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.
Maintaining a healthy and well-balanced nutritional plan is recommended for overall health. When the body is nourished healthily, it will perform optimally. Stress is part of daily life, and certain foods can enhance the body’s ability to handle stress, help target physical and emotional states, and protect the brain. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Team can provide therapeutic massage to increase circulation, and relax the mind and body, adjustments to restore any misalignments, and nutritional support and health coaching for total wellness.
Foods For Stress
Anxiety is a widespread condition affecting millions of individuals. Trying to lower stress levels includes self-care, sleep management, physical activity, and incorporating foods to reduce cortisol levels, the primary hormone responsible for stress.
Cortisol
Cortisol has a variety of functions that include:
Manages how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Sleep cycle regulation.
Blood pressure regulation.
Increases blood sugar.
Decreases inflammation.
Cortisol is sometimes known as the stress hormone because the adrenal gland releases it when experiencing stress or when the body is under physical stress/inflammation. It is the key to managing the fight-or-flight instinct and is healthy for a short period as a protective mechanism providing the energy needed to respond to short-term stress. However, the long-term release of cortisol generates tension in the body, leading to chronic inflammation and raised blood pressure. Learning how to manage stress is necessary for lowering cortisol levels.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary and are different for everybody.
Physical
Exhaustion.
Sleep problems.
Headaches.
Muscle tension.
Jaw clenching.
Aches and pains.
Chronic illness from a weakened immune system.
Stomach or digestive problems.
High blood pressure.
Chest pain or a feeling like the heart is racing.
Dizziness.
Shaking.
Emotional and mental
Irritability and or anxiousness.
Sadness.
Depression.
Panic attacks.
Foods
The objective is to reduce inflammation, thus reducing cortisol levels. Recommended foods for stress include foods high in magnesium, vitamin B, Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and foods that benefit the gut. Here are a few.
Magnesium
Magnesium is highly beneficial in reducing inflammation, metabolizing cortisol, and relaxing the mind and body.
Dark chocolate.
Bananas.
Broccoli.
Spinach.
Avocados.
Pumpkin seeds.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B12 can help with the metabolism of cortisol.
The key to lowering stress is a whole-body approach that includes exercise, proper sleep, and managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, all of which can put the body in a prolonged state of inflammation. Incorporating these foods into a nutritional plan can help relieve stress naturally.
Impact of Stress
References
Aucoin, Monique, and Sukriti Bhardwaj. “Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Hypoglycemia Symptoms Improved with Diet Modification.” Case reports in psychiatry vol. 2016 (2016): 7165425. doi:10.1155/2016/7165425
Errisuriz, Vanessa L et al. “Perceived stress and dietary choices: The moderating role of stress management.” Eating behaviors vol. 22 (2016): 211-216. doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2016.06.008
Norwitz, Nicholas G, and Uma Naidoo. “Nutrition as Metabolic Treatment for Anxiety.” Frontiers in psychiatry vol. 12 598119. 12 Feb. 2021, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.598119
Serafini, Mauro, and Ilaria Peluso. “Functional Foods for Health: The Interrelated Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, Spices and Cocoa in Humans.” Current pharmaceutical design vol. 22,44 (2016): 6701-6715. doi:10.2174/1381612823666161123094235
Zellner, Debra A et al. “Food selection changes under stress.” Physiology & behavior vol. 87,4 (2006): 789-93. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2006.01.014
Constipation is a leading cause of low back pain in America and can cause a chain reaction in the rest of the body. When the digestional tract swells, it generates added stress on the back and surrounding nerves. Prolonged constipation and pressure can cause sciatica symptoms. Constipation sciatica can be relieved through chiropractic treatment, therapeutic massage, non-surgical spinal decompression, and functional medicine to alleviate symptoms and restore optimal body function.
Constipation Sciatica
Sciatica is irritation, compression, and inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which supplies the thighs, lower legs, and feet. It is usually caused by a pinched/compressed of one or more spinal nerve roots between the vertebrae of the lower back. The buildup of stool in the intestines can cause a dull aching sensation in the low back that can radiate to surrounding areas. Common causes of constipation include:
Bowel movements vary for everyone, and not having a movement daily does not mean constipation is occurring. Some individuals have only three movements a week, while others have multiple movements daily. A recommended indicator of constipation is if there has been a sudden decrease in typical bowel movements. The digestive tract occupies a significant region of the lower torso. Back pain symptoms can present after the rectum becomes obstructed or stools have solidified in the colon. Once constipation has developed, the blockage presses against the nerves and muscles of the back. This causes a range of discomfort signaling by the brain, which worsens as the backup grows. Symptoms of general constipation include:
Feeling full despite not eating anything.
Bloating.
Swelling.
Abdominal cramping.
Infrequent bowel movements.
Discomfort or aching when trying to pass a stool.
Hard and/or lumpy stool.
Constipation is considered chronic when two or more of the following symptoms occur for at least three months:
Further decreased bowel movements.
Straining to defecate.
Stools do not loosen without the use of laxatives.
Passage of hard pebble/pellet stools.
Consistent abdominal pain that is relieved by even slight movement.
Feeling as if the bowels are not fully emptied or a blockage in the rectum.
Feeling the need to assist the release by pressing on the abdomen.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic treatment can realign the spine, release compressed nerves, increase the frequency of bowel movements, and through the massage and relaxation of the muscles, help to soften stools. Intestinal muscles push the stool to the anus, where it leaves/evacuates the body. Special nerve cells in the intestine, known as ganglion cells,innervate the muscles to push. These nerves connect to the celiac ganglion, which connects to the spinal cord through nerve roots that exit the spine in the lower thoracic and upper lumbar region. The celiac ganglion innervates the liver, stomach, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, small intestine, and the ascending and transverse colon. Treatment for constipation and back pain depends on the cause of the symptoms. For example, if the constipation is caused by dehydration, a chiropractor will instruct the patient on water intake as part of the personalized treatment plan.
Diagnosis to Recovery
References
Fernandes, Walkyria Vilas Boas, et al. “The effect of a six-week osteopathic visceral manipulation in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain and functional constipation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.” Trials vol. 19,1 151. 2 Mar. 2018, doi:10.1186/s13063-018-2532-8
Panarese, Alba, et al. “Chronic functional constipation is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency.” World journal of gastroenterology vol. 25,14 (2019): 1729-1740. doi:10.3748/wjg.v25.i14.1729
Rédly, Monika. “The effects of chiropractic care on a patient with chronic constipation.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association vol. 45,3 (2001): 185–191.
Trager, Robert James, et al. “Association between radicular low back pain and constipation: a retrospective cohort study using a real-world national database.” Pain reports vol. 6,3 e954. 26 Aug. 2021, doi:10.1097/PR9.0000000000000954
From a young age, parents will always tell their kids to sit up straight or else they will have bad posture. As kids, we would tend to recline on the couch or chair, which would not affect our backs in the long run. However, as we age, move around more, and have jobs that require prolonged sitting or constantly looking down at our phones, our bodies are hunched or slouched for long periods. When the upper extremities, like the neck, shoulders, and thoracic region of the back, are hunched over, it can develop into future issues that cause musculoskeletal symptoms over time. When this happens, the muscle tissues begin to be overstretched. They could lead to overlapping problems that can cause many individuals to be dealing with upper back pain and areas of complaint. Today we are looking at the effects of poor posture, how prolonged sitting causes numerous symptoms, and how the MET technique relieves poor posture. We provide valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers offering available therapy treatments like the MET technique for individuals with poor posture and neck and back pain due to prolonged sitting. We encourage each patient appropriately by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results. We accept that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most crucial questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., assesses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Effects Of Poor Posture
Have you been dealing with muscle strains in your upper back, neck, and shoulders? Are you constantly hunched over at your desk or looking down at your phone? Or are you experience sciatic nerve pain from sitting down always? Many of these issues from prolonged sitting can rapidly develop into poor posture and affect the musculoskeletal system and the spine. Studies reveal that when many individuals spend a significant amount of time sitting, especially in an awkward position, which can cause an increased risk of spinal pain and other effects on the various muscle groups in the shoulders, neck, and thoracic region. Not only that but according to the book written by Leon Chaitow, N.D, D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T, “Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques,” mentioned the muscles in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar region of the body are among the first to be showing signs of changes in response to postural defects. To that point, when a person is slumped in a sitting position will cause strain to each muscle group in the back and affect both the upper and lower extremities of the body.
Prolonged Sitting & Symptoms
When many individuals are sitting down constantly, whether at a desk job or driving in a vehicle, it can take a toll on the entire body. When the body hasn’t been moving for a long time, it cause the individual to feel muscle strain and tightness in their upper body and a nagging sensation in their lower body. Studies reveal that prolonged sitting can cause discomfort in the lower back and causes reduced muscle endurance in the lower back, and could cause an increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders like sciatic nerve pain, where the gluteal muscles irritate the sciatic nerve causing radiating pain to travel down the legs. Another research study also reveals that being in a forced position for an extended period can cause an impact on the seating position of the upper body and can be associated with upper musculoskeletal disorders causing an area of complaints in the chin, back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. When a person has been sitting for an extended amount of time without taking a stretch break, the muscles begin to be in a constant state of contraction and become short and tense.
The Benefits Of Good Posture-Video
Have you noticed that you have been leaning forward when walking from one location to another? Do you feel muscle tightness or irritating pain in your shoulders or legs? Or have you been experiencing unwanted pain in your neck and lower back? Many of these issues are due to having a slouched or hunched-over posture that can develop neck and back pain. Poor posture can lead to unwanted symptoms affecting the muscles and joints. Poor posture is due to everyday factors like being hunched over, looking down at the phone, or leaning forward to the computer. These little actions may not initially cause muscle pain but will cause issues over time. Luckily, there are various treatments to reduce the effects of poor posture and help restore the body. The video above explains the benefits of having good posture and trying to prevent future injuries and muscle strain from returning.
The MET Technique For Poor Posture
There are numerous ways to reduce the effects of poor posture from further affecting the body and reducing pain in the various muscles and joints. A good way to relieve stiffness in the neck and back is to do multiple stretches to restore blood flow back to the muscles. Another way to prevent neck and back pain is to incorporate MET (muscle energy treatment) techniques. Studies reveal that when individuals utilize MET treatments combined with posture correction exercises and stretches, it can significantly decrease pain in the neck and back while improving the range of motion to the muscles and soft tissues. Doing light stretches can help relieve tense muscles and promote good posture, as many individuals are becoming more aware of how they present themselves when they are not hunched over.
Conclusion
When it comes to our bodies, it is important to know that being hunched over can lead to poor posture, and sitting down for an extended period can develop neck and back pain associated with overlapping symptoms. Poor posture can cause the muscles to become tense, short, and stiff, and when a person stretches from being hunched over will experience pain. Luckily, incorporating various stretches and using the MET technique allows the muscles to be stretched and prevent future injuries from reoccurring while allowing the individual to be more aware of their posture.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Joshi, Reema, and Nishita Poojary. “The Effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Posture Correction Exercises on Pain and Function in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain Having Forward Head Posture-a Randomized Controlled Trail.” International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 June 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9134480/.
Jung, Kyoung-Sim, et al. “Effects of Prolonged Sitting with Slumped Posture on Trunk Muscular Fatigue in Adolescents with and without Chronic Lower Back Pain.” Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 23 Dec. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7822118/.
Kuo, Yi-Liang, et al. “Sitting Posture during Prolonged Computer Typing with and without a Wearable Biofeedback Sensor.” Int J Environ Res Public Health, 19 May 2021, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8161121/.
Ohlendorf, Daniela, et al. “Influence of Ergonomic Layout of Musician Chairs on Posture and Seat Pressure in Musicians of Different Playing Levels.” PloS One, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 11 Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6289455/.
Athletes, pros, semi-pros, weekend warriors, fitness enthusiasts, and physically active and healthy individuals can feel cheated when they suffer an injury. Sports injury recovery involves rest, physical therapy, chiropractic realignment, and rehabilitation. However, it can be all for naught if the individual doesn’t recover mentally and emotionally. Coping with the stress of an injury, being sidelined and moving beyond the negative, and focusing more on positive strategies is important and requires physical and psychological toughness.
Coping With Sports Injuries
Incorporating sports psychology techniques is importantas individuals can experience injury-related emotions like anxiety, sadness, frustration, anger, denial, isolation, and depression. Dealing with an injury and using the off time to reflect and gain new perspectives allows the athlete to improve their objectives by being more focused, flexible, and resilient.
Strategies That Can Help
Understand The Injury
Knowing the cause, treatment, and prevention of the specific injury results in deeper understanding and less fear or anxiety. Talking with a doctor, sports chiropractor, trainer, coach, and psychological therapist can help individuals learn what they need to do to recover quickly and optimally. A few things to consider the following include:
Getting a second opinion is recommended, especially if surgery is being advised.
Focus On Recovering
Instead of focusing on being unable to play, losing strength, relearning movements, and the length of time it may take, accepting that the body is injured and needs to be repaired to return to play is more beneficial. Taking responsibility for the recovery process generates positive outcomes and builds confidence.
Stay Committed
Getting discouraged and missing therapy sessions is expected, especially at the beginning when unable to perform, and pain symptoms are presenting. To get the most out of rehabilitation, stay focused on what needs to be done, not what’s being missed.
To expedite healing, stay committed, and maintain a positive attitude to overcoming the injury.
Apply the same mindset and motivation as you would when practicing the game to the treatment and therapy sessions.
Listen to what the doctor, chiropractor, therapist, and athletic trainer recommend, just as you would a coach.
Set small goals to build momentum and maintain balance, with the end goal of fully recovering and returning to the game.
Self-talk is important to reflect on progress, setbacks, new perspective on the game, and what you want to achieve.
Strengthen the Mind
Research shows that the healing process can happen faster by using mental techniques like imagery and self-hypnosis. These techniques use all senses to generate mental images, emotions, and sensations of the desired outcome. They are used for improving sports skills and techniques, game anxieties, and injury recovery.
Support
A common response after an injury is self-isolating from the team, coaches, family, and friends. However, maintaining contact with others during recovery is highly recommended as all these individuals are there when you need advice, to vent feelings, or to raise your spirits when feeling discouraged. Knowing you don’t have to face the injury alone can push you to keep going.
Alternate Fitness
Individuals going through injury treatment will undoubtedly go through physical strengthening, stretching, etc. But depending on the type of injury, individuals can modify their sports training or add safe and gentle alternate forms of exercise to maintain conditioning and strength for their sport. This can encourage recovery, as the individual is still participating and working to return to play. Talk with the doctor, chiropractor, trainer, or therapist to help create an alternative workout program around the specific sport.
With a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, taking rehabilitation and recovery slow, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a positive mindset, coping with injuries can be a successful learning journey.
Unlocking Pain Relief
References
Clement, Damien, et al. “Psychosocial responses during different phases of sport-injury rehabilitation: a qualitative study.” Journal of athletic training vol. 50,1 (2015): 95-104. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-49.3.52
Johnson, Karissa L, et al. “Exploring the Relationship Between Mental Toughness and Self-Compassion in the Context of Sports Injury.” Journal of sport rehabilitation vol. 32,3 256-264. 1 Dec. 2022, doi:10.1123/jsr.2022-0100
Leguizamo, Federico et al. “Personality, Coping Strategies, and Mental Health in High-Performance Athletes During Confinement Derived From the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Frontiers in public health vol. 8 561198. 8 Jan. 2021, doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.561198
Rice, Simon M et al. “The Mental Health of Elite Athletes: A Narrative Systematic Review.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 46,9 (2016): 1333-53. doi:10.1007/s40279-016-0492-2
Smith, A M et al. “The psychological effects of sports injuries. Coping.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 9,6 (1990): 352-69. doi:10.2165/00007256-199009060-00004
Many individuals are constantly in their vehicles and driving from one place to another in the quickest amount of time. When auto accidents occur, numerous effects can affect many individuals, especially their bodies and mentality. The emotional impact of an auto accident can change a person’s quality of life and take a toll on the person as they become miserable. Then there is the physical side, where the body lunges forward rapidly, causing excruciating pain in the upper and lower portions. The muscles, ligaments, and tissues become overstretched beyond their capacity causing pain-like symptoms to develop and overlap other risk profiles. Today’s article discusses the effects of an auto accident occurs on the body, the symptoms associated with auto accidents, and how treatment like chiropractic care utilizes techniques like the MET technique to assess the body. We provide information about our patients to certified medical providers that offer available therapy techniques like MET (muscle energy techniques) for individuals dealing with back and neck pain associated with auto accidents. We encourage each patient appropriately by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results. We accept that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most crucial questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., assesses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Effects Of An Auto Accident On The Body
Have you been dealing with excruciating pain in your neck or back after an automobile collision? Have you noticed any of your muscles feeling stiffed or strained? Or have you been dealing with unwanted pain-like symptoms affecting your daily life? When a person has been through an auto accident, the spine, neck, and back along with their associated muscle groups, are affected by pain. When it comes to the effects of an auto accident on the body, we have to look at how the body reacts when the vehicles collide. Research studies have revealed neck pain is a common complaint to many adults involved in an auto accident. When a person collides with another car, their necks are lunged forward rapidly, causing a whiplash effect on the neck and shoulder muscles. Not only the neck is being affected, but also the back. Additional studies have mentioned that low back pain associated with vehicle collisions can cause the lumbar back muscles to be overstretched and develop non-fatal physical injuries over time, either during or the day after the accident. To that point, it can lead to unwanted symptoms associated with auto accidents and correlate with overlap risk profiles.
Symptoms Associated With Auto Accidents
The symptoms associated with auto accidents affecting neck and back muscles vary depending on the collision’s severity. According to “Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques,” Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., stated that when someone suffers from an auto accident, the traumatic forces affect not only the cervical or temporomandibular muscles but also the lumbar muscles. This causes the muscle tissue fibers to be torn and damaged, which causes muscle pain. The book also mentioned that a person injured in a collision could develop nociceptive modulated neck, shoulders, and back muscle dysfunction. To that point, the flexor and extensor muscles are hyperextended, shortened, and strained, which is the result of causing muscle stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion to the neck, shoulder, and back.
Unlocking Pain Relief: How We Assess Motion To Alleviate Pain-Video
Have you been experiencing a limited range of motion to your shoulders, neck, and back? What about feeling muscle stiffness when stretching? Or do you feel muscle tenderness in certain body areas after an auto accident? Many of these pain-like symptoms are associated with auto accidents affecting the neck, shoulders, and back. This causes constant body pain, and many issues develop over time in the various muscle groups. Luckily there are ways to reduce the pain and help restore the body to function. The video above explains how chiropractic care is used to assess the body through spinal manipulation. Chiropractic care uses various techniques to help with spinal subluxation and loosen up stiff, tight muscles to help relax and restore each muscle group while relieving unwanted pain from the muscle tissues and ligaments.
Chiropractic Care & The MET Technique Assessing The Body
Studies reveal that auto accidents are a major cause of spinal and muscle injuries treated by chiropractic care. When a person suffers after an auto accident, they will experience pain all over their bodies and try to find ways to relieve the pain affecting their daily lives through treatment. One of the treatments that can help reduce pain and restore the body is chiropractic care. When chiropractors are treating the body to reduce pain, they use various techniques like the MET technique (muscle energy technique) to stretch and strengthen soft tissue and use manual manipulation to realign the spine, work out the tight muscles, nerves, and ligaments to prevent further damage on the body while getting the affected individuals back to shape. Chiropractic care also has a close relationship with other treatments like physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles in the body and help many people be aware of how their bodies function.
Conclusion
Overall, when a person has experience pain in their back, neck, and shoulder muscles from an auto accident, it can affect their emotional and physical well-being. The effects of an auto accident cause unwanted pain symptoms to develop and correlate with nociceptive modulated dysfunction. To that point, it can cause issues like muscle stiffness and tenderness in the affected areas. Fortunately, treatments like chiropractic care allow the body to be restored through manual manipulation and the MET technique to gently stretch the soft tissues and muscles and realign the body back to functioning. Incorporating chiropractic care with the MET technique, the body will experience relief, and the host can be pain-free.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Dies, Stephen, and J Walter Strapp. “Chiropractic Treatment of Patients in Motor Vehicle Accidents: A Statistical Analysis.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 1992, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2484939/.
Fewster, Kayla M, et al. “Low-Velocity Motor Vehicle Collision Characteristics Associated with Claimed Low Back Pain.” Traffic Injury Prevention, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 May 2019, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31074647/.
Vos, Cees J, et al. “Impact of Motor Vehicle Accidents on Neck Pain and Disability in General Practice.” The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2529200/.
How a person walks or their gait performance can determine how their body’s balance and stability are functioning. Since the body has many muscles, ligaments, and tissues in the musculoskeletal system protecting the spine and the vital organs that work together to maintain proper functionality when a person is in motion; however, the body can succumb to numerous issues that can affect a person’s gait performance and cause the upper and lower extremities to develop myofascial trigger points in the muscle fibers. When these issues begin to cause dysfunction in the body, it can lead to many disorders associated with gait disturbances. Today we will focus on how to approach gait disturbances, how trigger points affect gait performances, and how treatment techniques like MET can help. We provide information about our patients to certified medical providers that offer available therapy techniques like MET (muscle energy techniques) for individuals dealing with gait disturbances associated with trigger points that correlate to how a person walks. We encourage each patient appropriately by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results. We accept that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most crucial questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., assesses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
How To Approach Gait Disturbances?
Have you been dealing with mobility issues when walking? How about feeling stiffness in your hips or lower body extremities? Or have you experienced headaches or neck pain? Many of these issues are associated with gait disturbances that can affect your ability to walk. When it comes to gait disturbances, studies reveal that underlying systemic disorders or other environmental factors could trigger the prevalence of gait disturbances. Regarding gait disturbances, it is important to know that as the body ages, it can cause issues to the musculoskeletal system naturally, and environmental factors can further affect the central nervous system to cause gait disturbances. Additional studies have mentioned that gait disorders in the elderly could potentially lead to various issues that affect a person’s quality of life. When approaching gait disturbances, many doctors will examine to see the causes of these gait disturbances that correlate with the musculoskeletal system. It could be:
Orthopedic problems
Neurological conditions
Musculoskeletal disturbances
Metabolic disturbances
Many of these issues can cause the lower half of the body to shift the skeletal joints, leading to tight, stiff muscles and developing tiny hard nodules in the muscle fibers that can further affect gait performance.
How Do Trigger Points Affect Gait Performances
So how can these tiny hard nodules affect gait performance in the body? These small hard nodules are trigger points and often correlate with overlapping risk profiles associated with musculoskeletal disorders. “Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques,” written by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O, and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., mentioned that various additional causes and maintaining factors may be associated with dysfunctional patterns that correlate with trigger point involvement. The book also says that different influences affecting the muscles can increase trigger point activity while inducing influences from acute or chronic soft tissue dysfunction. Research studies reveal that myofascial pain syndrome is a collection of sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms that correlate with musculoskeletal symptoms like local/referred pain, decreased range of motion, and muscle weakness. When trigger points are causing problems in the muscle fibers, it can affect a person’s gait performance and cause them to lose function when walking.
Balance Issues Associated With Myofascial Trigger Points-Video
Have you been dealing with balancing issues when walking? Do your muscles feel tight in certain areas? Or do constant headaches or neck pain affect your day? The video above explains what can cause balancing issues that affect gait performance and cause numerous symptoms like headaches and neck pain. Many balance issues are associated with myofascial trigger points affecting your gait performance. Myofascial trigger points can overlap risk profiles that can affect the muscle fibers in the body. Many correlating factors can affect a person’s gait performance, leading to musculoskeletal disorders related to trigger points. When musculoskeletal disorders are correlated with myofascial trigger points, it can decrease a person’s health and wellness if not treated early on. Fortunately, some treatments incorporate techniques to reduce muscle and joint pain while alleviating symptoms associated with myofascial trigger points.
How The MET Technques Helps With Gait Performance & Trigger Points
When a person is dealing with imbalances affecting their gait performance and having overlapping risk profiles associated with trigger points, treatment techniques can help improve their gait while reducing pain-like symptoms. Many pain specialists will use the MET technique (muscle energy technique) to help stretch affected muscles that are stiff and help regain mobility back to the body. Therapies like chiropractic care utilize this technique combined with spinal manipulation to help realign the body while loosening up stiff muscles affecting gait performance. When a person continues treatment care to regain mobility, it allows them to be aware of how they walk and carry themselves without pain.
Conclusion
How a person walks is how their balance and stability function in different environments. A person’s gait performance has to maintain the functionality that allows the various muscles, ligaments, and tissues in the musculoskeletal system to move. When environmental factors or musculoskeletal disorders affect the different muscles, it can cause overlapping issues that affect gait performance. To that point, it leads to stiffness and pain associated with trigger points. Luckily techniques like the MET combined with chiropractic care can help realign the body and loosen up stiff muscles and joints to regain mobility back to the body and help improve overall gait performance.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Marshall, Frederick J. “Approach to the Elderly Patient with Gait Disturbance.” Neurology. Clinical Practice, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3613197/.
Pirker, Walter, and Regina Katzenschlager. “Gait Disorders in Adults and the Elderly : A Clinical Guide.” Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5318488/.
Individuals can experience back muscle rigidity for years and not realize it. This is because the muscles tighten incrementally, and slowly the body begins to acclimate to the feeling and positioning that it becomes normal. And it continues with gradually increased aches and pains. Not until an individual has experienced a therapeutic massage and chiropractic adjustment do they realize just how tight and stiff they were. This is when individuals realize how their musculoskeletal system works and need to maintain loose, flexible muscle tissue for mobility and function. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can treat, rehabilitate, educate, and improve an individual’s overall health.
Muscle Rigidity
When the body needs to move, the brain sends a nerve signal to the muscles in that region, causing the muscles to tighten or contract. Muscles can contract a little or a lot, depending on the activity. After contracting, the muscles relax until the next time they are needed. Muscle rigidity happens when a muscle or a group of muscles stays fully or partly contracted for an extended period. The nerve signals keep telling the muscle to contract even when the muscle is no longer needed. This can last for several hours or days.
The longer the muscle remains contracted, the more symptoms present and persist. Muscle rigidity is often triggered by stress. Stress affects the body’s nervous system, including nerves and their function. The nervous system can respond to stress by generating additional pressure on the blood vessels, reducing blood circulation, and causing tension and pain.
Causes
Certain medications, such as statins, can cause muscle rigidity, and several conditions can also contribute to it. These include:
Dehydration is a condition as a result of not drinking enough water.
A repetitive strain injury is an injury to the muscles or nerves due to muscle overuse.
Pinched nerves.
Delayed-onset muscle soreness is stiffness and pain that develops hours or days after strenuous physical activity and exercise.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme fatigue, sleep problems, and pain.
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic disorder where pressure on sensitive muscle points causes pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the joints.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that can cause muscle soreness, pain, and rigidity.
Claudication is a condition in which cramping occurs due to a lack of blood flow to the muscles, usually in the legs.
Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever wick-borne illnesses that can cause nerve damage.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease that causes nerve problems and a loss of voluntary muscle control.
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is a muscle and nerve condition that causes pain and swelling.
Dystonia is a condition that causes random/involuntary muscle contractions.
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause joint pain and stiffness.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disease that affects movement.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause muscle pain and stiffness.
Bacterial and Viral infections.
Treatment
The objective of treatment is to train the muscles to relax completely. The specific treatment used can vary depending on the cause and severity.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment will address the condition or injury and then the muscle rigidity. Treatment involves massaging (manually and percussively) the areas to relax and stretch the tight tissues. Chiropractic releases and realigns the misaligned joints and bones to their proper position. The central nervous system recognizes the new positioning as naturally energy efficient. However, there will still be aches and soreness as the body adjusts until it becomes more consistent and normal for the individual.
Home Therapy
Home therapy is recommended with physical therapy and/or chiropractic to maintain flexibility and make necessary changes/adjustments to a treatment plan as the patient progresses and the muscles start to adhere to the massaging, manipulation, and training. They can include the following:
Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the affected area increases circulation.
Targeted gentle stretches.
Avoiding certain activities that could trigger the muscle to become rigid again until the body is ready.
Chandwani D, Varacallo M. Exertional Compartment Syndrome. [Updated 2022 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544284/
Chu, Eric Chun-Pu et al. “Chiropractic care of Parkinson’s disease and deformity.” Journal of medicine and life vol. 15,5 (2022): 717-722. doi:10.25122/jml-2021-0418
Joshi, Aditi et al. “Effectiveness of Myofascial Release (MFR) vs. High-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Relief and Functional Improvement in College Students With Trapezius Myalgia.” Cureus vol. 14,10 e29898. 4 Oct. 2022, doi:10.7759/cureus.29898
Tan, Xueli, et al. “The efficacy of music therapy protocols for decreasing pain, anxiety, and muscle tension levels during burn dressing changes: a prospective randomized crossover trial.” Journal of burn care & research: official publication of the American Burn Association vol. 31,4 (2010): 590-7. doi:10.1097/BCR.0b013e3181e4d71b
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