Back Clinic Conditions Treated. Chronic Pain, Auto Accident Care, Back Pain, Low Back Pain, Back Injuries, Sciatica, Neck Pain, Work Injuries, Personal Injuries, Sports Injuries, Migraine Headaches, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Wellness & Nutrition, Stress Management, and Complex Injuries.
At El Paso’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we are focused on treating patients after debilitating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
If Dr. Alex Jimenez feels you need other treatment, then you will be referred to a clinic or Physician that is best suited for you. Dr. Jimenez has teamed with the top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and premiere rehabilitation providers to bring El Paso the top clinical treatments to our community. Providing the top non-invasive protocols is our priority. Clinical insight is what our patients demand in order to give them the appropriate care required. For answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900
Surgery for sciatica is sometimes necessary if medications, chiropractic, and physical therapy are not working to relieve sciatica symptoms, but don�t worry. Individuals sometimes have sciatica that just does not respond to conservative treatment can find relief through surgical procedures.
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Questions begin to pop up, as to which procedure makes the most sense, what will the experience be like, and how long will it be until you can get back to a normal, pain-free life?
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Sciatica
Sciatica is pain that runs down the longest nerve in the body, known as the sciatic nerve. Pain starts in the lower back and spreads down one leg, into the calf and possibly the foot. It is rare but sciatica can occur in both legs. The pain is mild to severe and feels worse when sneezing, coughing, bending, and standing/sitting in certain positions. The pain is often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in affected legs. �
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Sciatica a set of symptoms caused by other medical problems like an injury, tumor, or the most common cause around 90% of the time is a herniated disc in the lower back. The soft-gel center of the disc pushes through the tough exterior, where it can pinch or press on the sciatic nerve causing pain.
Research shows that sciatica affects 1% to 5% of the population, and around 40% will experience sciatica at some point in their life. Men between the ages of 30 and 50 have a higher risk along with smokers, individuals that sit for a long time, and those that perform physically strenuous work. Doctors and chiropractors can diagnose cases of sciatica with a medical history and physical exam. Diagnostic imaging can also be used in some cases.
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When it’s Time to Consider Surgery for Sciatica
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Most individuals with sciatica respond positively with non-surgical treatments like chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, medication, spinal injection/s, etc. This makes spine surgery a rarely needed treatment for low back and leg pain caused by sciatic nerve compression. But there are situations when surgery for sciatica could be beneficial.
Symptoms become severe and non-surgical treatment is no longer effective
There are different types of surgical procedures for spine surgery. A spine surgeon will recommend the best approach for each patient’s sciatica. Which procedure they recommend will be based on the disorder causing sciatica with the entire procedure clearly explained so that you understand completely. Ask any questions to better understand the surgeon’s recommendation. Remember, the final decision is always up to you. A second opinion is recommended before deciding.
Sciatica usually goes away on its own with the majority of cases managed with conservative treatment. Depending on the cause, this could be heat or ice packs, chiropractic, therapeutic massage, pain medication, stretching exercises, physical therapy, or injections. �
Sciatica for Surgery Options
Surgery for sciatica is performed to relieve the added compression/pressure on the nerves and relieve the pain. Options include a microdiscectomy and laminectomy. Each has its similarities and differences when it comes to the preparation, process, and recovery for the operation. �
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Microdiscectomy
During a microdiscectomy, part or all of the herniated disc is removed. Research has shown the effectiveness of relieving pain to be around 80 to 95 percent of patients. The operation is done in a hospital or surgery center and requires about one hour to complete. General anesthesia is administered during this procedure.
A surgeon will make an incision over the affected disc.
Skin and tissue covering the disc will be opened and moved for better access. Some of the bone could be taken out as part of the procedure called a laminotomy.
The surgeon will use various tools to remove all or part of the herniated disc.
Once the removal is done, the surgeon will close the incision and send you to a recovery room.
To quicken the healing process patients are encouraged to start walking within hours of the procedure.
Most go home the same day. Some patients will have to stay at the hospital for observation. This could be from other conditions present.
You will not be allowed to operate a vehicle the same day. Therefore a designated driver will be necessary.
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Laminectomy
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Preparation for a laminectomy is similar to a microdiscectomy. The lamina is the back part of the vertebrae, which protects the spinal canal. This procedure relieves pain by creating space for the nerves to move around.
The procedure takes about one to three hours from start to finish.
Both sides of the laminae are removed, along with the spinous process in the middle.
The patient lies face-down as the surgeon makes an incision near the affected vertebrae.
Skin and muscles are moved around and various tools/instruments are used to remove all or part of the lamina. Overgrowth of bone or spinal disc could also be removed.
The incision is stitched or stapled, bandaged, and sent to a recovery room.
Just like a microdiscectomy the individual will be encouraged to begin walking the same day.
Most individuals leave the hospital after surgery, however, a one to possible three-night could be required for others.
A driver does need to be designated for the ride home.
A microdiscectomy is recommended for stenosis caused by a herniated disc. However, if the stenosis is caused by another health issue/condition like bone spurs developed from arthritis, then a laminectomy could be the best approach. Laminectomies are usually performed on individuals in their 50s or 60s. While micro discectomies vary when it comes to age but are usually performed on younger individuals.
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Recovery
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At home, post-op rules need to be followed no matter what surgery for sciatica was performed. The incision area needs to stay clean and no lifting of heavy objects, bending and sitting for extended times. Surgery for sciatica is considered safe with complications being uncommon. All operations come with risks. These include nerve damage, blood clots, and infection.
The provider needs to know about unusual symptoms after the procedure. This could be fever, excess drainage, or pain around the incision area. Pain meds could be prescribed to ease the post-surgery pain, and chiropractic along with physical therapy could be implemented to speed recovery. Individuals are typically cleared to return to work two to four weeks after the procedure. It could be six to eight weeks if their job/occupation is physically demanding and strenuous.
Depending on how complex the spine surgery is an individual could be sitting upright the same day and walking within 24 hours. A course of pain meds could be prescribed to help manage postoperative pain. Instructions will be given on how to sit, rise, get out of bed, and stand in a careful manner. The body needs time to heal, so a doctor could recommend activity restriction. This could be anything that moves the spine too much. For sure contact sports, twisting, or heavy lifting during recovery are to be avoided. Report any problem/s like fever, increased pain, infection right away.
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Spine Surgery Relief
Many individuals benefit from sciatica surgery, but it doesn�t work for everyone. A small percentage of individuals continue to feel discomfort in the weeks/months after. And sciatica can return in the future and in a different location. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if surgery for sciatica is the right choice for you.
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Treating Severe & Complex Sciatica Syndromes
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Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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 or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Part 2 delayed braking reaction time caused by sciatica, we continue with the spinal cord, nerves, and how they communicate with the brain. A herniated disc can cause sciatica, which is a compressing of the nerve/s in and around the spinal cord. This compression causes a pinching of the nerve/s like bending a water hose cuts off the flow and damages the hose, is what happens to the spinal nerve/s cutting proper blood flow, and proper synapse/signal flow.
This occurs from the damage to the nerve/s and could delay braking signals for a split second. But that is all that is needed for an auto accident to happen. A delay in braking time has been found in individuals with herniated/bulging/ruptured/slipped discs. Fortunately, through chiropractic and physical therapy, the nerves can be re-stimulated and brought back to optimal function.
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Communication
The spinal cord is about one inch across at its widest and around eighteen inches long. The spinal cord is a type of tube that is filled with nerves and cerebrospinal fluid. This protects and nourishes the cord. Spinal cord added protection includes:
There are three types of membranes surrounding the spinal cord referred to as meninges. The outer membrane is known as the dura mater, the middle membrane is the arachnoid mater and the innermost membrane is the pia mater. �
� These membranes can become inflamed and damaged by disease or trauma. Arachnoiditis is caused by inflammation of the arachnoid lining that results in intense stinging and burning pain. This can happen post-surgery and can cause the scarring of nerve/s.
The nerves exit the spinal column and branch out to the rest of the body. All parts of the body are controlled by specific spinal nerves. The nerves are placed in and around the area they control. Like the nerves in the neck area branch out into the arms. This is why a neck ache/pain issue can lead to pain spreading into the arms and hands.
Thoracic spine controls the middle of the body,
The lumbar spine extends into the outer legs controlling that area
Sacral nerves control the middle of the legs and organ functions of the pelvis
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The brain
Two major types of nerves: sensory and motor. Sensory nerves send information like:
Touch
Temperature
Pain
These get sent to the brain via the spinal cord. Motor nerves relay signals from the brain back to the muscles making them contract voluntarily or reflexively. Peripheral nervous system – the PNS has nerves that extend down the spinal canal and branch out at openings in the vertebrae called foramina. �
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Signals/messages get sent to and from the brain aka the central nervous system. It sends all types of signals including pain and initiates movement. For example, the nerves reflexively make the spine twist and turn when driving to keep balance when turning and braking. The peripheral nervous system is a collection of millions of nerves throughout the torso and limbs. This system conveys messages to the central nervous system.
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Referred pain
When a health problem/issue/condition takes place in one part of the body with pain being felt in another or several areas, pain specialists call it referred pain.
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Nerves
Nerves exiting the spinal cord is done in pairs with one being a sensory nerve, and the other a motor nerve. Motor nerves initiate movement and bodily function. Damage to a motor nerve could cause a weakness in a muscle or loss of function. For example, a prick in the foot that is not felt could mean there is some sensational loss, indicating a problem with the sensory nerves and or possible nerve damage. These are the nerves that control pain, temperature, etc. Sensory nerve issues can feel like shooting electrical pain Continuing with activities could exacerbate the nerve damage.
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Cauda Equina
� The spinal cord ends at the lumbar low back, where the nerves extend in a bundle of strands called cauda equina, called this because it looks like a horsetail. These nerves provide motor and sensory function to the:
Legs
Intestines
Genitals
Bladder
Therefore, based on this knowledge there is adequate information displaying how sciatica could cause a delayed braking reaction time based on the nerves’ dysfunctional signal firing. Chiropractic treatment could be an option to help an individual realign their spine, work out tight muscles, nerves, ligaments preventing any further damage, and getting the individual back in top form.
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Chiropractors & Sciatica Syndrome Expose
NCBI Resources
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Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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 or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Research has found that individuals with disc herniation/s can have a delayed braking time when driving. After undergoing surgery these individuals showed significant improvement in braking time.
Based on this information Dr. Jimenez looks at how individuals with functional sciatica, (often caused by a herniated disc) meaning they can move and operate a vehicle to a certain point without generating pain, however they often put themselves in extreme/awkward positions just to operate, could also have a delay in brake reaction time. �
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Sciatic Nerve
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that travels from the lower back down both of the legs and into the feet.�Sciatica begins in the low back. The nerve roots in the lower spine come together and turn into the sciatic nerve. Sciatica happens when these nerves get pinched/compressed. This usually occurs from a herniated disc or when the spinal canal narrows called stenosis.
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Symptoms
Typically, sciatica causes:
Pain in the leg/s
Shooting pain that goes down from the low back, through the leg, calf and sometimes into the foot
Electrical pain running/shooting down the leg
Burning pain
Pain from slight movement
Numbness
Weakness
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A car accident can cause sciatica, but now it seems that sciatica can cause an automobile accident because of delayed braking reaction time. People with sciatica that is present without pain often say there is a constant non-painful tingling, numbness, or numbing sensation along the leg that lets them know the sciatica is still there.
This could be insufficient blood flow from wherever the impingement is happening. Keep in mind that there could be multiple areas of impingement. Just like the slow blood flow, they may find when they drive the impingement slows the motor-sensory signal and braking time to depress the brake pedal fast enough to avoid a collision.
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Nerve Treatment
Sciatica can be treated non-surgically with:
Chiropractic
Physical therapy
24 to 48 hours of rest
Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Muscle spasms can be treated with heat or ice
� Patients with sciatica feel better with time, usually a few weeks. However, if pain continues, other forms of treatment can be discussed.�A doctor or chiropractor may advise�light exercise and therapeutic stretching. As recovery progresses they may give you exercises to strengthen the back and core.
With new automobiles implementing automatic braking systems has helped significantly reduce accidents, however, there are still bugs to sort out. This is normal with these computerized systems. Reliance upon these systems, especially those with sciatica, herniated, or bulging disc/s, could be a dangerous combination, specifically when it comes to braking reaction time.
Sciatica Pain* Treatment Relief
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Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require added explanation as to 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 or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
The sciatic nerve can be compressed, pinched, twisted, moved out of position by a variety of things, including injury/s and spinal conditions, diseases, and the most common a herniated disc. This could be time to try the chiropractic solution that can treat sciatica symptoms and bring relief quickly. If you are experiencing a shooting, electrical, tingling, numb pain down one of your legs could be a presenting of sciatica symptoms.
Sciatica
Sciatica is really a symptom itself caused by lumbar radiculopathy. Lumbar radiculopathy is a medical term referring to a low back condition/injury/disorder that is affecting the nerves in this area. The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back down both of the legs and into the feet. Added pressure placed on the nerve from a herniated disc can lead to common symptoms.
Shooting pain that goes down from the low back, through the leg, calf and sometimes into the foot
A feeling of electricity down one leg
Burning pain
Pain from moving
Numbness
Weakness
Causes
Causes of sciatica include:
Vertebrae Out of Alignment
Misaligned vertebrae, referred to as subluxations can put pressure on nerves in the spine � including the sciatic nerve.
Disc Herniation
The discs that cushion the vertebrae are made up of a tough outer layer and a softer inner layer. When the outer layer is damaged and the inner layer comes out into the spine, it is referred to as disc herniation.
A herniated disc means that the inner layer of the disc is putting pressure on nerves in the spine. A herniated disc impacts the sciatic nerve and can lead to sciatica.
Car Accidents
A car accident can easily damage the spine and soft tissues. An accident can cause a misalignment of the spine, a herniated disc, or other injuries that cause symptoms of sciatica.
Sports Injury/s
Even the fittest athletes are susceptible to back injuries, which in turn can cause sciatica. The spine and discs can be damaged due to a large impact, repetitive motion injuries, or even twisting the wrong way.
Work Injuries
Many sufferers of sciatica do not realize that their workplace activities � including repetitive motions and sitting or standing in one position for long periods of time � can lead to sciatica.
How Chiropractic Solution Helps
Prevention found that sixty percent of individuals with sciatica failed to find relief from other treatments found their symptoms improved after chiropractic treatment.
The chiropractic solution works because it gets to the source of the problem and relieves pressure on the sciatic nerve. Chiropractic treatments include:
Realignment
Spinal misalignments are often the cause of sciatica can be corrected through careful chiropractic adjustments. The chiropractor analyzes the misalignment, then applies pressure to the area to correct the misalignment. The pressure is removed from the sciatic nerve, and this is done on and off to get the correct position and massaging the inflamed tissues until symptoms improve.
Spine Decompression
For those whose sciatica is caused by a herniated disc, spinal decompression can bring real relief. Using a specially designed table, the chiropractor can gently stretch the spine � creating space for the disc to heal and pull back from the sciatic nerve.
Find Relief
Please contact our chiropractic team today to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica. We are ready to help you feel better and get back on your feet again. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.�We do this so that we may reach as many El Pasoans who need us, no matter the affordability issues.
Severe *Sciatica”* Pain Relief | El Paso, Tx (2020)
NCBI Resources
Patients with sciatica feel better with time, usually a few weeks. If pain continues, other treatment modalities can be discussed.�Muscle spasms can accompany sciatica symptoms and can be treated with heat or ice therapy. A doctor may advise�light exercise like short walks�and once recovery is established they may give you exercises to strengthen your back and core.
Sciatica is not only caused by a spinal injury, although this is the primary cause, sciatica can also surprisingly be caused by your clothes and shoes. Sciatica is defined as symptoms that include back, leg, and foot pain caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve. Other symptoms can include shootingelectrical rays of pain, weakness, and numbness from your low back all the way down your legs into your feet.
Because of the intensity, many assume it has to be something serious like a work/car accident, sports injury or severe trauma. All of this can lead to sciatica, but there are also everyday things that we do daily that can also cause it. Here are some lesser-known ways of developing sciatica.
Items in Your Back Pocket
Many of us put our phones or wallets into our back pockets. When we carry these items in our pocket and then sit down on them, this can become a gradual trigger to sciatica. When we sit with these items begin to irritate the piriformis muscle. The sciatic nerve is right underneath this muscle and can get compressed. This cause has not been defined by the medical community, but a few names floating around include (back-pocket sciatica and cell-phone sciatica).
Wearing High Heels
High heels push your weight forward and so your body wanting to remain upright responds by flexing the hips to keep you straight. The risk of sciatica happens when this flexing at the hips stretches the hamstrings that can irritate the sciatic nerve running alongside the hamstrings. And besides sciatica high heels can cause a bevy of other spinal problems.
Wearing Tight Jeans and Underwear
Overly tight-fitting pants and underwear might look and feel great, however, they can also contribute to sciatic nerve pain. Wearing tight clothing is not bad but realize that wearing this type of clothing every day will start to compress the muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Mix it up with clothing that allows you to move freely. If your clothing cuts off circulation absolutely do not wear it. And when it comes to tight pants, change postures and don’t stay in the same position for too long, especially sitting.
Excess Weight
Research has found an association between being overweight and having sciatica.�Excess body weight puts stress on your spine. This added pressure combined with sedentarism can cause spinal disorders that include sciatica. Being able to maintain a healthy weight will greatly reduce your risk of developing sciatica symptoms.
The Impact of Sciatica
Even if just gradual weakness develops down your leg or a sudden burst of pain comes and goes, do not ignore it and make an appointment with your doctor or chiropractor to understand the issue and underlying cause/s and set up a preventative treatment plan before it gets out of hand. There are many sciatica treatments/therapies to reduce or eliminate low back and leg pain. Your doctor/chiropractor will work with you to develop a custom sciatic preventive exercise treatment plan.
Severe *Sciatica”* Pain Relief | El Paso, Tx (2020)
NCBI Resources
A study cited by the health magazine�Prevention found that sixty percent of sciatica sufferers who failed to get relief from other treatments found their symptoms improved after chiropractic care. Please contact our chiropractic team today to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica. We are ready to help you feel better and get back on your feet again.
Inversion tables and inversion treatment/therapy could help with low back/leg pain and sciatica. It�s non-surgical and an option your doctor, or chiropractor could recommend to you before looking into more invasive options. Individuals with low back pain, sciatica or both found inversion therapy with an inversion table provided relief from symptoms, and continued use has kept them and their spines healthy.
With an inversion table, you don�t have to use gravity boots or completely hanging upside down. There are inversion boots and hanging racks that also offer inversion therapy, this type is not for beginners. With experience, you can move on to this type but for now, leave it to individuals in top health and athletic condition. This type of inversion table therapy is an alternative that doesn’t require being completely upside down.
An Ancient Therapy Brought Back
Inversion therapy is nothing new. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, saw what inversion therapy could do and the benefits around 400 BC. The goal is to use gravity to release compression in the spine. The downward force pulls everything toward the earth’s center.
How It Works
Inversion therapy works in a way like spinal traction.
For example, when we stand and sit gravity pulls the spine downward and this is what compresses the discs, vertebral bodies, nerves, and other spinal structures. The physical dynamics along with gravity helps relieve spinal compression. As the spine is stretched out the pressure on your back is reduced.
The theory behind inversion therapy sounds like a fantastic non-surgical option to back pain. However, the research going into inversion therapy is a bit more mixed. One study found that almost 77% of patients that were candidates for surgery no longer needed the surgery after using inversion therapy. For patients that didn�t use inversion therapy, only 23% avoided surgery.
But like all back pain/sciatica treatment plans, it’s what works for you. Ask your doctor/chiropractor about the pros and cons of this type of treatment as it relates to your condition to make an informed decision.
Other Benefits
Many patients report that inversion therapy is a great way to:
Stretch the muscles and ligaments
Reduce muscle spasms
Improve circulation
Stretching stimulates the lymph glands which increases the flow of lymphatic fluids, that are part of the body’s waste disposal. Cellular health depends on healthy blood circulation to be delivered, to nourish and remove waste.
The therapy also helped to relieve motion sickness and stress. This is because the body is more aware of its spatial orientation along with balance as the inner ear gets stimulated while inverted. As stated earlier it is not necessary to be positioned completely upside down to benefit from this therapy. Inversion tables are adjustable and offer the flexibility to find the best angle.
Discuss Inversion Therapy with A Doctor
Before you start using an inversion table�talk to your doctor. Certain medications and health conditions could make using an inversion table unsafe.
It could be recommended against inversion table therapy if you have:
There could be other medical conditions that are not listed but could interfere with inversion therapy, so make sure your doctor knows all your medical history/conditions and current health state before beginning.
Starting Inversion Therapy
How to start an inversion therapy program? Take it very slow, easy, taking your time and have someone there to help and assist until you are comfortable doing it on your own.�The tables can be set at different angles and it is recommended you start at the first and work your way to the last. At the 15-degree angle, your body will feel a stretch along with the benefits of increased blood circulation.
Most people don’t have to go beyond 60-degrees, as the spine decompresses at this angle. But you might want to completely invert yourself as you work through the different degrees and go for the full inversion. But don’t overdo it and listen to what your body tells you.
The tables come in a variety of styles, so be sure to research the different brands. Some tables can include a sliding backrest and foot lock that lets you work in gentle stretching exercises during inversion. This could include head movements from side-to-side, stretching the arms overhead, and doing abdominal sit-ups or crunches.
But first, find out from your doctor how often you should invert and the kinds of movements that will help with your condition and enhance your inversion program. Inversion therapy is another option for a back, sciatic pain treatment plan. For the different forms of spine pain, a doctor will try several non-surgical treatment options before discussing surgery. Inversion therapy could be part of a conservative treatment plan and could help prevent the need for spine surgery.
*Effective Treatment* for Sciatic Nerve Pain| El Paso, Tx
NCBI Resources
The spine is the primary support for the body. When it breaks down, the body suffers. Regular chiropractic treatment ensures that the spinal column remains in proper alignment which, in turn, keeps the body in proper alignment. It helps with joint health as well as the health of the related muscles and ligaments.
Your chiropractor can also recommend stretching and strength-building exercises to help keep your spine healthy and supple. Chiropractic helps to keep the back flexible which aids in preventing injury. A healthy spine is also less likely to become misaligned or experience pain. It can significantly improve your quality of life as you are more flexible and mobile.
Sciatica is pain that can be accompanied by numbness, tingling and occasionally weakness along the course of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the thickest in the body and is formed from nerve roots exiting the spine, and extend into the buttocks and down the back of the legs to the toes. Common causes of sciatica along with non-surgical treatment options are presented by a chiropractor and a physical therapist.
Causes of Sciatica and Non-Surgical Care
Compressed Lumbar Disc also called lumbar radiculopathy
Probably one of the most common causes of sciatica that I treat. About 90% of patients have a positive response to alternative/conservative treatment. I use x-rays as a guide to follow where the nerve is compressed and where the best manipulation areas are for me to adjust. Spinal manipulation is a very safe procedure and most cases will heal without surgery.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C. and a practicing physical therapist� �Combined with chiropractic treatment and massage, we may use a topical steroid combined with electric stimulation or ultrasound to adjust/release the area where the nerve is compressed.”
Lumbar traction is also used to reduce the size of the disc herniation and combine this with exercises, which are customized to the patient. Extending back and flexing exercises are also incorporated into the treatment plan and each is made specific to the patient. Patients may experience muscle spasms or joint stiffness, which is also relieved by massage therapy and joint mobilizations. Patients could also be trained on Kinesio tape application to relieve pressure and relax muscles.
Remember that strengthening the core is the key to reduce the risk of worsening the injury and getting new ones.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
This is a condition that can be difficult to treat because of the mechanical nature of the compression on the nerves. The cause is often a combination of osteoarthritis, disc bulging and spinal holes that have narrowed�called neuroforamen. Physical therapy consists of traction, stretching, exercises, and chiropractic to lessen pain and inflammation.
Spondylolisthesis
This condition can be caused by trauma or degeneration of the spine. Conservative care is highly beneficial.
Extending the spine can worsen symptoms, therefore flexion-based exercises are what we recommend. Therapeutic exercises are utilized for abdominal strengthening and core stabilization. We get the patient to increase hip extension to reduce stress on the lumbar spine.� Manual therapies can also be used to control inflammation and alleviate muscle tightness or spasms.
Piriformis Syndrome
Piriformis syndrome also responds positively to conservative treatment. We look for the main cause when we see piriformis syndrome. This type of injury happens when a patient has a job or play a sport where they shorten and overuse the muscle.
We create a custom treatment/exercise program based on what is found structurally. Most of the time the piriformis muscle gets over-used because the hips are weak, so strengthening the hips and the core is key. Sciatic nerve mobilization can also help increase�sciatic nerve mobility. This can be achieved with instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization/Graston technique along with deep tissue massage will get optimal results.
Pregnancy
Sciatic symptoms often do present in pregnant women, which can make the pregnancy miserable. Our goal is to reduce symptoms and restore normal function with gentle exercise, massage, and hot/cold therapy.
The pelvic girdle is what we focus on, along with core stabilization, and Kinesio tape application to stabilize the girdle because of ligamentous laxity or loosening of the hips.
Trauma
Any kind of trauma that hits the gluteal area can become inflamed and spasm and bind around the sciatic nerve. We focus on relieving the pain and inflammation with manual therapies, and gentle exercises. These are based on what is found from the examination and how intense/extensive the trauma was.
Light spinal mobilization and massage have been proven to activate the body’s natural painkillers to alleviate and release the tight muscles. More rigorous exercises are brought in to the treatment plan as the patient gets stronger. These will strengthen their core and get them back to regular activities, job, and their sport.
*Effective Non-Surgical Treatment* for Sciatic Nerve Pain| El Paso, Tx
NCBI Resources
You may be suffering from�sciatica if you have ever experienced a shooting, nerve-like pain down one of your legs. The sciatic nerve can be impacted by a number of different things, including injury and degenerative diseases, that can lead to sciatica. Fortunately, chiropractic can be an effective non-surgical treatment for sciatica.
A car accident can easily damage the spine and soft tissues. An auto accident may cause a misalignment of the spine, a herniated disc, or other injuries that cause symptoms of sciatica.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
