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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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:
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)
The spinal cord and brain make up the central nervous system while the spinal nerves that branch to the spinal cord and cranial nerves that branch to the brain makes up the peripheral nervous system.
There are thirty-one sets of nerves that extend out of the spinal cord and are connected to it by the nerve root. Each nerve branches out about a half inch from the spinal cord before dividing into smaller branches. The dorsal rami are on the posterior side of the branch while the larger ventral rami are on the anterior side.
The dorsal rami provide nerve function for the skin of the trunk and posterior muscles. The ventral rami from T1 to T12 provide nerve function to the skin of the trunk as well as the lateral and anterior muscles. The anterior divisions that remain for plexuses, networks that provide nerve function to the body. Each plexus has specific areas on the body for skin sensitivity as well as certain muscles. Their point where they exit the spine determines how they are numbered. The four primary plexuses are:
Cervical plexus, C1 � C4, innervates the diaphragm, shoulder, and neck
Brachial plexus, C5 � T1, innervates the upper limbs
Lumbar plexus, T12/L1 � L4, innervates the thigh
Sacral plexus, L4 � S4, innervates the leg and foot.
These spinal nerves have two sets of fibers: motor and sensory. Motor fibers facilitate movement and provide nerve function to the muscles. Sensory fibers facilitate sensitivities to touch, temperature and other stimuli. They provide nerve function to the skin.
What are Myotomes and Dermatomes?
A group of muscles that are innervated by the motor fibers that stem from a specific nerve root is called a myotome. An area of the skin that is innervated by the sensory fibers that stem from a specific nerve root is called a dermatome. These patterns of myotome and dermatome are almost always identical from person to person. There are occasionally variances, but that is rare.
This consistency allows doctors to treat nerve pain in patients. If a specific area is hurting, they know that it is attributed to a certain myotome or dermatome, whichever the case may be, and its corresponding nerve root. Problems with nerve damage are often the result of stretching the nerve or compressing it.
When the nerves are injured in specific areas like the lumbosacral or brachial plexus, it presents as sensory and motor deficits in the limbs that correspond to them. Myotomes and dermatomes are used to assess the extent of the damage.
How are Myotomes and Dermatomes used to Assess Nerve Damage?
When a doctor tests for nerve root damage in a patient, he or she will often test the myotomes or dermatomes for the nerves assigned to that location. A dermatome is examined for abnormal sensation, such as hypersensitivity or lack of sensitivity.
This is done by using stimulus inducing tools such as a pen, paper clip, pinwheel, fingernails, cotton ball, or pads of the fingers. The patient is instructed to provide feedback regarding their response. Some of the abnormal sensation responses include:
A myotome is tested for nerve damage in the muscles which presents as muscle weakness. This grading scale, which assigns a rating to the degree of muscle weakness, is often used:
5 � Normal � Complete range of motion against gravity with full resistance
4 � Good � Complete range of motion against gravity with some resistance
3 � Fair � Complete range of motion against gravity with no resistance, active ROM
2 � Poor � Complete range of motion with some assistance and gravity eliminated
1 � Trace � Evidence of slight muscular contraction, no joint motion evident
0 � Zero � No evidence of muscle contraction
During a typical chiropractic exam, your chiropractor will assess both dermatomes and myotomes for potential neurological problems. This gives them additional insight on how to treat your condition, whether it’s related to a subluxation of vertebral bodies or other, other disease processes.
If you�ve been experiencing lower back pain and can�t seem to pinpoint the cause, try looking down � at your feet. What kind of shoes are you wearing? Your shoes can have a tremendous effect on your spine, causing back pain. While this is traditionally considered to be a �female issue,� some men�s shoe styles are unsafe as well. Take a look at the most common culprits and find out how you can be safely shod.
The Truth About High Heels
Wearing high heels puts your body in a position that is very similar to walking on a ramp. It causes your calf muscles to stay in a constantly flexed position and increases fatigue throughout the lower body. What�s worse, though, is that high heels cause your entire posture to change, they:
Thrust your chest forward
Push your lower back forward
Tilt your pelvis up so the spine and hips are out of alignment
Put excessive pressure on the knees
Tendons get thicker and calf muscles get shorter
Shift your weight to the balls of your feet with increased downward force pressure
Extended regular wear can actually cause your anatomy to change
Wearing high heels for even a few hours can cause lower back pain. Wearing them regularly can have a detrimental effect on your body. This does not take into account the increased risk of falls and twisted ankles.
Why Flip Flops are a Flop
Flip flops are a popular summer shoe. They are easy to slip on and take off, they�re cool and fairly comfortable. Most even stand up to getting wet without damage. However, you may be sacrificing your safety and spine health for choosing these easy to wear shoes.
The biggest problem is, they do not offer any ankle or foot support � none at all. The cushioning is minimal at best and they aren�t really secure on your foot. All of this leaves you vulnerable to trips and falls � a leading cause of injury and death in the United States. It also leaves you vulnerable to back pain and spinal injury.
There are several problems with wearing flip-flops, especially on a regular basis:
You have to unnaturally shorten your stride
You have to curl or pinch your toes to keep your shoes on while you walk
Your foot contacts the ground in an unnatural way that causes your leg to rotate slightly
All of these things put pressure on your spine, causing unusual strain on your hips, knees, feet, and lower back. It can cause muscular pain and strain, but it can also cause misalignment of your spine.
So, are Flat Shoes Better?
When compared to high heels, flat shoes are much better, especially when it comes to posture. Flats keep your spine pretty straight and your calf muscles are relaxed. They also help to distribute your body weight more evenly through your whole foot as opposed to pushing it to the balls of the feet. However, not all flat shoes are created equal. For instance, flip flops are flat, but we know that they are bad for your body, so be careful when choosing your flat footwear.
Throughout the course of the day, your foot naturally expands. Go shoe shopping in the afternoon to get a more accurate fit.
Get your feet measured every time you buy shoes.
Always try on new shoes, walk around in them and stand.
When determining length and width, do it while standing.
Look for shoes that provide foot support and have arch support.
Don�t get shoes that are too wide or too narrow � or too long or short.
Look at both size and width. Going up a half a size may not necessarily mean a shoe is wide enough if the shoes you are trying on pinch.
Speaking of size, let it be a guide, not a rule. Gauge your shoe size by your comfort, not a number.
Feel the insides of the shoes, along the heel and down to the toe to make sure that there are no seams, tags, or anything else that will affect your comfort or rub your foot.
Check the shoe for sturdiness and soundness. Is the sole thick? Does the sole adhere well to the shoe (no gaps or loose spots)? Is the shoe made from durable, quality material?
Shoes are not accessories, they are tools that help protect much more than just your feet. Wear them well.
Sports Injury Rehabilitation Chiropractor | El Paso, Tx (Best)
When you spend a lot of time behind the wheel, whether you are going on a long trip or your job requires you to drive around town all day, it can be a real pain � in the back. Many car seats may be comfortable for short rides, but they are not built to support the back on the long hauls. However, there are some things that you can do to offset a non-back friendly seat design and alleviate, or even prevent, back pain while driving.
Create a Comfortable Space
Before you settle in behind the wheel, you want to make sure that you are comfortable. Keeping things like your wallet and cellphone in your pocket may be convenient when you are moving about, but can be an irritant when you are sitting on them mile after mile. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Any discomfort can put stress on your body so even if it is not necessarily pain related, it can exacerbate pain as your body�s sensitivity heightens in response to the pressure.
Adjust your seat so that you are comfortable, but sitting reasonably upright. If you recline, it could put stress on your neck and upper back, causing pain. Your seat should also be high enough so that you can place your feet flat on the floor � at least for a while (you can do this while driving if you have cruise control). There should be a slight bend in your elbows as you reach for the steering wheel and you should not have to stretch to reach the pedals. Make sure that your mirrors are adjusted so that you don�t have to bend or crane your neck to get good visibility.
Put Together a Healthy Back Kit
Bring along some things to help keep your back comfortable and pain-free � even if you�ve never experienced back pain while driving. There is always a first time. Some of the items you might want to bring along include:
A towel that you can roll up and place behind the small of your back
A lumbar support pillow
A cold or hot pack
Something for pain relief
A cushion for your car seat to absorb the vibration
Water (so you can stay hydrated)
Essential Oil like lavender or peppermint (put a few drops in a carrier oil and apply to the sore areas)
Take Breaks and Move a Little
Driving straight through without any breaks is never a good idea. It can make you more tired, stiff and sore � and less alert on the road. Instead, take breaks to get out of the car, walk around, and stretch. When you move, you stimulate your circulation which brings oxygen and vital nutrients to your muscles. You�ll feel better, be more alert, and will be less likely to experience back pain.
Stopping every hour or so will help considerably with alleviating back pain. It doesn�t have to be a big production, walk around for a few minutes, stretch your neck, shoulders, and back, then get back on the road. In between stops you can move your ankles up and down or rotate them to increase circulation to the lower leg. You should also adjust your position or your seat about every 20 minutes. Even these slight movements can help keep the blood flowing which will prevent your muscles from getting stiff and sore.
Regular chiropractic care, as well as a consistent exercise routine, can help prevent back pain in many situations, including while driving. Your chiropractor can also recommend some back strengthening exercises and stretches that will help make your spine even healthier.
Are you struggling with your symptoms of MS on a regular basis? Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease where the human body’s own immune system attacks the fatty myelin coating which surrounds and insulates nerve cells, a process called demyelination. Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include fatigue, muscle spasms, walking problems, and tingling sensations and numbness.
According to various research studies, improved strength, flexibility, and mobility from participating in physical activities and exercises help decrease the risk of bone fractures and other ailments in people with MS. One research study also indicates that improper nutrition and a lack of physical activity and exercise are the most frequent risk factors for people with multiple sclerosis.
Another research study on the benefits of exercise for multiple sclerosis was printed by researchers from the University of Utah in 1996. The participants of the research study developed a more positive mindset, increased their strength, flexibility, and mobility, experienced less fatigue, improved their bowel, bladder, and cardiovascular function, and developed fewer symptoms of depression.
Exercises for Multiple Sclerosis
A fitness program ought to be designed under medical supervision and may be adjusted as MS symptoms change. Patients with MS should engage in physical activities and exercises several times each week and avoid workouts for extended periods of time. Patients with MS can still do tasks around the home. Examples of everyday tasks include cooking, gardening, and�other household tasks.
Exercises that can help manage MS symptoms include:
Yoga. This type of physical activity/exercise features becoming aware of your breathing to help relax your body and mind. Benefits of yoga include enhancing the human body’s alignment, improving your own balance. Yoga also teaches you relaxing techniques, like meditation, which you could use during a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI scan, or receiving an injection.
Tai Chi. This Chinese martial art teaches you how to breathe, relax and slow down your movements. Furthermore, Tai Chi can also help improves your balance, further helping to manage and support muscle tone, as well as help relieves stress.
Water exercises. Physical activities/exercises performed in water require less effort. This helps people with MS move in ways that they would otherwise not be able to perform properly. Benefits of water exercises include muscle relaxation, enhanced flexibility, better movement, improved strength, and reduced pain. These concentrate on improving aerobic resistance.
Healthcare professional used to recommend that people with MS avoid exercise entirely for fear of aggravating their symptoms. Now, evidence indicates that regular exercise not only improves quality of life for people with MS, but it might also help alleviate symptoms and decrease the risk of complications in the future. Exercise can be beneficial for anyone, even for people with multiple sclerosis.
According to many healthcare professionals, physical activity and exercise are one of the most essential elements of treatment for multiple sclerosis or MS. While many patients with MS often avoid exercise, thinking it will aggravate their symptoms, research studies have demonstrated that exercise can actually help improve symptoms. As described in the following article, physical activity can help improve strength, mobility, and flexibility. Furthermore, physical activity can have various other health benefits for MS, including improved bowel and bladder function as well as enhanced mood and decreased fatigue. Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Getting Started with Exercise for MS
Kathleen Costello, a nurse practitioner and associate vice president of medical care for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, recommends seeking the support of a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist, to determine which physical activities or exercises would be beneficial for patients with MS. Benefits of exercise for multiple sclerosis include:
Less Fatigue
Various kinds of physical activities and exercise can improve fatigue. This is a frequent complaint among individuals with MS. A research study on yoga for people with MS discovered that yoga is as superior as other kinds of exercise in lowering fatigue. Another research study discovered that eight months of water exercise decreased fatigue and improved quality of life in women with MS.
Better Mood
Moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, dancing, or bicycling, has been shown in several research studies to enhance mood in people who are depressed. One research study discovered that the benefits also apply to adults with neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, especially when physical activity guidelines are met. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes, or 2 hours and 30 minutes, of moderate-intensity physical activities or exercises each week, in addition to including at least two workout routines involving muscle strengthening exercises for MS.
Better Bladder Control
Among the research studies on the benefits of exercise in people with MS, one review found that 15 months of aerobic exercise helped to enhance bowel and bladder function in people with MS. A small pilot research study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2014 discovered that a yoga program also afforded better bladder control among individuals with MS.
Stronger Bones
Weight-bearing physical activities and exercise, such as walking, running, or using an elliptical machine, can help strengthen bones and may protect against osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease that raises the possibility of fracturing bones. A lot of people with MS, or multiple sclerosis, are at risk of developing osteoporosis due to a combination of factors, including:
Low blood levels of vitamin D, the nutritional supplement that works with calcium to protect bone health
A history of taking corticosteroids, drugs used to treat MS flares that can lead to low calcium levels in the bloodstream
Mobility difficulties, which might make a person least likely to engage in different forms of exercise
Low body weight
At the same time, people with MS occasionally have balance conditions which make them more vulnerable to falling, a significant cause of broken bones. Finding a means to take part in exercises and physical activities which can help strengthen the bones is therefore important for preserving bone density and helping to prevent fractures, especially in people diagnosed with MS.
Weight Management
If symptoms of MS result in decreased physical activity or exercise, among one of the consequences, may include weight gain, which can make it even harder for you to get around. The use of corticosteroids can also lead to weight gain. Engaging in physical activities or exercise can help slow down or stop weight gain. Regular exercise can also benefit people who are underweight. Along with other benefits described above, physical activity or exercise may also increase appetite in people who are underweight.
For a lot of people, MS means changes in the physical activities or exercises they can perform and in how they will be able to execute them, however, it doesn’t imply that their lifestyle will come to a standstill. Work with your healthcare professional to discover the actions that suit you best and the assistive devices that could keep you moving with MS. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal health issues. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex JimenezR
Additional Topic Discussion:�Acute Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief. �
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
