Back Clinic Chiropractic. This is a form of alternative treatment that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of various musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, especially those associated with the spine. Dr. Alex Jimenez discusses how spinal adjustments and manual manipulations regularly can greatly help both improve and eliminate many symptoms that could be causing discomfort to the individual. Chiropractors believe among the main reasons for pain and disease are the vertebrae’s misalignment in the spinal column (this is known as a chiropractic subluxation).
Through the usage of manual detection (or palpation), carefully applied pressure, massage, and manual manipulation of the vertebrae and joints (called adjustments), chiropractors can alleviate pressure and irritation on the nerves, restore joint mobility, and help return the body’s homeostasis. From subluxations, or spinal misalignments, to sciatica, a set of symptoms along the sciatic nerve caused by nerve impingement, chiropractic care can gradually restore the individual’s natural state of being. Dr. Jimenez compiles a group of concepts on chiropractic to best educate individuals on the variety of injuries and conditions affecting the human body.
A peroneal nerve injury/peroneal neuropathy can be caused by direct trauma to the outer knee with symptoms and sensations of numbness, tingling, pins-and-needles sensations, pain, or weakness in the foot that can cause a condition known as foot drop. Chiropractic can perform spinal manipulation, realignment, and decompression to restore the nerve’s function. They can also help with walking and mobility by providing muscle strengthening and stretching exercises to correct abnormal gait caused by foot drop and increase the range of motion in the ankle.
Peroneal Nerve Injury
The peroneal nerve begins near the sciatic nerve at the glutes/hip and buttocks. It travels down the back of the thigh to the knee, which wraps around the front of the leg and extends into the feet to the toes. It provides sensory input from the lateral aspect of the lower leg and the top of the foot. It also provides motor input to the muscles responsible for lifting the foot off the ground lifting the toes and ankles and turning the foot outwards.
Causes
Structural problems in the spine or misalignment can affect the functionality of the nervous system and lead to peroneal neuropathy. Traumatic nerve injury causes include musculoskeletal injury, peroneal nerve paralysis, compression, or laceration. Injuries by trauma and nerve compression include:
Compression of the nerve in the leg.
Knee dislocation.
Knee or hip replacement surgery.
Knee or leg fracture. Fractures of the tibia or fibula, especially in the areas closer to the knee, can injure the nerve.
Ankle fracture.
Blood clot.
Compression by a nerve sheath tumor or cyst.
Certain underlying medical conditions can cause symptoms of peroneal nerve injury. It is recommended to be evaluated by a medical professional who can diagnose and offer appropriate treatment options. Neurologic disorders that can cause similar symptoms:
Herniated lumbar disc
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Metabolic syndromes – diabetes, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins.
Symptoms
Nerve injury symptoms include:
Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the top of the foot or outer part of the lower leg.
Inability to flex toes or ankles upward/dorsiflexion.
Inability to flex the ankle to take a step forward.
Inability to move the foot.
Weakness in foot eversion/rotating outward.
Flopping or slapping sounds when walking.
Gait changes – dragging the toes or lifting the knee higher than the other to raise the foot off the ground.
Tripping often.
Pain in the foot or lower leg.
Diagnosis
In diagnosing a peroneal nerve injury, a healthcare provider examines the leg and analyzes symptoms. Tests can include:
Imaging tests – CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI.
Magnetic resonance – MR – neurography is a specialized high-resolution MRI of the nerves.
An electromyogram measures how muscles react to nerve stimulation.
Treatment for a peroneal nerve injury depends on the severity and can be surgical or non-surgical. Non-surgical options include orthotic footwear, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. A physical therapy program could consist of the following:
Icing
Massage
Manual manipulation
Stretching
Strengthening exercises
Mobilization exercises
Balancing exercises
Ankle bracing
Ankle taping
Shoe inserts – splints, braces, or orthotics can improve gait.
Longo, Diego, et al. “The Muscle Shortening Maneuver: a noninvasive approach to treating peroneal nerve injury. A case report.” Physiotherapy theory and practice, 1-8. 31 Jul. 2022, doi:10.1080/09593985.2022.2106915
Milenković, S S, and M M Mitković. “Common peroneal nerve schwannoma.” Hippokratia vol. 22,2 (2018): 91.
Radić, Borislav et al. “PERIPHERAL NERVE INJURY IN SPORTS.” Acta clinica Croatica vol. 57,3 (2018): 561-569. doi:10.20471/acc.2018.57.03.20
Thatte H et al. (2022). Electrodiagnostic evaluation of peroneal neuropathy. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563251/
T Francio, Vinicius. “Chiropractic care for foot drop due to peroneal nerve neuropathy.” Journal of bodywork and movement therapies vol. 18,2 (2014): 200-3. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.08.004
Massage is part of integrative medicine and can be used for various medical conditions. In massage therapy, a therapist rubs and kneads the body’s soft tissues, including muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and skin. The therapist varies the amount of pressure and movement. Individuals often start feeling the effects right away. One of the benefits is increased temperature. Increased temperature amplifies blood flow and circulation, enabling muscular and connective tissues to release restriction, and muscle tightness, relieve tension, and improve movement. A massage therapist will use different techniques to increase the temperature to treat various conditions.
Increased Temperature
Some patients want to know why their muscles heat up or burn during a massage. Muscles burn because of the accumulation of waste in the cells. The waste products are released as a result of massage. The muscles release lactate, a byproduct of glucose. The effects of deep tissue massage are almost the same as the effects of exercise. During the massage:
The demand for oxygen in the tissues increases.
Because of this, blood flow circulation to these tissues increases.
This is necessary to supply oxygen and glucose.
It excretes waste substances and toxins.
Muscle heat or burn during massage differs for everybody. Some individuals don’t feel it at all. The session can be so intense that the muscles can’t clear the lactate/toxins fast enough, causing the burning sensation.
Fascia Circulation
The temperature of the fascia can also be increased. Fascia is the thick, fibrous layer of connective tissues beneath the skin that can often become restrictive. Increased temperature in the superficial and deep tissues releases, relaxes, and loosens tight, tense, shortened, and/or injured areas, allowing muscular tissues to increase in elasticity, flexibility, and relaxation. Heart rate is raised, improving circulation and increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas and the rest of the body.
Myofascial release involves slowly applying pressure to the area using flattened hands and fingers.
The slow, soft pressure increases the temperature of the fascia.
As the hands and fingers get deeper within, they slowly move around, spreading the fascia.
This releases the tightness and relieves the pain.
An individual’s posture can improve when the temperature is increased. Muscular tension and tightness can cause increased pain symptoms, not allowing healthy posture.
Muscle Burn Relief
Rehydrate
Drink plenty of water after the session is over.
Water maintains proper circulation for excreting waste products and nourishes the muscle cells with fresh nutrients and oxygen.
Avoid coffee and alcohol as they increase urination and blood osmolality and dehydrate the body.
Stretching
Stretching before and after a session can relieve muscle soreness.
Stretching exercises increase blood flow.
Stimulates the release of synovial fluid around the joints.
Sleep
Get plenty of rest after a session.
The body knows how to restore itself; during sleep, it reduces cortisol secretion.
It increases the stimulation of antioxidative hormones to go after free radicals.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies like ginger, garlic, cloves, and cinnamon increase blood circulation, reducing pain and swelling.
They have anti-inflammatory properties that help with muscle burn and soreness.
After a session, a little peppermint or CBD oil can relieve the sore parts.
Chiropractic Success Story
References
Dion LJ, et al. Development of a hospital-based massage therapy course at an academic medical center. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 2015; doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v8i1.249.
Rodgers NJ, et al. A decade of building massage therapy services at an academic medical center as part of a healing enhancement program. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.07.004.
Spring allergies are reactions by an individual’s immune system to flowering buds, blooming trees, pet dander, weeds, etc. When coming into contact with the allergen, the immune system’s reaction can inflame the skin, sinuses, airways, or digestive system. The severity of allergies varies from person to person. The spine and brain communicate with various body parts, including those that affect the immune system and how the body reacts to allergens. Chiropractic adjustments for allergy treatment can help regulate histamine and cortisol levels and offer spring allergy tips for prevention.
Spring Allergy Tips
An allergy occurs when the body’s immune system sees a substance as harmful and overreacts (inflammation). The immune system produces substances known as antibodies. A lack of communication between the spine, brain, and other parts of the body can lead to lower immunity meaning the body has a harder time reacting to stressors.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary, but the most common include:
Itchy, red, and watery eyes
Nasal congestion
Sneezing
Runny nose
Itching nose
Post-nasal drip
Coughing
The recommended way to determine whether or not seasonal allergies are causing symptoms is to visit a primary care physician and undergo allergy testing. A physician may recommend an allergist for further evaluation to identify specific allergies.
Prevention
Reduce exposure to triggers
Try to stay indoors on windy days.
Wind and dry air can make allergy symptoms worse.
Closing windows can help keep pollen from blowing inside.
Remove clothes worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
Wear a dust mask when lawn mowing, weed pulling, and doing other chores.
Don’t hang laundry outside; pollen can stick to clothes, sheets, and towels.
Seasonal allergy signs and symptoms can flare up with a high pollen count. Certain steps can help reduce the exposure:
Check local TV, radio, or the internet for pollen forecasts and levels.
If high pollen is forecasted, take allergy medications before symptoms begin.
Close doors and windows when pollen counts are high.
Try to avoid outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest.
Indoor Air Quality
Various products can help remove allergens from the air in the home:
Use air conditioning in the house and car when applicable.
Use high-efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules for heating and air conditioning.
Vacuum all floors regularly with a cleaner that has a HEPA filter.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment is highly effective in relieving allergy symptoms and even stopping allergies at their source. The treatments restore balance, so the body is ready to combat allergies. When the spine is out of alignment (which can occur from the coughing and sneezing), it impacts the nervous system, leading to various problems, including allergies and immune system malfunction. A chiropractor can relieve the stress on the nervous system by realigning the spine, taking the pressure off nerves, and allowing the immune system to function at optimal levels. And it makes it easier for the body to fight off infections while recognizing allergens as harmless.
Food Allergies, Hypersensitivity, and Intolerances
References
Balon, Jeffrey W, and Silvano A Mior. “Chiropractic care in asthma and allergy.” Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology: official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology vol. 93,2 Suppl 1 (2004): S55-60. doi:10.1016/s1081-1206(10)61487-1
Bruton, Anne, et al. “Physiotherapy breathing retraining for asthma: a randomized controlled trial.” The Lancet. Respiratory medicine vol. 6,1 (2018): 19-28. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(17)30474-5
Bruurs, Marjolein L J et al. “The effectiveness of physiotherapy in patients with asthma: a systematic review of the literature.” Respiratory medicine vol. 107,4 (2013): 483-94. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2012.12.017
Jaber, Raja. “Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma.” Primary care vol. 29,2 (2002): 231-61. doi:10.1016/s0095-4543(01)00008-2
Wu, Shan Shan et al. “Rhinitis: The Osteopathic Modular Approach.” The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association vol. 120,5 (2020): 351-358. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2020.054
With the body being a complex machine with various muscle groups and sections that work to keep the body mobile, it is important to know that weak muscles in the upper and lower portions of the body can cause unwanted pain-like symptoms that can lead to dysfunction over time. When numerous environmental factors and habits affect the muscle groups, it can lead to overlapping risk factors that cause tightness in the affected muscles and lead to injuries. In the lower portions of the body, the hips, thighs, hamstrings, and glute muscles help stabilize the pelvis region. When these factors start to cause issues with these muscles, it can lead to injuries and problems for those muscle groups. Today’s article will examine how hamstring injuries occur, how it affects the lower body, and how treatments and techniques like MET (muscle energy techniques) are utilized to relieve hamstring injuries. We mention valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who provide therapy techniques like the MET and care treatment for individuals with hamstring injuries associated with the lower body portions. We give encouragement to patients by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnostic findings. We provide the support that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most helpful questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
How Do Hamstring Injuries Occur?
Have you noticed that your hamstrings are feeling tight? Are you constantly sitting down for an extended period? Or are you experiencing low back pain that is affecting your hamstrings? Many individuals will usually experience low back pain along the thigh with associated symptoms of muscle weakness that causes the muscle fibers to be tighter and sore. When the muscle fibers are tight consistently, it causes the back of the leg muscles uncomfortable and can make movement difficult. Studies reveal that the back of the leg muscles or hamstrings is highly susceptible to injuries, especially in athletes. The hamstring muscles comprise three major muscles in the posterior location of the thigh. When a person is overstretching the hamstrings or having muscle tightness from being sedentary can cause these injuries and discomfort to the lower extremities. Additional research studies mentioned that hamstring injuries could range from acute muscle strain to chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy associated with muscle ruptures.
How Does It Affect The Lower Body?
Since the hamstring muscles succumb to injuries from overstretching or becoming weak, how would it affect the lower body and cause mobility issues? Well, when the hip flexors or the hamstrings become tight and tense, it can cause an altercation to the pelvis region and cause spinal misalignment. To that point, it can lead to muscle stiffness and pain in the hamstrings while correlating to low back pain and can cause the individual to be confused as they think it is sciatica instead of a hamstring injury. Studies reveal in “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” written by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., states that when there is a range of other biomechanical features that could be predisposed to hamstring injuries that can cause a chain of reactions that can involve not only the hamstrings but the toes, the spine, the trunk, and the upper extremities. Losing the ability to function in the lower extremities can cause dysfunction, muscle weakness, and instability in an individual.
Natural Healing: Chiropractic Care for Injury Recovery- Video
Have you been experiencing stiffness or pain in your hamstrings? What about feeling discomfort in one side of your hips and glutes? Or are you experiencing muscle strain? Many of these issues are correlated with hamstring injuries that can cause muscle weakness and instability in the body. Fortunately, when dealing with a hamstring injury, techniques like gentle stretching and warming up the muscles allow the injury to recover and bring relief. Another way a person can get pain relief from a hamstring injury is through chiropractic care. Chiropractic care can help relieve the problem without using medications, injections, or surgery through spinal manipulation and incorporating various techniques to stretch the stiff muscles and realign the body. The video above explains how chiropractic care is utilized for injury recovery.
Treatments For Hamstring Injuries
When dealing with hamstring injuries, it is important to rest to prevent future injuries from occurring and incorporate gentle stretches of the targeted muscles to avoid cramping and pain. If gentle stretching doesn’t bring relief, then it is recommended to have a personalized treatment and program with a chiropractor. A chiropractor uses hands-on therapy to loosen and relieve tense muscles, thus reinforcing flexibility and range of motion back to the hamstrings. Chiropractic care also incorporates stretching techniques like MET to improve hamstring flexibility. Studies reveal that the MET technique uses soft tissue mobilization to increase the hamstring’s ROM (range of motion) while bringing mobility back to the hips and reducing pain. Furthermore, these stretches and treatments can help decrease instability and allow the individual to be pain-free.
Conclusion
The hamstrings are located along the back of the thigh and just below the knees, as they can succumb to injuries due to overstretching or other factors that cause symptoms of pain and weakness. Hamstring injuries are common and can range from acute to chronic, depending on the injury. Many people with hamstring injuries often deal with overlapping issues of sciatica and low back pain that can lead to instability in the lower body. Luckily, different treatments and stretching techniques can help lengthen the hamstring muscles, promote flexibility back to the hamstrings, and cause relief to the affected muscle.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Chu, Samuel K, and Monica E Rho. “Hamstring Injuries in the Athlete: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Return to Play.” Current Sports Medicine Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003616/.
Gunn, Leanna J, et al. “Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques Improve Hamstring Flexibility Better than Static Stretching Alone: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6338275/.
Poudel, Bikash, and Shivlal Pandey. “Hamstring Injury – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 28 Aug. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558936/.
We are constantly on the move throughout the day, from walking, running, or standing doing errands, all because of the lower and upper portions of our bodies. The body is a complex, unique machine with upper and lower portions with specific jobs and functions. The body’s upper portion provides mobility and functionality to the neck, shoulders, head, arms, and hands. At the same time, the lower portion of the body offers stability and motor functions to the hips, legs, knees, and feet. When there are issues that affect the body, it can, over time, causes stress in the musculoskeletal system and affect the joints in the lower extremities, thus invoking pain and disability. Today’s article looks at tibial stress fractures, how they affect the lower body, and how treatments like the MET technique can help the lower body. We provide and mention valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who offer therapy techniques like the MET combined with treatment care for individuals with tibial stress fractures in their lower body extremities. We encourage each patient by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their findings appropriately. We acknowledge that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most helpful questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Are Tibial Stress Fractures?
Have you been dealing with heaviness in your legs and feet? What about unwanted pain radiating from your knees to your shin? Or do your feet constantly feel tired? Many of these issues could be due to muscle overload on the lower extremities associated with tibial stress fractures. Research studies reveal that when the lower extremities are subjected to repeated mechanical stress, that can cause microscopic fractions in the tibia. This condition is most common in military recruits, athletes, and runners. In the book “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques” by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., stated that two types of stress fractures can occur in the tibia that is the result of tibial stress fractions. They are:
Fatigue stress fracture: Caused by repeated abnormal muscular stress (torque) applied to the normal bone, which has appropriate elastic resistance potential and density.
Insufficiency stress fracture: Caused by normal muscular forces applied to mineral-deficient or abnormally inelastic bone.
How Do They Affect The Lower Body?
Numerous factors can cause stress fractures in the lower body extremities, affecting motor-sensory and mobility function. Some of the factors associated with stress fractures in the tibia include:
A sudden increase in training or activities
Uneven surfaces
Inappropriate footwear
Inappropriate running style
Misalignment in the lower limbs
Studies have revealed that when these risk factors cause the development of stress fractures in the legs, it can lead to symptoms like pain and swelling in the legs and feet. If it continues without treatment over time can cause the bones to weaken and can be confused with musculoskeletal disorders like osteoporosis or shin splits.
Gain Mobility Back With Chiropractic Care-Video
Have you been dealing with pain in your legs or feet? Do you feel that you have mobility issues when walking or standing? Or have you noticed that your legs are extremely tired a few days after intense training? Many people experiencing these issues are associated with stress fractures on the lower extremities. Repetitive motions cause stress fractures in the lower extremities over time that causes small, hairline fractures in the bone. This causes the surrounding muscles around the joint to overload the bone and cause muscle and joint pain symptoms. Luckily, there are ways to reduce stress fractures on the lower extremities and restore leg mobility. Treatments like chiropractic care can help many musculoskeletal disorders correlated with stress fractures in the lower body extremities. The video above talks about how non-invasive treatments like chiropractic care incorporates different techniques and manipulations to realign the spine and reduce the pain associated with stress fractures.
How The MET Technique Helps The Lower Body
Incorporating stretching techniques and chiropractic care can help reduce stress fractures in the tibia and prevent future musculoskeletal injuries. Regarding reducing the effects of stress fractures in the lower extremities, available treatments like chiropractic care can help relieve the pain. Using stretching techniques like MET (muscle energy technique) can help stretch and lengthen muscle fibers to reduce muscle fibers pain. The MET technique allows chiropractors to utilize mechanical and neuromuscular stretches to enhance the range of motion through isometric stretching to loosen stiff muscles and will enable the body to heal itself naturally. Other treatments like ice massages, electrotherapy, and non-impact activities (swimming and cycling) combined with chiropractic care can enhance recovery and let the individual know how much stress impacts their joints.
Conclusion
The lower portions of the body allow mobility and stability to enable the individual to move around and perform various actions without pain. However, many risk factors that cause the musculoskeletal system to cause overload power to the lower extremities could develop stress fractures in the bone and cause pain and discomfort. Stress fractures can, over time, cause pain and swelling to the legs and can affect a person by making them unable to walk without feeling pain in every step they take. Luckily, treatments like chiropractic care and stretching techniques like MET can help loosen up, lengthen stiff muscles, and relieve the legs. Through continuous treatment, many individuals become aware of how much overloading pressure they put on their legs and can become more mindful of their daily activities pain-free.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
May, Todd, and Raghavendra Marappa-Ganeshan. “Stress Fractures – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 17 July 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554538/.
Robinson, Patrick G, et al. “Stress Fractures: Diagnosis and Management in the Primary Care Setting.” The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6428476/.
The human body and the musculoskeletal system have a unique relationship as they help the host move around, rest and provide many actions without feeling pain or discomfort. The musculoskeletal system has two portions, the upper and lower sections, with various muscles that allow mobility and stability while protecting the spine from numerous injuries the body has endured. However, many environmental factors and issues pertaining to the musculoskeletal system can affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing the muscle fibers to be short or overused from repetitive motions. To that point, which can lead to muscle injuries and pain that can be relieved from treatments and numerous stretching techniques. Today’s article focuses on how injuries are associated with overused muscles, how it affects the body, and how chiropractic care incorporates techniques like MET to relieve overused muscles. We provide and mention valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who offer therapy treatments like the MET combined with chiropractic care for individuals with musculoskeletal pain correlated with overused injured muscles. We encourage each patient by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their findings appropriately. We acknowledge that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most helpful questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Injuries Associated With Overused Muscles
Have you been feeling aches and pains in your muscles? Do your legs feel tired constantly? Or have you suffered an injury causing your muscles to stiffen up? If you have been experiencing these pain-like symptoms, it could be due to overusing your muscles. When the musculoskeletal system has been dealing with stress overload from numerous repetitive motions, it causes the muscle fibers to develop symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and referred pain. Studies reveal that various risk factors associated with the musculoskeletal system correlate with overuse-related injuries. What this means is that when the injuries cause the involved body structures to develop symptoms of stress fractures associated with mechanical overload from repetitive trauma. Additional research studies mentioned that the influences from repetitive trauma could lead to a prolonged state of low-grade systemic inflammation in the joint and muscles in the body.
How Does It Affect The Body?
So what happens to the body when the muscle fibers are being overused? The referred pain associated with the musculoskeletal system causes dysfunction. Research studies have found that overuse of muscle injuries related to repetitive motion in the body causes microtrauma symptoms in the muscle, tendon, bone, or bursa. This causes the body to have insufficient recovery and produces painful arcs of motion on any joints. Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T.’s book “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques” stated that when the muscles are overused and injured, the “stress overload” has localized effects, which causes the musculoskeletal system to reach a point to break down. This causes symptoms to manifest as chronic fatigue and reduced performance efficiency. The book also stated that overuse injuries could involve certain muscles/tendons or bones to develop repetitive microtrauma over time. This causes the body to be dysfunctional and makes the individual feel tired, overworked, and stressed out due to not allowing the muscles to rest.
Chiropractic Care: The Nonsurgical Solution- Video
Have you been dealing with symptoms of muscle pain and weakness? Does your body feel exhausted after a long day doing errands? Or have you noticed any unexpected joint pain in certain parts of your body? Many people dealing with questionable musculoskeletal pain could be due to their muscles being overused and causing injuries. When the body goes through constant repetitive motions, it causes microtrauma in the musculoskeletal system, which correlates with muscle and joint pain. When this happens, pain-like symptoms develop over time and can cause the body to be overworked and different muscle groups to compensate for the pain by shifting the body. Luckily, numerous treatments are non-surgical that utilize techniques to reduce the pain and help gently stretch the muscles to return to normalcy. One of the treatments that are used for musculoskeletal pain is chiropractic care. The video above explains how chiropractic care incorporates various neuromuscular techniques to help realign the body from subluxation and reduce pain-like symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders.
How The MET Technique & Chiropractic Care Relieves Overuse Muscle Injuries
Treatments like chiropractic care are non-invasive and use neuromuscular techniques like MET (muscle energy technique) and manual manipulation to realign the body and help loosen up stiff muscles from experiencing more pain. Chiropractors or doctors of chiropractic will thoroughly examine while listening to the patient on where they are experiencing pain. After the examination, the chiropractor will utilize MET and various stretching techniques to loosen up the muscle fibers and restore their range of motion. Chiropractic care can help reduce the pain in the muscle while letting individuals be aware of their bodies. This can help many people to have a different mindset and listen to their bodies to reduce the effects of pain from returning and not repeat the actions in the future.
Conclusion
It is important to ensure that the musculoskeletal system is in pristine condition, as any pain-like symptoms can cause the muscle fibers to become overused, resulting in injuries and causing the body to be dysfunctional. When the body continuously goes through repetitive motions, it causes microtrauma tears in different body locations, causing the host to feel exhausted and deal with chronic pain. However, incorporating treatments like chiropractic care can help the body recover faster and prevent future injuries. This allows the body to naturally heal, restore itself from pain, and become functional again.
References
Aicale, R, et al. “Overuse Injuries in Sport: A Comprehensive Overview.” Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 5 Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6282309/.
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Neme, Jamil R. “Balancing Act: Muscle Imbalance Effects on Musculoskeletal Injuries.” Missouri Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9324710/.
Orejel Bustos, Amaranta, et al. “Overuse-Related Injuries of the Musculoskeletal System: Systematic Review and Quantitative Synthesis of Injuries, Locations, Risk Factors and Assessment Techniques.” Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Apr. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8037357/.
An exercise routine is highly important for anyone trying to get a kick start on their health and wellness journey. It could be simple as walking around the park for 30 minutes, going to the community pool to swim, or taking a group fitness class with friends. Incorporating an exercise regime can even help reduce the effects of musculoskeletal disorders and their associated symptoms from causing pain in the muscles and joints in the body. Even though many individuals have busy lives, it is important to ensure that their bodies are getting enough exercise to feel less joint and muscle pain while improving other systems that benefit from training. Today’s article looks at how to keep a constant exercise routine, how exercise can help musculoskeletal disorders, and how the MET technique is combined with physical activity. We provide and mention valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers who offer available therapy treatments like the MET technique combined with physical activities for individuals dealing with musculoskeletal pain disorders. We encourage each patient by referring them to our associated medical providers based on the patient’s diagnosis findings appropriately. We acknowledge that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most helpful questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Keeping A Constant Exercise Routine
Have you been feeling sluggish throughout the day? Do you believe you don’t have enough time to exercise and feel stressed? Or have you been experiencing unwanted pain and stiffness in your muscles and joints? Many individuals experiencing these issues in their bodies could not be getting enough exercise to reduce these musculoskeletal disorders. When it comes to many individuals trying to keep a constant exercise routine to better their health may be difficult but not impossible. There are many ways to incorporate a daily consistent exercise routine by making small changes in your daily life routine. Walking with friends or pets, attending a group fitness class, or doing squats at home can benefit muscle growth and promote motivation to continue these small changes. However, some of the reasons that many people need to exercise more are to need more time. Studies reveal that most people often refrain from any form of exercise due to needing more time out of their busy schedules. People who do not exercise regularly are potentially at risk of developing health-related problems and disorders linked to the musculoskeletal system.
Exercise For Musculoskeletal Disorders
When the musculoskeletal system is linked to health-related problems due to physical inactivity, when the body is not getting enough exercise, it can cause muscle and joint pain and other associated symptoms that can affect mobility. Research studies have revealed that pain in specific areas of the body, which includes the back, neck, and shoulders, is often due to extended periods of sitting down and inactivity that cause many people to develop musculoskeletal disorders. When pain and discomfort affect the body, it can cause visceral-somatic pain in different body areas. Not only that, but the various muscles in the upper and lower extremities of the body will become shortened and weak over time, leading to disability and poor posture. Now all is not lost, as there are ways to reduce the effects of musculoskeletal disorders and incorporate exercise as part of a person’s daily routine.
Lumbar Spine Injuries in Sports: Chiropractic Healing-Video
Have you been dealing with back, neck, or shoulder issues? Have you been feeling sluggish after a long, hard day at work? Or do you want to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine? Many individuals have been dealing with musculoskeletal issues in their bodies due to being physically inactive or not having enough time in their day. When this happens, it causes numerous disorders associated with the musculoskeletal system that correlate with the pain. However, making small changes in a routine is achievable by setting time aside for a few minutes and moving around to prevent issues from affecting the body. Studies reveal that performing exercise interventions for a few minutes may help reduce the effects of musculoskeletal complaints and boost work abilities. Additionally, exercises combined with chiropractic care can further reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders that are taking effect in the various joint and muscles by restoring the body and causing it to heal naturally. The video above explains how chiropractic care is incorporated into musculoskeletal disorders and helps relieve the pain-like symptoms associated with spinal subluxation.
The MET Technique & Exercise
Now, an exercise regime can help reduce pain-like effects on the musculoskeletal system and help with muscle growth. According to “Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques,” by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., each variation of exercise training, like strength and endurance training involves different muscle fibers in the body and helps with muscle growth. Now it is best to start slowly and build up to improving the body’s endurance to prevent injuries from affecting the muscle groups. Hence why available treatments utilize the MET technique combined with exercise to help stretch and strengthen the muscles and revitalize the joints. According to research studies, combining the MET technique and stretching before exercising has improved muscle and joint mobility and increased the body’s range of motion without pain. Incorporating stretching and exercise can help the body from developing future musculoskeletal issues and can be part of any daily routine for the busy worker.
Conclusion
With people having a busy schedule, incorporating a few minutes of exercising can benefit the individual and their musculoskeletal system. When the body is dealing with musculoskeletal issues associated with physical inactivity, it can lead to future disorders that can cause the body to deal with pain and immobility. Hence, small changes in a routine, like walking or exercising for a few minutes, can benefit the body in the long haul. Additionally, incorporating treatment techniques like the MET combined with exercise helps stretch and strengthen the musculoskeletal system, allowing the body to restore itself naturally to prevent further injuries.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Iversen, Vegard M, et al. “No Time to Lift? Designing Time-Efficient Training Programs for Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review.” Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8449772/.
Phadke, Apoorva, et al. “Effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Static Stretching on Pain and Functional Disability in Patients with Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal : Official Publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu Li Chih Liao, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 14 Apr. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6385145/.
Shariat, Ardalan, et al. “Office Exercise Training to Reduce and Prevent the Occurrence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Office Workers: A Hypothesis.” The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences : MJMS, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5025063/.
Tersa-Miralles, Carlos, et al. “Effectiveness of Workplace Exercise Interventions in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Office Workers: A Systematic Review.” BMJ Open, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 31 Jan. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8804637/.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
