In today’s big data informational era, there are many disorders, diseases, and clinical presentations that demonstrate concomitant associations, coincidences, correlations, causations, overlapping profiles, overlapping risk profiles, co-morbidities, and risks of associated disorders that clinically intermingle in presentations and outcomes.
The clinician is mandated by the depth of our present clinical understandings and our oath to our patients to see the complete clinical picture within these integrated clinical paradigms and to treat accordingly.
Somatic dysfunction is defined as the “impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic (body framework) system: skeletal, arthrodial, and myofascial structures, and related vascular, lymphatic, and neural elements.”
A viscerosomatic reflexis the resultant of the effect of afferent stimuli arising from a visceral disorder on the somatic tissues. The reflex is initiated by afferent impulses from visceral receptors; these impulses are transmitted to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, where they synapse with interconnecting neurons. These, in turn, convey the stimulus to sympathetic and peripheral motor efferents, thus resulting in sensory and motor changes in somatic tissues of skeletal muscle, viscera, blood vessels, and skin.
As an example only,visceral afferents play an important part in the maintenance of internal equilibrium and the related mutual adjustments of visceral function. They are also responsible for the conduction of pain impulses that may be caused by distention of a viscus, anoxia (particularly of muscle), irritating metabolites, stretching or crushing of blood vessels, irritation of the peritoneum, contraction of muscular walls, and distention of the capsule of a solid organ.” Because pain-sensitive nerve end- ings are not numerous in viscera, pain sensation or a visceral reflex response may result from the combined input of several different types of receptors rather than as a specific response to a particular receptor. A variety of visceral receptors have been mucosal and epithelial receptors, which respond to mechanical and epithelial stimuli; tension receptors in the visceral muscle layers, which respond to mechanical distention, such as the degree of filling; serosal receptors, which are slow adapting mechanoreceptors in mesentery or
serosa and which monitor visceral fullness; Pacinian corpuscles in mesentery and pain receptors; and free nerve endings in viscera and blood vessels.
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Our information scopeis limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez DC or contact us at 915-850-0900.
When many individuals look for ways to relax after a stressful event in their daily lives, many people have an exercise regime that allows them to take their minds off of their hectic lives. When finding the proper exercise, it is best to consider that everybody is different and has different fitness levels. Many individuals could be dealing with chronic issues that affect them drastically and with so much pain in their bodies. When these chronic issues overlap with muscle and joint pain, it can make the body dysfunctional while potentially being involved in environmental factors. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that helps tone muscles, relax tension in the body, and focus on deep breathing. Today’s article looks at the benefits of yoga for the body, how chiropractic care works together with yoga, and different yoga poses can help manage various chronic issues. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in musculoskeletal treatments to help many individuals with musculoskeletal problems affecting their bodies. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
The Benefits of Yoga For The Body
Have you been dealing with chronic stress affecting your quality of life? Have you been dealing with bladder or gut issues constantly? What about feeling muscle stiffness in your back, neck, shoulders, or pelvic regions? Some of these symptoms are signs that you could risk developing musculoskeletal problems associated with pain. Dealing with musculoskeletal issues related to pain can make a person feel miserable and have stress affecting their bodies. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that doesn’t put pressure on the joints and will provide a full-body workout through strengthening and stretching weak muscles. Yoga has many benefits for many individuals that are dealing with the following:
Studies reveal that environmental factors are involved in non-specified chronic pain in the spine, overlapping musculoskeletal disorders causing many individuals to try to find relief. Many individuals incorporate yoga because it is a safe and effective way to alleviate various forms of back, neck, or pelvic pain causing issues to the body. Yoga utilizes gentle stretching and strengthening of weak, injured muscles while increasing blood circulation to promote healing in the body.
Chiropractic Care & Yoga
When people are dealing with health conditions or injuries that have affected their bodies, it can make them feel frustrated and think their injuries are taking forever to heal. Many individuals don’t realize that incorporating yoga practices provides impressive health benefits while mirroring the similar foundations of chiropractic care. Both chiropractic care and yoga provide many beneficial results to an aching body that needs a good stretch and ready the body to heal itself naturally. Chiropractic care includes spinal manipulation to the spinal joints while reducing inflammation and strengthening weak muscles. Yoga allows the body to increase its flexibility and stamina, reduces stress and blood pressure, and provides a better sense of breathing and balance.
Yoga For Chronic Pain-Video
Have you felt muscle stiffness in your neck, back, or body? Have you felt sluggish or overly stressed from your day-to-day lives? Do you want to improve your balance? If you have been experiencing these issues affecting your quality of life, why not incorporate yoga as part of your exercise regime? The video above shows that yoga poses for chronic pain affect the body, including the neck, back, and pelvic regions. Studies reveal that yoga can help relieve intense neck pain while improving pain-related function disability. Yoga allows the muscles to not only relax but strengthen them as well. Yoga can also help improve the body’s range of motion through deep breathing and give more awareness of how the body holds tension in places a person hasn’t realized they were holding onto.
Yoga Poses For Different Issues
When a person does yoga, they will go through various poses and repeat them constantly as their body begins to get used to the movements. This allows the body to challenge itself and helps the individual focus more on deep breathing. A good example would be an individual taking a yoga class due to experiencing pelvic pain. By going through each yoga pose, many individuals suffering from pelvic pain will reduce the pain intensity while improving their quality of life. Below are some yoga poses that anyone can do to reduce pain associated with their back, neck, or pelvis.
Bridge Pose
Lie on your back
Bend both knees while placing the feet on the floor at hip-width apart
Arm on the sides with palms facing down
Press feet to the floor and lift the hips as you inhale
Engage the legs and buttock
Hold 4-8 breaths and exhale to lower the hips back to the ground slowly
Cobra Pose
Lie on your stomach with hands near the chest just under the shoulders and fingers facing forward
Keep elbows close to sides
Press hands on the floor and slowly lift your head, chest, and shoulders while slightly bending the elbows by inhaling
Exhale to go back down slow and rest your head
Cat-Cow
Be on all fours, hands under the shoulders and knees under hips (Think like a table)
Inhale to lower your core to the floor as your head looks up to the sky
Exhale slowly to lower your chin to the chest as you round your back
Continue fluid motion for a minute
Forward Bend
Be in a standing position, and feet are at a hip distance apart
Lengthen the body as you lean forward while keeping the knees slightly bended
Place hands on either legs, yoga block, or the floor (Whichever makes you comfortable)
Tuck the chin into the chest, letting the neck and head relax
Gently rock your head side to side to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders
Slowly roll up to a standing position allowing the arms and head to be the last to rise
Supine Spinal Twist
Lie on your back while your knees bent and feet flat on the floor
Extend arms out of the side and place palms down on the floor
As you inhale, breathe into the gut and lower limbs
Exhale to lower knees on the left side (Look at the opposite way to slowly stretch the neck and shoulder muscles)
Pay attention to the stretches for 5 breathes as well as the lengthening sensations on the ribs
Return the knees to the middle and repeat on the right side
Child’s Pose
Sit back on the heels with the knees together (For added support, you can use a rolled-up blanket under your knees)
Bend forward and walk hands in front of you
Gently rest your forehead on the floor
Keep arms extended in the front while focusing on relieving tension in the back as the upper body falls to the knees
Stay in that pose for 5 minutes
Conclusion
Incorporating yoga as part of an exercise regime allows the individual to focus on deep breathing while calming the mind. Yoga is a low-impact exercise that helps strengthen weak muscles associated with pain and inflammation. Yoga provides a full-body workout that benefits many people dealing with chronic pain. Utilizing yoga as part of a daily practice might help individuals learn to be calm and practice mindfulness.
Crow, Edith Meszaros, et al. “Effectiveness of Iyengar Yoga in Treating Spinal (Back and Neck) Pain: A Systematic Review.” International Journal of Yoga, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Jan. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4278133/.
Li, Yunxia, et al. “Effects of Yoga on Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Prisma Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Medicine, Wolters Kluwer Health, Feb. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6407933/.
Saxena, Rahul, et al. “Effects of Yogic Intervention on Pain Scores and Quality of Life in Females with Chronic Pelvic Pain.” International Journal of Yoga, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5225749/.
Everyone has different tips and tricks for being healthy and losing weight. Many individuals incorporate other diets, eating habits, and exercise regimes to lose excess weight, have energy throughout the day and feel good. One of the other diets many people seem to lean toward when it comes to losing weight and helping the body is detox. Surprisingly, many people seem misinformed about detox and dieting being the same; however, they are not, as detoxing is a natural process of body purification while dieting incorporates healthy eating habits, exercising, and healthy life choices. For the body, the best detoxing machine is the liver. Today’s article looks at how the liver detoxes the body, how factors can cause detox imbalances in the body, and how different food helps liver detoxification. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in liver or gastrointestinal treatments to help many individuals with liver issues. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
The Body’s Own Detox Machine: The Liver
Have you been experiencing gut sensitivities from the foods you eat? How about experiencing chronic fatigue throughout the entire day? What about experiencing pain and swelling in your abdominals or legs? Some of these issues may indicate that something is wrong with your liver. The liver is the most crucial organ with a massive responsibility for the vast array of functions of the body. The liver helps support many visceral functions like maintaining the body’s metabolism, immunity, digestion, and detoxification. Detoxification is a biochemical process where non-water-soluble compounds are transformed into water-soluble compounds flushed out of the body. The benefit of detox is that it helps protect the body from adverse effects of external and internal toxins.
Since the liver is a massive organ, its essential role in the body is detoxification. Studies reveal that the detoxification process for the liver is in two phases. Phase 1 activated the enzymes in the body to prepare the substance to be removed. Phase 2 excretes the enzymes out of the body as urine, stool, and bile. These two phases help keep the body healthy and stop excessive toxins from harming the rest of the body.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is one of the central detoxification systems responsible for allowing waste products to leave and be carried away to the bloodstream, becoming one of the defense mechanisms for the body and purifying the body fluids for proper functioning. The lymphatic vasculatures also play an active role in immune regulation by impacting inflammatory and immune responses. This means that the lymphatic will produce white blood cells to attack foreign invaders entering the body.
The Gut-Liver Axis
Since the liver is the master organ for detoxification, what is its relationship with the gut? Well, studies reveal that the gut microbiota forms a complex microbial community that significantly impacts human health. The gut microbiota can indirectly modulate the functionality of the extra-intestinal organs, which involves the liver. The gut connects to the liver with the intestines through bile acid metabolism. When there is a decrease in bile acid in the gut, it could trigger hepatic inflammation via inflammasomes. Inflammasomes are an essential component of innate immune response while being critical for the clearance of pathogens or damaged cells. When the inflammasomes start becoming mediators for hepatic inflammation, they could potentially be involved with detoxification imbalances in the body.
Detoxification Imbalances
When there are decreased bile acids in the gut, the body could be at risk of developing intestinal dysbiosis. This causes impaired intestinal barrier function, which overlaps to leaky gut and aggravates hepatic inflammation in the liver. When this happens, toxins in the body become excessive and may cause immune and nervous system abnormalities while triggering imbalanced detoxification symptoms that correspond to issues similar to chronic conditions. Some of these detoxification imbalances include:
Fatigue
Allergies/intolerances
Sluggish metabolism
Weight gain easily
Intolerance to fats
Puffy – excess fluid
Body odor, bad breath, metallic taste
Profuse sweating even in cool weather
Naturally Detoxing Your Body-Video
Have you been dealing with allergies or food intolerances affecting your abdominals? Have you been feeling sluggish? What about feeling chronic fatigue throughout the entire day? Some of these symptoms are signs that your liver could suffer from some issues. The liver’s primary function in the body is to detoxify the body. The video above explains how the liver detoxifies the body and how drinks to cleanse the body don’t add additional benefits. The best way for a healthy liver to be functional and detox the body naturally is by eating the right foods that help support the liver, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water to flush out the system, and getting adequate sleep.
Foods That Support Liver Detoxification
When it comes to supporting the liver, eating the right foods can provide energy and reduce inflammatory effects on the body. Studies reveal that eating various wild and semidomestic food plants can provide various components to liver function. Plants like dandelions contain taxasterols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that allow the liver to increase bile secretion. Other foods that help with liver functionality associated with other body functions include:
Berries (blueberries & cranberries)
Grapefruit
Prickly pear
Cruciferous vegetables
Garlic
Carrots
Beets
Olive oil
Nuts
Incorporating these healthy foods can not only be beneficial to the liver but can help the major organs and body to receive the nutrients that the body deserves.
Conclusion
The liver is a massive organ that helps the body to function correctly by harmful detoxifying pathogens through excretion. As a natural detoxifying machine, the liver has a casual relationship with the gut system by filtering the nutrients and transporting them out to different body areas. Harmful pathogens enter the body and disrupt the liver can lead to dysbiosis and liver dysfunction. Fortunately, there are nutritious foods that can help support the liver and even help flush out the toxins over time so the body can begin its healing process naturally.
References
Grant, D M. “Detoxification Pathways in the Liver.” Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1991, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1749210/.
Guan, Yong-Song, and Qing He. “Plants Consumption and Liver Health.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4499388/.
Karla, Arjun, et al. “Physiology, Liver – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 8 May 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535438/.
Konturek, Peter Christopher, et al. “Gut⁻Liver Axis: How Do Gut Bacteria Influence the Liver?” Medical Sciences (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 17 Sept. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165386/.
Sharma, Deepika, and Thirumala-Devi Kanneganti. “The Cell Biology of Inflammasomes: Mechanisms of Inflammasome Activation and Regulation.” The Journal of Cell Biology, The Rockefeller University Press, 20 June 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4915194/.
The body is a functional being with the brain to control the host’s movements when going to places or resting, the immune system to battle viruses that enter the body, digest food through the gut system, and the endocrine system regulate hormones that maintain the body. The thyroid secretes hormones out and has a vital role in the body’s functionality, and when it gets affected, it can cause issues associated with the body. When the thyroid doesn’t produce more hormones in the body, it can be at risk of developing hypothyroidism. Today’s article looks at the thyroid’s role in the body, how hypothyroidism affects the body, and how to manage hypothyroidism in the body. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in endocrinology treatments to help many individuals with hypothyroidism. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What’s The Thyroid’s Role In The Body?
Have you been experiencing fatigue out of nowhere? What about having constipation issues in your lower abdominals? Or have you been experiencing frequent and heavy menstrual cycles? Some of these symptoms are associated with hypothyroidism. The thyroid is located at the neck’s base and produces hormones. Studies reveal that this small organ is mighty as it has a massive responsibility to the body by controlling its metabolism, growth, and functionality. As the thyroid secretes hormones for the body, these hormones travel with the bloodstream to different organs, muscles, and tissues throughout the body. Thyroxine(T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are the two main hormones the thyroid gland produces. While the hypothalamus produces TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone), and the anterior pituitary glands produce TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). All three of these organs work in synchronized harmony with the body by maintaining the proper mechanism and homeostasis. The thyroid hormone affects not only the body but the vital organs like:
Heart
Central nervous system
Autonomic nervous system
Lungs
Skeletal muscles
Metabolism
GI tract
The Effects Of Hypothyroidism In The Body
Since the thyroid helps regulate hormones in the body, environmental factors play a role in hormone production. When environmental factors begin to affect the body, they potentially involve hormones. When the thyroid gland cannot produce sufficient hormones in the body, it risks developing hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is defined as a common condition that is the result of low hormone production overlapping various conditions and manifestations. When left untreated, hypothyroidism could associate with sympathetic and parasympathetic dysfunction. Studies reveal that the thyroid hormone influences the autonomic nervous system. Individuals suffering from hypothyroidism correlate to a dysfunctional autonomic system overlapping sympathetic reactivity. This means that hypothyroidism will cause the body’s metabolism to slow down and cause various symptoms to affect each vital organ.
An Overview Of Hypothyroidism-Video
Have you been experiencing chronic fatigue? How about muscle weakness in your arms or legs? What about feeling cold all the time? Individuals experiencing these symptoms are dealing with a condition known as hypothyroidism. The video above explains hypothyroidism, how it is diagnosed, and its symptoms in the body. Many environmental factors do play a role when it comes to the development of hypothyroidism. Some of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include:
Constipation
Decrease in sexual function
Depression
High cholesterol
Weight gain
Chronic fatigue
Brain fog
Hashimoto’s
When the body is being affected by environmental factors correlating with hypothyroidism, studies reveal that factors like spinal cord injuries do cause an impact on the body’s metabolic function and derange various hormonal axes. This causes issues that could potentially involve co-morbidities like urinary tract infections. Fortunately, there are ways to manage hypothyroidism and regulate the hormones to make the body functional again.
Managing Hypothyroidism
One cornerstone in managing hypothyroidism and reducing its associated symptoms is following a proper treatment for health and wellness. Maintaining healthy hormone levels in the body is achievable regarding hypothyroidism. Taking thyroid medication as prescribed by a doctor help improve symptoms associated with hypothyroidism while regulating T3 and T4 hormones. Eating nutritious foods may help relieve some symptoms of hypothyroidism. Exercising helps enhance energy levels and strengthen weak muscles for individuals with hypothyroidism. Incorporating chiropractic care can help reduce somato-visceral disorders associated with hypothyroidism through spinal manipulation. Utilizing these treatments to manage hypothyroidism benefits one’s health and wellness journey.
Conclusion
The thyroid is an organ at the neck’s base as part of the endocrine system. This organ is mighty as it helps the body by secreting hormones for all the various organs, muscles, and tissues. When the thyroid can’t produce sufficient hormones to regulate the body, it risks developing hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a common condition that results in a low hormonal count, triggering symptoms that affect the body. If left untreated, it could become the mediator for sympathetic and parasympathetic dysfunction. Luckily, treatments are available to manage hypothyroidism and regulate hormonal secretion in the body. This allows the individual to incorporate healthy habits to maintain their hormones while their health and wellness journey continues impacting their lives.
References
Cheville, A L, and S C Kirshblum. “Thyroid Hormone Changes in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.” The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 1995, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8591067/.
Hardy, Katie, and Henry Pollard. “The Organisation of the Stress Response, and Its Relevance to Chiropractors: A Commentary.” Chiropractic & Osteopathy, BioMed Central, 18 Oct. 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1629015/.
Mahajan, Aarti S, et al. “Evaluation of Autonomic Functions in Subclinical Hypothyroid and Hypothyroid Patients.” Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, May 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3712377/.
Patil, Nikita, et al. “Hypothyroidism.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 19 June 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519536/.
Shahid, Muhammad A, et al. “Physiology, Thyroid Hormone – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 8 May 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500006/.
The brain and the spinal cord have a casual relationship in the nervous system as they help transport neuron signals to the rest of the body. These neuron signals travel through the various nerve pathways that provide motor-sensory functions to the arms, legs, neck, and back that help keep the body upright and function properly. When natural causes or traumatic issues affect the spinal cord, it can cause pain symptoms associated with nerve compression that overlaps with different chronic problems. When there is spinal nerve compression in the back, it may potentially involve low back or neck pain. Today’s article looks at a condition known as Chiari malformation, its associated symptoms with the spine, and how decompression and chiropractic care manage Chiari malformation. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in neurological treatments to help many individuals with Chiari malformation. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is Chiari Malformation?
Have you been experiencing chronic headaches that are triggering neck stiffness? What about uncontrollable bladder issues? Are you feeling tingling sensations down your fingers and toes? Some of these symptoms are signs that you might risk developing Chiari malformation. Chiari malformation is uncommon when parts of the brain tissue extend into the spinal canal. This condition is a cluster of abnormalities that involves parts of the brain and cervical cord. The brain consists of 6 pieces that have different functions; they are:
Parietal lobe (Sense of touch, visual perception, differentiation, etc.)
Temporal lobe (Memory, understanding languages)
Occipital lobe (Vision)
Cerebellum (Balance, motor activity, coordination)
The brain stem (spinal cord, breathing, sleep and wake cycles, etc.)
These different brain sections have a casual relationship with their correlated organs and muscles to keep the body moving. When there are deformities affecting the brain from Chiari malformation, studies reveal that the cerebellum is leaking out of the skull and pressing against the surrounding spinal canal, triggering symptoms along the spine.
The Symptoms Associated With Chiari Malformation & The Spine
The symptoms associated with Chiari malformation do affect the spine in the body. The symptoms vary from each individual, ranging from none to severe. The most common sign that is associated with Chiari malformation is a headache. Studies reveal that symptomatic cluster-like headaches are related to various diseases, including Chiari malformation. When dealing with a headache that radiates pain along the neck and shoulders, this is known as somato-visceral pain, where the affected muscle affects the organ, causing pain associated with a chronic issue. Let’s look at another symptom related to the presence of Chiari malformation. Scoliosis is when there is a sideways curvature in the thoracic or lumbar regions of the spine. So how is scoliosis associated with Chiari malformation? When skeletal maturity and age are affected by scoliosis, studies show that neural axis abnormalities correlate with curve progression, causing the risk of Chiari malformation to develop. Other symptoms that are associated with Chiari malformation include:
Muscle weakness (coordination issues, loss of balance)
Have you been experiencing bladder issues out of nowhere? Do you feel tingling, burning sensations along your arms and legs? Has your neck and upper back been feeling stiff? These are some of the symptoms associated with Chiari malformation in the cervical region. The video above gives an overview of Chiari malformation, its diagnosis, and how it’s treated. Chiari malformation has multiple causes, but the most common cause is when the cerebellum develops downward and compresses the spinal canal. This causes painful issues on the neck and affects the visceral organs and muscles, causing painful symptoms that potentially involve other parts of the body. Fortunately, treatments are available to manage Chiari malformation and its associated symptoms.
Decompression & Chiropractic Care For Chiari Malformation
Chiari malformation is treatable through decompression and chiropractic care by managing the associated symptoms. Studies show that decompression may improve the symptoms associated with Chiari malformation and regain motor functions in the neck and range of motion in the arms. Decompression for the cervical region allows gentle traction on the neck to elongate the compressed spinal disc to release the pressure off the nerve root. For chiropractic care, spinal manipulation on the upper back may help alleviate headaches due to subluxation or spinal misalignment. Utilizing these two treatments allows many individuals to find the relief they are looking for and help manage the symptoms associated with their chronic issues.
Conclusion
Overall, the brain and spinal cord have a casual relationship in the nervous system as they help transport the neuron signals to each body part to be functional. Traumatic issues or injuries to the spine can cause pain in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions while potentially being involved with chronic issues. Chiari malformation is a chronic condition where the cerebellum develops downwards and compresses the spinal canal. This causes associated symptoms in the cervical region that can drastically affect the upper half of the body. Treatments like decompression and chiropractic care help manage the associated symptoms that are caused by Chiari malformation through non-invasive ways. Incorporating these treatments allow the individual to be pain-free.
References
Goldschagg, Nicolina, et al. “Decompression in Chiari Malformation: Clinical, Ocular Motor, Cerebellar, and Vestibular Outcome.” Frontiers in Neurology, Frontiers Media S.A., 22 June 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5479925/.
Hidalgo, Joaquin A, et al. “Arnold Chiari Malformation – Statpearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 1 May 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431076/.
Kaplan, Yüksel, and Özden Kamişli. “Cluster-like Headache Associated with Symptomatic Chiari Type 1 Malformation.” Noro Psikiyatri Arsivi, Turkish Neuropsychiatric Society, Mar. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5370268/.
Kelly, Michael P, et al. “Spinal Deformity Associated with Chiari Malformation.” Neurosurgery Clinics of North America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4584090/.
Internal injuries occur under the skin and muscle tissues. Internal organ damage occurs when an organ’s structure becomes altered or begins to malfunction and can be brought on by trauma or disease. Sympathetic nerves send and receive messages, including pain signals, from the brain through the spinal cord. Chiropractors understand the spine and internal organ connection. For example, the splanchnic nerves connect to the stomach, originating between thoracic vertebra six and ten.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt Trauma
Blunt trauma/Non-penetrating trauma happens when a forceful impact strikes the body.
A car accident, hard fall, or getting hit by a dull object qualifies as blunt trauma.
Blunt trauma can rupture the blood vessels and organs.
Organs most likely to experience damage include the spleen and liver.
Penetrating Trauma
Penetrating trauma happens when an object enters the body.
The object can bruise, slice, and pierce organs.
Internal bleeding can occur if blood vessels are torn or cut.
Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling restricts blood circulation to and from the organ to the circulatory and nervous systems, causing pain and further damage to the organ tissues.
If circulation is not restored, the organs may fail.
Severe swelling of the organs can cause heart and lung problems, as the swollen organs leave no room for the lungs to expand or for the heart to pump blood.
Emergency Treatment and Rehabilitation
Blunt force injuries that produce significant organ impact, bleeding, and penetrating injuries may require surgery to repair or remove damaged organs. Doctors may keep the injured individual under observation for minor internal bleeding to see if surgery is needed. Minor internal bleeding often heals on its own without surgery. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic offer rehabilitation after surgery as a thorough way to expedite healing and recovery.
Chiropractic manages pain without medications that can interfere with the ability to perform simple tasks.
The body’s functions and biochemical responses from the trauma and surgery are addressed.
Inflammation and swelling are alleviated, and prevention is done through adjustments, massage, diet, and health coaching.
Severe Back Pain Chiropractic
References
Iheozor-Ejiofor, Zipporah, et al. “Negative pressure wound therapy for open traumatic wounds.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 7,7 CD012522. 3 Jul. 2018, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012522.pub2
McCausland C, Sajjad H. Anatomy, Back, Splanchnic Nerve. [Updated 2021 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549856/
Newman RK, Dayal N, Dominique E. Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. [Updated 2022 Apr 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430932/
Risselada, Marije. “Perforating Cervical, Thoracic, and Abdominal Wounds.” The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice vol. 47,6 (2017): 1135-1148. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.06.002
Shaheen, Aisha W et al. “Abdominal compartment syndrome in trauma patients: New insights for predicting outcomes.” Journal of emergencies, trauma, and shock vol. 9,2 (2016): 53-7. doi:10.4103/0974-2700.179452
Sikka, Rishi. “Unsuspected internal organ traumatic injuries.” Emergency medicine clinics of North America vol. 22,4 (2004): 1067-80. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2004.05.006
The brain’s main job is to keep the body moving and provide functionality to all the major organs through neuro signaling from the numerous nerve roots surrounding the entire body. As part of the central nervous system in the body, the brain has a casual relationship with the spinal cord, immune system, and gut system. However, as the body ages naturally, so does the brain, as many pathogens that affect the body over time affect the brain and its associates. Harmful pathogens that affect the body can disrupt the brain’s signaling process, causing the body to be at risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders. Today’s article looks at neurodegeneration, how it affects the body and the brain, and ways to improve brain health. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in neurological therapies to help many individuals dealing with neurodegeneration. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is Neurodegeneration?
Have you been suffering from inflammation in your gut? How feeling aches and pains all over your body? Are you experiencing muscle stiffness in certain areas along your spine? Many of these issues are signs of many individuals at risk of developing neurodegeneration. Neurodegeneration is an age-dependent disorder affecting many individuals, especially the elderly. Many factors allow the progression of neurodegenerative disorders to affect the brain and body. Some of the common neurodegenerative disorders that do affect a person are:
Alzheimer’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease
Huntington’s Disease
Dementia
Multiple and lateral sclerosis
These common neurodegenerative disorders affect the body over time by triggering inflammation and disrupting the brain signal to the different body locations.
How Does It Affect The Brain & The Body?
So how does neurodegeneration affects both the brain and the body? As stated earlier, the brain has a causal relationship with the gut, spinal cord, and immune system. The brain projects out neuron signals to ensure that the immune system is defending the body, the spinal cord provides the sensory-motor function to the spine, and the gut system regulates and maintains the body. When the body suffers from injuries or harmful pathogens are causing the neuron signals to go haywire, it can affect many different areas and even cause referred pain to the vital organs and associated muscles. An example will be if an individual suffers from traumatic brain injury associated with gut issues and inflammation. When the brain suffers from trauma or injury, many factors are potentially involved with the gut, causing numerous issues that can affect the body. Some of the problems associated with traumatic brain injury may cause:
Acute changes in intestinal permeability
Increases permeability in the blood-brain barrier (BBB)
Continued and progressive neurobehavioral symptoms
Risk for hormonal compromise
Studies reveal that the pathology of neurodegenerative disorders remains unknown; however, many have considered that environmental factors may play a causal role. Environmental factors like lifestyle choices, eating habits, and physical activity impact a person’s life. When these factors harm the body, they may become the mediator for neurodegenerative disorders to progress and trigger issues in the body.
An Overview Of Neurodegenerative Diseases-Video
Are you experiencing brain fog more often than usual? Are you feeling inflammatory issues affecting your gut? What about feeling pain or muscle stiffness affecting your neck or back? Some of these issues are associated with neurodegenerative diseases affecting the body. The video above gives an overview of neurodegenerative diseases and how it affects the body. The pathway of neurodegenerative diseases is unknown, but environmental factors do cause an impact on the body, causing an overlap of risk profiles associated with many chronic issues. Luckily, there are many ways to potentially dampen the effects of neurodegenerative diseases from progressing further in the body.
Ways To Improve Brain Health
When it comes to brain health and preventing neurodegenerative disorders from progressing further, many people have found ways to improve their brain and their body. Studies reveal that providing potential therapeutic approaches for neurological conditions can help the brain intake new information and help the body function. The six pillars that are considered for brain health include:
Physical activity
Mental exercises
Healthy diet and nutrition
Social interaction
Ample sleep
Controlling vascular risk factors
Each pillar provides optimal brain health by making the individual look at their situation differently. For example, a person with gut issues associated with brain inflammation might change their dietary habits and incorporate more fruits and vegetables. Studies reveal that when individuals are associated with a sense of stress and loss from an impactful event tend to manage their stress levels. Incorporating healthy boundaries to lower stress levels can positively impact the brain by taking in a new hobby, talking with an old friend, and doing things that bring people joy, which could manage the progression of neurodegenerative disorders and provide optimal happiness.
Conclusion
The brain is the central controller of the body as it provides neuron signals to each of the major organs and muscles through neuro signaling from the surrounding nerve roots. When the body suffers from injuries or trauma from harmful pathogens, it can affect the brain’s health by disrupting the neuron signals. Other times, it could just be natural aging that affects the brain, causing neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegenerative disorders associated with chronic issues may cause dysfunction in the body, causing an overlap of risk profiles of chronic diseases. Incorporating beneficial factors to promote brain health positively impacts keeping the brain healthy and slowing the progression of neurodegenerative disorders in the brain.
References
Brown, Rebecca C, et al. “Neurodegenerative Diseases: An Overview of Environmental Risk Factors.” Environmental Health Perspectives, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Sept. 2005, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1280411/.
Gitler, Aaron D, et al. “Neurodegenerative Disease: Models, Mechanisms, and a New Hope.” Disease Models & Mechanisms, The Company of Biologists Ltd, 1 May 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5451177/.
Wang, Yongjun, et al. “What Is Brain Health and Why Is It Important?” BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), BMJ Publishing Group Ltd., 9 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7555053.
Everyone tries to make healthy life choices by boosting their immune system. Getting adequate sleep, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and exercising all help increase the immune system. The immune system is known as the “protector” of the body as it eliminates foreign invaders that enter the body and causes chaos to the effective systems. The immune system releases cytokines to the alien invaders causing inflammation in the affected area. When environmental factors affect the body over time, the immune system mistakenly attacks its cells, thinking it’s a foreign invader causing autoimmunity. Today’s article looks at autoimmunity, its triggers, how inflammation plays its role in the body, and what is D.I.R.T. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in autoimmune therapies to help many individuals dealing with autoimmune diseases and inflammation. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
What Is Autoimmunity?
Have you been dealing with abdominal issues that affect you when you eat something? How about pain and swelling in your joints? How about unexplained skin problems? Some of these symptoms are signs that many individuals risk developing autoimmunity. Autoimmunity is defined as a self-directed inflammation of the body’s tissue, which results from a loss of tolerance by aberrant dendric cells and B & T cell responses. This causes the development of immune reactivity towards native antigens. When autoimmune diseases occur in the body, studies reveal that this is due to the immune system attacking self-molecules; many disorders are strongly associated with many predisposing factors.
Things That Trigger Autoimmunity
When it comes to the link between the triggering factors and the immune system, studies reveal that the cause and pathway of many autoimmune diseases affecting the body are unknown but that the many factors that trigger the progression of autoimmune diseases are associated with different chronic issues. The adaptive immune response consists of antibodies and activated T lymphocytes that play a predominant role in clinical conditions. The multiple pathways that autoimmune diseases do to the body are ongoing and multifactorial due to the initial trigger for systemic and organ-specific disorders that may predate clinical diseases by many years. Some of the factors that may trigger autoimmunity in the body include:
Gut
Endothelial
Brain
Stress
Toxins
Infections
Food
Biotoxins (innate)
What Is Inflammation?-Video
Have you been dealing with swelling around your joints and muscles? Do the foods seem to cause issues in your gut? What about feeling radiating pain traveling down your arms or legs? These are signs that your body is experiencing inflammation. The video above gives an excellent explanation of what inflammation is and its role in the body. Inflammation is the immune system’s natural defenses triggered by various factors that affect the body while it promotes healing to the affected area. Inflammation can be good or bad; it depends on the severity of the body’s injury and location. Inflammation has a casual relationship with the immune system in acute and chronic forms. In its acute form, inflammation can minimize the injury or infection to promote healing in the affected area with heat, redness, and swelling. However, in its chronic condition, where the damage is more profound, various pathogens affecting the body’s tissues may result in chronic issues associated with inflammation. Luckily, there are ways to manage autoimmunity-related inflammatory symptoms.
What Is D.I.R.T?
The body needs the immune system to protect itself from foreign invaders that enter the body. Studies reveal that the immune system does more than protect the body; it can flush out old, damaged cells in the body and replace them with new ones. The immune system also mobilizes responses to the invaders with its ability to distinguish self from non-self. As stated earlier, the immune system has a causal relationship to inflammation. It may succumb to triggering factors that could be involved with the muscles and joints associated with pain. The immune system uses the acronym D.I.R.T. to regulate and defend the body when needed.
D: Detect & Defensive
The immune system in the body has a mechanism that identifies potentially threatening molecular structures like:
Strange signals found in microbes, food, plants & fungi, chemicals
Danger signals (alarmins) that are found in tissues or secreted by stimulated leukocytes or epithelia
When these structures attack the body, the immune system begins to detect and becomes a defense mechanism that will mount the appropriate responses to the threat level. Once the threat is eliminated, the body can regenerate new, healthy cells.
I: Internally Regulated
The body has immune responses that are tightly controlled and actively resolved through multiple cellular, genomic, and enzymatic mechanisms. Some of the regulations that the immune system provides are:
T regulatory lymphocytes
Lipid-derived pro-resolution mediators
Redox balance: Nrf2-ARE activation
Even though it is difficult to manipulate the immune system, finding ways to regulate the immune system from going crazy and finding the right balance for a healthy immune system is essential for a healthy body.
R: Restorative
The immune system’s function is to repair any damages resulting from injury or negative encounters that the body has gone through. When the body becomes injured, the immune system sends inflammatory cytokines to the affected area and begins the healing process. Other cellular structures that help the immune system restore the body include:
Phagocytes
Fibroblasts
Stem cells
Endothelial cells
There are other ways to restore the body and improve the immune system. Eating healthy foods to boost the immune system, exercising, and even getting chiropractic care may help the immune system. But isn’t chiropractic care used for the back? Yes, chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, but they also support many individuals in maintaining their health and wellness. The immune system will function to its total capacity when any spinal misalignments or subluxations are corrected through spinal manipulation.
T: Tolerant
The immune system helps the body build a tolerance to the pathogens that are affecting the body. For example, food allergens. With many common food allergens, like nuts, gluten, milk, fish, and eggs, the body will begin to build a tolerance to these allergens when it is introduced slowly. Other healthy boundaries that the immune system provides to the body include:
Self or fetal antigens
Innocuous environmental antigens
Microbes
Plants and fungi
By building a healthy tolerance to these pathogens, the body has a solid chance to build up immunity to the pathogen. It can help the immune system be stronger when reencountering these pathogens.
Conclusion
Overall the immune system is the primary protector of the body from foreign invaders. When harmful pathogens enter the body, the immune system sends out cytokines to where the invaders are and get rid of them. This causes inflammation in the affected area in the body, causing swelling and redness in the skin. When these pathogens infect the body over time, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body, especially the vital organs causing chronic inflammation associated with autoimmunity. Autoimmunity is a cluster of disorders that causes body dysfunction, which overlaps with inflammation causing the body to be dysfunctional. Luckily it is treatable with the right foods, exercises, and treatments that can help lower inflammation and help regulate the immune system back to its original self.
References
Chaplin, David D. “Overview of the Immune Response.” The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2923430/.
Chen, Linlin, et al. “Inflammatory Responses and Inflammation-Associated Diseases in Organs.” Oncotarget, Impact Journals LLC, 14 Dec. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5805548/.
Smith, D A, and D R Germolec. “Introduction to Immunology and Autoimmunity.” Environmental Health Perspectives, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 1999, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1566249/.
Vojdani, Aristo. “A Potential Link between Environmental Triggers and Autoimmunity.” Autoimmune Diseases, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 12 Feb. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3945069/.
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