Back Clinic Treatments. There are various treatments for all types of injuries and conditions here at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic. The main goal is to correct any misalignments in the spine through manual manipulation and placing misaligned vertebrae back in their proper place. Patients will be given a series of treatments, which are based on the diagnosis. This can include spinal manipulation, as well as other supportive treatments. And as chiropractic treatment has developed, so have its methods and techniques.
Why do chiropractors use one method/technique over another?
A common method of spinal adjustment is the toggle drop method. With this method, a chiropractor crosses their hands and pressed down firmly on an area of the spine. They will then adjust the area with a quick and precise thrust. This method has been used for years and is often used to help increase a patient’s mobility.
Another popular method takes place on a special drop table. The table has different sections, which can be moved up or down based on the body’s position. Patients lie face down on their back or side while the chiropractor applies quick thrusts throughout the spinal area as the table section drops. Many prefer this table adjustment, as this method is lighter and does not include twisting motions used in other methods.
Chiropractors also use specialized tools to assist in their adjustments, i.e., the activator. A chiropractor uses this spring-loaded tool to perform the adjustment/s instead of their hands. Many consider the activator method to be the most gentle of all.
Whichever adjustment method a chiropractor uses, they all offer great benefits to the spine and overall health and wellness. If there is a certain method that is preferred, talk to a chiropractor about it. If they do not perform a certain technique, they may recommend a colleague that does.
Lumbar stenosis surgery for sciatica, like any type of surgical procedure does not always yield the most successful results. This is why it�s important to carefully and methodically assess all of the personal risk factors.
Sciatica causes severe pain and surgery could be an option and hopefully of last resort. However, it� is important to first attempt non-surgical/non-pharmacological treatment/s for six to twelve weeks before surgery to relieve symptoms and root cause. A full course of conservative treatment could include:
Physical therapy
Chiropractic
Aerobic exercise
Pain meds
Epidural steroid injection
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Sciatica and Stenosis
Sciatica can be caused by stenosis. This is when the spinal canal narrows, constricting, and pinching the nerves specifically the sciatic. Around ninety percent of cases stem from a herniated disccompressing the nerve roots. The damaged disc extends out and pinches the roots of the sciatic nerve. This pinching causes: �
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Pain
Numbness
Tingling
Muscle weakness
If it stays like this for a long time an individual can experience incontinence, along with permanent nerve and muscle damage.
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Lumbar Stenosis Surgery Options
Lumbar stenosis surgery depends on the cause of sciatica: A single herniated disc could be pressing the nerve, which would only require the removal of just that portion of the disc that�s causing the compression. This procedure is known as a discectomy or microdiscectomy.
If the stenosis is caused by a bone problem like an arthritic bone spur, then space has to be made in the canal. This means a portion of the lamina or the back of the spinal column. This is called a hemilaminectomy. Sometimes the whole lamina has to be removed. This is known as a laminectomy.
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If there is the instability of the spinal column, some of the lumbar vertebrae will be fused together to prevent further instability and added nerve compression.
A non-operative treatment course lasting a few weeks to months could reduce swelling in the nerve and improve sciatica symptoms. What happens is sometimes the disc gets reabsorbed over time and does not irritate the sciatic nerve.
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Surgical Success
If the non-surgical options yielded minimal positive results or completely failed and surgery is the last resort talk with your surgeon to discuss the risks and benefits. The discussion will focus on factors like:
Individuals sixty-five and older, multiple health problems, being overweight or a smoker will place an individual at a higher risk of post complications from surgery. Studies found individuals who underwent surgery for sciatica from lumbar stenosis, identified added risk factors that could affect the outcome including:
Depression: this was because there were patients that continued to have sciatica symptoms after surgery. This means they are more likely to take antidepressants or anticonvulsants.
Quality of life from health perspective was low.
Previous spine surgery
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Knowing about these factors and the possible success of sciatica surgery is something to keep in mind. The best way to understand what and how the surgery will be beneficial is to understand the risks and to remember that the risks are not the same for everybody.
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Optimization
Surgical success depends on making sure patients are optimized before surgery. Increasing the chances of successful surgery after conservative treatment/s a surgeon will ask the patient to take these steps:
Weight loss is difficult, but it has been shown to improve surgical outcomes.
Light aerobic exercise, such as stationary or recumbent cycling can help keep the body’s blood flowing properly.
Exercising with pain is difficult but it will increase the cardiovascular system along with keeping the heart and lungs healthy enough to undergo surgical stress.
If the exercising causes too much pain ask the doctor about anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants, or steroid medication along with the non-surgical treatment that can provide relief allowing exercise to resume.
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Quit smoking
Smoking increases the rate of spinal degeneration and impairs the body�s ability to heal properly and optimally after surgery. If the surgery is elective, meaning it is not a medical emergency, then it is strongly encouraged to quit smoking before surgery. This will increase the chances of eliminating the habit. Don’t be afraid to get support. cancer.org/smokeout.
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Pro-activeness
If taking antidepressant/s for depression, do not quit taking the medication thinking it will improve sciatica surgery success. Mental health is extremely important. The same goes for anticonvulsant meds as well. Stopping anticonvulsant medication for spinal surgery will more than likely cause extended damage or pre/post-surgical complications. Pre-existing conditions like depression means bringing the mental health provider and other specialists into the pre-surgical discussion.
Chiropractor Sciatica Symptoms
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Finding ways to manage chronic pain is a priority. Chiropractic testing and treatment could be an option that is effective and affordable. Various chiropractic care can help manage chronic pain caused by a condition like herniated disc/s. Chiropractic testing involves diagnosing the root cause/origin of the pain. Getting a proper diagnosis usually involves:
X-rays
CT scan
MRI
DNA
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Chiropractic testing
The correct diagnosis is essential to creating an optimal treatment plan. It is a complicated disorder that can be difficult to treat because it can present with no apparent cause. But, researchers are working to find answers to many of the questions surrounding chronic pain. When treating spine-related pain other tests can include:
Discography
Bone scans
Nerve studies
Electromyography
Nerve conduction study
Myelography
A pain specialist might consult with and refer the individual to a neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon to determine if the pain requires surgery. This is because untreated and not fully treated chronic pain is one of the leading causes of limited mobility and flexibility. Other associated issues are:
There are some experts that believe tests like MRIs are overused. There is a fear that too many tests could expose individuals to unnecessary radiation and increase medical expenses. However, determining the cause/s holds the key to a successful treatment plan. Therefore, choosing the right diagnostic strategy will help in:
Creating the most effective and optimal treatment plan
Quality of life improvement
Prevent potential complications
Reduce the cost of diagnosis
Reduce the cost of treatment
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Chiropractic Management
Chronic pain does not respond to typical pain management techniques. Chiropractic management deals with chronic pain inflammation and muscle tension. Chiropractors use a variety of non-surgical techniques like:
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Soft Tissue
Manual release therapy stretches the muscle/s while pressure is applied
Trigger point therapy applies pressure on the area of the tensest muscle/s
Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy uses a tool/s to apply gentle pressure.
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Manual Therapy
When the joints are not moving correctly, a chiropractor may utilize this technique to regain a full range of joint motion. This is accomplished through joint mobilization which is slow, gentle stretches of the affected joint and manipulation, which are quick but gentle movement/thrusts that stretch the joint.
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Exercise Therapy combined with Self-care
A chiropractor will provide simple therapeutic exercises and stretches that can be done at home to help with the pain and to help with prevention. Also provided:
Safe lifting techniques
Posture exercises/tips
Dietary strategies to manage pain and prevent re-injury
Once diagnosed with a pain condition, a chiropractor will develop a unique customized treatment plan. Don’t be afraid to talk with your chiropractor. The more they know the better the treatment plan. Once the pain is fully addressed, patients will be able to gradually increase daily activities.
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Piriformis Syndrome Chiropractic Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
There are various chronic treatment/management options available. Chronic pain treatment focuses on treating and managing the root cause and underlying condition that is causing the pain. The physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain need to be balanced in order for a treatment plan to work.
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That is why a complete treatment plan can sometimes be necessary to address both the physical and psychological factors generating the pain. Because of this treatment plans often involve different pain specialists working in conjunction with a customized treatment/management plan according to the individual’s needs. This can include a combination of treatment protocols, like:
Health coaching
Psychological therapy
Chiropractic
Physical therapy
Medication
Acupuncture
Yoga, Pilates
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Treatment/Management
The focus of chronic pain treatment is to:
Lessen pain frequency and intensity
Help individuals get back to work
Improve mobility and flexibility
Maintain quality of life
Reduce or eliminate reliance on pain meds
Reduce possible re-injury or new injury
Reduce mental and emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression
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Pain Meds
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Non-Opioids
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are usually the first treatment for chronic mild to moderate pain. Examples are ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. These medications work by blocking enzymes and reduce prostaglandinsthroughout the body that cause pain and swelling. Acetaminophen used in Tylenol is similar to these medications but works differently. Instead, these meds block the production of inflammatory chemicals in the brain.
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Opioids
Opioids are narcotics and can be extremely powerful pain relievers. These are used to relieve severe pain symptoms temporarily. Narcotics work by blocking the pain signals before they get to the brain. However, these meds are highly addictive and can lead to abuse. Doctors prescribe narcotics when non-opioids and all forms of non-pharmacological treatment/s fail or don’t work in providing sufficient pain relief. Examples include:
Anticonvulsants or anti-epileptics are used to treat seizures. They can also help in relieving pain that is associated with nerve injury/damage and fibromyalgia. Examples include:
Muscle relaxants can be used for chronic pain but there is division among medical experts as to how effective they are and of their addictiveness. Plus there are few studies supporting their use in individuals with chronic pain.
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Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are hormone-based medications that help reduce inflammation. They are generated naturally in the body while some are synthesized in a laboratory. Injectable steroids can help relieve pain brought on from pinched nerves or joint disorders.
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Antirheumatics
Antirheumatic meds are used to control and manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. They prevent or inhibit the immune system and help reduce joint damage. Examples include:
Methotrexate
Leflunomide
Hydroxychloroquine
Sulfasalazine
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Antidepressants
Antidepressants are used to treat anxiety disorders and depression disorders but are also used to relieve chronic pain. They are used to treat pain caused by:
Arthritis
Migraine
Nerve damage
Fibromyalgia
These medications increase the brain’s chemical levels like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. They can also be used even when an individual has no depression symptoms. Examples include:
Amitriptyline
Venlafaxine
Paroxetine.
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Alternative Treatment
Alternative treatment/management can also help with the pain. It’s recommended to discuss any type of alternative treatment with a doctor or medical professional. Doctors encourage alternative treatments along with keeping a journal of how an individual feels after a series of treatment sessions. If the individual feels better, and the treatment is working, then consider continuing for an extended period. Here are some alternative treatments/therapies to think about.
Acupuncture: Works by releasing endorphins, the natural pain-relieving chemicals, and affects the brain region that controls serotonin, the chemical that regulates mood.
Massage: Helps relieve pain by keeping muscles, ligaments loose and proper blood flow throughout the body
Meditation: Has been shown to help improve pain perception and reducing depressive symptoms
Hypnosis: Has been found to be useful in treating cancer and back pain
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Psychological Therapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talking therapy could be part of a chronic pain treatment plan. What it does is to help improve the associated symptoms/conditions which include:
Depression
Anxiety
Fear of pain
Psychotherapy has shown promising results and has various forms. They are:
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Acceptance/Commitment Therapy
Acceptance commitment therapy is short-term psychotherapy. There are two approaches to pain perception. One, it teaches the individual to accept things beyond what they control. Second, it encourages the individual to feel things the way they are, work towards relief instead of questioning and being skeptical. It opens an individual’s psychological perspective. It can be used to treat low back, leg, and neck pain.
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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
This therapy educates individuals on pain, mood, behavior, and how they all relate to each other. It also trains an individual on relaxation strategies. Individuals learn techniques to replace negative thoughts concerning their pain with positive thoughts. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective in treating pain caused by:
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Getting an accurate chronic pain diagnosis is essential to creating the most optimal, highly customized treatment plan for the individual. Depending on the severity and cause of pain, individuals could require various pain specialists/therapists combined with a primary physician. These could include:
Chiropractor
Physical therapist
Neurosurgeon
Pain medicine specialist
Physiatrist
Rheumatologist
Orthopedic spine surgeon
Chronic Pain Diagnosis
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� Over time chronic pain symptoms can change or alter and need reevaluation. This could mean having to adjust treatment and management but that is exactly what it is, an adjustment to the treatment plan flowing with the symptoms as they come and go while keeping to the objective of. Chronic pain diagnosis entails a series of tests, as well as, a full review of symptoms and medical history. A doctor will ask a series of questions concerning symptoms and pain triggers. These questions could include:
When did the pain begin?
Describe and rate the pain, is it shooting, electrical, burning, throbbing, dull, or sharp?
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Has there ever been an injury at or around the problem area?
What activities/actions/movements relieve and worsen the pain?
Is there a history of mental illness, like depression or anxiety?
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Labs
Tests will be ordered to identify physical/non-physical causes that could be the cause or contributor. Possible tests include:
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Blood
Blood tests are used in the diagnosis of infections and inflammation. Individuals with infection/s or inflammatory disorders have high levels of white blood cells and inflammatory reactive substances like C-reactive protein. Blood tests also help determine the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or cancer. If rheumatoid arthritis is present, the blood analysis will show positive results for proteins known as rheumatoid factor.
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Urine
Urinalysis is commonly used to check for gout. This is a type of arthritis that causes high blood levels of uric acid. A doctor may order a urine test for a patient using prescription pain meds.
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Spinal tap
A doctor inserts a needle into the lower back and a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is collected. Cerebrospinal fluid is clear and protects the brain and spinal cord. A cerebrospinal fluid analysis helps to diagnose disorders of the central nervous system and certain cancers. �
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Musculoskeletal/Neurological tests
A musculoskeletal exam looks at posture, joint mobility, muscle stiffness, tightness, and swelling in or around the area, as well as the rest of the body. An example is a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. A detailed spine examination is done to identify deformities and moving/walking posture. A neurological examination is used to check:
Muscle strength
Touch reaction
Balance
Overall sensation
A neurological exam can also be used to test:
Memory
Alertness
Mood
Behavior
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Imaging
Imaging provides detailed images of the body’s organs and bones. Doctors use these to:
Spot fractures or inflammatory alterations in the bone/s
Focus on details of a bone and surrounding structures
Differentiate between growths, infections, or fractures
Identify nerve/s injury or damage
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X-Rays
X-rays are standard in the diagnosis of fractures. An arthrogram is an x-ray that uses a contrasting agent to check and identify joint disorders.
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MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images. Magnetic resonance imaging helps in diagnosing:
EMG’s are used to diagnose disorders of the muscles and nerves. Electrical activity in the muscles is recorded to see how the impulses/electrical signals are transmitting from the nerves to muscles. �
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An EMG could be required if an individual has:
Numbness
Muscle weakness
Muscle pain
Tics
Electromyography is also used to identify conditions that can cause chronic pain like:
A nerve conduction study measures the speed of electrical signals passing through a nerve. It can identify:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Herniated disk disease
Sciatic nerve injury/damage/abnormality
A doctor can order both an EMG and NCS in combination.
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Back Pain Chiropractic Care
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Anybody can have chronic pain. Adults typically complain of joint pain, low back pain, and neurogenic pain. While children and teenagers are more likely to have more headaches, abdominal pain, leg, and hand pain. Regardless there are individuals that have a higher risk because of their age, gender, and job. It isn’t always clear what causes chronic pain. There are several possibilities: �
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Injury – Even after the injury has healed, the nerves keep sending pain signals to and from the brain. Doctors are still not sure why this occurs.
Disease – Conditions can cause chronic pain like fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.
Nerve problems – Part of the nervous system can be injured, the nerves themselves. This is called neuropathic pain.
Unknown Cause/s – Pain that presents with no obvious injury, disease, or nerve problem.
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Military Veterans
Chronic pain is quite common in veterans according to a National Veterans Affairs Study. Around one in five veterans receiving primary care have chronic pain. While one in ten has chronic pain syndrome. Veterans recently served in a war, tend to report a variety of causes for their pain. This includes:
Multiple injuries
Brain trauma
Muscle injuries
Bone/s injuries
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Athletes
Most sports require a certain level of fitness. Athletes train with all types of activities to help maintain their body’s. Unfortunately, they are still not immune to chronic pain. Chronic pain is common with:
Spinal stenosis is a narrowed spinal canal, which creates added pressure on the nerves that travel through the low spine into the legs
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Seniors
Age is a high-risk factor for chronic pain. Around 30-40% of individuals older than sixty-five have or are beginning to deal with chronic pain. The severity in anybody forty-five to sixty-five is the greatest. Common conditions that cause chronic pain in older adults are:
Cancer
Arthritis and gout
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Damaged nerves
Stroke
Shingles
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Women
Men and women experience pain differently. Several factors contribute to this. These include:
Hormones
Menstruation
Puberty
Reproductive health
Women have a higher risk of developing disorders that cause chronic pain. Examples include:
Arthritis
Brittle bones
Migraines
Irritable bowel syndrome
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Anybody dealing with chronic pain, finding relief can be difficult and time-consuming. Individuals are often sent back and forth between primary care, specialists, and therapists for a solution.
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Improved Nervous System
When there is a communication breakdown between the brain and the body�s tissues, organs, and cells it can lead to a variety of health problems. There are manychronic and even degenerative health conditions that are impacted by the nervous system. Studies have shown that chiropractic is a highly effective treatment for numerous neurological conditions which include:
Ataxia
Autism
Cerebral palsy
Epilepsy
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson�s
Tourette�s Syndrome
Vertigo
Anybody can seek treatment and they will experience the benefits. Chiropractic provides a safe, effective treatment for an improved nervous system function. The type, frequency, and intensity of treatment depend on the patient and condition. Chiropractic positively affects the nervous system and as a result, positively affects the whole body.
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Chronic Body Pain Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Several conditions and factors can cause chronic pain. Usually, these are conditions that accompany normal aging, which affect bones and joints. The top three are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Other common causes are nerve damage and injuries that fail to heal properly.
Spinal Cord and the Nerves of the Corresponding Organs
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Fibromyalgia
Individuals with fibromyalgia experience unexplained pain in almost every part of their bodies. Doctors and scientists are still trying to figure out what causes fibromyalgia. Currently, scientists think a part of the condition comes from an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. They believe the imbalances play a critical role. Fibromyalgia can create:
Tender areas
Muscle pain
Headaches
Long-term back pain
Long-term neck pain
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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis causes severe sporadic or non-stop aches and pain in the knees, hips, spine, and feet. Associated symptoms include joint stiffness, swelling, and limited joint mobility. Individuals with osteoarthritis could have some pain throughout their lives. According to the CDC, around fifteen million adults with arthritis have severe pain in their joints. �
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritiscauses continual aching that affects multiple joints. The hands, wrists, and knees are the most affected joints. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis can present alternate symptoms, like joint stiffness, swelling, and fever.
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Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the brain and the spinal cord. What happens is the immune system targets and damages the protective covering of the nerves themselves. The brain can’t properly and effectively communicate with the body. Multiple sclerosis causes pain in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. Associated symptoms include burning, prickling, or stabbing pain just about every day. �
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Sciatica
Sciatica can cause mild to sharp, electrical burning pain that travels from the lower back through the buttocks to the back of the leg and even into the foot. Chronic sciatica lasts for three months or more. The condition is more common in adults age 40 and older.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain and numbness in the:
Around half of the cases involving chronic pain are linked to physical trauma and injury. Individuals hospitalized after a serious injury often report chronic pain symptoms within the first year. Scientists are still unsure of how injuries lead to chronic pain. They believe several factors increase the risk. These include:
Pre-injury depression
Anxiety
Alcohol use
Family history of chronic pain
Individuals that have sustained multiple injuries are at higher risk for chronic pain. �
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Spinal Injuries
One of the most common causes of chronic back pain. The lower back is the area likely to be affected. Certain types of chronic pain can have more than one cause. For example, general back pain could be caused by a single factor or a combination of factors like:
Poor posture
Improper lifting of heavy objects
Improper carrying of heavy objects
Being overweight places added strain on the back and knees
Abnormal curvature of the spine
Wearing high heels too often
Sleeping on a worn-out mattress
Degenerative disc changes
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Combat Injuries
More than half of combat-related injuries are the result of explosions, from landmines, and shrapnel. Nearly all injured soldiers have to deal with some type of pain and many have a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury can cause chronic headaches. Delayed treatment and repeated injuries in injured soldiers make up for most chronic pain cases. �
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Sports Injuries
Sports injuries and chronic pain is nothing new. Studies found that 1 in 2 football players deal with chronic pain in their retirement. This along with sleep problems and mild-severe depression. Both can contribute to chronic pain. Athletes are continuously exposed to high-risk injury situations. Having the pressure of performing optimally and winning can take a toll on an athlete’s health. �
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Weight
Obesity does not directly cause chronic pain, but it does raise the risk. Around 40% of individuals that are obese also experience mild to severe chronic pain. Plus, individuals that are severely overweight are more likely to develop a condition that can cause chronic pain like diabetes, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. �
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The source of chronic pain can be very complex. It can start with an injury or illness and develop slowly without the individual realizing it until it has become a full-blown chronic condition. This fact alone makes recommending a single course of treatment risky and is why health care providers recommend a number of different types of treatment options.
Chiropractic Care on Personal Injury
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
How does pain become chronic? Pain can be a complex condition, as it involves both physiological and psychological components. When an individual experiences an injury, the damaged tissues trigger and send pain signals to the brain. This is how the body alerts that there is something wrong, and thus prevents further damage. Those pain signals travel to the brain, stimulate the nerves, and cause a sensation known as pain.
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Nerves and the brain
Nerves control the body�s functions like the organs, sensation, and movement. The nervous system receives information and generates the correct response. Two major types of nerves are sensory and motor. Sensory nerves relay information like touch, temperature, and pain to the brain and spinal cord. Motor nerves relay signals from the brain back to the muscles, which causes them to contract voluntarily or reflexively.
The peripheral nervous system is the combined millions of nerves throughout the body. The peripheral nervous system’s nerves relay signals/messages to the central nervous system, which is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. �
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When pain becomes chronic the brain fails to process these signals correctly and the individual continues to feel pain after the injury has healed or improved. As time goes on the nerves that send the pain signals are more methodical in their signaling. This means more signals than normally will be sent and are far more intense. Conditions like cancer and diabetes can cause tissue and nerve damage throughout the body.
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Acute vs. Chronic
Acute pain has a short duration of around three months or less. The causes are usually clear and not as difficult to diagnose. The underlying factor/s like an injury is resolved the pain also goes away. As the pain is gone, the individual no longer has problems carrying out daily activities. A few causes of acute pain are:
Surgical procedures
Dental procedures
Bone fractures
Burns
Open wounds
Childbirth
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts three to six months with some conditions going for years. Individuals can experience chronic pain weeks and months possibly years after the injury took place. And it can happen without any apparent cause. Many cases often involve more than one factor. This causes significant problems with daily activities. When pain becomes chronic it is often associated with conditions like cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.
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CP and CPS
Chronic pain is defined as any type of pain that persists for six months or longer. Chronic pain syndrome is a collection of conditions that are associated with chronic pain. These conditions can make the pain worse or cause other complications like sleep problems, anger, anxiety, and depression. �
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Causes
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes chronic pain syndrome. It often starts with an injury or painful condition such as:
A doctor will go over an individual’s medical history, illnesses, or injuries that could have started the pain. They will ask questions to learn more about the type of pain being felt and how long. Questions can include:
When did the pain begin?
Where on the body does it hurt?
What does the pain feel like – Throbbing, Pounding, Shooting, Sharp, Pinching, Stinging, Burning
The severity of the pain on a scale of 1 to 10
What sets the pain off?
What makes it worse?
Have any treatments helped?
Imaging tests can show if there is joint damage or other problems:
Computed tomography is a powerful X-ray that generates detailed images.
Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnets and radio waves to take pictures of the organs and structures.
X-rays use radiation in very low doses to create images of the body’s structures.
Talk with a chiropractor to understand how a customized treatment plan for chronic pain is developed.
Chronic Hand Pain Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
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