Back Clinic Injury Care Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Team. There are two approaches to injury care. They are active and passive treatment. While both can help get patients on the road toward recovery, only active treatment has a long-term impact and keeps patients moving.
We focus on treating injuries sustained in auto accidents, personal injuries, work injuries, and sports injuries and provide complete interventional pain management services and therapeutic programs. Everything from bumps and bruises to torn ligaments and back pain.
Passive Injury Care
A doctor or a physical therapist usually gives passive injury care. It includes:
Acupuncture
Applying heat/ice to sore muscles
Pain medication
It’s a good starting point to help reduce pain, but passive injury care isn’t the most effective treatment. While it helps an injured person feel better in the moment, the relief doesn’t last. A patient won’t fully recover from injury unless they actively work to return to their normal life.
Active Injury Care
Active treatment also provided by a physician or physical therapist relies on the injured person’s commitment to work. When patients take ownership of their health, the active injury care process becomes more meaningful and productive. A modified activity plan will help an injured person transition to full function and improve their overall physical and emotional wellness.
Spine, neck, and back
Headaches
Knees, shoulders, and wrists
Torn ligaments
Soft tissue injuries (muscle strains and sprains)
What does active injury care involve?
An active treatment plan keeps the body as strong and flexible as possible through a personalized work/transitional plan, which limits long-term impact and helps injured patients work toward a faster recovery. For example, in injury Medical & Chiropractic clinic’s injury care, a clinician will work with the patient to understand the cause of injury, then create a rehabilitation plan that keeps the patient active and brings them back to proper health in no time.
For answers to any questions, you may have, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900
The function of the arm is to allow for movement of the wrist and hand. Various muscles initiate the arm’s actions, large muscles flex and extend, pronate and supinate, and the more sensitive muscles allow fine motor control. Lifting capacity and grip strength come from the arm muscles, making them essential for all types of activities. Because of the many functions and jobs the hands and arms do, added stress is placed on them. Arm discomfort symptoms, radiating pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling are common conditions. Chiropractic care can relieve injury symptoms and restore mobility and function.
Arm Discomfort Symptoms
The muscles of the upper arm, the biceps, and the triceps, control the movement and positioning of the elbow joint, and the muscles of the forearm control the wrist and hand. There are 30 bones from the top of the arm to the tip of the finger that include:
The humerus in the upper arm.
Ulna and radius in the forearm.
Carpal bones in the wrist.
Metacarpals and phalanges make up the hand and fingers.
The joints allow movement between the bones and are stabilized by ligaments and joint capsules.
Symptoms
Discomfort or Radiation
Symptoms vary based on the severity of the injury but commonly include.
Numbness and tingling in the elbow, forearm, or hand can develop.
Pain sensations often radiate to other areas.
Causes
Individuals that work with their hands related to work, home tasks, sports, or hobby activities, such as construction workers, hair stylists, store cashiers, graphic artists, automotive technicians, carpenters, painters, butchers, and more, have an increased risk of injury and developing chronic conditions. Work that involves manually cutting, writing, typing, gripping, operating motorized tools, hair clippers, working with animals, etc., makes the arms susceptible to injury from the constant stress on the ligaments. Common overuse injuries affecting the upper extremity include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
These conditions involve the nerves of the forearm.
Prolonged or repetitive bending or flexing of the wrist or elbow can generate swelling pressure that compresses the nerve/s.
Symptoms include numbness, coldness, tingling, and/or weakness in the hand and fingers.
Tennis, Golfer, and Pitcher Elbow
These conditions involve the inflammation of the tendon structures surrounding the elbow joint.
Repeating the same motion over and over causes damage.
This leads to tenderness and pain inside and surrounding the elbow.
De Quervain’s syndrome affects tendon structure in the wrist.
Swelling near the base of the thumb.
Individuals have difficulty grasping objects.
This is common for landscapers, gardeners, and sports where constant gripping is involved.
Tendonitis
Tendons attach muscles and bones
The condition causes tendon inflammation, presenting pain in the area around single or multiple joints.
Common types include wrist tendonitis, pitcher’s shoulder, and swimmer’s shoulder.
Tendon Tears
Overuse and frequent stress from continuous motion can wear tendons to the point of partial or complete tearing.
Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder are often caused by overuse wearing down.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic and massage therapy can rehabilitate arm injuries, restore function and reduce arm discomfort symptoms. Treatment includes:
Ice or heat treatment.
Manual therapy – soft tissue massage and trigger point alleviation.
Joint mobilization.
Taping or bracing support.
Rehabilitation targeted exercises.
Work and sports modification training.
Training on upper extremity overuse, practicing caution, and knowing when to seek professional medical help.
Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation
References
Bass, Evelyn. “Tendinopathy: why the difference between tendinitis and tendinosis matters.” International Journal of therapeutic massage & Bodywork vol. 5,1 (2012): 14-7. doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v5i1.153
Cutts, S et al. “Tennis elbow: A clinical review article.” Journal of Orthopaedics vol. 17 203-207. 10 Aug. 2019, doi:10.1016/j.jor.2019.08.005
Hoe, Victor C W, et al. “Ergonomic design and training for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb and neck in adults.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 2012,8 CD008570. 15 Aug. 2012, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008570.pub2
Konijnenberg, H S et al. “Conservative treatment for repetitive strain injury.” Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health vol. 27,5 (2001): 299-310. doi:10.5271/sjweh.618
Luger, Tessy, et al. “Work-break schedules for preventing musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders in healthy workers.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 7,7 CD012886. 23 Jul. 2019, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012886.pub2
Pitzer, Michael E et al. “Elbow tendinopathy.” The Medical Clinics of North America vol. 98,4 (2014): 833-49, xiii. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2014.04.002
Verhagen, Arianne P et al. “Conservative interventions for treating work-related complaints of the arm, neck or shoulder in adults.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 2013,12 CD008742. 12 Dec. 2013, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008742.pub2
Zaremski, Jason L et al. “Sport Specialization and Overuse Injuries in Adolescent Throwing Athletes: A Narrative Review.” Journal of athletic training vol. 54,10 (2019): 1030-1039. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-333-18
Pretty much everyone experiences a muscle cramp at some point. A muscle cramp is an involuntarily contracted muscle that does not relax, similar to a spasm, but a cramp lasts longer and is usually a forcible contraction. During a cramp, the muscles tighten without voluntary input from the brain and over-tighten. They can last anywhere from a few seconds to an hour or longer. They can be prevented through adequate nutrition and hydration, attention to safety when engaged in physical activity or exercise, and attention to posture and ergonomics. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can develop personalized treatment plans for individuals experiencing musculoskeletal issues.
Muscle Cramp
Muscle cramps can occur in any muscle. The cramp may involve a portion of a muscle, the entire muscle, or several muscles that function together. A muscle or a few tissue fibers that involuntarily contracts is in a spasm. If the spasm is forcefully sustained, it turns into a cramp. They can cause a noticeable and/or hardening of the involved muscle/s. They can be experienced as mild twitches or can be excruciatingly painful. Some can involve the simultaneous contraction of muscles that normally move body parts in opposite directions. It is not uncommon for a cramp to flare up multiple times until it finally stops.
Causes
They can occur during physical activity, exercise, rest, or night, depending on the cause. There are various causes that, include:
Most times, they are not a cause for alarm; however, depending on the individual, their age, type of physical activity, and medical history, cramps could indicate a more serious underlying problem such as a thyroid disorder, liver cirrhosis, atherosclerosis, ALS, or a problem or condition of the spine or spinal nerves.
Muscles Involved
The muscles involved can indicate the mechanism and cause.
If the cramp is triggered by fatigue, a drop in muscle glycogen, dehydration, or an electrolyte imbalance, it’s most frequently to the calf muscles, feet, or back of the thigh/hamstring muscles.
This is typically due to a combination of fatigue and dehydration.
If it is triggered by nerve irritation, like a spinal disc injury, cramps tend to present in the forearm, hand, calf, and foot, depending on whether the disc injury is in the neck or lower back.
If there is a joint sprain in the neck, mid-back, or lower back, the cramp will present where the injury is and around the surrounding muscles.
A calf cramp happens when lying down because the foot points down, shortening the calf muscles.
A shortened muscle is more likely to go into spasm, especially if it is exhausted from activities and if the body is dehydrated, which is pretty common.
For two muscles that work together performing the same movement, called agonists, and the one muscle is weaker, the secondary muscle has to work harder, often going into a spasm or cramp from the added stress.
For example, if the buttock/gluteal muscles are weak, the hamstrings eventually spasm when exhausted.
Chiropractic
First, the cause needs to be identified through medical history and examination. There can be an underlying nerve irritation and interference, restricting the muscle or muscle group, which needs to be dealt with for the therapy to be effective. Chiropractic care, combined with therapeutic stretching and massage therapy, can:
Relieve muscle cramping
Improve blood circulation
Increase muscle movement
Improve musculoskeletal function
All help to diminish and prevent muscle cramping.
Adjustments will restore proper alignment and restore nerve communication. These treatments help to release toxins, loosen and relax the muscle tissues, and provide relief.
Say Goodbye to Pain With Chiropractic
References
Blyton, Fiona, et al. “Non-drug therapies for lower limb muscle cramps.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 1,1 CD008496. 18 Jan. 2012, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008496.pub2
FIELDS, A. “Leg cramps.” California Medicine vol. 92,3 (1960): 204-6.
Garrison, Scott R et al. “Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 9,9 CD009402. 21 Sep. 2020, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009402.pub3
Katzberg, Hans D. “Case Studies in Management of Muscle Cramps.” Neurologic clinics vol. 38,3 (2020): 679-696. doi:10.1016/j.ncl.2020.03.011
Miller, Kevin C et al. “An Evidence-Based Review of the Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Prevention of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps.” Journal of athletic training vol. 57,1 (2022): 5-15. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-0696.20
Miller, Timothy M, and Robert B Layzer. “Muscle cramps.” Muscle & nerve vol. 32,4 (2005): 431-42. doi:10.1002/mus.20341
Intercostal muscles are the muscles within the rib cage, commonly called the intercostals, which connect the ribs and make up the chest wall. An intercostal muscle strain refers to an injury between two or more ribs. If these muscles become overstretched, restricted, or suffer damage, it can cause inflammation and significant pain in the middle and upper back. Intercostal muscle strain is a common injury in athletes and physically demanding jobs. Chiropractic care and massage therapy can realign the vertebrae with the ribs and loosen and relax the muscles to increase circulation and restore mobility and function.
Intercostal Muscle Strain
The intercostal muscles have different layers attached to the ribs to help build the chest wall and assist in breathing. There are 11 intercostal muscles on each side of the rib cage. Each set is located between connected ribs in the upper and mid-back and consists of the following:
External
These are the outermost intercostals, responsible for expanding the chest during breathing to help inhale air and allow full deep breaths.
The external intercostals originate at the lower edge of a rib and run diagonally to attach to the upper edge of the rib below.
They are found in the rib cage’s back, sides, and front.
Internal
These sit directly underneath the externals and help collapse the chest during breathing to exhale.
The muscle fibers run perpendicular to the external intercostals, moving diagonally from front to back along the ribs, and are in the entire rib cage.
Innermost
These sit directly underneath, run parallel to the internal intercostals, and run from the back of the rib cage to each side.
The veins, arteries, and nerves lie between the internal and innermost intercostals.
When an intercostal muscle gets twisted, overused, or stretched too far, it can tear, causing muscle strain. Often radiating pain along the rib cage is experienced that extends to the back.
Causes
An intercostal muscle strain often occurs as the result of an injury or overexertion of the muscles. Common causes include:
Trauma to the rib cage, such as from a fall or automobile collision.
Impact trauma from sports or physical activities.
Over twisting the torso beyond its normal range of motion from lifting weights, sports, yoga postures, or dance positions.
Repeatedly reaching overhead for work or tasks like cleaning or painting.
Lifting heavy objects above shoulder height.
Repetitive torso movements.
A sudden increase in physical activity that the body is not used to can also lead to intercostal muscle strain.
This can happen when a lack of conditioning or unhealthy postures weaken muscles.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms can vary, depending on the severity and cause. Symptoms can include:
Intercostal muscle spasms.
Mobility difficulties.
Inflammation, swelling, and sensitivity in the affected area.
Stiffness and tension, causing upper back pain.
Upper back and rib pain.
Tenderness in the area between the ribs.
Muscle rigidity when bending or twisting the upper body.
Gradual worsening pain after repetitive movements.
Worsening pain when coughing, sneezing, or breathing in deeply.
Severe and sudden pain, particularly if caused by direct trauma to the chest or back.
Chiropractic
Diagnosis involves the individual’s medical history and a physical exam to check for movement limitations and assess affected and sensitive areas. Once the inflammation is reduced, chiropractic and physical therapy will focus on the following:
Pain relief treatment.
Breathing exercises.
Posture training.
Stretching under supervision.
Strengthing exercises.
Most cases fully heal within 6 to 8 weeks.
Rib Muscle Injury
References
De Troyer, A et al. “Mechanics of intercostal space and actions of external and internal intercostal muscles.” The Journal of clinical investigation vol. 75,3 (1985): 850-7. doi:10.1172/JCI111782
Lord, Michael J, and William G Carson Jr. “Multiple Rib Stress Fractures.” The Physician and sports medicine vol. 21,5 (1993): 80-91. doi:10.1080/00913847.1993.11947575
Morrison W. What is an intercostal muscle strain? Medical News Today. Jan 2020
Page P. Current Concepts in Muscle Stretching for Exercise and Rehabilitation. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2012;7(1):109-119.
Park, Kyung-hee, et al. “Difference in selective muscle activity of thoracic erector spinae during prone trunk extension exercise in subjects with slouched thoracic posture.” PM & R: the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation vol. 7,5 (2015): 479-84. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2014.10.004
Tran H. Causes of Intercostal Muscle Strain. Spine-health. October 2017
Yoo, Won-Gyu. “Effect of a combined thoracic and backward lifting exercise on the thoracic kyphosis angle and intercostal muscle pain.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 29,8 (2017): 1481-1482. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.1481
Yoo, Won-Gyu. “Effect of thoracic stretching, thoracic extension exercise and exercises for cervical and scapular posture on thoracic kyphosis angle and upper thoracic pain.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 25,11 (2013): 1509-10. doi:10.1589/jpts.25.1509
Massage is part of integrative medicine and can be used for various medical conditions. In massage therapy, a therapist rubs and kneads the body’s soft tissues, including muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and skin. The therapist varies the amount of pressure and movement. Individuals often start feeling the effects right away. One of the benefits is increased temperature. Increased temperature amplifies blood flow and circulation, enabling muscular and connective tissues to release restriction, and muscle tightness, relieve tension, and improve movement. A massage therapist will use different techniques to increase the temperature to treat various conditions.
Increased Temperature
Some patients want to know why their muscles heat up or burn during a massage. Muscles burn because of the accumulation of waste in the cells. The waste products are released as a result of massage. The muscles release lactate, a byproduct of glucose. The effects of deep tissue massage are almost the same as the effects of exercise. During the massage:
The demand for oxygen in the tissues increases.
Because of this, blood flow circulation to these tissues increases.
This is necessary to supply oxygen and glucose.
It excretes waste substances and toxins.
Muscle heat or burn during massage differs for everybody. Some individuals don’t feel it at all. The session can be so intense that the muscles can’t clear the lactate/toxins fast enough, causing the burning sensation.
Fascia Circulation
The temperature of the fascia can also be increased. Fascia is the thick, fibrous layer of connective tissues beneath the skin that can often become restrictive. Increased temperature in the superficial and deep tissues releases, relaxes, and loosens tight, tense, shortened, and/or injured areas, allowing muscular tissues to increase in elasticity, flexibility, and relaxation. Heart rate is raised, improving circulation and increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas and the rest of the body.
Myofascial release involves slowly applying pressure to the area using flattened hands and fingers.
The slow, soft pressure increases the temperature of the fascia.
As the hands and fingers get deeper within, they slowly move around, spreading the fascia.
This releases the tightness and relieves the pain.
An individual’s posture can improve when the temperature is increased. Muscular tension and tightness can cause increased pain symptoms, not allowing healthy posture.
Muscle Burn Relief
Rehydrate
Drink plenty of water after the session is over.
Water maintains proper circulation for excreting waste products and nourishes the muscle cells with fresh nutrients and oxygen.
Avoid coffee and alcohol as they increase urination and blood osmolality and dehydrate the body.
Stretching
Stretching before and after a session can relieve muscle soreness.
Stretching exercises increase blood flow.
Stimulates the release of synovial fluid around the joints.
Sleep
Get plenty of rest after a session.
The body knows how to restore itself; during sleep, it reduces cortisol secretion.
It increases the stimulation of antioxidative hormones to go after free radicals.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies like ginger, garlic, cloves, and cinnamon increase blood circulation, reducing pain and swelling.
They have anti-inflammatory properties that help with muscle burn and soreness.
After a session, a little peppermint or CBD oil can relieve the sore parts.
Chiropractic Success Story
References
Dion LJ, et al. Development of a hospital-based massage therapy course at an academic medical center. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 2015; doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v8i1.249.
Rodgers NJ, et al. A decade of building massage therapy services at an academic medical center as part of a healing enhancement program. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.07.004.
Resistance band exercises can be very useful for injury rehabilitation. As a part of a chiropractic neuromusculoskeletal treatment plan, personalized rehabilitation exercises using resistance bands can be prescribed to strengthen targeted areas of the body that require retraining due to an injury or condition. Resistance band training can effectively rehabilitate neck, shoulder, back, leg, knee, and ankle conditions and offer several advantages, from improving strength and posture to increasing mobility and improving joint health.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are rehabilitation and exercise equipment that provide consistent resistance throughout a specific exercise. They are rubberized bands or elastic cables that can be color-coded (different brands may vary in color progressions) to signify the amount of resistance they provide. These bands are great for all types of injuries to the joints or muscles and have been found to be effective in the following types:
Weakened neck muscles from injury.
Shoulder dislocation
Tennis elbow
Hip bursitis
Knee injuries
IT band syndrome
Ankle sprains
Improve flexibility for arthritis.
The body does need time to heal before engaging in exercise, especially after major muscle, ligament, or tendon tears. A chiropractor or physical therapist will inform the patient when they can begin. However, some areas can be worked out three days after an injury.
Benefits
Resistance bands can isolate strength training and stretching to specific muscles affected by surgery or a non-surgical injury/condition in chiropractic and physical therapy. They can help in the following:
Increased circulation.
Increased range of motion and flexibility.
Increased muscular strength.
Improved posture.
Increased joint stability.
Improved balance.
Added benefits:
They are small, lightweight, and portable making them perfect for those that travel frequently.
They are simple to use.
They are cost-effective.
They provide a whole-body workout.
They come in different resistance levels to progress gradually.
Safe for every fitness level.
Exercises
Exercises with bands can be used in standing, sitting, or lying down positions. Some may consist of movements with resistance coming from body weight. Other activities may require additional resistance. Lunges are an example of a simple exercise to help rehabilitate certain back conditions.
Injury Stages
Strength and resistance training is essential for healing from neuromusculoskeletal injuries and overall health.
Early/Acute Stage
This stage entails light, gentle exercising that will allow damaged tissues to begin healing with simple movements to get circulation moving through the areas.
This gradually increases the weight on the injured bone, ligament, or muscle so the tissue can develop the ability to withstand strains from daily activities.
Late/Functional Stage
This is the final step, in which the tissues are stressed through functional exercises to be fit enough to return to work, sports, and activities.
Exercises For Lower Back
References
Lee, Jae-Kwang, and Jae-Hong Lee. “Effect of the lumbar stabilization exercise on the height difference between shoulders and range of motion in older adults.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 35,1 (2023): 46-50. doi:10.1589/jpts.35.46
Mikesky, A E et al. “Efficacy of a home-based training program for older adults using elastic tubing.” European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology vol. 69,4 (1994): 316-20. doi:10.1007/BF00392037
Seguin, Rachel C et al. “The Efficacy of Upper-Extremity Elastic Resistance Training on Shoulder Strength and Performance: A Systematic Review.” Sports (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 10,2 24. 14 Feb. 2022, doi:10.3390/sports10020024
Seo, Myong-Won et al. “Effects of 16 Weeks of Resistance Training on Muscle Quality and Muscle Growth Factors in Older Adult Women with Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,13 6762. 23 Jun. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph18136762
Yamamoto, Yutaro, et al. “Effects of resistance training using elastic bands on muscle strength with or without a leucine supplement for 48 weeks in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.” Endocrine journal vol. 68,3 (2021): 291-298. doi:10.1507/endocrj.EJ20-0550
The lumbar/low back muscles support the upper body’s weight and are involved in moving, twisting, bending, pushing, pulling, and reaching. These repetitive actions can result in a lumbar strain, which is muscle damage or injury to the tendons or muscles of the lower back, causing spasms, soreness, and pain. A lumbar strain can be the source of severe pain symptoms; it can be debilitating and, if left untreated, can lead to chronic conditions. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can relieve symptoms, realign the body, relax, rehabilitate, strengthen muscles, and restore function.
Lumbar Strain
The lumbar vertebra makes up the region of the spine in the lower back. Sudden injuries or overuse injuries can damage the tendons and muscles. Lumbar muscle strain is caused when the muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn. Lumbar strain can be acute/sudden or chronic/lingering. A strain that has been present for days or weeks is referred to as acute. It is considered chronic if it has persisted for over three months. It can occur at any age but is most common in individuals in their forties. Increased risk factors can include:
Weakened back or abdominal muscles can cause
Tight hamstrings can pull the low back muscles down.
Excessive lower back curvature.
Forward-tilted pelvis.
Symptoms
Lumbar strain can have varied signs and symptoms depending on the location, damage, and cause of injury. The damage can range from simple overstretching injuries to partial or complete tears of varying degrees. The tears cause inflammation in the surrounding area, resulting in back spasms and difficulty moving. A muscle spasm is a cramp caused by a sudden and involuntary contraction or twitch and can be one of the symptoms of a lumbar strain. Other symptoms can include:
Muscle spasms either with activity or when resting.
Stiffness in the low back.
Difficulty standing or walking, with slight relief when resting.
Trouble doing simple tasks like bending or climbing stairs.
Low back pain can radiate into the buttocks without affecting the legs.
The lower back may be tender and sore to the touch.
Decreased muscle strength.
Restricted or limited range of motion.
Inability to maintain healthy posture because of stiffness and/or pain.
Discomfort symptoms that persist.
Discomfort ranges from mild aches to sharp, debilitating pain.
Intermittent flare-ups.
Causes
There are often multiple underlying risk factors contributing to the injury or damage. A few of the most common causes:
Depending on the severity, a doctor or health care provider could recommend chiropractic treatment and physical therapy. The chiropractor will perform an evaluation, combined with the doctor’s diagnosis, to develop a customized/personalized treatment plan. Treatment may include:
Ice and heat therapy
Massage to stimulate blood circulation
Percussive muscle stimulation
Pelvic traction
Ultrasound
Stretching exercises
Exercises to do at home for long-term relief.
It is a safe option to loosen tight back muscles, relieve pain, and promote lower back healing.
Spine Injuries In Sports
References
Ball, Jacob R et al. “Lumbar Spine Injuries in Sports: Review of the Literature and Current Treatment Recommendations.” Sports medicine – open vol. 5,1 26. 24 Jun. 2019, doi:10.1186/s40798-019-0199-7
Domljan, Z et al. “Lumbalni strain-sindromi” [Lumbar strain syndromes]. Reumatizam vol. 38,5-6 (1991): 33-4.
Li, H et al. “Rehabilitation effect of exercise with soft tissue manipulation in patients with a lumbar muscle strain.” Nigerian journal of clinical practice vol. 20,5 (2017): 629-633. doi:10.4103/njcp.njcp_126_16
Williams, Whitney, and Noelle M Selkow. “Self-Myofascial Release of the Superficial Back Line Improves Sit-and-Reach Distance.” Journal of sport rehabilitation vol. 29,4 400-404. 18 Oct. 2019, doi:10.1123/jsr.2018-0306
The body has around 1,000 ligaments that connect bones and joints. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that support joint mobility and stabilize the muscles and bones. An injury to one or more ligaments can cause inflammation, swelling, discomfort, and instability. The PCL refers to the posterior cruciate ligament that runs along the back of the knee joint. This ligament connects the femur/thigh bone to the tibia/shinbone. Anyone can suffer from an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament. It can be caused by the knee hitting a dashboard in an automobile collision, a worker twisting or falling on a bent knee or a sports contact injury. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Team provide soft tissue work, trigger point therapy, and targeted non-surgical treatment through advanced therapy methods and technologies.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament
The posterior cruciate ligament – PCL is located inside the knee, just behind the anterior cruciate ligament – ACL. It is one of several ligaments that connect the femur/thighbone to the tibia/shinbone. The posterior cruciate ligament keeps the tibia from moving backward.
Injury
Posterior cruciate ligament injuries are far less common than ACL – anterior cruciate tears. PCL injuries make up less than 20% of all knee ligament injuries. It is more common for PCL tears to occur with other ligament injuries. A PCL injury can cause mild, moderate, or severe damage and is rated into four different categories:
Grade I
A partial tear is present in the ligament.
Grade II
There is a partial tear.
The ligament can feel loose.
Grade III
The ligament is completely torn.
The knee is unstable.
Grade IV
The PCL is injured.
Other knee ligaments are damaged.
Individuals with posterior cruciate ligament injuries can have short or long-term symptoms. Typically, long-term symptoms occur when an injury slowly develops over time. In mild cases, individuals may still be able to walk, and their symptoms may be less noticeable. Common symptoms associated with PCL injuries include:
Difficulty placing weight on the injured knee.
Stiffness.
Walking difficulties.
Difficulty descending stairs.
A wobbly sensation inside the knee.
Inflammation and swelling can be mild to severe.
Knee pain.
Pain that worsens over time.
Over time, tears could lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
There is an increased risk of extensive damage and chronic pain conditions if left untreated.
Chiropractic Care
The continued participation in work or activity following a mild injury is the primary reason individuals undergo therapy, injections, or surgical repairs. Knee injuries need immediate attention to prevent worsening or further damage. A chiropractor will examine the knee, check the range of motion and ask about symptoms. They may request imaging tests to determine the extent of the damage. These tests may include the following:
X-rays.
Magnetic resonance imaging.
CT scan.
During the physical examination, they will check all the structures of the injured knee and compare them to the non-injured knee. The wounded knee may appear to sag backward when bent or could slide back too far, specifically when beyond a 90-degree angle. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Common treatments include:
Crutches
Crutches may be recommended to limit the weight placed on the knee.
Knee Brace
A special brace can address instability and help prevent the tibia bone from sagging backward.
Gravity tends to pull the bone backward when lying down.
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
As the swelling goes down, a carefully personalized rehabilitation program can begin.
This procedure is less invasive compared to traditional surgical methods.
Recovery time varies from person to person. If the injury is mild, it may only take around ten days to heal. If surgery was needed, recovery could take about six to nine months. Full recovery typically requires 6 to 12 months.
Bedi A, Musahl V, Cowan JB. Management of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries: An Evidence-Based Review. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. 2016 May;24(5):277-89. Accessed 7/26/21.
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Posterior Cruciate Ligament
