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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.


Decompression Therapy Helps With Lumbar Muscle Strain

Decompression Therapy Helps With Lumbar Muscle Strain

Introduction

The body functions throughout the world in a variety of scenarios. Whether the person is doing a sports activity, doing physical therapy, or commuting to get to their destination, the body has to be able to do these things without being in pain. However, things tend to affect the body, like a pulled muscle, an injury caused by an accident, autoimmune diseases, and others that can affect the body and the back. Today’s article focuses on muscle strains in the lumbar area of the back, their symptoms, and how decompression therapy can help alleviate lumbar muscle strains in the back. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

 

What Are Lumbar Muscle Strains?

 

Have you felt a pinched nerve on your lower back? How about feeling a gradual, dull ache in your lower back muscles? Or how about tenderness in certain muscle areas of the lower back? You could be suffering from lumbar muscle strains on your lower back. The lower back of the body helps it move, twist, turn, and supports the weight of the upper body, keeping it upright. Research studies have stated that when the lower back is under an excruciating amount of stress, it can cause the soft tissues to become injured and painful to the touch. When the soft tissues in the low back are under a lot of stress and are over-stretched, the surrounding area where the soft tissue resides is inflamed. This will cause the area to be tender to the touch, cause muscle cramps, or cause intense pain when it contracts tightly.

 

The Symptoms

Since the soft tissues on the lower back help support the body and can be succumbed to injuries, it is essential to know that low back pain is one of the most common issues for many individuals worldwide. As one of the causes of disabilities and the highest healthcare expenses, many people who suffer from low back pain or muscle strains call off work. Research studies have shown that muscle strains are acute low back pains that can turn chronic over time. Some of the symptoms that muscle sprains do cause in the lower back include:

Other research studies have found that individuals with musculoskeletal disorders have noticed that they complained about radicular pain in their lower back and suffer muscle spasms. This is due to the overstretched lower back muscles, causing the spine to become herniated and pressing on the nerve roots spread out in the lower back.


Decompression Therapy Demonstration- Video

Feeling your lower back muscles ache and tender to the touch? How about muscle stiffness whenever you are walking or standing for long periods? Or how about pain in your lower back that is causing you to not go to work? If this has happened to you, then decompression therapy could benefit you. Decompression therapy allows traction to gently pull the spine and supply it with the necessary nutrients to restore the spinal discs to their original form. This will allow the spine to increase its disc height and take the pressure off the nerve roots causing the individual pain. After a couple of treatments, many individuals suffering from low back pain will begin to feel relief in their lower back. If you want to learn more on how decompression therapy can help you, this link will explain its benefits and how it can relieve muscle strains.


Decompression Therapy Helps Alleviate Muscle Strain

 

With many treatments that help alleviate muscle strain and low back pain, decompression therapy can help individuals by placing them on a motorized traction table and gently stretching their spine out. Research studies have stated that decompression therapy can reduce the pressure off the nerve roots and gradually increase mobility to the joints and relax the soft tissues caused by muscle sprains. This negative pressure allows the lumbar muscle region to be loose and prevents the intervertebral disc from herniated. Other research studies have shown that the ligaments from the back lumbar region will begin to relax, and the lumbar spine will increase disc height due to the negative pressure on the back. Many individuals will feel instant relief and continue on their wellness journey.

 

Conclusion

Overall, the soft tissues of the lower back allow the body to twist, turn, and move while making sure that it stays upright without feeling any pain whatsoever. When the lower back goes under a tremendous amount of stress, it can cause the soft tissues to be overworked and lead to injuries, low back pain, and muscle spasms. Luckily non-surgical treatments like decompression therapy allow the tight, overused muscles to relax while gently stretching the back to allow the necessary oxygen and nutrients to come back into the spinal disc. Traction on the spine allows the herniated disc to be pulled back into the spine and takes the pressure off the nerve roots in the lower back. This will decrease the inflammation in certain lower back areas, restore the torn muscles, and bring back a person’s quality of life.

 

References

Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339166/.

El Sayed, Moustafa, and Avery L Callahan. “Mechanical Back Strain – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 24 Jan. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542314/.

Hamilton, Kojo. “Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back Strain.” Spine, Spine-Health, 8 Sept. 2017, www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/pulled-back-muscle-and-lower-back-strain.

Hirayama, Jiro, et al. “Relationship between Low-Back Pain, Muscle Spasm and Pressure Pain Thresholds in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation.” 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, Springer-Verlag, Jan. 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3454558/.

Kang, Jeong-Il, et al. “Effect of Spinal Decompression on the Lumbar Muscle Activity and Disk Height in Patients with Herniated Intervertebral Disk.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Nov. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5140813/.

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Using Decompression Traction Therapy For Pinched Cervical Nerves

Using Decompression Traction Therapy For Pinched Cervical Nerves

Introduction

The neck allows the head to turn up, down, left, right, and side to side while supporting it. The neck is also part of the cervical spine as ligaments, muscles, and spinal discs surround it. However, just like the lower back, the neck is sustainable to suffer from neck-related injuries or pulled muscles that can cause many individuals to suffer from neck pain. Luckily there are ways to treat neck pain like gentle stretches, chiropractic adjustments, massages, and decompression therapy. Today’s article will discuss the cervical nerves, what happens to the neck when these nerves are pinched, and how cervical decompression therapy can help alleviate the pinched cervical nerves from the neck. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

The Cervical Nerves

The cervical nerve’s function is to conduct information on the motor and sensory skills that the neck is allowed to do. Since the neck’s primary function is to keep the head upright, research studies have found that the cervical regions of the spinal cord are where the cervical nerves lie. The cervical nerves branched out all over the neck muscles as the central nervous system allows the neuron signals to send the information to the cervical nerves. These nerve functions help control the head, neck, shoulders, and upper limbs to move in any direction without feeling pain. However, just like the lower back, the neck can also suffer from injuries, pulled muscles, or chronic conditions that can cause a person to be in pain.

 

What Happens When The Cervical Nerves Are Pinched?

Have you ever felt your back, neck, arms, or legs stiff? How about the sensations of feeling tingles on your shoulders, lower back, or even your arms? This might be due to pinched nerves if you suffer from these conditions. When the neck suffers from an injury or the muscles have become tense, this is due to a pinched cervical nerve. Research studies have found that a pinched nerve in the cervical area of the spine is mostly a compressed nerve due to a herniated disc. This causes pressure on the cervical nerve roots and causes radiating pain from the neck to the shoulders and down to the arms.

 

The cervical nerves send out radiating pain signals to the upper body and neck due to being compressed, causing the individual to be miserable. Other research studies have found that when the cervical nerve roots are being pinched, it can cause a condition known as cervical radiculopathy. This causes symptoms of pain, sensory and motor deficits, and even diminishes reflexes from the neck to the arms. When this happens to the neck, it can cause many problems for the individual. Research studies have stated that mechanical and degenerative factors are presented for many suffering from chronic neck pain. In contrast, those suffering from cervical spondylosis complain about neck stiffness, degenerative changes, and neurological complications to the body and neck.


Treating Pinched Nerves With Decompression Therapy-Video

Has your neck been feeling stiff lately? Does it hurt when you are turning your head from side to side? You could be experiencing a pinched nerve in the cervical area of the spine, and decompression therapy could be the answer. Cervical decompression allows a person to lay on a motorized traction table, and the machine gently pulls on the cervical spine and takes the pressure off the cervical nerve root. When the cervical decompression machine gently pulls the cervical spine, it allows the necessary nutrients to rehydrate the herniated disc and reduce the pain that the neck muscles were suffering from, causing them to relax. In case you want to learn more about cervical decompression therapy, this link will explain its benefits and how it can alleviate pinched cervical nerves.


Cervical Decompression Helps Alleviate Cervical Pinched Nerves

 

As stated earlier, many treatments can help many dealing with neck pain and compressed cervical pinch nerves. One of these treatments is cervical traction decompression therapy, and it can help alleviate not only neck pain but also reduce it. Research studies have found that many individuals suffering from cervical radiculopathy utilize cervical traction to increase the intervertebral disc gap while also relieving the pressure off the cervical root. This allows the neck muscles to relax and pull the herniated cervical disc back to the spine. When people utilize cervical decompression to alleviate their neck pain, they can feel relief after a few sessions. 

 

Conclusion

Overall, cervical decompression therapy allows the individual to feel relief through gentle stretching on the cervical spinal discs and takes the pressure off the cervical roots. When the cervical roots are compressed, it causes a wide variety of symptoms that causes problems from the neck down to the arms. Some of these symptoms can even affect a person’s quality of life and make them miserable if not treated right away. Utilizing decompression therapy and other non-surgical treatments allows the person to be pain-free and continue their wellness journey.

 

References

Binder, Allan I. “Cervical Spondylosis and Neck Pain.” BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), BMJ Publishing Group Ltd., 10 Mar. 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1819511/.

Iyer, Sravisht, and Han Jo Kim. “Cervical Radiculopathy.” Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, Springer US, Sept. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4958381/.

Khan, Rehan Ramzan, et al. “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Intermittent Cervical Traction in Sitting vs. Supine Position for the Management of Cervical Radiculopathy.” Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, Professional Medical Publications, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5768820/.

Medical Professionals, Cleveland Clinic. “Pinched Nerves: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 7 Apr. 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6481-pinched-nerves.

Waxenbaum, Joshua A, et al. “Anatomy, Head and Neck, Cervical Nerves.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 26 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538136/.

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Alleviating Spondylolisthesis With Decompression Therapy

Alleviating Spondylolisthesis With Decompression Therapy

Introduction

The back’s primary purpose is to bend, twist, and turn without pain in the body because the spine keeps the body upright and healthy. The spine is an S-shaped structure surrounded by ligaments, muscles, tissues from the musculoskeletal system, and the spinal canal, discs, and cords that help the body stay functional. When chronic issues start to affect the entire body, they can also affect the back, causing it to be in pain. When this happens, many back issues begin to rise, causing the individual to be in pain due to low back pain. Sometimes even conditions and natural aging can cause problems on the back and spine that treatments are available to help alleviate the symptoms and reduce pain. Today’s article will be looking at spondylolisthesis, its symptoms, and how decompression therapy can help many individuals suffering from spondylolisthesis. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

What Is Spondylolisthesis?

Have you ever felt unstable as you are moving throughout the day? How about radiating pain that travels down your legs? Or having low back pain dampening your day? You might be experiencing spondylolisthesis in your spine. Research studies have stated that spondylolisthesis is a condition that affects the lower lumbar spine by causing the spinal disc to slip out and press on the spinal nerve root. When this happens, it can cause low back pain and various issues on the spine depending on what condition the category spondylolisthesis falls under.

 

 

Spondylolisthesis can be classified into five different categories that can affect the spine. Other research studies have found that the five categories that spondylolisthesis is classified under are:

  • Degenerative: Where the spinal joints are arthritic and cause stress and instability to the ligamentum flavum.
  • Isthmic: There are fractures on the spinal joints that cause the result of anterior slippage through repetitive stress fractures on the spine.
  • Traumatic: Where the spine experiences high energy trauma.
  • Dysplastic: When there is congenital dysplasia on the spine causing the anterior and superior joints to be rounded on the vertebrae
  • Pathologic: Where conditions like bone tumors, osteopetrosis, or osteoporosis affect the spine.

These different categories are the causes of spondylolisthesis and result from low back pain for many individuals, while also being unilateral and bilateral depending on the category and how severe the symptoms are.

 

The Symptoms

With the different categories of spondylolisthesis, the symptoms can range from mild to severe pain due to the spinal discs being slipped out of place. Research studies have found that since spondylolisthesis is known to be the cause of low back pain, it can also be caused the nerve roots to be pinched due to the vertebrae disc slipping out and narrowing the space for the nerve roots. Other symptoms include:

 


Non-Surgical Decompression Explained-Video

Do you feel radiating pain down your leg? How about waking up and your back feeling stiff? Or even having a dull gradual pain in your lower back after walking around? You might be experiencing spondylolisthesis, and decompression therapy can help alleviate these symptoms. The video above shows how non-surgical decompression therapy can help alleviate low back pain caused by spondylolisthesis. Decompression therapy utilizes traction to take the pressure off the nerve root by gently pulling the slipped disc back into the spine. This causes relief to many individuals dealing with low back pain and other back and spinal issues that have constantly hindered them. Incorporating decompression therapy can provide the reassurance that many people need for them to get back on their wellness journey. If you want to find out more about decompression therapy, this link will explain its benefits and how it can alleviate symptoms caused by spondylolisthesis.


How Decompression Therapy Can Alleviate Spondylolisthesis

 

Many treatments can help alleviate low back pain like chiropractic therapymassages, hot or cold compress, or even physical therapy. One of these treatments that can help with low back pain and spondylolisthesis is decompression therapy. Research studies have found that since spondylolisthesis causes the lower lumbar spinal disc to slip out and pinch the nerve root, decompression therapy can take it off and gently pull it back into the spine. This will cause any pain symptoms to be alleviated and reduce the instability that is causing many people pain from walking for long periods. Other research studies have shown that decompression helps restore the disc height and reduce spondylolisthesis symptoms. 

 

Conclusion

Spondylolisthesis is one of the causes of low back pain, and it has become the most common symptom for many individuals to be suffering. Spondylolisthesis has five categories with different symptoms that can cause spinal issues to the spine. Overall, spondylolisthesis is where the lumbar spinal disc is slipped out and pinches the nerve roots spread throughout the spine. These symptoms can be alleviated through decompression therapy and cause the relief to the lower back. Decompression therapy utilizes traction to take the pressure off the nerve root and increase the disc height on the spine, allowing the discs to be gently pulled back into their original position and providing instant relief for many individuals.

 

References

Cheung, Jason Pui Yin, et al. “Decompression without Fusion for Low-Grade Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.” Asian Spine Journal, Korean Society of Spine Surgery, Feb. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4764545/.

Gagnet, Paul, et al. “Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis: A Review of the Literature.” Journal of Orthopaedics, Elsevier, 17 Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5990218/.

Medical Professionals, Cleveland Clinic. “Spondylolisthesis: What Is It, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 7 Aug. 2020, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10302-spondylolisthesis.

Studnicka, Katarzyna, and George Ampat. “Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 29 Nov. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560679/.

Tenny, Steven, and Christopher C Gillis. “Spondolisthesis.” StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 25 July 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430767/.

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Chiropractic & Decompression Therapy For Back Pain

Chiropractic & Decompression Therapy For Back Pain

Introduction

Throughout the entire world, everyone has back pain at some point. Since back pain is common for many individuals, it is considered the most expensive condition, causing many working individuals to call off work and see their primary physicians to find some relief. When back pain is not treated right away, it can turn into chronic back pain over time and hinder a person’s quality of life. Different kinds of treatments can help manage back pain and help alleviate the symptoms. Today’s article will focus on how chiropractic and decompression therapy can work together to help alleviate back pain. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

How Chiropractic Therapy Helps With Back Pain

Since back pain is common for many individuals, the pain can range from a dull ache in the lower back to a sudden stinging pain that can radiate down to the legs causing sciatica to develop. Back pain can make many people feel miserable, and they try to find ways to alleviate the pain. Research studies have found that individuals with back pain will have lower productivity and quality of life while becoming a higher financial liability. Some people use medication to reduce the pain when this becomes an issue, while others use a hot and cold compress to lower the inflammation associated with back pain. Luckily chiropractic therapy can help alleviate back pain for many individuals. 

 

Research studies have stated that chiropractic therapy is a non-surgical treatment that utilizes spinal manipulation for the body, causing relief for individuals with back pain. Chiropractic therapy causes the spinal joints to “pop” or release the pressure that was causing the person to be in pain. Chiropractic therapy also helps realign the spine back to its original state through manipulation while causing instant relief to the individual. Other research studies have found that when people go for a chiropractic adjustment for their low back pain, it is more effective than the other treatments for alleviating back pain symptoms. 

 

How Decompression Therapy Helps With Back Pain

Like chiropractic therapy, decompression therapy is also a non-surgical treatment that can help individuals with back pain. Research studies have stated that decompression therapy can reduce chronic low back pain by increasing the spinal disc height. Decompression therapy can also vertically expand the intervertebral space through traction and alleviate other symptoms that are caused by back pain. Other research studies have also found that the effects of decompression therapy also help take the pressure off the nerve roots encompassing the spine by decompressing herniated disc material that causes low back pain. This will reduce the herniated discs are causing in the back and loosen up muscle tension.


Decompression Therapy & Back Pain-Video

Does your back constantly ache by doing simple things like bending, turning, and twisting? How about feeling sudden pain running down to your leg? If you have been experiencing back pain throughout your life, decompression might help you. The video above shows how decompression therapy can help individuals stretch their spine using gentle traction. This will allow the necessary nutrients to come back into the spine and take the pressure off the pinched nerve roots. When people utilize decompression therapy in their wellness journey, they can begin to feel much better without feeling any back pain that can hinder their quality of life. If you want to learn more about decompression therapy, this link will explain its benefits and how it can alleviate symptoms caused by back pain.


How Does Chiropractic & Decompression Therapy Work Together?

 

Since chiropractic and decompression therapy are non-surgical treatments for individuals suffering from back pain, they can work hand in hand to reduce the symptoms caused by back pain. Research studies have mentioned that chiropractic therapy can help reduce the stress and pressure on the posterior spinal discs by increasing the movements of the metabolites. In contrast, decompression therapy can create negative pressure in the spinal canal, allowing the spinal disc to supply nutritional substances and oxygen. The main goal for both of these treatments is to alleviate the back pain that the individual is suffering from. Other research studies have found that chiropractic and decompression therapy allows a flexion-distraction technique for individuals that helps broaden the distance of the spinal disc space and helps pull the bulging disc back to the spine. This allows the spine to realign itself and reduce back pain symptoms.

Conclusion

Overall, utilizing chiropractic and decompression therapy as part of a person’s wellness journey can help alleviate back pain and the symptoms that are causing pain to the back and the body. Chiropractic therapy can help realign the spine and release the trapped gases on the spinal joints. In contrast, decompression therapy utilizes traction to gently stretch the spine and provide nutritional supplements back to the spine. Incorporating these two types of treatments can cause many individuals to have instant relief from their back and any other symptoms that were the source of their pain. When they begin to feel their life coming back together, they can continue on their health journey being pain-free.

 

References

Apfel, Christian C, et al. “Restoration of Disk Height through Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Is Associated with Decreased Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 8 July 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2912793/.

Choi, Jioun, et al. “The Effects of Manual Therapy Using Joint Mobilization and Flexion-Distraction Techniques on Chronic Low Back Pain and Disc Heights.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Aug. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4155230/.

Kang, Jeong-Il, et al. “Effect of Spinal Decompression on the Lumbar Muscle Activity and Disk Height in Patients with Herniated Intervertebral Disk.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Nov. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5140813/.

Khodakarami, Nima. “Treatment of Patients with Low Back Pain: A Comparison of Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Manipulation.” Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 24 Feb. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151187/.

Manga, Pran, et al. “Effective Management of Low Back Pain: It’s Time to Accept the Evidence.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 1993, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2485083/.

Oh, Hyunju, et al. “Effects of the Flexion-Distraction Technique and Drop Technique on Straight Leg Raising Angle and Intervertebral Disc Height of Patients with an Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6698474/.

Yeomans, Steven. “Chiropractic Treatments for Lower Back Pain.” Spine, Spine-Health, 14 Mar. 2013, www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/chiropractic-treatments-lower-back-pain.

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Spinal Inflammation & Decompression Therapy

Spinal Inflammation & Decompression Therapy

Introduction

The body goes through many different scenarios when it can twist, turn, bend, and move without any pain that can affect it, while the spine ensures that the body stays upright. When a person has a pulled muscle or suffers from an injury, their back will suffer the most as back pain is considered standard for many individuals and the most expensive. Many individuals who suffer from back pain will go to their primary physicians to alleviate their back pain symptoms and get out of work to recover from their back injury. When the back gets injured from an accident or a pulled muscle, the spine also gets affected as it can lead to spinal inflammation. Luckily, some treatments can help alleviate back pain and spinal inflammation, and decompression therapy can be the answer. Today’s article will take a look at spinal inflammation, how it can affect the back, and how decompression therapy can help with spinal inflammation. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

What Is Spinal Inflammation?

Have you ever felt your lower back become hot and tender to the touch in certain areas? How about the excruciating pain that feels better after switching positions to alleviate the pain? Or how about your spinal disc is compressed, and it causes you to be in constant pain? This is due to spinal inflammation, and it can cause a variety of back and spinal issues in the individual, causing them a type of pain. Inflammation in the body can be both beneficial and a significant problem for the body as it can come in two forms: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation can help heal the affected area, lasting a few minutes to a few hours. Chronic inflammation can cause various issues that can cause a person to be in constant pain. For the spine, inflammation is caused by back pain and can make a person’s life miserable. When degenerative and inflammatory diseases affect the spine, research studies have stated that chronic inflammation can contribute to intervertebral degeneration and cause the production of inflammatory mediators in the spine.

 

When the spinal cord gets injured, it can cause significant complications for the individual and affect their mobility. Research studies have found that the inflammatory process from a spinal cord injury can destroy neuronal and glial cells on the spine, cause damage to expand in the spine, and cause paralysis of the spine. The inflammatory cytokines from the immune system will cause toxic metabolites to cause further tissue damage to the spinal cord. Other research studies have also found that when the spinal cord has suffered from an injury, inflammation can cause the spinal cord to be provoked and changes within the spine.

 

How Does It Affect The Back?

Since spinal cord injuries cause spinal inflammation, they can affect the back. The spine’s main job is to make sure that the back can function when it is in motion with any injuries. When the spinal cord gets injured, it does affect the back causing chronic issues. Research studies have shown that pain usually occurs in the lumbar spine when a person suffers from back pain, and inflammation can be associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Inflammatory back pain is defined as inflammatory pain found on the axial spine and the sacroiliac joints, causing radiating pain from the lower back to the buttocks and causing muscle stiffness.


Low Back Decompression Therapy-Video

Are you feeling any muscle tenderness in your lower back? How about radiating pain from the lower back to the buttocks? Or is chronic inflammation affecting your back? If you are experiencing any of these, why not try decompression therapy? Decompression therapy allows many individuals suffering from low back pain to feel instant relief. Decompression utilizes traction on the spine through gentle stretching and allows the beneficial nutrients to come and repair the compressed discs. This will allow the spine to relax and take the pressure off the nerve roots and increase the disc height. Decompression therapy can help alleviate back pain symptoms and reduce inflammation in the body. If you want to learn more about decompression therapy, this link will explain its benefits and how it can alleviate symptoms caused by spinal inflammation.


How Does Decompression Help With Spinal Inflammation?

 

Many non-surgical treatments help many individuals suffering from low back pain and joint inflammation. Some of these treatments include chiropractic adjustmentsmassages, and physical therapy. However, spinal decompression therapy is one non-surgical treatment that helps alleviate low back pain. Spinal decompression therapy is defined as a gentle stretching of the spine. Research studies have stated that adjusting the direction angle of the traction can provide negative pressure on the intervertebral discs, causing relief to the spine and lowering the inflammatory markers that are causing pain. Spinal decompression therapy allows the compressed spinal discs to decompress and increase their height in the spinal column. Other research studies have found that when herniated discs start to cause inflammatory responses to the low back, decompression therapy can stretch the herniated disc, causing them to release the pressure off the nerve root and reduce the inflammatory responses.

 

Conclusion

Overall, inflammation can affect the back in two ways. It can be beneficial in its acute form or harmful in its chronic condition. When inflammation is established, it can cause low back pain and spinal issues that hinder a person’s quality of life. Many individuals who suffer from inflammation become miserable and try to find ways to alleviate the pain. Luckily decompression therapy allows many suffering individuals to feel instant relief from inflammatory low back pain. Decompression therapy uses negative pressure on the spine, allowing it to be decompressed and taking the pressure off the nerve root that’s causing the person to be in pain. Incorporating decompression therapy as part of a person’s wellness journey can bring their sense of belonging back to their lives.

 

References

Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339166/.

Fleming, Jennifer C, et al. “The Cellular Inflammatory Response in Human Spinal Cords after Injury.” Brain : a Journal of Neurology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2006, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17071951/.

Kang, Jeong-Il, et al. “Effect of Spinal Decompression on the Lumbar Muscle Activity and Disk Height in Patients with Herniated Intervertebral Disk.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Nov. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5140813/.

Lassiter, William, and Abdallah E Allam. “Inflammatory Back Pain – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 21 Nov. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539753/.

Molinos, Maria, et al. “Inflammation in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Regeneration.” Journal of the Royal Society, Interface, The Royal Society, 6 Mar. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4345483/.

Zhang, Ning, et al. “Inflammation & Apoptosis in Spinal Cord Injury.” The Indian Journal of Medical Research, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Mar. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3361863/.

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Alleviating Chronic Spinal Stenosis With Decompression Therapy

Alleviating Chronic Spinal Stenosis With Decompression Therapy

Introduction

The spine has the primary function where it makes sure that the entire body structure can stay upright, move around, bend and twist without feeling any sort of pain from these activities. The ligaments, soft tissues from the musculoskeletal system, the spinal cord, the nerve roots, and the spinal disc help protect the spine from an injury that a person has been into. When the body suffers from a back injury or a pulled muscle, it can cause stress on the spinal disc and nerve roots, causing a wide variety of symptoms that can aggravate the spine and cause the individual to be suffering in pain. Luckily many treatments can help alleviate painful symptoms from spinal and back injuries and even help reduce the symptoms from other chronic issues that the body is suffering. Today’s article will focus on chronic spinal stenosis and its symptoms and how decompression therapy can help alleviate chronic spinal stenosis for many individuals. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

What Is Chronic Spinal Stenosis?

Have you ever felt any neck or back pain that seems to come and go throughout the entire day? Does your back or neck start to feel weird sensations that cause your arms and legs to feel numb? How about a radiating dull ache that feels better by leaning forward? If you are experiencing this, then it might be spinal stenosis. Research studies have stated that spinal stenosis is a condition that compresses the surrounding nerve roots from the cervical and lumbar areas of the spine. Spinal stenosis is a gradual condition that narrows the spinal canal causing painful symptoms. If left untreated, it can become chronic spinal stenosis and cause severe and permanent damage to the spine in both the cervical and lumbar areas.

 

Research studies have found that since spinal stenosis is a gradual condition on the spine, wear and tear from conditions like disc degenerationosteoarthritis, or even herniated discs can narrow the spinal canals and compress the nerve roots. When the nerve roots are squeezed and irritated, it can radiate pain from the neck or the lower back. For the cervical spinal canal, research shows that chronic spinal stenosis can progress disc degeneration further with disc protrusion and cause the ligaments to be thick, thus resulting in chronic neck pain. Now for the lumbar spinal canal, other research studies have found that chronic lumbar spinal stenosis is responsible for being the source of leg and back pain. When lumbar spinal stenosis becomes severe when it starts to compress on the nerve roots, especially the sciatic nerve, it can cause individuals to develop sciatica.

 

The Symptoms

Now, since the spine has three parts: the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar, when spinal stenosis starts to narrow the spinal canal and cause issues to the spine over time, some of the symptoms will pop up. Research studies have found that when a person has spinal stenosis, they feel pain when walking for long distances causing them to lean forward to relieve the pain or even have numbness on their legs and arms. Spinal stenosis can cause one problem in one area of the spine but can cause other issues in the rest of the body. Other symptoms that spinal stenosis causes to the spine include:


Non-Surgical Decompression Therapy-Video

Feeling random pains pop up on your back or neck? How about a dull ache that causes a numbness or tingling sensation that affects your arms or legs? Or how about sharp radiating pain on your sciatic nerve? You might be suffering from chronic spinal stenosis, and non-surgical decompression therapy might be the answer that you seek. The video above explains how decompression therapy can help alleviate pain in the neck, back, and spine through gently stretching using a traction machine. This allows herniated spinal discs to be taking their pressure off the compressed nerve root and alleviate the pain that the person is in. Decompression therapy allows the individual to get back their quality of life pain-free. If you want to learn more about decompression therapy, this link will explain its benefits and how it can alleviate symptoms caused by chronic spinal stenosis.


Decompression Therapy Helps Alleviate Chronic Spinal Stenosis

 

With many treatments beneficial to low back and neck pain, people can use a wide variety to lower the symptoms. Some people use medicine to reduce the inflammation of the injured area, others use ice and heat compresses to bring down the swelling, and some use non-surgical treatments like chiropractic and physical therapy to alleviate the tension. One of the non-surgical treatments that can help with chronic spinal stenosis is decompression therapy. Research studies have found that when individuals suffer from spinal stenosis and have herniated discs pressing the compressed nerve roots, decompression therapy can help reduce the pressure. Decompression therapy uses negative pressure on the spine, causing it to be gently stretched and relieving the nerve root. The intervertebral herniated disc is supplied with nutrients and increases its hydration through traction. Not only that, but the soft tissues, muscles, and ligaments are relaxed on both the lower back and the neck.

 

Conclusion

Overall, spinal stenosis is a gradually progressive condition that causes herniated discs to irritate and compress the spinal nerve roots on the cervical and lumbar areas of the spine. When spinal stenosis starts to become chronic over time, it can cause permanent severe damage and cause radiating pain to both the legs and arms of the body. Luckily, treatments like decompression therapy can help alleviate the painful symptoms caused by spinal stenosis and restore spinal discs’ health by increasing their disc height. Utilizing decompression therapy and physical therapy is beneficial for spinal health. Both can dampen the effects of many painful symptoms caused by spinal stenosis, and many individuals can continue on their wellness journey.

 

References

Choi, Jioun, et al. “Influences of Spinal Decompression Therapy and General Traction Therapy on the Pain, Disability, and Straight Leg Raising of Patients with Intervertebral Disc Herniation.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, The Society of Physical Therapy Science, Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4339166/.

Medical Professionals, Johns Hopkins. “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 15 Feb. 2022, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lumbar-spinal-stenosis.

Meyer, Frerk, et al. “Degenerative Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Current Strategies in Diagnosis and Treatment.” Deutsches Arzteblatt International, Deutscher Arzte Verlag, May 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2696878/.

Raja, Avais, et al. “Spinal Stenosis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 19 Dec. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441989/.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Spinal Stenosis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 24 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352961.

Wu, Lite, and Ricardo Cruz. “Lumbar Spinal Stenosis – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 25 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531493/.

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How To Alleviate Posterolateral Herniation With Decompression Therapy

How To Alleviate Posterolateral Herniation With Decompression Therapy

Introduction

All around the world, everybody suffers from low back pain at some point in their lives. Due to strenuous activities, injuries, or accidents that cause strain on the back, many individuals will feel a wide range of symptoms that are caused by low back pain. From a dull, mild ache to a sudden, sharp, throbbing pain can hinder a person’s quality of life. This is due to disc herniation on the spine and can cause painful symptoms to pop up over time if it is not treated. Luckily there are treatments for spinal disc herniation that can improve the quality of life for a person. In, today’s article, we will be taking a look at posterolateral herniation, its symptoms, and how prone decompression therapy can help alleviate posterolateral herniation for many suffering individuals. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers specializing in spinal decompression therapy. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

What Is Posterolateral Herniation?

Do you ever feel discomfort in your back from staying in a position for too long? How about your lower back feeling tender to the touch when you are getting examined by your primary physician? Or how about feeling a wide variety of painful symptoms that can cause you to constantly lay down all day to get rid of the pain? You could be suffering from posterolateral herniation. Research studies have stated that when the inside of the spinal disc known as the nucleus pulposus is injured, it can protrude out to where the spinal nerve roots and the spinal cord are and compress them to cause the individual to be in pain. This will cause the spinal disc to be herniated, which usually happens during a spinal injury. It compresses the lowest spinal nerve root for posterolateral herniation to occur.

 

Posterolateral herniation usually occurs around the lumbar and cervical spine more than the thoracic spine. Other research studies have found that when posterolateral herniation occurs, it is due to the annulus fibrosis, which is the outer layer of the spinal disc, losing its integrity, causing the nucleus pulposus to protrude out compress the spinal nerve. Since the pressure is on the lumbar spinal nerve, research studies have also found that when the annulus fibrosis becomes thin on the posterolateral, it causes the nucleus pulposus to compress the nearest nerve root and causes the lack of support to the posterior ligaments on the spine.

 

The Symptoms Of Posterolateral Herniation

The symptoms of posterolateral herniation usually vary on how severe the pain is on the person, and where it is located plays a factor. For the lumbar spine, research studies have stated that the signs and symptoms of posterolateral herniation on the lumbar spine can cause sensory abnormalities, weakness in the lumbosacral nerve roots, and restricted flexion. When this happens, the person suffers from lower levels of disability, leg pain, and pain in the posterior knee. For the cervical spine, more research studies have stated that posterolateral cervical herniation on the cervical spine can cause ipsilateral pain to the neck, which can be dull or sharp. While also causes direct compression of the spinal cord and causes inflammation of the cervical nerve root creating numbness or tingling sensation down the arms and fingers.


Prone Decompression Therapy-Video

Feeling discomfort in your back after staying in a position for too long? How about feeling pain in your lower back, legs, and neck? Is the pain a dull, mild ache or a sudden, sharp nuisance? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then decompression therapy might be the answer you are looking for. The video above explains how decompression therapy can help alleviate the symptoms caused by posterolateral herniation on the spine. Decompression therapy utilizes traction to gently stretch the spine to take the pressure off the nerve root and decompress the herniated discs. This will allow the spinal disc to increase its height on the spine and allow the inner walls of the discs that are herniated to return to their original form. If you want to learn more about decompression therapy, this link will explain its benefits and how it can alleviate posterolateral herniation symptoms.


How Prone Decompression Therapy Alleviates Posterolateral Herniation

 

Since posterolateral herniation is primarily located in the lumbar spine, studies have stated that the loss of hydration and collapse of discs causes a strain on the fibers of the annulus fibrosis, making them become herniated and causing tears and fissures. When there are protrusions and herniations on the spine, prone decompression therapy can help alleviate those symptoms and help restore the spine. Research studies have found that prone decompression therapy allows more of a noticeable separation on the intervertebral discs and causes a decrease in muscle tension as well. With prone decompression, the posterolateral herniation will decrease since it takes the pressure off the nerve roots, causing the person to be in pain. 

 

Conclusion

Overall, everybody has dealt with low back pain at some point. With a wide range of symptoms associated with low back pain, posterolateral herniation on the spine can cause many problems like pain, numbness, and tension on the nerve roots, ligaments, and muscles encompassing the spine. With prone decompression therapy, it can help relieve the herniated disc by taking it off the nerve root and alleviating the painful symptoms. Prone decompression therapy gently stretches the spine to return nutrients and oxygen to the compressed herniated discs. This allows many individuals suffering from herniated discs to feel instant relief and get back their quality of life.

 

References

De Cicco, Franco L, and Gaston O Camino Willhuber. “Nucleus Pulposus Herniation – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 11 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542307/.

Al Qaraghi, Mustafa I, and Orlando De Jesus. “Lumbar Disc Herniation- StatPearls- NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 30 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560878/.

Amin, Raj M, et al. “Lumbar Disc Herniation.” Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, Springer US, Dec. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685963/.

Dydyk, Alexander M, et al. “Disc Herniation – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 18 Jan. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441822/.

Khan, Rehan Ramzan, et al. “Effectiveness of Mechanical Traction in Supine versus Prone Lying Position for Lumbosacral Radiculopathy.” Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, Professional Medical Publications, 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8377889/.

Schoenfeld, Andrew J, and Bradley K Weiner. “Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: Evidence-Based Practice.” International Journal of General Medicine, Dove Medical Press, 21 July 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2915533/.

Yeung, Jacky T, et al. “Cervical Disc Herniation Presenting with Neck Pain and Contralateral Symptoms: A Case Report.” Journal of Medical Case Reports, BioMed Central, 28 June 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3411405/.

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