Back Clinic Neck Treatment Team. Dr. Alex Jimenezs collection of neck pain articles contain a selection of medical conditions and/or injuries regarding symptoms surrounding the cervical spine. The neck is made up of various complex structures; bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other types of tissues. When these structures are damaged or injured as a result of improper posture, osteoarthritis, or even whiplash, among other complications, the pain and discomfort an individual experiences can be impairing. Through chiropractic care, Dr. Jimenez explains how the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations focuses on the cervical spine can greatly help relieve the painful symptoms associated with neck issues. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.
Chiropractic care is a non-conservative, alternative treatment option, preferred by many individuals who seek a more natural approach to treat their spinal complications. A chiropractor is a health care professional who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries and conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, with a greater emphasis on the spine.
The goal of chiropractic treatment is to reduce painful symptoms and improve the function of the structures of the body as well as educating patients to maintain their overall health and wellness via the proper practice of ergonomics, stretches and exercises.
Chiropractic care is generally categorized as complementary medicine, stimulating the individual’s body to heal itself naturally, without the need of drugs, medications and/or surgery. This practice focuses to improve the relationship between the spine and the nervous system.
A structural misalignment of the spine and/or a bio-mechanical derangement of the vertebral bones can affect the complex network of nerves found throughout the body. In these cases, the goal of chiropractic is to reduce the pressure on the neurological tissue in order to restore the structural integrity of the spine and improve the function of the nervous system, ultimately restoring the well-being of the patient. The primary treatment of a chiropractor is to re-establish the original mobility of the spine, alleviating irritation and inflammation on the structures surrounding the spine.
While a chiropractor, or doctor of chiropractic (DC), is qualified and experienced in the treatment of a variety of spinal conditions, other healthcare professionals within the field of chiropractic have special training in specific areas of the spine, utilizing different forms of treatment than the general chiropractor.
Atlas Orthogonal for the Cervical Spine
Atlas orthogonal is a specialized chiropractic technique which utilizes a precise adjusting instrument to treat complications along the cervical spine, or neck. This type of adjustment has been recognized for its precision and gentleness, in comparison with traditional chiropractic adjustments and manipulations, using only three ounces of pressure per procedure.
As a matter of fact, many patients find it hard to believe how such a light technique can provide them relief, at least until they begin to experience decreased pain and discomfort as well as improved function.
There are many different techniques to adjust the spine. The Atlas Orthogonal procedure is a system which helps balance the anatomical structure of the spine and its surrounding tissues, reducing neurological symptoms caused by spinal misalignment, or subluxation, without using manual manipulation. Atlas Orthogonal incorporates the use of a state of the art floor-based percussion adjusting instrument along with precision X-ray analysis, to properly diagnose, treat and prevent further complications within the cervical spine, particularly the atlas, the topmost vertebra of the spine in which the axis forms the joint that connects the skull and spine.
Most chiropractors, or doctors of chiropractic (DCs) use methods of adjusting where they feel the spine, followed by a manual manipulation or spinal adjustment performed by applying force along the affected structure until a “popping sound” is heard. With the Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic technique, the chiropractor uses specific X-rays to view the cervical spine and determine exactly where and how the vertebrae are misaligned or subluxated. The Atlas Orthogonal Percussion Instrument, utilized for the procedure, is then set with those specific vectors to accomplish the precise and gentle adjustment. The patient feels no force and hears no pops or cracks. Patients adjusted this way stay in adjustment longer than patients who receive treatment with other chiropractors. This means fewer adjustments and more cost-effective health care.
The Atlas Difference Summary
Gentle, effective approach ideal for children, elderly and osteoporotic patients
Modern equipment along with the latest techniques
Specific care that is specialized means fewer adjustments needed
About the Atlas Orthogonal Procedure
In conclusion, chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for both neck and back pain, as well as other spinal complications. According to the patient’s needs, some chiropractic adjustment techniques may be most beneficial to them than others. The Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic technique is a gentle and precise form of adjustment which can benefit many patients with cervical spine issues. Despite the variety of treatment and care options available in the chiropractic field, it’s ultimately important for people to treat their spinal complications to achieve overall health and wellness.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Cervicogenic Headache and Chiropractic
Neck pain associated with whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident are reportedly the most prevalent cause for discomfort along the cervical spine. The sheer force of an impact from a rear-end car crash or other traffic incident can cause injuries or aggravate a previously existing condition. While neck pain is commonly the result of damage to the complex structures of the neck, cervicogenic headaches may also result due to neck issues. Chiropractic care can help carefully restore the alignment of the cervical spine to relieve headaches and neck pain.
Chiropractic treatment is based on the principle which allows the body to heal itself naturally through the use of basic techniques. This natural healing controlled by the nervous system. Nerve impulses flow down from the brain to the spinal cord and out through spinal nerves, known as the peripheral nervous system, which then flow into the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and vital organs.
A misalignment in the spine can potentially result in the compression or impingement of the central nervous system. Interference in the nervous system due to spinal complications may often lead to disease and other conditions. These can affect the optimal structure and function of the body.
What is the Atlas Orthogonal?
Atlas Orthogonal is a healthcare program for the spine, initially developed by Dr. Roy Sweat in the late 1960’s based on scientific and biomechanical procedures. Dr. Sweat is considered by many to be one of the world’s foremost authorities regarding injuries and conditions associated with the cervical spine. After years of extensive research and studies, Dr. Roy Sweat developed a non-invasive, precision instrument to restore the original structure of the vertebrae along the cervical spine. The percussion instrument achieves postural restoration without the use of manipulation or the practice of surgery. This precision treatment helps reduce symptoms caused by misalingments along the cervical spine.
The Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic technique has been described by many patients as a gentle, effective and proven treatment, many reporting a decrease in their discomfort and improved function after an adjustment has taken place. The Atlas supports the head and is the top vertebrae of the spine. Orthogonal means at right angle. When the Atlas is not square to the head and spine, or it’s subluxated or misaligned, subsequently, the alignment of the head and spine in relation to the Atlas may be improper. Essentially, the spine cannot be straight in the event the head isn’t on straight. The resulting stress from the misalignment, or subluxation, may cause discomfort to the back, shoulders, pelvis, hips, knees and ankles.
A normal Atlas is aligned with both the skull and the spine. A subluxated or misaligned Atlas is not square. The adjusting instrument is a safe, gentle, and precise method of correcting a misaligned (subluxated) Atlas vertebrae, without the need for physical manipulation. The instrument utilized for the Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic technique delivers a precise impulse to the exact area needed as determined by the patient’s X-rays.
As with chiropractic adjustments utilized to help ease neck pain, back pain and muscle aches, the Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic technique can help relieve many of the similar symptoms. The Atlas Orthogonal Spinal Correction can help the body naturally heal a variety of health problems. This misalignment can block the communication between your brain and body, causing pain, stress and tension. The tension, stress and pain associated with complications along the cervical spine can affect all, even mental and physical activity of the body. Correction of the Atlas may relieve many painful symptoms.
What is the Activator Method Technique?
The Activator Method technique utilizes specific procedures to detect body mechanics problems, analyze leg length inequality, detect spinal joint dysfunction and test neurological reflexes. With one of the unique analytical tools, healthcare professionals can restore your overall spinal balance. An instrument called the Activator is used by many chiropractors to address spinal joint dysfunction. This unique hand-held instrument was scientifically designed to give you a very specific, “low force” adjustment. The Activator instrument delivers a thrust that is fast, light and controlled, without causing undue strain. Activator adjustments are controlled and quick, allowing to get an exact and precise adjustment.
About the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic Technique
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Cervicogenic Headache and Chiropractic
Neck pain associated with whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident are reportedly the most prevalent cause for discomfort along the cervical spine. The sheer force of an impact from a rear-end car crash or other traffic incident can cause injuries or aggravate a previously existing condition. While neck pain is commonly the result of damage to the complex structures of the neck, cervicogenic headaches may also result due to neck issues. Chiropractic care can help carefully restore the alignment of the cervical spine to relieve headaches and neck pain.
El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez looks at stretches for neck pain.
Your neck is one of the hardest working parts of your body.�It is serves us well as a source of strength and balance. When it�s out of whack, your neck can be a source of unending distress. �Let�s face it�today�s use of technology has our necks being put to use in ways it was never intended. �Did you know that looking down at your phone can sometimes exert as much pressure as the equivalent of a 40lb weight?
Unfortunately for the vast majority of people, neck pain will affect them at some point in their lives. Women are more prone to neck pain but men definitely have their fair share as well.
One Of The Reasons Our Necks Pay A Price… We Sit A Lot
Whether it is at home in front of the TV or electronics or at work in front of the computer, our necks get a work out! Distresses on the neck are felt in many ways, including but not limited to: low back pain, severe headache, migraines, or even facial aching and tenderness.
What are some of the gentle ways you can give your neck a break? Good question, we are glad you asked! Thankfully, stretching our neck muscles regularly is easy to do and it can help relieve and prevent neck pain.
El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez investigates pain, the spine and its connection to internal organs.
Right after I had my first son, I suffered from headaches and some digestive issues. I had never had digestive issues before, but I passed it off as a side effect of giving birth to a living being. I also blamed the pressures of being in school and raising a small child.
My husband went to a chiropractor to treat some pain in his hands, and that is when I decided to try it as well. The chiropractor re-aligned my spine and, with weekly visits, I was feeling much better.
When my family and I moved to South Korea, I could not find a chiropractor. I did, however, find an excellent acupuncturist that had his office two blocks away from my front door. Instead of working on my spine, the acupuncturist worked on the muscles around my spine.
I feel the results of both were the same. I always felt much better when I took the time to take care of my spine and nervous system.
This is because all our organs receive messages from our brain via our spinal cord. The lungs know to breath in and out because of the messages they receive from the brain. The heart beats because of these messages as well. Every organ in our body is connected to the brain and blocking this connection�even a little�can cause serious health issues.
Some health problems are easily felt like numbness in the fingers or a headache. Some troubles are not so apparent like digestive issues or kidney problems. If the spine is out of order, the organs will feel it.
It Is Important To Take Care Of The Spine Every Day
If one takes a look at the image above, one can see how the nerves from the spinal cord connect to specific areas of the body. A chiropractor or acupuncturist will be able to spot spinal problems and fix them over time. This is what they are trained to do.
Here Are Some Tips To Take Care Of The Spine From Spine Health:
Sitting correctly or using an ergonomic chair while at work is a good way to take care of the spine.
Exercise abs and back daily to strengthen the muscles around the spine and keep it in place.
Take time to get a massage, see a chiropractor, or an acupuncturist. This will help the spine stay in the correct shape.
Wear shoes that support the feet and feel comfortable. Uncomfortable shoes, especially pumps, will injure the back and spine.
Sleep with the spine in mind. Choose a mattress and pillow that supports the spine and try to sleep in a natural position. Also, try sleeping on your arm to get a nice straight spine when lying on your side rather than using a pillow that can tilt your head up and kink your neck.
If one is suffering back pain, it is important to seek professional help. Spine problems, like a pinched nerve, if not taken care of, can become extremely severe. The spinal cord controls the body. In order to be in the best of health, the spine needs to be in good health.
Take care of�your spine and it will take care of you all the years of your life.
El Paso TX. Chiropractor, Dr. Alex Jimenez discusses ways�to assist you to get the care you’ll need at your next appointment. Dr. Michael J. Cooney, D.C�I�ve been treating patients with severe and chronic pain from around the corner in Rutherford, New Jersey to as far away as Australia and South Africa.
From our patient�s first reference to the past treatment office visit, the success of any pain treatment we prescribe is contingent upon us (the health care provider) correctly treating the root cause of your pain.
As the patient, just describing your intense pain or neuropathic pain is a high stakes� conversation that is �. I am able to read your medical history, attributing lab results and physician reports, however this really is secondary to understanding each patient�s pain mechanics. It is absolutely vital this is communicated to your pain management provider as correctly as possible.
For those fighting �invisible pain” such as fibromyalgia, CRPS (complex areas pain syndrome), RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy), diabetic neuropathy or long-term pain after cancer treatment, correctly communicating the place, frequency and depth of the discomfort can be especially demanding and emotionally taxing.
You might wish to bring this short article for your next doctor visit and go over each of the key pain description points I�ve outlined below.
I really hope your doctor will ask you these questions, but if not, you are able to behave as your own pain promoter and offer this information.
�Tell Me About Your Pain�
Based upon your medical records, we already know the reason behind your pain (injury or ailment). In order to restart your highest quality of life possible, our goal would be to remove or minimize this symptom.
Pain symptoms are private, subjective –and unique. (What Joe describes as �unbearable pain� could be considered �fairly disagreeable pain� to Mike). Through the years, I developed my own �pain diagnostic� conversation with patients to assist my team and I understand what, where, when and just how much pain patients are feeling.
I�ve outlined key points below:
Time Matters
This is key to a proper analysis. Don�t presume we know you�ve combated with this pain to get a month a year or a decade.
1.I�ve had this pain for _________________.
2.How frequently and how long does it last?
3.What ignites (flare) or lessens your pain and for how long?
Location, Location, Location
Graphic of a human body with a rear & front view (see above)
Doctors may instruct you to indicate the area/s where your pain is concentrated. They may also request that you notice a difference between pain which is on pain and the surface that’s below the surface.
The front and back of the unisex individual figure are the most identifiable, although this tool comes from the McGill Pain Questionnaire including other measurements.
Most referring physicians, regardless of their medical specialty, utilize 1 to 10 point pain scale that is simple, so�I keep everyone on the same page.
This tool comes from the McGill Pain Questionnaire including other measurements, but the front and back of the unisex person body are the most identifiable.
How Bad Is Your Pain – Measurement Tool
Simply said, take into consideration where your pain level falls the majority of the time�unless you experience extreme pain changes.
No Pain
0 � Painfree
Manageable Pain
1 � Pain is quite mild, barely noticeable. You don’t think about it.
2 � Small pain. Annoying and may have occasional twinges that are stronger.
3 � Pain distracting and is noticeable, you may get used to it and adapt.
Moderate�Pain�Disrupts Regular Day-To-Day Living Tasks
4 � Moderate pain. If you should be deeply in an action, it may be blown off to get a time frame, but is diverting.
5 � Moderately strong pain. It can’t be dismissed for more than a few minutes, but you still can manage to work or participate in some social activities.
6 � Rather strong pain that interferes with normal daily activities. Difficulty focusing.
Severe�Pain�Disabling; Debilitating, Reduces Daily Quality Of Life, Cannot Live Independently
7� Severe pain that dominates your senses and significantly restricts your capability to perform ordinary daily tasks or maintain social relationships. Interferes with sleep.
8� Intense pain. Physical action is seriously limited. Conversing requires great exertion.
9. Not able to converse. Weeping outside or moaning uncontrollably.
10� Unspeakable pain. Perhaps and bedridden delirious. Mobility may be undermined.
�My Pain Feels Like��
Most of the time, patients experience one or two consistent pain �feelings� but some can experience a variety of sensations.
The most common pain kinds are:
Sharp stabbing pain
Extreme heat or burning sensation
Extreme cold
Throbbing, inflamed tissue
Susceptibility to contact / touching
Itching
Numbness, tingling, pins & needles
Create A Pain Journal
I motivate patients or their family members to document a weeklong pain cycle till they meet with chiropractic, their pain management or alternative medicine team.
Additionally, jot down any treatments or activities�that lessen or increase your discomfort.
As an example, maybe you have discovered that hot showers or cold weather allows you to feel worse, but exercise or Epsom salt baths makes the pain more manageable.
If you come prepared with all this information, your time with all the physician can be spent focusing on next steps and also a treatment plan, rather than a lengthy Q & A review of the information supplied here.
More importantly, addressing these issues beforehand will ensure your physician receives up-to-date, higher quality information.
Consequently, your case could be assessed more quickly and a pain management plan can be placed into action to begin removing or reducing your suffering as rapidly and efficiently as possible.
A pain medicine specialist is a medical or osteopathic doctor who treats pain due to disease, ailment, or injury. Many of these doctors are physiatrists or anesthesiologists although called interventional pain management specialists or pain medicine. Pain medicine is a mutlidisciplinary team effort generally affecting specialists in other disciplines, complimentary alternative medicine, along with radiology, psychiatry, psychology, oncology, nursing, physical therapy, and the patient’s primary care physician or other treating doctor.
Education & Training
After graduating medical school and completing a one-year internship, the physician enters a residency program normally in physical or anesthesiology medicine but sometimes from other fields like psychiatry and neurology. Upon conclusion of a residency program (typically 3 years long), the physician completes a one-year fellowship for advanced training in pain medicine.
Many pain medicine specialists are board certified. The organizations that board certify physiatrists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists all collaborate to provide the board examination for the subspecialty of Pain Medicine. You can find numerous opportunities for pain management specialists to remain current with medical and technical improvements in pain medicine, such as scientific journals and society meetings.
Targets of Pain Management
The goal of pain medicine is to handle severe or long-term pain by reducing intensity and pain frequency. Besides addressing pain problems, a multidisciplinary pain management program may address your functional goals for activities of day-to-day living. Overall, a pain medicine plan aims to give you a feeling of well-being, increase your level of action (including return to work), and reduce or eliminate your reliance on drugs.
Many Kinds of Pain Treated
Pain medicine specialists treat all sorts of pain. Severe pain is described sharp or as acute and may indicate something is wrong. The pain experienced during dental work is an instance of intense pain. Pain lasting 6 months or longer is defined as chronic. This type of pain varies from mild to serious and is consistent. Spinal arthritis (spondylosis) pain is frequently chronic. A good consequence is produced by uniting different treatments regularly although chronic pain is difficult to handle.
Degenerative disc disease
Facet joint pain
Sciatica
Cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Whiplash
What to Anticipate During an Appointment
Your appointment with a pain or interventional pain management practitioner is much like other doctor visits. Although there are many similarities, the focus is fast managing it, and on your pain, the cause or contributing factors.
Pain medicine physicians execute a physical and neurological examination, and review your medical history paying particular focus on pain history. You may be asked many questions about your pain
On a scale from zero to 10, with 10 being the worse pain imaginable, speed your pain.
When did pain start? When pain started, what were you doing?
Does pain disperse into other regions of the body?
Is its intensity persistent, or is it worse at different times of night or the day?
What really helps to alleviate the pain? Why is pain worse?
What treatments have you ever attempted? What worked? What failed?
Would you take over the counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal nutritional supplements?
Does one take prescription medication? If so, what, how much, and how frequently?
Most pain medicine specialists utilize a standardized drawing of the front/back of the body to let you mark where pain is sensed, as well as indicate pain spread and type (eg, light, sharp). You may be asked to complete the form each time you see with the pain physician. The finished drawing helps you to evaluate your treatment progress.
Accurate Analysis Key to Treatment
Pain medicine includes diagnosing origin or the cause of pain. Making the proper identification may include getting an X ray, CT scan, or MRI study to verify the reason for your neck pr back pain. When treating spine-associated pain (which may include arm or leg symptoms), other tests, like discography, bone scans, nerve studies (electromyography, nerve conduction study), and myelography could possibly be performed. The proper analysis is crucial to some favorable treatment plan.
Some spinal ailments and pain treatment requires involvement of other specialists, such as your primary care physician, neurosurgeon, orthopaedic surgeon, and practitioners in radiology, psychiatry, psychology, oncology, nursing, physical therapy, and complimentary alternative medicine. The pain medicine specialist may consult with and/or refer you to a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic spine surgeon to determine if your pain difficulty necessitates back operation.
You get up with it. You go to sleep with it. An incredible number of men and women live with chronic back or neck pain every day. What’s chronic pain? It is technically defined as pain that lasts for 12 weeks or more�even after pain isn’t any longer acute (short-term, serious pain) or the injury has healed.
Accurate Analysis
Getting an exact identification of the reason for neck pain or your back is vital to the outcome of your treatment plan. Depending on the severity and cause of your pain that is chronic, you might need to find out different specialists in addition to your own primary care physician�pain medicine specialist, orthopaedic spine surgeon, neurosurgeon, physiatrist, rheumatologist, physical therapist among others. Over time your chronic pain need to be reevaluated, and may transform, which might affect the way it is handled.
Your chronic back or neck pain treatment generally features a variety of treatments to maximize results that are great. A number of the treatments your doctor prescribes and recommends may include:
Physical Therapy:
Extending and strengthening muscles is vital in the treatment of neck pain or chronic back.
Chiropractic Care:
Depending on your own diagnosis, chiropractic care may be recommended by your doctor. Studies have demonstrated that two weeks of day-to-day exploitation by a chiropractor can result in considerable progress in a few patients with persistent low back pain and referred leg pain.
Medicines:
There are lots of different prescription medications to take care of neuropathic pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. Additionally, you will find drugs to treat conditions that often accompany chronic pain, including drugs that will help you sleep, alleviate depression, and reduce nervousness.
Processes:
Your doctor may recommend a spinal cord stimulator, spinal injections, drug heart, or spine surgery. You can get a second opinion, in the event you might be uncertain about the treatment plan recommended.
Coping skills:
Never underestimate the power of your head. Your mood and mental perspective can greatly make an impact on your level of pain. Talk with a trained specialist to understand relaxation and coping skills.
Complementary Treatments:
Many physicians recommend acupuncture and other types of traditional Chinese medicine. Speak to your doctor about these choices.
A couple of words about …. age, fitness, body weight
You probably involve some control over body weight and your level of fitness, although you can�t stop aging or its effects. While you can�t stop the clock on the cellular changes that are recognized to accompany aging�such as loss of muscle mass and bone density �you can take little steps today to build a more stronger�you tomorrow.
It�s understood that patients with chronic back or neck pain may not feel like being active, going to the gym and even adhering to a home exercise program. Yet, being active can help chronic pain because during exercise your body releases endorphins�your body�s natural painkiller.
Moreover, by teaming up together with and/or your physician physical therapist you can start to build abdominal muscles that are strong �essential to your own body�s center strength which helps support your back.
Did you know that by simply losing even 5 to 10 pounds you can reduce back pain? It�s true. Carrying around extra weight translates to added stress to the low back that may exacerbate pain.
Conclusion
In many instances, aggressive and early treatment of chronic back or neck pain can make a life-changing difference. But remember that knowledge is power: Be certain you comprehend your alternatives before deciding which route to take.
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