by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
Exercise plays a significant part maintaining health and physical fitness. Regular exercise can fight obesity and improve your heart and lungs. As you get older, it becomes especially important to be physically active in order to maintain health and independence. Setting the the four S’s of exercise as daily and weekly goals can yield valuable fitness and longevity benefits.
As individuals age, muscle rigidity may occur, as well as loss of muscle tone and even muscle tissue. Strength exercises help rebuild muscle mass. Additionally, they accelerate your metabolism, warding off obesity and diabetes — significant health issues for the elderly.�To strengthen upper arm muscles, try biceps curls using light dumbbells. Sit in an armless chair, slowly bend one elbow and lift the dumbbell toward your chest. Alternate arms for 10 to 15 repetitions. For stronger thigh and hip muscles, simply hold on to the back of a sturdy chair, and march in place.
Balance is key to remaining safe and active.�Simple coordination and stability exercises can help prevent falls among older adults. Standing on one foot without wobbling, walking heel to toe across the room or along a line, and standing up from a sitting position without the use of your hands can all improve balance.
As you get older, you lose flexibility and elasticity in your skin and connective tissue. Your muscles tighten, and your joints lose range of motion. Flexible joints and muscles are critical to maintaining an independent lifestyle as you age.� To keep your body limber, spine straighter and lungs working at full capacity, bouncing toe touches, shoulder rolls and stationary jumping jacks may be recommended.
And finally, exercises that increase your stamina support the health of your respiratory and circulatory systems. They help you accomplish your daily tasks, such as climbing stairs, lifting objects and housecleaning as well as aiding in the prevention of such diseases as diabetes, colon cancer, heart disease and stroke. Any activity that increases your heart rate — brisk walking, swimming, dancing — can increase your stamina. Start slowly and increase the intensity of your activity and the length of time you exercise as you become stronger. And always check with your healthcare provider before adding any new exercise to your fitness regimen.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.livestrong.com
Maintaining overall fitness and wellness is absolutely essential for everyone, including the elderly, and it just might be the key to a fulfilling quality life. For seniors, health can be achieved by remaining active and this can be achieved with several, basic exercises, specially designed for the aging human body. As with any other work-out routine, however, be sure to consult a professional for further instructions.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
Good physical and mental health can improve your quality of life during your older years. In addition to promoting your independence and keeping your body strong and energized, the American Council on Exercise states that physical activity can also prevent or improve age-related conditions, such as osteoporosis and arthritis, and lowers your risk of injuries and health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease. Paired with good mental health, this combination can add years to life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that those who are healthy and 65 or older do 150 minutes of cardio a week. You can, for instance, do 30 minutes of cardio, five days a week. Some exercises an individual can do include walking, bicycling, swimming, water aerobics and dancing. Everyday activities, such as gardening, playing with the grandchildren or cleaning the house can also be part of an active lifestyle.
Working against resistance doesn’t just strengthen your muscles, it also strengthens your bones, reducing your risk of fractures. Your risk of falling reduces as your balance and stability are likely to improve. As you age, you lose muscle tissue, which can slow down your metabolism. Resistance training combats this. The CDC favors strength training on at least two days of the week. They suggest at least one set of eight to 12 repetitions, and if you’re up to it, slowly adding two more sets. Exercise examples include chest presses, biceps curls, overhead presses, lateral raises and knee or wall pushups. Many of these exercises can be done with dumbbells or a resistance band, and while sitting on a chair.
In addition to keeping your body healthy and strong, you should also keep your brain active. As you age, it might take longer to remember things than it did when you were younger. By exercising and challenging your brain, you can stay sharp and prevent memory problems and cognitive decline. Solving crossword puzzles and playing word games can help, as can learning a new skill and switching around daily tasks. You can take a computer class, experiment with different recipes when you cook, take a different route to the grocery store or brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand.
Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine to ensure your planned regimen is safe for your physical condition. Always gradually start exercising, and as your fitness improves, slowly increase the duration and intensity. Start your workouts with a five- to 10-minute warm-up to get your blood flowing and prep your body for the work to come. Find activities that you enjoy so you’re more likely to stick to your routine. Your local community center might offer various classes, such as yoga and tai chi, which can help promote your flexibility while you enjoy the company of other health-conscious adults.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.livestrong.com
As people age, it’s natural for the human body to begin going through wear and tear changes along its functioning structures, occasionally developing into conditions and their respective symptoms. However, maintaining a proper fitness and wellness regimen over time, can help keep individuals active and healthy, improving their quality of life during their older years.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
Sleep problems are one of the most common complaints among people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. With both conditions, poor sleep is a major source of intensified symptoms.
Regardless of the number of hours slept, sleep is usually not restorative, meaning that people wake up tired rather than refreshed. This is likely due to an insufficient amount of the deepest and most restorative type of sleep, called delta sleep. When healthy volunteers in a research experiment were deprived of delta sleep, they developed symptoms of fibromyalgia in a few days: fatigue, cognitive difficulties, irritability�and muscle aches.
Other sleep problems include:
- Difficulty getting to sleep
- Frequent awakenings or waking early
- Phase shifting (hard to fall asleep until early morning hours)
- Oversleeping (8 to 10 hours is ideal)
- Vivid dreams
- Feeling “tired but wired”�(feel exhausted but mind is racing)
- Restless legs
- Periodic leg movements
In addition, many people with CFS and�FM�experience�intensified fatigue, achiness and mental fogginess that lasts one to two hours after rising. In addition to sleep problems due to CFS and FM, a majority of people with the two conditions experience sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome.
Addressing sleep problems is a good initial focus for symptom management because treating sleep can both improve quality of life and reduce other symptoms. Sleep management plans usually include a combination of strategies from three categories:
- Sleep environment and habits
- Medications
- Sleep disorders
Sleep Environment and Habits
Most people with CFS/FM can improve their sleep by changing their sleep habits and their sleep environment, matching a solution to a problem. Common problems include:
- Irregular hours for going to bed or getting up / no schedule
- Noisy environment (including snoring by sleeping partner)
- Lack of control over light and temperature
- Uncomfortable bed
- Tension and worry
- Not allowing time to wind down
- Eating or drinking caffeinated products too close to bedtime
A starting point for better sleep is to address these and other aspects of your sleep hygiene.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.cfidsselfhelp.org
When you’re experiencing symptoms of widespread pain as a result of fibromyalgia, getting a good night’s rest can be difficult. Aside from following through with treatment procedures to manage the pain and discomfort an individual may feel, getting proper sleep can also help reduce the symptoms. Following several of the above recommendations can help those affected with fibromyalgia, achieve a bountiful slumber.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Conditions Treated, Fibromyalgia, Scoop.it, Treatments
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common clinical syndrome of unknown cause characterized by widespread pain and muscle tenderness often accompanied by chronic fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depressed mood.
There are many theories regarding possible causes of FMS, but no universally accepted explanation, making a rational approach to therapy difficult. It is conventionally treated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and�tricyclic�antidepressant medications. Many patients prefer natural treatments, of which there are many, including aromatherapy, acupuncture, spiritual practices, oral supplementation and dietary modifications. Among these, a particular emphasis is placed on nutritional approaches, including both whole diet therapies and treatments based on isolated nutrients or supplements. This article will discuss nutritional treatments for fibromyalgia, with special attention to an intravenous vitamin-mineral mixture that is currently under investigation.
According to the National Fibromyalgia Research Association, symptoms of fibromyalgia tend to be alleviated when refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, red meat, and highly processed foods are eliminated or kept to a minimum, due to the potential these foods have to irritate muscles and stress the immune system. Many people reportedly benefit from eliminating all sugar in their diets for a month. This can appreciably reduce the craving for sweets, and allows the body to better manage its sugar intake when sugar is added back into the diet. Similarly, reducing caffeine and fried and processed fatty foods can improve cravings for these items in the same way. Eliminating certain food items like these not only contributes to a healthier overall diet and lifestyle, but also allows patients to see if the foods are contributing to their fibromyalgia symptoms.
To evaluate systematically which foods are problematic for fibromyalgia patients, the “Elimination Diet” can be used. Elimination diets focus on the foods most commonly implicated in allergy and other adverse reactions (wheat and other glutinous grains, dairy products, eggs, corn, soy and tofu, peanuts, citrus fruits, yeast and refined sugars, as well as highly processed foods, chemical additives, preservatives, artificial colorings, flavorings, caffeine, and alcohol), removing them singly or in groups. If symptoms improve with elimination of a food, its role in the condition is suggested. The food is then added back to see if symptoms recur. Several such cycles may be required to establish with certainty that a food is implicated in symptom severity, although sometimes it�s obvious right from the start.
In addition to eliminating some potentially troublesome foods, it is important also to supplement the diet with more raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables, and use less meat that is high in fat, and more fish or lean poultry. Vegan diets may also help relieve pain, improve quality of sleep, and enhance overall health in fibromyalgia patients. These dietary changes may lead to such positive results because they reduce the inflammatory/oxidative effects of diet, and enhance the anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidant effects.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.fmcpaware.org
Many researchers have studied a variety of treatments which could benefit and improve the symptoms of this painful condition, particularly, the benefits of a proper nutrition on individuals with fibromyalgia. For years, researchers have found a connection between nutritional deficiencies and the development of the condition, where certain eating habits may improve the symptoms.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
There’s some important news for millions of people-most of them women-who suffer from the syndrome fibromyalgia: a new study suggests that sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.
The study was conducted at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The study included 12,350 women. At the outset of the study, all the women were free of physical impairment, musculoskeletal pain, and fibromyalgia. A decade later, 327 of the women-2.6% of the study population-had developed fibromyalgia. Researchers asked all the women in the study to report on their sleep habits and their sleep problems. They found that women who reported sleep problems were significantly more likely to have developed fibromyalgia than women without sleep problems. The researchers also found that the risk of fibromyalgia increases with a woman’s age, and with the severity of sleep problems:
- Women who reported having difficulty sleeping “always” or “often” had nearly 3-� times greater risk of fibromyalgia as women who did not have problems sleeping
- Women age 45 and older who “always” or “often” had sleep problems had more than 5 times the risk of developing fibromyalgia as women without sleep problems
- Younger women, ages 20-44, who “always” or “often” had difficulty sleeping were at 3 times greater risk of developing fibromyalgia than their counterparts who didn’t have trouble with sleep
It’s important to make clear that this study does not prove that sleep deficiencies cause fibromyalgia. What it does do-for the first time-is establish a strong connection between sleep problems and fibromyalgia, by showing the increased risk of fibromyalgia that is associated with lack of sleep.
What is fibromyalgia? It’s a syndrome whose main characteristic is chronic pain. Pain is often felt throughout the body, in muscles, tendons and soft tissues. With fibromyalgia, the pain is often felt at certain trigger points, and radiates from those points outward. People with fibromyalgia often experience daytime fatigue, which can be severe, as well as depression, anxiety, and memory problems. Women ages 20-50 are at the highest risk for fibromyalgia. Men do develop fibromyalgia, but women are more than 10 times as likely as men to develop the syndrome.
Fibromyalgia has a history that’s both contentious and mysterious. For a long time, there was no consensus in the medical community about whether it even existed, whether it was a “real” disorder or an “imagined” one. This has changed, and the medical establishment now overwhelmingly accepts that fibromyalgia exists as a very real disorder. But much about the syndrome-including and especially what causes it-remains unknown. For this reason, and because there is no single test that can positively identify fibromyalgia, it remains difficult to diagnose. Since it can’t be tested for, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia comes by way of eliminating other possible conditions.
There are signs of possible genetic and environmental links, since fibromyalgia seems to sometimes run in families. Researchers have explored links between fibromyalgia and other diseases and disorders, including arthritis, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and restless leg syndrome, but no conclusive evidence has been found to demonstrate a causal link between fibromyalgia and these conditions. That said, all of these disorders are found more often in people with fibromyalgia than in the general population.
Is sleep a cause of fibromyalgia? Again, we just don’t know, and this current study doesn’t answer that question. The relationship between sleep and chronic pain is complicated, and there is a lot we do not understand about cause and effect. Here’s some of what we do know.
The presence of chronic pain, such as with fibromyalgia, makes falling asleep and staying asleep more difficult. Sleep deprivation, in turn, can make people more sensitive to pain. Evidence that disrupted sleep can lead to a lower pain threshold includes this study. Researchers took a group of healthy, pain-free middle-aged women and disrupted their sleep cycle, depriving them of deep, slow-wave sleep, for three consecutive nights. They then tested their threshold for musculoskeletal pain, tenderness and also mood. After only a few nights of disrupted sleep, the women experienced a significantly decreased pain threshold (meaning they felt pain more quickly and intensely), as well as increased fatigue and general discomfort.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.psychologytoday.com
While fibromyalgia can develop after trauma or injury from an accident or failed medical procedure, or simply from misunderstood causes, recent research has concluded that sleep deprivation can cause symptoms of the condition to develop, particularly in women, whom are more prevalent to develop fibromyalgia in the first place. Several studies have also linked sleep habits and issues with the painful condition.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Fibromyalgia, Remedies
Fibromyalgia is a chronic inflammatory disorder, characterized by muscle pain, joint pain and fatigue.
Patients who suffer from fibromyalgia usually feel these symptoms:
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Unbearable pain
- Chronic tiredness
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Sleep disorder problems
- Concentration problems
- Depression
Physicians will diagnose someone with fibromyalgia if they show positive reactions to 11 of 18 specific tender areas of the body.
For a disease with no known cause, fibromyalgia sure affects a lot of people, at least 5 million in the U.S. alone. That�s about an estimated 2�4% of the population! Now, what�s strange about fibromyalgia is that it seems to affect more women than men, as 9 out of 10 people who reportedly suffer from fibromyalgia are female.
Treating Fibromyalgia With Conventional Drugs
Since the leading symptom of fibromyalgia seems to be muscle and body pain, scientists and doctors have tried to treat the symptoms with conventional drugs including NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), pain killers and antidepressants. However, these methods of treatment don�t seem to work very well.
First of all, most analgesics are very mild, and given the level of chronic pain that a majority of people experience, the results aren�t very effective at all. If you have fibromyalgia, chances are you�re suffering from all sorts of pains and aches, and taking multiple drug combinations can lead to serious side effects that can drastically interfere with how you live day-to-day life.
Furthermore, taking different combinations of drugs can result in a real problem, especially when you want to slow down or stop the medication. In many cases, some of these pain relievers can be quite addicting, and have some serious side effects!
Causes and Remedies for Fibromyalgia
There can be many contributing factors to fibromyalgia, including chronic inflammation, gluten intolerance, emotional and physical stress.
If an individual really wants to fix the problem, you must address the root cause. Many studies suggest that certain lifestyle changes can be more than enough to keep fibromyalgia at bay.
If you�re looking for natural remedies for fibromyalgia, consider the following:
Eat Anti-inflammatory Nutrients
Inflammation can cause a range of health problems, including muscle and joint pain. A German study found that anti-inflammatory antioxidants like Quercetin (found in black and green teas, red onion, broccoli, tomato) can naturally reduce inflammation that can help fibromyalgia. Also, omega-3 fats can naturally reduce inflammation. If you�re going to purchase a fish oil, make sure you only buy a high-quality fish oil, high in antioxidants like astaxanthin and low in mercury. Additionally, turmeric can reduce inflammation associated with fibromyalgia as well.�Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is an antioxidant that demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric may prevent and slow cancer growth, protect against liver disease and help reduce symptoms of digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. While simply adding turmeric to your daily cooking will increase consumption and enhance flavor, there are other methods to boost intake and encourage possible inflammation reduction.
Go Gluten-Free
One in seven people are gluten intolerant, and I�d even say that most people don�t do well with gluten. Gluten is a protein found in most grains like wheat. I�d start by eliminating all grains except for brown rice and quinoa. Gluten can lead to neurological problems, weight gain, inflammation, muscle pain and fatigue. Many people have gone gluten-free and have seen some incredible results because of it.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
A review in Neuroscientist found significant association between fibromyalgia and physical and sexual abuse in both adults and children. If you haven�t dealt with past issues in your life, I strongly encourage you to find a good counselor who can help you begin to heal emotionally. Another great place to start is by reading The Bondage Breaker�by Neil Anderson. Also, schedule some fun and relaxation into your life. Stress can raise cortisol levels and inflammation markers which contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms.
Chiropractic Care
Research published in Best Practice and Research Clinical Rheumatology reports neck trauma causing spinal, joint and muscular injuries increases the risk of developing fibromyalgia. Chiropractic care works to correct spinal misalignments and correct posture through spinal adjustments and rehabilitative spinal exercises.� Also, patients with fibromyalgia have been shown to have hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Upper cervical spinal adjustments have been shown to have a positive effect by decreasing hyperactivity.
Address Nutritional Deficiencies
A study of 41 people with fibromyalgia found that taking five grams of D-Ribose�(an organic compound) three times�daily showed significant improvements in fibromyalgia symptoms. Also, studies have shown supplementing with magnesium�can help with fibromyalgia symptoms and� physicians recommend taking 250�300 milligrams twice daily. Some magnesium-rich foods include�pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, cocoa, almonds, spinach, halibut and black beans.
Is someone in your family suffering from fibromyalgia? I�d love to hear your thoughts on fibromyalgia and conditions like chronic fatigue.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: draxe.com
If you�ve suddenly been feeling pain and discomfort in your body, along with symptoms of fatigue, for some inexplicable reason, then you could be suffering from fibromyalgia, which affects hundreds of thousands of people between the ages of 20�50, most commonly women. Fortunately, a few natural remedies can be used to control the symptoms of this painful condition.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Scoop.it
As an experienced chiropractor, Dr. Alex Jimenez has treated numerous types of injuries and conditions, primarily those focused on the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. Dr. Jimenez has learned the basics of fibromyalgia and he understands the best options an individual with the condition should take, to achieve overall relief from their pain, fatigue and discomfort. Before following any form of alternative treatment option, however, it’s important for the individual to be aware of the basics behind their condition.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue (feeling tired). People with fibromyalgia have pain and tenderness throughout the body.
People with fibromyalgia may also have other symptoms, such as:
- Trouble sleeping
- Morning stiffness
- Headaches
- Painful menstrual periods
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called �fibro fog�).
A person may have two or more coexisting chronic pain conditions. Such conditions can include chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, interstitial cystitis, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and vulvodynia. It is not known whether these disorders share a common cause.
What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown. There may be a number of factors involved. Fibromyalgia has been linked to:
- Stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents
- Repetitive injuries
- Illness
- Certain diseases.
Fibromyalgia can also occur on its own.
Some scientists think that a gene or genes might be involved in fibromyalgia. The genes could make a person react strongly to things that other people would not find painful.
Who Is Affected by Fibromyalgia?
Scientists estimate that fibromyalgia affects 5 million Americans 18 or older. Between 80 and 90 percent of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women. However, men and children also can have the disorder. Most people are diagnosed during middle age.
People with certain other diseases may be more likely to have fibromyalgia. These diseases include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (commonly called lupus)
- Ankylosing spondylitis (spinal arthritis).
Women who have a family member with fibromyalgia may be more likely to have fibromyalgia themselves.
How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?
Fibromyalgia can be hard to treat. It�s important to find a doctor who is familiar with the disorder and its treatment. Many family physicians, general internists, or rheumatologists can treat fibromyalgia. Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints or soft tissues.
Fibromyalgia treatment often requires a team approach. The team may include your doctor, a physical therapist, and possibly other health care providers. A pain or rheumatology clinic can be a good place to get treatment.
What Can I Do to Try to Feel Better?
There are many things you can do to feel better, including:
- Taking medicines as prescribed
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercising
- Eating well
- Making work changes if necessary.
What Research Is Being Done on Fibromyalgia?
The NIAMS sponsors research to help understand fibromyalgia and find better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent it. Researchers are studying:
- Why people with fibromyalgia have increased sensitivity to pain.
- Medicines and behavioral treatments.
- Whether there is a gene or genes that make a person more likely to have fibromyalgia.
- The use of imaging methods, such as magnetic resonate imaging (MRI), to better understand fibromyalgia.
- Inflammation in the body and its relationship to fibromyalgia.
- Nondrug therapies to help reduce pain.
- Methods to improve sleep in people with fibromyalgia.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.niams.nih.gov
A majority of individuals affected by fibromyalgia are women, although men and even children can develop the painful condition. From widespread pain to fatigue and concentration issues, these common yet frequently reported symptoms associated with the condition often cause confusion and misunderstanding in the medical field. Being aware of a few quick facts of fibromyalgia can help you understand the condition and learn how to manage its symptoms.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
