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Common Neurotoxins and their Effects on the Body

Common Neurotoxins and their Effects on the Body

Neurotoxins are substances which can interfere with nerve cells by overstimulating them to death or interrupting the electrical activities of nerves and their communication process, altering the normal function of the nervous system.

Common symptoms associated with the consumption of neurotoxins can manifest immediately after ingestion or they may be delayed. Symptoms include: weakness in the extremities; tingling sensations or numbness; memory loss; loss of vision and/or intellect; uncontrollable obsessive and/or compulsive behaviors; delusions; headaches; cognitive and behavioral issues; and sexual dysfunction. Also, people with certain types of disorders can be more vulnerable to these substances.

Research studies have demonstrated that neurotoxins can shorten the life span of nerve cells. In addition, these substances have been associated with the development of brain disorders, peripheral neuropathy as well as neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer�s, Huntington�s Chorea and Parkinson�s disease.

To make matters worse, the availability of neurotoxins has increased dramatically within the last few decades. A majority of the neurotoxins our bodies absorb are found in the food we eat and the water we drink. Even worse, these can also be found in baby food.

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Neurotoxins In Food

If you have children, it’s important to be aware of the following ten neurotoxins listed below. Because kid’s bodies are still developing, they are often the most vulnerable to the effects of consuming these dangerous substances. The majority of food products that contain neurotoxins are listed on their ingredients list. Processed foods, such as chips and candy, are generally supplied with a load of neurotoxins. It’s best to avoid consuming any food or drink containing the following neurotoxins listed below.

10 Neurotoxins To Avoid

  • Aspartame (best known as Equal, AminoSweet, NutraSweet and Spoonful):�This substance is very commonly added to sugar-free products, such as sugar-free gums and drinks. Most aspartame is made from the fecal matter of genetically modified bacteria. Research studies have associated the consumption of aspartame to migraines, obesity,�kidney failure, blindness, seizures,�neurological disorders, mental illness, brain tumors and diabetes.
  • Monosodium glutamate (also known as MSG or sodium glutamate):�This substance is common in junk food, fast food and most restaurant food, canned food and even in baby food. Independent researchers believe that ingesting MSG, or monosodium glutamate, plays a considerable role in the development of neurodegenerative brain diseases, including Alzheimer�s, Parkinson�s and Huntington�s disease. MSG is frequently disguised on ingredient labels under alternative names like hydrolyzed, or vegetable protein, plant protein extract, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, yeast extract, textured protein, TVP, autolyzed yeast, carrageenan, malt extract, malt flavouring, bouillon, seasonings, spices and natural flavoring.
  • Sucralose (or Splenda):�This artificial sweetener alternative is very popular in sugar-free products, especially sugar-free drinks. Sucralose was accidentally discovered during a research focused on creating a new insecticide, which is why some researchers propose that sucralose should be listed in the insecticide category. Sucralose has been identified as a chlorinated compound. When the body breaks down this type of chlorinated compound, it releases toxic chemicals into the bloodstream.
  • Aluminum: This type of metal can frequently be found in our drinking water as well as in over-the-counter antacids and vaccines. Aluminum is a difficult substance for the body to absorb, however, citrate or citric acid tremendously increases its absorption. Vaccines are some of the highest factors which contribute to aluminum toxicity, primarily because the aluminum is injected directly into the body.
  • Mercury:�This heavy metal is common in fish products, vaccines and amalgam fillings, also referred to as silver fillings. Mercury can be found in our drinking water as well. Mercury has been identified to be one of the most toxic neurotoxins because it destroys brain tissue.
  • Fluoride (sodium fluoride): This substance is very commonly found in drinking water and conventional toothpaste. Fluoride was utilized to exterminate rats before it was introduced into consumer products. The fluoride used for the products we consume is a mixture of a variety of chemicals which can be hazardous to the body. Not to be confused with the natural calcium fluoride, sodium fluoride can be found listed on the warning labels of fluoridated toothpaste products.
  • Hydrolyzed vegetable protein:�This harmful food ingredient is very common in certain junk foods. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein contains high concentrations of the substances glutamate and aspartate. In high levels, glutamate and aspartate can overstimulate nerve cells.
  • Calcium caseinate:�This substance is frequently found in the ingredient list of many protein supplements, energy bars and junk food. Due to its harmful properties, this neurotoxin can damage the brain and cause other neurological issues.
  • Sodium caseinate:�This type of protein is common in dairy products and junk food. It has been associated to the development of gastrointestinal complications and has even been linked to autism.
  • Yeast extract:�A popular food ingredients in many processed foods, such as canned food. It is also toxic to the brain.

Sugar: The Most Common Neurotoxin�blog picture of young woman pointing to red button that says receive care today

While the above mentioned neurotoxins can be commonly found in higher concentrations on a majority of the foods we eat today, there is one substance that people consume more frequently than all the others: sugar or table sugar. Refined sugar is not as toxic as aspartame but it can be toxic enough to cause considerable harm to the body when it’s consumed on a regular basis.

When you eat a fruit, for instance, you are not just ingesting sugar and water, but also synergistic components, such as mineral activators, enzymes, co-vitamin helpers and fiber. It’s these components that help the body effectively metabolize all the nutrients of the fruit.

Without the help of these synergistic components, sugar cannot be metabolized safely. In fact, certain elements of the sugar are broken down into toxic chemicals instead. When the body metabolizes refined sugar, toxic metabolites are released into the body. These metabolites can then considerably impair the respiration process of the cells.

Other Common Neurotoxins

Other common neurotoxins which can be found in some of the favorite processed foods we consume are chemical food additives, preservatives and sweeteners. Numerous research studies�have been conducted on food additives and their toxic, damaging affect on the nerve cells in our body. Brain cells and the peripheral nerves are the most affected by these substances, which can also have a cumulative effect on the body over time.

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, and artificial sweeteners can gradually cause considerable damage to nerve cells, which may lead to peripheral neuropathy or even worse, Alzheimer�s disease. Yet, these ingredients are found in the foods and beverages we consume daily. The average household has diet beverages, salad dressings, canned soups, condiments, crackers, junk food and many other of these types of foods and drinks. Even baby foods contain many of these neurotoxins.

Whether or not you suffer from any neurological dysfunction, everyone should avoid consuming these harmful chemicals. Over a period of decades, they can cause, not only peripheral neuropathy but, damage to brain cells as well, leading to memory loss, confusion, dementia, including Alzheimer�s and other serious neurological diseases such as Parkinsons.

A variety of favorite processed foods Americans consume today have added refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, among additives and preservatives, which can be harmful to the body. However, most of the foods and drinks people eat today commonly contain some of the most harmful substances for the brain and nerves, neurotoxins.

For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�Top provider

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.dralexjimenez.com

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury

Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.

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Ergonomics & Corrective Posture Tips

Ergonomics & Corrective Posture Tips

6 Tweaks For Posture & See What Happens To Back Pain

Your Guide for Getting Rid of Pain With Super-Easy Posture-Tweaking Moves

A lot of us have aches and pains that have become so much a part of our daily lives that we�ve learned to live with them (if not accept them). The problem is that all these small aches and pains, such as lower back and neck issues, are derived from posture mistakes.

We�re NOT pointing any fingers here; we all make posture mistakes on a daily basis without even realizing it. Sure, an Epsom Salt Bath Soak might clear up the problem temporarily, but if you keep on making the same posture mistake, guess who�ll be knocking on your door again soon?

In this post, we�ll be highlighting some common posture mistakes, and then we�ll be giving you tips on how to fix those mistakes. We�ll even throw in some advice on how to posture-check yourself, just to help keep you on the right track. All of our recommendations take 30 seconds or less, and we�re kind of sure that you�ll find them as useful as we do.

6 Common Posture Problems (& How To Fix Them!)

 

blog illustration of lady and young girl with incorrect posture then proper posture

1. Not Sitting Up in a Chair

Most of us slouch in our chairs, which is why most of us experience some form of lower back pain during one stage or another of our lives.

How to Fix It

Make sure you sit up properly in your chair. Make sure you do exercises that strengthen the back and core muscles, which will further support your posture while sitting in a chair.

2. Standing With Your Butt Outwards

People that have a pronounced curve in their lower backs and folks that tend to stand with their bottom stuck out may develop (or already suffer from) hyper-lordosis.

This posture problem looks like a classic picture of Donald Duck. Conditions such as pregnancy and carrying too much belly fat exacerbate this problem.

How to Fix It

Make sure you do thigh stretches and hip flexor exercises � you can also do some core training, as well as exercises that strengthen the buttocks.

It�s crucial that you learn to stand upright, almost as if having a string tied to your head which pulls you upward. This will help get rid of your back pain.

3. Having Your Back Flat While Standing

Folks that tuck their pelvises in and straighten out their lower backs (instead of having a naturally curved posture) tend to stoop forward while standing.

This increases their chances of developing back pains that extend all the way from their upper to their lower backs. They�ll also have a hard time standing around for extended periods of time.

How to Fix It

 

Core strengthening exercises along with those that focus on strengthening the buttocks, neck, back, and shoulder muscles should be done to help correct this very common posture problem.

4. Leaning on the Right or Left Leg

While it might feel super comfy, leaning on either one of your legs while standing is a habit that could be causing you a lot of pain.

That�s because instead of using your buttocks or core muscle groups to keep you up, you�re relying on your hip and your lower back, and putting too much strain on this area causes pain.

How to Fix It

The best way to fix this common problem is to focus on the idea of distributing your weight on both of your legs as you stand. You can try exercises such as bridges and plank poses to help strengthen your muscles and get rid of any posture-related pains which you may be experiencing.

5. The Common Hunchback

Most of us know this posture problem as �the phone pose.� It�s the pose we all seem to adopt when we�re glued to our smartphones, putting a strain on our necks and backs while we check what�s new.

This leads to problems such as a rounded upper back, causing severe pain in the upper back and the shoulders.

How to Fix It

Make sure you�re doing a lot of exercises that�ll strengthen your shoulders, neck, and, of course, your upper back.

6. The Chin-Out Pose

Another name for this posture problem is the �PC screen stare.� You�ve all seen it, heck you may even be doing it right this moment! We�re talking about the people who sit too low beneath their PC screens and stick their chins out to compensate.

How to Fix It

Your sitting habits will have to be addressed and corrected if you want to get rid of the back pain that comes paired with the chin-out posture problem. Make sure you�re adjusting your seat height, and focus on keeping your head straight and upright while using the computer.
Final Thoughts

In our modern world, it�s pretty hard not to fall victim to one of these common posture pitfalls and the pain associated with them. The good news is that now you know what these common mistakes are, and how they can quickly and easily be corrected.

We hope that this post has been helpful in guiding you through the process of alleviating the pains that derive from poor posture, and that you�re a little more aware of where, why, and how to avoid these innocent yet painful mistakes.

Tips for Improving Posture and Ergonomics

blog picture of office with three office workers

 

Over time, poor posture may be caused by habits from everyday activities such as sitting in office chairs, staring at the computer, cradling a cell phone, carrying a purse over same shoulder, driving, prolonged standing, caring for small children, or even sleeping.

Read more: Office Chair, Posture, and Driving Ergonomics

Poor posture can easily become second nature, causing and aggravating episodes of back and neck pain and damaging spinal structures. Fortunately, the main factors affecting posture and ergonomics are completely within one’s ability to control and are not difficult to change.

See: How Poor Posture Causes Neck Pain

The following guidelines suggest several ways to improve posture and ergonomics, especially for people who work sitting in an office chair for most of the day.

Identify The Warning Signs Of Back Pain Caused by Poor Ergonomics & Posture

Back pain may be the result of poor ergonomics and posture if the back pain is worse at certain times of day or week (such as after a long day of sitting in an office chair in front of a computer, but not during the weekends); pain that starts in the neck and moves downwards into the upper back, lower back, and extremities; pain that goes away after switching positions; sudden back pain that is experienced with a new job, a new office chair, or a new car; and/or back pain that comes and goes for months.

See Good Posture Helps Reduce Back Pain

Keep The Body In Alignment While Sitting & While Standing

When standing, distribute body weight evenly to the front, back, and sides of the feet. While sitting in an office chair, take advantage of the chair’s features. Sit up straight and align the ears, shoulders, and hips in one vertical line. Any prolonged sitting position, even a good one, can be tiring. Shifting forward to the edge of the seat with a straight back can alternate with sitting back against the support of the office chair to ease the work of back muscles.

See Office Chair: How to Reduce Back Pain?

Some people benefit from a naturally balanced posture that is achieved by sitting on a balance ball; in this posture the pelvis is rocked gently forward increasing the lumbar curve which naturally shifts the shoulders back (similar to sitting on the edge of a chair seat).

Also be aware of and avoid unbalanced postures such as crossing legs unevenly while sitting, leaning to one side, hunching the shoulders forward, or tilting the head.

Get Up & Move

As muscles tire, slouching, slumping, and other poor postures become more likely; this in turn puts extra pressure on the neck and back. In order to maintain a relaxed yet supported posture, change positions frequently. One way is to take a break from sitting in an office chair every half hour for two minutes in order to stretch, stand, or walk.

For further reading: Exercise and Back Pain

Use Posture-Friendly Props & Ergonomic Office Chairs When Sitting

 

blog picture of young man sitting at desk with ergonomic chair and proper posture

 

Supportive ergonomic “props” can help to take the strain and load off of the spine.�Ergonomic office chairs or chairs with an adjustable back support can be used at work.

  • Footrests, portable lumbar back supports, or even a towel or small pillow can be used while sitting in an office chair, on soft furniture and while driving.
  • Using purses, bags, and backpacks that are designed to minimize back strain can also influence good posture.
  • Proper corrective eyewear, positioning computer screens to your natural, resting eye position can also help to avoid leaning or straining the neck with the head tilted forward.

Increase Awareness Of Posture & Ergonomics In Everyday Settings

Becoming aware of posture and ergonomics at work, at home, and at play is a vital step towards instilling good posture and ergonomic techniques. This includes making conscious connections between episodes of back pain and specific situations where poor posture or ergonomics may be the root cause of the pain.

Building on the prior page, the following five points highlight important ways to improve posture in the workplace, helping to reduce back and neck pain and stiffness.

Exercise To Help Prevent Injury & Promote Good Posture

Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, or bicycling will help the body stay aerobically conditioned, while specific strengthening exercises will help the muscles surrounding the back to stay strong. These benefits of exercise promote good posture, which will, in turn, further help to condition muscles and prevent injury.

There are also specific exercises that will help maintain good posture. In particular, a balance of core muscle and back muscle strength is essential to help support the upper body and maintain good posture.

See Exercise and Back Pain

Wear Supportive Footwear When Standing

Avoid regularly wearing high-heeled shoes, which can affect the body�s center of gravity and induce compensatory alignment of the entire body, thus negatively affecting back support and posture.

When standing for long periods of time, propping a leg up on a foot rest, wearing supportive shoe orthotics, or placing a rubber mat on the floor can improve comfort.

See Walking Shoes for Exercise Walking

Remember Good Posture & Ergonomics When In Motion

Simply walking, lifting heavy materials, holding a telephone, and typing are all moving activities that require attention to ergonomics and posture. It is important to maintain good posture even while moving to avoid injury, walking tall with shoulders back for example.

Back injuries are especially common while twisting and/or lifting and often occur because of awkward movement and control of the upper body weight alone.

See Manual Material Handling to Prevent Back Injury

Create A Ergonomic Physical Environment & Workspace

It does require a small investment of time to personalize the workspace, home, and car, but the payoff will be well worth it. Undue strain will be placed on the structures of the spine unless the office chair, desk, keyboard, and computer screen, etc. are correctly positioned.

It’s much easier and less time consuming to correct everyday ergonomics and minimize back or neck pain than to add doctor visits and corrective therapies for debilitating pain conditions.

See Office Chair: Choosing the Right Ergonomic Office Chair

Avoid Overprotecting Posture

Remember that it is important to maintain an overall relaxed posture. Avoid restricting movements by clenching muscles or adopting an unnatural, stiff posture. For individuals who already have some back or neck pain, it’s a natural tendency to limit movements to avoid provoking increased pain.

However, unless there is a fracture or other serious problem, the structures in the spine are designed for movement and any limitation in motion over a long period of time creates more pain and a downward cycle of less motion and more pain.

See How Poor Posture Causes Neck Pain

The above changes are relatively easy to make and will pay off in terms of a healthier spine and less pain and stiffness over time.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.elpasochiropractorblog.com

Aches and pains have become a part of our daily lives that we�ve learned to live with them (if not accept them). The problem is that all these small aches and pains, such as lower back and neck issues, are derived from posture mistakes.�For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at�915-850-0900

Don’t Allow a Lawyer to be Your Chiropractor

Don’t Allow a Lawyer to be Your Chiropractor

A current study conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Legal Reform, or ILR, determined that several of the most expensive ads under popular search terms on Google, including phrases such as “Top personal injury lawyers” and “El Paso accident lawyer”, costed personal injury lawyers approximately $700 every time a possible client clicked on it.

While these elevated costs have demonstrated a definite growing advertising trend among attorneys, these statistics have developed a tremendous concern among Texans who value the integrity of their civil justice system. As a matter of fact, the increased amount of personal injury lawyer advertising shows how misleading ads have become, putting greed ahead of justice. Furthermore, this method of advertising can burden courts with questionable lawsuits, leading to more delays and denials of justice for those with legitimate legal claims.

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According to the Institute for Legal Reform’s research study, personal injury attorneys in the United States were estimated to spend a total of $892 million in television advertising in 2015, a growth from $531 million in 2008. The large sums being invested on these expensive ads were utilized in the study to show the way many personal injury lawyers are predominantly more interested in lining their pockets rather than being interested on the client’s safety and overall health and wellness.

The current study conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce placed various cities in Texas among the top national rankings of personal injury attorney advertising. The 68 percent increase in personal injury lawyer ads on television during the previous An evident increase of approximately 68 percent in personal injury lawyer television ads over the previous eight years was most notable in Houston, Texas, ranking among the top 10 United States television markets for trial lawyer advertising in 2015.

Because more Texans have started depending on the internet and television for a majority of their health blog picture of young woman pointing to red button that says receive care todayinformation, it’s fundamental for individuals to be able to distinguish between all the helpful resources and misleading lawsuit advertising. In addition, many personal injury attorney advertisements have started attempting to influence consumer’s decisions, guiding them away from seeking medical attention from qualified doctors, chiropractors and medical specialist as well as misleading them to questionable lawsuits.

People have to begin to understand the purpose of personal injury attorney advertising. Many personal injury lawyers are acting on their own self-interest, one that is often not in the best interest of clients and patients. Texans must learn to protect themselves against those recruiters who’s main purpose is to enlarge their own bank accounts rather than helping victims who need it. Clients with questions regarding the medical care and treatment they deserve for their settlement should ask their doctor, chiropractor or medical specialist, not a personal injury lawyer. Subsequently, people should be aware of misleading advertisements attempting to guide them away from a healthcare professional.

Misleading personal injury advertising can put people�s overall health and wellness at risk. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the consequences of this often selfish practice: don�t allow a lawyer be your doctor, chiropractor or medical specialist.

Its common for personal injury lawyers to advertise on the internet and television today. However, recent studies have started to demonstrate that from the vast majority of ads, an increased percentage of them be misleading, steering people away from medical care and treatment after being involved in a personal injury case.

Marcus Jahns of San Antonio is chairman of Texans Against Lawsuit Abuse, www.tala.com.

For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�Top provider

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.dralexjimenez.com

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury

Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.

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Foods Which Trigger Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

Foods Which Trigger Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

Peripheral neuropathy is a medical condition where nerve damage or dysfunction occurs, triggering common symptoms such as tingling or burning sensations or numbness in the hands and feet. The source of the neuropathy can often be difficult to diagnose but some of the factors which can contribute to the development of the condition include: vitamin deficiencies, traumatic injuries, diabetes, chemotherapy, alcoholism, infections, kidney disease, tumors and exposure to poisons.

Although these are some of the most frequently reported factors responsible for the development of the condition, many of the common foods people eat on a daily basis and in large quantities can actually worsen peripheral neuropathy. The following are various of the foods which can aggravate nerve damage and dysfunction as well as increase the painful symptoms of neuropathy.

Gluten

First of all, what is gluten? Gluten is a storage protein found in wheat, barley and rye. The most common sources of gluten include a majority of breads, cereals, pasta, crackers, cookies, cakes, pastries and all foods containing white, wheat, cake or baking flour.

People with celiac disease, best described as a gluten allergy, can trigger and worsen the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy if gluten is consumed. Approximately 50 percent of adults with celiac disease aren’t even aware that they have this autoimmune disorder. Celiac disease, as mentioned before, is an allergy to gluten, however, many individuals may have a sensitivity to gluten without celiac disease. As a matter of fact, 18 million people in the United States have currently been diagnosed with some form of gluten sensitivity. Both gluten sensitivity and celiac disease can cause or increase tingling sensations and numbness as well as other neuropathic symptoms.blog picture of young woman pointing to red button that says receive care today

If you have any type of gluten sensitivity or allergy, suitable alternatives to the storage protein include: rice, oatmeal, corn and rice-based cereals, breads labeled as gluten free and potatoes.

Refined Grains

Refined grains can aggravate peripheral neuropathy because these are high-glycemic, meaning they can have a tremendous impact on your blood sugar levels. Because refined sugars cause a spike in blood sugar, inflammation throughout the body is increased, worsening any other symptoms associated with it. Chronic inflammation can both cause peripheral neuropathy and worsen nerve damage, resulting in increased pain and decreased function of many structures of the body.

According to the Diabetes Association, controlling glycemic levels in the body can be the most effective strategy for preventing the progression of neuropathy associated with pre-diabetes or diabetes, which is the most common reason for the disorder.

To control glycemic in the body, replace refined grains and products, including white and wheat bread, enriched pasta, white and instant rice, low-fiber cereals and processed snack foods, such as pretzels, potato chips and crackers, with whole grains. Nutritious whole grade alternatives include oats, barley, brown rice, quinoa and millet.

Added Sugars

Supplementary sugars which are added to foods, such as cane sugar, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup, add sweet flavor to many of our favorite snack but these supply very few nutrients to foods and can ultimately increase the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy.

Common sources of added sugars include: regular soft drinks, candy, milk chocolate, sugary cereals, pancake syrup, jellies, frozen desserts and commercially baked cakes, cookies, pastries and pies.Similar to refined grains, they are high-glycemic and can affect blood sugar levels in the body. Additionally, diets rich in added sugars are most commonly associated with poor nutrient intake.

To protect yourself against nutritional deficiencies which may lead to worsened neuropathic symptoms, choose nutritious foods with natural sugars, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, instead of sugary snacks.

Bad Fats

Fats are as essential to your diet as protein and carbohydrates as these are necessary to provide energy to the body and to assist in processing a variety of vitamins and manufacturing hormones. However, when our diet is made up of mostly bad fats as compared to good fats,�many complications can begin to affect the body.

The worst type of dietary fats are trans fats. Trans fats are commonly listed on labels as hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated oils. These can increase inflammation in the body, raise bad cholesterol or LDL, and may contribute to the development of insulin resistance which can harm small blood vessels necessary for delivering nutrients to the peripheral nerves.

Saturated fats commonly found in fatty meats and dairy products are often given a bad reputation within the medical field but research studies, including one study from Harvard Health Publications, show that a diet with a moderate amount of saturated fat from fruits, such as avocados and coconut oil, may offer extensive health benefits to the cardiovascular system. Further studies also concluded that a small to moderate consumption of animal saturated fat can also provide several health benefits. It’s recommended to eat moderate amounts of healthy fat sources, including: avocados, nuts, seeds, coconut oils and ghee.

Dairy

Dairy is one of the most inflammatory foods in our modern diet, second only to gluten. It causes inflammation in a large percentage of the population. Individuals who’ve already developed peripheral neuropathy have some form of nerve damage and inflammation can impact the nerves even further, subsequently increasing the pain and other symptoms associated with neuropathy. �Inflammation caused by the consumption of dairy can also result in digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea and may worsen autistic behaviors.

Why the Food We Eat Impacts Neuropathy

Essentially, the food we consume provides our body with the necessary nutrients it needs to function properly. Without the proper nutrients, our metabolic processes can suffer and our overall health and wellness can decline. The food we eat is central to our well-being.

Nutrients are the substances found in food which are fundamental for the growth, development, repair and maintenance of the body’s functions. If an individual’s diet is deficient in nutrients, their health may be affected. Nutritional deficiencies occur by consuming a diet made up fast foods, junk foods or processed foods with very little whole foods. In addition, consuming regular beverages such as soda, coffee, energy drinks, sugary drinks and alcohol, can deplete essential vitamins and minerals in the body, including: vitamins B1, B6, B12, folic acid, calcium and magnesium, among others.

Nutrients are in charge of giving our bodies instructions about how to effectively function by also providing it with the necessary materials to carry out the appropriate functions to maintain overall health and wellness. In conclusion, its important to remember that the food we eat can act as a medicine to maintain, prevent, and treat diseases, such as peripheral neuropathy.

For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�Top provider

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.dralexjimenez.com

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury

Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7�? Fitness Center

 

 

Text Neck Syndrome

Text Neck Syndrome

The Modern Sore Neck

You may have noticed a new buzzword in health news recently: Text neck.

See How to Avoid Neck Pain from Texting

Text neck is the term used to describe the neck pain and damage sustained from looking down at your cell phone, tablet, or other wireless devices too frequently and for too long.

Children & Teens Especially At Risk For Suffering Symptoms Of Text Neck.

Learn more: How to Avoid Text Neck Overuse Syndrome

Recently, a patient came in to my practice complaining of severe upper back pain. He woke up and was experiencing severe, acute, upper back muscle strain. I told him I believe the pain is due to the hours he was spending hunched over his cell phone. Diagnosis: Text neck.

See All About Upper Back Pain

This posture of bending your neck to look down does not occur only when texting. For years, we’ve all looked down to read. The problem with texting is that it adds one more activity that causes us to look down�and people tend to do it for much longer periods. It is especially concerning because young, growing children could possibly cause permanent damage to their cervical spines that could lead to lifelong neck pain.

See Cervical Spine Anatomy and Neck Pain

Symptoms Associated With Text Neck?

Text neck most commonly causes neck pain and soreness.

In addition, looking down at your cell phone too much each day can lead to:

  • Upper back pain ranging from a chronic, nagging pain to sharp, severe upper back muscle spasms.
  • Shoulder pain and tightness, possibly resulting in painful shoulder muscle spasm.
  • If a cervical nerve becomes pinched, pain and possibly neurological symptoms can radiate down your arm and into your hand.

See What Is Cervical Radiculopathy?

As some studies suggest, text neck may possibly lead to chronic problems due to early onset of arthritis in the neck.

See Facet Joint Osteoarthritis

 

blog picture of skeleton neck looking down

Watch:�Neck Strains and Sprains Video

Poor neck posture of all kinds, not just from texting, can lead to strain or sprain.

How Common Is Text Neck?

A recent study shows that 79% of the population between the ages 18 and 44 have their cell phones with them almost all the time�with only 2 hours of their waking day spent without their cell phone on hand.1

See Causes of Upper Back Pain

How Is Text Neck Treated?

First, prevention is key. Here are several pieces of advice for preventing the development or advancement of text neck:

Hold your cell phone at eye level as much as possible. The same holds true for all screens�laptops and tablets should also be positioned so the screen is at eye level and you don’t have to bend your head forward or look down to view it.

See Ten Tips for Improving Posture and Ergonomics

Take frequent breaks from your phone and laptop throughout the day. For example, set a timer or alarm that reminds you to get up and walk around every 20 to 30 minutes.
If you work in an office, make sure your screen is set up so that when you look at it you are looking forward, with your head positioned squarely in line with your shoulders and spine.

See Ergonomics of the Office and Workplace: An Overview

The bottom line is to avoid looking down with your head bent forward for extended periods throughout the day. Spend a whole day being mindful of your posture�is your head bent forward when you drive? When you watch TV? Any prolonged period when your head is looking down is a time when you are putting excessive strain on your neck.

See Office Chair, Posture, and Driving Ergonomics

 

blog picture of skeleton front and muscles & tendons around the neck

Watch:�Neck Strains and Sprains Video

Keeping the neck straight and your phone at eye level can help prevent text neck.

Rehabilitation Is Important

Many people don’t know this, but you need to have strong core muscles�the abdominal and lower back muscles�to support your upper body, including your neck. Your core muscles usually do not get enough exercise during normal daily activities, so you need to do specific exercises to target these muscles.

See Core Body Strength Exercises

You also need strong and flexible muscles the neck to minimize strain on your cervical spine and help support the weight of your head. Again, your neck will not get sufficient stretching and strengthening during normal daily activities, so it is best to learn specific neck exercises with the help of a health professional.

See Neck Stretches

Some people will also benefit from a more comprehensive treatment plan, such as a combination of manual adjustments, massage therapy, and cold laser therapy.

Chiropractic Leads the Charge Against �Text Neck Syndrome�

 

blog picture of teenage girl texting leaning up against a fence

 

( Los Angeles Times) Dr. Dean Fishman, a chiropractor in Florida, was examining an X-ray of a 17-year-old patient�s neck in 2009 when he noticed something unusual. The ghostly image of her vertebral column showed a reversal of the curvature that normally appears in the cervical spine � a degenerative state he�d most often seen in middle-aged people who had spent several decades of their life in poor posture.

�That�s when I looked over at the patient,� Fishman says. She was slumped in her chair, head tilted downward, madly typing away on her cellphone. When he mentioned to the patient�s mother that the girl�s posture could be causing her headaches, he got what he describes as an �emotional response.� It seemed the teen spent much of her life in that position. Right then, Fishman says, �I knew I was on to something.�

 

blog picture of x-ray of neck looking down

 

The flexed neck can put strain on cervical disks. (Zephyr / Getty Images/Brand X)
He theorized that prolonged periods of tilting her head downward to peer into her mobile device had created excessive strain on the cervical spine, causing a repetitive stress injury that ultimately led to spinal degeneration. He began looking through all the recent X-rays he had of young people � many of whom had come in for neck pain or headaches � and he saw the same thing: signs of premature degeneration.

Fishman coined the term �text neck� to describe the condition and founded the Text Neck Institute (text-neck.com), a place where people can go for information, prevention and treatment.blog picture of doctor leaning against wall smiling

�The head in neutral has a normal weight� of 10 to 12 pounds, says Fishman, explaining that neutral position is ears over shoulders with shoulder blades pulled back. �If you start to tilt your head forward, with gravity and the distance from neutral, the weight starts to increase.�

A recent study in the journal Surgical Technology International quantified the problem: As the head tilts forward 15 degrees from neutral, the forces on the cervical spine and supporting musculature increase to 27 pounds. As the tilt increases, the forces increase to 40 pounds at 30 degrees, 49 pounds at 45 degrees and 60 pounds at 60 degrees.

�When your head tilts forward, you�re loading the front of the disks,� says Dr. Kenneth Hansraj, study author and chief of spine surgery at New York Spine Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine. Though the study didn�t look at long-term effects of this position, Hansraj says that, after seeing approximately 30,000 spinal surgery patients, he�s witnessed �the way the neck falls apart.�

He explains, �When you�re eccentrically loading the spine, you�re going to get cracks in the disks, slipped disks or herniated disks. This leads to stenosis or blockage of the spine.�

In addition, Fishman says, text-neck posture can lead to pinched nerves, arthritis, bone spurs and muscular deformations. �The head and shoulder blades act like a seesaw. When the head goes forward, the shoulder blades will flare out � and the muscles start to change over time.�

Much like tennis elbow doesn�t occur only in people who play tennis, text neck isn�t exclusive to people who compulsively send text messages. Hansraj says people in high-risk careers include dentists, architects and welders, whose heavy helmets make them especially vulnerable. He adds that many daily activities involve tilting the head down, but they differ from mobile-device use in intensity and propensity.

I�ve noticed a LOT of adolescents slumped over their phone sitting in the passenger seat of their parent�s cars�.there will be a whole range of physical and emotional problems that result from this behavior, believe these printed words! See you in the future!

�Washing dishes is something nobody enjoys, so you do it quickly. And while your head is forward, it�s probably tilted at 30 or 40 degrees,� he says. People tend to change position periodically while reading a book, and they glance up frequently while holding an infant. But mobile devices are typically held with the neck flexed forward at 60 degrees or greater, and many users, particularly teens, use them compulsively. The study reports that people spend an average of two to four hours a day with their heads tilted at a sharp angle over their smartphones, amounting to 700 to 1,400 hours a year.

To remedy the problem, Hansraj has a simple message: �Keep your head up.� While texting or scrolling, people should raise their mobile devices closer to their line of sight. The Text Neck Institute has developed the Text Neck Indicator, an interactive app that alerts users when their smartphones are held at an angle that puts them at risk for text neck ($2.99, available for Android; in development for iPhone).

Fishman also recommends that people take frequent breaks while using their mobile devices, as well as do exercises that strengthen muscles behind the neck and between the shoulder blades in order to increase endurance for holding the device properly.

He adds, �I�m an avid technology user � and I use it in the proper posture.�

Exercises To Ease The Strain Of �Text Neck�

If you�re not mindful of your body alignment, engaging with mobile devices for long periods of time can wreak havoc on your spine. This behavior can result in muscle strain, a straightening of the normal curvature of the cervical spine, disk compression, slipped disks, pinched nerves and arthritis. Here are some exercises that can help prevent and relieve �text neck�:

Neck Stretches

Increasing the range of motion in the neck keeps the cervical spine flexible and helps maintain its normal curvature. Gentle stretches relieve neck tension as well as lengthen muscles that may have shortened due to chronic poor posture.

First, relax your shoulders and nod your head �yes� and �no� slowly a few times. Then, holding one arm behind your back, grasp the side of your head with your opposite hand and press gently, tilting your head to the side until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 20 seconds. Next, tilt your chin up and hold for 20 seconds; tilt your chin down and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Chest Opener

Expanding the chest muscles helps to counteract slumped posture.

Stand in a doorway with your arms held out from the body like a T, forearms resting on each doorjamb at a 90-degree angle to upper arms. Next, lean your body forward through the doorway, leading with your sternum until you feel a gentle stretch across your chest. Hold for 20 seconds. Now move your arms up the door jamb so they are positioned like a V and repeat the forward stretch, again holding for 20 seconds.

Shoulder, Upper Back & Neck Muscle Strengtheners

Strong muscles in the back of the neck and between the shoulder blades will support proper posture, preventing muscle strain and spinal degeneration. With more strength, you will be able to comfortably hold your mobile device in your line of sight without having to bend your neck forward and hunch over. Here are two exercises that help strengthen these postural support muscles:

Wall Angels

If you�ve ever made snow angels, you can use a similar movement to strengthen your shoulder muscles while standing against a wall. First, stand with your heels, back and head resting against a wall. Hold arms perpendicular to the body with the forearms pointing upward at a 90-degree angle to your upper arms. Press your shoulder blades back and down. Keeping your arms bent at a 90-degree angle, move them slowly overhead without letting them lift from the wall. Next, move arms slowly down until your upper arms touch the sides of your body. (Forearms are still perpendicular to upper arms, and shoulder blades are still locked down.) Do 12 repetitions.

Sky Diver

Lying face-down on a mat or other firm, comfortable surface, hold your arms straight over your head at an angle so your body forms the shape of a Y. Lift your upper torso from the mid-back, leading with your sternum and keeping your chin down so your neck is aligned with your spine. Hold for 30 seconds, then release. Next, still lying face-down, hold your arms straight out to the sides so your body forms the shape of a T. Rotate your arms so your thumbs are pointing skyward. Once again, lift your upper torso from the mid-back, leading with your sternum and keeping your chin down. While maintaining the upper body lift, pinch your shoulder blades together as you slowly lift and lower your arms for 12 repetitions.

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Check out our sister site on upper back disorders.

Text neck is the term used to describe the neck pain and damage sustained from looking down at your cell phone, tablet, or other wireless devices too frequently and for too long.��For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at�915-850-0900

Posture & Brain Based Postural Correction

Posture & Brain Based Postural Correction

Neck pain that is not caused by whiplash or other trauma has a postural component as part of the underlying problem. Sitting atop the body, the health of the neck is subject to the �curvature of the spine below and the position of the head above.

  • See Chronic Neck Pain: What Condition Is Causing My Neck Pain?

The neck muscle pain can be caused by the following neck muscles becoming tight:Scalene muscles (three pairs of muscles that help rotate the neck)

  • Suboccipital muscles (four pairs of muscles used to rotate the head)
  • Pectoralis minor muscles (a pair of thin triangular muscles at the upper part of the chest)
  • Subscapularis muscles (a pair of large triangular muscles near each shoulder joint)
  • Levator scapulae muscles (a pair of muscles located at the back and side of the neck).

If the alignment of the head and spine is not optimal, the neck can be predisposed to injury and/or the degenerative effects of wear and tear over time.

Forward Head & Shoulder Posture

The most common condition that contributes to neck pain is forward head and shoulder posture.

Forward head posture is when the neck slants forward placing the head in front of the shoulders.
This head position leads to several problems:

The forward pull of the weight of the head puts undue stress on the vertebrae of the lower �neck, contributing to degenerative disc disease and other degenerative neck problems.

Similarly, this posture causes the muscles of the upper back to continually overwork to counterbalance the pull of gravity on the forward head.

This position is often accompanied by forward shoulders and a rounded upper back, which not only feeds into the neck problem but can also cause shoulder pain.

The more time spent with a forward head posture, �the more likely it is that one will develop neck and shoulder problems.

Workplace Ergonomics & Neck Pain

Poor Posture Effects On the Lower Cervical Vertebrae

The part of the neck that is particularly vulnerable to forward head posture is the lower part of the neck, just above the shoulders.
See Cervical Spine Anatomy and Neck Pain

The lower cervical vertebrae (C5 and C6) may slightly slide or shear forward relative to one another as a result of the persistent pull of gravity on a forward head. This shear force can be a problem for patients with jobs that require them to look down or forward all day, such as pharmacists who spend many hours counting pills or data entry workers who look at a computer screen.

See Ergonomics of the Office and Workplace: An Overview

Long-Term Effects of Poor Posture

Prolonged shearing of the vertebrae from forward head posture eventually irritates the small facet joints in the neck as well as the ligaments and soft tissues.

This irritation can result in neck pain that radiates down to the shoulder blades and upper back, potentially causing a variety of conditions, including:

Trigger points in the muscles, which are points of exquisite tenderness that are painful to touch, along with limited range of motion

Disc degeneration problems, which may potentially lead to cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical osteoarthritis, or a cervical herniated disc.

BRAIN BASED POSTURAL CORRECTION

blog picture of Physiotherapist assisting woman on exercise ball in the clinic

The neurologic system controls and coordinates all other systems of the body? What system provides the physical framework for all other systems of the body to resist gravity and function within our environment? The Posture System. These intricate systems work together to control and coordinate all experiences and actions throughout our lives.

Postural Neurology is defined as the network of neural impulses to support proper functional alignment of the Posture System. The purpose of Postural Neurology is to develop plasticity of proper structural alignment through brain based treatment protocols.

Why implement Postural Neurology into your practice? Quite simply, every musculoskeletal problem is at some level a neurologic problem. Neurology dictates movement, structure, and the function of your Posture System, overseeing and refining every single movement that you do on a daily basis.

It is an outdated system of healthcare to look at one part of the body, the site of injury or pain, and make assumptions about that person�s health and ability to function.
Identifying the area of injured tissue, then creating a rehabilitation plan around that injuryis less than adequate. The new system is all about function and whole posture patterns.

Segmental Rehabilitation & Brain Based Postural Correction

If the patient says �I hurt here,� or you test a weak muscle �here.� It does not mean that the problem lives �here.� This is simply information telling us that there is pain or dysfunction that is being expressed in that end organ. There is absolutely no indication that the problem is in that tissue. The noxious stimulus being interpreted by the brain is nothing more than a sensory input. The weak muscular output is nothing more than an insufficient motor plan.

This is the difference between segmental and brain based thinking. Segmental healthcare professionals do not see beyond the �hurt� or �weak� segment, oblivious to compensation patterns that are dampening function in the rest of the body.
Compartmentalized thinking is not adequate for a system as dynamically developed and as functionally managed as the human body. It simply won�t cut it.

This guide introduces you to the Neurology of the Posture System, so you can understand the functional output of the brain and how it contributes to upright postural design.

 

blog illustration of the brain in polygonal form

Motor Cortex:

The primary motor cortex is located in the frontal lobe of the brain.
The frontal lobe is the center of human development including executive decision-making, language, and problem-solving.

Located within the Motor cortex is the Motor Homonculus. The Motor Homonculus is a map of motor output for each part of your human anatomy. Within this map, the amount of cortex devoted to any given body region is proportional to how richly innervated that region is, not to the body region�s physical size. Areas of the body with greater or more complex sensory or motor connections
are represented as larger in the homunculus such as the hands, lips, and the face.

The primary motor cortex receives signals from the pre-motor cortex to make a movement.
The primary motor cortex then sends the information to make that movement from the cortex down the spinal cord to the skeletal muscle of that body region.

blog illustration of see through head to see the brain and spine

Motor movement occurs contralaterally, meaning that your left motor cortex controls movement on the right side of your body. Your right motor cortex controls movement on the left side of your body. Every action occurs in this fashion, in response to a descending signal from the brain to the body.

Is the Motor Cortex important to Posture?

The motor cortex controls motor function. The Posture System is never actually �static,� we are dynamic beings who are always in motion. The motor cortex is constantly making small movements (even minute movements) necessary to prevent falling over, and to interact within our environment. Optimal dynamic posture begins in the motor cortex and is regulated by the cerebellum.

Can I check for weakness of the Motor Cortex?

You can check for weakness�of motor output by performing muscle tests. If a muscle on the left side is weak,
this is information to do further muscle tests to confirm for weakness of the right motor cortex.

�Sensory Cortex:

The somatosensory cortex of the parietal lobe is the center for
sensation. This is where you perceive your world and how you process all of the tactile and
proprioceptive information received from your external environment.

Just as the motor cortex is a map whose arrangement gives preference to the highly innervated parts of the body, so does the sensory homunculus. The sensory homunculus is the primary mechanism of cortical processing for sensoryinformation originating at body surfaces and other tissues.

Is the Sensory Cortex important to Posture?

The sensory cortex is very important for posture because the sensory cortex lights up with activation from novel stimuli such as proprioceptive signals and mechanoreceptor feedback
from complex movements. Lack of movement is the worst thing for your sensory cortex. In fact, with lack of stimulation to an area of the sensory cortex, the sensory map �blurs� together with less representation of that body part in the brain.

For example, when patients present an injured knee and they have worn a brace that limits their range of motion. This limited motor output of the knee results in less tactile and proprioceptive
feedback from the knee, the brain then thinks that the knee is �less important� and blurring of the cortical representation of the hip and ankle will begin to occur over the knee.

Less awareness of our body leads to poor activation and neglect of that area. To keep your patients healthy, keep them moving and activating all joints of the body.

Can I check for weakness of the Sensory Cortex?

You can check for dysfunction of the sensory cortex by performing sensory tests such as light touch,
vibration, temperature, painful stimuli, and joint position. If the patient presents with decreased sensory recognition, the contralateral sensory cortex is weak.
Meaning, that if the left side of the body cannot detect tactile sensation, this is a weakness of the right sensory cortex.

Cerebellum:

The cerebellum works in conjunction with the contralateral motor
cortex to coordinate fine movements. The cerebellum is an �inhibitor,� it reduces any extra or unnecessary motor movements to perform the desired action as accurately as possible.

The cerebellum receives input from sensory systems of the spinal cord and from other parts of the brain, and integrates these inputs to fine-tune motor activity, providing feedback to the motor cortex of how movements can be smoother and more precise. When patients have deficits of the cerebellum
they have excess movement, such as a tremor or a wide stance because they can�t balance with their feet together. Their equilibrium and ability to perform controlled motor movements is compromised.

Is the Cerebellum important to Posture?

The cerebellum coordinates all movement, to more
precisely regulate fine movements. Proper cerebellar output means that the patient can perform their intended movement without recruiting other muscles. They are on target and on point with coordinated functions of the Posture System. Cerebellar deficits on the other hand affect the patient�s posture, they have compromised postural stability and uncoordinated dynamic postures.

blog illustration of see through human skull to see the cerebellum

Can I check for weakness of the Cerebellum?

You can check for cerebellar weakness by performing a Romberg�s test. Have the patient stand with their feet together, close their eyes, and see if they sway to one side. The patient will sway toward the side of cerebellar dysfunction.

Brainstem:

The brainstem is the center of postural control. The brainstem is made up of the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla and is the house of the nuclei of 10 of 12 of Cranial Nerves.
Each of the cranial nerves provides important sensory and motor functions for the body. Of particular importance to the Posture System are the visual and vestibular nuclei that reside in the brainstem.

The visual system controls your orientation in space, literally how you see the world. Visual fibers descend to the cervical spine controlling head posture. Visual deficits result in forward head posture, lateral head tilt, and head rotation.

The vestibular system controls balance and extension. Flexor dominant posture is weak posture; upright extended posture is healthy and optimal for better function. This system is of utmost importance for upright postural stabilization and balance.

The brainstem also controls involuntary systems of your autonomicnervous system that regulate life-sustaining processes such as breathing, heart rate, sexual function, and digestion. Plus, the brainstem modulates postural tone, and inhibits flexion toward gravity.

Is the Brainstem important to Posture?

This is the primary control center of postural stabilization! The brainstem inhibits flexion, and in conjunction with the vestibular system activates extension. Descending fibers from the cranial nerve nuclei of the eyes control your head posture, and the ability to keep your eyes parallel to the horizon during dynamic movement.

Understanding the brainstem is an important connection for all posture professionals. Your posture depends upon the functional output of the brainstem.

Can I check for weakness of the Brainstem?

Checking posture provides valuable insight into the function of the brainstem. Noted flexion of the Posture System or head posture distortion patterns indicates that there is weakness of the brainstem.

The Cranial Nerves also provide valuable insight of the function of the brainstem. Dysfunction of the cranial nerves means that there is ipsilateral weakness of the brainstem.

Spinal Pathways:

The spinal chord and its pathways are the communication system to and from the brain and the body. The descending motor pathways stimulate movement and postural control. The ascending sensory pathways carry information of sensation to be processed and �understood� in the brain.

The brain and the body are in constant communication to perform efficient movements, to stabilize without falling, and to detect signals from the environment that require a response. Sensorimotor integration happens in your spine, this is the communication highway of the nervous system.

blog illustration of see through body to see the spinal pathways

Are the Spinal Pathways important to Posture?

The pathways are invaluable to your postural design. Pathways from the motor cortex send information to create dynamic movements,�and pathways from the brainstem descend to stabilize your postural tone. Ascending pathways from the body to the brain ignite the sensory homunculus for perception, and carry information from the primary sensors of your body for proprioception, vision, hearing, touch, smell, taste, etc.

Can I check for weakness of the Spinal Pathways?

There are many different pathways. When you understand the function of that pathway you can design a test for it. For example, the corticospinal tract descends from the motor cortex to the spine
to create motor output. Dysfunction of this pathway would present as weakness on muscle tests.

The spinothalamic tract is an ascending tract from the spine to the thalamus that recognizes stimuli associated with pain and temperature. To test this tract you would test sensory integration of hot, cold, and painful stimuli.

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Neck pain that is not caused by whiplash or other trauma has a postural component as part of the underlying problem. Sitting atop the body, the health of the neck is subject to the �curvature of the spine below and the position of the head above.�For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at�915-850-0900

Nerve Injury Can Develop Before Diabetes

Nerve Injury Can Develop Before Diabetes

Peripheral neuropathy most commonly develops in patients who’ve been previously diagnosed with pre-diabetes. According to researchers from the University of Utah, early interventions can allow people to maintain their overall health and wellness. Further research studies have revealed that peripheral nerve damage begins with pre-diabetes and obesity.

Approximately more than one in three adults in the United States, about 86 million people, have pre-diabetes. Without the proper body weight and moderate physical activity, 15 to 30 percent of these individuals could develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.

“We now know a lot more than we did 3 to 5 years ago about neuropathic pain in patients with pre-diabetes. Neuropathy affects patients with pre-diabetes in a continuum,” stated Dr. Rob Singleton, MD, and professor of neurology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. “We think obesity and the dysfunction of lips or fats are what’s actually causing the issues.”

During another research study conducted and published by researchers from the University of Michigan in JAMA Neurology, peripheral blog picture of red button with the words receive care today click hereneuropathy was also commonly diagnosed in patients with obesity, regardless if they had normal blood sugar levels when compared with lean, control patient participants. This same study additionally confirmed that the rate of neuropathy increased in individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes, leading the researchers to conclude that pre-diabetes, diabetes and obesity are possible metabolic drivers of peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. Singleton and his team of researchers have been studying peripheral neuropathy associated with pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome as well as which forms of treatment may work best for the condition. Metabolic syndrome is characterized as the group of risk factors which increases the chance of experiencing heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Risk factors include: high blood pressure; elevated blood glucose, high cholesterol and abdominal fat. Throughout their research, they discovered that many patients with metabolic syndrome had pre-diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

�We have demonstrated that in pre-diabetics with neuropathic pain, exercise can reduce neuropathic pain and can increase the intradermal nerve fibers in the thigh and ankle. We are in the process now of replicating that study,� Dr. Rob Singleton explained in an interview with an endocrinology advisor. �You need to improve lipid, or cholesterol, function and glucose levels. Lifestyle issues have to be addressed.�

The Relation Between Pre-Diabetes & Peripheral Neuropathy

New research studies have evaluated the relationship between pre-diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. In a study published in Diabetes Care, Dr. Christine Lee, PhD, of the University of Toronto, determined that pre-diabetes created similar risks towards nerve damage and dysfunction, which often lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy, as those caused by diabetes.

Evidence suggests that peripheral neuropathy begins in the early stages of the diabetes pathogenesis. Dr. Lee and other researchers evaluated 467 individuals. The researchers found that peripheral neuropathy was common in 29 percent of adults with normal glucose levels as compared to 49 percent in adults diagnosed with pre-diabetes and 50 percent in adults diagnosed with diabetes. The researchers also established that pre-diabetes, or a progression of elevated glucose levels in the course of 3 years concluded an increased risk of developing peripheral neuropathy and nerve damage or dysfunction.

“Early interventions such as lifestyle changes involving proper diet and exercise, could be ultimately essential towards preventing severe nerve complications,” stated Dr. Christine Lee. Another study published in Diabetes Care by Dr. Rob Singleton in 2006, supported this statement. Dr. Singleton and other researchers concluded that dietary changes and physical activity can result in cutaneous reinnervation as well as improved symptoms in patients with pre-diabetes.

Peripheral Nerve Damage Before Diabetes

Its fundamental to acknowledge that the nerve injury which occurs with peripheral neuropathy can occur before diabetes develops. As a matter of fact, current research studies have shown that obesity, even with normal blood sugar levels, has been associated with causing peripheral neuropathy as well as pre-diabetes.

Fortunately, more and more research studies and evidence on the issue has been published to help enlighten doctors and the public. Although it is essential to maintain fasting glucose levels between 70 to 80 mg/dL, it is equally important to manage a healthy weight, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. All of this can be achieved without the use of medication or bariatric procedures. Natural treatments and holistic care options are also available to help control the symptoms of the disease.

Nerve dysfunction, characterized by symptoms of pain, tingling sensations and numbness are common among individuals with diabetes. However, new research studies have found that nerve injuries can also occur as a result of obesity, where patients are diagnosed with pre-diabetes.

For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�Top provider

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By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury

Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.

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