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
IT Iliotibial band syndrome is a very common injury among runners. If it is diagnosed early and treatment commences immediately the chances of it becoming a chronic condition are reduced. It responds very well to chiropractic since it involves the pelvis and related muscles. When pelvic mechanics are not functioning properly the muscle don�t work efficiently which hinders flexibility and mobility. This can lead to tight muscles which may inhibit motion and cause pain. Chiropractic adjustments have been proven to help with the condition.
What Is The Iliotibial Band?
The Iliotibial Band, or fasciae latae, is the outer casing of muscle that extends along the outer thigh, from the top of the hip to the outside of the knee. IT Iliotibial band syndrome occurs when that casing becomes thickened. It is flexed or tight when you stand; it is what keeps your let straight, allowing the larger thigh muscle to rest.
There are two primary muscles that are involved in iliotibial band syndrome, the buttock muscle, or gluteus maximus, and the tensor fasciae latae muscles. Sometimes Iliotibial Band Syndrome is referred to Tensor Fasciae Latae Syndrome and the two terms can be used interchangeably.
IT Iliotibial Band Syndrome Defined
As the iliotibial band thickens it pulls in the area where it connects to the knee. This results in knee pain due to the application of too much pressure on the bursa. The bursa then becomes swollen, inflamed, and painful. During activity, such as running on an incline, the glutes are heavily involved.
The other end of the iliotibial band is inserted at the glutes so as the band tightens from this activity, it can trigger iliotibial band syndrome pain. Repeated activity further aggravates it, as does running on tight indoor tracks or uneven roads as well as having collapsed arches or running it inferior or worn out running shoes.
Symptoms Of Iliotibial Band Syndrome
There are several symptoms that can be used to diagnose iliotibial band syndrome. Lateral knee pain (pain on the outside of the knee) is a primary symptom and often used as a key diagnostic tool. Few conditions involve lateral knee pain. Other symptoms include:
Pain that worsens after running, particularly after running on an incline, climbing stairs, or climbing hills
There may not be any pain until you do something that aggravates it like climbing a hill.
The pain may not begin until you are mid-way through a run.
The pain can be intense and debilitating.
It can accompany a snapping hip, which occurs when the muscles that cross the outer hip may click or snap while running or walking.
The pain may be present along the lateral thigh without incorporating the knee, but it is only in very rare instances that it is concentrated on the gluteal or hip muscles.
Iliotibial band syndrome is often attributed to over training. This can mean suddenly increasing hill repeats or doubling your mileage.
Treatments For IT Iliotibial Band Syndrome
If your iliotibial band syndrome is caused by a problem with pelvic function, relieving the pain from the condition can be difficult. Stretching is not likely to bring relief � and if it does it won�t last long. If the pain from iliotibial band syndrome lasts for more than two weeks even if you are only stretching, your regular exercise routine, and ice and you don�t see much improvement, a chiropractor can help.
Even if the pain is located in the knee, the problem could originate in the pelvis. A chiropractor can assess your condition, check to see that your pelvis is functioning properly. If it isn�t, spinal adjustments and other chiropractic treatments can bring the body back into alignment and make the pelvis more functional.
Chiropractic Clinic Extra: Sport Injury Treatments
Sciatica Sufferers:Sciatica is a common back ailment that affects approximately 1 in 10 adults in the United States. It is most prevalent in people between the ages of 25 and 45. Sciatica is characterized by a shooting pain that originates in the lower back and travels down through the hip, buttock and back of leg. The pain can be so severe that it inhibits mobility and can prevent people from working, taking care of their home, or just enjoying their life. Traditionally, doctors have treated the condition with medications and some invasive therapies, but chiropractic treatments have been found to be extremely effective in alleviating the pain and curing the condition.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that affects the lower back, specifically pain that travels along the sciatic nerve path. This path originates in the lower back and extends down each side of the hip, buttocks, and down the leg to the feet. Usually, only one side is affected during a case of sciatica.
Sciatica commonly occurs when there is a spinal condition, such as a bone spur on the spine, a herniated disk, or when a condition like spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine) compresses the nerve. The result is inflammation, numbness, pain, and stiffness in the leg that is affected.
While sciatica pain can be severe, the majority of the time the condition is resolved in a matter of weeks without surgical intervention. Some doctors may suggest surgery if the patient experiences extreme weakness in the leg or has problems with their bowel or bladder. Most of the time doctors will prescribe medication to treat the pain and relax the muscles that surround the sciatic path in an effort to provide the patient with some relief.
How Chiropractic Treatments Help Sciatica Sufferers
Chiropractic has been shown to be very effective in treating sciatica by helping the body heal itself. It is non-invasive and does not use medications, making it an optimal choice for many patients. There are various treatments that a chiropractor may use or recommend. They may be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies.
Adjustments. Spinal manipulation, or adjustments, is the core of chiropractic treatment. It helps to realign the spine, freeing restricted movement and helps bring the body back into its proper alignment so that it functions better and more effectively. It also helps to reduce the pain that is associated with nerve inflammation, particularly that associated with sciatica.
Ultrasound. A very mild heat that is created by sound waves at a frequency that is beyond human hearing providing deep tissue penetration. This therapy stimulates circulation and aids in reducing muscle spasms, stiffness, swelling, pain, and cramping.
Ice or Cold Therapy. This therapy helps to reduce and control the pain of sciatica, as well as reduce inflammation.
TENS. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a therapy that employs a TENS unit, a small battery powered, portable box that stimulates the muscles. It uses electrical currents at variable intensities to help control pain and reduce the occurrence of muscle spasms. Some chiropractors and physical therapists use larger versions of this device in their offices, but many use the portable units because they are more convenient.
A chiropractor may incorporate exercises and nutritional recommendations into their treatment for sciatica sufferers. This often depends on the patient�s individual needs, the severity of the condition, and their lifestyle and habits. A variety of chiropractic techniques may also be used to treat sciatica. Since each patient is different, the chiropractor will talk with the patient to better understand what they do on a day-to-day basis and what may be causing the sciatic pain to occur. From there they will treat the problem from the patient�s perspective, seeking the best, most effective approach.
If you or a loved one is suffering from this condition, please give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help!
Experiencing foot pain, there’s no doubt you checked out your foot to make sure it’s not injured or hurting from�improper fitting shoes, corns, plantar fasciitis, etc. This may seem counterintuitive, but you may want to check the condition of the�lumbar spine (lower back)?� Most foot problems are caused from issues with the foot itself, but you might be surprised to find that pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause intense foot pain.
Sciatic Nerve Pain
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and consists of five nerves that come together at the lower spine and then extend all the way down the back of the legs into the toes. If the lumbar spine is compressed, it presses on the sciatic nerve, thus causing radiating pain down the leg and sometimes all the way into the big toe. Foot pain without leg pain is often due to an issue located within the foot. However, it is possible that the foot pain could be the only symptom of sciatica.
Sciatica can be caused by lumbar spine disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. There are various types of sciatica, which present differently according to which spinal disc is affected. If the L5 disc is compressed, Foot Drop can occur. This refers to the heavy, weak feeling that makes flexing the foot almost impossible. Foot Drop usually results in pain radiating down along the outside of the leg, crossing over the foot and into the big toe. If the S1 nerve root is affected, the pain is likely on the sole of the foot. An accurate diagnosis is first priority in order to address the pain correctly and properly.
What To Do About The Foot Pain
Addressing the root of the problem is most important. Nearly three million people a year suffer from sciatic pain along with other dysfunctions. An experienced chiropractor or physician will demonstrate exercises to help lengthen and stretch the spine. This along with massage, acupuncture, and medication are all helpful in the management of sciatic pain. The foot pain will be addressed by a doctor or chiropractor who will to tell which treatment is most effective for the situation.
Treatment for foot pain varies depending on the condition/injury. Treatment can go from rest and ice to physical therapy, chiropractic and in severe cases surgery. Reflexology can provide relief, as well as, stretching exercises. Over the counter pain medication is often used. If the pain is too intense that it prevents sleep, a physician may prescribe non-addictive pain medication. Wear shoes with good arch supports, and if pain persists, see a podiatrist for special orthotic shoe inserts. Insurance often covers orthotics.
Further Considerations
Don�t forget that most pain in the body is caused from inflammation and can be helped with anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle stressors. Concentrate on eating whole, unprocessed foods. Stay away from sugar, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and white flour. Make sure to drink enough water every day, and get eight hours of sleep. This is one of the most effective ways to address inflammation. Bring the body back into balance.
Whole Body Wellness: Annually, chiropractors care for more than 30 million Americans, adults and children alike. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed to practice in all 50 states and in many nations around the world.
An increasing list of research studies and reviews has established that the treatment methods and techniques provided by chiropractic physicians are both safe and effective. The evidence strongly supports the natural, whole body wellness and cost-effective approach of chiropractic care for a variety of conditions.
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Chiropractic treatment is included in most health insurance plans, including: major medical plans, worker�s compensation, Medicare, some Medicaid plans, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for federal employees, and many others.
Chiropractic is used widely by young and professional athletes to help prevent and treat injuries and/or aggravated conditions as well as to aid them achieve optimal health and whole body wellness. Also commonly utilized by the general population, chiropractic care can help restore an individual�s original well being, increasing their strength, flexibility and mobility as well as decreasing symptoms such as pain, inflammation and discomfort caused by spinal complications. Following up with the chiropractor�s treatment recommendations can also help speed up the individual�s recovery process, helping them return to their everyday lifestyles.
Whole Body Wellness & Chiropractic
Many new patients are unsure about what to expect during their first appointment with a chiropractor. Foremost, a doctor of chiropractic will begin the consultation by taking a patient�s history and then performing a physical examination in order to develop a working diagnosis. Imaging or lab tests, including MRI, CT scans and/or X-rays, may be used to confirm a diagnosis.
The combination of the history, exam, and diagnostic study results will ultimately allow the chiropractor to determine a proper diagnosis for the individual�s injury or condition, which will then allow the healthcare professional to follow up with the best treatment procedures according to their overall health and wellness. If your chiropractor determines you would be more appropriately managed or co-managed by another healthcare professional, he or she will make the proper referral.
Through a process of shared decision-making, you and your chiropractic physician can establish which treatment methods and techniques will be right for you. As part of this process, the chiropractor will explain your injury and/or condition, recommend an appropriate treatment plan and finally, they will review the risks and benefits of all procedures with you.
As with all forms of treatment, time and patience is required to heal an injury or condition and visiting your chiropractor regularly can ensure the process is smooth and effective. Following the healthcare professional�s treatment plan accordingly is the best, most recommended decision you can take as an individual to achieve overall health and wellness.
Choosing A Whole Body Wellness Chiropractor
Ask Family/Friends For A Recommendation
A friend or family member who knows both you and the chiropractor may be able to judge whether your health philosophies and personalities are compatible.
Meet The Doctor
Many chiropractors will agree to a no-cost consultation to determine whether you are a good match. To make this visit as productive as possible, here are a few things to consider:
Does The Practice Focus On Vertebral Subluxation & Wellness?
Physical, biochemical, and psychological stress may result in spinal subluxations that disrupt nerve function and compromise your health. If you�re looking for a wellness chiropractor, it�s essential that this be the focus.
Some chiropractors confine their practice to the mechanical treatment of back and neck pain, and this is something you need to be aware of beforehand.
Does The Doctor Walk The Talk?
If he or she is overweight, looks unhealthy, or does not live a healthy lifestyle, this speaks volumes regarding their commitment to wellness.
Do The Two Of You Click?
Do you like each other? Do you communicate well? Avoid a doctor who seems rushed, talks down to you, or seems disinterested in listening to your concerns.
Does The Doctor Use Objective Assessments Of Nerve Function?
Since your care is not based just on addressing pain, your chiropractor should be using some form of objective assessment of your nerve function, as spinal subluxations can sometimes be asymptomatic.
Non-invasive instruments that measure the electrical activity in your muscles, and/or a thermal scanner that evaluates the function of your autonomic nervous system can be used, for example.
What Treatment Techniques Are Used?
Chiropractic techniques include low-force adjustments by hand, and more forceful adjustments using instruments. Ask which technique would be used on you, and if you have a preference, make sure the doctor is willing to use it.
As mentioned earlier, many chiropractors are also trained in other complementary techniques, so ask what else your doctor may have in their tool bag.
Dr. Alex Jimenez is an El Paso Chiropractor who has been helping people recover from their specific injuries or conditions through the use of chiropractic adjustments and manipulations. With over 27 years of experience, Dr. Jimenez can provide safe and effective care to those in need.
Shoulder Pain: The shoulder goes through a lot in a day. It is comprised of an intricate network of ligaments and muscles, with the rotator cuff taking the brunt of much of the movement and exertion.
Not only is the shoulder the most flexible joint in the human body, it is also one of the most unstable. Among athletes, the shoulder injuries are quite common; the shoulder sustains more injuries that almost all other parts of the body.
The shoulder is particularly vulnerable due to its unique construction. Other joints in the body, such as the ankle or elbow, have a somewhat limited range of motion. The shoulder has a wide range of motion as a freely moving joint. This leaves it susceptible to stress, injury, and pain.
The various soft tissues within shoulder, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be injured from overuse, excessive strain, falls, and improper motion. Treating shoulder pain can be a challenge because it is used so often in the course of daily life. A Doctor of Chiropractic can help relieve shoulder pain and speed healing.
Causes Of Shoulder Injury & Pain
Shoulder pain can be caused by a number of conditions. Injury to the rotator cuff is one of the most common causes and is commonly seen in athletes, like gymnasts and football players, who use their arms and shoulders frequently and tend to put increased stress on the joint.
Any activity that involved repetitive shoulder movements can also cause injury. Swimmers, tennis players, and baseball players are highly susceptible to injury.
Athletes are not the only ones who experience shoulder pain and injury. People who work in an environment that requires repetitive motion or strenuous upper body work are also at risk. Construction workers commonly experience shoulder injury and pain as do truck drivers.
Prevention Of Shoulder Pain
Preventing shoulder pain and injury is usually quite simple. Athletes and workers whose jobs require repetitive arm work or rotation should take the warm up and cool down before playing, and they should take breaks often.
Pain should be addressed sooner rather than later with ice packs applied immediately and a chiropractic appointment. Ignoring shoulder pain could lead to a more serious injury.
Taking time off to give an injured shoulder rest is always a smart move. The joint needs rest in order to heal and regular activities should not be resumed until the doctor says it is OK. A chiropractor can also recommend exercises specifically geared toward certain types of injuries or conditions � they should be followed to the letter.
The patient will be assessed by the chiropractor at the first visit and the doctor will determine a treatment plan. Ischemic compression techniques have been found to be very effective for certain types of shoulder pain. It is often favored because it is very effective, in not very strenuous for the doctor to perform, is very safe, and is tolerated well by the patient. Other conditions may respond better to different chiropractic techniques.
Chiropractic care is often the treatment of choice for shoulder pain because it is minimally invasive and it works. As is often the case, pain in one part of the body can cause pain in other areas. In the case of shoulder pain, the spine and neck may become inflamed. Chiropractic care addresses all areas of the body to relieve pain without drugs and gets the patient on the road to healing quicker.
Are you or a loved one suffering from shoulder pain? If so, give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help!
Cost Effectiveness: There are tons of reasons why a person would answer “yes.” From overall general health to specific aches and pains, to an injury, millions of folks turn to chiropractors for pain relief, increased movement and strength, and overall healing.
For some individuals, the price tag seems to hinder their decision to seek chiropractic treatment. Lack of insurance coverage, or a recommended ongoing treatment regimen (because it usually takes more than one treatment) are two of the most common reasons patients deem it too expensive.
When looking at the big picture, however, patients see and understand the cost of NOT pursuing the care of a chiropractor, and these costs end up being more than simply dollars.
Let’s look at three reasons an individual would visit a chiropractor, and the cost effective savings each scenario provides.
The Cost Effectiveness Of Chiropractic Treatment
An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure.
Choosing to see a chiropractor to promote and sustain good health is a forward thinking idea that is increasingly attractive to those striving to stay younger, longer. Chiropractic care promotes healing through the body as a whole.
Spinal adjustments and joint manipulations help increase mobility and maximize the entire body’s performance. In addition, they offer a wide variety of health benefits, from decreasing blood pressure to lowering the chance of headaches. Avoiding these health issues potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in future doctor bills!
Regular visits to a professional chiropractor enable a person to stay healthy and enjoy a more active life with a healthy back, bones, and joints.
Oops! I Strained It Again!
Millions of unfortunate souls injure their bodies in a variety of mishaps. From sports injuries to car accidents, to erroneously thinking you really can walk in those four inch heels, our backs, ankles, and hips take a beating.
Choosing chiropractic care for an injury is a smart decision. In many cases, a chiropractor is able to promote healing, decrease a patient’s dependence on drugs for pain management, and minimize the chance of a recurrence.
Chiropractic care treats the body as a whole, so a patient’s visits help strengthen other parts of the surrounding area of the body, not just the injured area. The cost effectiveness of chiropractic care for treating injuries, decreases the money spent on costly medicine and reduces time off work. It also helps people stay married, because most individuals are hateful when they are in pain. (Ok, we made that last point up).
Chronic Medical Conditions.
Many types of medical conditions are ongoing, with no definitive cure. These can be devastating to a person’s quality of life. Daily pain, and loss of strength and mobility are difficult to manage, and sometimes medicine is the chosen option. Numerous times, chiropractic care can work wonders in these situations.
A chiropractor who is experienced in treating the specific type of medical condition can build a treatment plan to help manage the symptoms of the condition, including drug-free pain management. With adjustments to the afflicted area, along with an at-home routine of recommended exercise, the patient frequently experiences a reduction in pain and symptoms, and an increase in mobility. In the best situation, his or her quality of life is positively affected, and relapses are avoided.
Chiropractic care is a productive treatment for a variety of injuries and medical conditions, as well as a preventive therapy to maintain and prolong wellness. The up front cost is paltry when measured against the rewards of increased mobility, decreased pain, and a greater quality of life.
Yoga��increases the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment hasn’t taken the world by storm, but it has gained steadily in popularity in the last decade. Originally developed thousands of years ago, the practice of breathing, posing, and stretching offers a variety of important health benefits. Reduced stress and blood pressure, increased flexibility and stamina, greater balance, and a better understanding of breathing techniques are all fabulous results of practicing yoga.
In addition to the normal exercise benefits yoga offers, the practice serves as treatment for a variety of injuries and health conditions. Yoga embodies the recognition of the link between physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness, and reaches its fans in deeper ways than other forms of traditional exercise.
Although the two disciplines come from entirely different histories, the concept that yoga heals the body in its entirety closely mirrors the concept behind chiropractic care. These similar foundations offer enormous benefits to those suffering from a variety of injuries and conditions that seek help from a chiropractor. By incorporating yoga sessions into their treatment, chiropractic patients often reap great rewards.
Here are four reasons why:
Yoga Primes The Body For Healing
Practicing yoga stretches and elongates the body’s muscles, releasing tension and stress. Before patients visit their chiropractors, yoga can serve to warm up their bodies and clarify their minds, so the chiropractor can dig into the root problem. Yoga complements chiropractic treatment by readying the body to heal itself.
Yoga Increases Joint & Ligament Strength
Dealing with a health condition or injury is frustrating and can seem like it takes forever to heal. Implementing yoga into a recovery plan helps strengthen joints and ligaments, which aids in promoting healing and cutting down the time it takes to get better.
Yoga works on the body as a whole and promotes greater well-being from head to toe. A stronger body absorbs chiropractic care more productively and deeply than one that is stiff, sore, and unhealthy.
Yoga Increases Range Of Motion
Depending on the severity of the individual’s specific condition, chiropractic patients may need several visits to “prep” their bodies before the main issue can even be addressed. Yoga sessions increase a body’s flexibility and help with the range of motion in the neck, back, hips, and other joints. By going into a chiropractic treatment equipped with better range of motion, the patient is more pliable, and the visit is able to offer more in-depth adjustments, for greater results.
Prevents Future Injury
Many reasons individuals seek chiropractic treatment are for recurring issues. Yoga provides an ongoing way for patients dealing with chronic issues to manage and reduce instances of pain, inflammation, and other symptoms. A regimen of yoga coupled with chiropractic care keeps the body aligned, its balance level, the muscles stretched and de-stressed, and the joints operating efficiently.
Both also serve to keep posture correct, and ligaments strong. All of these results create a body that is less susceptible to future injury, and less inclined for previous medical conditions to resurface. Individuals enjoy greater mobility longer, all without changing their active lifestyles.
Yoga has long been touted as the answer for many of the body’s issues, and it’s smart for individuals, whether dealing with current issues or in prime health, to check out the basics of yoga. Chiropractic care coupled with yoga offers a great many benefits to patients who are dealing with medical conditions or injury. Ask your chiropractor for an evaluation of your health issues, and whether adding yoga to your overall health plan would help you lead a better, more active life.
Chiropractic Keeps Nastia Liukin’s Body In Balance
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Symptoms Of Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Sciatic Nerve Pain
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and consists of five nerves that come together at the lower spine and then extend all the way down the back of the legs into the toes. If the lumbar spine is compressed, it presses on the sciatic nerve, thus causing radiating pain down the leg and sometimes all the way into the big toe. Foot pain without leg pain is often due to an issue located within the foot. However, it is possible that the foot pain could be the only symptom of sciatica.
Choosing A Whole Body Wellness Chiropractor
