Back Clinic Chiropractic. This is a form of alternative treatment that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of various musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, especially those associated with the spine. Dr. Alex Jimenez discusses how spinal adjustments and manual manipulations regularly can greatly help both improve and eliminate many symptoms that could be causing discomfort to the individual. Chiropractors believe among the main reasons for pain and disease are the vertebrae’s misalignment in the spinal column (this is known as a chiropractic subluxation).
Through the usage of manual detection (or palpation), carefully applied pressure, massage, and manual manipulation of the vertebrae and joints (called adjustments), chiropractors can alleviate pressure and irritation on the nerves, restore joint mobility, and help return the body’s homeostasis. From subluxations, or spinal misalignments, to sciatica, a set of symptoms along the sciatic nerve caused by nerve impingement, chiropractic care can gradually restore the individual’s natural state of being. Dr. Jimenez compiles a group of concepts on chiropractic to best educate individuals on the variety of injuries and conditions affecting the human body.
The spinal cord is the information pathway that transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body. The body’s limbs and organs cannot function properly without regular communication flowing through the spinal cord. Understanding how the sciatic nerve responds to the other parts of the body can clarify how a doctor of chiropractic heals sciatica. When severe pain presents normal communications are overridden for the sake of body and health preservation. The sciatic nerve is an important part of the spinal cord and requires a trained professional to aid in proper and effective healing.
Basics On Sciatica
Sciatica happens when the nerves are compressed/pinched in some form. Lower back conditions can be the cause of such compression. Sciatica can be reduced and healed. Conditions that can lead to sciatic pain include:
Herniated discs
Subluxations
Disc Degeneration
Spinal Stenosis
Lower back disc bulge
Piriformis syndrome
Symptoms
Sciatica often includes:
Sharp pain
Numbness
Burning
Tingling sensation
Individuals can also experience weakness down the leg.
Normal activities can become strained as individuals experience these symptoms. Pressure on the nerve can be decreased and healed with professional chiropractic care. The human spine consists of 31 pairs of nerves. Five of these pairs are in the lumbar/lower back region and five are right below that area in the sacral region. The sciatic nerve starts in the lower back. It goes down through the hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, and ends in the foot.
Causes could be something as simple as sitting on a bulging wallet or sitting for extended lengths of time can result in a decreased blood flow to the area. Also, direct trauma to the gluteal muscles from automobile accidents, sports, and work injuries can lead to sciatic nerve issues and pain.
Treatment Options
Tests and examinations will be conducted to figure out the origin of the pain to develop a personalized treatment plan to expedite the healing process. Treatment can include:
Chiropractic treatment
Decreasing muscle tension
Core stabilization
Spinal decompression
Rehabilitation therapy
Chiropractic treatment is designed to help the body activate its own healing system. It is non-invasive and drug-free providing an organic alternative. Advanced cases of sciatica can result in muscle weakness or a loss of sensation in the legs, if not properly treated. Individual treatment plans vary depending on an individual’s specific needs.
Prevention
Prevention is important once the condition is healing to not cause flare-ups. Sciatica symptoms can return, especially if proper and continued care to the spine is not maintained. Preventative care and maintenance are essential for ensuring a healthy spine and body. These tips can help avoid back injuries that can lead to sciatica and help with reoccurrences:
Practice proper posture
Regular exercise/physical activity with safe movements
Bend at the knees, especially when lifting heavy objects
Follow specific instructions given by a chiropractor
Body Composition
Healthy Snacks
Eggs
Eggs make a great snack that will keep the body full and help to eat less. They are a great source of protein and fat and have a healthy variety of vitamins and minerals. Hard-boiled eggs are easy to make ahead of time and are portable.
Cheese
Cheese is a great snack for protein and fat. But it is important to watch the serving size if watching/limiting calories. Cottage cheese is highest in protein but cream cheese and cheese sticks are also good options. Cheese can be paired with a serving of fruit or vegetables like grape tomatoes, bell peppers, celery, apples, or pears.
Jerky
Jerky is convenient and portable and is a great way to pack in extra protein throughout the day. The best option is grass-fed. Remember that some jerky is high in sodium if limiting sodium.
Greek Yogurt
Natural Greek yogurt is a great option for a high-protein snack. However, many yogurts are high in sugar. Therefore choose yogurt with less than 10 grams of sugar per serving, or opt for plain yogurt to avoid the sugar altogether. The yogurt can be sweetened with honey, fresh fruit, or mixed into a smoothie.
Hummus and Guacamole Dips
Hummus is a great source of plant-based protein and is balanced with carbohydrates, fat, and fiber. It is the olive oil in the hummus that provides a healthy dose of heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats. Guacamole is a delicious source of healthy fats.Both dips are calorie-dense, therefore it is important to be aware of portion sizes. These can be paired with carrot sticks, bell peppers, or celery.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
National Institutes of Health. (2019.) “Sciatica.” medlineplus.gov/sciatica.html.
North American Spine Society. (2012.) “Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy.” www.spine.org/Portals/0/assets/downloads/ResearchClinicalCare/Guidelines/LumbarDiscHerniation.pdf
Individuals believe that a straight spine is a healthy spine. This is a misconception, a chiropractor knows that a healthy spine has the proper curvature, specifically an S curve from the top to the bottom. This curve allows/enables the spine to properly function for balancing and stabilizing the body. There are three primary curves that make up the S shape. These are:
Lordosis is defined as an inward curve, while kyphosis is an outward curve.
Curvature Significance
When the spine is properly curved and aligned there is flexibility and optimal support of the body. The curves of each section/area create a spring structure that enables the spine to perform as a natural shock-absorber. If the spine was straight, it would take a significant toll with all the wear and tear from constant vibration and shock. This would lead to fractures and other injuries. The curvature is important in aiding with weight distribution and the weight of gravity. Each curve works to distribute weight evenly throughout the spine so that the different muscle groups do not get overworked. This happens during dynamic movement.
Lifting
Bending
Reaching
Twisting
Turning
All require the spine to move harmoniously with the rest of the body, supporting the body’s weight and energy transfer.
The curves help reduce pressure between the individual vertebral discs. Because the discs are not stacked on top of each other, the weight from the above vertebra is not completely placed on the one below. So the lower vertebra takes only a portion of the weight, allowing the discs to perform as an absorbing cushion.
Maintaining The Curvature
An adult spine gradually becomes an S curve and is formed through development. Children are born with a C curve, with an outward curve until they begin to crawl. When the child begins to raise their heads up, the cervical portion of the proper S shape begins to take form. As the child learns to walk upright, the spine continues on its ultimate role of support. However, because spinal curvature is formed in the developmental stages, natural curvature formation has a limited time frame. Issues that happen at this time can disrupt the proper formation of the curves. This can result in malformations that could require long-term chiropractic treatment/rehabilitation to correct.
For adults that develop a normal S curve, spinal maintenance is critical. When subluxations/misalignments occur bulging, herniated discs, pinched nerves, and sciatica are sure to follow. Chiropractic adjustments will ensure the spine is reset and properly supported. As natural spinal development has passed maintenance is essential. Using precision tools and techniques, chiropractic treatment realigns the spine returning the natural S curve. Treatment plans and adjustments are customized to the individual and applied specifically to their unique spinal shape. This makes it possible to maintain a spine with precise curvature.
Body Composition
Fruit and Plant Antioxidants
Regular inclusion of antioxidant-rich foods in an individual’s diet will help reduce free radicals and prevent oxidative stress from accumulating. Fruits and veggies like:
Berries
Dark-colored grapes
Spinach
Kale
Sweet potatoes
Carrots
All are great sources of antioxidants.
Purple-colored fruits like blueberries and dark grapes contain an antioxidant called resveratrol that has therapeutic properties for heart disease. Beta-carotene is an orange-colored carotenoid with antioxidant properties that can also protect against heart disease. Orange, yellow-colored plant foods, and leafy greensare a solid source of the antioxidant carotenoid beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A. Minerals like zinc and selenium have antioxidants that can be found in vegan sources. And minerals found in fruits and veggies contain blood pressure-lowering potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Yang, Feng et al. “Balance chiropractic therapy for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.” Trials vol. 17,1 513. 22 Oct. 2016, doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1644-2
Taylor, J A. “Full-spine radiography: a review.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 16,7 (1993): 460-74.
Fedorchuk, Curtis et al. “Improvements in Cervical Spinal Canal Diameter and Neck Disability Following Correction of Cervical Lordosis and Cervical Spondylolistheses Using Chiropractic BioPhysics Technique: A Case Series.” Journal of radiology case reports vol. 14,4 21-37. 30 Apr. 2020, doi:10.3941/jrcr.v14i4.3890
At home or a gym, working out with cardio exercise equipment can be a highly beneficial treatment for back discomfort, soreness, and pain. However, when checking out all the cardio machines it is recommended to use those that will help with back pain and not worsen or cause further injury. The same goes for purchasing cardio equipment to use at home. Research has found that exercise training could be highly effective in the treatment of back pain. A study on pain found that the endorphins generated from aerobic exercise help to lessen low back pain. The North American Spine Society announced evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of back pain, and one of the top recommendations was aerobic exercise. Individuals can always go outside to:
Walk
Hike
Run
Bike ride
But mixing it up with cardio equipment can have its own benefits for different reasons. It could be too hot, raining, sometimes individuals prefer a set workout program to reach calorie or distance goals, and it could be easier on the spine. Working out at home or at a gym, cardiovascular machines can help bring relief for back pain.
Cardiovascular Exercise Back Pain Treatment
Cardiovascular exercise is highly recommended for everyone. For individuals dealing with back pain, exercise combined with conservative therapy is usually part of a treatment plan. This includes:
Physical therapy
Chiropractic care
Health coaching
Diet
Aerobic exercise regimen
With an exercise program, experts recommend starting with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Moderate intensity workouts are meant to get an individual’s heart and blood pumping, sweating a little, and slightly deep breathing. These types of exercise include:
Power walking outside
Power walking on a treadmill
Stationary biking
As long as the physical activity gets the heart rate up, these exercises have been shown to decrease back pain, relieve stress, and elevate mood. 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise three to five times a week for six weeks is what is recommended. This will help the back become healthier, feel better, and is recommended by the American Heart Association.
Exercise Not For All Spine Conditions
However, not all spinal conditions benefit from regular exercising. Getting an evaluation from a doctor, spine specialist, or chiropractor is recommended for injuries, severe and/or persistent back pain before starting a cardiovascular exercise program. This could be a spinal fracture, or spinal condition that requires bracing, or intense physical therapy/rehabilitation. Individuals that do not exercise regularly or have a medical or heart condition/s definitely need to get a doctor’s clearance before beginning a cardiovascular workout regimen.
Top Cardiovascular Exercises and Equipment
Once a doctor clears the individual for aerobic exercise there is no cardio equipment that is off-limits. Elliptical machines and stationary bikes are the most well-tolerated by individuals with back problems/conditions. Because they are low impact. However, if it is tolerable using a jogging treadmill is beneficial as well. Listen to the body. If a workout on a treadmill causes back pain that is not just workout soreness, stop with that machine and try different cardiovascular equipment that is more low impact. Do not ignore back pain. If pain is continuous and exercising is not helping, stop and see a doctor, or chiropractor to evaluate and analyze the situation. Then they can adjust the exercise part of the treatment plan according to the presenting symptoms.
Body Composition
Concurrent Training
Concurrent training is the combination of aerobic and resistance exercises during the same workout session. Aerobic and resistance exercise impacts the body in different ways. The type of aerobic training determines how it interacts with resistance exercise. The order of the types of exercises like aerobic and resistance workouts can make a difference. Having an understanding of a few specifics about concurrent training will help to make decisions about an exercise program.
Aerobic/interval and resistance training does not seem to interfere with the others’ adaptations
However, gaining strength could be lowered by adding running to a resistance program
Whereas bicycling does not have the same effect.
Cycling and the ergonomics that go with it are similar to traditional lower-body resistance exercises. The muscle contractions that come with running result in muscle damage, while the contractions in cycling also cause muscle damage, it is not to the same extent. Pairing the exercise programs correctly is key, such as a running program in combination with an upper-body lifting exercise can be beneficial. While running and doing leg presses every day could interfere with each other and could cause injuries. Or if doing both aerobic and resistance exercises in the same session, or on the same day, consider the order of the exercises, depending on what the goal is.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
British Journal of Sports Medicine. (November 2020) “Which specific modes of exercise training are most effective for treating low back pain? Network meta-analysis” https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/21/1279
Pain. (December 2020) “Are endogenous opioid mechanisms involved in the effects of aerobic exercise training on chronic low back pain? A randomized controlled trial” https://journals.lww.com/pain/Citation/2020/12000/Are_endogenous_opioid_mechanisms_involved_in_the.23.aspx
North American Spine Society. (2020) “Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines for Multidisciplinary Spine Care” https://www.spine.org/Portals/0/assets/downloads/ResearchClinicalCare/Guidelines/LowBackPain.pdf
Individuals experiencing radiculopathy in and around the neck notice it immediately often driving them to the medicine cabinet. This condition presents with:
Acute pain
Numbness
Muscle spasms
However, medication will only help relieve the pain temporarily but it won’t alleviate what is causing the radiculopathy. This is because pain medication/s can exacerbate the condition by blocking the pain signals with the root nerve issue never being resolved. Chiropractic is a complete solution that specifically mobilizes the cervical joints where nerve impingement is happening. The objective is to help individuals understand the underlying cause of the acute pain induced by radiculopathy and provide long-term pain relief through cervical joint mobilization.
Radiculopathy Pain
To determine what cervical nerve bundles are being affected by a subluxation or vertebral compression a chiropractor needs to isolate the pain. This is accomplished through a description of symptoms, radiological imaging to provide visual confirmation, and an examination of the affected area. Isolating the pain allows the chiropractor to determine the extent of misalignment and how much the nerve is being compressed. This will help in the development of a customized treatment plan. A chiropractor will be able to see and feel the degree of pressure being placed on the nerve or bundle of nerves.
Mobilizing The Cervical Joints
Chiropractors approach this directly based on the individual and the severity of the case. The most common joint mobilizations include:
Low-impact adjusting will shift the misaligned vertebrae back into place
Adjustments to the opposite non-painful area will help counterbalance stress in the spine
Radiculopathy improvement consists of:
The cervical spine is stabilized through bracing and posture supports
Isometric exercises will recondition the neck, shoulders, and upper back
Range of motion exercises will prevent any subtle compression/s
Corrective restoration of the cervical spine’s curve
The spine returns to normal during cervical joint mobilization and alleviates radiculopathy immediately and long term.
Proper chiropractic care will correct the affected nerve bundle, and stabilize the cervical spine to prevent/resist:
Compression
Translation
Subluxation
Other shifts that can occur
Chiropractic Mobilization Long Term Relief
A pinched nerve should not be treated with over-the-counter medications for long-term health. Corrective chiropractic mobilization is a recommended course of action for alleviating this and other musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic understands the nature and severity of radiculopathy as well as developing the proper customized treatment plan that will bring optimal results.
Body Composition
DASH Diet Example
Breakfast
3/4 cup bran flakes cereal with 1 banana and 1 cup low-fat milk
1 slice whole-wheat bread with 1 tsp. unsalted butter
1 orange
1 cup coffee
Lunch
Sandwich 2 slices of whole-wheat bread
3 oz. grilled thin chicken breast
2 slices low-fat cheese
1 tbsp. mustard
Salad
1/2 cup chopped/diced cucumbers
1/2 cup chopped/diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon low-calorie non-cream dressing
1/2 cup fruit cocktail with no sugar
Snack
1/3 cup unsalted almonds
Dinner
3 oz. lean beef with 2 tbsp. fat-free, low sodium gravy
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Open Orthop J. 2016. A Qualitative Description of Chronic Neck Pain has Implications for Outcome Assessment and Classification. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5301418/
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015. Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Management of Cervical Radiculopathy: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4541004/
Eating healthy and spinal health are interconnected. Eating healthier will help to lose weight, and provide a healthier body mass index. This means more muscle mass, especially when integrated with more protein. The spine sustains and supports the whole torso and upper body. When weight increases in these areas it can cause an array of issues like subluxations, curvature problems, sciatica, and more. The extra muscle mass takes the added stress from any extra weight off of the spine. Strong muscles can carry the weight of the body, taking the pressure off the spine and keeping it healthy and operating in top form.
Making Healthy Adjustments
No matter where an individual is on their healthy eating plan, there are common practices that work for many and helps improve their diet. This involves integrating healthy food groups into the diet in different ways, and not giving up when mistakes are made, but learning from them. When developing new healthy habits it takes time, diligence, practice, and research to eat the right foods.
Fruits and Veggies
It is easier and tastier to forget the nutritious foods and go for the carbs, fats, etc. Rather than trying to add more vegetables, or eating fruit as a snack every day can be tough. An easier, and better way to integrate fruits and vegetables into one’s diet is to substitute the carbs and fats for fruits and veggies in the main meals every day.
This could be spiralized zucchini, squash, or no-carb spaghetti instead of pasta spaghetti.
Instead of ice cream try real fruit sorbet.
Mashed cauliflower instead of white rice or mashed potatoes.
There are plenty of substitutes that are healthier and just as tasty and as the real thing.
Healthy recipes out there that can give you ideas on how to do this.
The benefit of substituting fruits and vegetables, rather than just adding them to a diet is individuals increase their health by reducing unhealthy dietary elements and adding healthy new ones at the same time. However, this does not mean doing it all at once. The goal is to gradually substitute these nutritious foods into everyday dishes for maximum health benefits.
More Fiber and Protein
It is important that the body gets enough fiber and protein as a healthy energy source. Many individuals can become dependent on:
Ingesting unhealthy foods all day every day takes a significant toll on the body. This includes:
Blood sugar
Weight
Energy
Mood
Fiber and protein are important because the two regulate the body’s systems to promote healthy bodily functions.Fiber helps the digestive system and regulates carbohydrate breakdown. This means the energy obtained from any carb will last longer and will not increase blood sugar when integrated with fiber. Most individuals know that protein builds muscle. But it also makes the body feel full much longer than carbs or sugars do. This allows for natural regulation of how much is eaten during the day so an individual does not eat more than the body needs. Carbs and sugars are not filling and can become addictive. This means that they can be eaten all day long without feeling full and just load up with empty calories. A few ways to integrate fiber and protein into a diet:
Breakfast
Eggs
Turkey bacon
Whole wheat/multigrain toast
Lunch
Whole wheat wrap or sandwich
Dinner
Brown rice and beans are loaded with protein and fiber.
A great substitution for vegetarians/vegans for more protein or fiber
Reduce Sugar Intake
Reducing sugar intake or switching to balanced sugars from fruits, yogurt, etc. A diet high in sugar can wreck the body, causing:
Weight gain
Mood swings
Overeating
Other unhealthy effects
Sugar is fine when practiced in moderation. But when it becomes a daily habit, that’s when it can start affecting the body. The objective is to drink more water, and use substitutions when cravings present. Try:
Yogurt instead of ice cream
Healthy fruit drinks instead of soda
Tea instead of wine
Keep the indulgences to once or twice a week if possible.
Eating Healthy Benefits
A few of the benefits from eating healthy that will improve quality of life:
Improved digestive health
Weight loss
Reduced to no back pain
Reduced to no foot pain
Healthy sleep patterns
Less fatigue
Improved focus
Improved brain health
Clear skin
Reduced to no irritability
Body Composition
New Health Issues
Steady weight gain throughout life can lead to adult diabetes. This is brought on by more body fat and muscle loss. Loss of skeletal muscle mass is linked to insulin resistance. The less muscle is available, the less insulin sensitive the body becomes. Loss of muscle can cause other problems with age. One damaging condition, especially for women, is osteoporosis. This happens when old bone is reabsorbed rather than new bone being created. Both men and women can have decreased muscle mass with thinner, weaker bones. This increases the risk of osteoporosis and the risk of serious injury from falls. Prevention includes
Eat sufficient protein throughout the day. It is often best to space out protein intake across meals and not consume all at once to ensure the proper amount is being met daily. Regular body composition monitoring can help. The goal is to minimize muscle mass loss and fat mass gain as the body ages.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Cena, Hellas, and Philip C Calder. “Defining a Healthy Diet: Evidence for The Role of Contemporary Dietary Patterns in Health and Disease.” Nutrients vol. 12,2 334. 27 Jan. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12020334
Locke, Amy et al. “Diets for Health: Goals and Guidelines.” American family physician vol. 97,11 (2018): 721-728.
Warensjö Lemming, Eva, and Liisa Byberg. “Is a Healthy Diet Also Suitable for the Prevention of Fragility Fractures?.” Nutrients vol. 12,9 2642. 30 Aug. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12092642
Brain fog, memory problems, concentration, and the inability to form clear thoughts is an issue that many will face at some point. The progression of losing the ability to focus or think clearly can lead to decreased productivity with normal daily tasks, work, or taking care of a household. It can be a short-term issue experience caused by sleep deprivation or stress. However, if these issues are allowed to continue it can negatively change an individual’s quality of life.
Affected Productivity Factors
Causes that can lead to poor productivity include:
The underlying issue/s associated with brain function and the ability to focus are connected to the spine being out of alignment. Individuals often have poor spinal alignment without even realizing it is happening. It affects the body’s blood and nerve transmitting abilities to complete normal daily tasks. Chiropractic treatment is an expert-based approach that focuses on restoring spinal alignment to increase an individual’s health and brain function. Proper spinal alignment allows the nerves to relay messages clearly and optimally through the spinal cord to the brain. This allows for:
Clear thinking
Improved memory
Better decision making
Staying focused on tasks
Chiropractic Optimal Nerve Flow
When the central nervous system/brain/spinal cord is not transmitting properly it can lead to significant issues with concentration and productivity. When nerve energy and brain function is optimized productivity is improved. Research has shown that chiropractic can help:
Reduce the risk of disease
Prevent injuries
Prevent pain conditions
Improved quality of life
Chiropractic medicine can increase the ability to focus, optimize brain health, and more.
Body Composition
Tracing the sources of fatigue
There is a difference between being tired periodically from a long day and being tired daily. Being tired daily is also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is a fatigue condition that has lasted longer than 6 months. It is typical to experience many of the symptoms of fatigue that disrupt the ability to achieve health goals like:
Weight loss
Muscle gain
Maintaining body weight
Symptoms include:
Constantly tired
Reduced appetite
Moodiness
Reaction time slows down
Memory Loss
Dizziness
The nature of hectic daily schedules can allow sources of fatigue to pile up. The objective is to find a balance between home, work, physical activity, diet, etc. Chiropractic medicine and health coaching can help develop an optimal plan to get healthy.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Craniocervical Junction Disorder. USC Spine Center Web site. spine.keckmedicine.org/treatments-services/craniocervical-junction-disorder/. Accessed August 25, 2017.
Anderson, Brian, and Adam Pitsinger. “Improvement in chronic muscle fasciculations with dietary change: a suspected case of gluten neuropathy.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 13,3 (2014): 188-91. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2014.01.002
Ross, Amanda J, et al. “What is brain fog? An evaluation of the symptom in postural tachycardia syndrome.” Clinical autonomic research: official journal of the Clinical Autonomic Research Society vol. 23,6 (2013): 305-11. doi:10.1007/s10286-013-0212-z
When a machine isn’t working correctly because the mechanism’s parts have slipped, shifted, become loose, and are on the verge of breaking down, an expert/professional is called in to repair the damaged parts. The same can be said of the spine. From all the movement at home, work, shopping, activities the spine also compresses and falls out of place becoming misaligned. That’s when individuals need to call a chiropractor to repair/realign the spine. The spine is an integral component of the body’s functionality and health. This includes:
For the spine to operate at its best proper alignment is necessary. The spine is impacted by everyday activities that shift, jolt, bounce, and stress the spine. Exacerbating the regular wear and tear includes:
The head, shoulders, and spinal curves align from the side in general creating an S shape
Every individual’s spine varies significantly. This is why a professional chiropractic examination, diagnosis, and customized treatment plan will maximize spinal alignment and overall health.
Chiropractors are the Expert Repair Specialists
Chiropractors are specially trained at spotting spinal misalignment/s and repair. This is done non-invasively through manual adjustments and mobilization techniques. When the spine is in optimal alignment it will prevent and activate the body’s natural healing abilities. Once spinal alignment is achieved the chiropractor can help maintain proper alignment with exercise, health coaching, lifestyle adjustments, and nutrition to maximize individual health.
Body Composition
A partner, spouse, friend, co-worker, professional for maintaining health
Finding someone to share the highs and lows during an individual’s health journey will significantly help relieve stress and continue to be motivated. It can be a spouse, best friend, coworker, or licensed professional. When an individual vocalizes their thoughts and feelings, they gain confidence in their ability to handle whatever comes their way. This is an individual that will help navigate the negative emotions by listening and providing advice and encouragement.Take some time every week to share successes, failures, goals, etc. Whatever comes to mind to just get it out there so it can be evaluated and broken down into manageable parts. The great thing about sharing is that it can inspire positive changes.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Diebo, Bassel G et al. “Sagittal alignment of the spine: What do you need to know?.” Clinical neurology and neurosurgery vol. 139 (2015): 295-301. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2015.10.024
Caprara, Sebastiano et al. “Spinal sagittal alignment goals based on statistical modeling and musculoskeletal simulations.” Journal of biomechanics vol. 102 (2020): 109621. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2020.109621
Senzon, Simon A. “The Chiropractic Vertebral Subluxation Part 10: Integrative and Critical Literature From 1996 and 1997.” Journal of chiropractic humanities vol. 25 146-168. 6 Apr. 2019, doi:10.1016/j.echu.2018.10.008
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