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.
Chiropractic care, recognized as a complementary or alternative health practice in the U.S., is becoming a sought after treatment for pain control in children and adults, alike. Chiropractic interventions are used to improve forms of musculoskeletal pain, including low back, shoulder, neck, headaches, hand and foot problems, as well as for particular health conditions, such as Cerebral Palsy, fibromyalgia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The Greek word “chiropractic” means “hand practice” or therapy done by hand. Chiropractic care is a hands on approach to treatment which often centers around the adjustment to the joints and spine in a way that influences the human body’s nervous system and natural defense mechanisms for the purpose of alleviating pain and improving health and wellness.
There are 2 million children and nearly 18 million adults in the United States who’ve received chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation during a 12 month period, based on the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, or NHIS. The analysis found that children who have parents that use complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, services are twice as likely as other children to utilize complementary health services, as well.
As a matter of fact, in 2007 the CDC National Health Statistics Report #12 indicated that rehabilitation and chiropractic services would be the next most popular form of CAM treatments used on children. CAM therapies were most widely used on children for the following purposes:
Although there is little in the way of formal studies on the effects of chiropractic care for use on individuals with Cerebral Palsy, you will find reports from the chiropractic community that demonstrated improvements for the following conditions:
Arthritis
Back pain or other problems
Breathing
Drooling (release of the TMJ-muscles)
Gait patterns
Hypertonic musculature
Joint pain or stiffness
Muscle contractures
Neck pain or other problems
Pain and tension
Scoliosis or curvature of the spine
Seizures
Sleep difficulties
Other musculoskeletal conditions
Simply explained, the brain communicates with the body. Chiropractic care is established in improving the manner in which brain control and muscles work together. The neuromuscular system sends messages from your brain, down the spine and in the nerves. When there’s interference, the body isn’t able to be effective.
Chiropractic intervention aims to enhance the structural facets of the body to clear the pathway for the brain to communicate with the nerves. This can result in improved strength, balance, flexibility and coordination abilities, especially in the extremities. One intervention does not fix all, instead the intervention chosen and the location of treatment are relative to the symptom being addressed. Since Cerebral Palsy affects people differently, assorted chiropractic treatment methods are utilized to address specific issues.
History of the Evolution of Chiropractic Care
Launched in Davenport, Iowa in the late 1890s, chiropractic care has been rooted in holistic notions that, for several decades, rendered the practice controvesial. The contention of those in the chiropractic community that the only source of pain has been spinal dysfunction called vertebral subluxation has been contested by conventional medical practitioners. Additionally, physicians and other critics have questioned the capability of chiropractic care in treating ailments which aren’t connected to the neuromusculoskeletal system.
Although chiropractic care recently has gained acceptance by the medical community because of manual therapy due to its ability to alleviate pain, the practice remains rooted in spinal adjustments and manipulations as a gateway to enhancing a person’s overall health and wellness. Currently, there are chiropractors in practice which are purists, and others that think scientific research has a place in chiropractic care.
There is evidence that chiropractic care can be helpful to children with Cerebral Palsy. Some research suggests that kids that received spinal adjustments may sit and stand with more ease. Also, the research indicated that some children became active, digested food better, slept more peacefully, and appreciated improved coordination following chiropractic care.
In the publication, “Chiropractic Care of Special Populations,” writer Robert D. Mootz reports on some special treatments which have been reported to have enhanced some circumstances of Cerebral Palsy:
Adjustment of the atlanto-occipital subluxations helped with children who had difficulty with sleeping, personality disturbances, and hypertonic musculature.
Upper cervical spine adjustments created clinical improvements in a 5-year-old male with quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy.
Adjustments can be helpful in cases of cranial dysfunction in the sphenobasilar junction in children who have a history of birth trauma or head injury where motor tracts of the medulla may be compromised.
Manual release of the TMJ-related muscles, such as the masseter and temporalis, may ease excessive drooling.
Myofascial release may be used to assist in decreasing the severity of spinal distortion and aid in stabilizing gait patterns in children with spastic Cerebral Palsy who have muscle contractures in the paraspinals, lateral thigh muscles, lower extremity abductors, Achilles tendons, and wrist extensors.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is considered a manipulative and body-based therapeutic system which has an impact on the human body’s systems and structures, such as the bones, joints, soft tissues, and neuromuscular system, which are manipulated beyond their passive range of movement and with proper use of force. It is a treatment which uses the adjustment and manipulation of the spine and joints to ease pain. The spinal manipulations are made using the chiropractor’s hands, and therefore are known as “adjustments.” The dysfunctions or abnormalities at the joints of the spine are known as “vertebral subluxations.” Vertebral subluxations are a group of symptoms in the spine.
Many people seek chiropractic care to address:
Neck pain
Back pain
Spinal discomfort
Inability to sit or stand
Chiropractic care is determined by three main concepts, which are:
Reductionism: attributing the cause of pain or illness to vertebral subluxation alone.
Conservatism: committing to non-invasive interventions as a mode of treatment.
Homeostasis: emphasizing self-healing.
These three notions are heeded by both traditional, purist chiropractors and “mixers” chiropractors which are influenced by evidence-based scientific findings and fundamentals. Mixers can introduce other treatments to bring relief to people including:
Ice and heat
Vitamins and nutritional supplements
Homeopathic or holistic medicine
Herbs
However,� all chiropractors use the simple tenet of this profession, vertebral subluxation, as the centerpiece of all clinical treatments, together with a combination of other interventions.
Which are the Advantages of Chiropractic Treatment, also When is Care Advised?
Although there have been several studies that assess the impact of chiropractic care on children with Cerebral Palsy, several of which have been completed have shown that children respond well to treatment.
In a 2006 study, initially published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research suggested that kids with Cerebral Palsy that were determined to have subluxations showed improvement in their mobility after one month of chiropractic care. One child demonstrated improvement in her ability to sit up, walk, and ambulate following 22 spinal alterations.
In a research published by the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, it was determined that a 2-year-old boy with Cerebral Palsy was relieved of many symptoms that interfered with his freedom and ability to sleep. Following seven months of care, he was able to pull himself into an upright position and was sleeping frequently. Although, other characteristics of his condition, such as uncontrolled movements, persisted.
Individuals in several walks of life, by the elderly to children, seek chiropractic care. Many indicate that they recognize significant relief from spinal adjustments and manual manipulations. However, individual advantages are dependent on a child’s condition at the beginning of care; parents with the advice of the child’s primary care physician, will want to ascertain how chiropractic care fits in with a child’s overall treatment program.
What Happens During Chiropractic Care?
At the start of a chiropractic appointment, a complete medical history will be taken to acquaint the practitioner of the symptoms that an individual is coping with. From there, a series of exams and evaluations will happen.
Among the very first of these will be an X-ray, which ought to offer some valuable information about the condition of a child’s spinal column. This information often includes:
Curvature
Misalignments (subluxations)
Abnormalities
Muscle tone changes
Tissue abnormalities
A physical examination will assist the chiropractor to find a child’s source of pain. When the assessment is finished, the chiropractor will recommend a plan of treatment, which is very likely to include adjustments. If they suspect that another condition is causing pain or discomfort, a referral will be issued.
A chiropractor will utilize several techniques to ascertain in which a subluxation, or misalignment, is present. The most frequent procedures which will help the chiropractor decide which adjustments will be necessary to bring relief to a child are:
Static palpitation � when a practitioner uses his or her hands to detect signs of misalignment
Motion palpitation � when a doctor moves bones to separate them
Leg check � moving the legs to reveal spinal subluxation
An adjustment is finished when the joints of the spine are moved past the point at which they would normally proceed in a way where it does not damage or dislocate the joints. Doing so will require the chiropractor to use gentle force and educated expertise to finish the moves. Notice, untrained individuals should not attempt to perform these procedures on another person.
There are several specific kinds of adjustment which can be used to aid a child. They include, but are not limited to:
Diversified movement � full spine manipulation
Activator technique � using a device to adjust the spine
Cox technique � low-force adjustment
Gonstead technique � using a specific path to adjust the spine
These adjustments will be created over a period of time, comprising of several appointments, to help a patient recover motion and minimize discomfort.
Chiropractors most often operate private practices, but often, their services can be found in other medical settings such as:
Hospitals
Physician�s office
Clinics
Assisted living centers
Residential facilities and nursing homes
Who Offers Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractors offer a wide range of services and, based on where an individual resides, the scope of their duties may vary. In a small number of countries, chiropractors are allowed to perform minor surgeries and write prescriptions, for others, these functions are prohibited.
Internationally, demands to practice as a chiropractor vary. In the United States, a chiropractor needs to complete a professional degree program. Accredited programs require an applicant to complete 90 credit hours of undergraduate instruction, and many others require students to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Doctors of chiropractic, nevertheless, must complete an intensive program that revolves around healing arts that many consider to be challenging in a medical college. A doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor generally pursues a bachelor’s of science degree prior to attending a chiropractic college.
Bachelor’s degree coursework contains:
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Nutrition
Psychology
Anatomy
Physiology
Chiropractic college curriculums include further coursework, in addition to hands-on instruction and clinical study that lasts four or five years.
Licensure is required to practice in the USA. Most states will grant licenses for those who have successfully completed an accredited program and passed an examination administered by the National Board of Chiropractic examiners.
Healthcare practitioners that choose to provide additional services such as acupuncture or massage might have to pursue other courses of research and certificates if they intend to supply these services personally.
Are There Special Considerations or Risks for Chiropractic Therapy?
Generally, chiropractic care is considered safe. In the hands of a fully-qualified practitioner, chiropractic care may cause some mild discomfort, but it should not be painful. If a child complains that treatment is extremely uncomfortable, or painful, a parent must inquire into the issue by requesting the chiropractor why this is happening. If a parent is uncomfortable with the answer, he or she should seek the care of another healthcare practitioner or chiropractor.
Often throughout the process of making an adjustment, a child and their parents will hear a popping noise. This occurs when gases escape from fluids that surround joints. This is similar to popping that happens in the joints of the feet or ankles; it isn’t indicative of a critical illness. Also, to the untrained eye, the quick and quirky alterations could appear alarming to people unfamiliar with chiropractic interventions.
Tips for Choosing a Chiropractor
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, a division of the National Institute of Health, which is considered the lead agency for scientific research on diverse medical and health care practices, when choosing a chiropractor, the individual must inquire:
Their experience in coordinating care with conventional health care providers
Their experience in delivering care to children
Their education, training and licensure
You also need to inquire about their experience and expertise in treating children, or adults, with Cerebral Palsy.
NCCAM also recommends that when considering an alternative and complementary wellness approach for a child:
Make sure the child has an accurate diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider.
Understand the potential risks, benefits and effectiveness of the specific strategy.
Discuss any and CAM approaches with the child’s primary care physician before agreeing to this therapy protocol, particularly with the physician that abroad your child’s care plan so that there’s not any conflict with other kinds of therapy.
Never use any health product or practice which hasn’t been shown safe and effective to substitute or delay conventional care or prescribed drugs.
When a health care practitioner indicates a CAM approach, don’t increase the dosage or length of this treatment beyond what is advocated without professional approval.
Discuss any and all concerns about the effects of a CAM strategy with your child’s main health care provider.
To ensure coordinated and secure care, inform all your child’s healthcare providers about any CAM strategy your child uses, giving them a full picture of what you do to manage your child’s wellbeing.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
More so now, than ever before, people are turning to alternative and complementary medicine to treat a variety of injuries and/or conditions, especially Cerebral Palsy. An increase of CAM treatment methods can offer more therapy options for people or children with CP. Although CP has no cure, a person with Cerebral Palsy can benefit from alternative and complementary medicine. Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to help improve other symptoms associated with CP. Furthermore, chiropractic care used together with physical therapy and rehabilitation can help restore some strength, mobility and flexibility for people and children with Cerebral Palsy.
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 .
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DC), or chiropractors, regularly treat sciatica. Sciatica is characterized by pain that originates in the low back or buttocks which travels down one or both legs, into the foot. Sciatic nerve pain varies in intensity and frequency; minimal, moderate, acute and chronic, intermittent, frequent or constant.
Pain is described as dull, achy, sharp, toothache-like, pins and needles or similar to electric shocks. Other symptoms associated with sciatica include numbness, burning and tingling sensations as well as weakness. Sciatica can also be called radiating or referred pain, neuropathy, or neuralgia. A common misconception, however, is that sciatica is a disease, nevertheless, sciatica is really a collection of symptoms belonging to a specific disorder.
Sciatica Is Caused by Nerve Compression
Sciatica is generally brought on by sciatic nerve compression. Disorders known to trigger sciatic nerve pain include lumbar spine subluxations, or misaligned vertebral bodies, herniated or bulging discs (slipped disks), pregnancy and childbirth, tumors, and even as a result of non-spinal disorders, such as diabetes, constipation, or sitting on one’s back pocket wallet.
One common cause of sciatica is piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is named after the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle is located in the lower part of the spine, connects to the thighbone, and also assists in hip rotation. The sciatic nerve runs under the piriformis muscle. This muscle is susceptible to injury from sports injuries, a slip-and-fall accident, hip arthritis, or due to a difference in leg length. Such situations can cause cramping and spasm to develop in the piriformis muscle, thus pinching the sciatic nerve and causing pain and discomfort.
Sciatic nerve compression may lead to the loss of feeling (sensory loss), paralysis of one limb or group of muscles (monoplegia), as well as sleeplessness or insomnia.
Proper Diagnosis of Sciatica Is Vital
Since there are many disorders that cause sciatica, a healthcare professional’s initial step would be to determine what is causing the patient’s sciatica symptoms. Forming a diagnosis entails a thoughtful review of the patient’s medical history, as well as a physical and neurological examination. Diagnostic testing involves a x ray, MRI, CT scan and/or electrodiagnostic tests (nerve conduction speed, electromyography). These examinations and tests help to detect possible contraindications to spinal adjustments and other chiropractic treatment methods.
Chiropractic Treatment of Sciatic Nerve Pain
The objective of chiropractic treatment for sciatic nerve pain is to assist the body’s capacity to heal itself. It is based upon the scientific principle that limited spinal movement contributes to pain and decreased function and functionality. Chiropractic care is non-invasive (nonsurgical) and drug-free.
The type of chiropractic treatment provided is dependent upon the cause of the patient’s sciatica. A sciatic nerve pain chiropractic treatment program may include several different therapies such as ice/cold treatments, ultrasound, TENS, and spinal adjustments (sometimes called spinal manipulation). Below are additional details on these chiropractic treatment modalities.
Ice/Cold therapy reduces inflammation and helps to control sciatic nerve pain.
Ultrasound is mild warmth created by sound waves which penetrate deep into cells. Ultrasound increases circulation and helps to decrease muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness, and pain.
TENS unit (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) is a small box-like, battery-powered, portable muscle stimulating machine. Various intensities of electrical current control acute pain and reduce muscle spasms. Larger versions of this home-use TENS units are utilized by chiropractors, physical therapists and other rehabilitation healthcare professionals.
Adjustments (Spinal Manipulation) At the heart of chiropractic care are spinal adjustments. Spinal manipulation frees restricted movement of the spine and helps to restore misaligned vertebral bodies with their appropriate position in the spine. Spinal adjustment helps to decrease nerve irritability responsible for causing inflammation, muscle soreness, pain, and other symptoms associated with sciatica. Adjustments should not be painful. Spinal manipulation is demonstrated to be safe and effective.
In college and during their training, students of chiropractic understand many different adjustment techniques permitting them to take care of various sorts of subluxations and spinal disorders. Chiropractic techniques vary in the swift high velocity thrust to people that unite minimal pressure and mild pressure. Mastery of each technique is an art which needs great precision and skill. Spinal adjustments and manipulations is the treatment that differentiates chiropractic care from other medical areas.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, is identified as radiating pain and discomfort along the length of the sciatic nerve, which travels from the low back down the buttocks and into one or both legs, occasionally reaching all the way down to the calf and foot. Approximately more than 3 million cases of sciatica are reported in the United States each year, where it is generally caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve as a result of a bulging or herniated disc. Chiropractic care is a well-known, alternative treatment option commonly utilized to help improve a variety of spinal health issues, including sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain.
Chiropractic’s Limitations in Treating Sciatica
Sciatica may be caused by other disorders beyond the scope of chiropractic clinic. If the doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, determines the patient’s disease requires treatment by another kind of doctor, then the patient is referred to another specialist. In some cases, the chiropractor can continue to treat the patient and also co-manage the patient’s care with the other specialist. 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: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Cerebral palsy, or CP, is a medical term used to describe developmental motor conditions that cause impairment or disability. Cerebral palsy is not contagious and it isn’t regarded as a disease. Although it is not hereditary, many cases of CP are believed to be caused throughout pregnancy or birth, therefore they are typically referred to as a congenital condition. Cerebral palsy might be related to infection, radiation, or lack of oxygen during brain growth, as well as premature birth and birth trauma. Damage can occur up to age 3.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy, caused by “a permanent, non-progressive defect” in the brain, affects movement, posture, and muscle tone. Cerebral palsy is not paralysis, however, the motor centers of the brain become altered with the condition. Eyesight health issues and depth perception, cognition and communication challenges, and musculoskeletal issues can result from cerebral palsy. All cerebral palsy types involve “abnormal muscle tone”, and problems with motor development and reflexes.
Symptoms of CP include spasms, spasticity, involuntary movement, and balance and gait difficulties, including “foot walking” and “scissor walking”. The degree of disorder falls on a continuum, from “slight clumsiness” to severe impairments. Babies with the severe types of CP have bodies which may be rigid or floppy, with irregular posture. There can also be other birth defects as a result of cerebral palsy. Over the course of a child’s growth, symptoms may change or appear. It is generally when the baby becomes mobile that cerebral palsy becomes more evident. Speech problems, from respiratory and muscular difficulties, can also frequently occur.
A number of the secondary conditions related to CP include sensory impairments, eating problems, seizures, epilepsy, behavior and learning disabilities, mental retardation, and continence disorders. Speech impairments or disabilities and language delays are also commonly associated with CP. Early intervention is necessary. Patients with cerebral palsy may also have different leg lengths and shorter height, as CP affects skeletal bone growth. Spasticity and gait problems influence the vertebral development. Cerebral palsy can also interfere with sleep and cause pain and discomfort. It’s essential for individuals or families of children with cerebral treatment to seek treatment options to help relieve some of the symptoms associated with this developmental motor condition.
Traditional Treatments for Cerebral Palsy
Long-term care, from a team of healthcare professionals, can help patients with cerebral palsy properly handle their symptoms. Traditional treatments can come from physiatrists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, speech and development therapists, and from social workers, special education teachers, and mental health specialists.
Because CP patients may have tight muscles and spasticity pain, some drugs and/or medications may be prescribed. To treat “generalized spasticity”, muscle relaxants (i.e. baclofen, diazepam) could be offered. Some of the drugs/medications, however, have dependency hazards and side effects, such as nausea and sleepiness, which is why it’s important to first consult a healthcare professional who specializes in cerebral palsy, regarding the most recommended traditional treatments. To treat “isolated spasticity”, Botox injections may be used. The side effects of Botox injections include fatigue, bruising, as well as trouble swallowing and breathing. Additionally, there are also anti-drooling drugs and/or medications.
Some surgical interventions might also be proposed, such as orthopedic surgery or the severing of nerves to improve symptoms. However, other treatment options should be considered before turning to surgery for CP, unless properly recommended by a healthcare professional. Cerebral palsy patients might also have to wear braces or splints, or use canes, wheelchairs, or walkers. Muscle training and other exercises are also general prescribed as part of traditional treatments.
Chiropractic Care for Cerebral Palsy
While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, many traditional treatments can be used to help manage the symptoms associated with it. Alternative treatment options are safe and effective treatment methods utilized to help improve symptoms of cerebral palsy without the use of drugs and/or medications or surgical interventions. Chiropractic techniques are a type of health care which utilizes spinal adjustments and other bone structure associated treatment methods in order to aid a person’s body in conforming to a more normal position.
Children with cerebral palsy might benefit from chiropractic care for a few different reasons. In individuals with cerebral palsy, distinct body parts may be affected, such as one or both arms and legs. Chiropractic theory suggests that extremities and other body components can become “normalized” if the “central place around the spine” is healed and chiropractic care may be useful in assisting those limbs recover some semblance of activity. Chiropractic care can be used for the fundamental goal of extending and lengthening muscles. When muscles unwind as they do through such therapies, they’re more likely to be stronger and healthier, which is necessary if they’re likely to properly learn how to walk.
In addition, because cerebral palsy is usually caused by a brain injury, chiropractic care may be used in treating other, less noticeable, facets of the motor condition. Some individuals or children with CP have experienced a lot of strain on their musculoskeletal system, requiring the use of chiropractic techniques for basic spinal alignment and overall health and wellness. Behind the doctrine of chiropractic healing lays the idea that the brain and central nervous system control all aspects of the body’s functioning. One study showed “progress in paraspinal muscle tone” with chiropractic care, for many children who had cerebral palsy from birth injury. Another case study demonstrated marked improvement in a child with “hypotonic cerebral palsy”.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Cerebral palsy is believed to be a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation which occurs during the stages of a child’s brain development. Cerebral palsy, or CP, affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. It can also impact fine motor skills, gross motor skills and oral motor functioning. Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, several traditional as well as alternative treatment options can help improve the symptoms associated with this neurological disorder. Chiropractic care is an alternative treatment option which can help return some levels of range of motion, mobility, strength and flexibility for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Chiropractic care cannot cure cerebral palsy, but it might help with some of the symptoms and its associated health issues, with no side effects and dangers of drugs/medications and surgery. Chiropractic care is gentle, and it can also improve symptoms such as seizures, spasms, and arm and leg issues. As research on the effectiveness of chiropractic techniques come to light, there are more encouraging signs for the growth of a successful course of action for individuals with cerebral palsy. 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: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Various exams and tests are available to diagnose the source of an individual’s sciatica symptoms. The way your healthcare professional diagnoses sciatic nerve pain may depend on their specialty as well as on the cause of sciatica.
If you suspect you may have sciatica, however, it’s essential to first contact a spine specialist who may be able to properly diagnose any spinal health issues which may be causing your sciatic nerve pain. You might suspect you’ve got sciatica if you’re experiencing shooting pain in the low back and down one or both of your legs, or if you’ve been experiencing numbness, weakness or tingling and burning sensations in your legs.
Throughout your healthcare visit, your doctor or spine specialist will ask you specific questions and also carry out a few basic examinations and tests. This is to attempt to identify the reason for your sciatica and create an appropriate treatment program for you, or a method to manage your pain and other symptoms associated with sciatica as well as to help you recover.
As you are able to learn within our previous article on the common causes of sciatica, there are numerous spinal health issues that can lead to sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica. Your treatment plan will be determined depending on the main cause of your pain, therefore it is important to get an accurate diagnosis with a qualified and experienced spine specialist.
Furthermore, your spine specialist will ask about your current symptoms and remedies you may have used to alleviate sciatica. They will also ask other common questions, such as:
When did the sciatic nerve pain start?
Where do you feel pain? Is it all of the way down your leg? Is it in both legs? Does it stop at your knees?
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain possible, rate your pain.
Are you currently experiencing tingling sensations or weakness in your legs and/or feet?
What physical activities did you recently participate in?
Does walking uphill or downhill increase pain?
What else have you done to relieve your sciatic nerve pain? Have you tried particular medications or exercises?
Does anything reduce the pain or make it worse?
Your spine specialist will even execute physical and neurological examinations to determine if any of the symptoms of sciatica may be due to these health issues.
In the physical examination, a healthcare professional will observe the patients position, range of motion, and physical condition, noting any motion which causes pain. The healthcare professional will also feel your spine, notice its curvature and alignment, and feel for muscle strain. Through the neurological exam, the spine specialist will examine your reflexes, muscle strength, and other nerve changes.
To properly diagnose the cause of your sciatica, you might need to have some imaging evaluations. You could have an x-ray or a computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. When it’s possible that a bulging or herniated disc or spinal stenosis may be causing your sciatica, a healthcare professional may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test.
Collectively, all these exams and tests will give your spine specialist a more comprehensive view of your sciatic nerve pain. Using this information, they will most probably be in a better position to make a diagnosis of the underlying cause of your sciatica.
Chiropractic Diagnosis for Sciatica
It’s very important that sciatica be correctly diagnosed by a healthcare professional in order for it to be treated correctly. A chiropractor is a qualified and experienced spine specialist who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of injuries and conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system, including sciatica, Because many ailments can cause symptoms of sciatica, the chiropractor’s first step before beginning treatment is to determine the reason for the patient’s sciatica.
By studying about the patient’s medical history and administering physical and neurological examination, the doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, can get a thorough diagnosis of a patient’s sciatica. A chiropractor can also refer patients to receive diagnostic testing to more accurately determine the source of the health issues. As mentioned above, diagnostic testing includes MRI, X-ray, CT scan and/or electro diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction velocity or electromyography. The examinations and diagnostic tests can also help determine the probable contraindications to chiropractic care as well as other treatment methods.
Chiropractic Treatment for Sciatica
It is worth remembering that the purpose of chiropractic care is not only to reduce sciatica but its objective is to help maximize the human body’s potential to heal itself, treating the symptoms at the source. Chiropractic care is non-invasive, drug-free, and natural way of healing the human body. After a proper diagnosis of the true cause of a patient’s sciatica is determined, the chiropractor may begin treatment accordingly.
The chiropractor will attempt to ascertain the cause of the sciatica so that a sciatica treatment plan might be administered. Chiropractic treatment for sciatica can include, cold therapies, ultrasound, spinal adjustments or manual manipulations, TENS, among other treatment methods. These treatment options have their own way of treating the sciatica symptoms.
Ice/Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation so that sciatic pain may be controlled. Ultrasound is heat created by sound waves entering deep into the tissues to decrease muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. TENS unit or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a small box battery-powered portable machine which stimulates muscles. Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations function by correcting misaligned vertebral bodies, or subluxations, in order to restore them into an appropriate position in the spinal column so that nerve irritability and inflammation is decreased thereby preventing spasm, pain and other back symptoms.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
A chiropractor is a spine specialist which can properly diagnose the source of a patient’s sciatica through the use of physical and neurological exams and tests. Diagnostic procedures may require a healthcare professional to check the individual’s muscle strength as well as their reflexes, for instance, the chiropractor may ask the patient to walk on their toes or heels, or they may ask the patient to lift their legs one at at time, while lying on their back. Symptoms of sciatica will generally worsen during these type of exams and tests. Furthermore, a doctor of chiropractic may request for imaging diagnostic tests to more effective determine the cause of the patient’s sciatic nerve pain, however, these may not be required unless the symptoms are severe.
Chiropractic care has increasingly become one of the most frequently recommended alternative treatment options for sciatica. To receive a proper diagnosis of your sciatic nerve pain, seek immediate medical attention from a spinal specialist, such as a chiropractor. 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: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong set of movement disorders with no cure. There are, however, many options for either retraining patients with cerebral palsy or supplying some kind of relief for individuals with cerebral palsy. Among the more untraditional yet commonly sought after types of treatment for cerebral palsy is visiting a chiropractor which specializes in patients with cerebral palsy.
There is no clear reason behind the development of cerebral palsy. In most cases, though, it is believed to be caused by some injury shortly before, during, and after pregnancy. This injury is to the unborn embryo or the baby after it is delivered. Many cases of cerebral palsy are being found to have happened during the delivery process. Lack of oxygen and/or failure to detect fetal distress are all believed to be the most common reasons for the development of cerebral palsy. As previously mentioned, individuals with cerebral palsy can benefit from a variety of treatment options, including chiropractic care, rehabilitation and neuromuscular reeducation.
Chiropractic Care and Cerebral Palsy
Chiropractic techniques are a sort of healthcare which uses spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, together with other treatment procedures, in order to aid a person’s body in adapting to a more normal position. In patients with cerebral palsy, different body parts can and are generally affected, such as one or both arms and legs, and chiropractic care may be helpful in assisting those limbs regain some semblance of strength, mobility and flexibility.
Additionally, because cerebral palsy is generally believed to be caused by a brain injury, chiropractic treatment methods can be used in healing other, less noticeable, aspects of the motor disease. Behind the doctrine of chiropractic healing lays the idea that the brain and central nervous system control all facets of the body’s functioning. The concept of chiropractic care is that by correcting health issues and symptoms around the central area of the spine, the extremities as well as other areas of the body can regain some stability.
With the rise of “unconventional” medical clinics, chiropractic care has also turned into one of the most popular types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine techniques. In 2004, a report revealed that chiropractic was in the top five kinds of complementary and alternative therapies used for the treatment of a variety of injuries and/or conditions in the United States, including cerebral palsy.
When utilized as an alternative treatment option for cerebral palsy, chiropractic techniques could assist in helping to improve some of the problematic symptoms associated with the movement disorder, including reducing muscle spasms, seizures, and arm and leg issues. As research on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for the safe and effective treatment of many health issues comes to light, there are more encouraging signals for the growth of a successful course of action for individuals with cerebral palsy.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
As a qualified and experienced chiropractor in the treatment of a variety of injuries and/or conditions, including genetic neuromuscular disorders, many of our patients with cerebral palsy have experienced tremendous improvements in their quality of life through chiropractic care. Chiropractic care can provide assistance in the improvement of several range of motion aspects associated with cerebral palsy as well as offer significant relief of other symptoms related to this movement disorder. Patients with cerebral palsy currently receiving chiropractic care have experienced improved mobility and an improved gait or ability to walk, including restored sleeping habits. Our treatment methods for patients with cerebral palsy include, upper thoracic pain release, full-body mobility exercises, where multiple joint complexes are moved to increase range of motion, and two-men protocols, to safely and effectively assist the individual throughout their treatment process.
Rehabilitation and Cerebral Palsy
You will find an assortment of rehabilitation alternatives for individuals and children with cerebral palsy. Some are dependent on which kind of cerebral palsy the patient has. Each one of the rehabilitations, however, usually center on creating a few important regions of improvement including physical motion and coordination, language, vision, and intellectual development. Cerebral palsy rehabilitation will invariably involve some type of long-term physical therapy, or physiotherapy. These slight exercises will often involve stretching the individual’s range of motion and to concentrate primarily on developing fundamental motor abilities.
Ongoing treatments and options are becoming more available that could make life with cerebral palsy better. Most rehabilitation centers and treatments use some mix of physical therapy, biofeedback, occupational and speech therapy, occasional use of drugs and/or medications, and on rare cases even surgery.�There are several techniques touted in the field of cerebral palsy rehabilitation, such as the Bobath technique. The Bobath technique centers on positive reinforcement of voluntary movements on the individual’s part and on gradual physical conditioning. The physical therapy may also include external aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and how to use them for maximum mobility.
Neuromuscular Reeducation and Cerebral Palsy
Chiropractors handle a number of soft-tissue injuries. Unstable or injured muscles can become a source of chronic pain. The only way to remedy the challenge is by dividing those scar tissues and supporting the body to heal in healthy ways. Neuromuscular reeducation accomplishes this in several ways, for example, exercises, deep-tissue massage and vibration therapy.
Exercises for neuromuscular reeducation are often a part of chiropractic care or other rehabilitation program which focuses on helping to improve various adverse conditions that occur from faulty nerve and muscle activities. Neuromuscular reeducation is particularly beneficial for unnatural movement patterns. The purpose of neuromuscular reeducation is to improve balance, coordination, posture and proprioception involving a natural mind-body connection.�Neuromuscular reeducation exercises aim to restore natural movement patterns, optimize joint biomechanics and reduce pain that may result from neuromuscular deficiencies.
Neuromuscular reeducation exercises include a variety of functional strengthening, stretching, balancing and coordination activities. Practitioners that administer these exercises encourage patients to focus on joint positioning and movement.�A variety of stretching and bending movements on an exercise ball also have neuromuscular applications.
Whole body vibration (WBV) treatment is also helpful in the treatment of many physical conditions. WBV lowers inflammation, builds muscle, increases flexibility and breaks apart scar tissues and fused bone fragments. The technology is used to treat an endless number of injuries, along with ailments like scoliosis and cerebral palsy.
As vibrations affect your body, your muscles engage and relax in rapid success in an effort to enhance your movements. This burst of activity helps to break apart these deep scar tissues. The process also can help promote healthy recovery by placing your muscle bands under short spurts of increased stress. For the identical reason, Whole body vibration, or WBV, is very effective in increasing bone density and muscle mass.
In addition, when guided by a trained therapist, you may use vibration treatment to reeducate your muscles on how to respond to stimulation without getting hurt. Partly, While a lot of the process is occurring beneath the surface, WBV may require the individual to perform specific work in the clinic or on their own. This takes a combination of unconscious muscle training and altering habits to protect vulnerable areas while building strength and enhancing mobility and flexibility. 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: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Several lumbar spine (lower back) disorders can cause sciatica. Sciatic nerve pain is frequently described as mild to extreme pain at the right or left leg. Sciatica is caused by compression of one or more of the five sets of nerve roots in the lower spine. Sometimes doctors call sciatica a radiculopathy.
Radiculopathy is a medical term used to describe pain, numbness, tingling sensations, and weakness in the arms or legs caused by a nerve root issue. If the nerve problem is in the neck, it is referred to as a cervical radiculopathy. But since sciatica affects the low back, or the lumbar spine, it is known as a lumbar radiculopathy.
Pathways to Reduce Sciatic Nerve Pain
Five sets of nerve roots at the lumbar spine unite to create the sciatic nerve. Starting in the rear of the pelvis (sacrum), the sciatic nerve runs in the back, under the buttock, and downward through the hip area into every leg and foot. Nerve roots aren’t “solitary” structures but are part of the body’s whole nervous system capable of transmitting pain and feeling to other areas of the body.
Radiculopathy occurs when compression of a nerve root from a disc rupture (herniated disc) or bone spur (osteophyte) happens in the lumbar spine before it joins the sciatic nerve.
Causes of Sciatic Nerve Pain
Several spinal disorders can lead to spinal nerve pain and compression or lumbar radiculopathy. The 6 leading causes of sciatic nerve pain are:
a bulging or herniated disc
lumbar spinal stenosis
spondylolisthesis
trauma from an injury
piriformis syndrome
spinal tumors
Lumbar Bulging Disc or Herniated Disc
A bulging disc is also known as a contained disc disorder. This means that the gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) of an intervertebral disc stays “contained” within the tire-like outer wall (annulus fibrosus) of the intervertebral disc.
A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosus. It’s known as a “non-contained” disc disorder. If the disc bulges or herniates, disc material can push against an adjacent nerve root and compress delicate nerve tissue and lead to sciatica.
The results of a herniated disc may often be worse. When the herniated disc causes direct compression of the nerve root from the inside of the bony spinal canal, the disc material itself also includes an acidic, chemical irritant (lipoic acid) which causes nerve irritation. In both situations, nerve compression and irritation cause pain and inflammation, often leading to extremity numbness, tingling sensations, and muscle fatigue.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a nerve compression disease most frequently affecting older adults. Leg pain similar to sciatica may happen as a result of lumbar spinal stenosis. The pain is generally positional, frequently brought on by actions like standing or walking and relieved by sitting down.
Spinal nerve roots branch outward in the spinal cord through passageways called neural foramina comprised of bone and ligaments. Between each set of vertebrae, situated on the left and right sides, is a foramen. Nerve roots pass through those openings and extend outward beyond the spinal column to innervate different areas of the human body. Whenever these passageways become narrow or obstructed causing nerve compression, the term foraminal stenosis is utilized.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a disease that most often affects the lumbar spinal column. It’s characterized by a single vertebra slipping forward over an adjacent vertebra. When a vertebra slips and is displaced, spinal nerve root compression occurs and often triggers sciatic nerve pain. Spondylolisthesis is categorized as developmental (discovered at birth, develops through childhood) or acquired from spinal illness, injury or physical strain (eg, lifting weights).
Trauma from an Injury
Sciatica can result from sciatic nerve compression brought on by external forces into the lumbar or sacral spinal nerve roots. Examples include automobile accidents, falling down as well as football and other sports injuries. The impact may injure the nerves or, sometimes, fragments of broken bone may compress the nerves.
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is named for the piriformis muscle and the pain generated if the muscle irritates the sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle is located at the lower part of the spine, joins to the thighbone and also aids in hip rotation. The sciatic nerve runs beneath the piriformis muscle. Piriformis syndrome develops when muscle spasms develop in the piriformis muscle thereby compressing the sciatic nerve. It may be difficult to diagnose and treat due to the lack of x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.
Spinal Tumors
Spinal tumors are abnormal growths which are either benign or cancerous (malignant). Luckily, spinal tumors are infrequent. But if a spinal tumor develops in the pelvic region, there’s a danger for sciatica to grow as a result of nerve compression.
If you feel you’ve got sciatica, call a healthcare professional. The first step toward relieving pain would be a proper diagnosis.
Sciatic pain normally improves within about 4 to 6 weeks. Weakness and numbness may take more time to resolve. Symptomatic treatment such as cold packs, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy/stretches/exercise may help ease discomfort and promote return to regular activities. Surgery to take pressure from the nerve is generally reserved for cases of severe pain. Alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help improve symptoms of sciatic nerve pain.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Sciatica is correctly defined as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury or condition, caused by the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Also known as sciatic nerve pain, sciatica is generally an indication of a serious underlying health issue along the length of the lumbar spine, or low back. Sciatica can develop as a result of a variety of injuries and/or aggravated conditions, including but not limited to, a bulging or herniated disc, trauma or due to piriformis syndrome caused by sports injuries. Because sciatic nerve pain can manifest due to many health issues, diagnosing it can often be challenging. Fortunately, a doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, can properly diagnose sciatica in order to follow-up with the best treatment.
Chiropractic for Sciatic Nerve Pain
Diagnosis of sciatica Is crucial. A chiropractor assesses the patient and reviews medical history to ascertain what is causing the patient’s sciatic nerve pain. Chiropractic care is based on the principle which limited spinal motion results in pain and decreased function. Chiropractic care helps the body heal itself with non-invasive (non-surgical), drug-free treatment.
Chiropractic treatment methods for sciatic nerve pain include:
Ice/Cold therapy reduces inflammation and assists control sciatic nerve pain.
Ultrasound is mild warmth made by sound waves which penetrates deep into the soft tissues. It boosts circulation and reduces muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness, and pain.
Spinal Adjustments (Manual Manipulations). Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations are in the heart of chiropractic care. Manipulation supports restricted motion of the spine and helps restore misaligned vertebral bodies with their appropriate status in the spine. Adjustment techniques vary in the swift high velocity push to people who unite minimal force and mild pressure. Mastery of every technique is an art which requires great skill and precision. Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations are the treatment methods that differentiates chiropractic care from other medical disciplines.
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: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
Chiropractic care for individuals with cerebral palsy is considered (in most cases) a natural form of treatment that helps with several musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions that normally affect individuals with the disorder. Past results have been so successful that chiropractic care is an extremely sought plan of treatment to assist with numerous health issues.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care, sometimes known as chiropractic intervention, is an alternative treatment option where licensed chiropractors perform various techniques to help decrease pain and discomfort, and also to restore proper musculoskeletal and nervous system functions. According to the American Chiropractic Association, or the ACA, chiropractic care concentrates on musculoskeletal system disorders and nervous system disorders.
The Palmer College of Chiropractic reports that “no portion of your body leaks the dominance of your nervous system.” This usually means that misalignments of the spine, or subluxations, as well as other improper functions of the spinal cord along with different regions of the human body can lead to poor health and improper musculoskeletal and nervous system functioning.
Treatment includes focusing on various areas of the human body, such as the back, neck, shoulders, upper and lower extremities, and joints in the arms and legs. Chiropractic care may also center on rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises as well as individualized diet programs in order to help increase strength, mobility and flexibility. Treatment is normally performed without any drugs, although some chiropractors have the capacity of prescribing specific medications, if needed.
Chiropractic Care and Cerebral Palsy
A range of documented case studies show that kids with cerebral palsy who received chiropractic care were able to sit up (when they formerly couldn’t), walk up stairs without help, and use their arms and hands better.
For example, Dr. Dan Van Roon, of Van Roon Chiropractic in Massachusetts, wrote that an 8-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, who suffered from frequent seizures and tremors, was treated with chiropractic care after previous clinical efforts, such as physical therapy and acupuncture, proved to be ineffective. Within fourteen days of getting chiropractic care, that comprised of 22 chiropractic adjustments, her mother reported that the child was able to walk upright and walk up stairs by herself (two things she had been incapable of performing).
The young girl’s parents also reported that not only were her muscles not as limp, but she gained confidence, walked and also had a large improvement in her emotional and psychological state of being.
In another case, Dr. Van Roon wrote that a 7-year-old boy who didn’t start walking until he was 5, also revealed significant improvement after receiving chiropractic care. Before treatment, he had seizures, pain and numbness in his limbs, tremors, throat pain, nosebleeds, anemia and excruciating foot pain. After his first chiropractic care session, he started showing improvement.
As treatment progressed, so did the boy’s progress. He gained strength, began walking longer distances, and had progress in both sleeping quality and education.
Additional areas of improvement reported after kids with cerebral palsy had chiropractic care included a decrease in:
Pain and muscle stiffness
Breathing problems
Drooling
Muscle contractions
Neck pain
Musculoskeletal conditions
Gait issues
Spine issues
Anxiety and stress
Headaches and chest pain
Leg/arm problems
Speech problems due to respiratory issues
Spasticity
Urinary incontinence
Common Chiropractic Care Treatment Methods
Throughout the initial chiropractic care session, a full medical history should be supplied so that the chiropractor is first familiar with the individual’s medical history. Then, the chiropractor may ask you and/or your child specific questions about pain and any activities which make the symptoms worse, followed by an exam which could include diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or a MRI test, that may include analyzing the individual’s:
Neurological integrity
Range of movement (in the affected region)
Muscle tone and strength
Abnormalities
Misalignment
Flexion Distraction therapy, and much more
Treatment depends upon medical history and physical exam results. However, common chiropractic care treatment methods include:
Spine adjustments, which can include spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, the “Activator” technique, and/or the “Gonstead” method
Adjustment to joint dysfunctions
Massaging
Electrical stimulation
Traction
Heat/cold applications
Myofacial release
Treatment will consist of a variety of sessions over time. Each session may last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, based upon the chiropractor’s techniques and the medical issues and problems. For instance, treatment for lower back pain may require 1 to 3 visits weekly for up to 2 to 3 weeks. Chiropractic care is used in many different settings, like hospitals, clinics, or a private healthcare professional’s office. Most chiropractors run their business from a private office.
Furthermore, a chiropractor may utilize or recommend a series of rehabilitation stretches and exercises to improve some of the conditions associated with cerebral palsy. Daily range-of-motion (ROM) exercises are important to prevent or delay contractures which are secondary to spasticity and to keep the mobility of joints and soft tissues. Stretching exercises are performed to increase range of motion. Progressive resistance exercises must be used so as to increase strength. Also, the utilization of age-appropriate play and of adaptive toys and games based on the desired exercises are important to elicit the child’s complete alliance in the case of cerebral palsy. Strengthening knee extensor muscle exercises aids improve crouching and stride length. Postural and motor control training is essential and should follow the developmental sequence of normal kids (that is, neck and head control ought to be achieved, if at all possible, before advancing to back control).
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Chiropractic care is an alternative treatment option which utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to carefully influence the human body’s musculoskeletal and nervous system. Chiropractic interventions focus on improving overall health and wellness by alleviating pain and discomfort associated with neck and back pain as well as for specific health conditions, such as cerebral palsy and fibromyalgia. Several research studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care is a safe and effective, treatment method towards increasing strength and range of motion in individuals with cerebral palsy, improving quality of life and affecting longevity. Because spinal adjustments and rehabilitation improve the way the brain and the rest of the body function together, evidence has shown how chiropractic care can help improve some conditions of cerebral palsy.
Things to Know Before Visiting a Chiropractor
Sometimes, young children, and parents may get fearful of a few things that happen in a chiropractor’s office, but rest assured these things are normal and there’s no need to stress. For example, when a chiropractor is in the process of performing a chiropractic adjustment, you’ll probably hear a popping noise. This does not mean that any bones are broken. It simply means that the chiropractor released gas from fluids surrounding the joints.
The individual may also experience mild discomfort, but typically, visiting a chiropractor should not be painful. If your child cries due to pain or complains that the treatments are excessively painful, don’t be afraid to talk about it with the healthcare professional, and when needed, seek out another one.
When choosing a chiropractor, especially for children with cerebral palsy, it’s suggested to locate somebody with experience not just with treating children, but also treating individuals with cerebral palsy. Other factors to consider when picking a chiropractor comprise of:
Education
Training
Accreditation or Licensing
Expertise working with other healthcare providers and readily coordinating care
If you have any questions or need tips on which chiropractor to select, start with your or your child’s primary healthcare provider. You’ll also need to contact your insurance provider, to be sure they pay for chiropractic care. While some insurances will cover it, other insurances may not cover what’s considered “complementary” care. Some insurances may cover the costs of a chiropractor only after your child’s primary care doctor grants a medical referral to a chiropractor. 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: Sciatica
Sciatica is medically referred to as a collection of symptoms, rather than a single injury and/or condition. Symptoms of sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, can vary in frequency and intensity, however, it is most commonly described as a sudden, sharp (knife-like) or electrical pain that radiates from the low back down the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs into the foot. Other symptoms of sciatica may include, tingling or burning sensations, numbness and weakness along the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica most frequently affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may often develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine due to age, however, the compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve caused by a bulging or herniated disc, among other spinal health issues, may also cause sciatic nerve pain.
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