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.
There are other causes of sciatica that are not spine-related. It is sometimes called non-spinal pathology, which means not related to the spine. The most common cause of sciatic pain is a herniated disc. Non-spine-related causes of sciatica can imitate/copy the symptoms of a herniated disc in the low back. When a lumbar herniated disc causes sciatica, people typically report a sudden onset of pain with leg pain worse than any back pain that might be present. In addition to pain in the leg, there are also reports of leg weakness, numbness, and tingling. Leg pain becomes worse after:
Long periods of sitting/standing
Forward bending
Body maneuvers that increase pressure in intervertebral discs
Coughing
Sneezing
Individuals also report when lying down and the spine is extended the back pain reduces and alleviates the pain. Determining the source of sciatica pain correctly means that it is important to:
Characterize the activities leading up to when the symptoms first presented
Location of the pain
Associated factors that reduce and worsen the pain
Medical history
Because there are quite a few non-spine-related causes, it can be helpful to keep in mind:
The way the sciatic nerve runs through the lower body. It starts in the lower lumbar and upper sacral nerve roots. It exits through the pelvis and runs down the back of the thigh to the knee where it branches out into nerves that provide the motor and sensory functions to the legs and feet.
Non-spinal sciatica causes. Non-spinal causes usually are the result of irritation of the nerve itself. The most common ways to irritate the nerve is compression, traction, or injury.
Symptoms perceived as sciatica may not be related to the nerve at all. Injury/s to structures close to the nerve, like the hip, can copy symptoms caused by irritation of the nerve.
Hip joint disorders can emulate sciatica symptoms
Because the sciatic nerve is close to the hip joint, an injury to the hip could resemble symptoms of sciatica. Whatever the cause of the hip injury, those with hip pathology often report pain in the groin, upper thigh, and buttocks. The pain gets worse with activity, specifically bending, and rotation of the hip.
Leg pain that turns into a limp when walking means that more likely the hip, and not the lower back, is the cause of the leg pain. X-rays and if necessary MRIs of the hip can help in determining if the hip is the cause of leg pain. An example of hip pathology that mimics spine-related sciatica:
Hip Osteoarthritis
This is characterized by the loss of cartilage. This results in the narrowing of the ball and socket joint. Individuals with arthritis of the spine and hip, a doctor could use a steroid injection as a therapeutic providing pain relief and a diagnostic to help identify the root cause/pain generator.
Osteonecrosis
The femoral head can collapse from a lack of blood flow. Risk factors include:
Alcohol abuse
Sickle cell disease
Chronic steroid use
Femoral neck fracture
Hip dislocation
Femoroacetabular Impingement
This can stem from constant abnormal rubbing between the femoral neck and acetabulum from a bone deformity of the femur, or the acetabulum. Hip impingement at the joint can start the onset of arthritis along with tears of the labrum. This is cartilage that surrounds the hip joint and provides stability.
Trochanteric Bursitis
There are fluid-filled sacs called bursas/bursae that help decrease friction between the bones, surrounding tendons, and muscles. They are at multiple locations on the body. Bursitis means that the bursa is inflamed and can be quite painful. The greater trochanter is a bony outward bump that extends from the femur. Trochanteric bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa that separates the greater trochanter with the muscles and tendons of the thigh. Common symptoms are pain on the outside of the thigh that worsens by pressing on the area and can interfere with proper sleep when lying on the affected side.
Femoral Neck Stress Fracture
Incomplete fracture/s of the femoral neck typically occur in individuals that walk or run long distances regularly like runners and soldiers. The pain is usually focused around the groin and can be subtle when it presents. Walking or running makes the pain worse.
Sacroiliac joints and fractures
The sacroiliac joints connect the spine to the pelvis. There are two joints, one on either side of the sacrum. While they are relatively immobile, they go through tremendous force doing routine daily activities. Sacroiliac joint pathology that can mimic spine-related sciatica include:
Sacroiliitis
This is inflammation of the sacroiliac joints. The pain presents in a slow fashion with no obvious injury or cause. The pain is usually localized to the buttocks and can radiate down the back of the thigh. It is believed to be caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve by the inflammatory molecules in the sacroiliac joint or could present as referred pain from the joint. This is pain that is detected in a location other than the area of the pain generator. The pain reduces with light walking.
Sacral Fracture
A fracture of the sacrum can occur in those with a weakened bone after a minor injury and without trauma. Risk factors include:
Advanced age
Osteoporosis
Chronic steroid use
Rheumatoid arthritis
Vitamin D deficiency.
The pain usually localizes in the low back that radiates to the buttocks, or groin, and worsens with activity.
Trauma-related
Trauma to the pelvis or thigh can definitely cause sciatica pain and symptoms. With high-energy injuries, it is possible for the nerve roots of the sciatic nerve to get pulled or torn. More common causes include:
Posterior hip dislocation
Pelvic fracture
The hamstring muscles are in close proximity to the sciatic nerve. A torn hamstring can irritate the sciatic nerve either through direct compression from the localized bleeding known as a hematoma or from an inflammatory response triggered when the injury happened.
Penetrating trauma
If some sharp object like a tool or shrapnel penetrates any area where the sciatic nerve is, it could cause sciatica by cutting the nerve. Or the object tears the nerve, known as a laceration. Most cases of trauma-induced sciatica result from a mild form of nerve injury known as neuropraxia. This is an injury that temporarily blocks nerve function. Neuropraxia can develop from the shock waves that surround the object as it travels through the tissue.
Benign tumors and metastatic cancer
Discovering cancer during diagnosis for sciatica is rare. Symptoms that increase the possibility of cancer being the cause include:
Cancer in medical history
50 years and older
Leg pain that goes on through the night
No relief from lying on the back
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
When back pain presents in a subtle fashion without a history of trauma or injury and is not affected by activity or changes in position can also suggest cancer as the cause. Tumors usually cause sciatica by applying direct compression on the nerve. They can be benign or malignant. Tumor/s can arise from the sciatic nerve itself:
Shingles is a painful rash that occurs on one side of the body. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can lie dormant in nerve cells for years without causing any symptoms. Older individuals and individuals with underlying conditions in an immunocompromised state can cause the virus to activate. If the virus reactivates around the buttock and thigh, it can feel like sciatica. The presence of a red rash with blisters around the painful area is consistent with shingles.
Childbirth and endometriosis
During pregnancy, the pelvis can become compressed between the growing baby and the bones in the pelvis. Also, having the hips and knees flexed and supported in stirrups too long can also cause sciatica. However, pregnancy-related sciatica is often temporary.
A less common cause that occurs in women is endometriosis. Endometriosis is the growth of tissue somewhere other than the uterus, usually the ovaries and fallopian tubes. In some cases, this tissue can accumulate around the sciatic nerve or the nerve itself. As the tissue responds to the changes taking place during a normal menstrual cycle, recurrent sciatica pain can present.
Vascular diagnoses
Arteries and veins in the pelvis and lower extremities that have become abnormal can cause sciatica. Either through compression or lack of oxygen from poor blood flow. An aneurysm can happen when the wall of the artery weakens and cannot withstand the pressure of the blood flowing through. This enlarges the artery and in some cases, the artery grows large enough to compress the nerve.
Peripheral artery disease can cause sciatica when not enough blood is circulated from the heart to the muscles in the legs. If not enough oxygen is delivered to the muscles, leg pain and numbness can occur. It’s called claudication and is characterized by pain that is aggravated when walking and relieved when standing still. Risk factors for peripheral artery disease include:
Smokers both current and those who have quit
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetic
Diabetes/high blood sugar
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy happens from nerve damage caused by high blood sugar. Nerves that are exposed to chronic high blood sugar can get damaged from the disruption of proper blood flow or from an alteration of the cellular structure of the nerve.
Prescription meds
Nerve and muscle damage can happen as a side effect from prescription meds. Neuropathy and myopathy can cause symptoms that mimic sciatica brought on by disc herniation. Sometimes, if the medication is no longer taken the symptoms go away. The list of medications include:
Chemotherapy agents
Antibiotics
Statins medication to help lower cholesterol
Piriformis syndrome and back pocket wallets
The piriformis muscle originates on the sacrum, runs through the sciatic notch, shown above, and attaches the top of the femur. The sciatic notch also includes the sciatic nerve. Piriformis syndrome is caused when the piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve. Individuals typically report pain in the buttocks that shoots down the same leg and is made worse when sitting. Piriformis syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, but physical exam maneuvers have been developed in aiding the diagnosis of the syndrome. They involve some form of hip abduction resistance and external rotation to cause a contraction of the piriformis muscle.
Back pocket wallet
Also known as wallet neuritis, and wallet sciatica are terms that have been used to describe compression of the sciatic nerve by a heavy/bulky wallet in a back pocket. It is similar to symptoms of piriformis syndrome and presents in the buttocks and the same leg that can get aggravated from sitting. Usually, if the wallet is the sole cause, taking the wallet from the back pocket to another pocket or other storage option often brings pain relief.
Conclusion non-spine related causes
While the majority of sciatica cases are caused by a back problem, injury, etc. There are various causes outside of the spinal column. Being able to describe the:
Location
Pain severity
Associated symptoms
Factors that aggravate and alleviate the pain
These can absolutely help your doctor, chiropractor, specialist accurately diagnose and generate an optimal customized treatment plan for spine-related or non-spine-related sciatica.
Chiropractors & Sciatica Syndrome Expose
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Essential oils for back pain could be a treatment option as long as they are used correctly. Although their popularity has grown, people are still divided when it comes to their effectiveness. The common questions that arise are, do these plant-based oils have the power to alleviate pain, or are they just a placebo?
Oils
They are essentially chemicals extracted from various plants. They are aromatic, and as far as chemical compounds go they can easily enter the air allowing for inhalation. Doctors have been asked for their opinions on essential oils. And they agree that they can be effective. However, it is something that is difficult to prove scientifically. Currently, there is not a great deal of research to turn to prove that they work. One reason is that it�s difficult to do this type of study.
But there are some reliable studies. An example is a study found that using essential oils as aromatherapy can significantly reduce pain. Another study found orange oilspecifically to relieve pain. There is more developing research that suggests certain oils applied as a topical agent to the low back, like wintergreen or peppermint, they act as an alternativepain reducer to traditional meds that cause side effects.
Definitely more research needs to be done to become a standard form of care. And they can be it just depends on what it’s for. For example, can they cure cancer? No. Can they help with the symptoms? Yes. Certain oils have anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties. Patients have reported aromatherapy and oils applied topically has helped them with their pain. But, just like anything, it is different for everybody.
When to use
Back pain/conditions that are appropriate for essential oils would be chronic, low-level pain. With any type of numbness, weakness, bowel/bladder dysfunction, or severe, incapacitating pain, go to the hospital, emergency clinic, etc. If pain symptoms do not improve within three to five days, make an appointment with a doctor, chiropractor, or spine specialist.
Always check with a healthcare physician before starting an essential oil regimen. This is to make sure there are no adverse effects or complications. It is essential to see a doctor or spine specialist making sure a serious condition is not the cause of the back pain. Severe conditions should not be treated with only essential oils. Oils are considered to be a small part of a larger integrative treatment plan. This includes:
Allopathic therapies
Physical therapy
Mind-body
Exercises
Sleep
Anti-inflammatory diet
Use for back pain
Once a doctor clears an individual to use essential oils, adding them to a back-care treatment plan can be done in two ways.
Aromatherapy, with the use of a diffuser to release into the air, allowing for inhalation.
Topical agent in the form of a salve, lotion, or cream, and massaged into the pain area
There are combined aromatic salves and lotions that appeal to patients. An example is an aromatherapy combined with calming lavender oil. Oils that are used to alleviate back pain:
Lavender is an excellent choice as an aromatherapy
Orange
For a topical agent:
Ginger
Camphor
Menthol
Rosemary
Wintergreen
Mint
What to Know
Choosing the topical option means the oil needs to be diluted as undiluted oil can cause a rash or other reaction. They can be diluted with a carrier. This can be almond, avocado, or coconut. Never ingest essential oil. They can be extremely toxic if ingested and should not be used for small children. Used correctly they could help out with back pain issues, ask your doctor or chiropractor if they could be an option.
Lower Back Pain Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
A doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist could recommend therapeutic stretches along with exercises as part of a sacroiliitis or sacroiliac joint pain treatment plan. Sacroiliitis refers to inflammation in one or both of the sacroiliac joints. This could be caused by:
Pregnancy
Injury
Infection
Arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Sacroiliac joint pain is a symptom related to sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The symptoms of sacroiliitis and sacroiliac joint pain can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and legs. These symptoms can be similar to sciatica and can mimic other lower back disorders.
Some of the stretches and exercises included are common for treatment plans for various low back conditions/problems. Talk with a chiropractor or doctor to get their recommendation prior to starting any exercise or stretching program.
Stretches
Piriformis stretch
The piriformis muscle extends over the hip and can aggravate the sacroiliac joint when it becomes tight. To help stretch the muscle:
Lie on back with knees bent
Feet flat on the floor
Slowly raise the right leg
Bring the right knee toward chest
Gently pull the leg in until there is a comfortable stretch in the buttock
Exhale during the stretch movement
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds
Lower leg
Repeat on the left leg
Repeat each side 3 times daily, as needed
The stretch helps the muscle fibers to lengthen/elongate and relax.
Trunk rotation
Trunk rotation increases flexibility in the low back and hips. This can help relieve pressure on the sacroiliac joints. To do this stretch:
Lie on back with knees bent
Feet flat on the floor
With knees together
Slowly rotate to one side
Feet, hips, and back should stay on the floor
Hold 3-5 seconds
Move knees to the opposite side
Repeat 5-10 times on each side
Bridge
This is a stretch that strengthens the muscles in the lower back, buttocks, and hips.
Lie on back with arms at side
Knees should be bent, and feet flat on the floor
Slowly raise hips while squeezing buttocks and hamstrings
Hold raised position for 5 seconds
Repeat 10 times
Water Therapy and Yoga Exercises
Aquatics and yoga are a gentle and natural form of exercise that is recommended for staying active. Talk to a doctor before starting any exercise program. Aquatic therapy, known now as hydrotherapy/water therapy, is one of the gentlest forms of exercise and is highly effective.
Exercising in water creates an almost weightless environment without gravity. Hydrotherapy uses the resistance from the water to improve strength and flexibility without straining the muscles. Regular exercise can cause pain by placing added pressure on the sacroiliac joints. Water therapy conditions the spine and hip muscles without generating muscle stress. Another option for individuals with back pain is yoga. The following poses are recommended and beneficial for the sacroiliac joints:
Child�s pose
This pose stretches the hips and thighs and is a great yoga pose for beginners.
Cobra
Cobra pose can help strengthen and stabilize the sacroiliac joints.
Lie flat on the stomach
Hands beneath the shoulders
Slowly push up as far as the arms extend
Bring upper body off the ground
Keep the pelvis and legs on the floor
When extended, be sure low back and buttocks are relaxed
Hold for 15 to 30 seconds
Gently lower to the floor
Triangle pose
Triangle pose helps to strengthen the sacroiliac joints and makes them less susceptible to pain. However, this pose involves twisting, so make sure to do this pose only when the joints are stable and pain-free.
Before stretching and exercise
Before starting any stretching or exercise program, check with a doctor or chiropractor, if the joints are able then the stretching/exercise could begin right away. However, in most cases, a doctor will refer the patient to a physical therapist or chiropractor to create a customized exercise and stretching plan. The therapist will show exactly what activities will strengthen the joints and how to do them properly and safely. These movements can help condition the spinal and abdominal muscles. This can help prevent future episodes of back pain.
If an individual just had surgery for sacroiliac joint pain, the surgeon more than likely prescribed a customized rehabilitation stretching/exercise program. Follow instructions, and get the surgeon�s approval before engaging in anything outside of the plan.
Staying fit safely
When dealing with sacroiliac joint dysfunction or sacroiliitis, physical activity may need to be redefined after treatment. As regular exercise could mean strenuous activity and could do more damage. Exercises like heavy weightlifting, contact sports, and intense biking could place excessive pressure on the joints. A doctor or chiropractor will offer the best stretching and exercises for every individual.
Physical activity combined with gentle stretching and conditioning exercises can effectively reduce low back and hip pain. Talk to a doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist about incorporating healthy exercise into a daily regimen. For some, the workout might not feel like there’s anything going on, but the effects on the pain will be.
Chiropractic Hip Pain Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Understanding the cause of spinal stenosis is important for accurate diagnosis and in creating a customized optimal treatment plan. The cause of spinal stenosis is categorized as either primary or acquired.
Primary means the stenosis could be congenital or since birth. Some individuals are born with a spinal canal that is narrower than normal. This is a rare occurrence. Signs or symptoms of primary spinal stenosis do not present until adulthood usually around mid-life.
Acquired spinal stenosis can develop as a result of:
Bone overgrowth brought on from wear and tear from osteoarthritis on the spinal bones can form bone spurs, that can grow into the spinal canal.
Paget’s disease is a bone disease that affects adults, and can also cause bone overgrowth in the spine.
Herniated discs – The discs can begin to dry out with age and form cracks or tears letting out the soft inner material creating pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
The ligaments are tough cords that hold the bones of the spine together. They can become stiff and thickened with age and time. The thick ligaments can then bulge into the spinal canal.
Tumors or abnormal growths can develop inside the spinal cord, in the membranes that cover the spinal cord or inside the space between the cord and vertebrae.
Spinal trauma/injury like automobile accidents, sports, and other trauma can cause dislocations or fractures of the vertebrae. Pieces of bone from a spinal fracture can fall into and damage the spinal canal.
Back surgeryswelling of tissue immediately after can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Acquired Spinal Stenosis
The leading cause is wear and tear on the spine due to aging. The most common direct cause is osteoarthritis, where the cartilage that cushions the joints begins to degenerate with age. The cartilage is smooth when brand new. As the body ages, the cartilage can become rough and can wear through completely. This allows the bones to rub against each other. The rubbing produces small bone growths called bone spurs.
Individuals with these symptoms try to limit movement and limit pain from the bones rubbing together. However, individuals can’t stop moving entirely, and less movement reduces the quality of life. The bone spurs can create other types of pain. Inside the spine, the spurs can narrow the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis and disc problems include:
Lifting heavy objects without using proper lifting techniques.
This can damage a disc or move the vertebrae out of proper alignment.
Prevention
Spinal stenosis prevention is about practicing lifestyle habits to improve and maintain spinal health. For those with stenosis, regular exercise combined with proper body mechanics will help reduce the risk of the spinal stenosis becoming worse.
Exercise
Exercise, done properly, strengthens and protects the spine from the everyday wear and tear and helps maintain body weight. Being at the proper weight puts less pressure on the spine. Gradually build up the workout sessions until comfortable. General exercise guidelines are to go for 30 minutes a day. This in combination with aerobic activities like walking or swimming and resistance training like yoga or weight lifting. Stretching out regularly is highly recommended as an effective way to lengthen, loosen, and warm up the spinal muscles. Here are some basic back stretches and exercises for spinal stenosis.
Body Mechanics
Proper posture along with proper body mechanics are some of the best ways to prevent stenosis from developing/progressing and ensures the health of the spine. They should be practiced all the time:
Sitting
Standing
Lifting heavy objects
Sleeping
Proper mechanics and posture keep the spine operating at the top level even when doing regular/normal activities. Even though aging is the primary cause of spinal stenosis, does not mean to not be proactive about spinal and general health. Exercise and proper mechanics give the back and neck a strong defense system against cervical or lumbar stenosis that will serve for years.
Chiropractic Care For Auto Accident Injuries
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Moderate physical activity for most expectant moms is encouraged for a healthy pregnancy. The CDC warns that bending too much while pregnant could lead to complications. However, moving boxes is not all there is to do. There are plenty of things like cleaning, organizing, packing, showing where to put the boxes, getting food and refreshments, etc.
Moving during pregnancy
Moving is exciting and stressful at the same time. Questions start to come up like bending, lifting, and wearing a back brace. Here are some tips during your move.
Talk to a doctor
Your doctor or chiropractor should know about the upcoming move giving them an opportunity to help and provide safety tips. If it is during the first trimester it could be stressful for the pregnancy if not careful. Moving during the first three months could cause preterm labor with other possible complications. This does not mean to not move just to make a plan with your doctor for keeping the stress low and avoiding the risk for potential issues.
Questions to ask:
What can I lift while pregnant?
Is there a specific bending technique?
Is lifting during the first trimester safe?
How long should I be on my feet during the move?
Is it safe to go up and down stairs consistently?
Brain fog and planning ahead
This is also known as baby brain or pregnancy brain and is the cognitive slowdown and memory issues that many pregnant women report. If there are issues with general cognitive functioning, fatigue, or other brain fog symptoms, careful planning can help.
Help for pregnancy brain fog:
Create detailed lists and save them to your phone or location where they won�t get lost.
Sleep a lot more as being tired will worsen symptoms.
During the move take frequent breaks.
Eat foods with Omega-3, these benefit brain function, and the baby�s development.
Packing fun
Packing the right way can mean all the difference between a smooth move and a chaotic one. It is recommended to allow for a week longer than anticipated for packing. Declutter a month before packing. Then donate, sell, and give away whatever is not needed to lighten the load. Create a moving day kit with a change of clothes, snacks, water, vitamins, a cooling pack, and anything else that a pregnant woman will need.
Having fun during the packing process can be accomplished by turning the tasks into a game or some type of fun activity. Working/dancing with fun music can ease the monotony, keeps the joints loose, proper blood circulation is achieved and the stress is worked out. Light aerobic dancing has shown to decrease the risk of disorders while pregnant, and the recovery time after giving birth.
Get plenty of help
Nobody wants to help family, friends move. Therefore throw a party or some event where everyone will be of the mindset that it was worth helping out. More help is needed during pregnancy because of the added rest times and minimal heavy lifting. If there is not enough help, an investment in professional movers could be necessary. Prices vary depending on where someone lives and the companies available. However, with some research, it can be money well spent while pregnant.
Safety checklist
Create a safety checklist that includes:
Regular water breaks – hydration is extremely important while pregnant, especially if prone to morning sickness.Dehydration symptoms can include:
Doctors generally recommend twenty-five pounds as the threshold during pregnancy. However, it depends on the trimester and what the individual is already used to lifting. An example is a woman lifting something heavy in the third trimester is different than when they were only five weeks. Proper lifting techniques need to be implemented like bending the knees not the back, keep the back straight while doing so, and avoid quick jerking movements.
Proper moving attire
On moving day, wear lightweight, breathable, stretchy clothing, so discomfort and malfunction won’t pop up. Cotton stays cool and free of sweat or itchiness. When pregnant the center of balance shifts, therefore, the right shoes are a must. Here are some shoes that can help during pregnancy.
Don’t rush the nursery
Getting the nursery finished for the baby, creates added pressure. Pretty much all newborns sleep in the same room with their parents, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this for the first months. So cut yourself some slack when it comes to the perfect baby nursery. The baby is not going to hold it against you and there is time after the move to settle in.
Proper rest
This is a stressful time that requires a lot of energy. But just like proper hydration is important, so is plenty of sleep and embrace the positive aspects rather than focus on the complications. Talk to your doctor, enlist plenty of help, drink lots of water, and leave the heavy lifting to those that are not pregnant. At the end of the day, it will all be worth it.
Back Pain During Pregnancy Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Minimally invasive surgical procedures can be used to treat spinal compression fractures. These procedures are utilized to reduce severe pain, stabilize the fracture itself, and restore lost height or shape of the broken vertebral body. These procedures are known as:
Balloon kyphoplasty
Vertebroplasty
Vertebral body augmentation
A vertebral compression fracture is a type of spinal fracture that can be caused by osteoporosis. This is a metabolic disease that weakens bone density and increases the risk of fracture/s in the spine, wrist, and hip. Osteopenia and osteoporosis affect millions, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. If left untreated, it can progress without an individual knowing and painlessly until the bone/s fracture. A vertebral compression fracture is more frequent than hip fractures and can lead to extended disability.
Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive treatment done through the skin for painful vertebral compression fractures. It also helps with strengthening the surrounding vertebral bodies also at risk of fracturing. Orthopedic bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebral body.
How is it performed?
Under general anesthesia, a specialized needle for bone is slowly inserted through the soft tissues of the back towards the vertebral compression fracture. The surgeon sees the position of the needle at all times through a real-time x-ray. Once reached a small amount of orthopedic bone cement, called polymethylmethacrylate, is injected into the vertebral body. Polymethylmethacrylate is a medical-grade bone cement that’ss been used for years for various orthopedic procedures.
The cement can sometimes be combined with an antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection along with a powder that has barium or tantalum. This allows it to be seen on the x-ray. The cement is a thick paste that hardens quickly. The fractured body is injected on the right and left sides, the midline of the back. After a few hours, the patient is up and moving. Most go home on the same day.
Balloon kyphoplasty
Balloon Kyphoplasty is another newer minimally invasive surgery for vertebral compression fractures that can be associated with osteoporosis. Kyphoplasty utilizes a balloon that expands the compressed bone to help restore lost vertebral height while creating a space where bone cement is injected. Kyphoplasty stabilizes fractures, restores lost vertebral height, and reduces deformities.
How it is performed?
Balloon kyphoplasty is performed under local or general anesthesia. Using real-time x-ray two small incisions are made, and a probe is inserted into the vertebral body space. The bone is drilled and balloon/s, called a bone tamp is a pump that is inserted on each side.
These balloons are inflated with contrast medium so the surgeon can see on the real-time x-ray until each balloon expands to the correct height, and then are taken out. The balloon is used to create a space for the bone cement and helps expand the compressed vertebral body bone. The cement binds and stabilizes the fracture. The cement provides:
Strength
Stability
Hardens rapidly
Restores height
Relieves pain
Vertebral augmentation implant
A vertebral augmentation implant is different from vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. This minimally invasive procedure for middle and lower back spinal compression fractures utilizes a flexible loop spring style spinal implant. It is performed under local or general anesthesia. A real-time x-ray is used to visualize the spinal anatomy and guide the placement of the device. The implant is delivered through a small incision. Once the implant is in place, the bone cement is injected, and the implant is removed.
Potential benefits include:
Reduction of new fractures above or below the existing fracture
Improves the spine’s angle
Reduced spinal deformity
Reduces bone cement leakage
Reduces the amount of bone cement
Benefits of all
Vertebral compression fractures and the limited abilities of traditional surgical options led to the refinement of these surgical systems. Each procedure provides options, as to how the treatment helpsrelieve pain, reduce and stabilize fractures, reduce spinal deformity, and stop the progressive worsening of untreated osteoporosis.
Added benefits:
Surgical time is minimal
Local or general anesthesia is all that is needed
Hospital stay is a day or only a few hours
Patients can quickly return to normal activities
No bracing required
A spine surgeon will explain the purpose and aims of the recommended procedure, including the benefits and risks to help make an informed decision.
Foot Levelers Orthotics Reduce Low Back Pain
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
The thoracic spine known as the middle back starts below the cervical or neck spine at around the level of the shoulders. It continues down to the first level of the low back or lumbar spine. There are twelve vertebrae, numbered T1-T12 top to bottom, and it is these vertebrae that make up the thoracic spine. When seen from the side, a normal forward curve can be seen.
The ribs are attached to the thoracic spine�s vertebrae making this region of the spine strong and stable. However, this area has less range-of-motion than the neck region. Because of its location, the thoracic spine deals less with injury/s than other areas of the spine. But it is the most common area for fractures from osteoporosis. Scoliosis and abnormal kyphosis are also thoracic spine disorders.
Getting to know the body’s spine and how it functions can help individuals have a better and thorough understanding of possible causes to upper and middle back pain, a doctor�s diagnosis, and the reasons for how simple lifestyle changes/choices can keep the middle back, as well as, the rest of the spine healthy.
Thoracic Support
The thoracic spine gives support to the torso, chest and provides an attachment point for each of the rib bones, minus the two at the bottom. The vertebral bodies are rounded with bony arches that project from the back of each and form a hollow protective space for the spinal cord. Facet joints are paired at the back of each and allow for limited movement.
Intervertebral Discs
There is a fibrous pad called an intervertebral disc that is held in place by the endplates between each level�s upper and lower vertebral bodies. Each disc acts like a spacer creating disc height/space between the upper and lower vertebrae. This space opens nerve passageways called a foramen or neural foramina at both sides. Nerve roots branch off the spinal cord and exit the canal through the neural foramina.
Soft Support Structures Limited Movement/s
The entire spinal column consists of:
Ligaments
Tendons
Muscles
These soft tissues attach to the bones, the discs, and work together to stabilize the midback when resting and when in motion. Ligaments are the strong bands of tissue that connect/protect the vertebrae, discs, provide stability, and help with excessive movement. Muscles hold the body upright and allow spinal flexion which is bending forward, extension bending backward, and rotation twisting from side to side. And the tendons are fibrous tissues that attach the muscle/s to the bone.
Nerves Role
The twelve pairs of nerve rootlets that branch off the cord through the neural foramen are to supply and generate sensation/feeling along with function/movement to the body. These nerves provide nutrients to the midback and chest area and relay signals between the brain and major organs, including:
Lungs
Heart
Liver
Small intestine
Spinal Disorders
Osteoporosis raises the chances of a thoracic fracture. A vertebral compression fracture can cause one or more bodies of bone to flatten or become wedge-shaped creating spinal cord/nerve compression. Sudden and severe back pain can be associated with vertebral compression fractures.
Scoliosis is an abnormal side to side curvature of the spine and is well known to develop in the thoracic spine causing deformity.
Abnormal kyphosis means the forward curvature has become extreme. The appearance of a kyphotic deformity can be seen as a hump.
Metastatic cancer where it travels from the chest, or lung causing spinal tumor/s that can develop and potentially lead to structural deterioration
Thoracic disc herniations are not common because of the middle back’s strength and stability created by the ribcage.
Spine Maintenance
Talk with your doctor, chiropractor, spine specialist about stretches and exercises that will work for your specific situation to strengthen the core, and middle back musculature. This will help significantly with injury prevention during flexion, extension, and rotation.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
