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.
Can individuals with nerve injuries incorporate non-surgical treatments to reduce pain sensations and restore motor function to their bodies?
Introduction
The human body is a complex machine of nerves, bones, organs, tissues, and muscles that help the individual be mobile, flexible, and stable during various activities without pain and discomfort. However, when numerous factors start to hurt the body, it can lead to multiple overlapping risk profiles that can affect the body’s extremities and nerve injuries. Dealing with nerve injuries can lead to referred pain in the musculoskeletal system, and many people think it is muscle pain instead of nerve injury. When that happens, many individuals will begin to seek treatment to reduce not only the symptoms of nerve injuries but also reduce the pain associated with the nerves. In today’s article, we will look at what causes nerve injuries and how non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care and acupuncture can help with reducing the overlapping symptoms of nerve injuries and provide relief to the body. We discuss with certified medical providers who inform our patients about how nerve injuries can impact the musculoskeletal system. While asking informed questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to incorporate non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care and acupuncture to restore motor function to the body. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., encompasses this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
What Causes Nerve Injuries?
Do you constantly feel tingling or numbness in your legs, arms, feet, and hands? Do your muscles feel so weak that holding objects seems difficult? Or do you feel pain in your extremities, making it difficult to do everyday tasks? The body has trillions of nerves that branch out from the central nervous system and are intertwined with the muscles, tissues, and organs for motor-sensory function. Traumatic injuries, accidents, and normal environmental factors impact the nerves and cause overlapping risk profiles. More often than not, many individuals deal with non-mechanical and mechanical nerve injuries that can occur to the body. With nerve injuries, many individuals can feel various symptoms depending on the severity. Neuropraxia, a moderate form of nerve injury, causes nerve compression in the upper and lower extremities that causes motor dysfunction. (Carballo Cuello & De Jesus, 2024)
Additionally, neuropraxia can lead to functional impairment to the motor-sensory dysfunction that disrupts the peripheral nervous system, signaling this blocks nerve conduction and transient weakness or paresthesia. (Biso & Munakomi, 2024) When this happens, many individuals dealing with peripheral nerve injury that is associated with neuropraxia can experience structural and functional impairment to the sensory-motor skills in the extremities, which leads to physical disability and neuropathic pain, thus affecting a person’s quality of life. (Lopes et al., 2022) Many individuals dealing with nerve injuries can have various recovery periods depending on the severity. Many people often think they are dealing with musculoskeletal pain in their neck, shoulders, back, and extremities, but it is associated with nerve injury. When this happens, many individuals can seek out treatment to reduce the pain-like symptoms from nerve injuries.
Is Motion The Key To Healing?- Video
Non-Surgical Treatments For Nerve Injuries
When it comes to treating nerve injuries, it depends on the severity of the symptoms they cause. Surgical options are recommended to restore motor-sensory function if severe mechanical factors cause nerve injury. However, many individuals will opt out of surgical treatments due to their high cost and will often take over-the-counter medication to ease the pain. However, if the nerve injury is non-mechanical, many individuals can seek non-surgical treatments to reduce the nerve injury affecting the musculoskeletal system. Many non-surgical treatments are preferable to many people because they are cost-effective and can ultimately enhance a person’s care and improve their recovery outcome. (El Melhat et al., 2024) Non-surgical treatments can come in many forms, from chiropractic care to acupuncture, to help reduce the effects of non-mechanical nerve injuries and help restore the sensory-motor function of the musculoskeletal system.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is one of the many non-surgical therapies that use mechanical and manual manipulation of the spine to realign the body and help restore the sensory-motor function to the extremities. With nerve injuries, chiropractic care can help with neural mobilization to release trapped nerves in the affected muscle areas, thus reducing pain-like symptoms of tingling sensations. (Jefferson-Falardeau & Houle, 2019) Additionally, chiropractic care can help increase ROM (range of motion) in the extremities and reduce numbing and tingling sensations.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another non-surgical treatment that can also help reduce non-mechanical nerve injuries to the body. When a professional acupuncturist uses small, thin needles at different pressure points to rewire the neuron signaling and restore the body’s energy flow, acupuncture can help improve the clinical efficacy of nerve pain intensity and help enhance the person’s quality of life. (Li et al., 2023) Additionally, acupuncture can help improve nerve injury’s emotional and cognitive function and can be combined with other non-surgical treatments. (Jang et al., 2021) When it comes to reducing pain-like symptoms correlated with nerve injury, non-surgical treatments can provide the relief many individuals seek and lead to a happier, healthier life.
El Melhat, A. M., Youssef, A. S. A., Zebdawi, M. R., Hafez, M. A., Khalil, L. H., & Harrison, D. E. (2024). Non-Surgical Approaches to the Management of Lumbar Disc Herniation Associated with Radiculopathy: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med, 13(4). doi.org/10.3390/jcm13040974
Jang, J. H., Song, E. M., Do, Y. H., Ahn, S., Oh, J. Y., Hwang, T. Y., Ryu, Y., Jeon, S., Song, M. Y., & Park, H. J. (2021). Acupuncture alleviates chronic pain and comorbid conditions in a mouse model of neuropathic pain: the involvement of DNA methylation in the prefrontal cortex. Pain, 162(2), 514-530. doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002031
Jefferson-Falardeau, J., & Houle, S. (2019). Chiropractic Management of a Patient With Radial Nerve Entrapment Symptoms: A Case Study. J Chiropr Med, 18(4), 327-334. doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2019.07.003
Li, X., Liu, Y., Jing, Z., Fan, B., Pan, W., Mao, S., & Han, Y. (2023). Effects of acupuncture therapy in diabetic neuropathic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med, 78, 102992. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102992
Lopes, B., Sousa, P., Alvites, R., Branquinho, M., Sousa, A. C., Mendonca, C., Atayde, L. M., Luis, A. L., Varejao, A. S. P., & Mauricio, A. C. (2022). Peripheral Nerve Injury Treatments and Advances: One Health Perspective. Int J Mol Sci, 23(2). doi.org/10.3390/ijms23020918
Can individuals with body pain incorporate Pilates to reduce general aches and pains while strengthening muscles in the body?
Introduction
Environmental factors like poor posture, improper steps, mechanical overload, physical inactivity, and poor dieting can affect a person’s health and wellness, leading to body pains in the neck, shoulders, and back. When this happens, the surrounding muscles become weak and overstretched over time, causing pain and discomfort in different body areas. However, many individuals thinking about their health and wellness can seek various treatment options to reduce the pain and discomfort in their bodies and help improve their muscle strength. Today’s article looks at how body pain can affect posture, what Pilates is, how this exercise regime can be incorporated for body pain, and its benefits. We talk with certified associated medical providers who inform our patients about how incorporating Pilates can reduce body pain. While asking associated medical providers intricate questions, we advise patients to incorporate Pilates as part of their routine and how it can improve their muscle strength. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
How Body Pain Can Affect Posture
Do you experience stiffness or general aches and pains in different muscle areas? Do you often feel constantly tired throughout the entire day? Or do you notice your posture worsening after looking at a computer or phone screen? Many of these environmental factors can lead to pain and discomfort in the body, which then can cause issues that many individuals will tend to ignore until it becomes too much. For instance, environmental factors like obesity are commonly associated with musculoskeletal problems and incorrect body posture, which can be represented as a causal factor for impairment to the body. (Calcaterra et al., 2022) This is because many individuals don’t realize that improper posture can be associated with body pain and, if not corrected, can lead to overlapping risk factors in the musculoskeletal system. Hence, many individuals start seeking treatments to improve postural alignment, but it can also be used to prevent and treat musculoskeletal pain. (Matsutani et al., 2023)
The Non-Surgical Approach To Wellness- Video
What Is Pilates?
While many people seek treatment for their body pain and improve muscle strength, many have started exercising to reduce the stress and discomfort caused by body pains associated with the musculoskeletal system. Since everyone knows that exercising is excellent for health and wellness, it can also help make the body healthier. Many individuals looking for an exercise routine have various options, including Pilates.
Developed in the early 20th century, Joseph Pilates created a system of exercises primarily focused on controlled muscle movement, stretching, and breathing known as Pilates. It has become popular later in the years not only as a physical fitness routine but also as a rehabilitation program. (Byrnes et al., 2018) Pilates uses a combination of repetitive exercises to create muscular exertion and is designed to increase muscle strength and endurance, enhance flexibility, and improve posture and balance. (Kloubec, 2011)
How Is It Incorporated For Body Pain?
While many people are dealing with body pain, some may wonder how Pilates is incorporated into a health and wellness treatment plan. Well, when environmental factors like poor posture and body pain associated with the musculoskeletal system start to cause pain and discomfort to the body. At the same time, that pain and discomfort, if not treated, will also affect the spine’s alignment, causing more musculoskeletal problems. (Shadi et al., 2024) Additionally, Pilates can be combined with non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care to help improve musculoskeletal pain and restore a person’s strength, flexibility, and mobility. This, in turn, promotes mindfulness and a faster recovery. Many individuals will begin to notice that combining a therapeutic exercise method like Pilates and non-surgical treatments can allow the individual to be pain-free and experience additional benefits. This will enable people to understand the impact of stretching exercises caused by Pilates on the components of musculoskeletal fitness aimed at rehabilitation or physical conditioning. (Dos Reis et al., 2024)
The Benefits Of Pilates
Many people will notice how Pilates can help their bodies through these benefits. This includes:
Adapting Pilates to your fitness level and needs: Anyone can start Pilates at any fitness level and go at their own pace.
Core strength increases: Pilates can help strengthen the core muscles, which correlates to improved posture and a strong body.
Strengthening muscles: Pilates can help strengthen and elongate muscles to help individuals look toned.
Natural energy booster: Like many exercise routines, Pilates can give people an energy boost through focus breathing. This increases circulation, stimulating the muscles and spine.
Utilizing Pilates for rehabilitation combined with non-surgical treatment can allow individuals to be more mindful of their bodies and to make tiny changes in their routines. This allows the chances of pain and discomfort from returning, allowing individuals to have a healthier lifestyle.
References
Byrnes, K., Wu, P. J., & Whillier, S. (2018). Is Pilates an effective rehabilitation tool? A systematic review. J Bodyw Mov Ther, 22(1), 192-202. doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.04.008
Calcaterra, V., Marin, L., Vandoni, M., Rossi, V., Pirazzi, A., Grazi, R., Patane, P., Silvestro, G. S., Carnevale Pellino, V., Albanese, I., Fabiano, V., Febbi, M., Silvestri, D., & Zuccotti, G. (2022). Childhood Obesity and Incorrect Body Posture: Impact on Physical Activity and the Therapeutic Role of Exercise. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 19(24). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416728
Dos Reis, A. L., de Oliveira, L. C., & de Oliveira, R. G. (2024). Effects of stretching in a pilates program on musculoskeletal fitness: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil, 16(1), 11. doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00808-6
Matsutani, L. A., Sousa do Espirito Santo, A., Ciscato, M., Yuan, S. L. K., & Marques, A. P. (2023). Global posture reeducation compared with segmental muscle stretching exercises in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 24(1), 384. doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07422-w
Shadi, N., Khalaghi, K., & Seyedahmadi, M. (2024). Comparing the effects of Pilates, corrective exercises, and Alexander’s technique on upper cross syndrome among adolescent girls student (ages 13-16): a six-week study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil, 16(1), 143. doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00933-2
Can individuals dealing with joint pain incorporate turmeric as part of their treatment to reduce inflammation and restore joint health?
Introduction
Many people realize that when the body ages, so do the bones, joints, and spinal discs. This causes musculoskeletal issues to develop and lead to joint pain. Many environmental factors, like improper posture, injuries, accidents, and heavy-loaded objects, are pain-like issues that can affect an individual’s health and well-being. This is because joint pain is associated with these environmental factors, which cause pain and inflammatory effects that can impact their well-being. Additionally, many people will try to find ways to reduce the inflammatory effects caused by joint pain, and one of them is found in their kitchen pantry, which is known as turmeric. Today’s article focuses on the connection between the joints and inflammation, what is turmeric, and its beneficial properties for the joints. We talk with certified associated medical providers who inform our patients about how adding turmeric to their daily routine can reduce the inflammatory effects on the joints. While asking associated medical providers intricate questions, we advise patients to incorporate turmeric in their meals and find therapeutic ways to reduce joint pain in their upper and lower extremities. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Joint Pain & Inflammation Connection
Do you feel localized or referred pain in your joints that causes you to rest for an extended period? Do general morning aches and pains get better throughout the day? Or do you notice that you are losing your grip occasionally? Many of these scenarios are correlated with joint pain. The joints are part of the musculoskeletal system, and their primary job is to provide movement to the upper and lower extremities without pain. However, when the human body ages, the joints also gradually age. When the joints start to lose their cartilage, environmental factors can cause pain-like symptoms like inflammation to affect the joints, thus causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Additionally, it can also lead to joint disorders in the body. While inflammation helps heal the affected area in the body, it is beneficial for the natural healing process; however, when inflammation is chronic, it can do more harm than good.
This is because the immune cells are involved in neuroimmune interplay, which plays a key role in generating and maintaining pain in diseases with an inflammatory component. (Vasconcelos et al., 2022) Additionally, when environmental factors start to affect the joints, the inflammatory effects can cause peripheral nerve damage, and that can cause structural damage to the joints, leading to altered gait and abnormal loading patterns through movement. (McDougall & Reid, 2022) When individuals experience inflammatory effects that affect their joints, many will try to find ways to reduce the pain-like effects in their joints.
Fighting Inflammation Naturally-Video
What Is Turmeric?
Many individuals dealing with pain and inflammation in their joints will seek out therapeutic options to restore joint health. Many people can incorporate anti-inflammatory supplements and treatments to reduce joint inflammation. Turmeric is one of the anti-inflammatory supplements found in India and Southern Asia; anti-inflammatory components can help treat a wide variety of conditions and general health and wellness. (“Turmeric,” 2012) Turmeric is also a functional food due to its health-promoting properties that can help decrease inflammatory cytokines and reduce joint pain, which can help improve joint mobility. (Kepinska-Pacelik & Biel, 2023)
Turmeric’s Beneficial Properties For The Joints
Now, when it comes to the beneficial properties of turmeric for joint pain, many people can take turmeric in supplement form and, over time, will begin to notice less pain in their joints. This is because the main purpose of incorporating turmeric as part of a therapeutic routine is to relieve pain, delay joint degeneration progression, and restore joint function. (Zeng et al., 2021) Additionally, turmeric can help control inflammation and improve joint health since it can have a positive effect or equivalency of anti-inflammatory medication for individuals wanting to reduce joint pain’s life effects. (Panknin et al., 2023) When people want to think about their well-being and joint health, taking turmeric supplements or incorporating them in dishes can be a stepping stone to improving joint function. At the same time, incorporating strength training exercises into the surrounding muscles can help with joint improvement, and non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care can help reduce the inflammatory effects of degenerating the joints. This, in turn, can help people live pain-free lives, giving them a sense of control over their well-being.
References
Kepinska-Pacelik, J., & Biel, W. (2023). Turmeric and Curcumin-Health-Promoting Properties in Humans versus Dogs. Int J Mol Sci, 24(19). doi.org/10.3390/ijms241914561
McDougall, J. J., & Reid, A. R. (2022). Joint Damage and Neuropathic Pain in Rats Treated With Lysophosphatidic Acid. Front Immunol, 13, 811402. doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.811402
Panknin, T. M., Howe, C. L., Hauer, M., Bucchireddigari, B., Rossi, A. M., & Funk, J. L. (2023). Curcumin Supplementation and Human Disease: A Scoping Review of Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci, 24(5). doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054476
Vasconcelos, D. P., Jabangwe, C., Lamghari, M., & Alves, C. J. (2022). The Neuroimmune Interplay in Joint Pain: The Role of Macrophages. Front Immunol, 13, 812962. doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.812962
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
Can individuals incorporate ways to increase their vitamin C levels to boost their immune system against cold and flu season?
Introduction
When it comes to the cold and flu season, the weather gets colder, and the immune system will flare up as numerous pathogens enter the body. Many individuals will begin to notice their bodies aching and deal with congestion and upper respiratory symptoms. This is due to viral infections that compromise the immune system and cause individuals to be sick. However, numerous ways exist to combat cold and flu season while boosting their immune system by increasing their vitamin C levels. Today’s article looks at how the immune system and pain correlate, how healthy nutrition relates to the immune system, and how people can naturally increase their vitamin C levels to fight cold and flu season. We talk with certified associated medical providers who inform our patients about how the immune system can be impacted by various pathogens that cause overlapping risk profiles associated with pain. While asking their associated medical provider intricate questions, we advise patients to incorporate ways to increase their vitamin C intake to boost the immune system and prevent cold and flu season from impacting the body. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
The Immune System & Pain
How often do you feel so congested that your head is filled with cotton? Do you feel general aches and pains in your muscles that cause you to feel discomfort? Or have you noticed that your energy is lower than usual and is stressing you out? More often than not, many people who have dealt with these situations have often correlated with their immune systems. The immune system has a large network in the body that helps protect the individual from germs, heal the body from any infections and injuries, and develop antibodies to fight off pathogens. Sometimes, when the immune system becomes weak, it can lead to the development of autoimmune. This is because when pathogens compromise the immune system, they can adapt their response to modulate oxidative stress and trigger inflammation by enhancing the protein secretion towards the intra- and extra-cellular pathogens to enhance infections. (Iddir et al., 2020)
Additionally, when the immune system is compromised, it can cause the immune system to overproduce inflammatory cytokines and attack healthy cellular activities, leading to the development of autoimmune conditions and symptoms of musculoskeletal pain. When individuals with weak immune systems are dealing with musculoskeletal pain, some of the biomarkers that can contribute to its development include environmental factors (smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, etc.), chronic inflammation, and vitamin deficiency that can cause individuals to be in constant pain and discomfort. (Djade et al., 2022) Hence, boosting vitamin levels can benefit the immune system and body.
Optimizing Your Wellness- Video
Nutrition & The Immune System Connection
When boosting the immune system, many individuals can start slowly by changing their nutritional intake. As one of the strongest and adjustable environmental factors, having a proper dietary mindset can help many people reduce the burdens of chronic issues from reappearing. (Kiani et al., 2022) This is due to people who want to make small changes in their daily routine, who can start by eating nutritional foods that can help boost their immune system and bodies. This is because a bidirectional relationship between the duet and the immune system can be utilized in multiple approaches. (Venter et al., 2020) One of the best ways many individuals can improve their immune system during cold and flu season is by increasing and boosting their vitamin C levels.
How Vitamin C Can Help With Cold/Flu
Boosting vitamin C levels is an excellent way to help jumpstart the immune system. Vitamin C is hugely important in normal immune system functioning and has been used to prevent or treat viral infections. (Cerullo et al., 2020) This is because people can’t produce vitamin C naturally, so it has to be consumed for the body to maintain healthy vitamin levels. Additionally, vitamin C is a plant-based ingredient that promotes healing and provides immune-boosting properties that augment the chemotaxis and phagocytosis in the body while generating free radicals in the immune cells. (Gasmi et al., 2023) Another great thing about vitamin C is that it can be combined with vitamin D to reduce the load of the cytokine storm in the body and the viral load of the cold and flu. (Ish et al., 2020)
Ways To Increase Vitamin C Levels
There are ways to increase vitamin C levels in the body, which can benefit people who want to reduce the chances of cold and flu season impacting their routine.
Reduce sugar intake: Reduce excessive sugar intake by following a nutritional plan from a healthcare professional, which is customizable to the individual.
Incorporating Vitamin C: Many people can load up on high-quality Vitamin C containing bioflavonoids that can help decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. (Ramon et al., 2023)
Vitamin C-rich foods: Adding whole foods of Vitamin C like bell peppers, broccoli, citrus, and green leafy veggies can help boost vitamin C levels
Intermittent Fasting: Combining Vitamin C-infused lemon water with intermittent fasting can help the body boost immunity and improve blood sugar regulation.
Glutathione Boost: Incorporating vitamin C with glutathione can help recycle vitamin C into the body, boosting vitamin and supplement levels.
Incorporating these ways to boost vitamin C levels in the immune system can provide beneficial results during the cold and flu season while improving a person’s health and wellness journey.
References
Cerullo, G., Negro, M., Parimbelli, M., Pecoraro, M., Perna, S., Liguori, G., Rondanelli, M., Cena, H., & D’Antona, G. (2020). The Long History of Vitamin C: From Prevention of the Common Cold to Potential Aid in the Treatment of COVID-19. Front Immunol, 11, 574029. doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.574029
Djade, C. D., Diorio, C., Laurin, D., & Dionne, C. E. (2022). An exploratory identification of biological markers of chronic musculoskeletal pain in the low back, neck, and shoulders. PLOS ONE, 17(4), e0266999. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266999
Gasmi, A., Shanaida, M., Oleshchuk, O., Semenova, Y., Mujawdiya, P. K., Ivankiv, Y., Pokryshko, O., Noor, S., Piscopo, S., Adamiv, S., & Bjorklund, G. (2023). Natural Ingredients to Improve Immunity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 16(4). doi.org/10.3390/ph16040528
Iddir, M., Brito, A., Dingeo, G., Fernandez Del Campo, S. S., Samouda, H., La Frano, M. R., & Bohn, T. (2020). Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Diet and Nutrition: Considerations during the COVID-19 Crisis. Nutrients, 12(6). doi.org/10.3390/nu12061562
Ish, P., Agrawal, S., & Gupta, N. (2020). Vitamin C (ovi) D; An unexplored option! Infez Med, 28(suppl 1), 122-125. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32532949
Kiani, A. K., Dhuli, K., Donato, K., Aquilanti, B., Velluti, V., Matera, G., Iaconelli, A., Connelly, S. T., Bellinato, F., Gisondi, P., & Bertelli, M. (2022). Main nutritional deficiencies. J Prev Med Hyg, 63(2 Suppl 3), E93-E101. doi.org/10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2752
Ramon, R., Holguin, E., Chiriboga, J. D., Rubio, N., Ballesteros, C., & Ezechieli, M. (2023). Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Vitamin C during the Postoperative Period in Patients Subjected to Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pers Med, 13(9). doi.org/10.3390/jpm13091299
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
Individuals experiencing persistent pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the back could be suffering from nerve root encroachment. Could surgery ease nerve compression and improve symptoms for persistent and severe cases?
Surgical Decompression
The pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling associated with nerve root encroachment are usually first treated with non-surgical therapies that include:
Anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy
This can be enough to address the irritation of the spinal nerve root. But when cases become severe, surgical decompression may be recommended and necessary. It can be done in a couple of different ways.
Causes and Symptoms
Vertebrae are bones in the spine. Small openings called foramina allow a spinal nerve root to pass through on each side of the vertebra. When nerve root encroachment is present, the spinal nerve root gets compressed, pinched, and trapped, which can cause peripheral symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness to develop. Nerve root encroachment is typically caused by normal aging degenerative wear and tear changes in the vertebrae. (Choi Y. K. 2019) These degenerative changes can include:
Facet joint hypertrophy
Ligament and bone hypertrophy
Disc disorders
Formation of bone spurs or osteophytes.
If these degenerative changes progress, they can encroach and compress a nerve root, leading to peripheral symptoms. (Choi Y. K. 2019)
When Surgery Is Recommended
When symptoms occur, initial treatment will involve:
Physical therapy
Chiropractic realignment
Massage therapies
Rest
Lifestyle adjustments
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories – NSAIDs
Corticosteroid injections into the spine
If conservative therapies don’t fully heal or improve symptoms or there are neurological problems like difficulty with balance or walking, then surgery may be recommended. Severe pain that limits normal function is an indication for surgery, and rapidly progressive weakness of the arms and/or legs or signs of cauda equina syndrome are indications for emergency surgery.
Surgery Options
Different types of spinal surgery may be performed. A neurosurgeon will decide the best procedure for each patient based on their case, age, medical conditions, and other factors. Specific spinal surgical decompression depends on what is causing the nerve compression. In most cases, it involves removing bone or tissue to relieve nerve pressure or provide support to stabilize the joint. The most common types of surgical decompression include: (Mayo Clinic Health System, 2022)
Maintain the stability and alignment of the spine.
Improve the stability and alignment of the spine.
Anterior Surgery
The anterior approach to surgery means that the spine is accessed through the anterior/front of the spine. In this surgery, one or more discs and bone spurs may be removed through an incision in the front of the neck. (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2024) For example, an anterior cervical discectomy may alleviate pressure on one or more nerve roots in the neck. With an anterior lumbar interbody fusion, a surgeon removes a degenerative disc in the lower spinal area by going through a patient’s lower abdomen. (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2024) After the disc is removed, a structural device, usually made of bone, fills the space where it once was. This device encourages bone healing and helps the vertebrae’s bodies fuse.
Posterior Surgery
Posterior surgery means the spine is accessed through the posterior/back of the spine. An example is removing a thickened ligament, bone spur, or disc material in the neck. To do this, a small incision in the back of the neck may be made to remove part of the back of the vertebrae called the lamina. This is called a posterior cervical laminectomy. (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2024) A posterior lumbar interbody fusion removes a degenerative disc by going through the back. (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2024) Like the anterior approach, a structural device often contains bone to fill the space where the disc once was to fuse the bones.
Potential Risks
As with any surgery, it’s important that the individual and their healthcare provider carefully discuss the benefits and risks. Spinal surgical decompression includes: (Proietti L. et al., 2013)
Bleeding
Blood clots
Surgical site infection
Urinary tract infection
Lung infection
Intestinal blockage
There are also specific risks to the area of the spine being operated on and how it is surgically approached. For example, a cervical anterior procedure may injure the esophagus, trachea, or carotid artery. Likewise, damage to the C5 nerve root/C5 palsy can occur from cervical spinal decompressive surgery. This complication causes weakness, numbness, and pain in the shoulders. (Thompson S. E. et al., 2017) The spinal cord may also be injured during surgery and result in paralysis, although this is rare. (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2024)
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.
The Non-Surgical Solution
References
Choi Y. K. (2019). Lumbar foraminal neuropathy: an update on non-surgical management. The Korean journal of pain, 32(3), 147–159. doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2019.32.3.147
Proietti, L., Scaramuzzo, L., Schiro’, G. R., Sessa, S., & Logroscino, C. A. (2013). Complications in lumbar spine surgery: A retrospective analysis. Indian journal of orthopaedics, 47(4), 340–345. doi.org/10.4103/0019-5413.114909
Thompson, S. E., Smith, Z. A., Hsu, W. K., Nassr, A., Mroz, T. E., Fish, D. E., Wang, J. C., Fehlings, M. G., Tannoury, C. A., Tannoury, T., Tortolani, P. J., Traynelis, V. C., Gokaslan, Z., Hilibrand, A. S., Isaacs, R. E., Mummaneni, P. V., Chou, D., Qureshi, S. A., Cho, S. K., Baird, E. O., … Riew, K. D. (2017). C5 Palsy After Cervical Spine Surgery: A Multicenter Retrospective Review of 59 Cases. Global spine journal, 7(1 Suppl), 64S–70S. doi.org/10.1177/2192568216688189
Can individuals maintain proper hydration levels in their bodies to prevent spinal pain and other musculoskeletal conditions?
Introduction
When making small changes to better their health and wellness, many understand that eating nutritional foods, exercising, and finding ways to reduce the pain and stress that environmental factors have affected the body. However, there is also another crucial component to a person’s health and wellness, and that is staying hydrated. Many individuals sometimes don’t realize that the human body contains about 60% of the water, which helps every vital organ, muscle, tissue, and vertebra in the body to function. However, many individuals who do not consume enough water due to a stressful event, exercising, or just wanting to drink sugary drinks will feel pain and discomfort in their bodies. This can range from mild headaches to back pain. Today’s article focuses on what spinal pain correlates with the back, why staying hydrated can reduce spinal pain and ways to stay hydrated. We talk with certified associated medical providers who inform our patients to maintain proper hydration to reduce the chances of spinal pain affecting their bodies. While asking their associated medical provider intricate questions, we advise patients to incorporate daily hydration levels as part of their routine to reduce the chances of spinal pain from returning. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Spinal Pain Is Correlated With The Back
Do you feel constant aches or pains after a stressful day? Do you feel like chugging gallons of water but still feel thirsty? Or have you been noticing that you have been dealing with limited mobility that has been causing you pain and discomfort in your lower back? These pain-like scenarios are multifactorial and can correlate with spinal pain affecting the back. Now, many people wonder why spinal pain is associated with back pain. The spine is crucial in allowing the individual to be upright and move around during daily activities. The spinal vertebrae discs are between the bones, which would enable shock absorption when a person twists, bends, or flexes so the bones don’t rub together. However, when the body ages, the spine does, too, which causes the intervertebral disc to gradually fall and change the dynamics of the affected spine segments. (Kos et al., 2019) To that point, when the intervertebral disc becomes compressed due to degeneration, it can lead to the development of back pain.
Since low back pain is a multifactorial musculoskeletal condition, many individuals often develop low back pain from numerous environmental risk factors like physical labor, excessive sitting or standing, poor dieting, andphysical inactivity, which can cause individuals to have a loss of sensation, reduced reflexes, limited range of movements and tenderness can affect a person’s gait and posture. (Kabeer et al., 2023) When the spinal discs are being compressed, the water inside the disc becomes dehydrated and is linked to lower back pain. (Cheung et al., 2023) When the spinal discs are dehydrated in the spine due to improper hydration, it can lead to immobility, cause the disc to degenerate, and cause spinal structural defects that cause the surrounding muscles and tissues to have biomechanical instability and inflammation. (Hauser et al., 2022) When the body starts dehydrating, it retrieves water from the spine and other parts to sustain life and keep the vital organs functioning.
Eating Right To Feel Better- Video
Why Staying Hydrated Can Reduce Spinal Pain
Proper hydration is key to reducing the chances of spinal pain. By staying hydrated with plain, pure water, individuals can stay focused, remove toxins from the body, aid in weight reduction, and reduce muscle and low back pain. (Nsiah-Asamoah & Buxton, 2021) Drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day can rehydrate the body and prevent future issues that can cause pain.Proper hydration allows the body to maintain cell activity and regulate body temperature, reducing the chances of pain affecting the body.
Ways to Stay Hydrated
There are ways to stay hydrated and allow the body to have proper hydration levels. Incorporating hydrating fruits and vegetables can help aid in proper hydration as these fruits and vegetables contain about 90% water and the essential nutrients. Additionally, when individuals try to get their hydration levels back up, they are encouraged to drink more fluids as they prefer, especially if they feel unwell. This is to ensure that the body is hydrated enough so that individuals can receive subcutaneous or intravenous fluid supplements combined with regular fluid intake. (Li et al., 2023) Another way many individuals can stay hydrated is to combine non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care and spinal decompression to help realign and lengthen the spine to reduce unwanted pressure on the spinal discs and rehydrate them. The combination of non-surgical treatments and drinking plenty of hydrating fluids can help many individuals dealing with back pain associated with the spine as they start to make small changes to their routine and can live a life pain-free.
References
Cheung, S. T. Y., Cheung, P. W. H., & Cheung, J. P. Y. (2023). Why Are Some Intervertebral Discs More Prone to Degeneration?: Insights Into Isolated Thoracic “Dysgeneration”. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 48(12), E177-E187. doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0000000000004632
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
Kabeer, A. S., Osmani, H. T., Patel, J., Robinson, P., & Ahmed, N. (2023). The adult with low back pain: causes, diagnosis, imaging features and management. Br J Hosp Med (Lond), 84(10), 1-9. doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2023.0063
Kos, N., Gradisnik, L., & Velnar, T. (2019). A Brief Review of the Degenerative Intervertebral Disc Disease. Med Arch, 73(6), 421-424. doi.org/10.5455/medarh.2019.73.421-424
Li, S., Xiao, X., & Zhang, X. (2023). Hydration Status in Older Adults: Current Knowledge and Future Challenges. Nutrients, 15(11). doi.org/10.3390/nu15112609
Nsiah-Asamoah, C. N. A., & Buxton, D. N. B. (2021). Hydration and water intake practices of commercial long-distance drivers in Ghana: what do they know and why does it matter? Heliyon, 7(3), e06512. doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06512
For individuals with chronic pain conditions, what are the risks of developing peptic ulcers?
NSAIDs and Peptic Ulcers
A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first area of the small intestine. The most common symptom is a burning stomach pain that may come and go for several days or weeks. Other symptoms include:
Feeling full
Feeling bloated
Belching
Heartburn
Nausea
Stress and spicy foods can worsen ulcers but do not cause them.
A peptic ulcer is a sore that occurs in the mucosal lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. It is caused by stomach acids or other digestive juices damaging the stomach or duodenum lining. When the ulcer is in the stomach, it might also be called a gastric ulcer. The acid can create a painful open sore that may bleed. The most common cause of a peptic ulcer is a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). A second, less common cause of peptic ulcers is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. (Fashner J. & Gitu A. C. 2015) Using over-the-counter NSAIDs for the occasional headache or achy back won’t cause a peptic ulcer. Rather, peptic ulcer disease is something that can occur with longer-term use, especially at high doses, such as for chronic pain associated with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2022)
NSAIDs and Ulcer Development
NSAIDs can cause ulcers because they can interfere with the stomach’s ability to protect itself from gastric acids as they slow the production of protective mucus in the stomach and change its structure. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2022) While these acids are vital to the digestive process, they can compromise the stomach’s protective barriers. The stomach has three protections against gastric acid:
Foveolar cells that line the stomach produce a protective mucus.
Bicarbonate is produced by the foveolar cells, which help neutralize stomach acid.
Blood circulation aids in repairing and renewing cells in the stomach’s mucosal layer.
Specific lipids called prostaglandins, which the body makes, affect pain receptors. NSAIDs work to reduce pain by blocking enzymes involved in the production of certain prostaglandins. Prostaglandins also protect the stomach’s mucosal layer, which can be broken when depleted. Suppressing the body’s natural defenses against gastric acids can lead to inflammation in the stomach lining. Over time, this can cause a capillary blood vessel to rupture, causing bleeding and the development of an open, ulcerative sore. (Bjarnason I. et al., 2018)
Symptoms
A peptic ulcer may cause symptoms in the digestive tract, but some individuals may have no symptoms. The most common symptom is upper abdominal pain, which can feel dull or burning. The pain can range in severity, with some experiencing mild discomfort and others having severe pain. Most of the time, the pain will occur after a meal, but it might also happen at night for some. It could go on from a few minutes to a few hours. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2022) Other symptoms are less common but can include:
Bloating
Burping
Gas
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Feeling sick in the stomach.
Feeling full after even a small meal.
In rare cases, individuals with peptic ulcers may see blood in their stool or have black stools because blood is present. Blood coming from one or more peptic ulcers could also be visible in vomit. Call a healthcare provider right away if there is blood in stool or vomit, as this can be a sign of excessive bleeding or other serious problems. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2022)
Diagnosis
When peptic ulcer symptoms occur, a healthcare provider may order several tests to determine the cause. For individuals who are receiving NSAIDs for chronic pain, a healthcare provider may already have a high suspicion that the medication is the cause or is contributing to peptic ulcer disease. Because infection with H. pylori is the most common cause, it is normally ruled out through a breath, blood, or stool test. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2022) Tests to look for ulcers inside the upper digestive tract can include:
Upper GI Series
Patients drink a barium substance to help the internal organs appear on imaging.
A series of X-rays are taken.
Upper Endoscopy
A flexible tube with a camera is used to look inside the esophagus, the stomach, and the duodenum.
All NSAIDs have the potential to cause indigestion, gastric bleeding, and ulcers. However, some individuals are more susceptible to developing peptic ulcer disease than others. Peptic ulcers caused by NSAIDs are more likely to occur in individuals who: (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2022)
Are 70 or older
Have a history of ulcers
Take corticosteroids
Take high-dose NSAIDs
Take NSAIDs regularly for a long time
Take more than two types of NSAIDs
Use aspirin daily, including low-dose aspirin, for cardioprotective purposes.
Take blood thinners
Drink alcohol regularly
Smoke
Studies suggest that 25% of those who use NSAIDs long-term will develop an ulcer, but only a small percentage will go on to develop serious complications. (Lanza F. L. et al., 2009)
Treatment
NSAID-induced ulcers usually heal once the NSAID is stopped. Certain treatments may be recommended to expedite the healing process depending on the severity of the peptic ulcer. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the damage.
Medications
A healthcare provider may recommend taking one or more medications. Over-the-counter options may include:
Antacids help neutralize stomach acid.
A proton pump inhibitor or PPI, such as omeprazole, lowers acid levels in the stomach. (Begg M. et al., 2023)
The bigger problem for individuals is how to manage pain when the medications are discontinued. For individuals with chronic pain, this may require the help of a physical therapy team, including a pain management healthcare provider. Certain medications called COX inhibitors could be used to control pain for some. COX inhibitors have been shown to work for pain relief and are associated with fewer digestive side effects than other types of NSAIDs. These meds have also been shown to have cardiovascular side effects, however, so it’s usually recommended they be used at the lowest dosage. (Scarpignato C. et al., 2015)
Lifestyle Adjustments
Lifestyle adjustments may be recommended to heal peptic ulcers, including:
Avoiding foods that worsen symptoms.
Avoiding caffeine
Avoiding alcohol
Quitting smoking
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be recommended, but this is more often the case when there are complications as a result of the ulcer, such as:
Avoiding long-term and high-dose use of NSAIDs or not using these medications can help protect and prevent peptic ulcers. For individuals who have to take an NSAID due to a condition they are trying to manage, a healthcare provider may prescribe one of the meds used to treat peptic ulcers to prevent them from occurring. Some believe that spicy food and stress cause ulcers, but that has been discredited. (Cleveland Clinic, 2022) Most individuals who take NSAIDs will not experience peptic ulcer disease. (Drini M. 2017) However, those who have chronic pain and who are receiving high doses should be aware of the potential.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Individuals who have any concerns about the use of NSAIDs and how the digestive system will be affected should ask a healthcare provider if there are ways to prevent ulcers and if those measures should be implemented while receiving high doses of NSAIDs. Left untreated, ulcers can lead to complications, which is why it is important to get a diagnosis and receive treatment. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign naturally.
Root Causes of Gut Dysfunction
References
Fashner, J., & Gitu, A. C. (2015). Diagnosis and Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease and H. pylori Infection. American family physician, 91(4), 236–242.
Bjarnason, I., Scarpignato, C., Holmgren, E., Olszewski, M., Rainsford, K. D., & Lanas, A. (2018). Mechanisms of Damage to the Gastrointestinal Tract From Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Gastroenterology, 154(3), 500–514. doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2017.10.049
Lanza, F. L., Chan, F. K., Quigley, E. M., & Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology (2009). Guidelines for prevention of NSAID-related ulcer complications. The American journal of gastroenterology, 104(3), 728–738. doi.org/10.1038/ajg.2009.115
Begg, M., Tarhuni, M., N Fotso, M., Gonzalez, N. A., Sanivarapu, R. R., Osman, U., Latha Kumar, A., Sadagopan, A., Mahmoud, A., & Khan, S. (2023). Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonists in the Management of Patients With Peptic Ulcer Disease: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 15(8), e44341. doi.org/10.7759/cureus.44341
Scarpignato, C., Lanas, A., Blandizzi, C., Lems, W. F., Hermann, M., Hunt, R. H., & International NSAID Consensus Group (2015). Safe prescribing of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with osteoarthritis–an expert consensus addressing benefits as well as gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks. BMC medicine, 13, 55. doi.org/10.1186/s12916-015-0285-8
Lee, C. W., & Sarosi, G. A., Jr (2011). Emergency ulcer surgery. The Surgical clinics of North America, 91(5), 1001–1013. doi.org/10.1016/j.suc.2011.06.008
Drini M. (2017). Peptic ulcer disease and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Australian prescriber, 40(3), 91–93. doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2017.037
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