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.
Technology makes life more convenient, but it has also made our lifestyles more sedentary. Poor posture’s stress places unnecessary amounts of pressure and tension in the neck and back. We know neck pain and back pain can be debilitating, especially after years of improper posture and a sedentary lifestyle. Chiropractic care can help reduce pain and discomfort from the spine with spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, as well as several lifestyle modifications. Chiropractic can help treat a variety of injuries and conditions affecting spine health. Before further discussing what chiropractic care can do for you, we’ll first discuss the common causes of neck and back pain.
Back Pain
Back pain is common, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Whether your pain has been brought on by years of heavy lifting or a single mishap or fall, a doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, will do their very best to discover which type of treatment method will guarantee you relief from your symptoms. Strengthening exercises help to train your heart to support your weight and spinal adjustments and manual manipulations are ways to relieve inflammation, reduce pressure and restore the proper alignment of the spine to decrease pain and discomfort. Pain relief methods will address your symptoms, but chiropractic care can promote recovery for long term spine pain relief.
Neck Pain
If you experience pain or discomfort in your neck, you may want to address the symptoms with safe and effective alternative treatment options. While the solutions that may assist with your pain are determined by the underlying cause of the distress, a chiropractor can properly diagnose the source of the symptoms, identifying the causes and giving a personalized treatment plan to assist with the situation. Chiropractic care can also provide treatment for a variety of issues causing symptoms of neck pain.
What Causes Pain?
Pain stems from a number of situations and problems. It may relate trauma from an injury or due to an aggravated condition along the length of the spine or it may even relate to posture and the way you sleep during the night. Depending on the origin of the pain and the regions affected by the discomfort, the specific treatments may vary.�Common reasons for your pain include:
A sedentary lifestyle or having a computer on your office, which causes long intervals of holding your head in the same place
Looking down in a tablet, computer, telephone or other device for extended periods
Whiplash or injuries to your neck and back in an automobile accident
A herniated disc in the neck or back
Injuries to the spine
Poor posture
Stress on several regions of the spine, or compression
Certain diseases or conditions, like degenerative disc disease or arthritis
5 Causes of Neck and Back Pain or Discomfort
If you have suffered from pain or discomfort in your neck or back, you may very well be aware of how debilitating the symptoms can become. We are able to complete all of our daily activities and tasks on a regular basis because the spine offers rigidity, stability, and endurance at the same exact time. Through the structure and function of the ligaments, tendons, intervertebral discs and facet joints, the mechanical connection that your body needs is provided by the spine. Just like any sort of apparatus, breakdowns can happen at any time, resulting in symptoms of neck and back pain or discomfort. Next, we will discuss the five common causes of neck and back pain.
Disc Herniation
Disc herniation is among the most frequent causes of neck and back pain. It goes by several names like a pinched nerve, and bulging or burning disc, but regardless of what you call it, it can be intense and long-lasting. Pain in the legs, also called sciatica, is often the first indication of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, or low back. Since 90 percent of herniated discs occur within this region, leg pain is the most frequent symptom. Other signs may include severe pain, weakness and tingling sensations down one of both legs. Chiropractic care, physical therapy and gentle stretches and exercises are the most common kinds of treatment for a herniated disc. These conservative treatments can cut the need for more aggressive interventions and can be remarkably powerful. For surgical procedures, it might be considered in scenarios where non-operative remedies are ineffective.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is defined as an abnormal narrowing of the bony channel which contains the spinal cord or the spinal nerves. Unlike other spinal problems, spinal stenosis tends to come on slowly and gradually gets worse. Spinal stenosis is treated with a combination of gentle exercises and lifestyle modifications. You will see that some symptoms of spinal stenosis can be relieved by sitting or lying down, maintaining a proper posture, or preventing certain activities that cause the stenosis symptoms. In acute cases, spinal epidural shots may be used to deal with the pain and alleviate discomfort. Chiropractic care can also be used to treat spinal stenosis symptoms.
Sprains and Strains
When you have a sudden onset of pain or discomfort in your neck or back, the problem could be a sprain or strain. Moving the wrong way, overdoing an exercise regime, or decreasing physical activity frequency can lead to a sprain or strain. The good news is that if the time and appropriate treatment are performed, the pain and distress usually go away in a determined amount of time. It’s ideal to see a healthcare professional in case you’ve suffered a sprain or strain to your neck or back. Do not let what you believe is a small sprain or strain turn out to be a bigger issue. Healthcare professionals recommend rest and limited activity until you are feeling better if the issue is a sprain or strain. You may benefit from physical therapy and exercise like water aerobics and stretching exercises to help you heal and recover faster.
Spinal Osteoarthritis
Spinal osteoarthritis is� defined as the breakdown of cartilage in discs or the joints in the neck or back. In some cases, it can cause bone wane causing painful pressure on the nerves going into the spine. If diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis, you may receive conservative or very aggressive treatment depending on the issue; for example, rest and hot or cold packs or specific medications. However, chiropractic care may be a safe and effective alternative treatment option for some people with spinal osteoarthritis. It’s essential to first talk to a qualified and experienced healthcare professional regarding the recommended treatment for you. If unsuccessful, surgery may be needed, which is usually recommended only as a last resort for patients with spinal osteoarthritis.
Vertebral Compression Fracture
A vertebral compression fracture can be a serious condition that creates pain in the neck or back, depending on where the fracture occurs. Vertebral compression fractures occur as a result of tiny cracks from the vertebrae; the bones of the spine. As time passes, hairline fractures may cause the vertebrae to collapse, which is what is known as a spinal or vertebral compression fracture. The symptoms of a compression fracture can be acute and sudden back pain during a change of posture or movement. Rather than standing tall, you might see that you have a stooped appearance. This sign should not be ignored by you; as with any medical illness, early intervention may often make it much easier to deal with.
There are several choices for treating your vertebral compression fracture, which can include some types of drugs and/or medications to temporarily relieve symptoms while ongoing with treatment. Other treatment choices are bracing of the neck, physical activity or exercise that is limited and bed rest. Understanding the causes of neck and back pain can offer you a head start on receiving the appropriate treatment option for your specific spine health issue. If you suffer from any type of pain or discomfort, please contact a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of spinal health issues, such as a chiropractor.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
When you find chiropractic care for neck and back pain, they will first diagnose the source of your symptoms, utilizing the appropriate diagnostic tools to find out the underlying causes of the distress. Chiropractors supply treatments after determining the reasons to address the factors. A chiropractor helps with pain relief by correcting the compression or inadequate alignment on your own neck and back. When your spine is misaligned or subluxated, it can lead to a variety of spinal health issues, such as the ones mentioned above. Injuries and/or conditions which are left untreated for an extended period of time may worsen without proper treatment.
Chiropractic care utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to reduce the pressure in your spine and improve the alignment of the neck and back, in order to restore the original integrity of your spine. A doctor of chiropractic, or doctor will concentrate on helping your body heal and recuperate through natural solutions. They might also recommend nutritional advice and exercises, in addition to stretches to assist with the healing procedure. Chiropractors may additionally create a personalized treatment program based on the possible complications associated with the injuries on your own neck and back as well as the reason for your pain and discomfort.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Neck and back pain or discomfort are some of the most common types of issues frequently treated by a chiropractor. Although neck and back pain can be caused by a wide variety of spinal health problems, chiropractic care is a safe and effective, alternative treatment option that can help ease the symptoms associated with many injuries and/or conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous system. As an experienced chiropractor, spinal adjustment and manual manipulations can help reduce painful symptoms by allowing the body to naturally heal itself, restoring the quality of life of patients.
When to Seek Chiropractic Therapy
Seeking chiropractic treatment for pain and discomfort is a personal decision, nevertheless, you should consider treatment immediately after a car accident or some other type of injury or aggravated condition. We advise seeking treatment for persistent and chronic issues. You might want to consider chiropractic care if you notice symptoms due to using electronics throughout the day or sitting at your work, since it may worsen over time if left untreated, even if it is simply a slight soreness in your muscles.
Treating pain and discomfort in your body starts with improving the health and wellness of your spine. To learn more about addressing problems on your neck and spine or to set an appointment with a chiropractor, please make sure to talk to your primary care provider or healthcare professional. 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: Back Pain
According to statistics, approximately 80% of people will experience symptoms of back pain at least once throughout their lifetimes. Back pain is a common complaint which can result due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions. Often times, the natural degeneration of the spine with age can cause back pain. Herniated discs occur when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its surrounding, outer ring of cartilage, compressing and irritating the nerve roots. Disc herniations most commonly occur along the lower back, or lumbar spine, but they may also occur along the cervical spine, or neck. The impingement of the nerves found in the low back due to injury and/or an aggravated condition can lead to symptoms of sciatica.
Low back pain is a common complaint reported among the general population. Once it begins, however, what do you do? Here are 5 ways to help manage those sudden bouts of back pain. This guide is for people who are experiencing mild low back pain. For instance, in the event that you woke up with back pain or you overdid it at the gym and now have muscle strain pain, the following back pain management treatment strategies are right for you.
Rest (but just a bit). If your back hurts, take a rest. Lie down and avoid overusing your muscles for some time. This doesn’t mean remain in bed for a week. Actually, a lot of rest can make your back pain worse. After a brief break, get up, move around, and stretch. You will find it really helps reduce that nagging backache.
Try over-the-counter medications. There are several types of drugs and/or medications which can help ease back pain. Some medications relax muscle spasms, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. Many can be found over-the-counter in the regional pharmacy. Prescription drugs, on the other hand, require your physician’s written consent. Some medications used for back pain include: acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol) or non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, aspirin, ibuprofen). Although these can help reduce symptoms of back pain, the effects are only meant to be temporary. If back pain persists, follow some of the other treatment strategies.
Attempt cold/heat therapy. Cold treatment can help decrease muscle soreness, inflammation, and pain. Cold therapy might be recommended following a strain or a sprain. Apply ice to your back, take a cool bath, or use iced towels/compresses, cold packs, ice cubes. Some healthcare professionals recommend utilizing heat therapy only on very select situations, as this can increase inflammation and symptoms.
Get a massage. Massage is a popular therapy that can help alleviate stiffness, spasms, inflammation, aches, muscle tension, and pain. It can also help improve circulation, flexibility, and range of movement. Massage can be managed by a professional, such as a massage therapist, or you can give yourself a mini-massage utilizing hand-held massagers which could help increase blood flow and alleviate pain.
Visit a doctor. The most crucial thing to remember about periodic bouts of back pain is that if they happen more frequently, increase in length (lasting more than a few days), or the pain begins to interfere with your usual activities, it’s time to see a healthcare professional. It might be more than just a sudden case of low back pain.
The good thing is that many lower spine issues can be treated with non-surgical treatments. Back pain that goes untreated can get worse, so it’s a good idea to manage your back pain now. You don’t need your bout of back pain to develop into a chronic pain health issue. Furthermore, some healthcare professionals are back pain specialists which can help treat a variety of injuries and/or conditions which may be the source of your symptoms. Chiropractic care is a recommended back pain management treatment strategy.
Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
Back pain management treatment strategies are chosen by people looking for back pain relief options. Chiropractors are visited by about 22 million Americans annually. Of them, 7.7 million, or 35 percent, are looking for relief from back pain due to various causes, including trauma or injury from accidents, sports injuries, and muscle strains. Other ailments include radiating pain in the arms, neck and legs as well as headaches.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a popular, alternative treatment option which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, as well as other alternative treatment methods, to maintain the proper alignment of the musculoskeletal structure, especially the spine, in order to allow the human body to naturally heal itself. Chiropractic care can help restore mobility to joints limited by tissue injury caused by a traumatic event or stress, such as sitting without proper back support. It is occasionally used in conjunction with traditional therapy.
What Does Chiropractic for Back Pain Involve?
A chiropractor primarily takes a medical history, performs a physical exam, and may use diagnostic imaging or lab tests to determine if treatment is appropriate for your back pain. The treatment plan may involve one of more alterations where the doctor adjusts and manipulates the joints with a controlled force to improve high quality and range of motion. Many chiropractors also incorporate counseling and exercise/rehabilitation to the treatment program. The goals of chiropractic care include the restoration of function and prevention of future injury in addition to back pain relief.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is usually considered a safe and effective treatment for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from shifting furniture or getting handled. Acute pain, which can be much more common than chronic pain, lasts no more than six weeks and typically gets better by itself, however, it may worsen if left untreated for an extended period of time.
Research has also demonstrated chiropractic to be helpful in treating neck pain and headaches. Additionally, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis may react to the treatment methods utilized both by chiropractors and professionals of deep tissue massage. Studies have not confirmed the potency of sclerotherapy or prolotherapy used by some chiropractors, osteopaths, and medical doctors, to treat chronic back pain, the sort of pain which may come on suddenly or slowly and continue for more than three months. The treatment involves injections, such as anesthetic or sugar water, in hopes of strengthening the ligaments in the back.
Individuals who have osteoporosis, spinal cord compression, arthritis, or those who take blood-thinning medications, should first talk to their healthcare professional about participating in chiropractic care treatment strategies. Patients with a history of cancer must obtain clearance from their doctor as well before undergoing chiropractic care.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for chiropractor office visits. Back pain can be caused by a number of injuries and/or aggravated conditions and it can range from mild to severe. Whether you’re experiencing dull and achy pain or burning and spasming pain, finding the proper treatment strategies for the management of your back pain can determine whether your quality of life will be compromised or not. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective, alternative treatment option which can help restore the proper alignment of your spine, allowing your body to naturally heal itself without the need for drugs and/or medications or surgical interventions.
All treatment relies on an accurate diagnosis of your back pain. The chiropractor ought to be informed concerning your health history, including previous medical conditions, current medications, traumatic/surgical history, and lifestyle factors. There are cases where therapy was not effective towards the treatment of a herniated or slipped disc, although uncommon, and other complications may occur. To be safe, check to make sure that your condition will benefit from chiropractic care. 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: Back Pain
According to statistics, approximately 80% of people will experience symptoms of back pain at least once throughout their lifetimes. Back pain is a common complaint which can result due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions. Often times, the natural degeneration of the spine with age can cause back pain. Herniated discs occur when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its surrounding, outer ring of cartilage, compressing and irritating the nerve roots. Disc herniations most commonly occur along the lower back, or lumbar spine, but they may also occur along the cervical spine, or neck. The impingement of the nerves found in the low back due to injury and/or an aggravated condition can lead to symptoms of sciatica.
Low back pain is a common condition which occurs as a result of a lumbar sprain, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, and due to various other degenerative spinal disorders. The topic of discussion today, however, focuses on discogenic lower back pain; a degenerative condition. Discogenic low back pain refers to painful symptoms caused by the degeneration, damage or injury of one or more intervertebral discs along the lumbar spine.
Symptoms of Discogenic Low Back Pain
As we get older, our bodies undergo numerous changes. For instance, our hair may begin to turn gray or thin. Similar changes have an effect on the complex structures of the spine, specifically on the intervertebral discs. Disc degeneration doesn’t necessarily cause severe pain or any other symptoms for that matter, but back pain may occur, if the degeneration becomes too advanced. Typically, discogenic pain is related to activities that increase the pressure within the intervertebral disc, known as intradiscal pressure.
Sitting, bending forward, coughing and sneezing can increase discogenic pain.
Leg pain caused by pinching of the nerves in the lumbar spine, called radiculopathy, may also accompany low back discogenic pain; particularly while sitting, walking or standing.
Discogenic low back pain is generally a chronic disorder.
How Discs Cause Pain
The same as other areas of the human body, each intervertebral disc has a nerve supply. Discs are constituted of 2 parts; the annulus fibrosus, an outer ring-like structure, and nucleus pulposus, a gel-like interior. The nucleus pulposus is void of nerves. However, nerve fibers are contained by the outer third of the annulus fibrosus.
One type of discogenic disorder is medically referred to as an Internal Disc Disruption, or IDD. An IDD takes place when the disc tears or cracks, creating a fissure which enables the nucleus pulposus to come in contact with the annulus fibrosus. While this happens, a chemical called a protecogylcan might be flooded into the nucleus pulposus. The annular nerves may then become irritated causing an inflammatory response as well as pain and discomfort. For reasons that are unknown, some people have annular tears and can remain symptom free.
Diagnosing Discogenic Low Back� Pain
Degenerative disc changes can best be observed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If a couple of spinal discs are suspected as the pain source, the doctor may order a discography or a discogram. During this procedure, the suspected discs are injected with a contrast dye to make each disk visible under fluoroscopy. Provocative discography helps the doctor see the form and dimensions of the intervertebral discs. The pressure is altered by the injection of the contrast dye within the disc and may ‘excite’ or replicate the patient’s pain pattern helping to isolate which disc may be the source of their symptoms.
Non-Surgical Treatments
There are different types of treatments to help alleviate low back pain and radiating symptoms. Frequently, treatments are combined for symptom relief or control.
Physical Therapy: passive therapies such as ultrasound, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, or TENS, and massage could be used with a disciplined program of strengthening exercises. Core strengthening, or the strengthening of the abdominal and low back muscles, is often helpful in relieving pain in degenerative disc disease. When the muscles around the disc become stronger, they may protect the intervertebral discs and might reduce pain.
Spinal Injections: local anesthetics combined with long-acting corticosteroid injections. This medication combination may be injected into the facet joints or around the nerves of the back to reduce symptoms.
Bracing: braces, or orthoses, help support the spine and limit movement which may provoke painful episodes. Rarely is bracing a treatment for back pain. Long-term bracing may lead to weakened back and abdominal muscles that might provoke muscle strain.
Alternative Therapies: acupuncture, yoga.
Lifestyle Modifications: Nutrition and dieting to reach a more ‘back friendly’ body weight, smoking cessation, and physical activity help keep a healthy spine.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Many spine surgical procedures can be performed with minimally invasive techniques. For instance, spine surgeons utilize these methods to correct scoliosis, treat herniated discs, and perform spinal fusion. The advantages to the individual may be significant and include smaller incisions, shorter time hospitalized, less post-operative pain, and a quicker healing. By replacing the disc with cages and bone, related back pain may be alleviated by spinal fusions. Artificial cervical and lumbar discs have become another option to replace damaged intervertebral discs. Depending on your type of symptoms and spinal health issue, it’s essential to talk to a healthcare professional to properly determine the most appropriate type of treatment for your discogenic low back pain.
Chiropractic Care for Discogenic Low Back Pain
Chiropractic can be another non-surgical treatment for discogenic low back pain. Chiropractic care is a well-known alternative treatment option which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of injuries and/or condition associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Correcting discogenic lower back pain for a chiropractor is similar to treating several musculoskeletal disorders; it is about reducing the inflammation from around the disc but most importantly, it is about restoring the muscles to take the pressure off the disc so that the same forces are not going through it.
Chiropractors and physical therapists, or physiotherapists, specialize in the non-surgical treatment of discogenic low back pain.�Chiropractors and physical therapists concentrate on functional improvement and pain reduction. A chiropractor, or doctor of chiropractic, commonly utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to carefully correct any spinal misalignment, or subluxation, which may be affecting the natural integrity of the spine. Other common treatment methods include mechanical diagnosis, the McKenzie Method, as well as nutritional and fitness exercise programs and advice. By realigning the spine, chiropractic care can help reduce pressure around the affected intervertebral discs, decreasing inflammation and improving circulation to eliminate the compression of the soft tissues, ultimately improving back pain symptoms. Furthermore, stretches and exercises recommended by a chiropractor can help improve strength, mobility and flexibility in order to speed up the rehabilitation process.
Physical therapy can also be useful for correcting discogenic lower back pain. Physical therapy focuses on restoring the patient’s original strength. Strengthening the core, the lower abdominal muscles, including the pelvis, as well as stretching the hip flexors can restore the original integrity of the spine, reducing additional stress on the spine and decreasing back pain symptoms. Strengthening the muscles of the back as well as restoring the aligned of the spine will allow the intervertebral discs to begin healing themselves naturally. Utilizing chiropractic care together with physical therapy can ultimately help decrease the pain and discomfort associated with discogenic low back pain.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Low back pain is a common, modern day health issue which carries a tremendous burden on those who suffer from it. With more cases of low back pain being diagnosed every year, understanding the causes of low back pain can be essential towards its proper treatment. Discogenic low back pain refers to symptoms of pain and discomfort along the lumbar spine caused by the degeneration of the intervertebral discs. A variety of treatment methods, including non-surgical procedures, can help improve the symptoms associated with this degenerative condition. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective alternative treatment option which can help restore the original integrity of the spine, reducing pain caused by discogenic low back pain.
Oral drugs and/or medications are often used to help control symptoms while the patient engages in several of the treatment methods mentioned above. While these don’t treat the problem, they can help to control the inflammation as well as the pain and discomfort while a patient corrects their biomechanics and participates in stretches and exercises or physical therapy. Within the treatment itself, there are some treatment modalities, such as massage, ultrasound, traction, and electric stimulation that could help to control the pain and symptoms without the use of drugs and/or medications. If chiropractic care or physical therapy doesn’t improve a patients symptoms, the healthcare professional can refer the patient to another back pain specialist which can work alongside their current treatment to help improve discogenic low back pain. 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: Back Pain
According to statistics, approximately 80% of people will experience symptoms of back pain at least once throughout their lifetimes. Back pain is a common complaint which can result due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions. Often times, the natural degeneration of the spine with age can cause back pain. Herniated discs occur when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its surrounding, outer ring of cartilage, compressing and irritating the nerve roots. Disc herniations most commonly occur along the lower back, or lumbar spine, but they may also occur along the cervical spine, or neck. The impingement of the nerves found in the low back due to injury and/or an aggravated condition can lead to symptoms of sciatica.
Chiropractic care is generally the first choice of treatment for back pain as well as for a variety of other injuries and/or aggravated conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system.�Chiropractic care has numerous health benefits that can focus on helping patients of all ages. But, what many people don’t realize is that chiropractic care was not designed for only a certain person or body type, instead, a chiropractor can adjusts their treatment techniques to match each person’s specific needs. Doctors of chiropractic, or chiropractors, feel strongly about improving the overall health and wellness of their patients. In the tradition of chiropractic care, a chiropractor will treat the body of a patient as a whole, rather than focusing on a single injury and/or condition.
A doctor of chiropractic can treat many of the health issues that may be causing a patient’s back pain, however, what if the patient’s back pain is caused by obesity? The topic between whether chiropractic care can be used to treat obesity is frequently discussed among healthcare professionals and the patient. Many people are not aware of the benefits chiropractic care can have on obesity. Read below to find out how chiropractic care can help improve back pain as well as help manage obesity.
Chiropractic Care and Obesity
Obesity can affect more than just the way a person feels cosmetically. It is a health issue that may ultimately affect the individual’s skin, organs, joints, muscles, and even the spine. Excess weight can place unnecessary amounts of stress on the spine, joints and muscles, which can commonly lead to back pain, among other health issues. Its an individual’s constant struggle between managing their weight as well as coping with the symptoms manifesting as a result of the weight gain that can make weight loss difficult for many people without the proper treatment. Fortunately, chiropractic care is a safe and effective, alternative treatment option which can help diagnose, treat and prevent a variety of health issues while helping to improve overall health and wellness.
Because chiropractic care focuses on both the body and mind, the purpose of the spinal adjustment and manual manipulation in the treatment of obesity is to help improve symptoms of back pain by carefully correcting the alignment of the spine in order to reduce pressure on the spine as well as to decrease stress which may be affecting the individual’s mood. Once the patient has been geared towards a healthier body and mind, a chiropractor can also recommend a series of lifestyle modifications, such as nutritional and fitness advice, which can help a patient manage their excess weight.�The largest connection in your body is the one between your brain and the rest of the body through the communication of the nervous system. When the connection between the brain and the body is interrupted as a result of a spinal misalignment, or subluxation, it can lead to a variety of mental and physical health issues that may result in painful symptoms as well as stress, anxiety and depression, all of which have been associated with weight gain and obesity.
Furthermore, chiropractic care can also help throughout the process of weight loss. Because your body will be continuously changing as you lose weight, your spine and joints will need to be accordingly maintained to keep up with the ongoing changes. By receiving regular chiropractic care, a patient participating in a weight loss program or simply following the chiropractor’s nutritional and fitness advice will be able to fully engage in their exercise and physical activity routines due to the reduced back pain and other symptoms. In order to understand how chiropractic care can work towards excess weight and obesity, its essential to first comprehend the relationship between back pain and obesity as well as what type of treatment methods can benefit weight management.
Back Pain and Obesity
Obesity is defined by doctors as a disease. Being overweight or obese is a serious disorder that can affect children and adults. Many healthcare professionals know that obesity contributes to the development of high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and even colon cancer. But were you aware that obesity is a common contributing factor for back pain? Being overweight or obese may significantly contribute to symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.
Has your primary care physician suggested you lose weight to reduce the severity of your back pain? Perhaps you have back pain, but have not considered extra body weight to be a possible cause. Even an extra 10 pounds to your average weight can eventually lead to back pain. The outcomes of a big cross-sectional population-based research study confirmed the link between obesity and back pain. The analysis involved 6,796 adults where researchers found that the risk for back pain increases as body mass index, or BMI, does. The probability of low back pain among adults who are obese is four times larger than among adults with an average weight.
BMI and What It Means
BMI is a number based on your weight and height. In general, the higher the number, the more body fat a person has. There are four categories of BMI:
Normal weight�BMI less than 25
Overweight�BMI of 25 to 30
Obese�BMI of 31 to 35
Extremely obese�BMI of 36 or higher
For instance, someone who is 5�10� tall and weighs 174 pounds has a BMI of 25, while a person who is 5�10� and weighs 251 pounds has a BMI of 36.
Obesity and Risk for Low Back Pain by the Numbers
2.9% for people of normal weight
5.2% for overweight adults
7.7% for obese adults
11.6% for extremely obese adults
The study did not address why obesity increases the risk of low back pain. But, additional body weight can contribute to how the spine works and its mechanical well-being.
Small Changes
Modest changes in the degree of physical activity can substantially lower the risk for back pain. Individuals with extreme obesity (BMI 36+) who increase their time in moderate actions by at least 17 minutes every day can reduce their risk for low back pain by approximately 32 percent. Moderate activities may include briskly walking, performing water aerobics, riding a bike, ballroom dancing, and gardening.
How Obesity Can Impact the Spine
The spine is designed to carry your body’s weight and distribute the loads encountered during rest and action. When excess weight is carried, the spine is made to assimilate the burden, which may lead to structural undermining and harm, as in the case of injury, or sciatica. One area of the spine that is most vulnerable to the consequences of obesity is the lower back, or the lumbar spine.
Why Exercise is Essential
Lack of exercise may lead to poor mobility and flexibility as well as weak muscles, especially in the back, core, pelvis and thighs. This may raise the curve of the lower spine, causing the pelvis to tilt too far ahead. Further, this is detrimental to proper posture as well as posture, causing health issues along other regions of the spine, such as the neck, and resulting in debilitating symptoms. You might attempt to dismiss the reason behind some of these spinal health issues to the practice of normal aging. It’s true that to anatomy, structural and functional changes can be caused by the degeneration of the body with age. However, if you are obese or overweight, you likely have, or may have, back pain. You may also have or develop a few of the following conditions:
Posture: Unhealthy posture accounts for neck and back pain. A level of physical fitness is necessary to properly support the spine.
Low Back Pain: Obesity may aggravate an existing low back problem and contribute to recurrence of the condition.
Osteoporosis: A sedentary lifestyle coupled with an unbalanced diet can affect the density, or strength of the bones (spinal vertebrae). When the structural architecture of a vertebral body is compromised, it is at risk for fracture. Vertebral fractures can be painful and disabling. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you have probably lost between 25% to 30% of desirable bone density.
Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): The joints in the spine are called facet joints. Excessive body weight places unnatural pressure and stress on the joints during movement and at rest.
Development of Obesity
Industrialization and modernization has had a huge effect on the food we eat today. Food can be bought just about everywhere. No more is it necessary to expend effort to forage and hunt for food. There are vast numbers of processed food items available and devices which require little use of labor like microwave ovens to cook meals. The market for kitchen devices and several convenience foods came about when women entered the workforce. For the time period 2011-2012, the following statistics were published:
34.9% of adults (age 20 and older) were obese
16.9% of children and adolescents (ages 2-19) were obese
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
A healthy weight is important towards many aspects of overall well-being, including for the wellness of the spine. Because the spine is the main source of support for the human body’s weight, obesity or excess weight can place great amounts of stress on the complex structures surrounding the spine, resulting in a variety of health issues. As a matter of fact, many cases of back pain have been previously attributed to obesity. Chiropractic care can benefit patients with back pain and obesity. Through the use of chiropractic treatment methods, a chiropractor can help reduce symptoms of back pain as well as recommend nutritional and fitness advice to help with weight management.
There are many tools available that could help people lose and maintain a healthy body weight. Speak with a chiropractor to find out how to begin a weight loss program alongside back pain treatment. This is important since in the event that you have spinal health issues, your exercise program will be different compared to a person without back pain. Bear in mind, no two individuals are the same, and believing that obesity is a disease, obtaining professional help might be the initial step for you. 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: Back Pain
According to statistics, approximately 80% of people will experience symptoms of back pain at least once throughout their lifetimes. Back pain is a common complaint which can result due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions. Often times, the natural degeneration of the spine with age can cause back pain. Herniated discs occur when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in its surrounding, outer ring of cartilage, compressing and irritating the nerve roots. Disc herniations most commonly occur along the lower back, or lumbar spine, but they may also occur along the cervical spine, or neck. The impingement of the nerves found in the low back due to injury and/or an aggravated condition can lead to symptoms of sciatica.
Experiencing foot pain, there’s no doubt you checked out your foot to make sure it’s not injured or hurting from�improper fitting shoes, corns, plantar fasciitis, etc. This may seem counterintuitive, but you may want to check the condition of the�lumbar spine (lower back)?� Most foot problems are caused from issues with the foot itself, but you might be surprised to find that pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause intense foot pain.
Sciatic Nerve Pain
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and consists of five nerves that come together at the lower spine and then extend all the way down the back of the legs into the toes. If the lumbar spine is compressed, it presses on the sciatic nerve, thus causing radiating pain down the leg and sometimes all the way into the big toe. Foot pain without leg pain is often due to an issue located within the foot. However, it is possible that the foot pain could be the only symptom of sciatica.
Sciatica can be caused by lumbar spine disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. There are various types of sciatica, which present differently according to which spinal disc is affected. If the L5 disc is compressed, Foot Drop can occur. This refers to the heavy, weak feeling that makes flexing the foot almost impossible. Foot Drop usually results in pain radiating down along the outside of the leg, crossing over the foot and into the big toe. If the S1 nerve root is affected, the pain is likely on the sole of the foot. An accurate diagnosis is first priority in order to address the pain correctly and properly.
What To Do About The Foot Pain
Addressing the root of the problem is most important. Nearly three million people a year suffer from sciatic pain along with other dysfunctions. An experienced chiropractor or physician will demonstrate exercises to help lengthen and stretch the spine. This along with massage, acupuncture, and medication are all helpful in the management of sciatic pain. The foot pain will be addressed by a doctor or chiropractor who will to tell which treatment is most effective for the situation.
Treatment for foot pain varies depending on the condition/injury. Treatment can go from rest and ice to physical therapy, chiropractic and in severe cases surgery. Reflexology can provide relief, as well as, stretching exercises. Over the counter pain medication is often used. If the pain is too intense that it prevents sleep, a physician may prescribe non-addictive pain medication. Wear shoes with good arch supports, and if pain persists, see a podiatrist for special orthotic shoe inserts. Insurance often covers orthotics.
Further Considerations
Don�t forget that most pain in the body is caused from inflammation and can be helped with anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle stressors. Concentrate on eating whole, unprocessed foods. Stay away from sugar, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and white flour. Make sure to drink enough water every day, and get eight hours of sleep. This is one of the most effective ways to address inflammation. Bring the body back into balance.
George Lara, now retired, found relief with Dr. Alex Jimenez, back pain specialist and chiropractor, for his degenerative disk disease following two back injuries he experienced several years ago. After using drugs/medications and experiencing constant symptoms due to his DDD, Mr. Lara describes how Dr. Jimenez’s chiropractic treatment greatly helped restore his quality of life as well as promote his overall health and wellness. George Lara highly recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez as a non-surgical treatment choice for degenerative disc disease, and praises his dedication for treating his patients.
Degenerative disk disease, or DDD, refers to the natural breakdown of an intervertebral disk of the spine. Despite its title, DDD isn’t regarded as a disorder, nor is it degenerative. To the contrary, disk degeneration is frequently the consequence of ordinary daily stresses and minor accidents that cause spinal disks to slowly eliminate water in the anulus fibrosus, or even through the stiff outer layer of a disk. As water content decreases, they start to collapse. This could lead to pressure being placed on the nerves causing weakness and pain. While not necessarily symptomatic, DDD may lead to acute or chronic low back or neck pain in addition to nerve pain based on the positioning of the affected disk and the amount of strain it puts around the surrounding nerve roots.
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Chiropractic care for spinal disc problems is steadily increasing in popularity. As more and more research proves the effectiveness for chiropractic for these types of problems, doctors and therapists are incorporating it into treatment plans for their patients.
Spinal disc problems can be debilitating, causing significant pain and severely limiting mobility. Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common spinal problems, causing back pain that, like other spinal conditions, can extend into the hip and leg or even the arm and hand.
It is caused by degeneration or thinning of the spinal joints or discs which can disrupt the mechanics of the spine and contribute to bulging discs that press on spinal nerves. Traditional treatment of this condition usually consists of strong pain medication and sometimes surgery.
Patients who are dealing with pain from discs that are bulging or ruptured as well as herniated, or slipped discs, do respond well to chiropractic care. Where surgery has long been a primary medical answer to pain relief for these spinal conditions, chiropractic treatments offer a nonsurgical alternative that has been shown to be very effective.
Most spinal or disc problems are marked by a specific set of symptoms including neck and back pain, stiffness, arm pain, leg pain, and tenderness in the spinal muscles or the spine itself. Other more serious symptoms can present at the onset of the condition or over a period of time. These symptoms indicate a dangerous problem that could even be life threatening; they include:
Back pain accompanied by fever
Loss of control of bladder or bowel
Severe weakness that inhibits the ability to use arms, legs, walk, etc.
Loss of sensation in both arms and/or both buttocks
Inability to defecate or urinate
More serious or life threatening symptoms may require medical intervention, but most spinal conditions can be helped or even corrected with chiropractic care.
Through the careful, precise manipulation of the spine, a chiropractor can make adjustments to the body that help relieve the pain and pressure. This treatment can halt the debilitating progression of certain spinal problems while relieving pain and increasing mobility.
Spinal problems are usually diagnosed by a combination of complete physical examination and a thorough patient history. During the examination the patient�s musculoskeletal and nervous systems are carefully assessed. A doctor of chiropractic will examine the patient by moving the patient into different positions using their legs, arms, and back while applying pressure to the joints. Other diagnostic tools include x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The preferable course of treatment for spinal problems is more conservative in nature. The earlier the problem can be diagnosed and treatment can begin, the better. There are several different treatments that a doctor of chiropractic may do to control and treat the pain. Modalities such as heat and ice applied to the affected area have been proven effective in controlling injury related pain in the lower back.
Movement is also crucial to healing and the sooner the patient gets back on their feet, the better. For most injuries or back problems, those problems are exacerbated when the patient stays in bed or coddles their back instead of walking and moving. It can result in long term back problems.
Spinal manipulation by a doctor of chiropractic has been proven to be an effective, safe treatment for disc problems and associated pain. In some cases therapeutic exercise may be added to the treatment and this too has been shown to be very effective.
In most cases, chiropractic care is sufficient and surgery of the spine or injections are unnecessary to manage the problems. In fact, these more invasive therapies often create more problems than they cure. Chiropractic care should be the first course of action for spine related pain, injury, or problems. So if you or a loved one are suffering from spinal disc problems, make sure you give us a call. We�re here to help!
Spinal Disc Problems: Chiropractic Treatment Can Help
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Sciatic Nerve Pain
The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and consists of five nerves that come together at the lower spine and then extend all the way down the back of the legs into the toes. If the lumbar spine is compressed, it presses on the sciatic nerve, thus causing radiating pain down the leg and sometimes all the way into the big toe. Foot pain without leg pain is often due to an issue located within the foot. However, it is possible that the foot pain could be the only symptom of sciatica.
