Back Clinic Chiropractic Spine Care Team. The spine is designed with three natural curves; the neck curvature or cervical spine, the upper back curvature or thoracic spine, and the lower back curvature or lumbar spine, all of which come together to form a slight shape when viewed from the side. The spine is an essential structure as it helps support the upright posture of humans, it provides the body with the flexibility to move and it plays the crucial role of protecting the spinal cord. Spinal health is important in order to ensure the body is functioning to its fullest capacity. Dr. Alex Jimenez strongly indicates across his collection of articles on spine care, how to properly support a healthy spine. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.
Spinal disc herniation and bulging discs have nearly identical symptoms and can present almost in the same way. Both cause localized pain, nerve impingement, and are treated similarly with chiropractic. In most cases spinal disc herniation is not painful, it is the material that leaks out of the disc that causes pinching, inflammation, and irritates the nerves around the area, causing radicular pain.
Radicular pain/nerve root pain radiates/spreads to other areas of the body, like the low back to down the leg or from the neck down the arm. Leg pain from a pinched nerve usually leads to sciatica. A spinal disc itself can be the source of pain if it is dehydrating or degenerating causing pain and instability in the spinal segment, which is known as degenerative disc disease. Disc degeneration pain tends to include chronic, low-level pain around the disc and infrequent episodes of severe pain.
Spinal Disc Herniation Differences and Similarities
Spinal disc herniation and bulging discs have similar roots that make them difficult to diagnose. Some core comparisons that can be made include:
Both include pain and tenderness
Both are caused by cartilage movement/slippage
They cause nerve pinching and nerve pain
They occur more often in the neck and lower spinal regions
How they differ:
Bulging discs protrude
Herniated discs rupture
Bulging discs are more common
Herniated discs are less common
Bulges are caused by constant pressure
A herniation is caused by trauma
Bulging discs create dull radiating pain
Herniated discs cause sharp intense pain
It is the severity that separates them. Bulging discs tend to be more passive and can be treated with incremental adjustments, while herniated discs usually require a more aggressive adjustment approach.
Injury Effects
How the injury affects the spine and overall wellness is the objective when diagnosing. Bulging discs are often associated with chronic pain that does not go away with time and needs proper treatment. Herniated discs are considered severe because of the disc fluid spilling/leaking out affecting the surrounding nerves. Left untreated, bulging discs lead to intermittent nerve blockages/pinching and posture problems. Herniated disc left untreated leads to chronic nerve pain and permanent nerve damage, which can develop into a series of issues. This includes limited mobility and/or loss of feeling in the affected area.
Early Detection
Chiropractic diagnosis for bulges and spinal disc herniation is recommended because of the specialization in spine care and focusing on all symptoms. For example, although it is not typically this simple, analysis revealing tingling in the fingers and sharp pain in the lower spine indicates herniation. Conversely, dull aches in the low back and down the legs, indicate sciatic pain that can be traced to a disc bulge. Making the correct diagnosis is crucial in developing the right treatment plan. The wrong treatment plan could result in worsening of the injury and creation of new injuries. Injury Medical Chiropractic provides optimal care along with education for patients to understand everything that is going on with their bodies.
InBody Composition
Types of pain
Pain can be grouped into three categories:
Early warning pain is most recognizable with the withdrawal reflex. For example, touching a scalding hot object and quickly pulling away. A protective mechanism that helps the body avoid danger and is important for survival.
Inflammatory pain occurs following an injury or surgery when the body is healing and in recovery. Inflammation prevents the body from moving too fast or too hard causing re-injury. This type of pain is important while healing, but is a cause for concern if it continues after the injury has healed.
Pathological pain happens after the body has healed but the nervous system has suffered damage. This often occurs with individuals that get injured in a way that changes the way the body functions. If the nervous system does not heal properly, the body’s protective pain responses can begin to create false alarms and become chronic.
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Santilli, Valter et al. �Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations.��The spine journal: official journal of the North American Spine Society�vol. 6,2 (2006): 131-7. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2005.08.001
Chiropractic adjustments can eliminate headaches and migraines from the source. Many individuals visit medical doctors complaining of headaches and migraines. Most hope for immediate relief from these debilitating issues. However, most are sent home after a quick exam and are given a prescription for medication. Finding, treating, and eliminating the root cause should be the objective, instead of just taking medication after medication.
Root Cause
The root cause can be traced back to dehydration and misalignment of the spine specifically the neck. Most doctors will take out the prescription pad and move on without fully addressing the problem. There has been a significant rise in poor health and disease. This comes from unhealthy lifestyle choices and poor posture habits. Many of us lean and hunch over at a desk station then go home to more computers and television screens. Constant phone check-ins with the head tilted down creates massive pressure on the neck’s muscles and nerves.
Spinal Misalignment Nerve Pressure
Unhealthy lifestyle choices are major contributors to causing spinal misalignment. This places unnecessary and potentially dangerous pressure on the nerves responsible for the function of the organs. When the nerve’s energy is not properly dispersed and cannot reach the organs, a state of dysfunction begins to set in, which can lead to disease and chronic conditions. Healthy lifestyle changes can include learning how to improve standing, sitting, and sleeping posture habits, proper hydration, and chiropractic spinal re-alignment will eliminate headaches and migraines from the source and ensure a healthy body for the future.
Re-Alignment
There is no need to continue suffering from neck/back pain, headaches, migraines, poor posture, and diminished health. Chiropractic will help an individual regain health and vitality. Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic Physical Therapy and Health Coaching Team Can Help.
Migraine Treatment
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Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Bryans, Roland et al. �Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache.��Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics�vol. 34,5 (2011): 274-89. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008
Covid-19 has impacted everyone in so many ways. There is a possible connection between Covid-19 and a rare spinal disorder known as transverse myelitis. There have been three known cases of acute transverse myelitis brought on from covid-19. Although these case reports are not enough to prove that covid is the cause for transverse myelitis, researchers are delving into the possibility of a connection between the virus and this spinal condition.
Transverse Myelitis
Transverse myelitis causes inflammation of the spinal cord. It can be caused by
Myelin is the layer that forms around nerve cell axons or the wiring of the nervous system and insulates them. It consists of protein, fatty substances, and acts as a defensive sheath that allows electrical impulses to transmit properly. The insulation properties are essential for:
Proper motor function
Sensory function
Cognition
Without the insulation, the electrical impulses traveling through the spinal cord dissipate or weaken. The messages don’t reach the nerves and can lead to:
Muscle spasms
Twitching
Numbness
The most common disorder that destroys the myelin known as demyelination is multiple sclerosis. Transverse myelitis can affect individuals of:
Any race
Gender
Age
There are treatments, but there is no cure. Treatments consist of corticosteroids and other therapies to suppress the immune system. However, their focus is on preventing and minimizing permanent neurological damage.
Recognizing and Identifying
Symptoms of transverse myelitis can include:
Pain that usually starts in the lower back and causes shooting pain/sensations down the legs, arm, and torso
Leg/s and arm/s weakness
Sensory changes in the legs, torso, and genital area
Bladder and Bowel dysfunction
Muscle spasms
General discomfort
Headaches
Fever
Loss of appetite
Depending on the segment of the spine where the damage is occurring will determine which parts of the body are affected. Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical evaluation. A doctor will utilize various methods. A thorough neurological exam will be performed to rule out any issues that require emergency intervention. If a doctor suspects transverse myelitis they will order diagnostic tests like:
Magnetic resonance imaging or an MRI
Blood tests
Lumbar puncture
Treatment
As previously stated, there is no cure for transverse myelitis, and treatment focuses on managing complications. Treatments can include:
The hard facts are that while most people with transverse myelitis have at least a partial recovery, for some, however, recovery can continue for up to two years and longer. A combination of medications, chiropractic, and physical therapy can help improve physical symptoms.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is working to understand the process, as to how the immune system destroys or attacks myelin. Hopefully, this will lead to answers, improved treatment, and prevention. It is well-documented that Multiple sclerosis, bacterial infections, and other viruses can cause transverse myelitis, research must continue to see if there is a connection to covid-19.
Chiropractic Lower Back Pain Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Chakraborty, Uddalak et al. �COVID-19-associated acute transverse myelitis: a rare entity.��BMJ case reports�vol. 13,8 e238668. 25 Aug. 2020, doi:10.1136/bcr-2020-238668
Remote working and learning have changed the way we operate, but too much sitting and no physical activity is the perfect set up for back pain. Here are a few tips for spine friendly remote working and learning. Spine-health is just as important working or learning remotely, if not more so because it is easy to fall into bad posture habits that will affect the spine. Poor home working/learning habits can cause upper and lower back pain that could become chronic.
Individuals become too comfortable making the home working environment a damaging experience on spinal health. For chiropractors, the pandemic brought an influx of individuals of all ages with upper, middle, and lower back pain. This was caused by poor posture when video conferencing on the couch, slouching at the table and sitting for way too long, and never getting up and moving around.
Children tend to present with pain and aches on the side of the spine versus pain directly centered. This is from side slouching, often when staring at the computer monitor. Adults, especially over 40 complained of pain and stiffness in the upper and lower back. Herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and sciatica risks increase as bad habits continue and do not improve. However, this can all be helped with a little exercise, work/school space optimization, and forming healthy work and schooling from home habits.
Stretching Out
When working/schooling remotely, there�s a tendency to be more sedentary. Individuals need to learn to take time to stretch out and keep the body limber. It is easy to use breaks to scroll through social media or binge on movies, videos, etc. This can still be accomplished, but stretch out and move around while taking breaks. An exercise program of stretching daily during the workday and endurance training twice a week will help reduce back pain and increase flexion. Results vary for everyone and the type of stretching exercises they are performing.
Core Exercises
Core exercises are a perfect way to work out muscle stress and back pain resulting from poor posture. Slumped over a computer can place significant stress on the trapezius muscle causing the muscle to knot up and tighten. The trapezius muscle is crucial to neck and shoulder movement and helps stabilize the shoulder blades.
Trapezius stretch with band
Holding an elastic band between the hands, place the band at the back of the skull.
Slowly tilt the head back to its full range of motion as the resistance is felt.
Return the head back to the neutral position maintaining alignment with the spine.
Choose 2 items of equal weight such as 2 books, 2 quarts of water, or 2 hand weights, and hold one item in each hand.
Position keeping hands near your sides
Slowly raise up and shrug your shoulders for several seconds
Gently release shoulder shrug and bring back arms to neutral
Repeat for 10 reps
Posture
Proper posture is a learned process that requires practice. Using a mirror to check posture can help maintain proper posture while seated when working/schooling. Self-assessing posture correctly is important and viewing oneself in a mirror is an easy way to figure out what adjustments are needed. Questions to ask oneself while self-assessing include:
Is the head far too forward?
Is there slouching?
Are the shoulders curling/rounding around the body?
Posture tips when seated:
Keep the feet flat on the floor or on a footrest
If in the habit of crossing ankles and knees change position often
Position the back against the chair. If the spine does not align with the chair use a cushion or backrest
Position knees at hip height or a little lower
Maintain some space between the back of the knees and the chair�s edge
Look straight ahead but make sure the neck is comfortable
Position forearms parallel to the floor
Maintain relaxed shoulders
Adjust the Light
When lighting is not optimal there can be a tendency to strain forward in various positions. This can cause excessive stress and inflammation to the upper spine area. Natural ambient lighting is recommended. In general, the lighting set-up should be adjusted to easily see the screen without causing glare or any type of discomfort to the eyes.
Take a Walk
A daily routine that will support spine health is to take walk breaks every half hour for a few minutes. If every half hour is not doable then take a 5 or 10-minute break to walk around and stretch every hour. It is important not to remain seated for too long. Remember the body was meant to move and be active.
Optimization Work Station
Using ergonomic office furniture for home use can help prevent the development of unhealthy posture along with the development of further musculoskeletal issues. Laptops are great for their portability and ability to work-from-anywhere. However, actually placing them on your lap and working on them for too long will cause back and neck strain. It is difficult to position the keyboard and screen for maintaining a proper line of sight and hand position.
The most spine-healthy way to work on a laptop is to position the screen at eye level with the keyboard level with slightly extended hands. A recommended long-term solution is using a screen and keyboard that can be adjusted. One type of computer set up is an iPad positioned at eye-level with a stand and a wireless external keyboard/mouse on a table or desk.
A lot of money does not have to be spent on the setup. Books or boxes laying around the house can be used to prop up the screen to the proper height. The goal is when working/schooling remotely is to ensure the body is not hunched over, bent, or straining forward and to maintain proper posture with optimal spinal alignment.
There are unique spinal health challenges when working/learning remotely. However, they can be avoided with a little planning and small adjustments.Taking time to stretch, do a little exercise, walk around the house, have adequate lighting, and making some ergonomic desk, chair, and computer changes that will help maintain a healthy spine.
Back Pain Rehabilitation
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Moretti A, Menna F, Aulicino M, Paoletta M, Liguori S, Iolascon G. Characterization of Home Working Population during COVID-19 Emergency: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.�Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(17):6284. Published 2020 Aug 28. doi:10.3390/ijerph17176284
Stomach ache, acid reflux, gas, and other symptoms of gastric distress can be linked to spinal issues and misalignment. The spinal cord sends nerve signals to all parts of the body, specifically those affecting digestion functions. The lumbar spine/lower back includes the sacrum which is vital in terms of nerve function.
Various spinal cord issues could cause problems with the rest of the body. These include:
Disc compression
Herniated discs
Strained ligaments
Misalignments/problems in the lower back can result in gastric symptoms like:
Constipation
Diarrhea
Bloating
Gas
Bladder malfunction
This is because this area of the spine includes sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves that are connected to the digestive system. Any problem with these systems can result in miscommunicated signals to the rest of the body. The wide-range effects that compressed nerves can have on the body, as well as, how the spine is affected by the obstruction of these nerves, can be detrimental.
Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate and release the gastric distress are able to correlate their spine�s role in gut health. This along with an education on the central nervous system. A chiropractic approach can help as a long-term solution to gastric distress.
The Nerves
Every organ in the body functions by sending and receiving electrical impulses, transmitted through the nerves. These impulses direct the function of organs. If blocked or the signals are improperly/partially sent/received, various health issues can begin to present. For the gut, proper nerve signal transmission at full capacity is crucial. The stomach needs to be able to properly digest food while absorbing nutrients and preparing for waste removal. This is where gastric distress conditions begin like:
Irritable bowel syndrome – IBS
Gastroesophageal reflux disease – GERD
Abdominal pain syndrome – APS
Nerve conditions worsen with time if the health and function of the affected nerves are not restored. This could mean severe chronic symptoms and the possibility of permanent nerve damage.
Nerve Blockage
Messed up nerve signals are usually pinched, blocked, or displaced. Most nerve bundles exit through the spine and are usually where a chiropractic exam will start. Through palpitation of the spine along with diagnostic imaging, a chiropractor can track down exactly where the nerve blockage/s are taking place.
The lower back and upper back are common areas to examine. This is because a majority of abdominal organ nerves branch out from these spinal segments. If spinal subluxations are present, more than likely they are affecting the function of these organs. Chiropractic will adjust the spine and reset/realign the spine to its proper form, allowing for proper blood circulation. Compressed nerves can also cause inflammation that could require more complex treatment.
Listening to the Body
If the gut is presenting with aches, and bloating after every meal, it could be indicating that something is wrong or off. Individuals cannot feel blocked nerve signals, but the gut can. Listen to it when it is alerting an issue or problem. We want to educate our patients on gut and spinal health. Chronic gastric distress can be corrected with chiropractic.
Chiropractic Pain Relief
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Spiegel, Brennan M R et al. �Understanding gastrointestinal distress: a framework for clinical practice.��The American journal of gastroenterology�vol. 106,3 (2011): 380-5. doi:10.1038/ajg.2010.383
Kehl, Amy S et al. �Relationship between the gut and the spine: a pilot study of first-degree relatives of patients with ankylosing spondylitis.��RMD open�vol. 3,2 e000437. 16 Aug. 2017, doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000437
Most individuals go about their lives without thinking about poor posture and spinal misalignment, not to mention the spinal health problems/conditions that are associated with misaligned vertebrae. Most spinal misalignments come on as a result of:
Poor posture habits
Unhealthy diet
Destructive lifestyle choices
Sudden misalignments caused by accident/s or injury/s
Sudden misalignments can be associated with a direct cause that an individual can recognize increased symptoms and injury. It�s the long-term spinal misalignment that can become dangerous if left untreated and out of alignment. This is when it is time to see a chiropractor for an immediate spinal realignment.
Body Posture Mechanics
Poor posture along with poor body mechanics contributes to spinal misalignment. This creates unnecessary and consistent pressure on the:
Muscles
Ligaments
Joints
Discs
The pressure also causes a stretching of the nerves in the neck and low back. These nerves are responsible for transmitting, muscle expansion/contraction signals, vital information, and energy to the body’s organs. Any nerve interference will diminish the energy/blood flow to the limbs and organs. This can lead to disease and other major health complications like:
Chronic pain
Decreased mobility
Joint stiffness
Slouched posture
Reduced range of motion
Discomfort when sitting, standing, and lying down
Permanent joint/bone deformity/s
Broken bones, specifically in the spine
Most individuals do not recognize the gradual or long-term health problems linked to the spinal misalignment. Often the signs and symptoms are very subtle, so do not raise a cause for concern. The most direct symptoms of poor posture and spinal misalignment include:
Sore/stiff neck or back
Low energy
Tiredness/fatigue
Headaches
Back muscle spasms
Joint pain
Numbness
Tingling
Altered sensations
In addition to the symptoms, individuals should realize that underlying health conditions could also be linked to poor posture and spinal misalignment. If any of these symptoms are presenting see a chiropractor for an examination and proper diagnosis. These symptoms can be masked with pain killers, mattresses, or caffeinated drinks. However, these will not realign the spine to its proper form.
Chiropractic Lower Back Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Veintemillas Ar�iz, M T et al. �Changes in spinal alignment.� �Alteraciones de la alineaci�n vertebral.��Radiologia�vol. 58 Suppl 1 (2016): 115-27. doi:10.1016/j.rx.2016.01.007
Young adults don’t think about disc deterioration/degeneration until it’s time for the golden years. The disorder is known as Scheuermann’s disease,�Scheuermann’s Kyphosis, and juvenile disc disorder. It affects young adults usually in the late teens to early thirties. Spinal injuries can be the cause but many doctors believe genetics that leads to disc degeneration is a major factor. And still, others believe it is the wear and tear on the spine as the main cause.
The disorder is characterized by disc degeneration throughout the spine. The discs are weakened and cannot withstand the pressure of everyday spinal support. Then the spine is open to all kinds of spinal health issues. These include:
If left untreated, the condition shifts into full-blown degenerative disc disease combined with various health problems like numbness, muscle weakness, and nerve damage. Juvenile disc disorder is rare but is a condition that requires immediate ongoing medical attention to make sure young adults and juveniles protect long-term spinal health. Adolescents with consistent back pain need to be thoroughly examined by a chiropractor. The value of an accurate diagnosis when it comes to developing and administering advanced treatment could be vital.
Cause For Concern
The disorder occurs when parts of the vertebrae known as endplates become too weak to withstand the spinal pressure inside the disc. The endplates are the top and bottom areas of the vertebrae that attach to the cartilage disc between each vertebra.
When the endplates become weak, segments of the tough cartilage can protrude into the endplate, and into the vertebra. These protrusions are called Schmorl�s nodes and can contribute to the pain.
Age-related wear and tear spinal conditions should not be present in kids and young adults. If there are persistent spinal issues and back pain there could be undiagnosed problem/s. Potential symptoms can include:
Continued pain throughout the spine/back
Sitting, standing, or laying down causes an aching back
Transitioning from walking to running or vice versa causes pain
Bending, lifting non-heavy objects causes aching and pain
Stretching the arms over the head causes aches and pain
Posture problems to compensate for the back discomfort and pain
Sleep problems
Disc Disorder Management
Because the disorder primarily affects the vertebral discs, chiropractic pain management is focused on reducing the pressure and strain on the discs. However, it does not mean that activity is to be restricted. Managing the condition focuses on improving strength and flexibility.
Foundation strengthening/support is where a chiropractor could begin. This strengthens the hips, thighs, and hamstrings promoting stabilization of the posterior chain. This leads to body core stability and less spinal concussion during activity/s. Stretching exercises help maintain flexibility for dynamic movements like twisting and bending.
Aerobic activity is also recommended to keep the condition in check. The heart-pumping circulates more blood throughout the body ensuring that the inflamed or injured areas get plenty of oxygenated blood, specifically the spine. Body mechanics also play a role as a proper heel striking when walking or running.
Proper body mechanics lessens the impact of the aerobics on the spine and promotes overall wellness. Chiropractic spinal adjustments and realignment could also be part of a management treatment plan. High-velocity low amplitude adjustments help to reset the vertebrae and takes the stress off of discs.
Prevention
Addressing any disc disorder early is the first step to prevent a lifetime of back pain problems. Seeking a chiropractic assessment as soon as possible will help identify any spinal misalignments or underlying conditions that mimick back pain symptoms/conditions. A chiropractor will develop a customized treatment/management plan to fit an individual’s needs.
Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Care
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Heithoff, K B et al. �Juvenile discogenic disease.��Spine�vol. 19,3 (1994): 335-40. doi:10.1097/00007632-199402000-00014
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