ClickCease
+1-915-850-0900 spinedoctors@gmail.com
Select Page

Chiropractic

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.


Restaurant Work Shoulder and Hand Injuries

Restaurant Work Shoulder and Hand Injuries

Restaurant work takes a toll on the body with the repetitive moving, bending, twisting, reaching, prepping, cutting, serving, and washing. This is especially true of the shoulders, arms, and hands. When individuals avoid treating their aches and pains, this can lead to chronic pain conditions that can cause severe and permanent damage to the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic can alleviate the tingling and pain by removing the compression, re-stretching/lengthening, and strengthening the muscles and nerves to perform at optimal levels.

Restaurant Work Shoulder and Hand Injuries

Restaurant Work

The arms and hands are designed to accomplish various tasks. When functioning normally, tasks can be performed flawlessly. Repetitive/Overuse or trauma can cause nerve compression, stiffness, and pain, decreasing function and affecting daily routines.

Carpal Tunnel

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common disorders that affect the arm and hands.
  • The carpal tunnel is a space where a nerve and several tendons pass. If the nerve becomes compressed, it can cause numbness, tingling in the fingers, pain, and muscle weakness, making it difficult to grip objects.
  • Discomfort and pain start gradually in one or both hands.
  • It can cause tightness and pain in the shoulder, forearm, wrist, and hand.
  • It can also cause numbness in the palm and fingers.
  • It can cause swelling and burning sensations.
  • Individuals often shake out the numbness and tingling sensations throughout the day or night.

Tendonitis

  • Tendonitis can present with carpal tunnel symptoms except for the gradual starting pain.
  • Tendonitis comes from Overuse and repetitive motions.
  • The pain will be tender directly on the affected area.
  • To help prevent and avoid, ask about exercises that stretch the affected tendons.
  • Ask a doctor or chiropractor which exercises and stretches are the safest for the specific condition.
  • Depending on the severity of the condition, individuals may need corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or surgery.

Injury Prevention Tips Restaurant Work

  • Learn to stop trying to carry everything in one trip.
  • Ask for help/support staff to servers who deliver large orders and for clearing.
  • Recommend changes if body posture increases injury risk.
  • Heavy trays and plates should be balanced on the palm for better weight distribution.
  • Healthy rotation ensures that one worker does not always have the chopping and cutting duties for hours.
  • Take frequent breaks from tasks that require repetitive motions.
  • Find various stretches and exercises to build strength and flexibility in the arms, wrists, and hands.
  • Avoid scheduling multiple consecutive long shifts for jobs that require repetitive hand motions.

Body Composition


Sticking To A Meal Plan

Identify personal motivation to stick to a meal plan other than improving body composition. To keep motivation high, individuals need to identify other reasons behind goals. This could be:

  • Saving money from the food budget.
  • Spending time with loved ones preparing a healthy recipe.
  • Setting an example to family and friends.
  • It can be whatever motivates you.
  • Reassess and tweak the meal plan as needed.
  • Nutritional needs or dietary preferences change.
  • Meal planning should be a dynamic process.
  • Don’t get disappointed if not going as planned.
  • Refocus by making changes as needed.
References

Gentzler, Marc D, and Janan A Smither. “Using practical ergonomic evaluations in the restaurant industry to enhance safety and comfort: a case study.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 41 Suppl 1 (2012): 5529-31. doi:10.3233/WOR-2012-0872-5529

Laperrière, Ève et al. “Work activity in foodservice: The significance of customer relations, tipping practices and gender for preventing musculoskeletal disorders.” Applied ergonomics vol. 58 (2017): 89-101. doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2016.05.013

Masear, V R et al. “An industrial cause of carpal tunnel syndrome.” The Journal of hand surgery vol. 11,2 (1986): 222-7. doi:10.1016/s0363-5023(86)80055-7

www.osha.gov/etools/hospitals/food-services/work-related-musculoskeletal-disorders

Szabo, R M. “Carpal tunnel syndrome as a repetitive motion disorder.” Clinical Orthopedics and related research,351 (1998): 78-89.

Complications Poor Posture

Complications Poor Posture

As the body gets older, slouching, little to no physical activity, and regular stretching cause muscle fatigue, weakness, tension, leading to poor posture complications. The complications include:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Rounded shoulders
  • Spinal dysfunction
  • Joint degeneration
  • Sleep problems
  • Chronic pain

Posture can be improved along with overall spinal health and a better quality of life through chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic will improve posture through adjustments, postural exercise training and stretching, education on ergonomics, and nutrition to strengthen the body.

Complications Poor Posture

Complications Poor Posture

Symptoms

Symptoms vary as they depend on the severity of the case and condition.

  • Muscle fatigue/weakness
  • Body aches and soreness
  • Back pain
  • Rounded shoulders
  • Standing and/or walking problems
  • Headaches
  • Potbelly

Mechanisms

Poor posture leads to dysfunction and interference with the body’s postural mechanisms. These include:

Muscle Fibers

Skeletal muscle comprises two types of muscle fiber. They are static or slow-twitch muscles and phasic or fast-twitch muscles. Static muscle fibers are found in the deeper muscle layers. Static fibers burn energy slowly and keep working without tiring. They help the body maintain posture without effort and contribute to balance by sensing the body’s position and transmitting the information to the brain. Phasic muscle fibers are used for movement and activity but can quickly run out of energy. Poor posture causes muscle fatigue because the phasic fibers are used rather than the static fibers to maintain the body’s proper position.

Muscle Strength and Length

Over time, the body constantly needs support from the phasic muscle fibers. This causes the deeper supporting muscles to waste away because they are not being used. Weak, unused muscles begin to tighten, causing a shortening of muscle length that can compact the spine’s bones and cause back complications.

Nervous System Feedback

The deeper layers of muscle sense the body’s position in space and relay this information to the brain. The brain does not receive complete transmission if the phasic muscle fibers take over this function. The brain assumes that the body needs to be propped up/corrected to counteract the poor posture effects, triggering further muscle contraction, adding to the fatigue and pain.

Listening To The Body

The objective is to form a habit of regularly listening to what the body is saying. Make minor adjustments while standing and sitting throughout the day/night. Often what happens is individuals become so immersed in their work, school tasks that they ignore any physical discomfort and push through and forget to change positions/move around to get the muscles moving and the blood pumping. If there is muscle tension or fatigue, don’t just work through the pain; move into another healthy position.

Posture Improvement

Suggestions include:


Body Composition


Strength Training

As the body ages, it loses muscle mass, known as sarcopenia. Between the ages of 30 and 80, both men and women can lose 30-50 percent of their muscle strength. Decreasing strength can make it a challenge to lead an active lifestyle or have energy levels to complete the daily errands. Individuals can be reluctant to improve fitness levels through resistance workouts believing there is nothing left after years of inactivity. This is not true as anybody can strength train. With the right mindset, and health coaching team, goals can be set to:

  • Improve body composition
  • Improve energy levels
  • Maintain an active lifestyle
References

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

Deliagina, Tatiana G et al. “Physiological and circuit mechanisms of postural control.” Current opinion in neurobiology vol. 22,4 (2012): 646-52. doi:10.1016/j.conb.2012.03.002

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

Pollock, A S et al. “What is balance?.” Clinical rehabilitation vol. 14,4 (2000): 402-6. doi:10.1191/0269215500cr342oa

Waters, Thomas R, and Robert B Dick. “Evidence of health risks associated with prolonged standing at work and intervention effectiveness.” Rehabilitation nursing: the official journal of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses vol. 40,3 (2015): 148-65. doi:10.1002/rnj.166

Spondylitis Anti-Inflammation Diet

Spondylitis Anti-Inflammation Diet

Spondylitis Anti-Inflammation Diet: Individuals who have a chronic back pain condition can be recommended to have two or more vertebrae fused to correct the problem/s and alleviate the pain. However, a form of inflammatory spinal arthritis can cause the vertebrae to fuse by themselves, known as ankylosing spondylitis. One recommended way to bring pain relief is by eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Studies have shown that a low-inflammatory diet can help improve spondylitis symptoms.

Spondylitis Anti-Inflammation Diet

Spondylitis Anti-Inflammation Diet

Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine; however, individual symptoms vary. Symptoms include stiffness and pain in the neck, hips, low back, and fatigue. There is no definite pattern meaning:

  • Symptoms can improve.
  • Symptoms can worsen or flare up.
  • Symptoms can stop for a period of time.

Women are affected more often than men with no known cause. There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but treatments and self-care can slow down the disease’s progression and help manage symptoms.

Diet and Inflammation

Diet is not the root cause of inflammatory disease, but eating inflammation-causing foods can worsen symptoms. Reducing inflammation can help alleviate pain.

  • Eliminating foods that cause or increase inflammation is recommended to help the body become stronger and manage symptoms.
  • Another way is to incorporate spondylitis anti-inflammation foods.
  • Functional medicine practitioners can help guide individuals on maximizing healthy nutrition and using it to reduce pain and symptoms.
  • If an individual has a genetic predisposition, their diet can be crucial to calm down the symptoms and help turn the autoimmune disease around.

A spondylitis anti-inflammation diet should be rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. Evidence shows that a diet low in starches can lead to less ankylosing spondylitis activity. Low-starch can also help limit the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacteria that feeds on starch and is a known trigger for the onset and development of ankylosing spondylitis.

Foods To Eat

Leafy greens

  • These include spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens containing magnesium and polyphenols that reduce inflammation.
  • These can be raw or cooked with garlic and olive oil added to maximize benefits.

Cruciferous vegetables

  • These contain sulforaphane, an antioxidant that includes broccoli cauliflower and can be eaten raw or cooked, roasted with olive oil, sauteed, and stir-fried.

Allium Vegetables

  • These contain sulfuric compounds and quercetin, a flavonoid that helps reduce inflammation.
  • These include red and yellow onions, leeks, garlic, and shallots.
  • They can be eaten raw or cooked in salads, stir-frys, and sandwiches.

Berries

  • These contain anthocyanin, an antioxidant flavonoid, and other antioxidants and polyphenols that help with inflammation.
  • These include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and can be eaten raw, in smoothies, in salads, with oatmeal, or mixed in unsweetened yogurt.

Fruits

  • Certain fruits contain quercetin and polyphenols to help with inflammation.
  • These include apples, cherries, oranges.

Healthy oils

  • Contain oleocanthal which acts similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and contains various antioxidants.
  • These include olive oil for low heat cooking and avocado oil for high heat cooking to replace butter and margarine.
  • It can be served in dressings and drizzled on foods.

Nuts and seeds

  • These contain alpha-linolenic acid, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid.
  • Examples include walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachios, chia seeds, and ground flaxseeds.
  • These can be served as snacks, salads, mixed in side dishes, topping, or added to unsweetened yogurt or oatmeal.

Fatty fish

  • Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation.
  • Examples include salmon, cod, rainbow trout, mackerel, and sardines.
  • These can be baked, sauteed, grilled, mixed into salads, and stir fry.

Avoid These Foods

When making lifestyle adjustments for a spondylitis anti-inflammation diet, focus on reducing or removing processed foods and saturated fats. These include:

  • Sugars from all sources like soda, sugary drinks, shakes, candy, and desserts.
  • Trans fats, like those in fried foods like chips and fries.
  • Starches, such as found in potatoes.
  • Refined carbohydrates, processed grains that include white bread, and pastries.
  • Red meat.
  • Gluten.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.

Individuals may not be symptomatic with certain foods, but that doesn’t mean the foods should be consumed. Gluten, dairy, and eggs can cause potential problems as they compromise the gut and the immune system. These can set back the individual’s healing or remission.


Body Composition


What Happens To The Body When Eating Fruit

Fruit is made up of simple sugar called fructose, providing the body with a carbohydrate energy source. The natural sugar the body gets from a piece of fruit is not the same as processed fructose added to processed products like fructose corn syrup. Processed products are typically filled with empty calories and very little nutrition. When the body has fruit, the liver processes fructose before getting absorbed through the small intestine. Research shows that exposing the gut to more fiber-rich foods like fruit helps the gut achieve an anti-obese condition by increasing the good bacteria and reducing the obese bacteria. Essential nutrients from fruit include:

  • Folate
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin B1

The USDA recommends making half of each meal/plate be fruit and vegetables.

References

Harvard Health Publishing. (November 16, 2021) “Foods that Fight Inflammation.” www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

Macfarlane, Tatiana V et al. “Relationship between diet and ankylosing spondylitis: A systematic review.” European journal of rheumatology vol. 5,1 (2018): 45-52. doi:10.5152/eurjrheum.2017.16103

Nielsen, Forrest H. “Magnesium deficiency and increased inflammation: current perspectives.” Journal of inflammation research vol. 11 25-34. January 18 2018, doi:10.2147/JIR.S136742

Rashid T, Wilson C, Ebringer A. The Link between Ankylosing Spondylitis, Crohn’s Disease, Klebsiella, and Starch Consumption. Clin Dev Immunol. 2013;2013:872632. doi: 10.1155/2013/872632.

Sharma, Satya P et al. “Paradoxical Effects of Fruit on Obesity.” Nutrients vol. 8,10 633. 14 Oct. 2016, doi:10.3390/nu8100633

van Buul, Vincent J et al. “Misconceptions about fructose-containing sugars and their role in the obesity epidemic.” Nutrition research reviews vol. 27,1 (2014): 119-30. doi:10.1017/S0954422414000067

Pregnant and Chiropractic

Pregnant and Chiropractic

Pregnant and Chiropractic: Many women experience back/pelvis/leg/feet swelling, soreness, achiness, and pain during pregnancy. A growing belly added weight and changes in connective tissue can cause a variety of musculoskeletal strains and misalignments. Chiropractic care provides health maintenance of the spinal column, discs, nerves, joints, muscles, and bones. It is an art and science of adjusting a misaligned body, reducing stress, and promoting health throughout the body.

Pregnant and Chiropractic

Pregnant and Chiropractic

With a primary doctor’s clearance, chiropractic can provide safe adjustments. Chiropractors trained to work with pregnant women utilize techniques that avoid applying pressure on or around the abdomen. Benefits of chiropractic during pregnancy include:

  • Restores and maintains spinal alignment and balance.
  • Helps control symptoms of nausea.
  • Improves energy levels.
  • Relieves body pain.
  • Helps reduce labor time and delivery.
  • Restores pelvic positioning and balance, improving standing, sitting, and walking mechanics.
  • Improves blood perfusion and better movement for the baby

A chiropractor trained in the needs of pregnant women will also provide exercises and stretches that are safe during pregnancy. A chiropractor will discuss/recommend treatment options, patient concerns, and a complete medical history assessment. They will monitor symptoms to customize treatments to the individual’s specific needs to get the most relief.


Body Composition


Gestational Hypertension

Gestational hypertension develops during pregnancy. It is not preventable and returns to normal levels postpartum. However, there is an increased risk of developing chronic hypertension later if gestational hypertension begins to develop. According to Mayo Clinic, gestational hypertension is diagnosed by the following:

  • At least 20 weeks gestation.
  • Blood pressure is higher than 140/90 on at least two occasions.
  • Must be more than four hours apart.
  • There is no other organ damage present.
References

Gutke, Annelie et al. “Treatments for pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain: a systematic review of physiotherapy modalities.” Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica vol. 94,11 (2015): 1156-67. doi:10.1111/aogs.12681

Poděbradská, R et al. “The effect of physiotherapy intervention on the load of the foot and low back pain in pregnancy.” “Vliv fyzioterapeutických postupů na zatížení plosky a bolesti zad v těhotenství.” Ceska gynekologie vol. 84,6 (2019): 450-457.

Schreiner, Lucas et al. “Systematic review of pelvic floor interventions during pregnancy.” International journal of gynecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics vol. 143,1 (2018): 10-18. doi:10.1002/ijgo.12513

Do’s and Don’ts After Chiropractic Adjustment

Do’s and Don’ts After Chiropractic Adjustment

Everybody is different in how the body reacts to a chiropractic adjustment. Body misalignment often leads to spinal misalignment or vice versa. Misalignments occur over time; individuals do not notice until soreness and pain begin presenting. Depending on the injury and/or condition, getting the full potential from a chiropractic adjustment means knowing the dos and don’ts following treatment. This involves maintaining a healthy posture, staying hydrated, getting proper rest, and staying active.

Do's and Don'ts After Chiropractic Adjustment

Adjustments

Adjustments are highly effective for the body. Benefits include:

  • Pain relief.
  • Restored full range of motion.
  • Increased strength.
  • Increased energy.
  • Improved sleep.
  • Lowered blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.

Do’s and Don’ts

Stay Properly Hydrated

  • One of the best things for the body is plenty of water every day. Water helps:
  • Circulate nutrients and oxygen to your cells.
  • Flush bacteria from the bladder.
  • Assist with digestion.
  • Prevent constipation.
  • Normalize blood pressure.
  • Stabilize heartbeat.
  • Cushion the joints.
  • Protect organs and tissues.

Stay Active

  • It is not recommended to take on intense workouts after an adjustment but to remain active to keep the muscles, tendons, ligaments flexible and strengthen the body during healing.
  • Activities should be done in moderation and include:
  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Biking
  • Swimming

Proper Rest

  • Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential for the body to heal to the optimal level.
  • The body getting used to the adjustment can be an exhausting process.

Maintain Healthy Posture

  • Proper posture is essential to keep the body in healthy alignment and prevent further/new injuries.
  • A chiropractor and physical therapist will educate and train individuals on maintaining healthy, active postures.

Stretching

  • Stretching is prescribed as part of the treatment to maintain flexibility and strength.
  • A chiropractor will recommend and show how to perform specific stretches and exercises between adjustments.

What to Avoid

Recommendations on what to avoid after a chiropractic adjustment.

Explosive Movements

  • Stay active but limit any explosive movements for a few days after the adjustment.

Avoid Sitting Too Much

  • Too much sitting, even with a lumbar support chair, can cause the muscles to tighten pulling on the spine.
  • When sitting, get up and move around every 20 minutes.

Paying attention to the recommended do’s and don’ts will help expedite the healing and create new healthy habits.


Body Composition


Dairy Products

Conventional vs. Organic and Grass-fed Dairy

  • Studies have found that dairy cows consuming a diet of grass and hay significantly improved nutrient profiles of produced milk.
  • Milk from grass-fed cows has a higher omega-3 content when compared to organic and conventional grain-fed cows.
  • Omega-3s protect against:
  • Inflammation
  • Heart disease
  • Metabolic conditions

Fermented Products

References

Bourrie, Benjamin C T et al. “The Microbiota and Health Promoting Characteristics of the Fermented Beverage Kefir.” Frontiers in microbiology vol. 7 647. 4 May. 2016, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.00647

Licciardone, John C et al. “Recovery From Chronic Low Back Pain After Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association vol. 116,3 (2016): 144-55. doi:10.7556/jaoa.2016.031

Maher, C G. “Effective physical treatment for chronic low back pain.” The Orthopedic clinics of North America vol. 35,1 (2004): 57-64. doi:10.1016/S0030-5898(03)00088-9

Will, Joshua Scott et al. “Mechanical Low Back Pain.” American family physician vol. 98,7 (2018): 421-428.

Pinched Nerve Healing Signs

Pinched Nerve Healing Signs

A pinched nerve may not feel like it is healing. This is because of the soreness, aches, discomfort, and tingling feelings/sensations around the affected area. This could be the neck, shoulder, arm, hands, back, legs, and feet. However, when the achiness and tingling move around and shift, it is a sign of the pinched nerve healing.

Pinched Nerve Healing Signs

Amount of Time For Pinched Nerve Healing

Waiting for the nerve to heal is not a recommended treatment option, as most pinched nerves do not fully recover on their own. A pinched nerve usually takes around six weeks to heal with proper treatment. The longer the nerve stays pinched, the more likely there will be permanent damage. To keep the pinched nerve from returning and getting worse, individuals are recommended to incorporate a pre-habilitation plan that involves continuing rehabilitation exercises to strengthen and keep the muscles, ligaments, and nerves loose, and adjusting posture, work, exercise, and diet habits to prevent re-injuring the nerve or cause new injury/s. 

Common Nerve Sites

Nerves run throughout the body, so it’s possible to experience a pinched nerve anywhere. The most common pinched nerve sites occur at joints where there is constant movement. These areas include:

  • Neck
  • Shoulders
  • Lower Back
  • Arms
  • Hands
  • Feet

Healing Signs

Individuals often believe that their pinched nerve is getting worse because of soreness, aches and pains, and weird sensations. When the pain stays in one area, that could be a sign that the nerve has not been fully stretched/released and/or that there is still compression taking place. Treatment and healing include feeling the symptoms but in a different way. The symptoms will move up, down, or around depending on where the pinched nerve is. Treatment takes the nerve/s and stretches/elongates them, but the pinch created a nerve crimp, crease, fold that wants to return to the pinched position. This is why continued treatment and stretching are recommended, as a spasm, trauma, or some awkward movement can cause the nerve to re-fold to the pinched position or cause a whole new pinch.

Chiropractic Release

Chiropractic treats pinched/compressed nerves with several therapeutic modalities. These include:

  • Body Adjustments
  • Flexion-distraction
  • Therapeutic massage
  • Traction
  • Inversion
  • Laser therapy
  • Ultrasound

Combined, these methods can help heal pinched nerves and keep them from recurring.


Body Composition


Skeletal Muscle

Skeletal muscle is a major muscle group. These muscles are attached to the bone by the tendons. Skeletal muscles incorporate nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue to operate as a unit. Each skeletal muscle consists of cells that come together that form bundles of skeletal muscle fibers.

  • Strength training stimulates the muscle fibers. When combined with proper nutrition causes hypertrophy/muscle growth.
  • Muscles contract and shorten to pull bones and joints, allowing body movement.
  • The nervous system signals the nerves in the muscle/s and triggers these contractions.
  • Skeletal muscle helps the body:
  • Maintain posture
  • Generate body heat
  • Stability to the bones and joints
References

Bowley, Michael P, and Christopher T Doughty. “Entrapment Neuropathies of the Lower Extremity.” The Medical clinics of North America vol. 103,2 (2019): 371-382. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2018.10.013

Campbell, W. “Diagnosis and management of common compression and entrapment neuropathies.” Neurologic clinics vol. 15,3 (1997): 549-67. doi:10.1016/s0733-8619(05)70333-9

England, J D. “Entrapment neuropathies.” Current opinion in neurology vol. 12,5 (1999): 597-602. doi:10.1097/00019052-199910000-00014

Kane, Patrick M et al. “Double Crush Syndrome.” The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons vol. 23,9 (2015): 558-62. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-14-00176

Neuromusculoskeletal Optimization

Neuromusculoskeletal Optimization

Chiropractic is a form of neuromusculoskeletal care that repairs and re-optimizes the nervous system that helps to relieve tension, inflammation, pain and restore body health. Like any piece of machinery that requires regular maintenance to operate correctly without issues, so too is the body an exquisite machine that needs regular maintenance. Treatment restores and maintains optimal function to the nervous system, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

Neuromusculoskeletal Optimization

Neuromusculoskeletal Care

Central Nervous System – CNS

  • The Central Nervous System or CNS is the body’s computer.
  • It processes functions in the body and mind.
  • It s made up of the brain and spinal cord.
  • It helps process external information through sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.
  • The CNS interprets sensory information that goes through the spinal cord to the brain, and the body responds accordingly.
  • It controls voluntary movements like walking, talking, exercising.
  • It controls involuntary movements like blinking, breathing, digestion.
  • It allows thoughts, emotions, and perceptions to be created and expressed.

When the Central Nervous System works correctly, the body is coordinated, all senses send and receive information effectively, and cognition/thinking is clear. 

Peripheral Nervous System – PNS

  • The Peripheral Nervous System or PNS transmits signals from the outside to the Central Nervous System.
  • The PNS is comprised of all the nerve bundles that run throughout the body.
  • The PNS is responsible for transmitting information back and forth from the CNS to the rest of the body by electrical impulses and current.

When the PNS is functioning correctly, and there is thorough nerve circulation throughout the body, there are no issues like numbness, weakness, pain, and digestion is in top form.

Enteric Nervous System – ENS

  • The Enteric Nervous System or ENS is a branch of the peripheral nervous system that signals the digestive system.
  • It comprises nerves that stretch across the entire gastrointestinal tract.
  • It allows the nervous system to communicate with the digestive tract and regulate activity.
  • It can stop the digestive process when the body is under stress or strain, i.e., fight or flight response.
  • Chronic stress can create dysfunction in the digestive system.
  • Inflammation and stress can cause the enteric system to disrupt and cause digestive problems.

Pain Relief

Body pain can be an indication of an imbalance in the nervous system. Misalignment from work, home activities, trauma, injury, or posture problems, a subluxation/misalignment can turn into discomfort that leads to pain and neuromusculoskeletal system issues. Pain in the neuromusculoskeletal system can result from spinal misalignment and a shifting skeletal structure. The joints and misaligned bones compress the surrounding nerves and tissue, causing inflammation that results in pain symptoms. This causes the muscular system to compensate for the lack of stability support from the skeletal structure causing awkward body posturing. A chiropractor realigns the spinal structure, removing the compression/pressure from the nerves, tissues, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.


Body Composition


Chiropractic Medicine

The nervous system is highly responsive to chiropractic care because of chiropractic’s focus on the spine, which restores and rejuvenates. Chiropractic medicine and a properly aligned spine:

  • Reduces and eliminates pain.
  • Reduces and eliminates headaches and migraines.
  • Improves balance and coordination.
  • Improves digestive function.
  • Improves quality of sleep.
  • Increases energy.
  • Increases flexibility and mobility.
  • Enhances cognition and clear thinking.
References

Goudman, Lisa et al. “The Link Between Spinal Cord Stimulation and the Parasympathetic Nervous System in Patients With Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.” Neuromodulation: journal of the International Neuromodulation Society vol. 25,1 (2022): 128-136. doi:10.1111/ner.13400

Gyer, Giles et al. “Spinal manipulation therapy: Is it all about the brain? A current review of the neurophysiological effects of manipulation.” Journal of integrative medicine vol. 17,5 (2019): 328-337. doi:10.1016/j.joim.2019.05.004

Millet, Guillaume Y et al. “The role of the nervous system in neuromuscular fatigue induced by ultra-endurance exercise.” Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme vol. 43,11 (2018): 1151-1157. doi:10.1139/apnm-2018-0161

Stoll, T et al. “Physiotherapie bei lumbaler Diskushernie” [Physiotherapy in lumbar disc herniation ]. Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique vol. 58,8 (2001): 487-92. doi:10.1024/0040-5930.58.8.487