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.
Dr. Jimenez, D.C., presents how to prevent atherosclerosis through various therapies that can help reduce the effects of cardiovascular diseases. By understanding the risk factors causing these issues, many specialists associated with cardiovascular disorders can develop a solution to minimize these symptoms that correlate with the vital organs and muscles with a personalized treatment plan. We acknowledge patients to certified providers that provide treatment options for cardiovascular disorders that can restore body functionality and improve a person’s health. We assess each individual and their symptoms by entrusting them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results for a better understanding. We recognize that education is a tremendous way to ask our providers questions about the patient’s knowledge and symptoms. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., implements this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Cardiovascular System & Atherosclerosis
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: When the body deals with various issues causing muscle and joint pain, it could be due to overlapping risk profiles affecting the cardiovascular system. In a normal functioning body, the cardiovascular system works with different systems, including the musculoskeletal system, the pulmonary system, the endocrine system, the central nervous system, and the gut system. The heart is one of the main vital organs in the cardiovascular system that supplies oxygen-riched blood to the different muscles, tissues, and organs to function properly. The oxygen-rich blood also carries other items to circulate in the body, like hormones, protein, and nutrients, to be used later. However, when environmental factors start to disrupt the body, they can affect the cardiovascular system and can do serious damage. To that point, it can develop cardiovascular diseases over time and cause body pain. Many studies and research have shown cardiovascular diseases are still the number one in the world that causes mortality and morbidity in the body. They can cause other issues that can affect the body.
One of the cardiovascular diseases that can lead to heart dysfunction is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque (fats, cholesterol, and other hard, sticky substances) that builds up over time along the artery walls that can slow down the blood flow, causing less circulation in the arteries. When the circulation becomes obstructed, it can lead to ischemia associated with a blood clot due to the different body areas not getting enough blood and oxygen to function properly.
Inflammation Associated With Atherosclerosis
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: When this happens, there can be an imbalance of LDLs (low-density lipoproteins) which can then develop various symptoms over time that can lead to muscle and joint pain. Some of the most common underlying reasons that can cause LDL imbalances associated with atherosclerosis could include the following:
Chronic inflammation
Immune dysfunction
Oxidative stress in the vascular system
Poor diet
Tobacco exposure
Genetics
Pre-existing cardiovascular disease
When various disruptors can damage LDL, it can become oxidized over time, damage the cardiovascular endothelium wall, and cause macrophage and platelet activation. To that point, once the macrophages start to eat, they form into foam cells and then explode and release peroxidation, which means that they damage the lining of the blood vessel.
Looking closer at the oxidized LDL, it can biotransform into pro-inflammatory markers and is correlated with vascular inflammation. When dealing with vascular inflammation, the body can develop metabolic endotoxemia. Metabolic endotoxemia is where LPS (lipopolysaccharides) levels elevate even though there is a presence of infections in the body. To that point, it can correlate to gut dysbiosis and chronic inflammatory diseases to stimulate the immune system to increase NFkB inflammatory cytokines and cause muscle and joint pain.
When there is an increase in inflammation due to atherosclerosis or any cardiovascular disease an individual may have, the signs and symptoms can vary depending on their environment. Excessive weight gain, hypertension, increased oxidative stress, high triglycerides, low HDLs, etc., can affect the body and make it dysfunctional. These mechanic factors can influence dysbiosis in the cardiovascular and gut systems, leading to chronic conditions like IBS, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases.
Treatments To Lower Inflammation
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: So what can we do to reduce the inflammation associated with atherosclerosis causing muscle and joint pain? Well, one of the ways that many people can do this is by eating less refined carbohydrates, and high sugar can lower high glycemic levels in the body can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Another way is to try the Mediterranean diet, which includes lean proteins, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, heart-healthy vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains to reduce inflammatory markers from proceeding further to causing issues in the body. Even supplements and nutraceuticals like glutathione and omega-3s can reduce chronic inflammation and cardiovascular disease complications by enhancing their antioxidant properties to preserve redox homeostasis while regulating oxidative stress in the body.
Another way people can prevent atherosclerosis is by exercising regularly. An exercise routine is an excellent way to keep the heart pumping and allow the muscles to move. Any exercise like yoga, Crossfit, dancing, swimming, walking, and running will allow more oxygen intake to the lungs, allowing the heart to pump out more blood to allow more circulation to the various organs, muscles, and tissues. Plus, any exercise can reduce plaque buildup in the arteries and reduce inflammation in the muscles and joints affecting the body.
Chiropractic Care & Inflammation
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: And finally, treatments like chiropractic care can help restore functionality to the body through spinal manipulation. Now, how does chiropractic care correlate with cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis? When the body is dealing with inflammation and chronic stress associated with atherosclerosis, the decrease in blood circulation can cause internal organ dysfunction and disrupt the transmitted signals to reach the brain. So when the transmitted signals become blocked, it can cause spinal subluxation to the spine and invokes pain in the upper, middle, and lower sections of the back, neck, hips, and shoulders. To that point, a chiropractor incorporates mechanical and manual manipulation to realign the spine and allow joint and muscle function back to the body. At the same time, chiropractic care can work with other associated medical providers to develop a personal treatment plan that allows the body to begin its recovery process.
Conclusion
Our goal is to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body to dampen the effects of cardiovascular diseases associated with pain. Covering some of the different ways to prevent atherosclerosis from affecting the cardiovascular system in the body can help the vital organs and muscles from producing more inflammation associated with pain. Incorporating heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory food, taking supplements, exercising, and going to treatments can make big changes to the body. The process may be tedious, but the results will slowly improve the body’s functionality and help the individual stay on the path of health and wellness.
Dr. Jimenez, D.C., presents how to reverse dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis through various therapies that can help the body function. By understanding the risk factors causing these issues, many specialists associated with these cardiovascular risk factors can develop a solution to reduce these and other pre-existing symptoms that correlate with the vital organs and muscles. We acknowledge patients to certified providers that provide treatment options for cardiovascular disorders that can restore body functionality and improve a person’s health. We assess each individual and their symptoms by entrusting them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results for a better understanding. We recognize that education is a tremendous way to ask our providers questions that apply to the patient’s knowledge and symptoms. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., implements this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Coming Up With A Treatment Plan
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Today, we will look at how to reverse dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis functionally. In the previous article, we observed the risk factors of dyslipidemia and how it is associated with metabolic syndrome. Today’s objective looks at the emerging biomarkers that could lead to dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Looking at the fundamental guidelines from lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity, stress response, and incorporating supplements and nutraceuticals can help many individuals transform their health from a personal perspective. To that point, everyone is different, and their treatment plans are unique as they cater to each individual regarding health and wellness.
When it comes to functional medicine, tools like the Living Matrix and the IFM allow doctors to look at results that are being presented to the patient allowing them to see their cholesterol and the history that could lead to these cardiovascular disorders. Some of the earlier studies would enable doctors to prescribe their patients to go through nutrient depletion from statin therapy to reduce the effects of cardiovascular diseases. Supplements like CoQ10, vitamin K2, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, zinc, and copper are all heart-healthy supplements that can give an insight into what the individual is missing to prevent dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Another thing is that statin therapies could also note how the hormone levels are also being affected in the body as these cardiovascular risk factors can cause hormone levels to be lower than they are and can affect both men and women.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors & Treatments
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Now, this can be a double edge sword because we know that erectile dysfunction is a vascular issue, and it allows blood flow to the reproductive system. So say, for example, if someone has poor endothelial function reduction in nitric oxide vascular disease, they will have erectile dysfunction. So when this happens, statin therapy can help the individual and improve endothelial function. Utilizing these therapies is important when dysfunction in the body can cause overlapping risk profiles to the cardiovascular system and disrupt hormone reproduction. Without these various treatments, it can lead to pain associated with these symptoms that make the body have an imbalance of hormones, high cholesterol, and other issues that affect the body. As stated earlier, everybody is different, and the treatment plans are unique as they cater to each individual.
How can we tell when a person is dealing with dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis? After the examination and listening to how the patient is doing, many doctors would combine the AAPIER and SBAR protocol to come up with a diagnosis and look at the risk factors that correlate with these disorders. When the body is dealing with various environmental factors like poor sleep quality, being under constant stress, eating food high in saturated fats, and not getting enough exercise, it can cause the body to develop high cholesterol that can lead to building up plaque in the artery walls, causing chest pain associated with the heart. This is known as somato-visceral referred pain, where the affected muscle is causing issues to the corresponding organs related to pain. Another thing is that these environmental risk factors could overlap with inflammation and cause muscle and joint pain, which can cause complaints of limited mobility and stiffness that can cause a person to feel tight and miserable.
Inflammation Is A Key Factor
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Factoring inflammation as a key player affecting the body is the first step in functional medicine. When it comes to the body being in constant pain due to inflammation, chronic stress, dyslipidemia, or atherosclerosis, it can cause the brain to transmit signals through the spinal cord and cause the surrounding muscles to be sensitive. The inflammatory markers can cause many individuals to be easily confused as they think they are dealing with back pain instead of somato-visceral pain. This is because inflammation can be good or bad, depending on the severity. When the immune system begins to release inflammatory cytokines, despite no infections, bacteria, or viruses, into the cardiovascular, gut, and musculoskeletal systems, it can cause symptoms of swelling, pain, redness, and heat that can affect the corresponding organs. So inflammation affects the heart; it can cause overlapping symptoms of shortness of breath, fluid buildup, and mimic chest pains. At the same time, inflammation in the gut can lead to unwanted factors that can cause harmful changes that can impair the homeostatic mechanism and activate multiple pathways that can trigger cardiovascular disease risk factors like atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia.
Now how would atherosclerosis be correlated with the heart? When the body deals with factors that can correlate with inflammation, many factors like high blood pressure or plaque buildup cause a blockage in the arteries, which can cause blood flow reduction to the heart for circulation. When this happens, it can lead to cardiovascular disease associated with chest pains. In functional medicine, figuring out where the inflammatory effects are coming from, which is most likely in the gut, can help many individuals to reduce and reverse dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis.
Reducing Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: When it comes to reducing the development of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, various ways can help protect vital organs and reduce the inflammatory effects in the musculoskeletal system. One of the treatments that functional medicine corresponds with is chiropractic treatment. When it comes to the organs and spinal nerves in the body, there is a connection, as all internal organs are connected through the spinal cord that sends signals to the brain. When the transmitted signals are blocked or interrupted by risk factors that have entered the body, the vital organs can not function properly. So how would chiropractic treatment help with this? A chiropractor would use manual and mechanized manipulation to realign the spine from subluxation. This will allow the blockage to interrupt the transmitted signals to function properly and restore joint function while preventing degeneration, slowing the disease’s progress in the bones, muscles, and organs.
Another way to reduce inflammatory effects in the body is by incorporating heart and gut-healthy foods that can lower inflammation and improve gut microbiome health. Eating nutritious foods that are rich in prebiotics, have anti-inflammatory properties, and have soluble fibers can help the body turn them into SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) that allow the large intestines to create more energy for the body. Incorporating these various ways as part of the treatment plan for individuals dealing with dyslipidemia or atherosclerosis can help reverse the effects slowly.
Conclusion
Combining heart-healthy foods, exercising regularly, and changing lifestyle habits can provide amazing results when these small changes are gradually incorporated. This will allow the person to see what works and what doesn’t while constantly communicating with their medical providers to ensure they get the amazing benefits that will improve their health and wellness.
Individuals dealing with aching knees is one of the most common health problems and affects people of all ages. The knee is the largest joint in the body, comprised of muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones. The knees support walking, standing, running, and even sitting. Constant use makes them highly susceptible to injuries and conditions. The knees are also surrounded by a complex network of nerves that transmit messages to and from the brain. Damage to the nerves from an injury or disease can create various symptoms of discomfort in and around the knee joint.
Knee Neuropathy
Causes
Knee discomfort symptoms can be brought on by injury, degenerative disorders, arthritis, infection, and other causes, including:
Rheumatoid arthritis
This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes the knees to swell and causes damage to the cartilage.
Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis causes the cartilage to steadily wear away, causing damage to the joints and various symptoms.
Cartilage Issues
Overuse, muscle weakness, injury, and misalignments can cause compensating postures and movements that can wear down and soften the cartilage, generating symptoms.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing knee neuropathy, including:
Previous knee injury
Undiagnosed and untreated knee injury
Unhealthy Weight
Gout
Compromised leg muscle strength and/or flexibility
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with a knee injury or disorder can vary, depending on the severity and damage. Symptoms can include:
Joint stiffness
Swelling in the joint.
Reduced movement/flexibility in the joint.
Increased instability/feeling of weakness in the knee.
Changes in skin color around the knee joint, like increased redness or pale discoloration.
Numbness, coldness, or tingling in and/or around the joint.
Pain symptoms could be a dull ache or throbbing felt throughout the knee.
Sharp, stabbing discomfort in a specific area.
If left untreated, knee neuropathy could permanently affect the ability to walk and lead to partial or total loss of knee function and mobility. Doctors recommend taking note of the following:
What activity/s generates symptoms?
Where are the symptoms located?
What the pain feels like?
Treatments available for knee pain
Chiropractic treatment offers various approaches to addressing the pain caused by nerve damage. Standard treatment includes chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic massage, non-surgical decompression, stretching, posture and movement training, and nutritional anti-inflammatory plans. Our medical team specializes in non-surgical treatments that decrease symptoms and increase strength, flexibility, mobility, and restore function.
Knee Injuries Adjustment
References
Edmonds, Michael, et al. “The current burden of diabetic foot disease.” Journal of clinical orthopedics and trauma vol. 17 88-93. 8 Feb. 2021, doi:10.1016/j.jcot.2021.01.017
Hawk, Cheryl, et al. “Best Practices for Chiropractic Management of Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 26,10 (2020): 884-901. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0181
Hunter, David J et al. “Effectiveness of a new model of primary care management on knee pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: Protocol for THE PARTNER STUDY.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 19,1 132. 30 Apr. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12891-018-2048-0
Kidd, Vasco Deon, et al. “Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for Painful Knee Arthritis: The Why and the How.” JBJS essential surgical techniques vol. 9,1 e10. 13 Mar. 2019, doi:10.2106/JBJS.ST.18.00016
Krishnan, Yamini, and Alan J Grodzinsky. “Cartilage diseases.” Matrix biology: journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology vol. 71-72 (2018): 51-69. doi:10.1016/j.matbio.2018.05.005
Speelziek, Scott J A, et al. “Clinical spectrum of neuropathy after primary total knee arthroplasty: A series of 54 cases.” Muscle & nerve vol. 59,6 (2019): 679-682. doi:10.1002/mus.26473
Dr. Jimenez, D.C., presents how dyslipidemia can increase the chances of various issues associated with multiple risk factors that can cause muscle and joint pain. By understanding where these issues affect the body, many specialists associated with dyslipidemia can come up with a solution to reduce dyslipidemia symptoms and other pre-existing symptoms that correlate with high cholesterol. We acknowledge patients to certified providers that provide treatment options for dyslipidemia that can restore body functionality and improve a person’s health. We assess each individual and their symptoms by entrusting them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results for a better understanding. We recognize that education is a tremendous way to ask our providers questions that apply to the patient’s knowledge and symptoms. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., implements this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Risk Factors Of Dyslipidemia
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Today we will look at the guidelines and the risk factors of dyslipidemia. When specialists utilize these guidelines that involve lipid production in the patient’s body, they use these guidelines to emphasize lifestyle therapies that can encourage more patient involvement and decision-making regarding their health. When an issue involves an increase or decrease in lipid production in the body, it can be due to lifestyle choices that can affect anyone and correlate to metabolic syndrome. In functional medicine, it is important to look, follow, and know these guidelines to understand better what is going on with the patients and come up with a treatment plan that can help reduce the risk factors of dyslipidemia and treat the symptoms associated with these risk factors.
Regarding these guidelines, doctors work with associated medical specialists that look into lipid production and develop a personalized list for the patients that shows the risk-enhancing factors causing dyslipidemia associated with cardiovascular diseases causing metabolic syndrome. Dyslipidemia is when an imbalance of lipid production in the body causes an increase in high cholesterol due to various factors that can lead to cardiovascular diseases. To that point, when a patient is dealing with high cholesterol due to a sedentary lifestyle or being constantly stressed, it can lead to an imbalance of lipid production and cause doctors to not just look at the standard lipid panels but also figure out how to come up with a treatment plan for their patients to regulate their lipid production.
How To Look For The Risk Factors Of Dyslipidemia?
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: So when it comes to looking at the risk factors that are developing dyslipidemia, functional medicine allows doctors to look at advanced lipid tests and evaluate the risk factors causing dyslipidemia. The evaluations of these tests find various risk factors that conventional medicine would not see, and it shows patients the importance of these results and gets their attention. To that point, many risk factors can enhance the progress of dyslipidemia. Risk factors include:
Having a family history of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD).
High levels of lipoprotein and triglycerides.
Excessive sedentary lifestyle.
Lack of physical activity.
Having pre-existing chronic inflammatory disorders that can cause hypersensitivity to the body.
All these risk factors can cause dyslipidemia to develop and can even overlap risk factors related to metabolic syndrome that can cause muscle and joint pain. Now how is metabolic syndrome associated with dyslipidemia?
Metabolic Syndrome & Dyslipidemia
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of disorders that could be associated with dyslipidemia, as it can cause a person to feel miserable and affect their quality of life. When individuals have high cholesterol due to physical inactivity, not consuming lots of healthy fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains, smoking, or being in constant stress, it can affect the body both inside and out as it can cause a person to have imbalances of lipid and hormone function. When these imbalances affect the body, they can affect the individual’s mentality, bring down their energy to feel sluggish, and cause inflammatory issues in their joints and muscles that can lead to various injuries and diseases.
An example would be an individual who comes in dealing with back pain associated with obesity and has been dealing with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. When that person is being examined by their doctor, their results show an imbalance of how much their body produces lipids. To that point, many individuals are unaware that they have dyslipidemia unless they have a routine blood test and if it has gone severe. Other symptoms that dyslipidemia can cause in the body include:
Leg pain
Chest pain and tightness
Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulders, and back
Heart palpitations
Sleep problems
Leg swelling
If it is not treated right away, it can lead to more issues that can cause pain to the body and leave them feeling hopeless. When these unwanted symptoms and pathogens start to affect the body, it can cause the vital organs that monitor lipid production to be dysfunctional and cause chronic symptoms to rise over time.
Treatments & Guidelines For Dyslipidemia
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: By looking at the guidelines, we can assess the situation that the patient is dealing with, come up with an evaluation of how to reduce these risk factors that are causing dysfunction in the patient’s body, and come up with a personalized treatment plan that encourages the patient to participate in and work with other associated medical providers to ensure health and wellness to the person. All is not lost, as there are ways to reduce dyslipidemia associated with metabolic syndrome.
Treatments like chiropractic care can help restore the body’s systems through spinal manipulation in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions to reduce stiffness and restore mobility to the person. An anti-inflammatory diet and exercise can help lower inflammatory effects and lower the high cholesterol the person is dealing with. And finally, exercise can help reduce stress and improve the range of motion of the body’s joints and muscles. All these treatments work together regarding a person’s health and wellness, as the body is a complex machine. The combination of functional medicine and chiropractic care can allow individuals to start making small changes in their lives to restore their health and become pain-free from metabolic syndrome associated with dyslipidemia. Remembering that it takes time for these treatments to show results of feeling good can make the journey to a healthier version of yourself worth it.
Pinched Nerves and Muscle Spasms: A pinched or compressed nerve can occur in various body regions, from the wrist to the foot. When a nerve is compressed, a pins and needles feeling can present until the pressure is relieved, or there can be no sensation symptoms, but other symptoms like muscle spasms, especially in the arm or leg, can appear. Individuals will feel a repetitive fluttering or twitching when the arm or leg is not in motion. A pinched nerve could be the cause of spasms in the back or extremities. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help if symptoms are not stopping or worsening.
Pinched Nerves and Muscle Spasms
When multiple symptoms appear, individuals may not realize they are connected. Individuals may think aches, pains, and spasms are normal aging processes. Pinched nerves occur when there is an impingement on any one of the numerous nerves of the spine. Impingements can be caused by:
Repetitive motion injuries
Disc degeneration
Herniated/ruptured discs
Bone spurs
Arthritis
Trauma injury
The pain symptoms from the spasm can be quick, sharp, or pulsating and throbbing. The muscles respond by tightening or spasming as the nerve sends interrupted/incomplete signals. In addition to muscle spasms, a pinched nerve can contribute to other symptoms, including the following.
Tingling
Numbness
Pins and needles sensation
Reduced range of motion
Muscle weakness
Signs a Pinched Nerve Might Be Causing Spasms
Sudden shooting pain that radiates down the leg or arm.
Weak muscles
Muscle atrophy – shrinking or deteriorating.
Chronic tingling in the extremities.
A burning sensation in a specific area; this could but is not necessarily the source of the pinched nerve.
Electrical shock-type pain accompanies the spasms.
If a pinched nerve is left untreated and continues to generate symptoms, it can affect daily life and lead to uncomfortable long-term issues. Severe nerve compression combined with inflammation can cause damage to nearby soft tissues and muscles, leading to chronic conditions. When the nerves are damaged, it can be harder to control the muscles making certain motions uncomfortable or difficult to move certain body parts.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care, massage, and decompression therapy will relieve pinched nerves and muscle spasms and restore neuromusculoskeletal system function. The body will be realigned, and patients will be trained on stretching exercises, muscle strengthening, posture training, and nutritional support to optimize the body’s natural healing abilities to repair the damaged nerves.
Low Back Pain
References
Bustamante, S, and P G Houlton. “Swelling of the leg, deep venous thrombosis, and the piriformis syndrome.” Pain research & management vol. 6,4 (2001): 200-3. doi:10.1155/2001/104091
Chu, Eric Chun-Pu, and Robert J Trager. “Thoracic Schwannoma as an Unusual Cause of Sciatic Pain in the Chiropractic Office: A Case Report.” The American journal of case reports vol. 23 e938448. 16 Nov. 2022, doi:10.12659/AJCR.938448
Coletti, Roger H. “The ischemic model of chronic muscle spasm and pain.” European journal of translational myology vol. 32,1 10323. 18 Jan. 2022, doi:10.4081/ejtm.2022.10323
Hirayama, Jiro, et al. “Relationship between low-back pain, muscle spasm and pressure pain thresholds in patients with lumbar disc herniation.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 15,1 (2006): 41-7. doi:10.1007/s00586-004-0813-2
Kennedy, John G, and Donald E Baxter. “Nerve disorders in dancers.” Clinics in sports medicine vol. 27,2 (2008): 329-34. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2008.01.001
Waddell, Roger K. “Chiropractic care for a patient with spasmodic dysphonia associated with cervical spine trauma.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 4,1 (2005): 19-24. doi:10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60108-6
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents how to look for signs of hormonal imbalances in men and how different treatment strategies, like chiropractic care, can help regulate hormonal functionality in the body. We direct patients to certified providers that provide functional hormonal replacement treatments that can restore body functionality. We acknowledge each patient and their symptoms by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis to understand better what they are dealing with. We understand that education is a tremendous way to ask our providers various questions that apply to the patient’s knowledge. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., applies this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Hormone Imbalances
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Today, we will be looking at how to look for the signs of hormonal imbalances in men and how chiropractic care can help with the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. We need to understand the subtypes of hormonal deficiency to enable appropriate treatment strategies like chiropractic care. So when it comes to hormones in the body, it is important to know how hormones function in the body and what happens when comorbidities are associated with hormonal imbalances. The hormonal imbalances in the male body could cause physiologic effects of low testosterone correlating with disruptive factors.
Now hormones in both male and female bodies provide various actions that make the body functional. This includes:
Regulating body temperature
Sexual function
Work with other hormones (insulin, DHEA, cortisol)
Support the major body systems
When it comes to the male body, the two main hormones, androgen and testosterone, can help with cognitive function. However, when the body begins to age naturally, the hormonal process begins to decrease in the male body and causes chronic illnesses to start to cause problems in the body. When this happens, it can cause the individual to be in pain and disrupt daily activities.
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Since many environmental disruptors can affect the body and cause hormonal imbalances, they can cause various symptoms in many test results when patients are being examined by their primary doctors. Signs of chronic fatigue, brain fog, depression, increased muscle mass, and low libido correlates with testosterone deficiency and can make the body dysfunctional. And if there is chronic hormonal dysfunction in the body, it can also lead to inflammation associated with hormonal deficiency. When inflammation starts to affect the muscles and joints of the male body, it can lead to issues affecting the back, hips, legs, shoulders, and neck that can cause limited mobility, muscle fatigue, increased body fat, and a decrease in bone mineral density.
Low testosterone levels in the body can overlap with pre-existing conditions that correlate with metabolic syndrome associated with hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is when the body’s reproductive organs produce little to no hormones for sexual function. Hypogonadism can affect about 30% of all males between the ages of 40-79. To that point, it causes the male body to produce more leptin hormones and can negatively affect the brain when it comes to releasing these hormones to the body. At the hypothalamic level of gonadotropin-releasing hormones, we have increased sensitivity at the hypothalamus to negative feedback from androgens. This can be many factors that can contribute to low male testosterone levels:
Diet
Stress
Toxin exposure
Osteoporosis
Decreased hair density
Erectile dysfunction
Andropause
When the reproductive organs produce little to no hormones, they can develop andropause and cause testosterone levels to diminish. Andropause is the male version of menopause for females, which can contribute to other conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. How is metabolic syndrome associated with andropause when it comes to hormone imbalances? Well, low levels of testosterone in the body can increase insulin levels, causing insulin resistance, which then leads to an increase in BMI in the body. To that point, disorders like chronic stress can lower DHEA and testosterone hormone levels, which can then increase insulin levels and cause more pain-like issues in the body.
Chiropractic Care & Hormones
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Now all is not lost, as there are ways to improve hormone production in the body. Many individuals can exercise regularly to lower cortisol and insulin levels while boosting testosterone levels. Another way to improve hormone dysfunction is by going to various therapies like chiropractic care to help reduce some of the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. Now how would chiropractic care be correlated with hormonal imbalances? Isn’t just manual manipulation to the back?
Surprisingly chiropractic care is more than just manipulating the spine when it is in subluxation. As stated earlier, hormonal imbalances can lead to chronic muscle and joint stress that can become inflamed and lead to chronic issues. When hormonal imbalances in the body cause low testosterone production, it can cause stress on the muscle groups and affect the joints. To that point, the body will be in constant pain or succumb to various injuries. So, incorporating chiropractic care as part of treatment can help improve the body’s musculoskeletal structure and how to deal with stress, allowing the nervous system, where hormones are being sent to different areas in the body, to function properly and operate normally. Chiropractic care enables the musculoskeletal structure to be pain-free from musculoskeletal dysfunction associated with hormone imbalances and can be combined with other treatments.
Conclusion
Utilizing and incorporating chiropractic care and hormone therapy can allow the body to function with normal hormone levels and reduce the pain-like symptoms that may affect the body’s muscles and joints. Chiropractic care combined with a nutritional diet that helps with hormone regulation and physical therapy can help the body’s hormone levels to be normal. To that point, this combination of treatments can improve muscle growth and reduce the symptoms associated with hormone imbalances that can cause muscle and joint pain associated with other pre-existing conditions related to hormone balance.
Healthy Posture Guidelines: Posture is how an individual holds their body. Healthy posture is when minimal stress is applied to the joints. Maintaining and holding your body correctly can prevent pain, injuries, and other health problems. Faulty postures and musculoskeletal imbalances often precipitate painful conditions in the spine and extremities. However, unhealthy postures do not always present with discomfort and pain symptoms that can go unnoticed for years. This leads to chronic stress and advanced wear of the joints. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can realign the spine, relieve symptoms, and restore flexibility, mobility, and function.
Healthy Posture Guidelines
There are two types of posture:
Dynamic Posture
This posture is when the body moves, like walking, running, or bending to pick up something.
Static Posture
This posture is when the body is not moving, like sitting, standing, or sleeping.
Both are important, and the key is the spine’s position. The spine has three natural curves: neck, mid, and low back. Correct posture maintains the curves with the head above the shoulders, and the top of the shoulder should be over the hips.
Unhealthy Positioning
Postural faults include:
Forward head positioning
Rounded shoulders
Loss of the normal lordosis curve in the lower back.
Early warning signs of postural problems may include:
The inability to sit or stand for a prolonged period.
Stiffness when getting up from a chair after sitting.
Feeling of physical exhaustion at the end of the day.
Muscle imbalances.
Loss of normal flexibility.
Symptoms of discomfort.
Affected Health
Unhealthy posture can affect overall health and includes:
Misaligned musculoskeletal system.
Decreased flexibility.
Neck, shoulder, and back pain.
The advanced wearing down of the spine making it more fragile and susceptible to injury.
Affected joint movement.
Affected balance.
Increased risk of falling.
Digestion problems.
Potential breathing problems.
Improvements
Be mindful of your posture during everyday activities, like walking, watching tv, washing dishes, etc.
Maintain Physical Activity
Certain exercises like yoga, tai chi, and other classes focusing on body awareness can help develop healthy posture habits.
Exercises that strengthen the core muscles around the back, abdomen, and pelvis.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Extra weight can weaken the abdominal muscles, cause problems for the pelvis and spine, and contribute to back pain.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
High heels, for example, can throw off the body’s balance and force unhealthy walking movements.
This puts added stress on the muscles and affects posture.
Proper Height
Make sure workstations are at a comfortable height, whether sitting in front of a computer, making dinner, or eating.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors and physical massage therapists specialize in evaluating and treating musculoskeletal dysfunction and identifying and screening for postural dysfunction. Healthy posture can have an immediate effect on health that include:
Proper alignment of bones and joints.
Reduced wear on the muscles and joints.
Reduced stress on ligaments.
Decreased risk of back injury.
Increased energy.
Improved digestion.
A chiropractic team will massage and relax the muscles reducing tension, adjust and realign the spine, increase joint movement, and ease the individual into a healthy posture. The team will also provide careful rehabilitation exercises and nutritional recommendations to maintain a healthy posture.
Custom Foot Orthotics
References
Carini, Francesco, et al. “posture and posturology, anatomical and physiological profiles: overview and current state of the art.”Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis vol. 88,1 11-16. 28 Apr. 2017, doi:10.23750/abm.v88i1.5309
Creze, Maud, et al. “posture-related stiffness mapping of paraspinal muscles.”Journal of anatomy vol. 234,6 (2019): 787-799. doi:10.1111/joa.12978
Korakakis, Vasileios, et al. “physiotherapist perceptions of optimal sitting and standing posture.”Musculoskeletal science & practice vol. 39 (2019): 24-31. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2018.11.004
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Healthy Posture Guidelines
