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
Hypermobility Syndrome is a condition of the joints. Characterized by the ability of the joint to move beyond its normal range of motion and is sometimes called �loose joints� or �double jointed.� It is typically a genetic disorder and often identified in children. The gene passes from parent to child, so the condition tends to run in families. Estimated that 10 to 15 percent of children who are otherwise considered to be normal have joints that are hypermobile. However, it can be found in all ages and does not seem to be confined to a particular age group, ethnic group, or population although there are more cases of girls being hypermobile than boys.
Hypermobility Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of hypermobility can vary widely from person to person. Some people may not experience any symptoms while others have muscle and joint pain along with mild swelling. Usually noted in the evening or later afternoon as well as after moderate physical activity or exercise. The most common areas for pain and achiness are the elbows, knees, thigh muscle, and calf muscle. Often rest will provide relief.
A person who is hypermobile is usually more prone to soft tissue injuries and sprains. Additionally, the affected joints may be more inclined to become dislocated. It can also cause back pain, impaired joint position sense, and even flat feet, osteoarthritis, and nerve compression disorders. Other symptoms include increased bruising, chronic pain, loose skin, and thin scars. Children and young people who are hypermobile often experience growing pains more often than other children.
Most children will grow out of hypermobility; their joints will lose some of their flexibility as they get older along with the symptoms of rarely persist beyond childhood although some adults do find that they get dislocations and sprains much easier.
Causes of Hypermobility
The exact cause of hypermobility is not known, although it does seem to run in families. Genes play a large part in the process, particularly those involved in collagen production which is a vital protein for tendon, joint, and ligament development and function. There are also several�associated�conditions. Genetic disorders like Ehlers-Danlos and Marfan have hypermobility as a component as does Down Syndrome.
Hypermobility Treatment
Treatment for hypermobility depends on the patient. It depends on the symptoms that they are experiencing as well as the severity and how much of an impact the condition has on their quality of life. Mild symptoms may not require any treatment while more moderate to severe symptoms may warrant medication like naproxen, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen for pain. All of which,�can be bought over the counter.
Patients can ward off many of the symptoms or eliminate them by engaging in regular exercise, protecting the joints, practicing good posture, muscle strengthening exercises, and balancing techniques. Orthotics to correct flat feet can also be beneficial.
Chiropractic for Hypermobility
Many people use chiropractic for hypermobility pain and discomfort. The doctor will use adjustments to bring the joints into the appropriate movement pattern and the body into proper alignment, allowing the body to function as it should and relieves stress from joints that were compensating due to misalignment.
The patient may also be advised to do specific exercises at home, and get counseling on improving their posture. Because chiropractic treats the entire body, the patient will find that they learn how to best live with the condition without medication and manage pain naturally. Patients report dramatic improvement in their distress and mobility after regular, consistent chiropractic visits.
Stenosing tenosynovitis, also known as �trigger finger,� is a repetitive strain injury that is one of the most common injuries in the workplace. It is marked by one finger or thumb that is stuck in a bent position and pops or snaps when straightened. The�cause is an inflamed or irritated flexor tendon.
As it slides through the sheath tunnel, the back and forth motion creates irritation which can lead to thickening of the tendon and even the formation of nodules. This can impede its movement through the sheath which can also thicken so that the opening that the tendon slides through becomes smaller.
What are the symptoms of trigger finger?
A person that has�trigger finger may experience several symptoms in one or more fingers or thumb including:
Pain when straightening or bending the finger
Swelling
A lump in the palm that is tender
The finger or thumb joints have a popping or catching sensation
Stiffness
The impaired tendon may suddenly break free causing the finger to snap straight or feel like it is dislocating
Some symptoms, like the stiffness, popping, and catching, may be more pronounced after periods of inactivity. The patient may find that upon waking they have difficulty, but as they move their fingers they loosen, and the symptoms aren�t as cause. In severe cases, the patient is unable to straighten their finger, even with help.
What causes trigger finger?
Many times the cause of trigger finger is not known. They may notice a gradual decline or they may wake up one day and experience symptoms. There are certain health conditions and circumstances that put some patients at a higher risk of developing trigger finger:
Men tend to get trigger finger more than women do
The most common age group for trigger finger is between 40 and 60 years old
It is prevalent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and other medical conditions
Repetitive hand motions such as typing, gripping power tools, or playing video games
Activities where the hands are in constant repetitive�action.
What are the treatments for trigger finger?
There are surgical and nonsurgical treatments for trigger finger, depending on the severity of the condition. When the symptoms are mild, the patient may be advised to, rest the finger and take over the counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or cause to help reduce inflammation and minimize pain. The patient may also wear a splint to facilitate the resting position of the finger better.
In some cases, the doctor may advise steroid injections administered directly into the tendon sheath to correct the problem. Sometimes this procedure only provides temporary relief and requires a�second injection. If the condition shows no improvement after the second injection, the patient may be advised to undergo surgery. If the patient has had trigger finger for a long time or if they have a medical condition such as diabetes, injections are not likely to be as, or a permanent solution.
Some patients undergo surgery to correct trigger finger. The is purely elective since the condition is not considered dangerous. The operation opens the tendon sheath, the tunnel that the tendon slides through, to move easier. It is usually done on an outpatient basis.
Chiropractic for trigger finger
Two chiropractic treatments for trigger finger:
Active Release Technique (ART)
Graston technique
Studies have found these chiropractic techniques to be very useful in treating trigger finger.
An instrument based soft tissue therapy may also be used to help reduce tension in the muscles around the area. Chiropractors typically use a whole-body approach to help the patient achieve relief and healing. They recognize that most conditions are not limited to only what appears to be the affected area so they will employ techniques that treat the associated regions of the body as well, which, provides the patient with more reliable relief without the use of invasive procedures. Chiropractic is a practical, natural way to treat trigger finger.
There is a small muscle deep in the buttocks, known, as the,�piriformis muscle.� This small muscle performs an essential function of rotating the leg outwards. Piriformis Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the muscle becomes tight and intrudes on the sciatic nerve. This causes pain, tenderness and sometimes numbness in the buttocks, which can also radiate down the leg and into the calf.
Potential causes for piriformis syndrome�are sitting for prolonged periods, which can tighten the muscle and an injury to the buttocks. This can come from a fall, accident, or sports injury. Trauma causes the small muscle to swell and irritate the sciatic nerve.
Muscle spasms can also cause piriformis syndrome, however, the cause of the spasms is still unknown.
Once an individual has piriformis syndrome, the condition can comeback periodically.
Piriformis Syndrome Small Muscle Treatment
Treatment options frequently used:
Medication
Over-the-counter or prescribed pain medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxers frequently serve to reduce the pain from piriformis syndrome. A doctor may also inject medicine directly into the piriformis muscle to improve the condition.
Heat
A common way to relax tight muscles is to apply heat. Piriformis syndrome sufferers may find relief from painful symptoms by periodically applying heat directly to the tender area.
Heat therapy�can relieve tightness of the muscle and promote healing of the area. Avoid treating the muscle with heat if the muscle may be torn.
Exercise
A proper exercise schedule will loosen the muscle and alleviate the symptoms. A chiropractor can prescribe the correct exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscle.
Manual�Therapy
Combined with other treatments or on their own. Massage is used for piriformis syndrome. This helps increase blood flow to the area. The massage therapist can manipulate the area to relieve tightness.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors view the entire body. They may treat other parts of the body, such as a foot or leg, in order to improve the condition of the piriformis muscle. They may also utilize pelvic and spinal adjustments, along with joint manipulation to stretch and loosen up the muscle.
It’s vital to take precautions to avoid re-aggravating the muscle. Proper stretching before exercise, periodic breaks when sitting. Spinal and pelvic maintenance will increase an individual’s chances of living pain free.
Chiropractic treatment is dedicated to finding and correcting spinal misalignments. Many seek chiropractic care to alleviate pain and other health-related symptoms. One condition that is sought out constantly, is relief from lower back pain.
31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time. This condition affects many, but finding the exact cause can be a challenge. Chiropractors are spinal specialists that are trained to not only alleviate pain but also find and help correct the cause of the problem.
Prevention Is The Best Defense
Prevention is the best cure for any condition/ailment. When a someone sees a chiropractor, they not only find relief for their condition, but they learn ways to prevent they symptoms in the future. Using proper exercise and ergonomics, they can ease the discomfort before it starts. Great results are gained by individuals that listen to instructions.
Treatment Options
Treatment options are plentiful. Based on the diagnosis they will suggest the ones that will benefit you the most. These treatments may include one or more of the following:
Spinal adjustments delivered either by hand or instrument like an Activator
Hot or cold compresses
Physical therapy modalities like Interferential Therapy or TENS
Massage Therapy or some other form of soft tissue work
Spinal decompression therapy
Relief
Prescription medication could still be required to help reduce levels. The good news is that the meds can be decreased quicker than usual, as the spine misalignments are corrected, nerve compression is alleviated and the inflammation is reduced. This alone is well worth the investment of time and money to see a chiropractor.
Exercise & Physical Rehabilitation
As the treatment progresses from pain relief to rehabilitation, a chiropractor will recommend exercises to help strengthen the core muscles. These muscles help stabilize and protect the lower back. These exercises are performed at the office or specialized fitness center with certified physical therapists/trainers to make sure you understand how to do them without re-aggravating the original condition. Once educated on the purpose and how to perform them correctly, you�ll be able to continue at home in conjunction with spinal adjustments during maintenance care.
Surgery Options
Depending on the condition, surgery can be avoided if chiropractic treatment is implemented before injury/s or pain worsen. A chiropractor can help avoid surgery by correcting the problem.
Make sure you follow the recommendations after a consultation and examination are performed. The examination may require X-rays or MRIs.
A chiropractor is the ideal medical professional to consult with for any unexplained pain in the musculoskeletal system. They are highly qualified professionals that their specialty is treating conditions like lower back pain and they are very affordable. If you or a loved one have pain in the lower back, gives us a call. We�re here to help!
45 million Americans suffer headaches on a regular basis. There are the traditional methods used to treat them, which include taking over the counter medications or taking pharmaceutical concoctions to eliminate pain and reduce swelling. However, none of these solutions provide permanent relief that address the core of the problem.
Alternative Treatment
In recent years, people throughout the country are seeking alternative forms of therapy for all types of conditions, especially headaches. One treatment that is promising for physical and other types of pain is chiropractic treatment.
This form of alternative care has been used for over a hundred years and is a regular part of the American healthcare delivery system. Insurance providers are growing and are willing to pay for chiropractic because of its effectiveness.
Chiropractic school begins by studying human anatomy in great detail, like other medical professionals. In addition to looking at how the body works together physically, training primarily revolves around the diagnosis and treatment of misalignments in the spine known as subluxations.
Theses subluxations compress nerve tissue that affects organ function, soft tissue like muscle, ligaments and tendons and can eventually manifest as other health problems if not treated.
Once the nerves are disrupted pain will result. While it usually manifests itself as physical pain, this is not always the case. In some instances, the person may experience difficulties with sleep or other routine habits.
�How Does Chiropractic Help People Who Suffer From Headaches
On the first visit with a chiropractor, a review of health history will be completed. These include x-rays (if they are needed), in order to determine the type of nerve blockage that may be occurring. They will listen to the patient, make an assessment, and determine what type/s of treatment is best.
With headaches, there is usually a misalignment (subluxation) in the cervical spine. This may be accompanied by muscles that are tight in the neck, shoulders and surrounding area. Pressure on the nerves can cause sharp stabbing pain or a continual throbbing pain in the region.
The chiropractor will assess the area and then begin treatment, known as a chiropractic adjustment. The adjustment is what relieves the pressure and pain. The relief is usually instantaneous, with an increase in positive symptoms for the following few hours.
Chiropractors don�t just focus on relieving symptoms but getting to the root cause and correcting the problem. That is why additional treatments/adjustments are often required, as one adjustment is usually not enough. A chiropractor will take time to educate patients on treatment, therapy exercises, fitness, nutrition, sleep, and regular adjustments.
If you’re tired and no longer want to suffer from headaches, see how beneficial chiropractic care can be, then please give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Injury Medical Clinic:�Chiropractic Care Migraines & Headaches
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a very common ankle and foot problem that occurs when there is a tear or inflammation in the posterior tibial tendon � the tendon that is at the back of the ankle and is the key player in stabilizing the foot. The inflammation or tear affects the integrity of the tendon, weakening it so that is no longer provides the support or stability of the arch of the foot. This results in what is commonly known as flatfoot.
While this condition rarely requires surgery, there is pain, sometimes severe, swelling, and impaired mobility associated with it. Chiropractic for flatfoot has been found to be very effective for most patients, helping them heal faster and manage their pain.
What Causes Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction?
The most common causes of flatfoot are overuse and injury. Falls are common culprits, causing injury to the tendon so that it tears or becomes inflamed.
Overtraining, particularly in high impact exercise or sports like basketball, dancing, soccer, and high impact aerobics can get tears due to the repetitive motion and constant pressure on the foot. Once the tendon is torn or inflamed, the arch begins to collapse until eventually the foot is flat.
This condition occurs more often in women than men. Also, people over 40 seem to be more prone to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, although it can occur in younger people who overtrain or have any of the other risk factors including diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
What Are The Symptoms Of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction?
Pain is the first and most common indicator of flatfoot. It typically is located where the tendon lies; along the inner portion of the ankle and foot. Sometimes swelling may be present.
The patient will also notice that the pain increases with activity. High impact or high intensity activities can be excruciating and quite difficult. It can get to the point where standing or walking for extended periods of time are very painful.
In advanced stages, the pain may shift to the outer portion of the ankle. As the arch collapses, the movement may cause the heel bone to shift outward. This, in turn, puts pressure on the outer ankle bone.
How Is Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Treated?
The treatment for flatfoot depends on the severity of the condition. Most patients can avoid surgery, but it is still a long healing process.
Typically, the patient will be advised to rest and ice the area, switch to low impact exercise, and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication for the pain. In moderate to severe cases, the patient may be put in a walking boot or short leg cast for 6 to 8 weeks in order to immobilize the foot and ankle, letting the tendon rest and heal. The downside of this is that the other muscles around the ankle will also �rest� and atrophy as a result.
Shoe inserts, or orthotics, as well as braces are also common treatments for flatfoot. However, any type of immobilization of the ankle and foot is usually accompanied by physical therapy either while the brace is worn or after a cast has been removed.
In more severe cases, the doctor may recommend a steroid injection directly into the tendon although there is an increased risk of the tendon rupturing. Surgery is usually a last resort and it is much more complex. Patients who undergo surgery for flatfoot rarely regain all of the mobility they had prior to the operation.
Chiropractic For Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
There has been a great deal of success in using chiropractic to treat flatfoot. The chiropractor will typically recommend rest and ice as well as chiropractic manipulations to help bring the ankle, foot, and leg back into alignment to counteract the weakened tendon. Often the ankle will lose mobility as the arch collapses and the bones in the foot and ankle shift. This, in turn, causes the arch to collapse even more.
By using chiropractic techniques to bring the ankle back into alignment, thus restoring the forward glide of the joint, they can alleviate the pain and help heal the condition. They may also recommend an air brace to stabilize the ankle when the patient will be doing a lot of walking as well as advise on lifestyle changes such as weight loss and a healthy diet. Often patients who have tried working with medical doctors to cure their flatfoot but were unsuccessful, were finally able to gain relief and improvement when they started working with their chiropractor.
Injury Medical Clinic: Ankle Sprain Chiropractic Treatment
Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time is not healthy and can lead to a host of health problems. As more and more studies show the detriments of prolonged sitting, some companies are taking action to protect their employees� health by installing upright work stations. These desks take the person from a seated position and move them into one where they are leaning. As a result, most of the workers are enjoying several health benefits.
Health Benefits
It Facilitates Healthy Postural Transitions
Simply put, postural transitions are the body movements made when changing positions. There are large movements like going from sitting to standing, standing to leaning, and standing to sitting, but also small movements like adjusting arm placement or moving a foot.
Ergonomists suggest that a person should be making postural transitions several time an hour. They also recommend that people avoid any static position such as standing, sitting, or leaning for an extended period of time, instead advocating a transition or movement every 20 minutes when possible.
Static positioning has been linked to obesity, heart disease, and other health conditions. When the body is positioned in such a way that facilitates healthy movement, the body moves more often and in a more natural way. This is not likely to happen with static positioning, especially prolonged sitting.
It Improves Spine Health
Sitting or standing for long periods of time is not good for the spine. When a person stands or sits without any healthy postural transitions the spine can begin to compact and the discs become hard. This undermines the spines ability to adequately support the body, leading to loss of mobility, decreased flexibility, and pain.
The spine is made up of small bones, vertebrae, which are cushioned by spongy, fluid filled discs. In a healthy spine, the discs are filled with fluid providing a good cushion for the vertebrae as they move and support the body. However, the discs need movement to encourage blood flow so they can continue working as they should. Working upright facilitates those movements, thus decreasing the likelihood of spinal problems.
It Discourages Painful Posture
Standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time can cause pain and certain mobility problems. While they share some pain points, each brings its own problems. A strained neck and stiff, sore shoulders are often associated with sitting and standing, usually due to improper computer monitor placement. Poor leg circulation, tight hips, and lower back pain are also common problems of people who do a lot of standing or sitting on their jobs.
Using an upright workstation moves the body into a more natural, healthier posture that encourages natural, frequent movement. The spine is properly aligned over the hips, the hips are open, and the feet are adequately supported. It promotes posture that is completely contrary to being hunched over a desk � the typical posture for a sitting workstation.
It Keeps Core Muscles Engaged
When in a seated position, the core muscles are mostly lax and rarely engaged. Over time, these muscles can actually be trained to become weak, or lazy and not engage as they should. This means that they stop supporting the back and body which leads to poor posture, loss of balance, lack of mobility, decrease in flexibility, and pain.
Working upright encourages micro movements that engage the core. It�s not like crunches at the gym, but more like an ongoing mini-workout that keeps the core muscles toned and supportive. The results are a healthier spine, fewer gastrointestinal problems, better posture, and improved circulation.
Other health benefits of working upright include a decreased risk of certain cancers like colon cancer and breast cancer, improved circulation, better brain function, and a decreased risk of health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Working upright is the most natural position for the body�s best function and health.
Health Benefits: Chiropractic Care Crossfit Rehabilitation
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