Back Clinic Chronic Pain Chiropractic Physical Therapy Team. Everyone feels pain from time to time. Cutting your finger or pulling a muscle, pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. The injury heals, you stop hurting.
Chronic pain works differently. The body keeps hurting weeks, months, or even years after the injury. Doctors define chronic pain as any pain that lasts for 3 to 6 months or more. Chronic pain can affect your day-to-day life and mental health. Pain comes from a series of messages that run through the nervous system. When hurt, the injury turns on pain sensors in that area. They send a message in the form of an electrical signal, which travels from nerve to nerve until it reaches the brain. The brain processes the signal and sends out the message that the body is hurt.
Under normal circumstances, the signal stops when the cause of pain is resolved, the body repairs the wound on the finger or a torn muscle. But with chronic pain, the nerve signals keep firing even after the injury is healed.
Conditions that cause chronic pain can begin without any obvious cause. But for many, it starts after an injury or because of a health condition. Some of the leading causes:
Arthritis
Back problems
Fibromyalgia, a condition in which people feel muscle pain throughout their bodies
Infections
Migraines and other headaches
Nerve damage
Past injuries or surgeries
Symptoms
The pain can range from mild to severe and can continue day after day or come and go. It can feel like:
A dull ache
Burning
Shooting
Soreness
Squeezing
Stiffness
Stinging
Throbbing
For answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900
Learn about kyphosis, its causes and symptoms, and treatment approaches to alleviate discomfort and improve posture.
What Is Kyphosis?
How frequently have you seen that after spending too much time sitting down, your posture has become more hunched? Do you have neck and shoulder strains that are momentarily relieved by stretching? Or do you experience shoulder and back discomfort and tension as a result of bad posture? Frequently, people have experienced musculoskeletal problems that may impact the neck, shoulders, and back—the three most frequent parts of the body. A spinal disorder called kyphosis may result from prolonged hunching. An increase in the forward curve of the spine that affects the thoracic location is known as kyphosis, and it may be brought on by degenerative alterations in the intervertebral discs. (Lam & Mukhdomi, 2025) The development of a hunchback or rounded upper back is a symptom of kyphosis that may impact posture and general musculoskeletal health. Depending on how severe the kyphosis is, the symptoms might vary from severe stiffness and pain to trouble breathing. Finding different treatment choices for this spinal ailment may also be made easier for many people by having a better grasp of the environmental variables that contribute to its development and the symptoms that are connected with it.
Environmental Factors Contributing to Kyphosis
Kyphosis may occur as a result of many environmental factors. This is because a lot of individuals engage in physically demanding activities that put a lot of strain on the spine. On the other hand, kyphosis may occur as a result of the spine’s gradual aging process. Among the environmental elements that cause kyphosis are:
Bad Posture
Living a Sedentary Lifestyle
Overweight Items & Inappropriate Lifting
Osteoporosis
Conditions & Injuries of the Spine
Kyphosis Symptoms & Its Effects on the Musculoskeletal System
Because it may impact both the cervical and thoracic regions of the spine, kyphosis can result in a number of musculoskeletal issues.When kyphosis begins to damage the cervical region, it may result in referred neck pain, which puts more pressure on the soft tissues in the back. This forces the head to cope with a mechanical imbalance, which puts strain on the muscles and creates weariness. (Ogura and others, 2021) At the same time, when kyphosis begins to impact the thoracic spine, other risk factors include poor bone density and dysfunction in the lower extremities in older persons, which may restrict movement. (Lorbergs and others, 2017). Other musculoskeletal problems linked to kyphosis include:
Stiffness & Pain in the Upper Back
Minimal Flexibility & Mobility
Referred pain
Weakness and Muscle Fatigue
Digestive & Breathing Problems
Understanding Long-Lasting Injuries- Video
Treatment Approaches For Kyphosis
If the spinal curvature has become much worse, many people have chosen to undergo surgery to manage the symptoms of kyphosis. Nonetheless, a lot of individuals have chosen nonsurgical treatments since they are less expensive and noninvasive. In order to improve a person’s posture and lessen the difficulties associated with kyphosis, nonsurgical therapies may take many different forms. (Jenkins et al., 2021) When individuals begin using nonsurgical methods to lessen cervical kyphosis, their mobility and postural control will significantly improve. (Oakley and others, 2024)
Chiropractic Care & More
For those with kyphosis, chiropractic adjustments are a non-invasive treatment option that may help reduce pain and realign the spine. The goal of chiropractic therapy is to stretch and strengthen weak, tense muscles while realigning the spine to its natural position. By increasing the range of motion in the neck, chiropractic therapy may alleviate overlapping risk profiles, such as headaches and kyphotic neck discomfort. (Norton and others, 2022) Additionally, in order to avoid a slouched posture, chiropractors may create a personalized treatment plan for those with kyphosis that offers substantial relief from the neck to the back. (Fortner and others, 2017). For those with kyphosis, chiropractic adjustments may provide the following advantages:
Adjustments to the spine may help realign the vertebrae, improve posture, and lessen excessive curvature.
Postural Training: To improve support, chiropractors may provide workouts that build stronger core and back muscles.
Pain management: Spinal decompression methods and manual treatment may ease tense muscles and lessen transferred pain.
Increased Flexibility and Mobility: Mobility exercises and stretching help increase range of motion and avoid stiffness.
Additional Treatments For Kyphosis
In addition to chiropractic treatment, alternative kyphosis management techniques may enhance spinal stability and stop the progression of spine curvature. Among these extra treatments are;
Physical Therapy.
Supporting Postural Ergonomics
Final Thoughts
Although kyphosis may cause pain and suffering, quality of life can be greatly improved with early diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Proactively treating kyphosis may result in improved posture, less discomfort, and more mobility, whether via physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or lifestyle changes.
Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic
We associate with certified medical providers who implement the importance of the causes and symptoms of kyphosis. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to integrate small changes into their daily routine to reduce the effects of kyphosis from affecting the cervical and thoracic areas. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
References
Fortner, M. O., Oakley, P. A., & Harrison, D. E. (2017). Treating ‘slouchy’ (hyperkyphosis) posture with chiropractic biophysics((R)): a case report utilizing a multimodal mirror image((R)) rehabilitation program. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29(8), 1475-1480. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.29.1475
Jenkins, H. J., Downie, A. S., Fernandez, M., & Hancock, M. J. (2021). Decreasing thoracic hyperkyphosis – Which treatments are most effective? A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Musculoskelet Sci Pract, 56, 102438. doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102438
Lorbergs, A. L., Murabito, J. M., Jarraya, M., Guermazi, A., Allaire, B. T., Yang, L., Kiel, D. P., Cupples, L. A., Bouxsein, M. L., Travison, T. G., & Samelson, E. J. (2017). Thoracic Kyphosis and Physical Function: The Framingham Study. J Am Geriatr Soc, 65(10), 2257-2264. doi.org/10.1111/jgs.15038
Norton, T. C., Oakley, P. A., & Harrison, D. E. (2022). Improving the cervical lordosis relieves neck pain and chronic headaches in a pediatric: a Chiropractic Biophysics((R)) (CBP((R))) case report with a 17-month follow-up. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 34(1), 71-75. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.34.71
Oakley, P. A., Gage, W. H., Harrison, D. E., & Mochizuki, G. (2024). Non-surgical reduction in thoracolumbar kyphosis and sagittal vertical axis corresponding with improved sensorimotor control in an older adult with spinal deformity: a Chiropractic Biophysics((R)) case report. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 36(11), 756-764. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.36.756
Ogura, Y., Dimar, J. R., Djurasovic, M., & Carreon, L. Y. (2021). Etiology and treatment of cervical kyphosis: state of the art review-a narrative review. J Spine Surg, 7(3), 422-433. doi.org/10.21037/jss-21-54
Gain insights with this overview of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs from a clinical approach, enriching psychological perspectives.
The Humanistic Perspective
Because of behaviorism and psychoanalytic theory, the humanistic viewpoint gained popularity in the middle of the 20th century. Humanism is the term used to describe those who stress human potential and the capacity for change. The notion of biological determinism, which holds that the majority of human traits, both mental and physical, are predetermined from conception, is simultaneously rejected by humanism. The humanistic viewpoint stresses a person’s innate desire for creativity and self-actualization and focuses on how individuals grow. The idea that development is seen as an ongoing process that is influenced more by an individual’s social and environmental conditions than by genetics or other natural causes is also fundamental to the humanistic viewpoint. The use of the human viewpoint in a therapeutic setting was examined by several prominent humanistic thinkers, including Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. In addition to enabling a better understanding of pain, suffering, and emotions, this guarantees a more optimistic approach to enhance patient and nurse practitioner results. (Boston-Leary et al., 2024)
The development potential of healthy people was the subject of research by American humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow (1908–1970). According to him, individuals aspire to self-actualization and begin accepting both themselves and other people for who they are. He saw that a lot of individuals were able to enjoy themselves and live comparatively guilt-free while also losing inhibitions.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that explains a pattern by which human motivations often emerge at the following level by enabling the person to be fully satisfied with the previous level. As a result, many individuals start using it to encourage action. Several distinct underlying systems constitute the basis of motivation in Maslow’s hierarchy of wants; certain motivations are generated and given precedence over others. (Kenrick et al., 2010) Our knowledge of the self has also been substantially enhanced by Maslow’s ideas. The five levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs—physiological necessities, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization—allow people to evolve. These five phases show how a person develops in order to meet their most basic requirements.
Physiological Needs
The primary physical need for human life, according to Maslow, are physiological needs, which include food, water, sleep, shelter, sex, and maintaining bodily homeostasis. In order to be motivated by the next level of demands, many individuals must have their physiological needs—such as breathing, eating, drinking, or sleeping—met. As they exhibit stability and endurance and adjust to the changing demands of the healthcare system, many nurses in a healthcare context move away from physiological needs and safety. (Hayre-Kwan et al., 2021)
Safety
Safety, the second stage, takes over and becomes a dominating behavior if a person’s physiological demands are addressed and mostly satisfied. This may be achieved via working, saving money, and looking for safe havens. That individual has time to consider their desires once they are content and feel secure. However, many people may experience or re-experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or transgenerational trauma when physical safety is lacking due to environmental factors like war, natural disasters, family violence, childhood abuse, or institutional racism. For this reason, safety needs must include mental, emotional, financial, and physical security.
Another example of how environmental variables impact safety is economic safety, which may be impacted by a financial crisis and a lack of employment prospects. In the absence of economic safety, it must show itself in things like a need for work stability, grievance processes to shield individuals from unjustified power, insurance plans, savings accounts, etc. Since children typically need to feel protected, this level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs tends to prevail in their lives.
Love & Belonging
Maslow’s hierarchy of wants places love and belonging at stage three. Intimacy, companionship, and a sense of belonging are all necessary for love and belonging. Many individuals want to join a club or be a part of a society where they may be near their friends and relatives. Maintaining a positive nurse-patient connection in a healthcare context requires professionals to provide affection and belonging to people who are experiencing pain-like sensations. In addition to giving the person a good outlook to lessen their suffering, this will guarantee that their needs and desires are acknowledged. (Xu et al., 2021) During childhood, the desire for love and belonging is very strong and might take precedence over the need for protection. Children who attach to abusive parents exhibit this as a bad problem. Hospitalization, neglect, shunning, or ostracism are examples of deficiencies in this level of Maslow’s hierarchy that may negatively impact a person’s capacity to establish and sustain emotionally meaningful connections. Furthermore, a person’s growth may be greatly impacted by these adverse events.
Esteem
The fourth level of Maslow’s hierarchy is esteem, which is the universal human need to be respected and accepted by others. Since everyone wants to be someone at this point, a lot of individuals search for peer regard, self-confidence, and esteem. For instance, someone with money would purchase a high-end watch, while someone with a brain would be able to write, ponder, or even work a lot. The drive to compete and achieve at the top level is the cause of this. At the same time, a lot of individuals will often pursue a career or pastime because ego demands like status or respect are met by these pursuits. Since most individuals desire to feel valued, many will worry about receiving respect, prestige, significance, and acknowledgment from others. The desire for self-respect and self-esteem follows from this. Lack of positive reinforcement, however, may have an impact on a person’s self-esteem and their ability to improve. therefore taking care of the fundamental problems that are hurting and upsetting them in 2025. (Carroll et al., 2025)
Self-Actualization
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs places self-actualization at the top. Reaching the lowest levels of needs—such as having the ability to eat, sleep, feel secure, fit in with a group, and yet feel unique—is necessary for individuals to reach the greatest level of their existence. At the greatest level, we are able to relax, be creative, and accept things as they are. Even when there is no longer any pressure on particular requirements, it is still possible for any of the needs at lower levels to stay low. Self-actualization is the drive to become the best version of oneself by completing the tasks at hand. Humanistic theory defines self-actualization as a condition of self-fulfillment when individuals are able to reach their full potential in a way that is unique to them. Many people may have a highly distinct perception of or concentrate on this desire. There are several instances, such as:
Someone who is driven to become the perfect parent
Someone who wants to express themselves via sports
Someone who used their skills and abilities to create art as a means of self-expression.
Questions of the Hierarchal Status
When talking about human behavior, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs serves as a crucial basis for comprehending the relationship between drive and motivation. As one moves up the ladder, each requirement is shown in the levels that call for motivation. Numerous significant problems begin to surface while examining the hierarchical structure.
The first concern is the path of advancement when a person advances both within and between levels. Maslow first highlighted the need of attending to lower-level needs before moving on to higher-level requirements. This original idea gave rise to an understanding of how different people are in how they see and value each fundamental need. For instance, females may prioritize their reproductive requirements above those of other people. According to Maslow, satisfying every need is not a prerequisite for fulfilling needs at a higher level. The next level of demands takes precedence after a person’s fundamental, lower-level wants have been mostly met. Higher-level wants, like self-actualization, might be satisfied before certain lower-level needs are completely satisfied.
Whether a person climbs unidirectionally from the base of the pyramid to the summit is a second, related topic. Multidirectional mobility throughout the phases is conceivable because a person’s requirements at a given period of life may be influenced by a variety of variables. In light of being laid off, an employee who is considering raising a family—the third stage of Maslow’s hierarchy—may need to concentrate on the second level, safety. The second and third levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs would take unemployment into account, even if this worker had created a feeling of safety and security. Because human existence and progress are dynamic rather than static, the hierarchy must allow for this fluctuation, which is why it is significant. The main idea behind Maslow’s theory is that because self-actualization is the aim, fundamental needs must be satisfied before one is inspired to pursue higher-level wants. This encourages the person to evaluate every need that must be met in order to achieve self-actualization with a positive connection. (Taormina & Gao, 2013) People will see improvements in their bodies and mentalities as well as better lifestyles as they begin to incorporate Maslow’s hierarchy of needs into their daily routines.
Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic
We collaborate with licensed healthcare professionals who apply Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to our patients’ pain and suffering in a clinical setting. In addition to posing crucial queries to our affiliated healthcare professionals, we counsel individuals to incorporate minor adjustments into their everyday schedules and provide them a secure environment.This material is envisioned as an academic service by Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C. Disclaimer.
References
Boston-Leary, K., Alexander, G. R., & Davis, S. (2024). Leveraging Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to Build Nursing’s More Inclusive Future. Nurs Adm Q, 48(1), 55-64. doi.org/10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000613
Carroll, A., Collins, C., & McKenzie, J. (2025). Physician wellbeing in a national rehabilitation hospital, a qualitative study utilizing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a framework for analysis. BMC Health Serv Res, 25(1), 175. doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12310-x
Hayre-Kwan, S., Quinn, B., Chu, T., Orr, P., & Snoke, J. (2021). Nursing and Maslow’s Hierarchy: A Health Care Pyramid Approach to Safety and Security During a Global Pandemic. Nurse Lead, 19(6), 590-595. doi.org/10.1016/j.mnl.2021.08.013
Kenrick, D. T., Griskevicius, V., Neuberg, S. L., & Schaller, M. (2010). Renovating the Pyramid of Needs: Contemporary Extensions Built Upon Ancient Foundations. Perspect Psychol Sci, 5(3), 292-314. doi.org/10.1177/1745691610369469
Taormina, R. J., & Gao, J. H. (2013). Maslow and the motivation hierarchy: measuring satisfaction of the needs. Am J Psychol, 126(2), 155-177. doi.org/10.5406/amerjpsyc.126.2.0155
Xu, J. X., Wu, L. X., Jiang, W., & Fan, G. H. (2021). Effect of nursing intervention based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in patients with coronary heart disease interventional surgery. World J Clin Cases, 9(33), 10189-10197. doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v9.i33.10189
Can individuals dealing with gut issues incorporate the beneficial properties of probiotics and prebiotics to improve body function?
How The Gut Works Together With The Body
When many individuals are dealing with chronic issues that are causing referred pain in their bodies, it could be an issue that is affecting their gut system. Have you experienced unpredictable food reactions that make you unable to enjoy your favorite meal or food item anymore? Do you notice any abdominal swelling after a heavy meal? Or have you been more constipated and found it difficult to go to the bathroom? This is because the gut system is the second brain of the human body. The gastrointestinal (GI) system provides many beneficial properties to the host and the human body. It helps strengthen the gut’s integrity, harvest and give energy, protect the body from foreign pathogens, and regulate the immune system. (Thursby & Juge, 2017) Inside the gut system is home to trillions of bacteria that help transport the nutrients and vitamins of food to different areas of the body. This, in turn, gives the individual the energy to be mobile and complete their daily activities. However, environmental factors like illnesses, stress, bad dietary habits, and lifestyles can cause the gut ecosystem to undergo abnormal changes, causing gut dysbiosis. (Zhang et al., 2015)
When environmental factors impact the body, especially the gut system, the immune system produces inflammatory cytokines caused by certain bacteria. Once certain structural component bacteria strains trigger inflammation, it can cause a cascade of inflammatory pathways to affect the entire body, causing the individual to experience pain and discomfort. (Al Bander et al., 2020) Additionally, gut dysbiosis can also be associated with the occurrence of several chronic metabolic diseases that are developed. (Xiong et al., 2023) Fortunately, there are numerous ways people can reduce the impact of gut dysbiosis and help restore normal body function by including probiotics and prebiotics. We associate with certified medical providers who inform our patients of how the gut system can affect the body when environmental factors impact it. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to integrate various probiotic and prebiotic foods to help regulate healthy bacteria back to the gut and reduce pain and discomfort in the body. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Nutrition Fundamentals- Video
Probiotic & Prebiotic Foods For The Gut
Now, when it comes to the gut system, it is important to know that trillions of bacteria help with gut regulation. When environmental factors cause various issues, it can cause pain and discomfort to the rest of the body. Hence, incorporating probiotics and prebiotics can help regulate the gut and reduce the impact of harmful bacteria from affecting the body. As part of a healthy diet, probiotics have the potential to regulate gut microbiota by affecting the intestinal microbial dynamics and homeostasis, thus influencing the intestines and distill organs physiology. (Kim et al., 2021) Additionally, when a person is incorporating probiotics and prebiotics to regulate their gut, it can be used to help manipulate the host’s microbiota while being used for potential therapeutic strategies. (Radford-Smith & Anthony, 2023) Some of the foods that have probiotics and prebiotics include:
Jicama
Bananas
Garlic
Miso
Kimchi
Yogurt
How Probiotics & Prebiotics Improve Body Function
When people start to incorporate prebiotics and probiotics, they will notice an increased abundance of health-promoting bacteria that can increase microbiome diversity and metabolic pathways that can affect the qualitative and quantitative changes of the gut composition. (Jager et al., 2019) Different bacterial strains can have various properties that can help with the gastrointestinal microbiome diversity and improve the body through metabolic support.
Conclusion
So, when people think about their health and wellness, the best place to start is with the gut by adding prebiotics and probiotics as part of a healthy diet. This, in turn, can help the loss of beneficial bacteria that have been affected by environmental factors and can help reduce the inflammatory effects of chronic illnesses. Making these small changes can be helpful to one’s health and well-being and allow many people to come up with tasty food combinations to improve gut health and metabolic pathways.
References
Al Bander, Z., Nitert, M. D., Mousa, A., & Naderpoor, N. (2020). The Gut Microbiota and Inflammation: An Overview. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 17(20). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207618
Jager, R., Mohr, A. E., Carpenter, K. C., Kerksick, C. M., Purpura, M., Moussa, A., Townsend, J. R., Lamprecht, M., West, N. P., Black, K., Gleeson, M., Pyne, D. B., Wells, S. D., Arent, S. M., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Kreider, R. B., Campbell, B. I., Bannock, L., Scheiman, J.,…Antonio, J. (2019). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 16(1), 62. doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0329-0
Kim, C. S., Cha, L., Sim, M., Jung, S., Chun, W. Y., Baik, H. W., & Shin, D. M. (2021). Probiotic Supplementation Improves Cognitive Function and Mood with Changes in Gut Microbiota in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 76(1), 32-40. doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaa090
Radford-Smith, D. E., & Anthony, D. C. (2023). Prebiotic and Probiotic Modulation of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Depression. Nutrients, 15(8). doi.org/10.3390/nu15081880
Thursby, E., & Juge, N. (2017). Introduction to the human gut microbiota. Biochem J, 474(11), 1823-1836. doi.org/10.1042/BCJ20160510
Xiong, R. G., Li, J., Cheng, J., Zhou, D. D., Wu, S. X., Huang, S. Y., Saimaiti, A., Yang, Z. J., Gan, R. Y., & Li, H. B. (2023). The Role of Gut Microbiota in Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Disorders as Well as the Protective Effects of Dietary Components. Nutrients, 15(14). doi.org/10.3390/nu15143258
Zhang, Y. J., Li, S., Gan, R. Y., Zhou, T., Xu, D. P., & Li, H. B. (2015). Impacts of gut bacteria on human health and diseases. Int J Mol Sci, 16(4), 7493-7519. doi.org/10.3390/ijms16047493
Can individuals incorporate these simple but effective exercise routines to reduce pain and discomfort in their spine and back?
Why It’s Important To Keep The Back Mobile
When many individuals are dealing with back pain from their upper, middle, and lower portions, it can put a halt to a person’s routine. When back pain becomes present, it causes the person to find a comfortable place like a couch or a bed and lie down. However, this can cause more issues than the original one, affecting the individual. Back pain is a common worldwide problem and is the leading issue of disability associated with a high socio-economic cost. (Chou, 2021) Additionally, when a person is dealing with back pain, they are also dealing with degenerative issues that are also affecting their spines, thus causing problems to their joints, discs, and bones. (Hauser et al., 2022) This is because back pain is a multifactorial musculoskeletal disorder that can cause referred pain to different body locations. So when a person dealing with back pain rests, it can become an issue as inflammation builds up and swelling in the affected areas. Hence, many doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and spine specialists recommend keeping mobile to allow blood flow and the body’s natural healing response to reduce pain and speed up recovery. Since back pain relief is challenging through visceral-somatic disturbances, it is important to find various treatment options to aid the person’s specific condition. As a person goes to get treatment for their back pain, it is important to note that the causes of their back pain can help determine which exercises can be most effective within their treatment plan. We associate with certified medical providers who inform our patients of the benefits of incorporating simple but effective exercises for their back pain. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to integrate an exercise routine to reduce the chances of environmental factors causing back pain to return. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Understanding Academic Low Back Pain- Video
Effective But Simple Exercises For The Back
Many people often wonder, “If I am dealing with back pain, why should I exercise to reduce this pain?” The answer is simple: since the affected back muscles are tight and weakened, simple but effective exercises can help recover. Exercise therapy can help increase muscle-joint strength in the body while improving muscle function and increasing range of motion. This boosts a speedy recovery and allows the individual to return to their usual activities. (Hayden et al., 2021) At the same time, with a customized treatment plan, exercise therapy can incorporate other non-surgical treatments with one goal: to restore normal musculoskeletal function and reduce the pain caused by environmental factors, diseases, or injuries. (Karlsson et al., 2020) Now, depending on the severity of the back pain, there are simple but effective exercises below to help reduce the pain and restore mobility to the back.
Physical Therapy & At-Home Workouts
Physical therapy and at-home exercises can help many individuals with back pain. They can help figure out which position can help centralize the pain and correct any restricted motions. Many physical therapists incorporate the McKenzie method to strengthen and support the spine while decreasing pain and inflammation. At-home exercises can be combined with a series designed to be practical, assessable, and feasible for therapeutic gain or even to improve physical capacity to maximum effort. (Quentin et al., 2021)
Water Exercises
Water exercises are amazing exercises that can help lessen the body’s weight to take pressure and stress off the spine. This is because water is supposed to help cleanse and rejuvenate the body. When individuals are experiencing chronic back pain, aquatic physical therapy can help relieve pain intensity, relax the aching muscles, and even promote a positive workout experience for the individual. (Ma et al., 2022) After a few consecutive sessions, many individuals can see improvement in pain intensity and restored mobility function in their routines.
Tai Chi & Stabalizing Exercises
Now, another simple and effective exercise routine can help stabilize the surrounding muscles in the back and spine and become effective as part of a health and well-being routine. Tai chi and Qigong practices can help the individual emphasize stillness and controlled movements to promote calmness, resilience, body awareness, and relaxation for proper body alignment. (Yang et al., 2024) Tai chi and Qigong can also help support immune function in the body while regulating inflammation, which can help reduce and prevent diseases. (Oh et al., 2020) At the same time, yoga can help improve flexibility, mobility, and stability within the muscles and joints while also improving spinal alignment, which can help many individuals have proper posture. (Zhu et al., 2020) Depending on which exercise a person prefers for their treatment plan and to reduce their back pain; it is important to make these small changes to achieve optimal results. Making these small changes can help many individuals reduce the chances of their back pain returning and help them along with their health and wellness journey.
Hauser, R. A., Matias, D., Woznica, D., Rawlings, B., & Woldin, B. A. (2022). Lumbar instability as an etiology of low back pain and its treatment by prolotherapy: A review. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil, 35(4), 701-712. doi.org/10.3233/BMR-210097
Hayden, J. A., Ellis, J., Ogilvie, R., Malmivaara, A., & van Tulder, M. W. (2021). Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 9(9), CD009790. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009790.pub2
Karlsson, M., Bergenheim, A., Larsson, M. E. H., Nordeman, L., van Tulder, M., & Bernhardsson, S. (2020). Effects of exercise therapy in patients with acute low back pain: a systematic review of systematic reviews. Syst Rev, 9(1), 182. doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01412-8
Ma, J., Zhang, T., He, Y., Li, X., Chen, H., & Zhao, Q. (2022). Effect of aquatic physical therapy on chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 1050. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05981-8
Oh, B., Bae, K., Lamoury, G., Eade, T., Boyle, F., Corless, B., Clarke, S., Yeung, A., Rosenthal, D., Schapira, L., & Back, M. (2020). The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicines (Basel), 7(7). doi.org/10.3390/medicines7070039
Quentin, C., Bagheri, R., Ugbolue, U. C., Coudeyre, E., Pelissier, C., Descatha, A., Menini, T., Bouillon-Minois, J. B., & Dutheil, F. (2021). Effect of Home Exercise Training in Patients with Nonspecific Low-Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 18(16). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168430
Yang, Y., McCluskey, S., Bydon, M., Singh, J. R., Sheeler, R. D., Nathani, K. R., Krieger, A. C., Mehta, N. D., Weaver, J., Jia, L., DeCelle, S., Schlagal, R. C., Ayar, J., Abduljawad, S., Stovitz, S. D., Ganesh, R., Verkuilen, J., Knapp, K. A., Yang, L., & Hartl, R. (2024). A Tai chi and qigong mind-body program for low back pain: A virtually delivered randomized control trial. N Am Spine Soc J, 20, 100557. doi.org/10.1016/j.xnsj.2024.100557
Zhu, F., Zhang, M., Wang, D., Hong, Q., Zeng, C., & Chen, W. (2020). Yoga compared to non-exercise or physical therapy exercise on pain, disability, and quality of life for patients with chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLOS ONE, 15(9), e0238544. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238544
Can individuals reduce being sick by incorporating chiropractic care and health coaching as a treatment plan to relieve pain?
What Happens To The Body When It’s Sick?
How often do you feel constant aches and pains in various locations of your body? Do you feel that your head feels like there is cotton inside or that you have a pounding sensation that makes you stay in bed? Or how often have allergies made you constantly sneeze, making your back and chest hurt continuously? When it comes to the human body, these scenarios can cause a person to develop various ailments that can cause the body to become tired and sick. Environmental factors like stress, an excessive workload, improper dieting, and physical inactivity all play a role in causing overlapping risk profiles to the body while causing the immune system to work overtime. When it comes to the immune system and environmental factors, there is a bidirectional relationship as the immune system releases inflammatory cytokines to foreign pathogens and eliminates the issue. However, environmental factors affecting the immune system can even impact its functioning at the physical level. (Venter et al., 2020) When the body starts to feel sick, many people experience aches and pain in their muscles in the upper and lower quadrants. This can, over time, develop into overlapping pain-like symptoms that can cause doctors to prescribe medication to control these symptoms. Many symptoms that can be combined with being sick include:
Headaches/migraines
Nausea/vomiting
Fatigue
Muscle aches & pains
Allergies
When this happens, a person could be dealing with a tired, nervous system and experiencing body pains that can lead to various issues, thus needing treatment. We associate with certified medical providers who inform our patients of the benefits of incorporating chiropractic care and health coaching to improve their health and reduce sickness. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to integrate ways to reduce the chances of being sick through a customized treatment plan. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
A Tired Nervous System & Body Pains
When it comes to the body starting to feel sick, it can be due to a tired, nervous system that is causing problems to arise in the body. The nervous system is the main control for the body as it controls pain, movement, organ function, and reactions, and the body needs to be consistently maintained to achieve optimal operations. When environmental factors affect the nervous system, it can lead to symptoms of nerve interference and body pain that can cause various issues. When various biomechanical, biochemical, and neuropsychological factors contribute to the body and cause pain, it can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. (Sarkovich et al., 2024) It can also negatively impact the spine and cause spinal misalignment, thus affecting the individual. When a person is dealing with spinal misalignment, they begin dealing with poor postural habits, limited range of motion, and pain within the upper, middle, and lower back. (Chu & Trager, 2022) This, in turn, causes a longer duration of the symptoms while increasing the presence and severity of degenerative changes. (Davis et al., 2022) So when degenerative changes and dangerous pressure are affecting the nerves correlated with spinal misalignment, many people can begin to seek treatment to realign the spine and reduce the chances of becoming sick.
The Role of Chiropractic Care On Improving Your Health-Video
Chiropractic Care For Improving The Body
When restoring spinal alignment and reducing the chances of the body becoming sick again, many people seek holistic, non-invasive, customized, cost-effective, holistic treatment. Chiropractic care can help realign the spine through manual and mechanical manipulation to determine the root cause of the issue and reduce nerve interference. Chiropractors can assess and detect nerve interference to identify any problems affecting the body. At the same time, chiropractic care can be used as a therapeutic intervention to regulate the body’s blood pressure and provide spinal rehabilitation. (Sullivan et al., 2020) At the same time, chiropractic care has a unique relationship with other treatments to ensure the body is healthy and energetic.
Health Coaching To Reduce Being Sick
While chiropractors can help restore the body through spinal realignment and rehabilitation, they also work with a health coach to make small changes and incorporate healthy habits to enhance chiropractic care. Exercise, proper dieting, and incorporating supplements combined with chiropractic care benefit complete wellness by reducing days of suffering from illnesses. (Khodakarami, 2020) When people start to think more about their help, incorporating chiropractic care with health coaching can be the key to maintaining healthy habits, listening, and being mindful of their bodies to reduce the effects of pain and discomfort. A healthy body can be energetic and free from diseases, dysfunction, pain, and discomfort, allowing individuals to continue their routine more healthily.
References
Chu, E. C., & Trager, R. J. (2022). Neck Pain and Headache After Pinealectomy: Improvement with Multimodal Chiropractic Therapies. Am J Case Rep, 23, e937906. doi.org/10.12659/AJCR.937906
Davis, B. A., Dunn, A. S., Golley, D. J., & Chicoine, D. R. (2022). Chiropractic Clinical Outcomes Among Older Adult Male Veterans With Chronic Lower Back Pain: A Retrospective Review of Quality-Assurance Data. J Chiropr Med, 21(2), 77-82. doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2022.02.004
Khodakarami, N. (2020). Treatment of Patients with Low Back Pain: A Comparison of Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Manipulation. Healthcare (Basel), 8(1). doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8010044
Sarkovich, S., Leonardi, C., Darlow, M., Martin, D., Issa, P., Soria, T., Bronstone, A., & Clement, C. (2024). Back pain in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: frequency and risk factors. Spine Deform, 12(5), 1319-1327. doi.org/10.1007/s43390-024-00904-0
Sullivan, S. G., Paolacci, S., Kiani, A. K., & Bertelli, M. (2020). Chiropractic care for hypertension: Review of the literature and study of biological and genetic bases. Acta Biomed, 91(13-S), e2020017. doi.org/10.23750/abm.v91i13-S.10524
Venter, C., Eyerich, S., Sarin, T., & Klatt, K. C. (2020). Nutrition and the Immune System: A Complicated Tango. Nutrients, 12(3). doi.org/10.3390/nu12030818
Can individuals with arthritis incorporate various natural remedies to reduce joint pain in their extremities and restore mobility?
Introduction
Regarding the body, joints allow the upper and lower extremities to be mobile. This allows the host to move, bend, flex, and rotate without feelings of pain and discomfort. However, as many people age, so do the body and joints, as wear and tear can cause limited movement and stiffen the body. When this happens, it can lead to inflammatory effects and joint disorders. When the joints develop limited mobility and have overlapping risk profiles, it can come in the form of arthritis. When it comes to arthritis can come into two forms: osteo and rheumatoid, and both forms can cause two different inflammatory effects on the joints, causing pain and discomfort to the individual. Luckily, there are natural ways to manage the overlapping pain profiles caused by arthritis. In today’s article, we will look at the difference between the two forms of arthritis and how various natural remedies can help reduce pain-like symptoms caused by arthritis. We associate with certified medical providers who inform our patients of how arthritis can affect the joints and cause pain-like symptoms to their extremities. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to incorporate various natural remedies to reduce pain-like symptoms related to arthritis and restore joint health. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Osteoarthritis Vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis
How often do you experience pain in your upper and lower extremities in the cold and feel better with the heat? Do you experience your fingers locking up constantly, making it difficult to grasp objects? Or do you notice swelling or redness in your joints, causing a decreased range of motion? When it comes to the joints dealing with these pain-like issues, it could be due to inflammation, causing the surrounding muscles, tissues, and tendons to become swollen. When it is not being treated, it can lead to the development of arthritis. Arthritis can come in two forms: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These two forms can affect the joints differently, confusing many individuals. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune joint disease that causes hyperplasia of the joint tissue and synovial inflammation, which causes cortical bone loss and marginal bone erosion. (Liu et al., 2021) Osteoarthritis can develop when the cartilage between the bones wears down, and it causes the pain associated with inflammation that sensitizes the joint capsule. (Knights et al., 2023) At the same time, osteoarthritis is a well-known degenerative joint disease that is the main cause of disability in a person’s daily living. It has a multifactorial etiology affecting the joint structures. (Yunus et al., 2020) When dealing with either of these forms of arthritis, many people have found natural remedies to help manage the symptoms and reduce the pain.
Unlock The Secrets of Inflammation- Video
Natural Remedies For Arthritis
When it comes to reducing pain-like symptoms that are caused by arthritis and managing their associated symptoms, many people start to make small changes in their daily routine. Many people start changing their eating habits by incorporating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods to reduce inflammatory cytokines and help reduce the progression of arthritis. (Gioia et al., 2020) At the same time, changing dietary habits are a small part of creating healthy habits. Therapeutic exercises and braces for the joints can also help reduce the pain and progression of arthritis. (Siddiq et al., 2024) When people commit to a healthy diet full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and exercise, it can help reduce not only arthritis but also the co-morbidities associated with arthritis, like chronic musculoskeletal pain. (Sakamoto et al., 2023)
Turmeric & Magnesium
Another natural remedy that many people can incorporate to reduce arthritis affecting their joints is taking turmeric and magnesium supplements. Turmeric is part of the curcumin plant, a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce pain affecting the joints by decreasing the inflammatory status of arthritis. (Calderon-Perez et al., 2021) This is because turmeric and curcumin are natural oxygen scavengers and active nitrogen providers that effectively treat pain from arthritic joints. (Zeng et al., 2021) At the same time, magnesium supplements can help relieve pain and arthritic joints by achieving a holistic analgesic effect on the individual. (Zhu et al., 2024) By incorporating these supplements as part of a holistic treatment plan for individuals with arthritis in their joints, they can manage their symptoms and reduce pain.
References
Calderon-Perez, L., Llaurado, E., Companys, J., Pla-Paga, L., Boque, N., Puiggros, F., Valls, R. M., Pedret, A., Llabres, J. M., Arola, L., & Sola, R. (2021). Acute Effects of Turmeric Extracts on Knee Joint Pain: A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Food, 24(4), 436-440. doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2020.0074
Gioia, C., Lucchino, B., Tarsitano, M. G., Iannuccelli, C., & Di Franco, M. (2020). Dietary Habits and Nutrition in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Can Diet Influence Disease Development and Clinical Manifestations? Nutrients, 12(5). doi.org/10.3390/nu12051456
Knights, A. J., Redding, S. J., & Maerz, T. (2023). Inflammation in osteoarthritis: the latest progress and ongoing challenges. Curr Opin Rheumatol, 35(2), 128-134. doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000000923
Liu, Y. Q., Liu, Y., Chen, Z. Y., Li, H., & Xiao, T. (2021). Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis: a bi-directional Mendelian randomization study. Aging (Albany NY), 13(10), 14109-14130. doi.org/10.18632/aging.203029
Sakamoto, J., Miyahara, S., Motokawa, S., Takahashi, A., Sasaki, R., Honda, Y., & Okita, M. (2023). Regular walking exercise prior to knee osteoarthritis reduces joint pain in an animal model. PLOS ONE, 18(8), e0289765. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289765
Siddiq, M. A. B., Oo, W. M., & Hunter, D. J. (2024). New therapeutic strategies in osteoarthritis. Joint Bone Spine, 91(6), 105739. doi.org/10.1016/j.jbspin.2024.105739
Yunus, M. H. M., Nordin, A., & Kamal, H. (2020). Pathophysiological Perspective of Osteoarthritis. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 56(11). doi.org/10.3390/medicina56110614
Zeng, L., Yu, G., Hao, W., Yang, K., & Chen, H. (2021). The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biosci Rep, 41(6). doi.org/10.1042/BSR20210817
Zhu, Y., Shen, S., Cui, L., Wu, L., & Zhang, B. (2024). Magnesium sulphate and sodium bicarbonate as additives for periarticular local infiltration analgesia improve pain management after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Surg Res, 19(1), 764. doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-05233-6
Can choosing the right pillow help many individuals with neck pain get a full night’s sleep and reduce pain-like symptoms?
The Effects Of Neck Pain
How often do you feel stiffness in your neck and shoulders after being hunched for an extended period? Does it hurt when turning your neck from side to side? Or have you been suffering from constant headaches or migraines that are making you have a hard time falling asleep? As the second most common musculoskeletal condition, neck pain is a multifactorial disease developed through various risk factors that can impact a person. (Kazeminasab et al., 2022) The multiple muscles surrounding the neck are constantly overstretched and tight, which can cause pain and discomfort to the upper extremities due to environmental factors. Some environmental factors can range from improper posture to injuries that can affect the neck. When many people are experiencing neck pain associated with environmental factors, it can cause considerable personal pain and discomfort, disability, impaired quality of life, and, for adults, loss of time from work. (Ben Ayed et al., 2019) At the same time, when people experience neck pain, they can develop disruptive sleeping habits. We associate with certified medical providers who inform our patients of the effects of neck pain and how it can disrupt their sleeping habits. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to incorporate various techniques to reduce neck pain and find ways to stay asleep longer. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
How Neck Pain Disrupts Sleep
Now, many people wonder how neck pain is associated with sleep. Environmental stressors like chronic stress from the workplace or natural disasters can cause a person to have tense neck muscles and can increase sleep disturbances. (Yabe et al., 2022) When environmental stressors impact the body, the musculoskeletal system becomes tight and tense in different body areas. In the neck, the muscles that surround the cervical can become tense and develop trigger points in muscle tissue, causing referred pain and discomfort. When neck pain causes disruptive sleep problems, it can cause impairment to the multifunctional protective role of sleep via physiological homeostasis and restoration. (Van Looveren et al., 2021) At the same time, some of the pain-like symptoms that can be increased with neck pain associated with disruptive sleep include: (Chin et al., 2021)
Soreness
Pain
Numbness
Difficulty in movement
However, there are ways to reduce the effects of neck pain and get a full night’s sleep, starting with the bedroom.
Low Back & Neck Pain Rehabilitation-Video
Choosing The Right Pillow For Neck Pain
Now, when it comes to getting a full night’s sleep, it is important to find the right mattress to stay asleep as well as feel refreshed. However, as important as it is to sleep in the right mattress when dealing with neck pain, finding the right pillow can do wonders for the neck and help people get enough sleep. When it comes to finding the right pillow, the individual needs to find a pillow with an appropriate height that can provide adequate support for the head and neck to reduce cervical spinal stress and relax the surrounding neck and shoulder muscles. (Lei et al., 2021) This is because when it comes to quality sleep, many people prefer sleeping positions, pillows, and mattresses aimed at comfort. Many pillows have a variety of materials that can help aid in comfort and help reduce neck pain. Some of the types of pillows include:
Memory foam
Polyfilled pillows
Down Pillow
Latex
Combo style
Finding the right pillow for neck pain allows the individual to have their neck fully supported while having the pillow in a lateral position to reduce neck fatigue and improve sleep quality (Son et al., 2020). By doing so, many people can finally get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling better. By choosing the right pillow, many people will begin to be more mindful of their bodies and make small changes to their routine while getting the sleep they deserve.
References
Ben Ayed, H., Yaich, S., Trigui, M., Ben Hmida, M., Ben Jemaa, M., Ammar, A., Jedidi, J., Karray, R., Feki, H., Mejdoub, Y., Kassis, M., & Damak, J. (2019). Prevalence, Risk Factors and Outcomes of Neck, Shoulders and Low-Back Pain in Secondary-School Children. J Res Health Sci, 19(1), e00440. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31133629
Chin, W. S., Chen, Y. C., Lin, T. T., Guo, Y. L., & Shiao, J. S. C. (2021). Short sleep and chronic neck and shoulder discomfort in nurses. J Occup Health, 63(1), e12236. doi.org/10.1002/1348-9585.12236
Kazeminasab, S., Nejadghaderi, S. A., Amiri, P., Pourfathi, H., Araj-Khodaei, M., Sullman, M. J. M., Kolahi, A. A., & Safiri, S. (2022). Neck pain: global epidemiology, trends and risk factors. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 26. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04957-4
Lei, J. X., Yang, P. F., Yang, A. L., Gong, Y. F., Shang, P., & Yuan, X. C. (2021). Ergonomic Consideration in Pillow Height Determinants and Evaluation. Healthcare (Basel), 9(10). doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9101333
Son, J., Jung, S., Song, H., Kim, J., Bang, S., & Bahn, S. (2020). A Survey of Koreans on Sleep Habits and Sleeping Symptoms Relating to Pillow Comfort and Support. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 17(1). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010302
Van Looveren, E., Bilterys, T., Munneke, W., Cagnie, B., Ickmans, K., Mairesse, O., Malfliet, A., De Baets, L., Nijs, J., Goubert, D., Danneels, L., Moens, M., & Meeus, M. (2021). The Association between Sleep and Chronic Spinal Pain: A Systematic Review from the Last Decade. J Clin Med, 10(17). doi.org/10.3390/jcm10173836
Yabe, Y., Hagiwara, Y., Sekiguchi, T., Sugawara, Y., Tsuchiya, M., Yoshida, S., & Tsuji, I. (2022). Sleep disturbance is associated with neck pain: a 3-year longitudinal study after the Great East Japan Earthquake. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 459. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05410-w
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