Back Clinic Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Team. More than 80% of the population suffers from back pain at some point in their lives. Most cases can be linked to the most common causes: muscle strain, injury, or overuse. But it can also be attributed to a specific condition of the spine: Herniated Disc, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, and Osteoarthritis. Less common conditions are sacroiliac joint dysfunction, spinal tumors, fibromyalgia, and piriformis syndrome.
Pain is caused by damage or injury to the muscles and ligaments of the back. Dr. Alex Jimenez compiled articles outline the importance of understanding the causes and effects of this uncomfortable symptom. Chiropractic focuses on restoring a person’s strength and flexibility to help improve symptoms of lower back pain.
Neck and back pain are common symptoms which can affect a person’s everyday actions that are physical. Misalignments, or subluxations, may occur due to a variety of health issues, including sports injuries, auto accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, and catastrophic accidents, amongst others. Chiropractic care is an effective and secure, alternative treatment option that may help treat back and neck pain. Patients show how Dr. Alex Jimenez, chiropractor, and his team have helped supply them with the essential pain relief they deserve. Dr. Alex Jimenez is recommended as the non-surgical choice for neck and back pain, among other health issues.
Chiropractic Treatment
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As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life that is fulfilled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life. I have made a life of taking care of every one of my patients.
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The lumbar spine, or lower back, takes a lot of stress and strain throughout the day. The spine provides stabilization for the entire body, and the lumbar spine bears the brunt of much of the movement and activity. This wear and tear show up as lower back pain in many people. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that 31 million Americans have low back pain at some point in their lives. The leading cause of disability is low back pain � not only in the U.S. but worldwide.
What is the Lumbar Spine?
Located in the lower back area, the lumbar region is the portion of the spine that begins below the shoulder blades, about five or six inches, at the lordosis (where it curves in toward the abdomen). Five vertebrae make up the lumbar spine, L1 through L5 � which also happen to be the largest unfused vertebrae in the entire spinal column. The lower vertebrae bear more weight than the upper vertebrae, so they are constructed to be sturdier, but are also more prone to injury and degradation.
The L5 vertebra meets the S1 (the sacrum) at the lumbosacral joint. It is this joint that provides most of the range of motion including rotational flexibility of the hips and pelvis, allowing them to swing during movement such as running and walking.
The spinal cord ends at around the L1 and many nerve roots that originate at the spinal cord form what is called the cauda equine. These nerves travel down the spine, branching out to the legs, buttocks, and feet. The appearance resembles a horse�s tail, hence the name. Because the spinal cord does not extend into the lumbar area, the chance of a problem with the lower back resulting in paralysis or damage to the spinal cord is very rare.
Lower Back Pain
The most common causes�of lower back pain are soft tissue injuries and mechanical problems. Either of these can damage the intervertebral discs, compress the nerve roots, and inhibit the�correct function of the spinal joints so that they don�t move properly. Lower back pain is most commonly caused by a pulled or torn muscle or ligament, known as a sprain or strain. These injuries can have some causes, including:
Prolonged improper posture
Improper lifting of something heavy (without using your legs)
Sports injuries, particularly those where the player sustains high impact or where a lot of twisting is involved
Lifting while twisting the spine
A fall or movement that occurs suddenly and puts a great deal of stress on the lumbar area
Chiropractic Care for the Lumbar Spine
Chiropractic care is a prevalent, effective treatment for lower back pain. A chiropractor can help patients manage their back pain through spinal adjustments and lifestyle advice. They may recommend supplements, exercise, and dietary changes. The whole-body approach to chiropractic makes it an optimal choice for many people, especially those who don�t want to take medications or undergo invasive procedures.
The chiropractic treatment itself usually involves spinal manipulation and mobilization. Spinal manipulation is the technique that most people think of when they think of chiropractic. It of a short lever, high-velocity arm thrust applied directly to the vertebra that is injured or is causing the pain. This technique typically relieves pain, improves the function of the spine, and restores the back�s range of motion. Mobilization is a low-velocity movement performed by the chiropractor to manipulate the area, stretching and moving the joints and muscles.
These techniques typically restore range of motion and flexibility to the spine while reducing pain. For people with chronic lower back pain, chiropractic care can be a game changer.
If you are one of the seven out of 10 Americans who have back pain, you are probably looking for relief. What you probably aren�t looking for are injections or pills with harmful side effects. Your doctor may have told you that exercise is a great way to relieve pain naturally, but you aren�t sure where to start or even what activity is best.
Running and walking are both good exercises, but they aren�t for everyone. Some back pain patients can run with no problem with others have significant trouble. So, which is better for back pain sufferers? The answer might surprise you.
Benefits of running
When it comes to health benefits, running and walking, don�t differ much. Both help to decrease your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension as well as lower your cholesterol.
Running also has the added benefit of increasing the bone that connects the femur head to the shaft, substantially strengthening the hips and helping to prevent hip fractures. Both running and walking burn calories, facilitate weight loss and can help to make you healthier. However, one activity is a lot harder on the back, so if you have chronic back pain, there are some things you should know.
How running affects the back
Running puts repetitive impact and stress on the back. If you have a problem with your lower back, running can exacerbate it or lead to additional issues like sciatica.
You can experience back muscle spasms, muscular strain, and other centralized lower back pain. If you have disc problems, the high impact nature of running can make put a lot of stress on your spine and make your disc problems worse.
How walking benefits back pain sufferers
Walking is a much lower impact activity than running. Although some back problems can be made worse by walking, that is relatively rare.
Most back pain is relieved with walking, and you can enjoy other great benefits as well. By adopting a regular walking routine, you will strengthen your hips, legs, ankles, and feet as well as your core.
This helps to provide better stability for your spine. It also helps to increase circulation in the spinal structures, draining toxins, and pumping nutrients into the surrounding soft tissues.
Pain often restricts mobility. Walking helps to improve range of motion and flexibility. You will find that your posture improves as well as your mood. A stronger body and increased flexibility help to prevent injury.
Walking at least three times a week for at least 15 minutes is great for overall wellness and a strong body. Combine it with a healthy diet and stress relief techniques, and you will look, feel, and move better � and your pain will be easier to manage.
Make walking work
When you start your walking program, don�t push too hard too fast. Go at your own pace and start slow. If you have a higher fitness level, you may want to try speed walking. After a five-minute warm-up, walk as fast as you can for about 8 minutes then slow to a moderate pace for two minutes to cool down.
You can also engage your core muscles by using several techniques. Walk on an incline or using walking poles are excellent for strengthening the core. Pulling your abdominals in toward your spine while you walk is also a great move.
Running is beneficial for your health, but it isn�t for everyone. Walking is a far better choice for most patients with lower back pain. You may even find that your pain is alleviated altogether so get out there and get moving.
The human body is an intricate machine; everything is connected in one way or another. This means that when one part is not functioning as it should, it can throw everything out of balance. The relationship between the feet, back, and hips is significant, so when there is a problem with feet, it can cause pain in those areas. Fallen arches are�a foot problem that is a prevalent cause of lower back pain. However, many people who have fallen arches don�t even realize that they have an issue.
What are Fallen Arches?
There are more than 100 ligaments and muscles in the foot that stabilize the bones and keep everything in the proper position. Ligaments prevent joints from extending beyond their intended limits. They contain elastin which allows them to act much like a rubber band, stretching with movement or flexion then returning to their regular length when the joint returns to its resting position.
There are a�variety of things that can happen that cause those ligaments to stretch, causing them to lose their ability to support the foot as they should. This can lead to pes planus (flat feet), also known as fallen arches.
Most people don�t realize that there are three arches in the foot, not just one: lateral, medial, and anterior. They act as shock absorbers for the body. When they don�t function as they should, don�t absorb the shock of movement and activity, it puts added wear and tear on the body. While foot, knee, hip, and back pain is common with fallen arches, it also is a major cause of impaired functioning of the lower extremities. It can also lead to balance problems.
Causes of Fallen Arches
The primary cause of fallen arches is improper footwear. Shoes that do not adequately support your foot and arch can lead to structural problems.
Other causes of fallen arches include:
Tendons in the foot that are torn or stretched
Certain health conditions including
Rheumatoid arthritis
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Obesity
Aging
Structural abnormalities that are present from birth
Inflammation, deformity, or damage of the posterior tibial tendon that runs from the middle of the arch to the lower leg, running along the ankle
Nerve issues
Bones that are dislocated or broken
Recognizing the symptoms of fallen arches and knowing that you have a problem can help to prevent the pain but can also arrest further damage to the foot.
Do you have Fallen Arches?
While many people with fallen arches experience no symptoms or problems, others do. If you experience any of these symptoms of flat feet, it should prompt a visit to your doctor.
Pain in the foot, knee, leg, hip, or lower back
Feet that easily get tired
Difficulty with balance
Swelling on the bottom of the foot
Pain or achiness in the foot, particularly in the heel or arch
Certain movements. such as standing on tiptoe, are difficult
There is a quick, simple test that you can do at home to see if you have fallen arches:
Wet your feet
Stand on a flat, hard surface, such as a floor or concrete pad (you need to be able to see your footprint) or walk in soft soil or sand
Look at your footprints. If you see a print that shows the heel and ball of your foot with a thin, curved imprint running along the outside, then your foot structure is normal. If you can see the print of your entire foot, then you probably have fallen arches.
The problem with fallen arches is that the damage cannot be reversed once it begins. However, the progression can be stopped with proper treatment.
What are the Treatments for Fallen Arches?
The treatment for fallen arches depends on the cause and severity of the condition. If it isn�t causing pain or other problems, the doctor may elect to do nothing.
However, if there are pain or mobility issues present, treatments may include bracing, prescribing NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, and even surgery in some cases of torn tendons or broken bones. An increasingly popular treatment for fallen arches is chiropractic care. This natural, non-invasive therapy treats the whole body so that it addresses the cause of the condition as well as associated risk factors and helps patients manage the pain, significantly improving their quality of life.
Throbbing, dull and achy, sharp and excruciating. All of these words can be used to describe lower back pain.
Unfortunately, lower back pain is a common occurrence in adults. According to the American Chiropractic Association, low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, with millions of reported cases�every year.
What Treatment Should You Seek If You Experience Pain in Your Lower Back?
The good news is that it often heals on its own. A few days of over-the-counter pain meds, ice,�and taking it easy, and you could be back to normal.
However, those who continue to deal with the pain after a few weeks’ time may choose to look for other solutions. This is also true for people who experience repeated flare-ups, or chronic lower back pain.
One of the best and most popular options is chiropractic care.
Why?�
First of all, chiropractic care doesn’t focus solely on the pain but helps the body heal itself. Chiropractors understand the bones,�muscles, discs, and nerves�in the back, and can figure out the reason for the pain.
From there, they can create a customized treatment plan from compresses to spinal manipulation to exercises that help heal the area and reduces the pain.
Second, It’s A Drug-Free Solution.
Because of its healing, therapeutic approach, chiropractic treatment tends to the source of the pain, instead of simply dulling it. Spine Universe estimates 6 to 12 treatments are typically needed to treat low back pain, but each person’s requirement may vary.
Throughout these�treatments, spinal alignment begins�to balance the other parts of a person’s back and helps correct the issue causing the pain. Also, spinal manipulation helps improve mobility and function in many cases, whereas drugs alone do not.
Finally, Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain Also Helps Minimize Relapses
Patients who experience lower back pain never want to deal with it again, but�it can flare up periodically. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, roughly 20% of those who suffer from low back pain will eventually deal with it chronically. This can cause frustration, primarily when it affects mobility.
Before you run screaming in horror to the medicine cabinet, one of the best reasons to participate in chiropractic treatment is that it helps reduce the chance of a recurrence. By working on the total body and getting it in the best shape possible, the patient is stronger and more balanced to handle their workload and other strenuous activities. Chiropractors also impart advice on how to minimize the chances of re-aggravating the lower back.
Millions of people suffer from back pain each year, and some never visit a chiropractor. Those who do choose chiropractic treatment are privy to treatment that reduces their pain, increases healing, shortens their downtime and lessens their chances of a recurrence. If over the counter medication and ice packs haven’t worked within a few days, it’s time to make an appointment for a consultation with a licensed chiropractor. You will be happy you did.
Sciatica is a collection of symptoms in the low back, which radiate down one or both legs. Sciatica is generally caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human body. One of the most common health issues that cause sciatic nerve pain is called piriformis syndrome. The piriformis muscle stretches from the front of the sacrum, the triangle-shaped bone between the hipbones on the pelvis.
The piriformis muscle extends to the top of the femur around the sciatic nerve. The femur, as previously mentioned, is the large bone in the upper leg. The piriformis muscle functions by helping the thigh move from side to side. A piriformis muscle spasm, or any other type of injury and/or condition along the piriformis muscle, can place pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain and discomfort. The result is piriformis�syndrome.
Piriformis Syndrome Causes and Symptoms
Sciatic nerve pain,�or sciatica, is one of the most prevalent�symptoms of piriformis syndrome. The pain and discomfort, however, may be felt in another part of the body. This is known as referred pain. Other common symptoms of piriformis syndrome include tingling sensations and numbness; tenderness;�difficulty sitting along with�pain while sitting and pain in the buttocks and thighs with physical activities.
The piriformis muscle can easily become damaged or injured from periods of inactivity or an excessive amount of exercise. Some common causes of piriformis syndrome include overuse; repetitive movements involving the legs; sitting for lengthy periods of time; lifting heavy objects; and extensive stair climbing. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries can also harm the piriformis muscle and cause it to compress the sciatic nerve.�
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Piriformis Syndrome Diagnosis
A doctor appointment for diagnosis of piriformis syndrome may include a review of the patient’s health history, their symptoms, and other probable causes of their pain and discomfort. If you recall straining a muscle during physical activity, be sure to share that information with your doctor. The�doctor may also perform a physical exam. The patient will participate in a series of range of movements to determine the cause of symptoms.
Some imaging tests may also be essential to help rule out other causes of piriformis syndrome. A CT scan or an MRI scan may help the healthcare professional determine whether even a herniated disc or arthritis is causing the patient’s pain and discomfort. An ultrasound of the piriformis muscle may also be helpful in diagnosing the problem if it seems that piriformis syndrome is causing the patient’s overall symptoms.
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Piriformis syndrome is a health issue associated with the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve around the piriformis muscle. Symptoms may include pain and discomfort, tingling sensations and numbness along the low back, or sciatica. Chiropractic care is a well-known alternative treatment option which can help reduce the compression of the sciatic nerve and improve piriformis syndrome.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
Piriformis Syndrome Treatment
Piriformis syndrome may often not need any treatment to�relieve its symptoms. Just avoiding the physical activities which caused the pain and discomfort to manifest and rest can help improve the health issue. If symptoms do persist, however, alternating between ice and heat can help decrease pain. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes then use a heating pad on the affected area. Try that every couple of hours to help relieve symptoms.
Over-the-counter painkillers�may also help decrease pain and discomfort. The symptoms associated with piriformis syndrome can go away with no additional treatment, however, if it doesn’t, the patient might benefit from alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care or physical therapy. Chiropractic care is a treatment approach which utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to treat a variety of injuries and/or conditions.
A chiropractor,�or doctor of chiropractic, may also provide piriformis syndrome relief through the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, or TENS, treatment. A TENS device is a handheld unit which sends electrical charges directly to the affected region of the piriformis muscle. The nerves are then stimulated by the electric energy, which interferes with pain signals being transmitted to the brain.
The chiropractor or physical therapist may also recommend a series of lifestyle modifications, including physical activity guidance and nutritional advice. Various stretches and exercises can help improve the strength, flexibility, and mobility of the�piriformis muscle. In severe cases of piriformis syndrome, corticosteroid injections or even surgical interventions may be required to help alleviate the symptoms.�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: Chiropractic for Athletes with Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain is the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience 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.
Athletic pubalgia is a debilitating health issue which affects the groin. The injury commonly happens through sports that use sudden changes of direction or intense twisting motions. Also referred to as a sports hernia, athletic pubalgia is characterized as a tear or strain in any soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament) of the abdominal or lower abdomen region.
Physiology of Athletic Pubalgia
The soft tissues most often affected by athletic pubalgia are the oblique muscles found in the lower abdomen, especially in the tendons that attach the oblique muscles to the pubic bone. In many instances, the joints that connect the thigh muscles to the pubic bone,�known as the adductor muscles, are also stretched or torn as a result of athletic pubalgia.
Physical activities which involve planting the feet and twisting with maximum exertion can cause athletic pubalgia. A sports hernia is most prevalent in vigorous sports, such as hockey, soccer, wrestling, and football. Athletic pubalgia�causes pain and discomfort in the groin region which typically gets better with rest but comes back with physical activity.
A sports�hernia does not result in a visible bulge in the groin, such as the well-known inguinal hernia does. As time passes, athletic pubalgia can lead to an inguinal hernia, and abdominal organs can push against the diminished cells to form a visible bulge. Without treatment, this sports injury could lead to chronic, disabling pain and other symptoms.
Healthcare Professional Diagnosis
During the first consultation, a doctor will discuss the individual’s symptoms and how the injury happened. To�diagnose athletic pubalgia, the healthcare professional will look for tenderness in the groin or above the pubis. Although a sports hernia may be related to an inguinal hernia, the doctor may not find any hernias during a physical examination.
Furthermore, to help determine the presence of athletic pubalgia, the healthcare professional will probably ask the patient to perform a sit-up or to�bend the trunk against resistance. If you have a sports hernia, these tests will be painful. The doctor may also require�x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help determine whether you have athletic pubalgia.�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 of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience 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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