new medical treatment that could be used in future therapies as part of a multidisciplinary approach to neuromusculoskeletal injuries and conditions.


Quick Patient Initiation Process


References

American Cancer Society. (2020). How stem cell and bone marrow transplants are used to treat cancer.

National Institutes of Health. (2016). Stem cell basics.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Stem cell and exosome products.

National Cancer Institute. (2015). Stem cell transplants in cancer treatment.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2023). FDA approves cell therapy for patients with blood cancers to reduce risk of infection following stem cell transplantation.

Aly R. M. (2020). Current state of stem cell-based therapies: an overview. Stem cell investigation, 7, 8. doi.org/10.21037/sci-2020-001

American Cancer Society. (2020). Stem cell or bone marrow transplant side effects.

National Institutes of Health. (2022). Putting stem cell-based therapies in context.

Stretching Objective: El Paso Back Clinic

Stretching Objective: El Paso Back Clinic

Stretching Objective: The body needs to be flexible to maintain a full range of motion. Stretching keeps the muscles supple, strong, and healthy; without it, the muscles shorten and become stiff and tight. Then, when the muscles are needed, they are weak and unable to extend fully. This increases the risk of joint pain, strains, injuries, and muscle damage. For example, sitting in a chair for a long time results in tight glute muscles and hamstrings, which leads to back discomfort symptoms and inhibits walking. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help individuals develop a personalized stretching program to maintain smooth mobility, flexibility, and function.

Stretching Objective: EP Chiropractic Wellness ClinicStretching Objective

Benefits

The body needs to be flexible to maintain mobility, balance, and independence. The benefits of regularly stretching include:

  • Muscles function at optimal levels.
  • Maintains muscle length.
  • Maintains muscle strength.
  • Increased blood circulation.
  • Endorphin release.
  • Parasympathetic activation.
  • Relieves stress.
  • Natural toxin removal.
  • Relieves body aches and soreness.
  • Improves ability and performance in physical activities.
  • Reduces the risk of injuries.
  • Improves posture.

Important Areas

The areas critical for mobility include:

  • Lower back/waistline
  • Hip flexors
  • Hamstrings
  • Quadriceps in the front of the thigh.
  • Calves
  • Neck
  • Shoulders

Stretch Reflex

When the muscles are stretched, so are the muscle spindles. The spindle records the change in length and speed and transmits the signals through the spinal cord, which conveys the information. This triggers the stretch reflex, which tries to resist the change by causing the stretched muscle to contract. Muscle spindle function helps maintain muscle tone and protects the body from injury. One of the reasons for holding a stretch for a specific amount of time is because, as the muscle stays in a stretched position, the spindle acclimates to the new condition and reduces its resistance signaling, gradually training the stretch receptors to allow greater lengthening of the muscles.

Chiropractic Stretch Training

However, stretching once won’t generate maximum flexibility. Tight muscles may have taken months or years to develop; therefore, it will take time to achieve flexibility and must be continually worked on to maintain it. Chiropractors and physical therapists are body movement experts and can assess individual muscle strength and develop a customized stretching program.


Muscle Spindle Activation


References

Bhattacharyya, Kalyan B. “The stretch reflex and the contributions of C David Marsden.” Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology vol. 20,1 (2017): 1-4. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.199906

Behm, David G et al. “Acute effects of muscle stretching on physical performance, range of motion, and injury incidence in healthy active individuals: a systematic review.” Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie applique, nutrition et metabolism vol. 41,1 (2016): 1-11. doi:10.1139/apnm-2015-0235

Berg, K. Stretching fundamentals. In: Prescriptive Stretching. 2nd ed. Kindle edition. Human Kinetics; 2020.

da Costa, Bruno R, and Edgar Ramos Vieira. “Stretching to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review.” Journal of rehabilitation medicine vol. 40,5 (2008): 321-8. doi:10.2340/16501977-0204

Page, Phil. “Current concepts in muscle stretching for exercise and rehabilitation.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 7,1 (2012): 109-19.

Witvrouw, Erik, et al. “Stretching and injury prevention: an obscure relationship.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 34,7 (2004): 443-9. doi:10.2165/00007256-200434070-00003

Studies Demonstrate Effectiveness of Chiropractic for Whiplash

Studies Demonstrate Effectiveness of Chiropractic for Whiplash

Studies on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for patients afflicted with pain secondary to whiplash injury are emerging. In 1996, Woodward et al. published a study on the efficacy of chiropractic treatment of whiplash injuries.

 

In 1994, Gargan and Bannister published a paper on the recovery rate of patients and found that when patients were still symptomatic after three months, there was almost a 90% chance they would remain injured. The study’s authors were from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery in Bristol, England. No conventional treatment was shown to be effective in these based chronic whiplash injury patients. However, high success rates have been found by whiplash injury patients through chiropractic care in recovering these types of patients.

 

Whiplash Treatment Study Results

 

In the Woodward study, 93 percent of the 28 patients studied retrospectively were found to have a statistically significant improvement following chiropractic care. Chiropractic care in this study consisted of PNF, spinal manipulation, and cryotherapy. Most of the 28 patients had prior therapy with NSAIDs collars and physiotherapy. The average length of time before when the patients began chiropractic care was 15.5 months post-MVA (range of 3-44 months).

 

This study documented what most DCs experience in clinical practice: chiropractic care is effective for individuals hurt in a motor vehicle accident. Symptoms ranging from headaches to back pain, neck pain, interscapular pain, and extremity pain related to paresthesias all responded to quality chiropractic care.

 

Normal & Whiplash X-Rays

 

Whiplash MRI Findings

 

Whiplash MRI Findings - El Paso Chiropractor

 

Neck Damage in MRI - El Paso Chiropractor

 

The literature has also suggested cervical disc injuries aren’t uncommon after a whiplash injury. In a study published on chiropractic care for disk herniations, it was demonstrated that patients improve clinically and that repeated MRI imaging often shows decreased size or resolution of the disk herniation. Of the 28 patients studied and followed, many had disc herniations that reacted well to chiropractic care.

Whiplash Improvement X-Rays - El Paso Chiropractor

 

In a recent retrospective study by Khan et al., published in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine, on whiplash-injured patients concerning cervical pain and dysfunction, patients were stratified into groups based on levels of a good outcome to chiropractic care:

  • Group I: Patients with neck pain only and restricted neck ROM. Patients had a “coat hangar” distribution of pain with no neurologic deficits; 72 percent had a fantastic outcome.
  • Group II: Patients with neurological symptoms or signs and limited spinal ROM. Patients had numbness, tingling, and paresthesias in the extremity.
  • Group III: Patients had severe neck pain with full neck ROM and bizarre pain distributions from the extremities. These patients often described chest pain, nausea, vomiting, blackouts, and dysfunction.

The results of the study showed that in class I, 36/50 patients (72%) reacted well to chiropractic care: in group II, 30/32 patients (94 percent) responded well to chiropractic care; and in group III, only 3/11 instances (27%) responded well to chiropractic care. There was a significant difference in outcomes between the three groups.

This study provides new evidence that chiropractic care is effective for whiplash-injured patients. However, the study didn’t consider patients with back injuries, extremity injuries, and TMJ injuries. It did not identify which patients had disc injuries, radiculopathy, and concussive brain injury (most likely group III patients). These types of patients respond better to a model of chiropractic care in combination with multidisciplinary providers.

These studies show what most DCs have already experienced, that the doctor of chiropractic should be the principal care provider in these cases. It’s a common opinion that in cases like group III patients, care should be multidisciplinary to achieve the best possible outcome in difficult scenarios.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.Green-Call-Now-Button-24H-150x150-2.pngBy Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries

 

Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, is frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine and the rest of the spine. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7 Fitness Center

 

 

Biologics For Ankylosing Spondylitis: El Paso Back Clinic

Biologics For Ankylosing Spondylitis: El Paso Back Clinic

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and stiffness in the spine’s joints. Over time, it can progress to fusing the bones of the spine/vertebrae, limiting the spine’s mobility and leading to discomfort symptoms. The condition is more common in men but also affects women. There is not a known, singular cause, but individuals with a particular gene, HLA-B27, have an increased risk of developing the condition. However, the gene itself does not mean an individual has ankylosing spondylitis; genetics and other outside and environmental factors also play a role. DMARDs, or Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, suppress inflammation. An emerging DMARD treatment uses biologics that further target and suppresses specific inflammatory compounds.Biologics For Ankylosing Spondylitis: Chiropractic Clinic

Biologics

Unlike regular medications, which are synthesized, biologics are made from and inside living sources.

  • They are grown in cultures or harvested from blood.
  • Biologics are complex and expensive.
  • Biologics provide some of the most powerful treatments for many conditions.
  • Two biologics commonly used to treat ankylosing spondylitis are:
  • TNF inhibitors.
  • IL-17 inhibitors.

TNF Inhibitors

  • TNF – tumor necrosis factor, TNF inhibitors are a biological medication that targets and suppresses TNF, which is involved in inflammatory processes throughout the body.
  • Blocking or suppressing TNF decreases inflammation and can delay the progression of ankylosing spondylitis.
  • It could be administered through an injection or infusion to provide the medication.

Side Effects

Side effects associated with this medication, along with other conditions, include:

IL-17 Inhibitors

  • IL – interleukin – IL-17 is a protein involved in inflammatory processes and conditions.
  • IL-17 inhibitors suppress inflammation which are newer medications that have been shown to benefit those with ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Doctors often administer IL-17 inhibitors through an injection.

Side Effects

Minor side effects include:

  • Headaches
  • Runny nose
  • Irritation at the injection site.

More serious side effects include:

  • Certain cancers
  • Severe infections
  • High blood pressure

Other Treatments

Treatment goals for ankylosing spondylitis include:

  • Slowing the disorder’s progression.
  • Decreasing inflammation.
  • Reducing pain.
  • Improving or maintaining joint and spinal range of motion.

Biologics are not the first-line treatment for ankylosing spondylitis.

  • Providers usually first treat an initial diagnosis with anti-inflammatory medications, like NSAIDs, to decrease inflammation and slow the condition’s progression.
  • Chiropractic care and physical therapy are recommended to maintain and/or improve posture, muscle strength, and endurance.
  • Recommended lifestyle and nutritional modifications.
  • Posture training stretches and exercises.
  • Optimal movement strategies to safely and confidently complete everyday tasks.

Biologic Medications

Biologics for ankylosing spondylitis may or may not be suitable. These medications are meant to help relieve the inflammation associated with the condition and slow the disorder’s progression. Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the right treatment option/s and explain the benefits, risks, and types of treatment. They will monitor the condition, track progress, and adjust the plan accordingly.


Assessing Hormone Therapy


References

Ankylosing spondylitis. (n.d.) National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/ankylosing-spondylitis#:~:text=Ankylosing%20spondylitis%20is%20a%20type,the%20spine%20can%20cause%20stiffness (Accessed: October 12, 2022).

Chen C, Zhang X, Xiao L, Zhang X, Ma X. Comparative Effectiveness of Biologic Therapy Regimens for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review and a Network Meta-Analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Mar;95(11):e3060. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000003060. PMID: 26986130; PMCID: PMC4839911.

Gerriets V, Goyal A, Khaddour K. Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors. [Updated 2022 July 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482425/

Lindström, U., Olofsson, T., Wedrén, S. et al. Biological treatment of ankylosing spondylitis: a nationwide study of treatment trajectories on a patient level in clinical practice. Arthritis Res Ther 21, 128 (2019). doi.org/10.1186/s13075-019-1908-9

Yin, Y., Wang, M., Liu, M. et al. Efficacy and safety of IL-17 inhibitors for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Res Ther 22, 111 (2020). doi.org/10.1186/s13075-020-02208-w

When You’re Seeing A Top Chiropractic Team: Back Clinic

When You’re Seeing A Top Chiropractic Team: Back Clinic

Health care should not be subpar; with so many choices, advertisements, reviews, word of mouth, etc., finding quality health care can be challenging. This can be a physician, dentist, nutritionist, or chiropractor. How to know when a top chiropractic team is treating you?

A Top Chiropractic Team

When Chiropractic Care Is Necessary

Individuals wonder when they should see a chiropractor. Signs and symptoms that could indicate you should see a chiropractor include:

  • Trouble standing, walking, bending, or performing daily activities.
  • Discomfort or pain when sitting or lying down.
  • Headaches.
  • Neck pain.
  • Shoulder, arm, or hand tingling or pain.
  • Back pain.
  • Hip pain.
  • Pain that runs down one or both legs.
  • Knee pain.
  • Foot problems like numbness, tingling, or pain.

Top Chiropractic Team

A top chiropractic team will harmoniously perform their jobs; even with obstacles, they will get it done. They will communicate effectively with each other and the patients, explain the whole process, provide personalized treatments and not a one size fits all approach, and value the patients’ time.

Communication

Communication is vital for individuals to understand and have confidence in their personalized treatment plan.

  • The chiropractor and supporting staff will ensure the patient understands what will happen and how it will affect their injury/condition.
  • The doctor and staff will continually ask how you are doing.
  • The team’s ultimate goals are to get the healing process activated and the patient’s satisfaction.

Offered Multiple Treatment Options

Spinal adjustments are not the only thing individuals should think of when considering treatment. Multiple treatment approaches have been found to achieve the best results when dealing with musculoskeletal conditions and disorders. The chiropractor will discuss and offer specific treatment options that can include:

Patient’s Time

A top chiropractic clinic doesn’t feel like the doors are just revolving with patients rushing in and out like a grocery store.

  • Every patient’s appointment is their time with:
  • A detailed consultation
  • Therapeutic prep-massage to loosen muscles and joints before the adjustments.
  • Thorough chiropractic adjustments
  • After-care patient questions – The chiropractor or staff will take the time to answer all your questions and not waste your time waiting around.
  • Recommended stretching exercises
  • Body analysis
  • Nutritional advice

Treatments Are Working

Chiropractic care can take some time to treat, rehabilitate, and heal the injury or condition.

  • The treatments work, and you see and feel the progress.
  • You can move around without fear of triggering pain.
  • Your confidence grows in yourself and the team.
  • If treatment is not working or producing lasting results, the chiropractor will refer you to another medical professional.
  • A top chiropractic team wants the best medical treatment for each patient, even if they cannot provide it.

Patient Satisfaction

When treated by a top chiropractic team from the front desk, patient care coordinator, massage therapists, nutritionist, and clinic manager, the overall experience is positive and pleasant; you can feel the difference and leave exhilarated.


Functional Medicine


References

Clijsters, Mattijs et al. “Chiropractic treatment approaches for spinal musculoskeletal conditions: a cross-sectional survey.” Chiropractic & manual therapies vol. 22,1 33. 1 Oct. 2014, doi:10.1186/s12998-014-0033-8

Eriksen, K., Rochester, R.P. & Hurwitz, E.L. Symptomatic reactions, clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction associated with upper cervical chiropractic care: A prospective, multicenter, cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 12, 219 (2011). doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-12-219

Gary Gaumer, Factors Associated With Patient Satisfaction With Chiropractic Care: Survey and Review of the Literature,
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 29, Issue 6, 2006, Pages 455-462, ISSN 0161-4754, doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2006.06.013 (www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161475406001588)

Kerns, R.D., Krebs, E.E. & Atkins, D. Making Integrated Multimodal Pain Care a Reality: A Path Forward. J GEN INTERN MED 33, 1–3 (2018). doi.org/10.1007/s11606-018-4361-6

Pribicevic, M., Pollard, H. A multi-modal treatment approach for the shoulder: A 4 patient case series. Chiropr Man Therap 13, 20 (2005). doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-13-20

Alexander Technique

Alexander Technique

Improving posture can be challenging. Poor posture is often the source of various musculoskeletal issues like chronic pain throughout the body. Poor posture can be so ingrained in the brain that it becomes an unconscious positioning reflex that feels right but could be worsening spinal, hip, and leg problems. The Alexander Technique could be a treatment option that could help long-term.

Alexander Technique

Alexander Technique

The approach focuses on learning mind-body awareness. It is an educational process to teach individuals to become aware of their body positioning and change unhealthy posture/movement habits into healthy ones. The objective is learning to utilize sufficient levels of muscle tension for everyday activities, like sitting, standing up, and walking in a healthy way to maintain optimal health of the musculoskeletal system.

  • The theory is that less tension minimizes wear and tear on the muscles and structures of the spine vulnerable to compression.
  • The fundamental goal of the Alexander Technique is to undo all the unhealthy tension habits to decompress the spine and retrain the mind and body to approach movement and body positioning in a new and healthy way.

Teachings

The technique can be done in a class setting or one-on-one teaching because everyone’s postural and movement habits are unique. A teacher helps identify the tension-inducing postures and educates the individual on how to correct them. Human touch is an integral part of the Alexander Technique. Using their hands gently to adjust the individual to a proper upright position, a teacher helps release pressure from the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back. The individual learns to release the tension throughout their body. The Alexander Technique is a type of hands-on therapy; it is not manipulation or massage. It uses a light touch with no risk of injury to the spine, allowing anyone to participate. However, individuals must be willing to participate/engage in the process to get the benefits. Most individuals can tell if it’s right for them during the first lesson. A typical program teaches:

  • Comfortably sitting up straight.
  • Reducing overuse of superficial musculature.
  • Increasing proprioceptive awareness.
  • Staying alert to the body’s warning of tension and compression.

Tension Build Up

Individuals usually don’t even realize they’re constantly placing pressure on their spine from unhealthy postural habits, building up muscular tension they never knew they created. For example, unhealthy neck position habits include:

  • Pushing the head forward
  • Slumping over
  • Pinning the shoulders back
  • These postures generate/build pressure and tension that radiates outward and down to the large muscles of the spine.
  • Habitual downward pressure can pull and change the spine’s shape, leading to degenerative forms of spinal deformity in severe cases.
  • When the tension is released, the neck and body begin to stand upright comfortably, without pulling down or pulling back.

Frederick Matthias Alexander

Developed the technique in the 1890s to help his muscle tension problems affecting his acting career. When performing, he would stiffen his neck and pull his head back and up, building tension that caused him to tighten his throat and lose his voice. He did not know he was doing this until he performed in front of a mirror and saw his awkward positioning. He realized this and retrained himself to pose naturally, stay relaxed, and be aware of any tension building in the muscles to release it immediately. Alexander Technique educators/practitioners practice all over the world. The American Society for the Alexander Technique or AmSAT website has a Find A Teacher Tool that connects individuals to AmSAT-approved teachers.


Body Composition


Practicing Mindfulness

Developing a mindfulness practice can help identify triggers of negative behavior or thoughts. Just like diet and exercise, practicing mindfulness is unique to everyone. It is recommended to try different things like:

  • Journaling is another way to tune into oneself. Grab a pen and paper, a computer, tablet, or phone, and take a few minutes to write every day.
  • Write one thing that makes you happy.
  • One thing you want to improve.
  • One goal you want to accomplish that day or that week.

Mindful music listening can help reduce stress by allowing the individual to focus their attention when their mind is going in all directions.

  • Instead of turning to the news or email when waking up, grab a cup of coffee or tea and listen to a favorite podcast or music.
  • Put the phone away and listen to your mind and self.

Try to meditate in the morning when waking up. This helps set the day’s goals/plans. Goal-setting mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress levels and anxiety. However, if the morning is not possible then at night before bed can be used to reflect on the day’s activities, what went well, what didn’t, how to improve something, whatever the case, the point is to make time for yourself to reflect, set goals, and develop a plan to achieve those goals.

References

Becker, Jordan J et al. “Preliminary evidence for feasibility, efficacy, and mechanisms of Alexander technique group classes for chronic neck pain.” Complementary therapies in medicine vol. 39 (2018): 80-86. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.05.012

Cacciatore et al., Improvement in automatic postural coordination following Alexander technique lessons in a person with low back pain. Physical Therapy Journal, 2005; 85:565-578. Accessed January 5, 2011

Chin, Brian et al. “Psychological mechanisms driving stress resilience in mindfulness training: A randomized controlled trial.” Health psychology: official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association vol. 38,8 (2019): 759-768. doi:10.1037/hea0000763

Little P, Lewith G, Webley F, et al. Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain. The BMJ. 2008;337:a884. doi: doi.org/10.1136/bmj.a884.

Paolucci, Teresa et al. “Chronic low back pain and postural rehabilitation exercise: a literature review.” Journal of pain research vol. 12 95-107. December 20 2018, doi:10.2147/JPR.S171729

Low Levels of Choline Can Contribute To Muscle Cramps

Low Levels of Choline Can Contribute To Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps are sudden and involuntary contractions of one or more of the body’s muscles. They often occur at night or at any moment stopped by a sudden Charley horse. These cramps can cause severe pain, making it impossible to move and use the affected muscle/s. They are usually brought on from:

 

Low Levels of Choline Can Contribute To Muscle Cramps

Affected by muscle cramps

Muscle cramps are common and can happen to anyone, but often occur to:

  • Indoor/outdoor physical work employees
  • Pregnant women
  • The elderly
  • Infants
  • Individuals that are overweight
  • Athletes

Cramping Up

Muscle cramps can be a symptom of a variety of medical issues. It is typically dehydration and muscle strain from overworking/exercising the muscles, but it can also be a sign of medical conditions like:

  • Poor circulation
  • Mineral depletion low levels of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and choline
  • Diuretics
  • Low electrolyte levels
  • Nerve disorders are rare cases, but a pinched nerve or spinal cord injury can cause nerve compression that can lead to cramping
  • Tight muscles, this comes from inactivity and not stretching the body causes the muscles to contract involuntarily
  • Hypothyroidism, a thyroid gland that is less active than normal can cause cramps
  • Liver disease

Muscle cramps can make daily activities difficult if not impossible to perform. They often happen at night affecting proper sleep. This can lead to:

  • Pain hangover
  • Grogginess
  • Fogginess
  • Cautious body behavior – as an individual wants to avoid pain and more cramping they begin to watch how they:
  • Step
  • Reach
  • Bend
  • Move
  • So as not to cause discomfort, pain, and further cramping, they develop awkward body positions that create more health problems from improper body posture.
Muscle cramps can happen to any muscle of the body. However, they present most often in the:
  • Abdomen
  • Ribs
  • Legs
  • Feet
  • Hands
  • Arms

Symptoms

This is usually sudden, sharp pain. Individuals can also feel or see a lump of muscle tissue under the skin.

When to see a professional

They usually go away on their own not requiring medical care. However, seek medical attention if the cramps:

  • Are causing severe discomfort and pain
  • Severe swelling, redness, or changes in skin tone
  • Muscle weakness is present
  • They are occurring frequently
  • They do not improve with self-care
  • There is no connection with an obvious cause, like intense physical activity/exercise

Mineral Depletion

Choline is a nutrient that just as important but not as well known as B vitamins.  Choline has a fundamental role in muscle physiology and low levels could be a cause/contributor of muscle cramping. Choline is well-known for its function as part of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This is a chemical messenger that transmits signals between nerve cells and muscles. Acetylcholine is the physiological link that tells the muscles to contract. This is where medications can interfere with the messaging system.

Most believe that muscle cramps are caused by magnesium deficiency. This is true, but magnesium is not the only nutrient that could present with muscle issues. Choline regulates intracellular calcium and muscle contraction. This is what helps bind calcium proteins to muscle receptors. Choline keeps minerals like calcium available to the muscles so they can use it instantly when they need to contract. For individuals with skeletal muscle issues, which can be muscle cramping, general soreness, or another type of issue, testing for choline status could be the key.

Prevention and Relief

Home self-care for prevention and relief includes:

  • Heat or ice application to the muscle/s and affected areas
  • Avoiding caffeine
  • Drink plenty of water before and during physical activities, indoor/outdoor work, exercise
  • Self-massaging the cramped muscle/s
  • Stretching before and after physical activities
  • Nightly stretching before bed
  • Chiropractic maintenance

Body Composition Testing


Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

American Osteopathic Association. Muscle Cramp. Accessed 12/10/2019.

Merck Manual. Muscle Cramps. Accessed 12/10/2019.

Miller, Timothy M, and Robert B Layzer. “Muscle cramps.” Muscle & nerve vol. 32,4 (2005): 431-42. doi:10.1002/mus.20341

Nutrients, July 202