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.
Individuals with fixed sagittal imbalance, a condition where the normal curve of the lower spine is greatly reduced or absent altogether that can cause pain and difficulty balancing. Can chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, and exercise help improve the condition?
Fixed Sagittal Imbalance
The condition is commonly known as flat back syndrome and can be present at birth or can happen as a result of surgery or a medical condition.
Individuals with flat back syndrome position their head and neck too far forward.
A major symptom is difficulty standing for long periods of time.
Symptoms
The spine has two curves. The lumbar spine in the lower back and cervical spine in the neck curve inward. The thoracic spine in the upper back curves outward. The curves are part of the spine’s natural alignment. They help the body balance and maintain the center of gravity.
If these curves begin to disappear the body can have trouble and difficulty standing up straight.
The loss of curvature causes the head and neck to pitch forward, making it hard to walk and do regular normal activities.
A chiropractor and/or physical therapist can recommend exercises and other forms of treatment. (Won-Moon Kim, et al., 2021)
Life-Changing Chiropractic Relief
References
Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Flatback syndrome.
National Health Service. Common posture mistakes and fixes.
Lee, B. H., Hyun, S. J., Kim, K. J., Jahng, T. A., Kim, Y. J., & Kim, H. J. (2018). Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Severe Spinal Deformities. Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society, 61(2), 251–257. doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2017.0181
Kim, W. M., Seo, Y. G., Park, Y. J., Cho, H. S., & Lee, C. H. (2021). Effect of Different Exercise Types on the Cross-Sectional Area and Lumbar Lordosis Angle in Patients with Flat Back Syndrome. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(20), 10923. doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010923
In individuals with herniated discs, how does non-surgical decompression compare to traditional surgery repair the spine?
Introduction
When many individuals begin to add unnecessary pressure on their backs, it can lead to damaging results to their spine. The spine is the backbone of the body, allowing the upper and lower sections to be mobile and stabilizing the axial weight overload without the person feeling pain or discomfort. The spinal structure is surrounded by muscles, soft tissues, ligaments, nerve roots, and joints that support the spine. In between the spinal facet joints and structure are flat discs that absorb the shock and pressure from the axial overload. However, when unwanted stress starts to compress the disc, it can lead to the development of herniation. Depending on the location, it can cause pain-like symptoms like lower back and neck pain or sciatica. Other times, herniated discs can be due to natural degeneration, where the spinal disc height decreases, and it can crack under pressure, leading to disc dehydration, which, to this point, causes spinal issues to many individuals, thinking they are experiencing referred pain in different body locations. Coincidentally, many people can find the relief they seek through non-surgical treatments to restore the disc height and repair herniated discs. Today’s article focuses on the casing effects of herniated discs and how spinal decompression, a form of non-surgical treatment, can help reduce pain-like symptoms associated with herniated discs. Additionally, we communicate with certified medical providers who incorporate our patients’ information to reduce herniated disc pain, causing many musculoskeletal issues. We also inform them that non-surgical treatments can help mitigate the referred pain-like symptoms related to herniated discs and restore disc height in their spines. We encourage our patients to ask amazing educational questions for our associated medical providers about their referred pain correlating with herniated discs. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Changing Effects Of Herniated Discs
Have you experienced unwanted pain in your upper and lower extremities after a long work day? What about experiencing pain within your spines that are causing symptoms of numbness or tingling sensations in your hands, feet, or legs? Or are you dealing with excruciating lower back pain that is affecting your ability to work? Many individuals don’t realize that the pain-like symptoms they are experiencing are not low back, neck, or shoulder pain, but they correlate to herniated discs in their spines. Herniated discs are when the nucleus pulposus (inner disc portion) starts to protrude out of its original position from the intervertebral space. (Dydyk, Ngnitewe Massa, & Mesfin, 2023) Herniated discs are one of the common causes of lower back pain, and often, many individuals will remember what caused the herniation in their spine.
Some of the effects that lead to disc herniation are that many people will carry heavy objects constantly from one location to another, and the shifting weight can cause the disc to be continuously compressed and thus lead to herniation. Additionally, when the intervertebral disc starts showing signs of stiffness, it can result in abnormal spinal motion. (Haughton, Lim, & An, 1999) This causes morphologic changes within the intervertebral disc and causes it to be dehydrated. The chondroitin sulfation of the proteoglycan in the disc goes through changes in the disc itself, and when degeneration is associated with herniated discs, it can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. (Hutton et al., 1997)
The Root Cause Of Pain- Video
When degenerative changes start to affect the intervertebral discs, it can lead to intervertebral height loss, abnormal pain signaling, and nerve root entrapment associated with disc disruption. (Milette et al., 1999) This causes a cascading effect as the outer annulus of the spinal disc is cracked or ruptured, causing pain to the spine. When the outer annulus of the spinal disc starts to have nerve ingrowth in the affected discs, which then leads to individuals dealing with musculoskeletal disorders associated with pain. (Freemont et al., 1997) Many people will seek non-surgical therapies when finding treatment to alleviate the pain caused by herniated discs due to their cost-effectiveness and how it’s safe for their spine. Chiropractic care, massage therapy, spinal decompression, and traction therapy are available treatments that can be used in a personalized, inclusive treatment care plan to mitigate any pain the person is dealing with. The video explains how these treatments can use functional wellness principles to identify where the pain is located and treat any health issues with any potential underlying causes.
Spinal Decompression Reducing Herniated Disc
Regarding non-surgical treatments reducing herniated discs, spinal decompression can help mitigate the pain affecting the spine’s mobility. Spinal decompression utilizes mechanical traction to gently stretch the spine and allow the herniated disc to return to its original position. Spinal decompression incorporates negative pressure, which helps the nutrients increase the disc’s regenerative factors. (Choi et al., 2022) This allows the facet joints and aggravated nerves to have reduced pressure and increased disc space height. At the same time, spinal decompression can be combined with physical therapy to reduce the pain-like symptoms associated with herniated discs and provide beneficial results. (Amjad et al., 2022) Some of the beneficial factors related to spinal decompression include:
Pain improvement in the upper and lower extremities
Spinal range of motion
Muscle endurance restored
Joint ROM restored
When many individuals become more mindful of how different factors are causing spinal issues, they can make small routine changes in their daily lives, and that can reduce the chances of pain from returning. This allows them to enjoy life fully and continue their health and wellness journey.
References
Amjad, F., Mohseni-Bandpei, M. A., Gilani, S. A., Ahmad, A., & Hanif, A. (2022). Effects of non-surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy on pain, range of motion, endurance, functional disability and quality of life versus routine physical therapy alone in patients with lumbar radiculopathy; a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 255. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05196-x
Choi, E., Gil, H. Y., Ju, J., Han, W. K., Nahm, F. S., & Lee, P.-B. (2022). Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2022, 6343837. doi.org/10.1155/2022/6343837
Freemont, A. J., Peacock, T. E., Goupille, P., Hoyland, J. A., O’Brien, J., & Jayson, M. I. (1997). Nerve ingrowth into diseased intervertebral disc in chronic back pain. Lancet, 350(9072), 178-181. doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(97)02135-1
Haughton, V. M., Lim, T. H., & An, H. (1999). Intervertebral disk appearance correlated with stiffness of lumbar spinal motion segments. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol, 20(6), 1161-1165. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10445464
Hutton, W. C., Elmer, W. A., Boden, S. D., Horton, W. C., & Carr, K. (1997). Analysis of chondroitin sulfate in lumbar intervertebral discs at two different stages of degeneration as assessed by discogram. Journal of Spinal Disorders, 10(1), 47-54. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9041496
Milette, P. C., Fontaine, S., Lepanto, L., Cardinal, E., & Breton, G. (1999). Differentiating lumbar disc protrusions, disc bulges, and discs with normal contour but abnormal signal intensity. Magnetic resonance imaging with discographic correlations. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 24(1), 44-53. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199901010-00011
Can the effects of vertebral decompression relieve individuals with herniated discs and reduce intradiscal pressure on the spine?
Introduction
The spine’s main job is to maintain the vertical pressure of the body without feeling pain or discomfort, especially when a person is in motion. The spinal discs are between the spinal joints, which are shock absorbers when pressure is implemented when a person is carrying a heavy object. The spinal column also has the spinal cord and nerve roots that are spread out from each section and have nerve root signals to be transmitted back and forth from the muscles to the brain to carry out its function. However, as the body ages, so does the spine, as many individuals are constantly adding unwanted pressure on their spines by doing normal factors and developing musculoskeletal disorders. At the same time, the spinal discs are also being affected as the unwanted pressure compresses them constantly, causing them to crack and herniate out of their position. To that point, the herniated disc aggravates the spinal nerve roots, leading to pain-like symptoms affecting the upper and lower body extremities. When this happens, many people will begin to experience musculoskeletal pain and cause overlapping risk profiles that cause their bodies to be misaligned. However, non-surgical treatments can be implemented as part of a daily routine for individuals dealing with herniated discs to reduce intradiscal pressure off the affected muscles in the upper and lower body extremities and restore functionality to the body. Today’s article focuses on why herniated disc affects many people and how vertebral traction can reduce intradiscal pressure off the spine while relieving the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, we work hand-in-hand with certified medical providers who incorporate our patient’s information to reduce intradiscal stress correlating with herniated discs. We also inform them that vertebral traction therapy (spinal decompression) can help mitigate the pain-like symptoms associated with herniated discs and provide relief to the body. We encourage our patients to ask profound questions while seeking education from our associated medical providers about their pain-like issues. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Why Does Herniated Disc Affect People?
Have you or your loved ones been dealing with muscle aches or strains in their back, neck, or shoulders after carrying/lifting a heavy object? Do you feel a numbing or tingling sensation in your hands, legs, or feet after a long day after work? Or have you been constantly dealing with muscle and joint stiffness after a long workday? At some point in their lives, everyone has dealt with pain affecting their upper and lower extremities, leading to herniated discs in the spine’s upper, middle, or lower portions. As stated earlier, the body and the spine age naturally, leading to the development of herniated discs in the spine. Disc herniation occurs when the nucleus pulposus (inner disc layer) starts to break through the weaker annulus fibrosus (outer disc layer) and compress the surrounding nerve root, leading to an overlapping risk profile to the upper and lower body portions. (Ge et al., 2019) Disc herniation is developed when the spine goes through a natural degeneration, which causes them to be more susceptible to microtears. When individuals start to do normal activities like lifting or carrying heavy objects, it can enhance the progression further, leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, the spinal degeneration associated with disc herniation can cause inflammatory responses when the protruding disc is compressing the nerve roots, which then causes symptoms of pain and numbness to the upper and lower extremities. (Cunha et al., 2018)
Why do herniated discs cause inflammatory responses to the compressed nerve roots that cause pain-like symptoms to the upper and lower body extremities? Well, when many individuals are experiencing pain associated with herniated discs, they believe they are dealing with upper or lower pain, depending on where the herniated disc is located. This causes referred pain symptoms where the pain is being perceived in one location than the site where the pain is originating. Coincidentally, when individuals are doing repetitive motions associated with herniated discs can cause the adjacent nerve root to be compressed, which then causes the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues to be in pain. (Blamoutier, 2019) Pain developing from herniated discs can reduce a person’s quality of life and make them miss out on important life events.
Disc Herniation Overview-Video
Many factors associated with a herniated disc can lead to its development and range from mild to severe depending on where the disc is herniated. Since the spine and spinal disc do degenerate over time naturally, it can cause the disc to crack and dehydrate. This leads to restricted movement, the development of neck, back, and shoulder pain, a decrease in muscle strength in the extremities, and numbness. (Jin et al., 2023) These are some results when herniated discs are not being treated right away. Luckily there are non-surgical treatments to alleviate the pain-like symptoms associated with herniated discs and help reduce intradiscal pressure in the spine while restoring spinal mobility and muscle strength. Spinal decompression, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and physical therapy are some non-surgical treatments that can help alleviate herniated discs and its associated symptoms. Non-surgical treatments can help pull the herniated disc off the compressed nerve root through manual and mechanical manipulation and return it to its original position. Additionally, non-surgical treatments can be part of a daily health and wellness routine combined with other therapies to reduce pain-like symptoms associated with herniated discs and help restore the spine’s mobility. The video above explains the causes, factors, and symptoms associated with herniated discs and how these treatments can alleviate the pain.
The Effects Of Vertebral Traction On Disc Herniation
Non-surgical treatments like vertebral decompression can provide a positive outlook when reducing the effects of herniated discs. Vertical or spinal decompression can help reduce the underlying problem associated with herniated discs by relieving the pain and intradiscal pressure off the vital structures of the spine. (Ramos & Martin, 1994) Additionally, vertebral decompression uses gentle traction to relieve nerve pain associated with herniated discs. It helps reduce the compression force on the affected spinal discs, reducing nerve compression by expanding the disc height in the spine. (Wang et al., 2022)
With spinal decompression being incorporated to reduce the effects of herniated discs, individuals are strapped into a traction machine in a supine position. They will feel a mechanical pull to their spines as the herniated disc returns to its original position and the height of the spinal disc increases. (Oh et al., 2019) This allows the negative pressure from the traction to increase the body’s blood flow for the nutrients and fluids to rehydrate the discs while allowing the body’s natural healing process to kick into full gear. (Choi et al., 2022) After a few consecutive sessions with spinal decompression, many individuals will notice that the pain in their neck, back, and shoulders has decreased and that they can return to their daily activities. Spinal decompression allows the individual to regain their health and well-being while also reminding them to be more mindful of what certain factors can cause the pain to return to the spine. By being more aware of what is affecting a person’s body, they have the tools to continue their health and wellness journey.
References
Blamoutier, A. (2019). Nerve root compression by lumbar disc herniation: A french discovery? Orthop Traumatol Surg Res, 105(2), 335-338. doi.org/10.1016/j.otsr.2018.10.025
Choi, E., Gil, H. Y., Ju, J., Han, W. K., Nahm, F. S., & Lee, P. B. (2022). Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2022, 6343837. doi.org/10.1155/2022/6343837
Cunha, C., Silva, A. J., Pereira, P., Vaz, R., Goncalves, R. M., & Barbosa, M. A. (2018). The inflammatory response in the regression of lumbar disc herniation. Arthritis Res Ther, 20(1), 251. doi.org/10.1186/s13075-018-1743-4
Ge, C. Y., Hao, D. J., Yan, L., Shan, L. Q., Zhao, Q. P., He, B. R., & Hui, H. (2019). Intradural Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report and Literature Review. Clin Interv Aging, 14, 2295-2299. doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S228717
Jin, Y. Z., Zhao, B., Zhao, X. F., Lu, X. D., Fan, Z. F., Wang, C. J., Qi, D. T., Wang, X. N., Zhou, R. T., & Zhao, Y. B. (2023). Lumbar Intradural Disc Herniation Caused by Injury: A Case Report and Literature Review. Orthopaedic Surgery, 15(6), 1694-1701. doi.org/10.1111/os.13723
Oh, H., Choi, S., Lee, S., Choi, J., & Lee, K. (2019). Effects of the flexion-distraction technique and drop technique on straight leg raising angle and intervertebral disc height of patients with an intervertebral disc herniation. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 31(8), 666-669. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.31.666
Ramos, G., & Martin, W. (1994). Effects of vertebral axial decompression on intradiscal pressure. J Neurosurg, 81(3), 350-353. doi.org/10.3171/jns.1994.81.3.0350
Wang, W., Long, F., Wu, X., Li, S., & Lin, J. (2022). Clinical Efficacy of Mechanical Traction as Physical Therapy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Meta-Analysis. Comput Math Methods Med, 2022, 5670303. doi.org/10.1155/2022/5670303
Can spinal decompression treatments be incorporated for individuals with lumbosacral pain and improve posture?
Introduction
Many individuals only realize they have poor posture once they perform a movement that causes pain in the lumbosacral region of their body. Have you or your loved ones experienced muscle aches or strains after relaxing in a weird position? Or do you begin to notice that you are hunched over when walking from one location to another? Many of these scenarios correspond to how we present ourselves with our posture. Our posture helps support the upper body’s weight while stabilizing the lower body through the spine and ensuring that our body is in an upright position when we are in motion. However, as we age, so do our bodies and spine, which then causes us to be in a hunched position, causing our posture to degenerate. This causes lumbosacral pain to develop along the body’s lower extremities, leading to overlapping risk profiles that cause mobility issues, poor posture, and disability if not treated right away. When this happens, the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues around the lumbar spine will begin to develop pain-like symptoms and can make a person’s life miserable. Luckily there are various techniques and treatments to improve poor posture and reduce lumbosacral pain affecting many individuals. Today’s article looks at how lumbosacral pain affects a person’s posture and how spinal decompression and MET therapy can reduce lumbosacral pain and restore good posture. Additionally, we work hand-in-hand with certified medical providers who incorporate our patient’s information to treat and minimize lumbosacral pain associated with poor posture. We also inform them that spinal decompression combined with MET therapy can help with lumbosacral pain while improving good posture back to the body. We encourage our patients to ask profound questions while seeking education from our associated medical providers about their pain-like issues. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Lumbosacral Pain Affects Posture
Have you noticed you are constantly slouching or being in a hunched position, only to feel muscle aches and strains in your lumbar-sacral region? Do you feel symptoms of tingling and numbness in your hips and buttock region after sitting down excessively? Or do you feel referred pain in one location and have to shift your weight to compensate for the pain? These pain-like symptoms and scenarios correspond to lumbosacral pain affecting your posture. The lumbosacral spine region has a natural curve that functions as a shock absorber to mitigate the body’s mechanical weight and stress when in motion. (Adams & Hutton, 1985) At the same time, it is susceptible to being constantly injured as the spinal disc is being compressed and can be herniated or damaged over time, manifesting into lumbosacral pain. So how does lumbosacral pain associate with poor posture? When individuals are dealing with low back problems associated with lumbosacral pain, the spinal disc in the lumbosacral region starts to have balancing issues when in motion. (Huang, Jaw, & Young, 2022) When people are dealing with difficulties balancing their gait cycle, it can cause their walking performance and postural control to be dysfunctional and cause the body to be misaligned, thus causing musculoskeletal issues to arise and affecting the lower body and its extremities. The surrounding muscles surrounding the lumbosacral region will begin to experience stiffness in the trunk region, which can cause musculoskeletal changes to the surrounding muscles when individuals start to be in an upright position. (Creze et al., 2019) When poor posture affects the trunk muscles, the surrounding accessory muscles start acting to compensate for the pain. To that point, lumbosacral pain associated with poor posture could lead to abdominal, low back, hip, and pelvic pain. However, many individuals can find various therapies and relieving techniques to improve posture, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and reduce pain-like symptoms.
Building A Stronger Body- Video
Many individuals can seek out various non-invasive therapies to alleviate the issue when it comes to improving posture and reducing lumbosacral pain. These therapies are cost-effective and personalized to the person’s pain. Treatments like chiropractic care and decompression can help restore good posture while realigning the body out of subluxation and help stretch the affected muscles. Coincidentally, non-surgical therapies can be combined with other treatments like physical therapy to strengthen the trunk muscles surrounding the lumbosacral region, thus reducing the load on the lumbosacral spine. (Callaghan, Gunning, & McGill, 1998) When people focus on their health and well-being, non-surgical therapies can provide a positive and safe experience with a team that can help reduce the pain the person has been dealing with their entire lives. The video above explains how these treatments work together to help you build a stronger body while revitalizing your energy and enhancing your health and wellness.
Spinal Decompression Reducing Lumbosacral Pain
When it comes to reducing lumbosacral pain associated with poor posture, many individuals can incorporate non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression and combine them with a personalized treatment plan to reduce the pain-like symptoms. What spinal decompression does to lumbosacral pain is that it helps mitigate intra-disc pressure while increasing disc space within the lumbosacral spinal region. (Amjad et al., 2022) Spinal decompression can help improve leg mobility and stretch out the affected muscles to kick-start the body’s natural healing process. Spinal decompression can even combine with physical therapy to help strengthen the lumbosacral region’s abdominal muscles and enable many individuals with poor posture to be mindful of how they present themselves.(Mielenz et al., 1997)
MET Therapy & Spinal Decompression Restoring Posture
When pain specialists like chiropractors and massage therapists incorporate spinal decompression treatment to reduce lumbosacral pain, they also utilize various techniques to strengthen the lumbosacral muscles to restore proper posture to the body. Many pain specialists use MET (muscle energy techniques) therapy to maintain while stretching the muscles and fascia in the affected areas. MET therapy combined with spinal decompression can help improve muscle shortness in the lumbar fascial tissue, improve posture, and even increase the lumbar and pelvic range of motion. (Tamartash & Bahrpeyma, 2022) These two non-surgical treatments can help many people by addressing their posture and movement dysfunction while strengthening their core stabilized muscles to reduce pain. (Norris & Matthews, 2008) Many individuals who want to regain their health and wellness can make small changes in their routine to improve their posture and be more mindful of their bodies to reduce the chances of lumbosacral pain returning.
References
Adams, M. A., & Hutton, W. C. (1985). The effect of posture on the lumbar spine. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 67(4), 625-629. doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.67B4.4030863
Amjad, F., Mohseni-Bandpei, M. A., Gilani, S. A., Ahmad, A., & Hanif, A. (2022). Effects of non-surgical decompression therapy in addition to routine physical therapy on pain, range of motion, endurance, functional disability and quality of life versus routine physical therapy alone in patients with lumbar radiculopathy; a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 255. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05196-x
Callaghan, J. P., Gunning, J. L., & McGill, S. M. (1998). The relationship between lumbar spine load and muscle activity during extensor exercises. Phys Ther, 78(1), 8-18. doi.org/10.1093/ptj/78.1.8
Creze, M., Bedretdinova, D., Soubeyrand, M., Rocher, L., Gennisson, J. L., Gagey, O., Maitre, X., & Bellin, M. F. (2019). Posture-related stiffness mapping of paraspinal muscles. J Anat, 234(6), 787-799. doi.org/10.1111/joa.12978
Huang, C. C., Jaw, F. S., & Young, Y. H. (2022). Radiological and functional assessment in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 137. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05053-x
Mielenz, T. J., Carey, T. S., Dyrek, D. A., Harris, B. A., Garrett, J. M., & Darter, J. D. (1997). Physical therapy utilization by patients with acute low back pain. Phys Ther, 77(10), 1040-1051. doi.org/10.1093/ptj/77.10.1040
Norris, C., & Matthews, M. (2008). The role of an integrated back stability program in patients with chronic low back pain. Complement Ther Clin Pract, 14(4), 255-263. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2008.06.001
Tamartash, H., & Bahrpeyma, F. (2022). Evaluation of Lumbar Myofascial Release Effects on Lumbar Flexion Angle and Pelvic Inclination Angle in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork, 15(1), 15-22. doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v15i1.709
How does spinal decompression help reduce somatosensory pain associated with individuals dealing with back and leg pain?
Introduction
As we all know, the human body is a complex system that works together to perform various actions without feeling pain or discomfort. With muscles, organs, tissues, ligaments, bones, and nerve roots, each component has its job and interacts with other body parts. For instance, the spine collaborates with the central nervous system to instruct the muscles and organs to function correctly. Meanwhile, the nerve roots and muscles work together to provide mobility, stability, and flexibility to the upper and lower body extremities. However, as time passes, the body ages naturally, and this can lead to unwanted issues. Normal and traumatic factors can interfere with the neuron signals from the brain and cause somatosensory pain in the upper and lower extremities. This pain-like sensation can affect each body section, making the individual miserable. Luckily, there are ways to reduce somatosensory pain and provide relief to the body. Today’s article explores how somatosensory pain can impact the lower extremities, particularly the legs and back, and how non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression can alleviate somatosensory pain in the lower extremities. At the same time, we work hand-in-hand with certified medical providers who use our patient’s information to treat and mitigate somatosensory pain affecting the legs and back. We also inform them that non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression can help alleviate residual pain-like symptoms from the lower extremities. We encourage our patients to ask essential and important questions while seeking education from our associated medical providers about their pain. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
How Does Somatosensory Pain Affect The Legs & Back?
Are you experiencing numbness or tingling in your legs or back that disappears after a few minutes? Do you feel questionable pain in your lumbar spine after work? Or do you feel a warm sensation in the back of your legs that turns into sharp shooting pain? These issues may be related to the somatosensory system within the central nervous system, which provides voluntary reflexes to muscle groups. When normal movements or traumatic forces cause problems to the somatosensory system over time, it can lead to pain that affects the body’s extremities. (Finnerup, Kuner, & Jensen, 2021) This pain may be accompanied by burning, pricking, or squeezing sensations that affect the lumbar region. Many factors can be associated with somatosensory pain, which is part of the central nervous system and works with the spinal cord. When the spinal cord becomes compressed or aggravated due to injury or normal factors, it can lead to low back and leg pain. For example, a herniated disc in the lumbosacral area can cause nerve roots to send pain signals to the brain and cause abnormalities in the back and legs. (Aminoff & Goodin, 1988)
When people are dealing with back and leg pain from somatosensory pain, it can cause them to be miserable by reducing their quality of life and leading to a life of disability. (Rosenberger et al., 2020) At the same time, individuals dealing with somatosensory pain will also begin to feel inflammatory effects from the affected muscle area in the legs and back. Since inflammation is a body’s natural response when dealing with pain, the inflammatory cytokines can cause a cascading effect from the brain through the spinal cord, causing leg and back pain. (Matsuda, Huh, & Ji, 2019) To that point, somatosensory pain is associated with inflammation caused by normal or traumatic factors that can cause overlapping risk factors contributing to leg and back pain. Luckily, numerous treatments can reduce these overlapping risk factors caused by somatosensory pain and help restore the lower body extremities’ function.
Move Better, Live Better- Video
When the body is dealing with somatosensory pain, it can cause many individuals to think they are only dealing with one source of pain from one muscle area. Still, it can lead to multifactorial issues that affect different body locations. This is known as referred pain, where one body section deals with pain but is in a different area. Referred pain can also be combined with somato-visceral/visceral-somatic pain, where the affected muscle or organ affects one or the other, causing more pain-like issues. However, numerous treatments can reduce somatosensory pain from causing more leg and back problems. Non-surgical therapies like chiropractic care and spinal decompression can help mitigate the effects of somatosensory pain affecting the lower body extremities causing leg and back pain. These treatments allow the pain specialist to incorporate various therapeutic techniques to stretch the affected muscles and realign the spine to its original position. Many individuals can see an improvement in their mobility and daily activities as the pain-like symptoms associated with somatosensory pain are reduced. (Gose, Naguszewski, & Naguszewski, 1998) When individuals dealing with somatosensory pain start thinking about their health and wellness to ease the pain they are experiencing, they can look into non-surgical treatments as they are cost-effective, safe, and provide a positive outcome. Additionally, non-surgical treatments can be personalized to the individual’s pain and begin to see improvement after a few treatment sessions. (Saal & Saal, 1989) Check out the video above to learn more about how non-surgical treatments can be combined with other therapies to improve a person’s well-being.
Spinal Decompression Reduces Somatosenosory Pain
Now spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment that can help reduce somatosensory pain affecting the legs and back. Since somatosensory pain correlates with the spinal cord, it can affect the lumbosacral spine and lead to back and leg pain. With spinal decompression, it utilizes gentle traction to gently pull the spine, which then can reduce the symptoms associated with somatosensory pain. Spinal decompression can help improve the somatosensory system by reducing pain and alleviating aggravated nerve root compression to relieve the legs and back. (Daniel, 2007)
Additionally, spinal decompression can be combined with other non-surgical treatments, like chiropractic, as it can help with reducing the effects of nerve entrapment and help restore the joint’s ROM (range of motion). (Kirkaldy-Willis & Cassidy, 1985) Spinal decompression can create a positive experience for many individuals dealing with leg and back pain associated with somatosensory pain while getting back their health and wellness.
References
Aminoff, M. J., & Goodin, D. S. (1988). Dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials in lumbosacral root compression. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 51(5), 740-742. doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.51.5.740-a
Daniel, D. M. (2007). Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy: does the scientific literature support efficacy claims made in the advertising media? Chiropr Osteopat, 15, 7. doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-15-7
Finnerup, N. B., Kuner, R., & Jensen, T. S. (2021). Neuropathic Pain: From Mechanisms to Treatment. Physiol Rev, 101(1), 259-301. doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00045.2019
Gose, E. E., Naguszewski, W. K., & Naguszewski, R. K. (1998). Vertebral axial decompression therapy for pain associated with herniated or degenerated discs or facet syndrome: an outcome study. Neurol Res, 20(3), 186-190. doi.org/10.1080/01616412.1998.11740504
Kirkaldy-Willis, W. H., & Cassidy, J. D. (1985). Spinal manipulation in the treatment of low-back pain. Can Fam Physician, 31, 535-540. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21274223
Matsuda, M., Huh, Y., & Ji, R. R. (2019). Roles of inflammation, neurogenic inflammation, and neuroinflammation in pain. J Anesth, 33(1), 131-139. doi.org/10.1007/s00540-018-2579-4
Rosenberger, D. C., Blechschmidt, V., Timmerman, H., Wolff, A., & Treede, R. D. (2020). Challenges of neuropathic pain: focus on diabetic neuropathy. J Neural Transm (Vienna), 127(4), 589-624. doi.org/10.1007/s00702-020-02145-7
Saal, J. A., & Saal, J. S. (1989). Nonoperative treatment of herniated lumbar intervertebral disc with radiculopathy. An outcome study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 14(4), 431-437. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-198904000-00018
Can decompression relieve intervertebral disc stress from individuals dealing with lumbar issues, restoring spinal mobility?
Introduction
The spine’s intervertebral disc acts like a shock absorber to the spine when axial overload is placed on the spine. This allows many individuals to carry, lift, and transport heavy objects without feeling discomfort or pain throughout the day. It is crucial that the spine not only stays functional but also provides stability and mobility for the intervertebral discs to allow these motions. However, as the body ages naturally, so do the intervertebral discs, as they lose water retention and begin to crack under pressure. To this point, the intervertebral discs start not to be functional as normal or traumatic actions cause pain-like issues to the spine and can lead to a life of disability. When repetitive motions cause unwanted pressures, the intervertebral discs become compressed and, over time, can lead to pain-like spinal issues. At the same time, the surrounding muscles, tissues, ligaments, and joints start to get affected in the lumbar region, which then leads to low back pain conditions associated with the lower extremities. Today’s article looks at intervertebral disc stress, how it affects spinal mobility, and how treatments like spinal decompression can restore spinal mobility while reducing intervertebral disc stress. At the same time, we work hand-in-hand with certified medical providers who use our patient’s information to treat and mitigate pain-like symptoms associated with intervertebral disc stress. We also inform them that non-surgical treatments like decompression can help mitigate pressure on the spinal discs. We also explain to them how decompression can help restore spinal mobility to the body and how the treatment can be added to their routine. We encourage our patients to ask essential and important questions while seeking education from our associated medical providers about their pain. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Intervertebral Disc Stress
Have you been experiencing radiating pain shooting down to your legs that is making it difficult to walk? Do you often feel muscle aches and strains from holding heavy objects that you have to lean your back a bit to relieve the pain? Or do you feel pain in one location in your body that travels to a different location? Many of these pain-like scenarios are correlated with intervertebral disc stress on the spine. In a normal healthy body, the intervertebral disc has to take on the spinal load when the body is in an abnormal position without pain or discomfort. However, as the body ages naturally, the intervertebral discs degenerate over time, and the intradiscal pressure within the spinal disc cavity decreases. (Sato, Kikuchi, & Yonezawa, 1999) To that point, the body and intervertebral discs begin to become stiff over time, causing the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues to be overstretched and ache when unwanted pressure starts to cause musculoskeletal issues to develop over time. At the same time, degeneration and aging have a causal relationship, which causes dramatic changes to the composition and structure of the spinal disc. (Acaroglu et al., 1995) These changes cause stress on the intervertebral disc, which then causes the spine to be less mobile.
How Does It Affect Spinal Mobility
When the intervertebral disc is dealing with mechanical stress from unwanted pressure, as stated earlier, it can develop into dramatic changes to its composition and structure. When people are dealing with spinal mobility issues, it causes segmental instability, which then causes influence the entire lumbar motion of the spine and causes the intervertebral disc to be highly stressed and cause disability. (Okawa et al., 1998) When high ‘stress’ is concentrated within the intervertebral discs, over time, it can cause musculoskeletal pain to the lumbar spine, leading to further disruption to the lower extremities. (Adams, McNally, & Dolan, 1996) When there is degeneration within the intervertebral disc associated with mechanical stress, it can affect the spine’s mobility function. For working individuals, it can have a huge impact on them. When dealing with stress correlated with the intervertebral discs, individuals will develop low back pain problems that can cause a huge burden when they are getting treated. Low back pain associated with intervertebral disc stress can cause a socioeconomic risk factor for lumbar pain and disability. (Katz, 2006) When dealing with low back problems, people will find temporary remedies to continue working while dealing with the pain until they have to be admitted for treatment. This causes an unnecessary stress factor for the individual because they would have to take time off work to feel better. However, it is important to get treated for intervertebral disc stress early on before more issues begin to occur, as there are non-surgical treatments that are cost-effective and safe to restore spinal mobility.
Why Choose Chiropractic-Video
When it comes to treating low back pain associated with intervertebral disc stress, many individuals try out many home remedies and treatments to alleviate the pain. However, those at-home treatments provide temporary relief. Individuals who are experiencing spinal mobility issues can find the relief they are looking for by incorporating non-surgical therapies into their daily routines. Non-surgical treatments are cost-effective and can provide a positive outcome to many individuals as their health and wellness plans can be personalized. (Boos, 2009) This allows the individual to finally find the relief they seek and create a positive relationship with their primary doctor. Non-surgical treatments can also be combined with other therapies to relieve the individual’s pain further and reduce the chances of the problem returning. Treatments like chiropractic care, massage therapy, and spinal decompression are some non-surgical treatments that can help mitigate intervertebral stress and restore spinal mobility. The video above explains how these treatments can find the root cause of the problem and address the issues in a safe and positive environment.
How Decompression Relieves Intervertebral Disc Stress
Non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression can help with reducing the intervertebral disc stress that is causing low back pain issues in the lumbar region. Spinal decompression uses gentle traction on the spine to reduce the stress on the intervertebral disc. Spinal decompression allows many people to reduce their chances of going to surgery for their pain and, after a few sessions, have the pain intensity decreased significantly. (Ljunggren, Weber, & Larsen, 1984) Additionally, spinal decompression can create negative intradiscal pressure in the spinal column by allowing the nutrients and fluids to rehydrate the affected disc while promoting the body’s natural healing process. (Sherry, Kitchener, & Smart, 2001)
Decompression Restoring Spinal Mobility
Spinal decompression can also help restore spinal mobility to the lumbar region. When pain specialists incorporate spinal decompression into their practices, they can help by using various techniques to restore joint mobility. When pain specialists start to use these different techniques on the individual’s body, they can help stretch out the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tissues that were affected around the spine and help restore mobility to the joint. (Gudavalli & Cox, 2014) Combined with spinal decompression, these techniques allow the individual to be more mindful of their bodies and alleviate the pain they have been dealing with for a while. By incorporating decompression as part of their routine, many individuals can return to their activities pain-free without worrying.
References
Acaroglu, E. R., Iatridis, J. C., Setton, L. A., Foster, R. J., Mow, V. C., & Weidenbaum, M. (1995). Degeneration and aging affect the tensile behavior of human lumbar anulus fibrosus. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 20(24), 2690-2701. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199512150-00010
Adams, M. A., McNally, D. S., & Dolan, P. (1996). ‘Stress’ distributions inside intervertebral discs. The effects of age and degeneration. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 78(6), 965-972. doi.org/10.1302/0301-620x78b6.1287
Boos, N. (2009). The impact of economic evaluation on quality management in spine surgery. Eur Spine J, 18 Suppl 3(Suppl 3), 338-347. doi.org/10.1007/s00586-009-0939-3
Gudavalli, M. R., & Cox, J. M. (2014). Real-time force feedback during flexion-distraction procedure for low back pain: A pilot study. J Can Chiropr Assoc, 58(2), 193-200. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24932023
Katz, J. N. (2006). Lumbar disc disorders and low-back pain: socioeconomic factors and consequences. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 88 Suppl 2, 21-24. doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.E.01273
Ljunggren, A. E., Weber, H., & Larsen, S. (1984). Autotraction versus manual traction in patients with prolapsed lumbar intervertebral discs. Scand J Rehabil Med, 16(3), 117-124. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6494835
Okawa, A., Shinomiya, K., Komori, H., Muneta, T., Arai, Y., & Nakai, O. (1998). Dynamic motion study of the whole lumbar spine by videofluoroscopy. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 23(16), 1743-1749. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199808150-00007
Sato, K., Kikuchi, S., & Yonezawa, T. (1999). In vivo intradiscal pressure measurement in healthy individuals and in patients with ongoing back problems. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 24(23), 2468-2474. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199912010-00008
Sherry, E., Kitchener, P., & Smart, R. (2001). A prospective randomized controlled study of VAX-D and TENS for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Neurol Res, 23(7), 780-784. doi.org/10.1179/016164101101199180
How can physicians create a positive experience for LGTBQ+ individuals seeking inclusive health care for muscle pain?
Introduction
Finding proper treatment for many body pain conditions should not be challenging when numerous factors and conditions can impact a person’s lifestyle. When it comes to these factors can range from their home environment to their medical conditions, which then harms their well-being and not being heard when informed about their situation. This can cause barriers to be built up and causes the individual not to be seen or heard when seeking treatment for their pain. However, many individuals within the LGBTQ+ community can seek numerous personalized solutions to improve their general well-being and have a positive experience that suits their needs. This article explores how inclusive health care can positively impact the LGBTQ+ community and how non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care can be incorporated into a person’s personalized inclusive health care plan. Additionally, we communicate with certified medical providers who integrate our patient’s information to reduce general pain through inclusive healthcare treatment. We also inform them that non-surgical treatments can be a positive experience for them to minimize general body pain. We encourage our patients to ask amazing questions while seeking education from our associated medical providers about their pain conditions in a safe and positive environment. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Is Inclusive Health Care?
Have you been dealing with constant stress that is causing pain in your body? Do you feel like there are barriers that are preventing you from getting the relief you need from your pain? Or are many environmental factors preventing you from getting back your health and wellness? Many individuals seeking treatment for general pain or conditions affecting their health and wellness will often research which care treatment suits their wants and needs in a positive and safe manner while being inclusive. Healthcare treatments like inclusive health care can provide a positive and safe outcome for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Inclusive health care can help many healthcare professionals establish an inclusive code of conduct within the LGBTQ+ community to improve health-specific outcomes. (Moran, 2021) Now inclusive health care is defined as removing barriers to health care services that should be equally accessible and affordable to many individuals regardless of age, sexual orientation, and gender identity. For many people within the LGBTQ+ community, many individuals identify as gender minorities. A gender minority is an individual who identifies as gender non-conforming and whose gender identity or expression differs from the conventional gender binary. Inclusive health care is an important aspect for the LGBTQ+ community as it can benefit people in getting the treatment they deserve.
How Does Inclusive Health Care Benefits The LGTBQ+ Community?
Regarding inclusive health care, many healthcare providers must respect their patients and their needs when coming in for a general check-up. Since many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are already dealing with enough stress, especially young people, it is important to have a calm, safe, and non-judgmental environment promoting safety and inclusion. (Diana & Esposito, 2022) There are many ways that inclusive health care can provide beneficial results to the individual and health care provider. Some may include:
What pronouns the individual preferred
What the individual wants to be identified
Being respectful of the patient’s needs
Building a trusted relationship with the individual
When individuals in the LGBTQ+ community have inclusive health care in a positive environment, it can create a positive experience for them as it can improve mental health and general well-being and make a huge impact that can be life-saving. (Carroll & Bishop, 2022) The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Team is committed to building a positive and safe space for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community that need inclusive health care to reduce pain-like symptoms through personalized treatment plans.
How Can Chiropractic Care Transform Pain To Relief-Video
With many individuals looking for the right kind of treatment for general pain and discomfort, many people will look into non-surgical therapies. Non-surgical treatments can be beneficial for many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community as it is safe and can provide individuals with an understanding of what is impacting their bodies. Non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and MET therapy can alleviate pain-like symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders through a personalized treatment plan catered to the person. Many health professionals who are respectful and provide a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking inclusive health has been reported an increase in their confidence, and a decrease in their anxiety, which can potentially decrease uncertainty for future visits. (McCave et al., 2019) Creating a safe, positive environment for individuals seeking inclusive health care can help them reduce the pain they have been experiencing while easing their minds. The video explains how non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care can help reduce musculoskeletal pain associated with stress and help realign the body out of subluxation. Additionally, these small changes in creating a safe and inclusive environment when receiving health care can make a lasting and positive impact on many individuals. (Bhatt, Cannella, & Gentile, 2022)
Utilizing Beneficial Treatments For Inclusive Health Care
When it comes to non-surgical treatments being part of inclusive treatment, it is critical to reduce the health disparities and to ensure that many LGBTQ+ individuals receive the needed medical they deserve. (Cooper et al., 2023) Since many individuals face unique health challenges, from body and gender dysmorphia to common muscle strains associated with musculoskeletal disorders, many individuals can seek non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care. Chiropractic care can help meet the individual’s needs by supporting their musculoskeletal health and general well-being. (Maiers, Foshee, & Henson Dunlap, 2017) Chiropractic care can reduce musculoskeletal conditions that many LGBTQ+ individuals have and can be aware of what factors are affecting their bodies in a safe and positive environment. Non-surgical treatments can be combined with other therapies in inclusive health care for LGBTQ+ individuals. They can provide a safe environment in the clinic and improve their care quality by being cost-effective. (Johnson & Green, 2012) Inclusive health care can help make LGBTQ+ individuals a safe and positive space to make them get the treatment they deserve without negativity.
References
Bhatt, N., Cannella, J., & Gentile, J. P. (2022). Gender-affirming Care for Transgender Patients. Innov Clin Neurosci, 19(4-6), 23-32. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35958971
Carroll, R., & Bisshop, F. (2022). What you need to know about gender-affirming healthcare. Emerg Med Australas, 34(3), 438-441. doi.org/10.1111/1742-6723.13990
Cooper, R. L., Ramesh, A., Radix, A. E., Reuben, J. S., Juarez, P. D., Holder, C. L., Belton, A. S., Brown, K. Y., Mena, L. A., & Matthews-Juarez, P. (2023). Affirming and Inclusive Care Training for Medical Students and Residents to Reduce Health Disparities Experienced by Sexual and Gender Minorities: A Systematic Review. Transgend Health, 8(4), 307-327. doi.org/10.1089/trgh.2021.0148
Diana, P., & Esposito, S. (2022). LGBTQ+ Youth Health: An Unmet Need in Pediatrics. Children (Basel), 9(7). doi.org/10.3390/children9071027
Johnson, C. D., & Green, B. N. (2012). Diversity in the chiropractic profession: preparing for 2050. J Chiropr Educ, 26(1), 1-13. doi.org/10.7899/1042-5055-26.1.1
Maiers, M. J., Foshee, W. K., & Henson Dunlap, H. (2017). Culturally Sensitive Chiropractic Care of the Transgender Community: A Narrative Review of the Literature. J Chiropr Humanit, 24(1), 24-30. doi.org/10.1016/j.echu.2017.05.001
McCave, E. L., Aptaker, D., Hartmann, K. D., & Zucconi, R. (2019). Promoting Affirmative Transgender Health Care Practice Within Hospitals: An IPE Standardized Patient Simulation for Graduate Health Care Learners. MedEdPORTAL, 15, 10861. doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10861
Moran, C. I. (2021). LGBTQ population health policy advocacy. Educ Health (Abingdon), 34(1), 19-21. doi.org/10.4103/efh.EfH_243_18
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