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Chiropractic

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.


Chiropractic Helps With Stress, Posture, Mood, Immunity, and Sleep

Chiropractic Helps With Stress, Posture, Mood, Immunity, and Sleep

Chiropractic medicine is used as a standard musculoskeletal injury/strain treatment and for rehabilitation. Chiropractic helps with:

  • Different types of back pain
  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Arm pain
  • Hand pain
  • Leg pain
  • Foot pain

Chiropractic Helps With Stress, Posture, Mood, Immunity, and Sleep

Spine and nervous system health are essential for a properly functioning body and overall health. There are significant benefits of chiropractic care that can improve an individual’s overall quality of life and health. Chiropractic treatment can help:

Relieve Stress

Stress is natural in life, and it’s too much or poor management techniques that can cause pain and or injury. Chiropractic can improve how the body responds to stress. The nervous system is responsible for adapting the body to its environment, especially a stressful environment. Around 90% of the central nervous system travels down and through the spinal column. Spinal vertebral subluxations/misalignments can interfere with proper nerve flow disrupting body functions. Vertebral subluxation decreases the body’s ability to adapt to the environment. When this happens, stress can have a high adverse impact on the body’s health. An aligned spine along with an optimally operating nervous system helps the body to manage stress easier.

Improve Posture

Posture shifts affect spinal alignment and nerve function. The most common is Forward Head Posture/FHP. This is where the head shifts forward and down on the shoulders. This affects the natural curve in the neck, causing tension to form in the spinal cord. Improper ergonomics and overuse of electronic devices play a role in FHP. Chiropractic treatment helps and restores proper spinal alignment, significantly improving the body’s posture.

Elevate Mental Mood

Individuals in pain are often in a bad, sad, low mood reflecting their pain level. Balancing the body’s nervous system restores the balance of chemical flow in the body. Conditions like depression and ADHD have shown improvement with regular chiropractic care.

Strengthen Immune System Function

Spinal misalignment adversely affects the nervous system. The nervous system sends all the necessary information to different areas of the body. If the spine has been compromised, specific sites will not receive the vital signals required to function at full potential. This can affect any or all the systems in the body, especially the immune system. Chiropractic improves nerve flow to the organs of the immune system.

Enhance Thorough Sleep

Lack of sleep leads to all kinds of health issues. Lack of proper sleep can be from a nervous system that does not shut down, add pain, stress, and nightly symptoms do not allow the body to rest. Optimal spinal alignment relaxes the nervous system decreasing pain. Sleep improves over time, with individuals reporting reduced pain and an increase in health and wellness.


Body Composition


Gluten Effects

Gluten causes digestive issues/problems for individuals that have celiac disease or autoimmune thyroid disease. Individuals with these conditions that eat gluten foods can present with uncomfortable and painful effects. Symptoms can vary and have different classifications.

Classical Celiac Disease – CD

Classical celiac disease presents with symptoms that include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Discolored stools
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Pain
  • Weight loss

However, these symptoms are more common in children with CD than adults. In adults, symptoms are more similar to those in non-classical celiac disease.

Non-Classical Celiac Disease

Non-classical celiac disease symptoms may not present with severe digestive symptoms as in classical CD but suffer from other symptoms. These include:

Silent Celiac Disease

Silent CD is less visible. There might not be any symptoms, but damage to the intestines is still occurring.

References

Khodakarami, Nima. “Treatment of Patients with Low Back Pain: A Comparison of Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Manipulation.” Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 8,1 44. 24 Feb. 2020, doi:10.3390/healthcare8010044

Rubinstein, Sidney M et al. “Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 364 l689. 13 Mar. 2019, doi:10.1136/bmj.l689

Urits, Ivan et al. “A Comprehensive Review of Alternative Therapies for the Management of Chronic Pain Patients: Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, and Chiropractic Care.” Advances in therapy vol. 38,1 (2021): 76-89. doi:10.1007/s12325-020-01554-0

Using Heat and Ice For A Pinched Nerve

Using Heat and Ice For A Pinched Nerve

Most if not all of us have probably used heat and/or ice on a sprain, strain, or sore area of the body. Having a pinched nerve, however, has a different feeling than a sprain or strain. Chiropractic treatment for a pinched nerve is recommended, but if the pain isn’t too bad, then home care can work. Which is better for a pinched nerve, heat or ice? Both. Using heat and ice helps reduce swelling, increases blood flow to the area, and relaxes the muscles around the pinched nerve. The objective is to know when to use ice and/or heat.

Using Heat and Ice For A Pinched Nerve

Applying Heat on a Pinched Nerve

Applying heat on a pinched nerve is fine. The general guideline for a pinched nerve is to use heat only after the pain has subsided/reduced.

  • When pain presents or flares up, use ice before using heat.
  • Do not apply heat to the area directly after applying ice.
  • Wait 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Keep the heat on the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
  • Take a minimum 30-minute break between sessions.
  • If the heat helps, make the heat moderate and use it on the area for an hour or more.
  • Extended heat therapy is beneficial for severe pain from a pinched nerve.
  • The equivalent is like soaking in a hot bath.

Heat for a Pinched Nerve Benefits

  • Heat soothes and relaxes both the muscles and the mind.
  • Heat increases healing abilities by circulating new blood to the injured/affected area, helping to flush toxins away.
  • Decreases tension and spasms in the muscles.
  • Increases the range of motion in the joints.

When Not To Use Heat Therapy

It can be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Conditions include:

  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Diabetes
  • Vascular disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Consult a doctor if unsure.

Applying Ice

Tips to safely use ice on a pinched nerve.

  • Keep the ice pack on for 15-20 minutes at a time, then remove.
  • Take an hour break between icing sessions.
  • Ice massage, apply ice directly to the affected area for 5 minutes at a time using circular, massaging motions.

Ice for a Pinched Nerve Benefits

  • Relieves pain quickly by numbing the area.
  • Reduces swelling by slowing blood flow to the area.
  • Cools the muscle fibers.
  • Reduces muscle spasms.

When Not To Use Ice

  • Individuals, especially those who have difficulty feeling pain, can damage the skin with an ice pack.
  • Those with diabetes should take special care, as nerve damage can make it hard to feel or discern pain.
  • If trying to relieve soreness and/or stiffness in joints or muscles, use heat instead.

Making a Pinched Nerve Worse

A pinched nerve can become worse. Examples of things to avoid when managing a pinched nerve.

  • Lifting heavy objects.
  • Making sudden, twisting, shifting, jerking movements.
  • Engaging in high-intensity or high-speed exercise.
  • Engaging in contact sports.
  • Sitting too much.
  • Laying down too much.
  • Not consulting a doctor or chiropractor if the pain continues.

Home Remedies and Prevention

A few other home remedies and prevention tips for a pinched nerve.

  • Practice maintaining proper posture.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
  • Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods.
  • Get 7 to 8 hours of healthy sleep.
  • Get a professional therapeutic massage.
  • Incorporate stretching and or yoga.
  • If home remedies don’t work, know when to consult a chiropractor.

Doctors of chiropractic specialize in pinched/compressed nerves. A chiropractor is trained in different techniques to relieve the pressure and release the nerve back to its proper position.


Body Composition


Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease or PAD is the narrowing of the arteries that carry blood away from the heart to the other areas of the body. What to know about PAD:

  • Peripheral artery disease risks increase with age.
  • Over half of affected individuals do not present with symptoms.
  • Around one-fourth of individuals with peripheral artery disease have diabetes mellitus.
  • Smokers have an increased risk of developing PAD.
  • This is why it’s important to monitor blood pressure.
References

Chandler, Anne, et al. “Using heat therapy for pain management. (clinical practice).” Nursing Standard, vol. 17, no. 9, 13 Nov. 2002, pp. 40+. Accessed 15 Sept. 2021.

Edzard Ernst, Veronika Fialka, Ice freezes pain? A review of the clinical effectiveness of analgesic cold therapy, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Volume 9, Issue 1, 1994, Pages 56-59, ISSN 0885-3924, https://doi.org/10.1016/0885-3924(94)90150-3.

Shu, Jun, and Gaetano Santulli. “Update on peripheral artery disease: Epidemiology and evidence-based facts.” Atherosclerosis vol. 275 (2018): 379-381. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.05.033

Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups Management

Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups Management

Managing rheumatoid arthritis is an ongoing balancing act. Flare-ups can still present despite following the rheumatologist’s lifestyle instructions, proper medication use, and a well-maintained RA plan. Monitoring daily activities can help minimize the chances of experiencing episodes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups Management

Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups

A rheumatoid arthritis flare-up is a short-term escalation of arthritis symptoms. A flare-up can go away within a day or can persist for several weeks or months. A flare-up usually involves joint stiffness and pain but can also present as any symptoms worsening. If the flare-up is severe, it can affect the ability to perform regular everyday activities.

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary, and not every person experiences the same. Most individuals describe flare-ups with a sudden increase in:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Limited joint mobility
  • Fatigue
  • Symptoms that feel like the flu.
  • Frequency and severity can also vary.

Back Pain Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect many joints. It is the inflammation of a joint’s synovial membrane. These include the facet joints in the spine. The most commonplace in the spine affected by rheumatoid arthritis is the upper neck, around the base of the skull. The joints at the top of the neck get inflamed and can become unstable or form abnormal tissue that sticks out and compress the spinal cord.

Triggers

Several potential flare-up triggers include:

  • Stress
  • Not getting enough sleep
  • Medication changes
  • Injury
  • Excessive physical activity and/or exercise
  • Repetitive overuse injury
  • Smoking
  • Spinal infections

Airborne toxins can also be a trigger to a flare-up. Substances include chemicals like household cleaners. Switching to organic and environmentally safe cleaners can help. Airborne toxins are a concern in densely populated cities and areas that experience air pollution and smog. To minimize risks, staying indoors during times of poor air quality is recommended.

However, flare-ups can happen without an identifiable trigger. Certain foods can increase inflammation and could contribute to a flare-up, including:

Avoiding these foods and following a diet that has been developed to prevent symptoms will help significantly. The objective is to learn to identify an RA flare-up to moderate activities accordingly.

Prevention

Managing any chronic medical condition is challenging, especially when trying to predict when a flare-up will happen. There is not a foolproof strategy for prevention, but advice that can help minimize the risks of an RA flare-up.

Understand that the disease can change over time. This means changes in medications and the need for multi-approach treatment. Learning healthy self-care techniques will go a long way in managing symptoms.


Body Composition


Antioxidants protection

Metabolic processes, like energy production, and environmental pollution, can result in free radical production. These are highly reactive molecules that can damage the body’s cells and lead to oxidative stress. This can develop into a disease, including heart disease. The body has natural protective mechanisms to neutralize free radical molecules, including glutathione, which is the body’s top antioxidant. If glutathione becomes depleted because of increased free radicals, the body switches to dietary antioxidants from food as a secondary defense.

Antioxidant therapy is a promising treatment for oxidative stress.

Fruit and Plant Sources

Fruits and veggies like:

  • Berries
  • Dark-colored grapes
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Carrots
  • All are great sources of antioxidants.
References

Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.) “Understanding rheumatoid arthritis flares.” https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/understanding-rheumatoid-arthritis-flares

Pham-Huy, Lien Ai et al. “Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health.” International Journal of biomedical science: IJBS vol. 4,2 (2008): 89-96.

Hamstring Syndrome, Sciatica, and Chiropractic

Hamstring Syndrome, Sciatica, and Chiropractic

The hamstring muscles are three muscles in the back of the thigh. The sciatic nerve goes through or around and down the legs into the feet. Hamstring syndrome is a condition where injury or spasm apply pressure compressing the sciatic nerve.

  • The nerve can become pinched between the hamstring muscles and the pelvic bone or the band of tissue that connects the hamstring muscles.
  • This can cause discomfort, tingling, numbness, and pain down the back of the leg, hip, buttock, and into the foot.
  • Pain can present when sitting down or stretching the hamstrings.
  • Pain reduces when lying flat on the back.

Hamstring Syndrome, Sciatica, and Chiropractic

Hamstring syndrome

This condition could be the result of wearing and tearing to the back muscles and hamstring muscles. It is often seen in individuals that play sports involving running, kicking, and/or jumping. But it can happen to anyone from some awkward leg motion causing the muscles to spasm that can twist around the sciatic nerve or pull on it, causing various symptoms. A doctor or chiropractor will diagnose the condition by examining the symptoms, physical activities, and leg. Most individuals diagnosed with hamstring syndrome report discomfort or pain where they sit down. The pain gradually worsens when performing physical activities, regularly sitting, and when flexing the knee. Hamstring syndrome usually gets better within a few weeks with proper rest and home care. A doctor or chiropractor will recommend exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles.

Home care

  • Ask the doctor or chiropractor about taking over-the-counter pain medication:
  • Acetaminophen – Tylenol
  • Ibuprofen – Advil, Motrin
  • Naproxen – Aleve
  • Read and follow all label instructions.
  • Use an ice pack on the pain area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
  • Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for 3 days or until the swelling goes down.
  • After 2 or 3 days, if the swelling is gone, apply heat.
  • Use a warm water bottle, heating pad, or warm cloth over the area.
  • Avoid sitting if possible, unless it feels better than standing.
  • Take short walks to keep the muscles stretched.
  • Don’t do anything that causes symptoms to worsen.
  • Return to normal physical activities slowly.
  • If symptoms do not improve, then contact a doctor or chiropractor.

Body Composition


Short-term effects of coffee

  • Coffee increases short-term blood pressure slightly.
  • Caffeine falls under stimulants, or substances that excite the systems throughout the body.
  • Ingesting caffeine can cause the body to experience increased excitement, especially in the cardiovascular system.
  • This excitement causes the heart rate and blood pressure to rise
  • Then it lowers back down to baseline levels for most healthy individuals.
  • It is recommended to drink coffee in moderation, safe for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
References

de Ridder, Roel et al. “Neurodynamic sliders promote flexibility in tight hamstring syndrome.” European journal of sports science vol. 20,7 (2020): 973-980. doi:10.1080/17461391.2019.1675770

Matsuda, Dean K. “Editorial Commentary: Proximal Hamstring Syndrome: Another Pain in the Buttock.” Arthroscopy: the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery: official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association vol. 34,1 (2018): 122-125. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2017.08.260

Park, Jung Wee et al. “Deep gluteal syndrome as a cause of posterior hip pain and sciatica-like pain.” The bone & joint journal vol. 102-B,5 (2020): 556-567. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.102B5.BJJ-2019-1212.R1

Relaxing The Low Back Muscles

Relaxing The Low Back Muscles

Relaxing the low back muscles. The low back supports the weight of the upper body and provides mobility. The lumbar spine/low back is a complex structure of interconnecting:

  • Bones
  • Joints
  • Nerves
  • Ligaments
  • Muscles
  • All work together to provide support, strength, and flexibility.

However, this complex structure is highly susceptible to injury and pain. The muscles in the low back support the spinal column and are responsible for flexing, rotating the hips when walking. The nerves in the low back supply sensation and power the muscles in the pelvis, legs, and feet. The most common acute low back pain cases are brought on from injury to the:

  • Muscles
  • Ligaments
  • Joints
  • Discs

The body also reacts to injury by triggering an inflammatory response. Inflammation can cause severe pain. The key is relaxing the muscles and keeping them loose.

Relaxing The Low Back Muscles

Lower back pain causes

The most common cause is muscle spasms, which can be triggered by:

  • Constant improper posture
  • Repetitive and overuse motions
  • Chronic inflammation brought on by underlying condition/s
  • Quick awkward movements like twisting, reaching, and/or bending at the wrong angle can set off pain symptoms.
  • If the same back muscles are getting strained and/or pulled continuously, this could indicate an underlying problem with a misaligned vertebra.

Correct improper postures

Improper posture and body positioning eventually present with discomfort and pain. Individuals are constantly hunched over and slumped in front of computers and devices, along with sitting with crossed legs, sleeping on a non-supportive mattress, and there is a perfect recipe for low back pain. Adjusting sitting, desk, and computer ergonomics and using smart devices with posture awareness will go a long way to correct improper posture.

Stretch and loosen tight muscles

Stretch out throughout the day and before going to bed. Sitting all day at work, then going home and sitting all evening is not healthy for the body’s muscles. The muscles shorten, as do the ligaments and tendons. Stretching keeps the body loose and limber. Try out different forms of stretching, as well as foam rolling for the back.

Get the body moving

Cramped or pulled muscles need time to recover. Too much rest or being completely inactive makes sense but is not recommended. Light movement keeps the blood flowing, especially in and around the injured/sore area. This increases healing and shortens recovery time.  Just some light walking is recommended. Getting up and moving while relaxing around the house will get the muscles back in shape.


Body Composition


Benefits of collagen

Gastrointestinal Health

Collagen generates a protective barrier effect on the intestinal mucosa that lines the digestive tract. One study found that collagen supplementation protects against the breakdown of the intestinal wall after a burn injury. A lack of collagen from aging or other factors could impair the structure of the intestinal mucosa. This could lead to digestive problems like leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome.

Joint Health and Mobility

Collagen provides structure and cushion in the joints. As the body ages, the cushion wears down, and joint mobility decreases. This increases the risk of injury. Taking collagen supplements can help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions.

References

Finta, Regina et al. “The effect of diaphragm training on lumbar stabilizer muscles: a new concept for improving segmental stability in the case of low back pain.” Journal of pain research vol. 11 3031-3045. 28 Nov. 2018, doi:10.2147/JPR.S181610

Lugo, James P et al. “Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement in modulating knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” Nutrition journal vol. 15 14. 29 Jan. 2016, doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0130-8

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Pain: Hope Through Research. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Pain-Hope-Through-Research. June 9, 2017.

Tension In The Neck, Relief and Motion Restored With Chiropractic

Tension In The Neck, Relief and Motion Restored With Chiropractic

Muscle tension in the neck is a common musculoskeletal disorder.  The neck is made up of flexible muscles that support the weight of the head. The muscles can experience injury and irritation from overuse and poor posture habits. Worn joints or compressed nerves can cause neck pain, but muscle spasms or soft tissue injuries commonly cause neck tension. Neck tension can present suddenly or progress slowly. Sleeping in an awkward position or straining the neck while engaged/involved in some activity can cause muscles to tense up. Chronic neck tension that comes and goes over the course of weeks or months could have a cause that goes unnoticed, like teeth grinding or being in a hunched position for extended periods.

Tension In The Neck, Relief and Motion Restored With Chiropractic

Symptoms of neck tension

Symptoms can come on suddenly or progressively. These include:

  • Stiffness
  • Tightness
  • Spasms
  • Turning the head is difficult
  • Discomfort and/or pain worsens with certain positions

Causes

Because the neck can move in many directions, there are various causes of tension in the neck. These include:

Repetitive motion or overuse injuries

Individuals whose work requires repetitive movements like scanning objects, looking up and behind constantly can strain the muscles.

Improper posture

An adult’s head weighs 10 to 11 pounds. If the weight is not properly distributed and supported with a healthy posture, the neck muscles have to work harder, causing strain.

Computer workstation habits

Individuals that sit at a desk or workstation for most of the day or night can develop hunching habits that they may overlook. This can definitely cause neck muscles to strain.

Phone habits

Constantly looking down at the phone is a common cause of tension in the neck and text neck.

Grinding teeth

When individuals grind or clench their teeth, pressure is placed on the muscles in the neck and jaw. This pressure strains the muscles, causing pain. There are exercises to promote more relaxed jaw muscles.

Physical activities and sports

Working out in a way that engages the neck muscles or whipping the head around during a game or some physical activity can cause minor neck injury and strain.

Sleep position habits

When sleeping, the head and neck should be aligned with the rest of the body. Using large pillows that elevate the neck too much can cause tension to build up while sleeping.

Heavy purses, backpacks, shoulder bags

Lifting and carrying any heavy object can throw the body out of alignment. This can cause strain on one side of the neck, building tension.

Stress

Psychological stress impacts the whole body. When stressed, individuals can inadvertently tense up and strain their muscles.

Tension headaches

These are mild to moderate headaches that typically affect the forehead. However, these types of headaches can cause neck tension and tenderness.

Prevention

Making simple adjustments can help relieve, manage, and prevent tension in the neck and shoulders. These include:

Ergonomics

Consider a standing desk. Adjust the workstation so that proper posture along with comfort is maintained. Try different adjustments like the height of the chair, desk, and computer.

Be aware of body posture.

Stay aware of the body’s posture when sitting and standing. Keep the ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line. Consider phone posture reminders and devices to check in with how you’re holding yourself throughout the day.

Take breaks throughout the day.

Take breaks that will move the body and stretch the neck and upper body. This benefits the muscles, eyes, and mental health.

Sleep position

Improve sleeping positions with a smaller, flatter, firmer pillow.

Reduce weight from the shoulders

Utilize a rolling bag instead of carrying heavy bags and backpacks, and only carry what is necessary.

Movement

Try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise/physical activity a day to keep the body in healthy condition.

Meditation and stretching

Practicing yoga or meditation along with stretching out helps reduce psychological and physical stress. Yoga can count as daily exercise.

Doctor or Dentist

If chronic neck tension is presenting, see a doctor or chiropractor. Consult a dentist about teeth grinding or temporomandibular joint TMJ disorder treatments.

Neck stretches

To relieve tension in the neck, try some neck stretches.

Chin to chest stretch

  • Sitting or standing.
  • Clasp the hands on top of the head, elbows pointing outward.
  • Gently pull down the chin to the chest
  • Hold for 30 seconds.

Seated neck stretch

  • Sit with the feet touching the ground.
  • Hold the seat with the left hand
  • With the right hand on top of the head.
  • Gently pull your head to the right, so the ear almost touches the shoulder.
  • Hold for 30 seconds
  • Repeat on the opposite side.

Body Composition


The Immune System

The Immune System is essential in maintaining health. Its objective is to:

  • Neutralize pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria that enter the body and threaten homeostasis.
  • Eliminate harmful substances from the environment.
  • Fight against cells that cause illnesses like cancer.

Innate and adaptive immune processes.

  • The innate system includes exterior defenses, like the skin, proteins, and white blood cells.
  • Any organisms that escape the first line of defense have to then face the adaptive system. This is made up of T and B cells.
  • The adaptive immune system is constantly adapting and evolving to identify changes in pathogens change over time.
  • These systems work together to provide resistance and the elimination of long-term survival of infectious agents in the body.
References

Chaplin, David D. “Overview of the immune response.” The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology vol. 125,2 Suppl 2 (2010): S3-23. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2009.12.980

Hawk, Cheryl et al. “Best Practices for Chiropractic Management of Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 26,10 (2020): 884-901. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0181

Hughes, Stephen Fôn et al. “The role of phagocytic leukocytes following flexible ureterorenoscopy, for the treatment of kidney stones: an observational, clinical pilots-study.” European journal of medical research vol. 25,1 68. 11 Dec. 2020, doi:10.1186/s40001-020-00466-7

Levoska, S. “Jännitysniska” [Tension neck]. Duodecim; laaketieteellinen aikakauskirja vol. 107,12 (1991): 1003-8.

Scoliosis and Hip Pain

Scoliosis and Hip Pain

Scoliosis causes the spinal curvature to go sideways and can cause various symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is scoliosis hip pain. This happens because the spine’s curvature can pull the hips out of alignment, causing one side to be raised higher than the other. A result of this is one hip begins to take on more weight. This overloads the hip causing strain, soreness, aches, and pain, especially after standing or walking.

Scoliosis and Hip Pain

Scoliosis Hip Pain

Idiopathic scoliosis typically occurs in children, but often there are no pain symptoms. This type of scoliosis can go on unnoticed and undiagnosed for years even until adulthood. When the spine stops growing, even a small scoliosis curve can cause hip pain. The hip pain varies but generally presents with:

  • Sharp pain.
  • Throbbing pain.
  • Pain that increases with activity like walking, running, standing for a long time.
  • Stiffness with combined pain after sitting or lying down for a long time.
  • Sciatica.
  • Numbness.
  • Tingling.
  • Tight hip flexors.

The amount of pain depends on:

  • The misalignment severity.
  • The type of scoliosis – degenerative or idiopathic.
  • Bodyweight. Individuals that are obese are more likely to have severe hip pain because of the added weight.
  • Activity level. Physical activity can cause the pain to worsen.
  • Lifestyle.
  • It varies from person to person.

The Higher Hip

When scoliosis has progressed enough, the curvature and uneven hips are pretty apparent. However, only around 10% of scoliosis cases get this far. If the curvature is minimal, which is usually the case, trying to determine which hip is higher usually requires medical assistance.

  • The hip that presents with pain is generally the one taking on more weight.
  • This causes the muscles to fatigue faster and places added stress on that hip joint.
  • A way to tell which hip is higher stand on bare feet in front of a mirror holding a piece of yarn, or string with both hands.
  • Place the heel of each hand on the corresponding hip bone.
  • The string will be tilted if the hips are uneven or will be straight if they are not.

Adult Scoliosis

Hip pain caused by scoliosis is most common in adults. However, it is not the only cause of hip pain. Unless diagnosed with scoliosis as a child, individuals may be suffering from de novo scoliosis or degenerative scoliosis.

De Novo/Degenerative Scoliosis

As the body ages, the spinal discs between the vertebrae begin to wear down. The worn-down discs can cause the spine to develop a sideways curve, that can pull the hips out of alignment. Studies are showing that this type of scoliosis is widespread. Loss of bone density can be a contributor to scoliosis in older adults. Bone density loss from menopause means women are more susceptible than men. Past the age of 70, both men and women lose on average, the same amount of bone density. There are effective integrative, natural treatment therapies that incorporate:

  • Exercises
  • Nutrition
  • Posture correction
  • Chiropractic
  • Physical therapy

Scoliosis Hip Exercises

For uneven hips, there are exercises to help relieve pain and strengthen weak muscles.

Hip Stretch

  • Lie on the back with both legs straight out.
  • Lift the right leg
  • Using the hands pull the knee toward you, keeping the foot pointed up.
  • Pull the knee to your chest as far as you can without causing discomfort or pain.
  • Hold for 5 to 8 seconds.
  • Release.
  • Switch to the other leg.
  • Repeat 4 to 6 times on each leg.

Wide Leg Stretch

  • Sit on the floor with the legs as wide as they can go.
  • With the right hand, reach toward the left foot, touching if possible.
  • Return to the original position.
  • With the left hand, reach toward the right foot.
  • Repeat 6 to 8 times.

Chiropractic

If misaligned and uneven hips are causing pain, chiropractic care for scoliosis is recommended. Spine and hip realignments help relieve pain, stretch the muscles, and corrects posture. One study showed that multi-approach chiropractic for adult scoliosis was found to be beneficial even two years after treatment was finished. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help with recommending nutrition and lifestyle tips. Instead of just treating symptoms, our team helps manage the cause.


Body Composition


Body Analysis for Disease Prevention

Early identification of disease is imperative for developing the proper treatment plan. Testing can help improve long-term health outcomes. Testing is made easy with the data being easily implemented into patient management software. A comprehensive printout is ready for engaging and educating patients in understanding health risk management and reduction. In 60 seconds, an InBody Test will generate easy-to-understand, accurate, and objective measurements to evaluate potential disease risk. Medical providers can use the InBody to:

  • Monitor muscle, and visceral fat to provide an accurate measure of health risk.
  • Monitor muscle distribution to determine specific health risks related to diseases.
  • Identify fluid imbalances associated with certain diseases.
  • Track changes for effective long-term risk identification and reduction.
References

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0701/p111.html#afp20010701p111-b1

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00586-020-06453-0.pdf

https://www.healthline.com/health/uneven-hips

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1556370711000915

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