El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez examines good health and wellness.
Most individuals will experience neck or back pain at some time in their own own lives. Neck pain and back are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, along with the number of cases is increasing. Some factors behind this are increased usage of cellular devices bad position, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Though it’s not necessarily possible to stop neck and back pain, you will find steps individuals can take to help decrease the chance it is going to occur.
Why good posture?
One of the most important approaches to ensure your spine stays healthy would be to keep good posture. A healthy back has three natural curves� an external curve at the upper back an inward curve at the neck, and an inward curve at the low back. Proper bearing helps maintain these curves that are natural and puts minimal pressure in your joints. Defective bearing does the opposite. It may stress or pull muscles, causing pain and musculoskeletal imbalances in the back, neck, and extremities. Some typical postural blunders rounding your shoulders are positioning your face too much forward, and slouching so you lose the normal curve in the lower back.
Cellular Devices &�Neck Pain
The increasing use of cellular devices can bring about inferior spine health, influencing our posture and body mechanics in ways that are unhealthy. Kenneth K. Hansraj, MD, the Chief of Spine Surgery at New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, created a computer model of the cervical spine that demonstrated how use of mobile devices directly contributes to neck pull. In an article published in Surgical Technology International, Dr. Hansraj, MD, revealed that neck pull increases as the forward angle of the head increases, as it does when you look down at your cell phone or tablet. As you lean your head, you round another aspect of poor position, your shoulders. All this surplus strain creates additional wear and tear on the structures of the neck, upper spine and back, and can result in spinal degeneration that could need surgery.
Body Mechanics &�Prevention Tips
Good posture and placement is particularly important when you’re bending over, squatting, and when you are lifting things. When lifting boxes or alternative things you should avoid twisting your body. But it also is crucial to keep good posture while standing and sitting. It really is a lot more crucial that you develop a good ergonomic working arrangement to safeguard your spine with people spending increasing quantities of time at work,. Over time, poor sitting posture and workplace ergonomics can damage spinal structures and contribute to persistent or persistent back and neck pain.
Sleep Time
One other place people spend a sizable percentage of the time is in bed. That makes it vital to truly have a mattress that enables you to have a supporting and restful slumber. The identical natural spinal alignment you have is maintained by a mattress that is good when standing and will help prevent back pain.
Eat Well &�Exercise Frequently
The diet and exercise choices you make might assist you to protect your back. Exercise can help prevent back pain and neck pain by strengthening the muscles supporting your vertebrae. Strength training, flexibility training, and aerobic exercise are part of a healthy exercise routine, and every type of exercise contributes to spinal health. Great nutrition also is crucial to helping us reach our optimum well-being and feel our best. A nutritious diet along with exercise also assist you to keep a healthier weight, that is just another approach to simply help make sure your back is not overstrained.
Smoking, Your Brain, Chronic Back Pain & Bone Health
Another lifestyle alternative that’s damaging to spine health is cigarette smoking. Researchers from Northwestern University conducted a study demonstrating that smokers are three times more likely than nonsmokers to develop chronic back pain. �Smoking affects the brain,� according to scientist Bogdan Petre, who headed the study, which was published on the internet in the journal Human Brain Mapping. �We found that it appears to make people less resilient to an episode of pain and changes the way the brain responds to back pain.�
Smoking also reduces bone density, which increases the risk for osteoporosis along with other degenerative spine conditions, and it can reduce the success of spinal fusion. People who are facing fusion or any back surgery should make every endeavor to avoid smoking. The associated dangers will reduce and raise the probability of an effective spinal fusion surgery.
El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez investigates pain, the spine and its connection to internal organs.
Right after I had my first son, I suffered from headaches and some digestive issues. I had never had digestive issues before, but I passed it off as a side effect of giving birth to a living being. I also blamed the pressures of being in school and raising a small child.
My husband went to a chiropractor to treat some pain in his hands, and that is when I decided to try it as well. The chiropractor re-aligned my spine and, with weekly visits, I was feeling much better.
When my family and I moved to South Korea, I could not find a chiropractor. I did, however, find an excellent acupuncturist that had his office two blocks away from my front door. Instead of working on my spine, the acupuncturist worked on the muscles around my spine.
I feel the results of both were the same. I always felt much better when I took the time to take care of my spine and nervous system.
This is because all our organs receive messages from our brain via our spinal cord. The lungs know to breath in and out because of the messages they receive from the brain. The heart beats because of these messages as well. Every organ in our body is connected to the brain and blocking this connection�even a little�can cause serious health issues.
Some health problems are easily felt like numbness in the fingers or a headache. Some troubles are not so apparent like digestive issues or kidney problems. If the spine is out of order, the organs will feel it.
It Is Important To Take Care Of The Spine Every Day
If one takes a look at the image above, one can see how the nerves from the spinal cord connect to specific areas of the body. A chiropractor or acupuncturist will be able to spot spinal problems and fix them over time. This is what they are trained to do.
Here Are Some Tips To Take Care Of The Spine From Spine Health:
Sitting correctly or using an ergonomic chair while at work is a good way to take care of the spine.
Exercise abs and back daily to strengthen the muscles around the spine and keep it in place.
Take time to get a massage, see a chiropractor, or an acupuncturist. This will help the spine stay in the correct shape.
Wear shoes that support the feet and feel comfortable. Uncomfortable shoes, especially pumps, will injure the back and spine.
Sleep with the spine in mind. Choose a mattress and pillow that supports the spine and try to sleep in a natural position. Also, try sleeping on your arm to get a nice straight spine when lying on your side rather than using a pillow that can tilt your head up and kink your neck.
If one is suffering back pain, it is important to seek professional help. Spine problems, like a pinched nerve, if not taken care of, can become extremely severe. The spinal cord controls the body. In order to be in the best of health, the spine needs to be in good health.
Take care of�your spine and it will take care of you all the years of your life.
El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez listens in on how chiropractors can help with sciatica.
Dr. Joseph Licitra DC, a chiropractor that serves Clifton, NJ as well as Montclair, Bloomfield, and Passaic, recently discussed sciatica on a local cable show. Dr. Licitra says that chiropractors can help treat sciatic nerve pain.
Clifton, United States
Dr. Joseph Licitra DC, the owner of a chiropractic practice that serves Clifton, New Jersey and surrounding areas such as Montclair, Bloomfield, and Passaic, recently discussed sciatica on a local cable show called �Meet Clifton.� Those interested in learning more about the challenges of sciatica and how it can be treated can view an exclusive video clip for free on Dr. Licitra�s website: http://www.josephlicitra.com/sciatica
In addition to speaking about the prevalence of sciatica in America, Dr. Licitra also touched upon the economic consequences of the debilitating condition. An interesting fact explored during his presentation brought to light the extent of which sciatica negatively affects employee attendance in the workplace. Dr. Licitra said: �People with sciatica have difficulty sitting and bending and therefore they can�t go to work. There is tremendous economic strain on the cities, on the companies, and on the families.�
The Causes Of Sciatica
Sciatic nerve pain can stem from many different things such as repetitive bending, direct trauma to the spine, as well as a sedentary lifestyle.
How chiropractors can help � There is hope for people who suffer from sciatica. Chiropractors can determine the origin of the sciatic condition and then focus on balancing out the spine to get the bones in correct alignment. Chiropractors like Dr. Licitra who specialize in kinesiology will also focus on the musculature to pinpoint the cause(s) of sciatic pain.
Dr. Licitra has been in practice for over 30 years and has worked on many professional athletes such as the New York Giants and the National Hockey League. His practice is now offering free consultations to new patients interested in receiving treatment for sciatica, as well as to patients suffering from other health conditions like neck or back pain, shoulder pain, and even migraines.
Struggling With Sciatica?
If you are experiencing pain that radiates from the back or buttocks all the way down the legs, you may have a common condition called sciatica. Many people in Clinton suffer with the pain of sciatica and may never achieve a long-term solution. An untreated sciatic condition can continue to worsen and make the daily tasks of living go from difficult to nearly impossible. Fortunately, chiropractic treatment can help you overcome this debilitating condition.
Sciatica In Clifton
Sciatica, also known as sciatic neuralgia, is a condition that causes pain in the lower back, down the back of the leg, and into the foot. It can make sitting and standing for long periods of time difficult and can lead to weakness, tingling, and numbness in the leg and foot. It will often come and go throughout a person’s lifetime, causing periods of varying degrees of pain and discomfort. If left untreated, sciatic pain will generally grow worse and the nerve can become permanently damaged.
The reason why the pain travels so far, radiating up and down the legs and back, is due to the compression of the sciatic nerve which is the longest nerve in the body. This nerve originates in the lumbar spine and extends into the buttocks before traveling down the leg to the ankle and foot. When the vertebrae in the lower back are compressed, the roots of the sciatic nerve can become pinched and irritated which is what causes the pain.
How Do You Develop Sciatica?
There are a number of factors that can lead to sciatica. It is most commonly caused by disc injuries and bulges. In this occurrence, the disc presses against the nerve root causing sciatic pain. Disc Injuries can occur because of poor posture, repetitive use injuries, and accidents. Sciatica is also common when there are subluxations (misalignments) in the spine due to postural issues, pregnancy, or trauma. Some patients report simply bending over to pick up a piece of paper and then being suddenly hit with extreme pain. The reality, however, is that the spinal condition was probably already developing for quite some time before the triggering incident occurred.
Some people respond very quickly while others take more time to recover. It really depends on the condition of the disc or the joints that the chiropractor has to correct. In most cases, the longer the issue persists, the longer it will take to achieve correction. The great news is that it typically takes less time to fix an issue like this than it took to create it in the first place. Once the position of the spine and discs are corrected, patients often report improvements in their overall health. If you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica, please call our team at Joseph Licitra, DC today.
El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez looks at exercise as treatment for back injuries.
Since 1992 Opioid Prescriptions Rose From 112 Million To More Than 249 Million As Of 2015
In 2004, there were enough written opioid prescriptions to ensure every American could have their own bottle. According to studies, a written prescription of a pain-killer should not be used for a back related injury; but rather, exercise is the most effective tool for recovery.
The First &�Foremost Way To Heal & Prevent Further Injury To The Back Is By Simply Moving Around
Vidan Family Chiropractic explains that �what made the body-heals the body.” They suggest exercise such as walking, stretching and yoga instead of requesting an opioid prescription.
Dr. Alex Vidan from Vidan Family Chiropractic joins us more information on the excessive use and prescription of opioids for injuries.
El Paso,TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez looks examines a�herniated disc.
Herniated disc is a somewhat common condition that can occur anywhere along the spinal column, but most commonly affects the lower back or neck area. Also known as ruptured disk or a slipped disc, a herniated disc develops when one of the pillow-like pads between the vertebrae moves out of position and presses on nerves that are adjacent.
Herniated discs are usually caused by overuse injuries or injury to the back; however, disc conditions may also develop as a result of the standard aging process. It’s also known that there is a genetic factor that leads to the evolution of herniated disc and disc degeneration. As the size of herniation shrinks with time via resorption, typically, a herniated disc in the lower back will heal within six months. If physical therapy, drugs along with other treatments fail, operation may be needed.
What’s A Disk?
Spinal discs are cushion-like pads located between the vertebrae. Without these �shock absorbers,� the bones in the spinal column would grind against one another. Along with giving the backbone flexibility and making movements like twisting and bending potential, discs protect the spine by absorbing the effect of trauma and body weight. Each disk has a strong outer layer called annulus fibrosus and a soft, gel-like center, called nucleus pulposus. There are fibers on the outside of each disc that attach to adjoining vertebrae and hold the disc in position. A herniated disc occurs when the gel as well as the outer layer tears or ruptures -like middle leaks to the spinal canal.
The spinal canal has only enough space to place spinal fluid and the spinal cord. When a disc herniates and spills to the spinal canal, it could cause compression of spinal cord or the nerves. Alterations in sensation and intense, debilitating pain often happen. Furthermore, the gel-like substance inside the disk releases chemical irritants that bring about pain and nerve inflammation.
What Causes A Herniated Disc?
As we get older, the spinal disks gradually lose fluid volume. This process progresses slowly and begins at about age 30, over time. As the disks dry out, tears or microscopic cracks can form on the outer surface, causing it to become weak, fragile and much more susceptible to injury. The most common causes of herniated disc are:
Wear and tear: Disks dry out and aren�t as adaptive as they were.
Repetitive�movements: Work, lifestyle, and certain sports activities that place stress on the spine, especially the lower back, further weaken an already vulnerable area.
Lifting the wrong way: Never lift while bent at the waist. Proper lifting entails lifting with a straight back and your legs.
Injury: High-impact trauma can create the disk to bulge, tear or rupture.
Obesity: Carrying excess weight places an undue amount of strain on the back.
Genetics: There are a few genes which might be more typically present in individuals with disc degeneration. More research is necessary to investigate the role of those genes�they could be targets of biological treatment in the future.
Which Are The Symptoms Of A Herniated Disc?
Pain from a herniated disc can fluctuate, determined by severity and the place of the harm. It is typically felt on one side of the body.
Little or no pain could be felt in case the injury is minimal. Pain might be severe and unrelenting, in the event the disk ruptures. If significant nerve impingement has occurred pain may radiate to an extremity in a certain nerve root distribution. For instance, sciatica is often resulting from herniated disc in the low back. Herniated disc can manifest itself with a variety of symptoms, including:
Dull ache to severe pain
Numbness, tingling, burning
Muscle weakness; spasm; altered reflexes
Loss in bowel or bladder control (Note: These symptoms constitute a medical emergency. When they occur, seek medical attention immediately).
How Is A Herniated Disc Diagnosed?
History and physical examination point to some diagnosis of herniated disc. A herniated disc is likely if low back pain is accompanied by radiating leg pain in a nerve root distribution with positive straight leg raising test (ie, elevating the leg while lying down causes radiating pain down the leg), as well as other neurologic deficits for example numbness, weakness, and altered reflexes.
Imaging studies usually are ordered to confirm a diagnosis of herniated disc. X rays are not the imaging medium of choice because soft tissues (eg, discs, nerves) are hard to capture with this specific technology. However, they might be used as an initial tool to eliminate other illnesses such as for instance fracture or a growing. Confirmation of the feeling of herniated disc is generally achieved with:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This technology shows the spinal cord, surrounding soft tissue and nerves. It really is the best imaging study to support the identification of a herniated disc.
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyogram (EMG): These studies use electric impulses to measure the level of harm to the nerve/s brought on by compaction from a herniated disc along with other conditions that cause nerve impingement may be ruled out. NCS and EMG are not routine evaluations to diagnose herniated disc.
Herniated discs occasionally heal independently through a process called resorption. This means the disk fragments are consumed by the body. Most people suffering from herniated disc do not need surgery and react well to conservative treatment.
El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez examines patients that go through chiropractic vs. traditional medical care.
Because back pain is such a common problem, a group of Canadian researchers recently investigated the role�that the type of primary caregiver has on financial compensation.
This was a large study of 5,511 patients who experienced a work-related back injury in Ontario, Canada.
Patients Saw The Following Providers For Their First Visit:
85.3% saw a medical doctor
11.4% saw a chiropractor
3.2% saw a physical therapist
A Comparison Of The Duration Of Financial Compensation For Back Pain Among Patients From Each Group
The study found that chiropractic patients had the shortest amount of time receiving compensation for their pain and also were less likely to have a recurrence.
In addition, chiropractic patients didn�t need to see other healthcare providers for their pain. 75% of chiropractic patients saw no other provider, while 58.6% of physical therapy patients also saw a medical doctor.
The authors conclude:
�The type of healthcare provider first visited for back pain is a determinant of the duration of financial compensation during the first 5 months. Chiropractic patients experience the shortest duration of compensation, and physiotherapy patients experience the longest.�
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Blanchette M, Rivard M, Dionne CE, et al. Association between the type of first healthcare provider and the duration of financial compensation for occupational back pain. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2016 Sep 17.
Sciatica, medically defined as a set of symptoms rather than a single disorder, is commonly characterized by pain in the lower back and buttocks. This pain can radiate down one or both legs to the thigh, calf, ankle and foot. True sciatica occurs when pain begins to travel below the knee.
Sciatic pain frequently results when the nerve roots surrounding the spinal column are compressed or when pressure has caused the impingement of the spinal roots of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve systems are found in in the sacral regions of the back and the lumbar spine. Sciatic pain or sciatica could be identified as sharp, dull, burning, tingly, numb, constant, or intermittent and usually affects only one side of the body. It may radiate throughout the whole length of the nerve, in certain cases, all the way to the toes.
Sciatic pain is usually the result of a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or in exceptionally rare instances, infection or tumour. The cause of your pain determines your treatment options to relieve sciatica.
Sciatica Treatment Options
Several of the most popular sciatica treatment options include: alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, drugs, physical therapy, and surgical interventions.
Once a qualified and experienced healthcare professional has diagnosed you with symptoms of sciatica, many individuals with prevalent lower back pain are prescribed bed rest as a way to offer relief for aching bones and joints. Current research, however, has implied that bed rest alone cannot offer relief for those suffering from nerve pain due to sciatica.
Remaining active might be more beneficial for people who suffer with back pain. Not to say that you should be running marathons! Action means being mobile and active for periods of time which aren’t enough to cause additional pain and/or to aggravate other symptoms of sciatica. Specific exercises may be recommended by your healthcare professional or some may simply suggest walking.
Sciatica Pain Relief
Pain is best treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or codeine (in acute cases).
In some instances, a cortisone-like drug may be injected to the epidural space enclosing the spinal column. This process is similar to the epidural used during childbirth, and it’s called an epidural steroid injection. A class of this sort of treatment may offer temporary relief, but it does not address the source of the issue.
Surgery for Sciatica Symptoms
Some patients with sciatica may discover significant relief from surgery. In the case of herniated discs, a surgical procedure called a laminectomy may be performed. In this process, a percentage of the posterior arch is removed to relieve pressure on pinched nerve tissues.
In cases of spinal stenosis, the part of bone that is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve system may be removed.
Operation is not for everyone. Nonetheless, for people who have shown no sign of improvement in 4 to 6 weeks and who have had CT scans (computed tomography) or MRI that show a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, surgery may offer considerable relief.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Chiropractic and Sciatica
Sciatica is a common group of symptoms reported by a majority of the population alongside symptoms of back and low back pain. Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is frequently the result of compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve and its nerve roots, generally from a spinal misalignment or subluxation. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective form of alternative treatment utilized to restore the natural alignment of the spine, ultimately reducing the pressure being placed against the sciatic nerve and relieving symptoms of sciatica.
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