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Spine Care

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.


Strong Spine and The Immune System El Paso, Texas

Strong Spine and The Immune System El Paso, Texas

Today we�re dealing with various forms of stress, and viruses that can compromise our immune systems. Chiropractic medicine focuses on helping individuals overcome these stressors to maintain a healthy and balanced life. Besides chiropractic adjustments, healthy life choices, that include diet are essential to living at an optimal level. Here are three nutritional tips that will help boost the immune system. The immune systems run their best when spinal misalignments are realigned and kept healthy. A proper diet can go a long way. This makes the immune system better equipped to ward off any contaminants/bacteria/germs that try to invade the body during day-to-day activities.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Dietary Supplements, Nutrients El Paso, Texas

Vitamin D

Vitamin D� strengthens bones and teeth by helping the body absorb calcium. Those that have too little vitamin D can develop soft, thin, and brittle bones, a condition known as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D offers protection against a wide range of illnesses and chronic diseases like cancer for instance. It improves the body’s natural response to bacterial infections and helps increase the production of antimicrobial peptides which are very important in strengthening the immune system.

Calcium is a primary building block for strong, healthy bones, especially the spine. Eating a diet rich in calcium can help prevent serious spinal problems, like spinal fractures and osteoporosis. Calcium supplements can fill the daily recommended amount but are not replacements for calcium-rich foods. If there is enough calcium in your diet, then supplements are not necessary. Everyone’s health situation is different, consult a doctor or chiropractor on how much vitamin D is needed for optimal health. Daily recommendations are different and can be measured by age and sex.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Strong Spine and The Immune System El Paso, Texas

 

Veggies

Vegetables can be cooked, or eaten raw. Quickly find what foods are in a vegetable group. Vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels all produce chemicals that are known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and boost the body’s immune system. One way to make sure you�re getting all of your vegetables is through juicing or smoothies. New to juicing/smoothies, check out this resource on juicing vegetables.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Strong Spine and The Immune System El Paso, Texas

Alcohol

Maintaining a healthy diet is vital to maintaining a strong powerful immune system. One way to do this is to avoid/reduce alcohol. Research has proven that alcohol can cause immunodeficiencies that can make us more susceptible to tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia, and other communicable diseases. Although many people consume alcohol for recreational purposes, however, it is important to realize that alcohol is a drug that can poison and deplete the body of essential vitamins and minerals. No alcohol consumption equals a super-strong immune system. Visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism facts and statistics.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 Change of Weather Worsening Back Pain El Paso, TX.

Chiropractic Wellness

Considering making chiropractic rehabilitation part of your lifestyle, well then you are definitely on the right track. What you can expect are many unbelievable health benefits that go beyond pain care.�Chiropractic isn�t just for injury/s, it helps those that are healthy as well by keeping their body’s balanced! Think of it as a medical enhancement that should be included in regular healthcare maintenance. Take a look at these benefits.

Sleep

Sleep is a huge problem, as people are not getting enough. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 adults do not get enough sleep. Chiropractic can help bring restful, restorative sleep. It is highly effective for insomnia. It helps relieve pain, relax, and improve overall wellness, thus allowing you to rest.

Energy

When your body is functioning at an optimal level, you feel better and have more energy. When the spine is misaligned, it impacts the entire body. When the body’s organs do not function properly, there can be soreness, stiffness and getting tired more easily. Regular chiropractic can turn it all around and increase the body’s energy levels.

Illness Resistance

Regular chiropractic can help you build a strong immune system. Those that get chiropractic regularly are more resistant to illnesses than people who don�t. One study shows regular chiropractic treatments help to build a strong immune system. Just one more reason to book an appointment and set up a treatment schedule with your chiropractor. To find out more about nutrition to help build a stronger immune system talk to your chiropractor. They can set up a custom treatment/health/exercise plan. If you�ve never been to one, give us a call. We will help guide you toward a healthy lifestyle through safe chiropractic wellness.

 

The Six-Day Detox and Diet Plan

 

NCBI Resources

 

Degenerative Disc/s and Chiropractic El Paso, Texas

Degenerative Disc/s and Chiropractic El Paso, Texas

Degenerative disc/s is a condition where the wearing down of the spinal discs causes pain and discomfort. All of our spines go through this, but not everybody�feels pain. Chiropractic care is a treatment option for degenerative disc disease (DDD). The first step is to determine the disc-related problem.

degenerative disc disease diagram | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Chiropractic Diagnosis

During an initial evaluation, your chiropractor will review your medical history, along with a discussion about current symptoms and the possible causes.

With degenerative disc/s�the main symptom is back pain. A chiropractor will examine potential causes:

  • How the mechanics of the spine are operating.
  • Thinning discs could bulge and place added pressure on the nerves of the spine.
  • Spinal stenosis can also cause back and leg pain.

A physical and neurological exam can pinpoint problem areas, like:

  • Where joint motion is restricted
  • Range of motion
  • Abnormal spinal curvature
  • Muscle spasms
  • Trigger points
  • An injury like a sprain or strain

There are different reasons why your neck or back may hurt, and your examination may include some basic tests. Observance of how you walk, and overall posture. This will help to observe body mechanics and how your spine moves. Imaging tests like x-rays or MRI are common to find the problem area and cause. The chiropractor will diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan for pain alleviation.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Degenerative Disc/s and Chiropractic El Paso, Texas

Degenerative Disc/s

The disc/s can lose their integrity, and begin to thin and possibly tear. This increases unwanted pressure on nerves and creates friction between the vertebrae. Degenerative disc disease can go through various stages. With the progression, the negative symptoms become more pronounced.

 

Stages

1

The first stage of degenerative disc disease may go unnoticed by the individual but can be identified by a chiropractor or other medical professional. The loss of the natural curvature of the spine can indicate the beginning of degenerative disc disease. Pain may not be apparent, but extra pressure is being placed on the spine which can lead to more rapid aging of the spine, nerves, joints, etc.

2

The degradation of discs becomes more apparent in the second stage. They may look thinner, and it is common to see deformations in the bone, such as bone spurs. The curvature of the spine will become more unnatural and the spinal canal may become more narrow. Stage 2 is often where you will begin to notice some pain and discomfort.

3

Stage 3 is marked by a more extreme change in the posture and curvature of the spine, along with more pain and loss of mobility. Nerve damage is common and scar tissue typically begins to form. Discs are even thinner than before, which can sometimes cause even more deformation of the bones.

4

The final stage of degenerative disc disease is the most severe and is typically considered irreversible. Discs are at their thinnest or gone altogether. The flexibility of the spine is extremely limited and pain is often considerable. Nerve damage can be severe and the bones of the spine may even begin to fuse together.

Care

Chiropractic care is a preferred treatment for degenerative disc/s disease. Because it is gentle and non-invasive, chiropractic does not create undesirable side effects like prescription meds and surgery are more prone to do. The earlier the stage of the disease, the more successful the treatment. But chiropractic can help even in the most extreme cases. The goal of chiropractic is to improve joint mechanics with improved spinal motion and reduced inflammation. The chiropractor may also work on improving the function of the intervertebral discs.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 Change of Weather Worsening Back Pain El Paso, TX.

 

Treatments can include:

Adjustment/s

One of the most effective treatments is to ensure the spine is in proper alignment. Loss of alignment, which can happen due to injury or just regular wear and tear, puts extra stress on the spine which can accelerate disc/s degradation. Adjustments bring the body back into proper alignment.

  • Spinal manipulation will identify the joints that are restricted or those that have abnormal motion. They will use a gentle thrusting technique.
  • Flexion-distraction technique uses a gentle, non-thrusting technique that is typically used to treat herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
  • Instrument-assisted manipulation uses a hand-held instrument. The chiropractor or therapist applies gentle force without thrusting directly into the spine.

 

Therapeutic massage

A physical therapist can perform different types of massage to reduce muscle tension. Manual joint stretching and resistance techniques can also relieve pain and other symptoms.

 

Trigger point therapy

Here tight painful points on a muscle/s are identified and places direct pressure on these points to relieve tension.

 

Decompression

Spinal decompression uses gentle but firm pressure to bring space back between the vertebrae. Space allows blood flow to return and healing to happen. Decompression is an important treatment to complement adjustments.

 

Electrical stimulation

A low-frequency electrical current stimulates your muscles and reduces inflammation.

Ultrasound

This type can help reduce muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain with sound waves that penetrate deep into your muscle tissues. This creates a gentle heat and enhances blood circulation.

With chiropractic, prevention is the key, and therapeutic exercises can prevent symptoms from getting worse. Seek treatment for your back and neck pain now. Our team can help you feel better and educate you on living a healthier life. Your chiropractor will work hard to treat you and address all your symptoms. Chiropractors treat the whole body and not just symptoms.


 

Herniated Disc El Paso, TX

 


 

NCBI Resources

A disc can also�herniate and place pressure on the nerves that flow into the feet, and cause pain, tingling, and numbness. The wear and tear of the spine combined with a herniated disc�can pinch the nerves that go to the feet.

 

Groceries to Promote Bone Boost for Spine Health El Paso, TX.

Groceries to Promote Bone Boost for Spine Health El Paso, TX.

Foods we eat can helpprevent spinal fractures, osteoporosis, along with other bone issues.�Most of us struggle to get the proper amount�of calcium and vitamin D into our diets even though magnesium is found in a variety of foods like green vegetables, oatmeal, nuts and seeds, meat, poultry, seafood, and legumes.�

The spine is constantly in a state of change as your metabolism breaks down, replaces and rebuilds bone. The nutrition your bones need is always changing, as well as the body as it acquires stored bone minerals for other purposes and replaces them with a fresh supply from what you eat.

The best way to keep your bones strong and pain-free is by eating a healthy diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium. That means going beyond the dairy aisle when looking for bone-boosting foods. There are plenty of healthy options scattered all throughout the grocery store.�Here are some tips on what you might want to consider buying the next time you’re at the market.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Groceries to Promote Bone Boost for Spine Health El Paso, TX.

 

Here is a list of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to start adding to your grocery list. Note: Always check nutrition labels. Fortified products, like plant-based:

  • Kinds of milk
  • Cereals
  • Juices with added calcium or vitamin D, are not included.

But they can be a great addition to your diet as an added assurance that you�re hitting the proper nutritional goals.

Produce/Plant-Based Protein

Fruits, veggies, and plant-based proteins are always a good choice but here are a few that pack more bone nutrients.

  • One cup of shredded�Bok Choy equals 74mg of calcium.
  • Two cups of raw� Broccoli equals 86mg of calcium.
  • One cup of cooked Collard greens equals 268mg of calcium.
  • A half-cup of raw Cress equals 188mg of calcium.
  • One cup of Edamame equals 98mg of calcium.
  • One cup of raw Kale equals 101mg of calcium.
  • One cup of Okra equals 82mg of calcium.
  • One good size Orange equals 74mg of calcium.
  • A half-cup of raw Rhubarb equals 103mg of calcium.
  • A half-cup of�Tofu equals 434mg of calcium.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Groceries to Promote Bone Boost for Spine Health El Paso, TX.

 

Seafood

Fresh seafood offers some great options to get vitamin D.

  • Three ounces of cooked�Mackerel�equals 300-500�IU� of vitamin D.
  • Three ounces of cooked�Salmon equals 400-500 IU of vitamin D.

 

Packaged Foods

Foods like nuts, seeds, and canned goods, can help stretch your food dollar and be a nutritious option.

  • One ounce of�Almonds equals 75mg of calcium.
  • A half-cup or three ounces of�Canned salmon can equal 290mg of calcium or 400-475 IU’s of vitamin D.
  • Three ounces of�Canned sardines equals anywhere from�325-400mg of calcium or�150-250 IU’s of vitamin D.
  • One ounce of�Chia seeds equals 179mg of calcium.
  • A half-cup of dried Figs equals 121mg of calcium.
  • One tablespoon of�Poppy seeds equals 127mg of calcium.
  • One tablespoon of�Sesame seeds equals 88mg of calcium.
  • A half-cup of�White beans equals 63mg of calcium.

 

magnesium el paso tx.

 

Dairy

Dairy sources have more calcium with each serving than any other food. Here are a few to help you reach your daily nutrient amount to keep your bones strong for years.

  • One slice or a half-ounce of�Cheese equals150-270mg of calcium.
  • One large�Egg equals 44 IU of vitamin D.
  • A half-cup of�Frozen yogurt equals 80-110mg of calcium.
  • A half-cup of�Ice cream equals�80-110mg of calcium.
  • One cup of�Low-fat yogurt equals 350-400mg of calcium.
  • One cup of�Milk equals 250-300mg of calcium.
  • A half-cup of�Pudding equals 55-140mg of calcium.

 

Vitamins/Supplements

Eating a well-balanced diet gives you all the nutrients your bones need. Sometimes you need a calcium supplement to fill in the gaps. Learn more about whether a supplement may be right for you by talking to your doctor, chiropractor, health coach, dietician.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Groceries to Promote Bone Boost for Spine Health El Paso, TX.

 

Keep Your Spine Healthy

A healthy diet that’s rich in multiple nutrients will maintain your spinal bone health and overall health.

As part of our Acute Injury Treatment & Rehabilitation Practice, we are presently offering detailed�Institute For Functional Medicine��Collaborative Assessment Programs focused on Integrative Treatment Protocols. We completely evaluate personal history, current nutrition, activity behaviors, environmental exposures to toxic elements, psychological and emotional factors, in tandem with your genetics.

Our purpose with these high-level assessments is to understand the root cause of chronic disorders and to treat the person holistically.� Integrative Personalized Medicine is the future of healthcare and we are very proud to bring it to all our patients.� Our online�Functional Medicine Health Assessment Questionnaire has given insights into our patients’ present Functional Health.

We personally welcome all present and future patients to�Functional Medicine�and its modern�Functional Medicine Living Matrix�treatment approaches.

Our team has taken great pride in bringing our families and injured patients only clinically proved treatment protocols. �By teaching complete holistic wellness as a lifestyle, we also change not only our patient�s lives but their families as well.� We do this so that we may reach as many El Pasoans who need us, no matter the affordability issues.


 

Detox Your Body Detox Doctor El Paso, TX.

 


 

NCBI Resources

Having healthy body composition means there needs to be more lean body mass i.e.�muscle mass�and less body fat.�Strength training/CrossFit�helps by raising the�metabolic rate�while lowering body fat. The increased muscle strength helps maintain correct posture and body mechanics in whatever you do.

Physical activity reduces the chance of injury while increasing physical performance like being able to climb stairs or carry groceries with much-added ease and confidence.

 

Take Care of Your Back and Spine El Paso, Texas

Take Care of Your Back and Spine El Paso, Texas

Everyone needs to take care of their back/spine because it is what holds us up as long as we keep it straight and strong. Strengthening the core can help prevent a weak and misaligned spine from getting worse and helps to eliminate pain.�

Back safety should be priority one, as it affects all aspects of your life. Not only are you protecting your back, but are preventing future injury. From the time you wake until bedtime, here are some tips for changes in sleeping position, and getting in and out of a car.

We all need to pay attention to proper body positioning and body mechanics, as it will pay off in the long run.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Take Care of Your Back and Spine El Paso, Texas

Getting In and Out of Bed

This is usually the time when the pain starts and can make the rest of the day miserable. Here are a few tips that can help.

  • Lean forward from your hips, not from your back.
  • Try not to arch your back.
  • Push your upper body off the bed with your elbows and hands and swing both legs to the floor.
  • Keep your back straight.
  • Try not to bend at the waist.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Take Care of Your Back and Spine El Paso, Texas

Position for Sleeping

Sleep is very important. Finding a comfortable position while sleeping can be tough, especially with back pain. Using quality pillows in the right way can help provide comfort, support for your neck and back and keep you asleep.

  • Sleeping on your back is optimal but you should bend your legs and place a pillow under your knees allowing for optimal blood circulation.
  • Do not sleep on your stomach, as this places pressure on the pelvis and the lower back because there is no support underneath. If you must sleep like this try to keep it for a short while before changing position and place a pillow or two underneath for support.
  • A firm mattress can help keep your spine in line. But talk to a doctor or chiropractor to find out what style of mattress would benefit your back.
  • Rotate your mattress every three months and flip it over twice a year.

 

 

Take Care When Entering/Exiting an Automobile

Getting in and out of a car can be a tough challenge when dealing with back pain. Here are a few tips to help.

  • When getting in or out move the seat back as far as it goes, hold onto the side of the car, back of the seat, or the dashboard for support when lifting yourself out or when easing into the seat.
  • Bend at the knees, not the back and avoid twisting and turning to reach for objects, etc.
  • The use of proper body mechanics keeps the muscles working properly.
  • Use both arms and legs when raising and lowering yourself in and out of the seat.
  • Keep your body aligned and only turn your body as much as needed.

The key is to be aware of your posture and safety awareness.

Daily living including sports and household chores should be done with overall and spinal safety in mind.

Whatever positions work for you and your regular activities bending, retrieving, lifting, and carrying objects, using correct techniques combined with proper posture will take care of your neck and back.


 

Back Pain Chiropractic Care | El Paso, Tx

 


 

NCBI Resources

Chiropractic can take care of your spine which means it is good for your overall health. While many people think that its only purpose is to treat back pain, chiropractic focuses on total body wellness. All too often problems within the body are interrelated. For instance, back pain could be the result of an altered gait due to an ankle injury.� A misaligned neck could cause a headache due to awkward sleep positions (or even the wrong pillow).

 

Spinal Cord Injury Therapies El Paso, Texas

Spinal Cord Injury Therapies El Paso, Texas

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury/s are separated into two phases: There is the primary injury and the secondary injury.

The primary injury refers to the physical trauma to the spine. This could be a:

  • Car accident
  • Sports accident
  • Severe fall
  • Other traumatic events

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Spinal Cord Injury Therapies El Paso, Texas

 

When the primary injury happens, neurological injury to the nerves and spinal cord can take place in the form of:

 

Compression

  • The compressing of the spinal cord/nerves can cause an impact of bone, disc, and ligaments against the tissues. This is because the spinal canal becomes narrowed and shifts out of proper alignment. This causes the nerves to get pinched during the injury.

 

Stretching

  • Tissues get stretched beyond what they’re capable of so the spinal cord can suffer serious damage with the slightest trauma directly to it. Complete cutting or severing of the cord is rare.

 

Blood supply inadequacy

  • The injury can cut off or significantly reduce blood supply to the cord and nerves. If the microscopic blood vessels get damaged almost instantaneous hemorrhage or bleeding into the spinal cord.

 

Spinal cord damage can be seen on an MRI immediately after trauma.

Secondary injury is a cascade of events that occur after the initial trauma, which is the body’s attempt to heal the injury.

This could be seconds, hours, days, and weeks afterward. Several factors play a role in how severe secondary injury will be.

The body releases chemicals in response to trauma. These chemicals cause inflammation, decreased blood flow, and cell death.

Treatments/therapies for spinal cord injuries usually directed at one or more steps during this cascade. Goals of treatment:

  • Decrease inflammation
  • Increase blood flow
  • Reduce scar formation
  • Slow degradation and cell death

 

imaging and diagnostics el paso tx.

 

The overall treatment of a spine injury is focused on stabilizing the injury. Once that has been accomplished, there are two following goals:

  1. Transplanting nerves
  2. Nerve regeneration

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Spinal Cord Injury Therapies El Paso, Texas

 

Treatments for Spinal Cord Injury

Treatment priority is to reduce the effects of primary and secondary injuries. One is to immobilize the spine to prevent further injury. This typically happens at the scene of the accident and can be done with a hard collar or brace. IV fluids and medications to maintain blood pressure and possible administration of oxygen may be used. These techniques are fairly standard to deal with primary injury/s.

Surgery could be needed to remove physical impingement/compression on the nerves, restore blood flow, and provide room for subsequent inflammation to help the body heal itself.

Sometimes surgery takes place later to restore the alignment of the bone and correct any deformities that may have occurred. This is as important as decompression for maximizing a patient’s rehabilitation. Stabilization from surgery can help patients sit upright, walk, and maintain proper weight on the trunk. It also helps to avoid developing posture problems in the future.

Methylprednisolone is a steroid that’s considered a neuroprotective agent. This is the only drug treatment supported by the medical community to be used immediately following the primary injury. There is still debate among the medical community as to the effectiveness of this steroid. To date, it has not been defined as a standard of care by any major medical associations.

 

Treatment Research

Other treatments have been proposed and proven successful in animal trials. These treatments first go through animal trials before human trials. Replicating the benefits in humans is still quite difficult to achieve. There were 100 different treatments that do work in animals, however, methylprednisolone is the only treatment that has demonstrated consistent results.

Reasons why research for spinal cord injuries is tough:

Anatomical differences in animal’s spinal cords: While rodents are typically used for most research, their spinal cords have the ability to create stepping patterns without signals from the brain. That means that after a spinal cord injury with no treatment they can learn to walk again. The human spinal cord cannot do this.

The differences between actual injury and a simulated one: Actual injuries that result in trauma to the spine usually have neurological compression that exceeds that seen in the animal models during the simulated injury. This means that treatments that are effective in animal trials where there is less trauma to the bones and nerves than�when the same treatments are tried for actual injuries, could be less effective because the injury/s are more severe.

During spinal cord treatment tests, researchers typically use mild/moderate spinal cord injuries. Human injuries can vary from one extreme to another that they are either too severe for therapy or too mild that they recover without treatment.

Doing the same experiments and research on animals and humans is complicated: There are all kinds of variables in animal research that can’t be controlled in human studies. There are different models of injury, that happen at different times and are treated with different medications, and all contribute to inconsistencies. The results significantly change the accounts of how useful any given treatment is, especially when comparing the animal studies and human studies.

Example –� Treatments in a laboratory are begun within one hour after injury simulation. This doesn’t happen in clinical settings, because typically, first responders at accident sites work to stabilize the patient’s airway, and spine before they are transported to an emergency room. Replicating that procedure with actual first responders can be quite difficult to do in clinical studies.

Promising Treatments

There are promising treatments in spinal cord injury:

  • Hypothermia
  • Naloxone
  • Corticosteroids

All three have shown positive results in animal trials. But there have been varying results in human trials. While these are positive results, further research from scientists and physicians is needed to develop a highly effective treatment for spinal cord injury.

Hypothermia treatment has piqued a great deal of interest based on a case of its use on a professional football player, that suffered a spinal cord injury. It was a success, but unfortunately, other human studies utilizing this treatment failed to demonstrate the same benefits and some believe the risks outweigh the benefits. Physicians believe that the player’s positive outcome was the result of a less severe injury and early decompression, and not necessarily from the hypothermia treatment.

Researchers debate that freezing reduces blood flow in the injured spinal cord but that it could worsen the secondary injury/s.

Conclusion

Treating spinal cord injury research is still a major focus in the medical community. With progress taking place there is still not yet the major breakthrough. Continued investigation into treatments for spinal cord injuries will go on until spinal injuries are no more.


 

Severe *Sciatica”* Pain Relief | El Paso, Tx (2020)


 

NCBI Resources

Spinal injury or trauma can result in myofascial pain syndrome, but lifestyle factors usually have a hand in the condition. Poor posture over a long period,�for example,�sleeping in an awkward position can cause physical muscular stress on the spinal muscles.�Mental and emotional stress can present itself through muscle tension�that helps the development of trigger points.

The�trapezius muscle, that extends from the back of the neck down the shoulders and upper back, is the most common site of spinal trigger points and myofascial pain because of the significant amount of pressure that the muscle has to bear and its susceptibility to whiplash.

 

SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

Spinal Cord Injuries Are Not Only Caused by Trauma

When people think of spinal cord injury/s or SCI’s, traumatic events like a major auto accident, hard fall, severe sports injury or intense work injury come to mind. It is true that auto accidents are the leading cause, however, non-traumatic accidents and diseases like a spinal tumor can also cause spinal cord injuries.

These types of injuries involve damage to the spinal cord that can temporarily or permanently affect its functionality. Spinal cord injuries are divided into 2 categories: traumatic and non-traumatic. Even with non-traumatic injuries the impact or severity is not lessened and the aftermath can have a devastating effect on a person�s life.

 

Spine Trauma Imaging Diagnostics Evaluation | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

Spinal Cord Injury Trauma

  • Vehicle crashes: Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of traumatic spinal cord injuries, and they account for 40% of all SCI’s.
  • Falls: Falls are the second cause of traumatic spinal cord injuries, and they account for 32% of injuries.
  • Sports: Sports and recreational activities cause around 9.0% of traumatic spinal cord injuries.
  • Violence: Violent acts, like gunshot wounds or a stabbing cause around 14% of spinal cord injuries.

Spinal cord injuries occur more in men than women with 80% of cases affecting men.

Although people of all ages can experience SCI, there are activities/events that increase the risk that affects different age groups more than others. An example is high-impact actions like motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries occur more in young adults. Conversely, spinal cord injuries caused by a fall happens more in adults over age 60.

Regardless, SCI occurs more in the neck or cervical spine. Around 60% of cases involve the neck, followed by the mid-back or thoracic spine that averages to around 32% of injuries. Although most people experience low-back pain, only 9% of spinal injuries occur in the low back and tailbone or lumbosacral spine.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

 

Understanding SCI Trauma

Damage to the spinal cord not only affects the area where the point of impact occurred. The primary injury can also damage cells, dislocate the vertebrae and cause spinal compression. It can also trigger secondary injuries, that cause a series of biological changes. This can happen within weeks or months after the injury.

The secondary injury cascade processes:

Glial cells along with the nerve cells in the spinal cord begin to die. These cells provide nutrients and other support to the nerve cells in the central nervous system. This consists of the brain and spinal cord.

The blood vessels in the spinal cord lose their ability to function, and this reduces the blood supply to the cord. When the blood supply becomes inadequate it is called ischemia. Blood vessel injuries expose the cord to inflammatory cells that in turn cause swelling. When the spinal cord becomes inflamed the spinal cord gets more and more compressed. If this happens�the initial injury progressively worsens.

This changes the cord�s structure and its normal operation. The secondary injury cascade can interfere with the cord�s ability to heal itself. This means an individual could experience permanent nerve pain and dysfunction.

 

Non-traumatic SCI

Spinal cord damage does not only happen with traumatic events. An SCI can also be caused by non-traumatic diseases in the spine. Tumors are the leading cause, but infections and degenerative disc disease can also cause serious damage.

Non-traumatic SCI’s happen more than traumatic based ones. �The incidence of traumatic SCI in North America comes to around 54 cases per one million people. With the incidence of non-traumatic SCI is around 1,227 cases per million people.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

 

Healthy Spinal Cord Injury Outcomes

Spine researchers are making great strides in developing optimal protective and regenerative treatments to improve spinal cord health after these injuries occur.

Currently, innovative medical, surgical, cell-based and alternative treatments are furthering the medical community�s understanding of SCI’s. This is dramatically improving the quality of life and creating positive futures for individuals who experience these injuries.


 

Car Accident Injury Rehabilitation | El Paso, Tx (2020)

 


 

NCBI Resources

The muscles in the back keep the spine moving and functioning properly.�When the spine or�abdominal muscles are�weak this creates a higher probability of a back strain or injury. Having strong, healthy spine muscles are important because they function in maintaining correct posture, which in some cases, causes chronic back pain because of poor posture.

If�only one part of the body is�strengthened like the back is not enough. Therefore strengthening the rest of the body is a must. These include the body�s core and leg muscles. Total body strength will reduce back pain and can help perform regular activities, like�lifting heavy objects much easier, with more confidence and with a lesser probability of injury.

 

Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs) and The Spine El Paso, TX.

Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs) and The Spine El Paso, TX.

How RMD’s affect the spine

Most repetitive motion injuries or RMDs affect the arms and hands. However, they can also happen in the spine.

The majority of back injuries, especially in the workplace, are often the result of long-term repetitive wear and tear on the:

  • Muscles
  • Ligaments
  • Tendons
  • Spinal discs

Repetitive work motions like:

  • Pulling
  • Reaching
  • Twisting
  • Bending

All of these movements can weaken and stress the spine and increase the risk of injury.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs) and The Spine El Paso, TX.

Treatment for RMD’s

When first treating an RMD, the first step is to reduce or stop the motions that are causing the symptoms. Other therapies include:

  • Ice therapy reduces pain and swelling.
  • Medications like cortisone and anti-inflammatory’s also reduce pain and swelling.
  • Chiropractic/Physical therapy relieves soreness and pain in the muscles and joints and strengthens the muscles to help prevent future injuries.
  • Splints relieve pressure on the muscles and nerves.
  • Surgery in rare cases can help relieve symptoms and prevent permanent damage.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 Change of Weather Worsening Back Pain El Paso, TX.

Prevention

RMDs can be prevented. Here are some important tips to reduce�repetitive motion injury:

  • Take frequent breaks to avoid overuse of muscles with little rest breaks of whatever muscles/ligaments you are using.
  • Regular exercise along with stretching and relaxation helps build strength, increase mobility, range of motion and prevent future injury.
  • Look at your posture to make sure it is correct for the task at hand. This helps the elbows, wrists, hands, and spine maintain alignment during repetitive motions.
  • Don’t stay in a single position for too long. Change your posture frequently during any type of activity to relax one set of muscles and use another set, then switch and so on and so forth.
  • Practicing correct form and technique will go a long way in preventing a repetitive injury.
  • Avoid over-reaching, stretching and twisting.
  • Use protective equipment and gear.
  • Have a properly designed workstation with office or work equipment at the proper height, distance and allows you to work safely and comfortably.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs) and The Spine El Paso, TX.

Staying Healthy

Staying healthy and avoiding RMD’s is first priority if you work at a job or regularly participate in activities where repetitive motion/s and movement/s are used.

Give yourself time to rest, exercise, and implement proper techniques. See a doctor or injury chiropractor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed. Ergonomically evaluating the causes is an important part of the diagnostic evaluation for patients with these conditions.

Therefore, mapping out a customized treatment plan for changing the way you work/perform these motions is the ultimate goal.

We focus on what works for you. We also strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total wellness programs. These programs are natural and use the body�s own ability to achieve goals of improvement, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, surgery, or addictive drugs.

We want you to live a life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life. I have made a life of taking care of every one of my patients.


 

The “LIFE CHANGING” Foot Orthotics | El Paso, Tx (2020)

 


 

NCBI Resources

Barring traumatic injury due to an accident, working in a factory environment can cause problems with mobility, pain, and flexibility. The�nature of the job�places specific demands on the human body that can lead to certain types of injuries and health conditions, which include:

  • Repetitive motion injury � When a worker performs the same task that involves the same movements over and over, it can lead to certain types of injuries. Carpal tunnel is a common repetitive motion injury.
  • Overexertion � Lifting, pulling, even standing can take a toll on the body, especially when it is done without adequate breaks. The person can get muscle fatigue, pulled muscles, and pulled tendons.
  • Body movement injuries � When the worker is continuously reaching, twisting, crawling, and bending, it can cause problems with the muscles and joints.