Back Clinic Chronic Back Pain Team. Chronic back pain has a far-reaching effect on many physiological processes. Dr. Jimenez reveals topics and issues affecting his patients. Understanding the pain is critical to its treatment. So here we begin the process for our patients in the journey of recovery.
Just about everyone feels pain from time to time. When you cut your finger or pull a muscle, pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Once the injury heals, you stop hurting.
Chronic pain is different. Your body keeps hurting weeks, months, or even years after the injury. Doctors often define chronic pain as any pain that lasts for 3 to 6 months or more.
Chronic back pain can have real effects on your day-to-day life and your mental health. But you and your doctor can work together to treat it.
Do call upon us to help you. We do understand the problem that should never be taken lightly.
Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time is not healthy and can lead to a host of health problems. As more and more studies show the detriments of prolonged sitting, some companies are taking action to protect their employees� health by installing upright work stations. These desks take the person from a seated position and move them into one where they are leaning. As a result, most of the workers are enjoying several health benefits.
Health Benefits
It Facilitates Healthy Postural Transitions
Simply put, postural transitions are the body movements made when changing positions. There are large movements like going from sitting to standing, standing to leaning, and standing to sitting, but also small movements like adjusting arm placement or moving a foot.
Ergonomists suggest that a person should be making postural transitions several time an hour. They also recommend that people avoid any static position such as standing, sitting, or leaning for an extended period of time, instead advocating a transition or movement every 20 minutes when possible.
Static positioning has been linked to obesity, heart disease, and other health conditions. When the body is positioned in such a way that facilitates healthy movement, the body moves more often and in a more natural way. This is not likely to happen with static positioning, especially prolonged sitting.
It Improves Spine Health
Sitting or standing for long periods of time is not good for the spine. When a person stands or sits without any healthy postural transitions the spine can begin to compact and the discs become hard. This undermines the spines ability to adequately support the body, leading to loss of mobility, decreased flexibility, and pain.
The spine is made up of small bones, vertebrae, which are cushioned by spongy, fluid filled discs. In a healthy spine, the discs are filled with fluid providing a good cushion for the vertebrae as they move and support the body. However, the discs need movement to encourage blood flow so they can continue working as they should. Working upright facilitates those movements, thus decreasing the likelihood of spinal problems.
It Discourages Painful Posture
Standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause pain and certain mobility problems. While they share some pain points, each brings its own problems. A strained neck and stiff, sore shoulders are often associated with sitting and standing, usually due to improper computer monitor placement. Poor leg circulation, tight hips, and lower back pain are also common problems of people who do a lot of standing or sitting on their jobs.
Using an upright workstation moves the body into a more natural, healthier posture that encourages natural, frequent movement. The spine is properly aligned over the hips, the hips are open, and the feet are adequately supported. It promotes posture that is completely contrary to being hunched over a desk � the typical posture for a sitting workstation.
It Keeps Core Muscles Engaged
When in a seated position, the core muscles are mostly lax and rarely engaged. Over time, these muscles can actually be trained to become weak, or lazy and not engage as they should. This means that they stop supporting the back and body which leads to poor posture, loss of balance, lack of mobility, decrease in flexibility, and pain.
Working upright encourages micro movements that engage the core. It�s not like crunches at the gym, but more like an ongoing mini-workout that keeps the core muscles toned and supportive. The results are a healthier spine, fewer gastrointestinal problems, better posture, and improved circulation.
Other health benefits of working upright include a decreased risk of certain cancers like colon cancer and breast cancer, improved circulation, better brain function, and a decreased risk of health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Working upright is the most natural position for the body�s best function and health.
Health Benefits: Chiropractic Care Crossfit Rehabilitation
It’s going very, very well. I do feel a lot of relief. What I like about here is that he genuinely cares about his patients and he educates you. He’s constantly talking to you about why he’s doing what he’s doing. He’s very good as a doctor, he’s awesome. – Araceli Norte
Low back pain is a common health issue for many people. Nearly everybody will experience lower back pain at any moment in their own lives. This pain can differ from mild to severe and it might be short-term or long-term. When it happens, low back pain can make many everyday tasks difficult to participate and engage in. That all too familiar annoyance, however, can tremendously limit time spent relaxing, working, and even that of relationships.
Moreover, low back pain might also lead to irritability as well as a whole onslaught of additional medical health issues if not treated appropriately. The prevalence of low back pain has become a common problem, amounting to one of the most common reasons for doctor office visits each year. Before considering what type of treatment approach to follow for your back pain, it’s important to understand the anatomy of the spine and how low back pain occurs.
Understanding the Spine
The World Health Organization estimates that in the United States alone, approximately 149 million days of work are lost as a consequence of low back pain. Back pain is considered to be one of the main sources of disability and shortage of work, and it appears in 60 to 70 percent of people in industrialized nations. Understanding your spine and the way it works can help you know some of the problems which exist from aging or injury, including spinal conditions.
Many demands are placed on your own spine. It holds up your head, shoulders, and upper body. It supplies you with the necessary components to help the human body stand up right, and provides flexibility and mobility to bend and twist. Furthermore, it protects your spinal cord. Back pain differs from one person to another. The pain might have a slow beginning or come on suddenly. The pain may be continuous or irregular. Usually, back pain resolves on its own in a few weeks. However, if you’re experiencing persistent low back pain, then you may have already realized how important it is to look for treatment. Chiropractic care is a well-known treatment option which can help offer relief from your low back pain.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a popular, alternative treatment approach which primarily focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of injuries and/or conditions, associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Through the use of specific treatment modalities, including spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, among others, a qualified and experienced chiropractor can help relieve low back pain by carefully correcting spinal misalignments, or subluxations.
By realigning the spine, chiropractic care can help promote the human body’s natural healing capabilities, without the need for drugs and/or medications as well as surgical interventions. Although low back pain can happen due to a variety of causes, chiropractic care can include various treatment modalities which are devoted to the management of numerous injuries and disabilities or conditions, including low back pain.
A chiropractor will perform specific treatments based on the individual’s needs, treating the body as a whole rather than simply reducing the symptoms. Many healthcare professionals recommend seeking chiropractic care for low back pain first before considering other, more aggressive treatment approaches. There are two components for chiropractic care techniques and methods: passive treatments to lower the patient’s pain in sequence to it becoming more manageable, and active treatments that the patient participates in independently.
Passive Treatment
If you’re experiencing low back pain, then it could be debilitating, making it difficult for you to go about your day normally. For that reason, it’s very important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified and experienced healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist, to reduce your pain as much as possible so that you can actively participate in your treatment. These tools are often referred to as passive treatment because they are performed to a patient by the healthcare professional, including:
Electrical stimulation, such as TENS Units
Heat/ice packs
Ultrasound
Iontophoresis
Dry needling
Manual remedies
Massage
Hydrotherapy
Healthcare professionals use some of the methods, such as hot/cold packs and massage therapy, to improve blood flow to the affected area, thus reducing swelling and stiffness. Additionally, a chiropractor may utilize electric stimulation therapy, a painless remedy that gives miniature electric waves through your nervous system to relieve pain, reduce muscle strain, and encourage your body to create hormones which are anabolic. A variety of patients may also benefit from hydrotherapy. This involves executing low-intensity moves in water which alleviates strain on muscles while allowing you to move your joints without any distress.
Active Treatment
Active treatment involves exercises performed by the person and are often utilized at the following phases of chiropractic and passive treatments following the very low back pain has subsided enough so that the patient may perform them without any excessive distress. There are numerous different kinds of exercises that a chiropractor or professional physical therapist may recommend, like extending, balance training, and strength training. A variety of them can assist you with your strength, flexibility, mobility and range of motion, but a few help build the muscles around the painful region to provide those regions of the human body collectively with support to reduce low back pain.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
A doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, will make sure to properly evaluate a patient before making any form of diagnosis or developing a treatment plan. An assessment can include analyzing the patient’s health history, a physical examination, including orthopedic and neurological tests, as well as advanced diagnostic tests. A chiropractor, or doctor of chiropractic, will then perform a variety of treatment modalities to treat a patient’s low back pain, depending on the specific cause of their symptoms.
What to Expect During a Chiropractor Visit
After you initially visit a chiropractor’s office, your doctor may ask you a couple of questions concerning your health, history, and lower back pain particularly. With this information, you will help your chiropractor provide you with the best treatment plan possible so that you see long-term results for your low back pain as quickly as possible.
Your doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, can also offer you an extensive examination. Depending upon your symptoms, your chiropractor may assess your own strength, coordination, flexibility, balance, posture, blood pressure, and heart and respiration rates. This may include using their hands to palpate your spine and surrounding area, along with a visual analysis of your movements.
You are going to learn excellent exercises to perform in your home so you may decrease your low back pain, stop re-injury, decrease strain, and accelerate your healing period. Your chiropractor will recommend specific equipment and will devote a good deal of time educating you about your source of pain and pain management plans. They’ll also implement hands-on exercises to supply you immediate relief.
When you’re well prepared to alleviate or remove your own pain, then seek immediate medical attention, so that a qualified and experienced chiropractor or professional physical therapist can help you live a pain-free life. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
I came to him (Dr. Alex Jimenez) and he’s been doing work on me and it’s been like, we’re going on 7 days, and I seem to be improving a lot more with him than what I’ve done with other therapists that I’ve been going to in almost a year. I would recommend him very highly, he’s good at what he does. – Leticia
According to the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, or NINDS, lower back pain is one of the most common reasons for premature disability, often amounting to many doctor office visits and missed days at work. Based on these statistics, at least 80 percent of individuals in the world will experience low back pain at some point in their lifetimes, a majority of which could have been prevented.
Most lower back pain results from an injury, such as muscle sprains or strains due to abrupt movements or poor body mechanics while lifting heavy things. Low back pain may also be caused by certain ailments, such as a ruptured or herniated disc, sciatica, arthritis, kidney infections, diseases of the spinal column or cancer of the spinal cord,. Acute back pain can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks while chronic back pain can last over three weeks to even months.
Low back pain is significantly more likely to happen in people between the ages of 30 and 50. This is partly as a consequence of changes that develop within the whole body with age. As you grow older, the fluid-like substance of the intervertebral discs in the spine reduces. This means that the discs in the spine experience stress more easily. You also lose muscle tone, which makes the spine more vulnerable to harm.
Ask any healthcare professional and you’ll get confirmation that low back pain is the most frequent health issue they are asked to look after. Strengthening your muscles and using good body mechanics are beneficial in preventing lower back pain. Often back pain can decrease on its own, especially through the use of the “RICE” treatment. But whilst rest, ice, compression and elevation can reduce back pain, its important to also seek treatment from a healthcare professional to treat the true underlying cause of your lower back pain.
What are the Symptoms of Low Back Pain?
Low back pain can be different for everyone. It might be sharp or stabbing. It may be dull, achy, or feel as a sort of cramp. The kind of pain you have will be based on the root cause of your low back pain. Many individuals discover that reclining or lying down can enhance their lower back pain, regardless of the underlying reason. Individuals with low back pain might experience a number of these, including:
Back pain that worsens with lifting and bending.
Worsening symptoms when sitting down.
Symptoms that become worse when walking.
Back pain which comes and goes, frequently following an up and down path.
Pain that extends from the back to the buttocks or outer hip, and travels down the leg.
Sciatica, including buttock and leg pain which travels into the foot, along with numbness, weakness or tingling sensations. It’s likely to get sciatica without low back pain.
Because low back pain can develop due to a variety of underlying health issues, symptoms commonly associated with lower back pain may differ from person to person. Irrespective of your age or symptoms, even if your low back pain doesn’t get better over a couple weeks, or is associated with fever, chills, or sudden weight loss, it’s fundamental for you to contact a healthcare professional immediately.
How is Low Back Pain Diagnosed?
Most doctors begin by conducting a physical examination to determine where you’re feeling the pain. A physical exam may also ascertain whether pain is affecting other structures and functions of your body. Your doctor may check your reflexes and your response to certain senses. This determines if your low back pain is affecting your nerves. If you do not have such debilitating symptoms, your doctor will probably monitor your condition before sending you for testing.
Certain symptoms like lack of bowel control, fever, fatigue, and weight loss might demand additional testing. Likewise, if your low back pain persists following home treatment, your doctor may also most likely want to send you for tests. Seek medical attention immediately at the event you observe any of these symptoms in addition to lower back pain.
Imaging evaluations such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound, and MRI may be needed in order for your doctor to evaluate bone issues, disk difficulties, or problems with the joints and ligaments in your spine. If your doctor suspects a matter with all the bones in your spine, they could send you to have a bone loss or bone density test. Electromyography, or EMG, as well as nerve conduction tests can help identify a problem with your own nerves.
How Can I Prevent Low Back Pain?
There are plenty of methods to prevent lower back pain. Practicing prevention techniques may also help reduce the seriousness of the symptoms once you have lower back pain. Prevention involves exercising the muscles in your core and back, losing weight if you are overweight or obese, lifting items properly by bending at the knees and lifting with the legs, and maintaining proper posture. Among the most common causes of lower back pain is a misalignment of the spine, or a subluxation, originating from improper posture.
Most office setups don’t provide ergonomic or support positioning desk chairs, while poor work habits prevents us from providing our spines with the much-needed relief we deserve throughout the day. Non-desk jobs also have their own perils. Standing daily, especially when combined with heavy lifting or routine bending, may also cause low back pain. The muscles surrounding the lumbar spine may not acquire the support they need when bending and lifting, resulting in low back pain. In either circumstance, strengthening these back muscles is fundamental to reducing the probability of chronic lower back pain.
Insist on an ergonomic desk chair, or have the opportunity to stand and move around more frequently. If you’re a cashier, invest in shoes with good arch support, which may help keep your entire body aligned. If needed, put on a technical brace to help support heavy lifting. Good habits at home to prevent low back pain can involve sleeping on a firm surface and having seats that are in the proper height. Steer clear from high-heeled shoes. If you smoke, then you may need to quit. Smoking causes the degeneration of spinal discs and reduces blood flow. But when you already have low back pain, a variety of treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help treat lower back pain.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Many health issues can ultimately affect the spine, causing low back pain. Because of this, an individual’s symptoms are always different, often characterized by the underlying problem affecting them. A chiropractor can diagnose the source of a patient’s symptoms over a series of tests and evaluations, to determine the best treatment approach for the individual’s cause of low back pain. Chiropractic care focuses on naturally correcting any spinal misalignments, or subluxations, to reduce low back pain.
How Can Chiropractic Care Treat Low Back Pain?
Chiropractic care is one of the most well-known treatment options for relieving lower back pain. Medical practitioners normally recommend their patients to consider alternative treatment options before turning to prescription drugs and/or medications or surgery. The reasons are obvious: Many medications and/or drugs can have long-term health consequences. Whatever the advantages of providing temporary pain relief may be, these carry risks of complication throughout the recovery period.
Chiropractic care is a treatment approach which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, a chiropractor can carefully restore the natural alignment of the spine, reducing stress in the complex structures of the spine and improving function. Chiropractic care may also include other treatment techniques and methods to help reduce low back pain.�Lower back pain may also need the two-pronged way of using both active and passive physical therapeutics, unless the healthcare professional has a reason to recommend one over another.
Passive treatments includes using ice packs and heating pads. The healthcare professional may also use many different forms of pulsing equipment, which triggers nerves and releases pain.
Active treatments comprises the individual to perform stretches and exercises that build the type of flexibility and strength necessary to stop future flare-ups and reduce current pain. Lots of them are done with a chiropracto’s supervision, on specialized equipment, though some might be performed at the patient’s home after they learns the principles.
Chiropractic care can help treat low back pain through the treatment approaches mentioned above. Furthermore, a chiropractor may suggest lifestyle modifications to help promote a faster recovery, including physical activities and nutritional guidelines. It you’re experiencing low back pain, make sure to seek immediate medical attention, in order to receive a proper diagnosis and be able to continue with treatment. Moreover, preventing lower back pain can help avoid future episodes. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
I go back to normal after seeing him (Dr. Alex Jimenez) and I know I can go back to doing whatever I can. But I’m now more careful. I would recommend him. It’s hard to find someone that knows their job and has a love for their job. That’s why I always come back. If I’ve got pain, I’m gonna look for him. – Mike Melgoza
Low back pain is one of the most prevalent reasons why people visit the doctor’s office and miss days from work. Approximately 80 percent of people will experience back pain at some point throughout their lifetime. Low back pain can range from moderate to severe and it can be acute, short-term, or chronic, long-term.�Because back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, the symptoms may also vary from one person to the other.
Most of the time, low back pain is more of an annoyance than anything else.�If an individual’s low back pain becomes intense and persistent, it can be tremendously debilitating and it can ultimately make it a challenge to participate as well as engage in many everyday activities. It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention to receive a proper diagnosis and continue with the best treatment option for each patient’s specific health issue.
Causes of Low Back Pain
Many potential causes can result in low back pain. In our modern world, spinal misalignments, or subluxations, caused by poor posture, have become one of the most common causes for low back pain, probably due to the simple fact that more and more people work in sedentary desk jobs than ever before. Without the appropriate back support from an ergonomic desk chair, low back pain can easily occur as a result of poor posture and due to the limited mobility of the spine throughout the day.
Even people who are up on their feet the vast majority of the day might suffer from low back pain due to a lack of spinal and abdominal support as well as a lack of proper coordination of the back muscles. While lower back pain can’t always be prevented, it’s possible to reduce the risk of suffering from lower back pain by practicing proper posture throughout the day to support the spine.
For individual’s who sit behind a computer screen for extended periods of time, this might mean investing in an ergonomic desk chair. For the more active individuals, it may mean purchasing a good pair of athletic shoes which can provide them with the right level of back and foot support throughout the day. Low back pain can also develop due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions. Fortunately, many treatment options are available to help treat low back pain, including chiropractic care and physical therapeutics.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
The spine is made up of small bones, known as vertebrae, intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments and nerves. With several factors, however, including poor posture, trauma from an injury, or an aggravated condition, the spine can become misaligned, ultimately affecting the complex structures surrounding the spine and resulting in back pain. Low back pain is among the most common types of back pain, particularly due to its increased role in supporting the weight of the human body.
Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain
Chiropractic care is an 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 back pain. Seeking chiropractic care as treatment for lower back pain is always recommended before you opt to start taking any prescription drugs and/or medications.
Pain and anti-inflammatory drugs and/or medications can relieve your low back pain, however, the results are usually temporary and these may also bring about undesirable side effects. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive and drug-free strategy for low back pain relief. It’s recommended to seek alternative treatment options, including chiropractic care and physical therapeutics, before turning to the use of drugs and/or medications as well as surgical interventions.
A doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, will commonly use spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to carefully correct any spinal misalignments, or subluxations, which may be causing the patient’s low back pain. Moreover, a chiropractor may utilize�passive and active treatments for low back pain and they often vary considerably in their techniques and methods. Passive and active treatments for low back pain are described as follows:
Passive treatments depend upon techniques and methods to be performed on the person. This may include anything from applying ice or heat packs to the affected area to stimulating the affected region with controlled electricity. Other treatment modalities used here may comprise of ultrasonography, TENS units, and iontophoresis.
Active treatments, on the other hand, describes measures that the patient will take, as instructed by a healthcare professional, to manage their low back pain. Typically, this comes from the type of stretches and exercises that are meant to reduce low back pain and minimize potential flare-ups too. Active treatments could include low-impact aerobic conditioning and back strengthening exercises. These may vary based upon the healthcare professional’s requirements.
Chiropractic care and physical therapeutics might be a wonderful solution for treating nearly any level of low back pain. Through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, as well as a combination of active and passive physical therapeutics, you’re in a position to work towards reducing your stress and increasing your body’s natural capability to prevent future health issues.
Contact a healthcare professional today to find out more about how you can manage your low back pain.The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Once I started treatment with Dr. Jimenez, I started noticing I was able to go back to the gym, I was able to sit longer periods of time, and ever since I’ve been a lot better. – Denise A.
Pain is a fundamental response of the nervous system which functions to help keep the body aware to possible injury. When an injury occurs, pain signals are transmitted from the injured site up through the spinal cord ant into the brain, where the messages are processed accordingly.
As the injury heals, however, the pain will typically become less severe. While it’s normal for everyone to experience occasional aches and pains, chronic pain can become a real health issue which can severely restrict an individual from completing their daily tasks, ultimately affecting their quality of life. Below, we will describe chronic pain and discuss treatment options to help manage chronic pain symptoms.
What is Chronic Pain Syndrome?
Chronic pain is quite different when compared to general types of pain. With chronic pain syndrome, the body will continue to send pain signals to the brain, where symptoms can last for several weeks, months, even years after the initial injury has healed.
Chronic pain is defined as pain which lasts 12 weeks or more. The type of pain is often felt as sharp or dull, causing an aching or burning sensation around the affected regions and it may be steady or intermittent. Chronic pain can develop in almost any section of the human body. Because chronic pain can tremendously restrict an individual’s strength, mobility, flexibility and endurance, these symptoms can make it challenging for anyone to get through their regular tasks and physical activities.
Chronic pain syndrome is usually caused by an initial injury but it’s also believed that symptoms can manifest after nerve damage has occurred.�There are several different types of chronic pain. Also, chronic pain might have a mental and emotional toll in some people in addition to draining your energy and motivation. It’s important to address your chronic pain with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Types of Chronic Pain
According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, more than 1.5 billion people around the world have some type of chronic pain. As a matter of fact, chronic pain syndrome is the most prevalent cause of long-term disability in the United States, affecting approximately 100 million Americans. Chronic pain is generally caused by an initial injury, such as a back sprain or pulled muscle. Sometimes, it can be caused by automobile accident injuries or a different sort of injury. Other times, chronic pain can be caused by previous underlying health issues like medical conditions or even a disease. Chronic pain is usually divided into these categories.
Nociceptive Pain: Nociceptive pain is a medical term used to describe when the pain is located in the muscles and soft tissues. This is also sometimes referred to as somatic pain. Back pain, hip pain, knee pain arthritis, and headaches, can all be considered to be nociceptive pain. Chiropractic care and physical therapeutics can help reduce and eliminate pain and discomfort associated with these health issues.
Neuropathic Pain: This type of pain is associated with actual nerve damage and it is often more intense and may be described as a sharp or stabbing sensation. Phantom limb pain, pain associated with post mastectomy, and diabetic neuropathy, are examples of neuropathic pain. A combination of chiropractic care, physical therapeutics and electrotherapy, is occasionally used in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Chronic Pain Treatment Options
While pain drugs and/or medications can help ease symptoms associated with chronic pain syndrome, the effects are often only temporary. Fortunately, you can find better treatment options for your chronic pain. Chiropractic care and physical therapy utilize several treatment approaches and techniques to provide pain relief. The objective of these is to increase strength, mobility flexibility and endurance, while reducing overall pain. Several treatment alternatives which may also be used include:
Deep Tissue Massage: A healthcare professional can alleviate tension from the muscles, ligaments, and tendons by applying direct pressure to the affected sites.
Hot and Cold Treatments:�Hot therapies can bring more oxygen and blood to the affected areas whereas cold therapies can decrease muscle spasms and inflammation.
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS): TENS raises the release of natural endorphins to reduce pain throughout the entire body. This therapy may be used to decrease pain associated to several health issues.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound increases blood flow and provides heat deep in joints and muscles. This can facilitate muscle stretching while reducing chronic pain.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Pain is the body’s natural reaction to a possible injury or condition, a warning that something is wrong. Once your body heals, the pain will stop and all bodily functions return to normal, at least, that’s the way it’s supposed to be. For many people, pain can continue long after its cause is gone. Pain that lasts for 3 months or more is medically referred to as chronic pain. Approximately 25 percent of people with chronic pain will develop a condition known as chronic pain syndrome, or CPS. When pain is present day after day, it can take a toll on your physical as well as on your mental and emotional health, where people with CPS will often develop symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can also interfere with their daily lives.
Chiropractic Care and Chronic Pain
Chiropractic care can play an essential role in alleviating and eliminating different kinds of chronic pain symptoms. Among the most fundamental aspects of providing a successful treatment plan for chronic pain is for the chiropractor to develop a specialized treatment plan for each patient. A chiropractor will perform a comprehensive exam to assess the principal cause of the patient’s chronic pain. Using that information, the chiropractor will then customize an individualized treatment plan.
Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system, including chronic pain. A chiropractor will commonly utilize spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to carefully correct any spinal misalignments, or subluxations, along the length of the spine. By realigning the spine, a chiropractor can restore essential connections between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body, which may be responsible for chronic pain symptoms.
Furthermore, a chiropractor can recommend a series of exercises and physical activities, as well as offer nutritional advice, to help promote a speedy recovery. A chiropractor can also teach the patient how they can incorporate ergonomic principles into their everyday life. The healthcare professional will likely assemble a personalized home exercise plan that’ll be a part of the patient’s whole pain management program.
A chiropractor may work closely together with you to establish goals and manage your own personal treatment program. Your chiropractor may also let you work through any challenges you may be experiencing and adapt your treatment as needed. The journey to overcome chronic pain in order to recover maximum freedom. A qualified and experienced chiropractor can allow you to address problems and supply support while providing the best treatment available.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Chiropractic care is a drug-free, nonsurgical treatment for many types of conditions and to help manage pain. As more and more medical professionals are recognizing its effectiveness and viability for treating many issues in the body, chiropractic is gaining popularity and becoming the treatment of choice for many patients with chronic pain, back problems and other issues. In particular, it has been found to be a very effective treatment for spondylolisthesis. It can not only relieve the pain, but often return the patient�s mobility as well.
What Is Spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slides forward over the vertebra that is below it. It is typically confined to the lumbosacral, or lower back area. It can become painful, causing lower back pain and weakness or numbness in one or both legs, when it causes the nerve roots or spinal cord to be squeezed. In severe cases, a patient can lose control of their bowel or bladder function, but this is fairly rare. However, any patient who begins to lose bowel or bladder control should contact their doctor immediately.
In some cases, a person�s vertebra can slip out of place without any symptoms being present. Sometimes the symptoms don�t show up until months or even years later. Symptoms of spondylolisthesis may include:
Low back pain
Pain in the buttock area
Pain that radiates from the lower back down one or both legs
Spondylolisthesis is diagnosed by a doctor or chiropractor who may conduct several diagnostic tests. Typically, the doctor will take X-rays of the patient�s back to rule out certain conditions, especially if they suspect spondylolisthesis.
The X-ray will allow the doctor to see if any of the patient�s vertebrae have slipped out of place, or are cracked or fractured. An MRI or CT scan may also be ordered to better view the spine and see the extent of the damage.
What Are The Treatments For Spondylolisthesis?
The treatment for spondylolisthesis is based on the actual damage identified by the doctor, the pain and mobility problems that the patient is experiencing, and the overall severity of the condition. Rest is the first course of treatment as well as ceasing the physical activities that may have caused the damage in the first place.
Pain may be managed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen. Acetaminophen may also be administered for pain.
Other treatments for spondylolisthesis include:
Bracing
Weight loss (if the person is obese or overweight)
Physical therapy to strengthen the core
Epidural steroid injections
Surgery (in severe cases such as damage to the spinal cord or nerve root)
There are several types of surgery that may be used to treat spondylolisthesis. The surgeon may remove tissue or bone in order to relieve pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. Sometimes the doctor may opt for fusing the damaged bones into place so they can no longer slip. In some cases, both procedures are done. This type of treatment is usually a last resort because recovery can be lengthy and the patient will have to wear a back brace or cast while their back is healing.
Is Chiropractic Effective For Treating Spondylolisthesis?
Chiropractic is a drug-free, noninvasive treatment for spondylolisthesis. It is often a preferred treatment because the patient does not have to undergo painful surgery or take medication that could have undesirable side effects. There are three primary spinal manipulation techniques that may be used by the chiropractor:
Spinal manipulation specific to the restricted or impaired joints
Flexion-distraction technique which is a slow, gentle pumping action
Instrument assisted manipulation uses an instrument to apply gentle force to the spine
Chiropractic care has been found to be very effective in treating this condition, but prevention is always the best course of action. Regular exercise, healthy weight management, and regular chiropractic visits can help ward off many spine related conditions including spondylolisthesis.
One of my friends recommended me, over and over, and just extended how good he�(Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C.) was. So I gave it a shot. I had really bad sciatica and it was killing me, I couldn’t walk, but he has been helping me out, I can walk now… I couldn’t walk more than 25 yards, it (sciatica) was really affecting me. I had to get some help. I can’t say enough about Dr. Jimenez, he’s been helping me out, I can walk.
Edgar M. Reyes
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, approximately 75 to 85 percent of individuals in the United States alone will experience some form of back pain throughout their lifetime, where 50 percent will suffer more than one episode within a year. Back pain is one of the most common complaints frequently reported among the general population and it is often a symptom which could indicate the presence of another underlying condition. Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, some due to bad habits, such as improper posture, and others due to injuries from accidents. Other health issues, such as degenerative disc disease, or DDD, and arthritis can also result in back pain.�While the causes can vary, they share the same symptoms.
Bak pain can include upper back pain, middle back pain and lower back pain, often connected to sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, a condition characterized by the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve found in the low back. Back pain and sciatica have been closely associated with several common health issues. Often times, sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is caused by an underlying health issue along the lumbar spine. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, which connects to nerve roots in the region of the lower back and runs through the buttocks, down along the hips and into the back of each leg. Further sections of this nerve then branch out from the calf to the foot and into the toes. Sciatica can be identified by the following symptoms.
Low back pain which radiates down one or both legs
Leg and/or foot pain along with tingling and burning sensations
Numbness in the leg, feet and/or toes
Persistent pain and discomfort on one or both sides of the buttocks
Intense painful symptoms in the lower extremities
Having difficulties when sitting and while getting up
It’s essential to understand that back pain and sciatica are not generally considered to be a specific health issue themselves but rather, they are usually only considered to be a collection of several symptoms associated with an underlying injury and/or condition. A proper diagnosis of the root cause of your symptoms is additionally important in order to safely and effectively treat back pain and sciatica. As mentioned above, numerous factors can cause back pain and sciatica symptoms. Below, we will discuss some of the most common spine health issues which can cause back pain and sciatica, including degenerative disc disease, lumbar spinal stenosis, lumbar herniated disc and spondylolisthesis. Approximately 90 percent of sciatica cases are due to disc herniations.
Degenerative Disc Disease
The degeneration of the intervertebral discs, found between each vertebrae of the spine, is a natural process which often occurs with age, while for some individuals, however, it can begin to develop earlier than usual. In a healthy spine, the intervertebral discs function as shock absorbers between the bones of the spine, which ultimately provide height and allow the back to remain flexible while resisting forces. As we begin to get older, these rubbery discs begin to shrink and lose integrity. Almost everyone will demonstrate signs of wear-and-tear along their spinal discs over time, but not everyone will experience degenerative disc disease, or DDD. Although not actually a disease, DDD refers to a condition in which pain with the degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
One or more degenerated discs along the length of the spine may irritate a nerve root and cause sciatica. This condition is commonly characterized when a reduced disc becomes exposed. Bone spurs can also develop with disc degeneration and can lead to sciatica. Symptoms of degenerative disc disease, or DDD, frequently occur along the lower back, however, they can also develop in the neck, depending on the location of the degenerated discs. Common symptoms of DDD include, pain and discomfort, particularly when sitting, bending, lifting or twisting, tingling sensations and/or numbness in the extremities, and lessened symptoms when walking and moving, as in with changing positions or lying down. Weakness in the leg muscles or foot drop may be a sign that there is damage to the nerve root.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Another common cause of back pain and sciatica is lumbar spinal stenosis. The natural degeneration of the spine which occurs with age can cause a variety of changes to the spine. Lumbar spinal stenosis is brought on by a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal that is common in the aging process and it generally affects people over the age of 50. When the space around the spinal cord narrows, it can place unnecessary amounts of pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Additionally, it can be the result of a bulging disk, enlarged aspect joints, or an overgrowth of tissue. Only a small number of individuals are born with spine health issues which can develop into lumbar spinal stenosis. This is known as congenital spinal stenosis and it is frequently diagnosed in men.
Arthritis, or the degeneration of any joint in the body, has been attributed to be the most common cause of spinal stenosis. As the intervertebral discs begin to wear-and-tear naturally begin, they can lose water content and eventually dry out, ultimately losing height and even collapsing. This can place pressure on the facet joints, the joints which provide flexibility and movement to the spine, resulting in arthritis. As a result, the ligaments around the structures of the spine can increase in size, lessening the space for the nerves. Also, the human body may respond by growing new bone, additionally narrowing the space for the nerves to pass through. Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis may include, pain, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness, as well as less painful symptoms when leaning forward or sitting.
Lumbar Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a condition which can occur anywhere along the length of the spine, however, it most commonly affects the lower back or lumbar spine. It may also be referred to as a bulging, protruding or ruptured disc. A lumbar herniated disc is considered to be one of the most common causes of back pain in the lower back, as well as sciatica. An intervertebral disc begins to herniate when the soft, jelly-like nucleus, known as the nucleus pulposus, pushes against its outer ring, known as the annulus fibrosus, due to wear-and-tear or a sudden injury. With persistent pressure, the jelly-like nucleus may push through the disc’s outer ring or it may cause the ring to bulge, putting additional pressure on the spinal chord and its surrounding nerve roots.
Moreover, the intervertebral disc material can release chemicals and/or substances which may ultimately irritate the surrounding structures of the spine, contributing to nerve inflammation. When a nerve root becomes irritated, it can potentially lead to symptoms of pain and discomfort, numbness and weakness in one or both legs, otherwise referred to as sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. An individual may also develop a herniated disc without ever experiencing any symptoms. A lumbar herniated disc is generally caused by the natural degeneration of the spine and discs, however, trauma and/or injury may also result in lumbar disc herniations. Symptoms of a lumbar herniated disc includes sciatica, tingling sensations, numbness, weakness, and loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases. This last symptoms will require immediate medical attention.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is another common cause of back pain and sciatica, particularly in young athletes. Repeated stress on the lower back, or lumbar spine, can create a crack or stress fracture in one of the vertebrae. In these cases, however, the stress fracture can often weaken the bone so much, to the point where it is unable to maintain its proper position in the spine, ultimately causing the vertebra to begin to shift or slip out of place. This condition is what is commonly known as spondylolisthesis. In children and adolescents, spondylolisthesis can occur through periods of rapid growth, by way of instance, during an adolescent growth spurt. This condition frequently occurs as a result of overuse, overstretching, or hyperextension, and even due to genetics.
Many healthcare professionals characterize spondylolisthesis as either low grade or high grade, depending on how much the vertebrae have shifted or slipped out of place. A high grade slip is generally identified when more than 50 percent of the width of the fractured vertebra slips forwards onto the vertebra beneath it. Individuals with high grade cases of spondylolisthesis will commonly describe experiencing significant levels of pain and discomfort as well as nerve injury. In the majority of instances, however, individuals with spondylolisthesis will not experience any obvious symptoms, as a matter of fact, most are unaware of the condition till an x-ray is taken for an unrelated injury and/or condition. Individuals with spondylolisthesis may experience back pain and sciatica, including muscle spasms, back stiffness and tight hamstrings.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Back pain is one of the most common reasons why individuals often miss days from work or go to the doctor, as it has also become one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. As a matter of fact, it has been statistically determined that approximately 80 percent of people will or have experienced back pain at least once throughout their life. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available which can help ease the symptoms of back pain. It’s essential to understand back pain and sciatica, a collection of symptoms commonly associated with spine health issues along the lower back, in order to seek proper diagnosis and continue with an appropriate treatment plan in order to relieve your symptoms of back pain and sciatica.
Treatment for Back Pain and Sciatica
Chiropractic care is a well-known, alternative treatment option commonly utilized to help diagnose, treat and prevent back pain and sciatica. Since there are many factors which can contribute to symptoms of back pain and sciatic nerve pain, a doctor of chiropractic’s, or chiropractor’s, initial step would be to determine the root cause of the patient’s symptoms. Determining a diagnosis involves a thoughtful review of the patient’s health history, and a physical and neurological examination. Diagnostic testing may involve an x-ray, MRI, CT scan and/or electrodiagnostic tests, such as a nerve conduction speed evaluation or an electromyography. These examinations and tests help determine possible contraindications to treatment.
The aim of chiropractic care is to help promote the human body’s potential to heal itself. It is based on the scientific principle that limited spinal motion results in pain and reduced function and performance. Chiropractic care is non-invasive, or non-surgical, and drug-free. The type of chiropractic treatment provided is dependent upon the cause of the individual’s back pain and sciatica. A treatment program may include many distinct treatments and therapies, like ice/cold therapies, ultrasound, TENS, and spinal adjustments or manual manipulations. If the doctor of chiropractic decides that the patient’s spinal health issue requires treatment by a different kind of physician, then the individual may be referred to another healthcare professional.
Physical therapeutics for these conditions is also effective and generally has two components: active and passive. Passive physical therapeutics consist of ultrasound, electric stimulation, heat and ice packs as well as iontophoresis. Active physical therapeutics modalities include stretching exercises, back exercises and low-impact aerobic conditioning. Manual physical therapeutics, such as spinal adjustments and/or manual manipulations, might be integrated in part by a chiropractor. Physical therapists normally recommend 20 minutes of dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises every day. Core muscle strengthening is also important in treating back pain. Low-impact aerobics are also important and include water therapy, biking, and walking.
Physical therapeutics are an important element of treating spinal health issues. If you meet with a physical therapist, there will be a full assessment. Tests will be performed and an individualized treatment plan will be developed based on the patient’s goals. If you’re experiencing back pain or sciatica, don’t wait any longer for relief. Contact a healthcare professional to establish a one-on-one consultation and complete evaluation. Many chiropractors and physical therapists are certified, experienced and dedicated to helping you feel better. They have helped many others recover from spinal health issues and can help you too. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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