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.
Back pain can be debilitating. A patient can find they have trouble moving or engaging in regular activities like lifting their children or even walking. Pain in the mid to upper back can be caused by a variety of issues, and it can have a significant impact on a person�s quality of life. Many people see chiropractors to get relief from their back pain, but there are some things that chiropractic patients should know so that they can get the most out of their treatments.
What is the Thoracic Spine?
Twelve vertebrae make up the thoracic spine which is located just above the lumbar spine and just below the cervical spine. It is often referred to as the upper back. This part of the spine has several essential functions. The ribs connect with this portion of the spine, and it also is responsible for protecting the spinal cord.
The thoracic spine also differs from the lumbar spine and cervical spine. Instead of curving inward (lordosis) as those areas do, it curves outward (kyphosis). This provides the freedom of movement that allows a person to bend forward and touch their toes. It does not allow for much bending backward; that typically comes from the lower back.
Many nerves extend from the thoracic spine. They control organ function for the major organs, including:
T1 to T4
Heart
Esophagus
Upper body muscles
Lungs
Larynx
Part of the arms
Trachea
Esophagus
T5 to T10
Gallbladder
Diaphragm
Small intestine
Appendix
Liver
Kidneys
Suprarenal gland
Stomach
Spleen
Adrenal gland
Pancreas
T11 to T12
Small intestines
Mid to upper body muscles
Lymph circulation
Colon
Solar plexus
Uterus
Mid to Upper Back Pain
Pain in the thoracic area of the spine is often caused by muscle strain, overuse, and injury to the discs, ligaments, and muscles that surround the spine and support it. Poor posture can also cause pain in that area. It is also very common for myofascial pain to affect the connective tissue of` muscle groups and individual muscles. These problems can occur due to a variety of causes:
Slouching or slumping while standing or sitting
Getting in a car accident where the patient is lurched forward or jolted
Lifting something that is too heavy
Yard work
Getting struck or hit in the back
Playing sports
Osteoarthritis can also occur in this area. It is caused by torn cartilage brought about by the everyday wear and teas and even the simple process of aging. Fractured vertebrae can also cause back pain in the thoracic area, as can a herniated disc, and a spine that is oddly shaped or misshapen. Degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis can also be culprits.
Chiropractic Care for the Thoracic Spine
The goal of the chiropractor treating a patient for thoracic back pain will usually focus on reducing the pain and inflammation in the area. The treatments may include:
Spinal adjustments
Specialized exercise recommendations
Ergonomic training
Distraction
Heat or ice
Traction
Electrical stimulation
The chiropractor may also recommend nutritional supplements like proteolytic enzymes to aid in managing the swelling and pain that may be caused by disc herniation and some other back injuries. They may also recommend dietary changes or weight loss to help the patient manage their pain.
Chiropractic is a safe, effective, non-invasive treatment for mid to upper back pain. Many patients experience results immediately which is another draw for people. Most patients with back problems will be advised to maintain regular chiropractic visits to manage the pain and keep it at bay effectively.
aka Spondylodiscitis and vertebral osteomyelitis overall are relatively infrequent and may present with bimodal distribution: children and adults >50’s
Occasionally considered as two separate entities due to variations in the blood supply of pediatric vs. adult spines
Risk factors/causes: distant site of infection in the body (25-35%), e.g., oropharynx, urogenital infections, bacterial endocarditis, indwelling catheters, florid skin infections furunculosis/abscess, etc.
Iatrogenic:�operative (e.g., discectomy) interventional or diagnostic/therapeutic procedures
Penetrating trauma
Immunocompromised patients
Diabetics
Malnourished patients or patients with low protein
IV drug users
Chronic disease patients, cancer patients etc.
Potential Pathological Sequence
Clinical Presentation
Back pain with or w/o high fever and other “septic” signs. Fever may only present in 50% of children
Exacerbation of pre-existing back pain in post-surgical cases
Neurological complications in advanced cases of vertebral destruction and epidural abscess
Meningitis, septicemia etc.
Labs: Blood tests are unspecific, may or may not indicate elevated ESR/CRP, WBC
Diagnostic imaging is important but
If clinical suspicion is strong, prompt I.V. antibiotics are needed to prevent serious complications
Routes of Infection
Infection routes to the spine are similar to bone in general
3-distinct routes:
1) Hematogenous spread as bacteremia (most common)
2) Adjacent site of infection (e.g., soft tissue abscess)
3)Direct inoculation (e.g., iatrogenic or traumatic)
M/C organism Staph. Aureus
Mycobacterium TB (tuberculous spinal osteomyelitis) aka Pott’s disease can be presented in cases of re-activated or disseminated pulmonary TB
Mechanisms of Spinal Infection
May vary depending on the patients’ age
In children, the IVD receives direct blood supply and can be infected directly spreading to adjacent bone and causing spondylodiscitis
In Adults
The disc is avascular
Pathogens invade adjacent vertebral end-plates via end-arterial supply of the vertebral body that may facilitate infection due to slow, turbulent flow
Organisms may then quickly gain access to disc substance rich in nutrients (discitis) often w/o significant initially visible destruction to the bone
Thus, one of the earliest rad. findings of spinal infection or sudden reduction of disc height
Later end-plate irregularity/sclerosis may develop, subsequently affecting the entire adjacent vertebral bodies
Diagnostic Imaging
Initially, in most cases of MSK complaints, radiography is the 1st imaging step
Initially, X-radiography is often unrewarding and may appear unremarkable for 7-10 days or presents with some subtle soft tissue changes (e.g., obscuration of Psoas shadows etc.)
Some of the earliest x-ray signs of pyogenic spondylodiscitis: sudden reduction of disc height (above arrow) during initial 7-10 days
Subsequently (10-20 days) some end-plate irregularity and adjacent sclerosis may be noted
In more advanced cases, subsequent vertebral destruction and collapse may occur
N.B. Reliable feature to DDx between spinal infection and metastasis is the preservation of disc height in the latter
Note:�sudden disc narrowing with no appreciable spondylosis (above the first image) is suspicious for infection (discitis)
MRI +C is required to evaluate suspected infection
N.B. 50-60% of pyogenic spondylodiscitis occur in the lumbar region
AP & Lateral Lumbar Radiographs
Note severe disc narrowing and adjacent vertebral body destruction at L1-L2 in a 68 -y.o.-female with a known Hx of type 2 DM
Additional imaging modalities should be used to support the Dx
Final Dx: Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis
Sagittal T1 & T2 MRI
Weighted MRI slices of a patient who had laminectomy at L4
MR imaging with gad contrast is the modality of choice for Dx of spinal infection
Early septic changes affecting the disc and adjacent vertebral end-plates are readily demonstrated as a low signal on T1 and high T2/STIR d/t edema and inflammation
T1 FS +C gad images show avid enhancement of the lesion due to granulation tissue around the phlegmon. Peripheral enhancement is also characteristic of an abscess.
Epidural extension/abscess can also be successfully detected my MRI
N.B. 50% of epidural abscess cases present with neurological signs
STIR & T1 FS +C Gad Sagittal MRI
Marked septic collection and edema affecting L4-5 disc and vertebral body with some epidural extension and paraspinal soft tissue edema. Avid contrast enhancement is noted surrounding low signal foci within the bone and disc tissue, some gad. Enhancement is noted in posterior paraspinal muscles and dural spaces
Management: Dx of spondylodiscitis requires prompt I.V antibiotics. If instability and neurological complications develop referral to a Neurosurgeon is required
MRI Unavailable or Contraindicated
Bone scintigraphy is very sensitive but non-specific for spinal infection but overall is of great value d/t higher sensitivity than x-rays and relatively low cost.
An area of increased flow with radiopharmaceutical uptake is characteristic but not specific sign of spondylodiscitis
If neurological signs are present and MRI is contraindicated than CT myelography may be used
TB Osteomyelitis aka Pott’s Disease
TB osteomyelitis is increasing d/t HIV and other immunocompromised states. Extrapulmonary TB m/c affects the spine and especially the thoracic spine (60%)
Radiographic Pathology:�TB bacillus infects the vertebral body and often spreads subligamentously. “Cold” paraspinal abscess collection may develop and spreads along fascial planes, e.g., Psoas abscess. Disc spaces are preserved until v. late and skip areas are noted helping to DDx TB from pyogenic infection. Severe vertebral destruction aka Gibbus deformity may develop (>60-degree sometimes) and may become permanent. Neurologic and many regional complications may develop
Imagingapproach:�CXR with spinal x-rays 1st step that may be unrewarding but may potentially reveal VB destruction w/o disc narrowing. CT scanning is more superior than x-rays. MRI with gad C is a modality of choice
Hip fractures are characterized as any type of break in the upper region of the femur or thigh bone. The variety of broken bones generally depends on the circumstances and the force applied to the bone, where some can be more common than others. Impacted femoral neck fractures are common hip fractures which occur in many older adults in the United States.
Anatomy of Impacted Femoral Neck Fractures
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint which provides the femur the ability to bend and rotate at the pelvis. While any form of broken bones in the thigh bone or femur is considered a hip fracture, damage or injury to the socket, or acetabulum, itself is not considered a hip fracture. Below we will discuss hip fractures, particularly impacted femoral neck fractures, among others.
Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis
Hip fractures frequently�occur due to a slip-and-fall accident or due�to a direct blow to the hip. Various health issues, including osteoporosis and stress injuries, as well as cancer, can sometimes weaken the bones and make the pelvis more vulnerable to fractures.�The neck of the femur is located under the ball of the hip joint. Impacted femoral neck fractures occur when a force presses against both ends of the femur at the femoral neck, pushing the broken ends of the bone together.
Patients with hip fractures experience symptoms of pain on the upper thigh or in the groin. They may also experience considerable discomfort with any attempt to flex or rotate the hip. In comparison to impacted femoral neck fractures, if the bone is completely broken, the leg may appear to be shorter than the non-injured leg. Also, the patient will hold the injured leg in a still position with the foot and knee turned outward in external rotation.
Diagnosis�for hip fractures commonly involves the use of x-rays of the hip, pelvis and/or femur. In several instances, if the patient experiences a slip-and-fall accident or a direct blow to the hip resulting in impacted femoral neck fractures, they may not be seen on a regular x-ray. Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, may be recommended to view some cases of hip fractures. The MRI scan will typically demonstrate any hidden hip fractures. Computed tomography, or CT, scans may also be utilized instead.
Impacted femoral neck fractures are hip injuries which occur just below the femoral head, or the ball-and-socket hip joint, where the broken ends of the bone are jammed together by the force of the injury. This area of the thigh bone, or femur, is known as the femoral neck. Treatment for impacted femoral neck fractures may include rest and physical rehabilitation. Diagnosis for impacted femoral neck fractures is important for treatment.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
Treatment of Impacted Femoral Neck Fractures
Once a healthcare professional has diagnosed the patient’s hip fracture, their overall health and wellness will also be evaluated.�Treatment for femoral neck stress fractures depends on the patient’s age and on the extent of the broken bone. Treatment for femoral neck stress fractures�include bed rest for several days followed by a physical rehabilitation program.
Many femoral neck stress fractures are treated with surgery. It’s essential for the patient to talk to their doctor to discuss the best treatment option.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Chiropractic for Athletes with Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain is 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. Because of this, 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.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint composed of the head of the thigh bone, or femur,�which acts as the ball and fits into the round socket of the hip bone, or acetabulum. The neck of the femur is located under the ball of the hip joint. Stress fractures to the femoral neck can entirely or partially detach the femoral head from the rest of the femur.
Femoral neck stress fractures can be either displaced, where the bone is transferred out of its normal position, or non-displaced, where the bone remains stable. These fractures may interrupt blood flow to the portion of the broken bone. In recovery, the blood supply prevents severely displaced femoral neck stress fractures from healing correctly.
Causes and Symptoms of Femoral Neck Stress Fractures
Femoral neck stress fractures can result due to: a small slip-and-fall accident or twisting of the hip in older adults, osteoporosis, a high-impact�injury, such as from an automobile accident, and�sudden strenuous physical activity or changes in physical activity in younger individuals unaccustomed to the events, including from sports injuries.�
The symptoms of femoral neck stress fractures generally include: pain and discomfort, radiating pain which extends to the knee, inability to bear weight on the affected lower extremity, shortening or sideways rotation of the leg, increased pain in the hip during the rotation of the leg, and inflammation on the side of the hip with the femoral neck stress fractures.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Femoral Neck Stress Fractures
A healthcare professional will diagnose femoral neck stress fractures based on the causes and symptoms of the health issue, followed by clinical evaluation. Many doctors order x-rays to diagnose femoral neck stress fractures. The doctor may also order�magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, and computer tomography, or CT, scanning for a better diagnosis.
Treatment for femoral neck stress fractures depends on the patient’s age as well as on the extent of the broken bone. Treatment for femoral neck stress fractures may include�bed rest for several days followed by a physical rehabilitation program. A healthcare professional may prescribe drugs and/or medications to relieve pain, prevent blood clots and treat infection.
Many femoral neck stress fractures are treated through surgical interventions. Surgery for femoral neck stress fractures involves hip pinning if the bone is minimally displaced and the patient has�enough bone density. The surgeon performs this by making a small incision and then inserting several screws to stabilize the bones which are broken.
Hip hemiarthroplasty or partial hip replacement is utilized for displaced fractures where the surgeon will replace the�femoral head with a metal implant. The socket is not replaced in a partial hip replacement procedure. For total hip replacement, the surgeon will replace the socket of the hip joint, as well as the femoral head, with artificial metallic implants.
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Femoral neck stress fractures are hip injuries which occur just below the femoral head, or the ball-and-socket hip joint. This area of the thigh bone, or femur, is known as the femoral neck. Femoral neck stress fractures happen when the ball is disconnected from the rest of the femur, or thigh bone. Treatment for this health issue includes rest and physical rehabilitation.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
Conclusion
Femoral neck stress fractures occur�in the hip area below the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. A healthcare professional will suggest treatment based on the severity of the femoral neck stress fractures and the patient’s age.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Chiropractic for Athletes with Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain is 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. Because of this, 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.
Pain along the pelvis and groin region is known as osteitis pubis. Osteitis pubis develops through the inflammation of the pubic symphysis, or the joints of the major pelvic bones found at the front of the pelvis.
The pubic symphysis is a thin joint which generally provides very minimal motion. The joint retains the two sides of the pelvis together in the front, where they connect�at the sacrum in the rear side of the pelvis.
Osteitis Pubis Symptoms
Osteitis pubis is commonly characterized by pain in the front of the pelvis. Other causes of pelvic pain, such as a strain or a sprain, are frequently confused and diagnosed as osteitis pubis. While many patients report painful symptoms on one side, the�pain�typically occurs in the middle of the pelvis. Other symptoms of osteitis pubis include limping and weakness.
Osteitis Pubis Causes
For some patients, the pubic symphysis itself can become irritated and inflamed, causing the well-known symptoms of osteitis pubis. Other common causes of osteitis pubis comprise of: sports injuries, particularly from football, hockey, and soccer; pregnancy; gynecologic or abdominal surgical interventions; and trauma or injury from accidents.
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Osteitis pubis is known as the inflammation of the pubis symphysis which causes various degrees of lower abdominal, pelvic, and groin pain. Symptoms of osteitis pubis include pain and discomfort in the region of the pelvis when engaging in physical activities, and loss of flexibility. A variety of causes, including sports injuries, can cause osteitis pubis. Fortunately, rest alone can help treat this painful health issue.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
Osteitis Pubis Diagnosis
Diagnosis of osteitis pubis generally involves x-rays which demonstrate an irregular pubic symphysis with sclerotic, or thick, bone borders as a result of chronic inflammation. An MRI test is generally not required, however, it will help demonstrate the inflammation of the bone and the joint.
Additional tests may be performed to ensure there’s no infection in the bone which could also be causing symptoms similar to osteitis pubis. This complication is more of a concern for those patients who have had recent surgery or for those who are more prone to suffer from infections.
Osteitis Pubis Management
The most recommended treatment for osteitis pubis is rest. Since inflammation is the problem, the human body often only requires the joint to rest in order to heal correctly. Other treatment, however, consists of:
Rest
An essential treatment for osteitis pubis is rest as this will permit the intense inflammation in the pelvis and groin to subside. For many patients, rest alone is the only treatment necessary for their�osteitis pubis. If the pain is severe, crutches or a cane may provide additional assistance.
Ice and Heat
Ice packs and heating pads are among the most commonly used remedies for inflammation. Make sure to follow the instructions of your healthcare professional before utilizing ice and heat for your osteitis pubis symptoms.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a well-known, alternative treatment option for osteitis pubis. A doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, will utilize a variety of treatment methods and techniques, to help restore strength, mobility, and flexibility while rest is needed to subside the painful symptoms. Chiropractic care can also help correct any spinal misalignments which may be causing additional pain and discomfort for the patient.
Drugs and/or Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or medications, commonly referred to as NSAIDs, are frequent prescriptions provided for patients with hip pain brought on by problems like arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis.
Treatment of osteitis pubis may take some time to completely relieve the painful symptoms. The use of drugs and/or medications is demonstrated to be better than the other treatment options listed above, although attempts to heal osteitis pubis with cortisone injections have been tested.
Surgical interventions are generally not necessary for patients with osteitis pubis.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Acute Back Pain
Back pain�is the most prevalent cause of disability worldwide and 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. Because of this, 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.
Sciatica is a collection of symptoms in the low back, which radiate down one or both legs. Sciatica is generally caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the human body. One of the most common health issues that cause sciatic nerve pain is called piriformis syndrome. The piriformis muscle stretches from the front of the sacrum, the triangle-shaped bone between the hipbones on the pelvis.
The piriformis muscle extends to the top of the femur around the sciatic nerve. The femur, as previously mentioned, is the large bone in the upper leg. The piriformis muscle functions by helping the thigh move from side to side. A piriformis muscle spasm, or any other type of injury and/or condition along the piriformis muscle, can place pressure on the sciatic nerve and cause pain and discomfort. The result is piriformis�syndrome.
Piriformis Syndrome Causes and Symptoms
Sciatic nerve pain,�or sciatica, is one of the most prevalent�symptoms of piriformis syndrome. The pain and discomfort, however, may be felt in another part of the body. This is known as referred pain. Other common symptoms of piriformis syndrome include tingling sensations and numbness; tenderness;�difficulty sitting along with�pain while sitting and pain in the buttocks and thighs with physical activities.
The piriformis muscle can easily become damaged or injured from periods of inactivity or an excessive amount of exercise. Some common causes of piriformis syndrome include overuse; repetitive movements involving the legs; sitting for lengthy periods of time; lifting heavy objects; and extensive stair climbing. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries can also harm the piriformis muscle and cause it to compress the sciatic nerve.�
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Piriformis Syndrome Diagnosis
A doctor appointment for diagnosis of piriformis syndrome may include a review of the patient’s health history, their symptoms, and other probable causes of their pain and discomfort. If you recall straining a muscle during physical activity, be sure to share that information with your doctor. The�doctor may also perform a physical exam. The patient will participate in a series of range of movements to determine the cause of symptoms.
Some imaging tests may also be essential to help rule out other causes of piriformis syndrome. A CT scan or an MRI scan may help the healthcare professional determine whether even a herniated disc or arthritis is causing the patient’s pain and discomfort. An ultrasound of the piriformis muscle may also be helpful in diagnosing the problem if it seems that piriformis syndrome is causing the patient’s overall symptoms.
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Piriformis syndrome is a health issue associated with the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve around the piriformis muscle. Symptoms may include pain and discomfort, tingling sensations and numbness along the low back, or sciatica. Chiropractic care is a well-known alternative treatment option which can help reduce the compression of the sciatic nerve and improve piriformis syndrome.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
Piriformis Syndrome Treatment
Piriformis syndrome may often not need any treatment to�relieve its symptoms. Just avoiding the physical activities which caused the pain and discomfort to manifest and rest can help improve the health issue. If symptoms do persist, however, alternating between ice and heat can help decrease pain. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes then use a heating pad on the affected area. Try that every couple of hours to help relieve symptoms.
Over-the-counter painkillers�may also help decrease pain and discomfort. The symptoms associated with piriformis syndrome can go away with no additional treatment, however, if it doesn’t, the patient might benefit from alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care or physical therapy. Chiropractic care is a treatment approach which utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to treat a variety of injuries and/or conditions.
A chiropractor,�or doctor of chiropractic, may also provide piriformis syndrome relief through the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, or TENS, treatment. A TENS device is a handheld unit which sends electrical charges directly to the affected region of the piriformis muscle. The nerves are then stimulated by the electric energy, which interferes with pain signals being transmitted to the brain.
The chiropractor or physical therapist may also recommend a series of lifestyle modifications, including physical activity guidance and nutritional advice. Various stretches and exercises can help improve the strength, flexibility, and mobility of the�piriformis muscle. In severe cases of piriformis syndrome, corticosteroid injections or even surgical interventions may be required to help alleviate the symptoms.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Chiropractic for Athletes with Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain is 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. Because of this, 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.
The hips are some of the most flexible structures in the human body, providing the necessary amount of strength and stability needed to support the human body when walking, running or jumping. However, the hip joint can also be vulnerable to damage or injury, resulting in debilitating hip pain. Trochanteric bursitis is hip pain brought on by the inflammation of the fluid-filled sac, or bursa, found on the outer border of the hip.
Trochanteric Bursitis Overview
There are about 160 bursae located around the entire body. Bursae act as a sort of “cushion” between soft tissues and bones, preventing bones from rubbing against tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Trochanteric bursitis can affect any of the bursae inside the human body. Trochanteric bursitis affects the outer part of the thighbone, or the femur, at the edge of the hip. This bony point is best known as the greater trochanter.
Another bursa, called the iliopsoas bursa, can be found on the inside of the hip. Inflammation of the iliopsoas bursa also triggers pain in the groin. Bursitis is considered to be one of the top causes of hip pain. Repetitive physical activities, such as climbing stairs, or even surgical interventions to the hip may cause inflammation in the bursa. Many doctors commonly refer to trochanteric�bursitis as greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms of Trochanteric Bursitis
The main characteristic of trochanteric bursitis involves pain in the outer area of the hip or pain when laying on the affected side of the hip. The painful signs and symptoms will also generally become worse through certain physical activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. Pain may also�radiate down the�thigh and into the feet, or it may disperse. Pain can be sharp and fade into an ache, accompanied by swelling in the legs.
Causes of Trochanteric Bursitis
Common causes of trochanteric bursitis include�slip-and-fall accidents, strong blows to the hip, or lying on one side of the body for an extended period of time. Sports injuries involving�overuse from repetitive physical activities like running, bicycling, or climbing stairs, a ripped tendon or even standing may cause trochanteric�bursitis. Health issues, such as�bone spurs in the hip or thighbone, may consequently cause trochanteric bursitis.�
A variety of conditions and disorders may also lead to trochanteric bursitis, including spine problems, such as scoliosis or arthritis of the lumbar spine, even rheumatoid arthritis, and gout as well as thyroid disease. Moreover, legs of two different lengths,�hip surgery or prosthetic implants can create problems in the hips. Trochanteric bursitis is most common in middle-aged or elderly people and it is most prevalent in women than men.
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Trochanteric Bursitis Treatment and Chiropractic Care
Avoiding the physical activities which caused trochanteric bursitis will allow time for the body to heal. After seeing a healthcare professional for diagnosis, the doctor may often recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs to help control pain and inflammation. The recommended amount should be used to avoid side effects. Some doctors may also use steroid injections to control pain and inflammation.
Many healthcare professionals may also recommend alternative treatment options,�such as chiropractic care and physical therapy to help improve trochanteric bursitis signs and symptoms. A chiropractor may utilize spinal adjustments�and manual manipulations to reduce pressure from the spine while a physical therapist may teach the patient exercises to maintain strength. A cane or crutches can also take the weight off a patient’s hip.
If pain relievers or alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care or physical therapy, do not work for the patient, the healthcare professional might recommend surgery to remove the bursa. This procedure can be accomplished through very small incisions with a camera. Other treatment approaches should be considered before following through with surgery.� The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
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Additional Topics: Acute Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain is 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. Because of this, 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.
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