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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.


Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) El Paso, TX.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) El Paso, TX.

Before and after spine surgery the surgeon and medical staff prepare you for recovery. The recovery process can take a long time and be extremely challenging.

Pain after spine surgery is normal, but how to tell if it�s beyond the typical pain during recovery?

What indicates that the surgery failed?

Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez has dealt with this issue throughout his career and discusses symptoms associated with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS, also known as failed back surgery (FBS) or post-laminectomy syndrome).

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) El Paso, TX.

 

Back Pain the most common symptom

Chronic back pain is the most common symptom from failed back surgery.

With FBSS, chronic pain in one patient can be very different from pain in another.

People with FBSS can experience a range of different types of pain based on:

  • Spinal disorder
  • Spinal procedure
  • The underlying cause of failed back surgery syndrome

Types of back and neck pain people with failed back surgery may experience. Some may have one or more types.

Chronic pain:

  • Sustained pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks.
  • Chronic pain is the opposite of acute pain, which is short-term�severe pain.
  • Acute pain is expected during spine surgery recovery but should fade during the healing.

Nociceptive pain:

Localized pain that can be dull or sharp.

This is the type of pain patients may experience immediately after surgery

Example: The pain felt around where the incision was made.

When most people think of pain, nociceptive pain is the type.

Neuropathic pain (neuropathy):

Nerve-related pain is caused by damage to the nerves or spinal cord.

Neuropathic pain shoots and moves around, thus affecting large areas of the body.

Examples of this type of pain include:

  • Numbness
  • Burning
  • Tingling
  • Weakness
  • Abnormal sensations (called paresthesia)

Radicular pain (radiculopathy):

A branch of nerve pain (neuropathy) is called radiculopathy, or radicular pain.

Radicular pain radiates from one area to another.

Examples include from the:

  • Low back
  • Down the buttocks
  • Legs
  • Feet

And then starts all over again, or goes in a different order.

Other symptoms:

The original symptoms return:

When the symptoms that put the patient in the surgery room return, then there is a definite possibility of failed back surgery.

New pain presents:

New pain, meaning pain in a different part of the spine or a different type merits a discussion with your doctor.

Mobility Reduced :

It does take time to recover and that process can affect:

  • Endurance
  • Flexibility
  • Movement

However, if mobility or limitation is different from what was talked about with the surgeon or develops after recovery, then it should be discussed with your doctor.

Example: A limited range of motion in the neck or low back.

Headaches begin to present:

If headaches were not an original part of your medical history, this may point to a nerve problem.

Nerve Symptoms & Quality of Life

Neuropathic pain/ neuropathy or nerve-related pain is the most complex, debilitating, and difficult-to-treat.

People who experience this type of pain find it lowers their quality of life.

An online survey of 1,000-2000 patients that underwent low back surgery responded and revealed the following:

  1. 94% of respondents reported post-surgery low back pain
  2. 71.1% dull achiness
  3. 69.8% numbness
  4. 43.3% cold sensations
  5. 35.3% paresthesia (eg, burning, tingling, pricking sensations)

A separate study noted that nerve-related pain suffered by people with FBSS is more life-altering than pain caused by joint and nerve disorders.

Patients with FBSS and neuropathic pain go through higher levels of pain and have less quality of life/physical function compared with people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

FBS Symptoms Emergency Treatment

After surgery, it can be difficult to tell whether the pain is within the bounds of normal recovery pain.

At follow-up appointments ask questions about the progress of your recovery and about any concerns.

Pain after surgery is normal, but there are some signs and symptoms that merit emergency attention.

If you experience any of the red flag symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • New weakness
  • Difficulty walking
  • Electric pain in the lower body
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Loss of bowel or bladder function

This can be a sign of a spinal nerve disorder called cauda equina syndrome.

Symptoms of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Are Different for Every Patient

  • Every patient goes through a unique surgical experience and if it fails, patients may experience unique symptoms.
  • Because failed back surgery has several possible causes, the symptoms are going to be different for each patient.
  • Before you are discharged and even before you go under, ask your surgeon questions about what to expect during the recovery process.
  • Educating yourself with possible expectations during recovery, you�ll be best positioned to know when things aren�t going as they should.

 

Low Back Pain Management El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

 

Denise suffered an auto accident injury which resulted in back pain. When she realized she could not sit, walk or sleep for lengthy periods of time without having painful symptoms, Denise found chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez at El Paso, TX. Once she received therapy for her automobile accident injuries, Denise experienced relief from her symptoms and she was able to execute her regular tasks once again. Thanks to the education and maintenance Dr. Alex Jimenez supplied, Denise regained her initial health and health.

Back pain is more most common, with roughly nine out of ten adults undergoing it at some time in their lifetime, and five functioning adults developing it annually. Some quote around 95 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some time in their lifetime. It is undoubtedly the typical cause of chronic pain since it’s also a substantial contributor to missed work and handicap. In the United States alone, acute cases of lower back pain are the fifth most frequent reason for doctor visits and cause 40% of missed days off work. What’s more, it is the leading cause of disability worldwide.


 

NCBI Resources

Aside from the obvious invasiveness of the procedure as well as recovery time and probable physical therapy that would be required as part of your aftercare. Say you have neck or back pain. How will you treat it? Many people will go to a medical doctor who will look at the symptoms, such as pain, and treat it with a prescription or over the counter medications. In some cases, they may recommend surgery to manage the pain or correct the problem.

 

Subluxation & Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

Subluxation & Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

Subluxation describes what happens when the spinal joints get shifted out of alignment. This can be caused by:

  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Chemical imbalance

The nervous system, which consists of the (spine/nerves/brain) is the central headquarters of the body. Subluxation removal helps the body function at its optimum level.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Subluxation & Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

 

Chiropractic adjustments reduce pressure on the nerves and ease the flow of communication and signals going back and forth.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Subluxation & Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

 

 

These adjustments trigger the release of endorphins, which cause instant pain relief.

Our hips are made durable, but with age and normal wear and tear, this cartilage wears down, which can lead to injury.

This also includes the:

  • Muscles
  • Tendons
  • Bones in and around the hip

And can be caused by a number of conditions, including:

  • Arthritis
  • Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)
  • Cancers
  • Bursitis
  • Hip fractures
  • Hip labral tear
  • Muscle/tendon strain
  • Tendinitis

If adjustments seem to be only temporary, this could be an indicator of problems beyond the spine.

Pain or other symptoms in the body start with the body�s foundation: the feet.

When we walk there are incremental-segmental movements of the spine that are small motions but are very important in proper function.

If there are foot problems:

  • Spinal subluxations
  • Pain
  • Degeneration throughout the body can happen.

Research has found that poor foot mechanics can create severe problems that affect the normal functions of the:

  • Ankle
  • Knee
  • Hip
  • Back

Symptoms of Vertebral Subluxation

  • Neck and back pain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Balance issues
  • Spine muscle spasms
  • Tightness
  • Weakness
  • Spinal mobility
  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Joint pain
  • Tenderness
  • Stiffness

Treatment

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, subluxation could be the cause.

Chiropractic treatment and custom orthotics are the best way to correct the subluxation.

Chiropractors are experienced in finding and correcting these problems. And the custom orthotics can help keep you and your spine in perfect alignment.


 

Get Rid of *LOW BACK PAIN* with Custom Foot Orthotics | El Paso, TX (2019)

 

 

Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain sometime throughout their lifetime. Low back pain and sciatica are several of the most common complaints frequently reported in a doctor office setting. But, did you know that low back pain and sciatica can be caused due to foot problems? Custom-made functional foot orthotics can help support and promote the natural alignment of the spine. Poor posture associated with foot problems and other health issues can be corrected through the utilization of custom-made functional foot orthotics. Because every individual has unique foot anatomy, custom-made foot orthotics can be beneficial for a variety of people with foot problems and other health issues. Dr. Alex Jimenez is the non-surgical choice for foot problems.


 

What’s Afoot

Although many people try to treat their low back pain on their own first, one of the fastest and best ways to treat it is through custom orthotics, which actually optimize the performance of your entire body, not just your feet and lower back. Over-the-counter orthotics do not provide proper support and can even cause more damage to the body. Chronic lower back pain is not a normal thing that has to do with age or lifestyle.

If you are experiencing lower back pain, call a chiropractor and ask about how custom orthotics can help you.

 


 

NCBI Resources

Chiropractors use specific methods to return the vertebrae in their proper locations or muster them to allow them to go freely when subluxations happen. These techniques are called spinal manipulations or adjustments. During an adjustment, the vertebra is freed in the misaligned location and returned to the right place in the spinal column. The adjustment permits the entire body to cure and preserve homeostasis once performed.

 

6 Spine Disorders That Chiropractic Helps

6 Spine Disorders That Chiropractic Helps

Chiropractic can help with a wide variety of health conditions, particularly those involving the spine. Your chiropractor�s ability to adjust your spine makes it possible to correct many issues with the back and neck. Chiropractic also offers the advantage of being drug-free and non-invasive, so the side effects you need to worry about are minimal.

6 Spine Disorders that Chiropractic Helps

1. Degenerative Disc Disease

Most often, degenerative disc disease is a condition that strikes people as they get older. The discs that sit between your vertebrae are supposed to be relatively soft to provide cushion and flexibility to the spine. Unfortunately, years of use and various injuries can cause the discs to wear down. When they wear down it can lead to pressure on nerves and bone on bone contact.

2. Herniated Disc

Sometimes a disc can rupture, allowing the interior matter to protrude from the outer shell and press against nerves in the spine. The most common areas of the body to have a herniated disc are the lower back and the neck.

3. Sciatica

The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back and down the legs. The nerve can become irritated if there are issues with the lower back, such as degenerative disc disease, herniated disc or misalignment. Pressure on the nerve can cause symptoms like shooting pains, numbness, tingling, dull aching, and other discomforts.

4. Whiplash

Whiplash is most common in rear-end car accidents, where a car hits you from behind and causes your head to whip forward and backward. The force generated by the whipping motion can cause significant damage to your neck. Stiffness and pain are common symptoms. Whiplash should be treated as soon as possible following an accident.

5. Myofascial Pain

The fascia is the sheath-like material that surrounds your muscles. Adhesions can occur in the fascia due to overuse or injury. Sometimes the painful points can feel like hard knots under the skin. Myofascial pain often causes discomfort in other areas of the body that you would not assume are related to the problem area.

6. Back Sprains and Strains

There are many ways that the back can become sprained or strained. A sprain involves the ligaments that are attached to your bones, while a strain involves your muscles and/or tendons. Either condition can cause significant pain and a loss of mobility.

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 6 Spine Disorders That Chiropractic Helps El Paso, TX.

 

Chiropractic Can Help By

Your chiropractor will offer you different options for healing your spinal condition. These may include:

Adjustments

Many times the problems with your spine can be improved by realigning the vertebrae. Injuries and spinal conditions are often associated with misalignment�where the vertebrae are not sitting on top of one another as they should be. A chiropractic adjustment gently returns your vertebrae to alignment.

Massage Therapy

Massage is a great complementary therapy to chiropractic adjustments. It can help to relax muscles, eliminate adhesions and improve mobility. It can also help your spinal adjustments to stay in place as you go about your day to day life.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound treatments are an effective way to encourage your body�s own healing mechanisms without causing any unwanted side effects. The sound waves penetrate deep into the tissues to create heat energy, which encourages circulation and aids in healing.

Get Help with Your Spinal Disorder

If you are struggling with a spinal disorder like those mentioned above, we would love the opportunity to help. Our chiropractic team understands how to administer safe, effective treatments that are non-invasive and work together to improve healing outcomes.

Please contact us today to discuss your spinal condition and schedule an appointment.


Heel Spurs

 

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 6 Spine Disorders That Chiropractic Helps El Paso, TX.

Do you have a sharp pain in your heel? When you take a step, does it feel like a knife is stabbing your heel? If the answer is yes, then you might have a heel spur.

A heel spur is a degenerative outgrowth of bone on the calcaneus. While the heel spur itself is sometimes painless, the condition is commonly associated with Plantar Fasciitis.

  • Heel spurs themselves are not what cause pain
  • Spurs occur in 50-75% of heels afflicted with plantar fasciitis
  • Heel spurs sufferers usually tell of sharp pain in the heel, that radiates to the bottom of the foot.
  • Symptoms can impede walking, and movement in general.

Treatment

Surgery can be costly, risky, but is usually unnecessary.

Recovery time:

  • Between 3 to 6 months or more to return to weight-bearing functions
  • Conservative treatment, on the other hand, is shown to be quite effective.
  • The pain and irritation experienced by about 90% of people respond quite well to conservative treatment.

Home Care:

  1. Stretch foot and calf consistently
  2. Ice the heel to bring down swelling
  3. Wear custom orthotics
  4. Focused exercises on strengthening muscles in the feet and ankles
  5. Weight loss, and better shoes if necessary

At Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic:

Foot adjustments:

  • Inferior navicular
  • Fixated cuboid
  • Posterior calcaneus and/or �dropped� metatarsal heads.
  • Though adjustments may help reduce symptoms, they do not restore plantar aponeurosis laxity or the resultant excessive pronation.

Custom orthotics support all 3 arches, which help control pronation and protect against heel shock.

Your healthcare provider and custom orthotic’s center can offer a special cut out�at the site of the insertion of the plantar fascia to reduce pressure.

Conclusion

Heel spur pain can be reduced by seeing your movement patterns of the foot and ankle. While there is no cure for heel spurs, chiropractic foot adjustments, orthotics and home stretching can help.


El Paso, TX Chiropractic Heel Spur Treatment

 

 

Blanca, born and raised in El Paso, TX, has been suffering from heel spurs for approximately two years. As a registered nurse, her symptoms appreciably affected her ability to work and her general quality of life. Determined to improve her health, Blanca believed care. Once she began treatment with Dr. Alex Jimenez, however, Blanca experienced enormous relief from her heel spurs, nearly immediately. Blanca highly recommends chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez as the nonsurgical selection for the treatment of heel spurs. A heel spur is a calcium residue resulting in a bony protrusion on the bottom of the heel bone.

Although heel spurs are often painless, they can lead to heel pain. They are often associated with plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the fibrous band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) which runs across the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot. Heel spurs are usually caused by strains on foot ligaments and tendons, stretching of the plantar fascia, and repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone. Heel spurs are especially common among athletes.


 

Orthotics

Foot Dysfunction can very easily cause a domino effect that extends all the way to the back. The feet are the foundation of the body and when there is a problem with the way they function it can cause the entire body to shift out of alignment. Overpronation and oversupination can cause a variety of injuries and conditions that affect not only the feet and ankles, but also the knees,�hips, and back as well.

 


 

Functional Hallux Limitus

Functional hallux limitus is unfortunately still considered to be a rare health issue which often goes unaddressed. Outcomes for many different foot disorders will be jeopardized if treatment doesn�t address functional hallux limitus. Foot and postural abnormalities have a basis in poor function of stabilization and the windlass mechanism of the foot structure through the plantar fascia.

 


 

NCBI Resources

Although many people try to treat their low back pain on their own first, one of the fastest and best ways to treat it is through custom orthotics, which actually optimize the performance of your entire body, not just your feet and lower back. For instance, overpronation of the foot causes a series of internal changes that extend up through the leg. The femur may rotate causing hip pain and inflammation of the sacroiliac joint which leads to back pain. Other misalignments in the body that are caused by foot problems can also lead to chronic lower back pain as well.

 

How Chiropractic Care Keeps Spinal Joints Healthy El Paso, TX.

How Chiropractic Care Keeps Spinal Joints Healthy El Paso, TX.

Healthy joints have obvious benefits, including aiding in movement, keeping you flexible and allowing you to stay active. The health of some of your joints is readily apparent�you only have to bend your knees, ankles, elbows or wrists to see how they are functioning at any given moment. But there are some joints in your body that are even more important, although you may not be as aware of them. The joints in your spine, where each vertebra connects to another, are vital to the normal, healthy function of your body. Without healthy spinal joints, you can expect pain and loss of mobility, among other unpleasant symptoms.

Fortunately, keeping your spinal joints healthy is made much easier with regular chiropractic care. Periodic visits to your chiropractor will help you keep your spine operating as well as it possibly can, year in and year out!

 

Ways that Chiropractic Helps In Spinal Joint Health

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 How Chiropractic Care Keeps Spinal Joints Healthy El Paso, TX.

ILLUSTRATION OF A HEALTHY INTERVERTEBRAL DISC, THE DAMAGED INTERVERTEBRAL DISC, HERNIATION.

1. Circulation Increased.

Stiffness in the spine can be caused by a variety of issues, including trauma and degenerative disc disease. While chiropractic cannot prevent the wear and tear that life often brings, it can do a lot to heal that damage. One way that adjustments aid in healing is by increasing circulation to your spinal discs and surrounding tissues. Increased circulation brings in healthy nutrients and removes undesirable material, making it possible for your spine to heal more thoroughly than without good circulation.

2. Pain Is Reduced or Eliminated.

Back pain can make living a normal life difficult if not impossible. Depending on the frequency and severity of the pain, you may find yourself unable to do many of the things you once enjoyed. Even if you do not lose mobility, back pain can distract and upset you every time it shows up.

The pain in your back can most likely be alleviated through chiropractic care. By returning your spine to proper alignment, your chiropractor can ease pressure on the nerves in your back and encourage muscles and other soft tissue to release. Over time spinal adjustments can greatly reduce or even eliminate back pain, which will help you stay active and improve the health of your spinal joints.

3. Mobility Increased.

Pain in your spine and/or neck is usually accompanied by a loss of mobility. Your muscles may seize up in an effort to protect your spine, which can make it impossible to move normally. Even if you are not suffering from muscle spasms, consistent back and neck pain can make you hesitant to move in ways that will trigger pain. Over time, the lack of movement can cause the body to stiffen and weaken. The longer this goes on, the less likely you are to get the physical activity you need to keep your joints mobile and your body strong.

Chiropractic adjustments are capable of breaking up the stiffness that holds you back. By returning your spine to proper alignment, circulation is increased, pain is decreased, muscles release and mobility returns. It can take time to get back to the way you want to be, but it is time well spent.

Healthy Joint Health Requires Consistency

The best way to keep your spinal joints healthy over the long-term is to make regular visits to your chiropractor while also maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Everyone is different, which is why it is important to get customized treatment from your chiropractor. By establishing a relationship with your chiropractor, you can ensure that you are always on the right track for spinal joint health.

Contact us today to learn more about chiropractic care and to schedule an appointment with our team.


The Difference of Using *CHIROPRACTIC ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx

 


Custom Orthotics are Worth The Cost

  • People who experience back, hip, and/or foot pain usually turn to orthotics for relief.
  • Foot Levelers is the leading custom orthotic provider in the U.S., but custom is not always cheap, as compared with the non-customized, over-the-counter orthotics.
  • What�s the difference and why spend money on custom orthotics?

Common Orthotics are Not The Same for Everyone

  • What works for one person may not work for you, which is evident by all the different insoles on the market for the same problems.
  • Take 10 people, all of who have different levels of activity, weight, age, types of pain and wear different shoes, go to the store for store-bought orthotics, take a quick assessment, and are all told to wear the same insole.
  • You need customized care, which is exactly what custom orthotics provide for your body.
  • Custom orthotics are created by scanning and assessing your arches, seeing how you distribute your body weight on your feet, and then a unique treatment plan is created especially for you.

The Body’s Foundation is our Feet

  • What if you were told that the foundation of your home was cracking and you had two options: put duct tape over the crack and hope for the best or spend a little more money and fix the problem the right way.
  • A scan of the feet is used to learn about each foot independently.
  • These scans highlight any differences between your feet like one being smaller, wider, or flatter than the other.
  • This information is essential to creating orthotics and helps achieve a result that over-the-counter orthotics simply cannot provide.
  • Although non-custom orthotics are less expensive, they are basically like putting duct tape on your foundation and may not resolve the issue\s and cause more problems and greater costs.

In the Long Run You Will Save Money

  • Custom orthotics are an investment that pays your body back a hundredfold.
  • Non-custom orthotics are cheaper and are made with unreliable and usually cheap material. These are not designed to resolve your condition, which forces you to spend more money.
  • Paying attention to the foundation of your body provides benefits to the rest of your body, and eliminates the cost of treating all types of discomfort.
  • The process of getting custom orthotics begins with a simple foot scan.
  • This provides us with important information to keep your body operating optimally.

 


 

Spine Pain

Overpronation and over supination can cause a variety of injuries and conditions that affect not only the feet and ankles, but also the knees, hips, and back as well. Foot Dysfunction�can very easily cause a domino effect that extends all the way to the back. The feet are the foundation of the body and when there is a problem with the way they function it can cause the entire body to shift out of alignment.

 


 

NCBI Resources

All our organs receive messages from our brain via our spinal cord. The lungs know to breathe in and out because of the messages they receive from the brain. The heart beats because of these messages as well. Every organ in our body is connected to the brain and blocking this connection�even a little�can cause serious health issues. Some health problems are easily felt like numbness in the fingers or a headache. Some troubles are not so apparent like digestive issues or kidney problems. If the spine is out of order, the organs will feel it.

 

The Four Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease & Chiropractic Care

The Four Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease & Chiropractic Care

Degenerative disc disease is a condition where the degradation or wearing away of your spinal discs leads to pain and discomfort. Everyone�s discs wear down, but not every person experiences pain. That is the difference!

What are the Four Stages of DDD

Two of the main components of the spine are the vertebrae and the discs. The discs sit between vertebrae to provide cushion, support, and flexibility. Each disc is made up of a soft inner layer and a tough outer layer. Over time, or due to injury, the discs can lose their integrity, begin to thin and even tear in certain cases. Compromised discs increase the likelihood of pressure on nerves and friction between the vertebrae.

Like many diseases, degenerative disc disease has several possible stages. As the stages progress, the negative symptoms become more pronounced.

1st Stage

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.

2nd Stage

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.

3rd Stage

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.

4th Stage

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.

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 The Four Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease & Chiropractic Care El Paso, TX.

Doctor explaining various spine diseases by the example of plastic models

How Can Chiropractic Help DDD?

Chiropractic care is a preferred treatment option for degenerative disc disease for a variety of reasons. Because it is gentle and non-invasive, chiropractic is much less likely to create undesirable side effects�which are common with prescription medications and surgery. Obviously, the earlier the stage of degenerative disc disease, the more successful treatment can be. But chiropractic can be helpful even in the most extreme cases of degenerative disc disease.

Chiropractic treatments may include:

Chiro Adjustments

One of the most effective ways to treat degenerative disc disease is to ensure the spine is in proper alignment. Loss of alignment, which can happen due to injury or just day to day life, puts extra stress on the spine which can accelerate the degradation of discs. Adjustments bring back alignment.

Spine 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.

Now is the Time to Treat DDD

The best time to seek treatment for your back and neck pain is right now. Our chiropractic team can help you feel better and live a healthier life. Please contact us now to learn more!

El Paso Back Clinic

The Proper Way To Carry A Backpack El Paso, TX.

The Proper Way To Carry A Backpack El Paso, TX.

Backpacks allow us to carry everything we need wherever we go. But as great as backpacks are, the fact is they can cause real damage if they are not carried correctly. It is possible to carry more weight than you should and in ways that are not healthy. From children to the elderly, everyone should know how to properly carry a backpack.

How Not Carrying Properly Can Hurt Your Back

A recent article on NBC News discussed the health concerns that backpacks present, discussing the various studies that have shown the damage they can cause. As the article noted, most everyone uses a backpack at one time or another. They are simply too useful to do otherwise. But research has demonstrated that they can hurt the back significantly, especially in children.

The back injuries that a backpack can cause include:

Disc Injuries

The spine is made up of vertebrae separated by spinal discs. The discs provide cushioning and flexibility in the spine. But the discs in your spine are only capable of carrying so much weight. When a backpack is too heavy, it can lead to disc compression and possibly tearing of the disc.

Pinched Nerves

Backpacks that are carried incorrectly, like when they are slung over one shoulder only, can cause misalignments in the spine. If the misalignment involves enough pressure, like from a heavy backpack, or is repeated daily, it can lead to a pinched nerve.

Muscle Imbalance

Carrying a backpack over one shoulder day after day will eventually cause your body to alter its alignment and your muscles to become imbalanced. Muscle imbalances can cause a cascade of problems, including altering the way you walk and increasing wear on your spine.

How to Carry Properly

Backpacks can be used safely, you just need to take the proper steps. These include:

1. Do Not Carry too much weight.

The recommended percentage of your body weight when using a backpack ranges from 10% – 15%. Someone that weighs 100 lbs should carry a backpack weighing no more than 15 lbs. Ideally, you should keep it around 10%. The more you go over the recommended weight, the more risk of injury to your back.

2. Utilize both straps.

Backpacks are designed to be carried using a strap over each shoulder. Using both straps distributes the weight evenly across your shoulders, minimizing the risk of excessive wear or injury.

3. Adjust the straps.

The straps of your backpack should be pulled snug, but not too tight. If your backpack includes a belt or additional straps, use them � especially if you are carrying a lot of weight.

4. Carry only what is needed.

It is easy to accumulate items in your backpack without realizing how much you have. Try to examine what is in your pack on a regular basis to ensure you are only taking what you need.

5. Use roll bags for heavy loads.

If you really need to carry more weight, invest in a bag with wheels. Rolling backpacks or other rolling bags can allow you to carry significantly more weight in comfort and safety.

11860 Visa Del Sol Ste.128 The Proper Way To Carry A Backpack El Paso, TX.

6. Apply all of the above to your child�s backpack.

If you have one or more children, it is important to train them on how to use backpacks safely � and to check them from time to time.

Enjoy Back Pain Relief

Our chiropractic team is ready to help you get relief from your back pain. If you are suffering from back pain, please contact us to schedule an appointment with an experienced chiropractor.

11860 Visa Del Sol Ste.128 The Proper Way To Carry A Backpack El Paso, TX.

El Paso Back Clinic

Three Spine Abnormalities That Chiropractic Helps El Paso, TX.

Three Spine Abnormalities That Chiropractic Helps El Paso, TX.

Sometimes there are abnormalities of the spine and it causes a misalignment of the natural curvatures or some curvatures may be exaggerated. These unnatural curvatures of the spine are characterized by three health conditions called lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis.

It is not intended to be naturally bent, twisted, or curved. The natural state of a healthy spine is somewhat straight with slight curves running front to back so that a side view would reveal them.

Viewing the spine from the back, you should see something completely different � a spine that runs straight down, top to bottom with no side to side curves. This doesn�t always happen though.

The spine is comprised of vertebrae, small bones that are stacked on top of each other with impact cushioning discs between each one. These bones act as joints, allowing the spine to bend and twist in a variety of ways.

They gently curve, sloping slightly inward at the small of the back, and again slightly at the neck. The pull of gravity, combined with body movement, can put a great deal of stress on the spine and these slight curves help absorb some of the impact.

Different conditions for different types of spinal curvatures

spinal abnormalities that chiropractic can help el paso tx.

Each of these three spinal curvature disorders affects a certain area of the spine in a very specific way.

  • Hyper or Hypo Lordosis � This spinal curvature disorder affects the lower back, causing the spine to curve inwards or outwards significantly.
  • Hyper or Hypo Kyphosis � This spinal curvature disorder affects the upper back, causing the spine to bow, resulting in that area rounding or flattening abnormally.
  • Scoliosis � This spinal curvature disorder can affect the entire spine, causing it to curve sideways, forming a C or S shape.

What are the symptoms?

spinal abnormalities that chiropractic can help el paso tx.

Each type of curvature exhibits its own set of symptoms. While some symptoms may overlap, many are unique to the specific curvature disorder.

  • Lordosis
    • A �swayback� appearance where the buttocks stick out or are more pronounced.
    • Discomfort in the back, typically in the lumbar region
    • When lying on a hard surface on the back, the lower back area does not touch the surface, even when attempting to tuck the pelvis and straighten the lower back.
    • Difficulty with certain movements
    • Back pain
  • Kyphosis
    • A curve or hump to the upper back
    • Upper back pain and fatigue after sitting or standing for long periods (Scheuermann�s kyphosis)
    • Leg or back fatigue
    • The head bends far forward instead of being more upright
  • Scoliosis
    • Hips or waist are uneven
    • One shoulder blade is higher than the other
    • The person leans to one side

What are the causes?

Many different health issues can cause the spine to become misaligned or to form a spinal curvature. Each of the spinal conditions mentioned is affected by different conditions and situations.

  • Lordosis
    • Osteoporosis
    • Achondroplasia
    • Discitis
    • Obesity
    • Spondylolisthesis
    • Kyphosis
  • Kyphosis
    • Arthritis
    • Tumors on or in the spine
    • Congenital kyphosis (abnormal development of the vertebrae while the person is in utero)
    • Spina bifida
    • Scheuermann’s disease
    • Spine infections
    • Osteoporosis
    • Habitual slouching or poor posture

Scoliosis is still a bit of a mystery to doctors. They are not certain what exactly causes the most common form of scoliosis that is typically seen in children and adolescents. Some of the causes that they have pinpointed include:

chiropractic can help el paso tx.
  • Hereditary, it has a tendency to run in families
  • Infection
  • Birth defect
  • Injury

Spinal curvature disorders & Chiropractic

Spinal manipulations for spinal curvature disorders have been shown to be very effective. Chiropractic helps restore the spine�s natural balance even if the patient has one of these types of conditions.

There are screenings available for both children and adults to identify any spinal curvatures in their early stages through your chiropractor. Early detection of these disorders is crucial in identifying them before they become too serious.

Personalized Spine & *SCIATICA TREATMENT* | El Paso, TX (2019)