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.
Everyone wants to be healthier at some point in their lives. Some individuals train to be athletes and must follow procedures to maintain their health. In comparison, others want to get healthier by eating the right food, exercising for at least 30 minutes to an hour, meditating or doing yoga to relieve stress, and maintaining a healthy weight. However, many environmental factors do affect the human body. They can alter how a person looks, weight, levels of physical activity, and how different foods affect the body’s metabolism. When environmental factors start to take hold of a person’s health, it can trigger unwanted issues that affect not only the muscles in the body but the associated internal organs that help provide the functionality to the body. Today’s article focuses on the musculoskeletal system, how different issues affect the musculoskeletal system and associate with other problems in the body, and various treatments to improve musculoskeletal health. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in musculoskeletal therapies that help those with musculoskeletal disorders. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
The Musculoskeletal System & Its Function
How does the musculoskeletal system play its role in the human body? The body is considered a complex being that consists of various organs, muscles, tissues, ligaments, and joints that help move a person from one place to another, resting while needed, and doing multiple activities in a casual relationship. Studies reveal that the musculoskeletal system is controlled by the central nervous system that interconnects the motor-sensory function for the body’s ability to move and rest.
The three main muscle groups that make up the musculoskeletal system are:
Skeletal muscle- Muscle tendons that are connected to the bones
Cardiac muscle- Muscles associated with the heart
Smooth muscle- Muscles that line with blood vessels and specific organs (ex. intestines)
Each muscle group provides different functions that correlate to how the body moves. Skeletal muscles make the legs and arms move. Cardiac muscles help the heart pump blood to the various muscles, organs, and tissues. Smooth muscles help specific organs (intestines, stomach, and urinary tract) digest, collect nutrients, and eliminate toxins in the body.
Issues That Affect The Musculoskeletal System
These factors are related to different issues that can not only disrupt the musculoskeletal system but can be an overlap of profiles affecting the cardiovascular system, spinal health, and gut system. The different factors that are associated with the musculoskeletal system are:
Obesity
Lack of physical activity
Poor Posture
Inflammation
Unhealthy Diet
How would various factors implicate musculoskeletal issues while triggering different bodily problems? Well, let’s use obesity as an example. Obesity is associated with issues like back and joint pain as studies reveal that these musculoskeletal issues make up pain and disability as a dominant source. A poor diet of processed foods high in fats and sugars can be associated with the risk of developing obesity.
Not only that, but obesity could potentially be involved in the thoracic spine and upper back pain due to the result of physical inactivity and poor dieting. The weight on the body can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back, causing the spinal vertebrae to become misaligned and pressure the nerves exiting the spinal cord. The misalignment of the vertebrae is called a subluxation. When a person is suffering from upper back pain, it can overlap with chest pain, which can be a concerning issue to vital organs like the heart, which potentially involved in the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is related to subluxation that may affect the heart contraction rate, rhythm, and power through the sympathetic efferent pathways originating from the thoracic region.
An Overview Of The Musculoskeletal System-Video
Are you experiencing pain in your upper back or chest? How about cardiac issues associated with shouldering and arming pain? Many of these issues are related to factors that affect the musculoskeletal system that might potentially be involved with chronic issues. The video above summarizes the musculoskeletal system’s role in the body. When environmental factors become a risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders that can potentially be involved in different bodily problems, studies reveal that musculoskeletal disorders associated with abnormal functions may cause a significant impact on regular performances. An example would be a person dealing with bad hip pain and cannot do any exercises triggering heart issues. This is defined as somato-visceral pain where the affected muscle is associated with an internal organ being a pain mediator.
Treatments For Improving Musculoskeletal System
In most treatments, many individuals utilize the following to improve not only the musculoskeletal system but other issues that affect the body:
Exercise
Healthy Diet
Stress Management Treatments
Chiropractic Therapy
No matter what affliction or health problem a person is dealing with, having the best treatment solution possible is a start on a person’s health and wellness journey. The first step is to have a precise diagnosis to the doctor while giving as much information as possible is critical. Providing them with a complete health history is an essential first step. After a manual examination of the issues causing them pain, the primary physician could refer the individual for chiropractic care to relieve issues affecting their musculoskeletal system.
Many people usually only associate chiropractic care with back problems. Still, the reality is that chiropractic therapy can be helpful for the musculoskeletal system and various issues related to the muscles and organs. A chiropractor can provide therapeutic stretches and recommend exercises to individuals to help them avoid the same problems later on. Many chiropractors offer recommendations and nutrition that individuals can utilize to help improve their condition. For the musculoskeletal system, a healthy diet may help achieve and maintain a healthy body weight while reducing the risk of chronic disease. Eating the right amount of healthy greens, fruits, beneficial carbs, and healthy fats can help reduce the risk of developing chronic issues in the body like cardiovascular diseases. However, if primary cardiac problems affect the body, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The body is considered a complex being that consists of various organs, muscles, tissues, ligaments, and joints that provide various activities to the host. The musculoskeletal system has three muscle groups: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles provide different functions that correlate to how the body moves. When various factors begin to cause issues to the musculoskeletal system, they can potentially be involved with pain issues that affect more than the body. Treatments like chiropractic care, a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management may be the stepping stones to alleviating various issues that are affecting the musculoskeletal system and a great start in achieving health and wellness.
References
Kennel, Peter J, et al. “Skeletal Muscle Changes in Chronic Cardiac Disease and Failure.” Comprehensive Physiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Sept. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6752037/.
Malik, Khalid M, et al. “Musculoskeletal Disorders a Universal Source of Pain and Disability Misunderstood and Mismanaged: A Critical Analysis Based on the U.S. Model of Care.” Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Kowsar, 15 Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6348332/.
Murphy, Andrew C, et al. “Structure, Function, and Control of the Human Musculoskeletal Network.” PLoS Biology, Public Library of Science, 18 Jan. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5773011/.
Stochkendahl, Mette J, et al. “Diagnosis and Treatment of Musculoskeletal Chest Pain: Design of a Multi-Purpose Trial.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, BioMed Central, 31 Mar. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2315652/.
Cervical spinal stenosis is a condition that causes narrowing of the neck region of the spine. This narrowing can compress the nerves causing pain and discomfort. The symptoms are caused by the misalignment/subluxation of the neck, which is usually the c1 and c2 vertebrae. Misalignments can be caused by daily wear and tear; injuries and tumors can cause or worsen the condition. Cervical spinal stenosis is a severe condition that worsens as time progresses and can cause permanent damage and paralysis. Chiropractor recommendations and non-invasive techniques can alleviate the symptoms, along with therapeutic stretches and exercises, and diet is all part of a personalized treatment plan.
Stenosis Symptoms
The most common symptom is neck pain. Doctors recommend avoiding all activities that worsen the pain; however, chiropractors suggest remaining as active as possible to keep the muscles strong. This is because inactivity over time can lead to muscular deterioration around the neck. Other symptoms besides neck pain include:
Neck discomfort and pain
Headaches
Numbness, tingling in the shoulder, arm, hand
Difficulty maintaining balance
Walking problems
Chiropractor Recommendations
Pain Or Stiffness In The Neck Should Not Be Ignored
Pain or stiffness in the neck that worsens rapidly or does not ease up or go away after two weeks requires medical attention.
Ignoring or dismissing the pain or stiffness can worsen the condition.
Looking Down At A Phone Too Long
Looking down too long increases the strain on the neck.
Keeping the head forward for extended periods increases the chances of pinching/compressing nerves and causing radiculopathy.
Exercises That Roll The Neck Around
Exercises that roll or pull the neck are not advised as they can exacerbate the condition.
A chiropractor will recommend specific neck stretches and exercises on a case-by-case basis.
Heavy Bag, Purse, BackPack On One Shoulder
It is recommended to carry a backpack with both shoulders to distribute the weight evenly.
Over time, a backpack, bag, or purse on the same shoulder will disrupt the walk cycle and pull down on one side of the neck, exacerbating cervical spinal stenosis.
For bags and purses with one strap, it is recommended to alternate shoulders or use a crossbody strap.
Sleeping On The Stomach
Sleeping on the stomach means having to turn the neck to one side.
This stresses and aggravates cervical stenosis.
It is recommended to sleep on the side or back.
Treatment, Therapy, and Rehabilitation
Chiropractic is recommended for spinal stenosis because it corrects and re-aligns dislocated and herniated discs and decompresses the spine.
Treatment reduces pressure on the spinal cord and its joints and nerve networks.
Various techniques include physiotherapeutic massage, spinal adjustments, cervical traction, spinal decompression, and flexion-distraction, which will address stenosis symptoms, treat pain, reduce inflammation, numbness, and restore muscle function.
Non-Surgical Cervical Decompression
References
Clark, Aaron J et al. “Cervical spinal stenosis and sports-related cervical cord neurapraxia.” Neurosurgical focus vol. 31,5 (2011): E7. doi:10.3171/2011.7.FOCUS11173
Kukurin, George W. “The amelioration of symptoms in cervical spinal stenosis with spinal cord deformation through specific chiropractic manipulation: a case report with long-term follow-up.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 27,5 (2004): e7. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2004.04.009
The gut-brain axis is fundamental to the body as it communicates bi-directional with the brain and the gut. Separately they provide different functions that are required of the body. The brain, part of the central nervous system, allows the neurons to travel to each overlapping nerve root while having a causal relationship with different muscles and organs connected to the spinal cord. While the gut, which is part of the gastrointestinal and digestive system, helps modulate the body’s homeostasis and regulates the immune system. The nerves, muscles, and organs correspond as the nerve pathways interconnect to the spinal cord. When injuries or traumatic events affect the body, it can lead the individual to suffer from pain affecting their body while increasing the risk associated within different locations. For example, chronic stress causing gut inflammation is associated with headaches or neck and back pain. Today’s article focuses on the gut-brain axis, what happens when chronic issues affect the gut-brain axis, and how somatovisceral pain affects the gut-brain axis. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in gastroenterology treatments that help those with issues that affect the gut-brain axis and overlapping problems impacting the body. We also guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is the solution to asking our providers insightful questions. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
How Does The Gut & Brain Work Together?
The way the gut and brain correlate together is quite remarkable. The gut allows food to be digested in the stomach to be bio-transformed into nutrients the body needs to function. While the brain sends neuron signals through the spinal cord, those signals help provide the sensory-motor functions to make the body move. Now, how do the brain and gut work together in the body? Well, studies reveal that the gut-brain axis correlates to the various systems like the autonomic nervous system, the HPA axis, and the nerves surrounding the gastrointestinal tract help the brain influence intestinal activity and regulate cognitive function. Each of these vital organs has a causal relationship where they:
Help with sleep regulation
Improve memory functionality
Helps coordinate physical and emotional well-being
Regulating inflammatory responses
When chronic issues affect the gut-brain axis, it can cause an overlap in risk profiles that rise in the body and not just in the brain or the gut. Studies reveal that issues that begin to affect the gut-brain axis can cause alteration within the bi-directional pathway and trigger other problems that correlate to the body.
Chronic Issues Affecting The Gut-Brain Axis
Have you been suffering from fatigue? How about reoccurring headaches that never seem to go away? Do digestive complaints like IBS, GERD, or gut inflammation affect more than your gut? These chronic issues can be various factors that impact the bi-directional connection of the gut-brain axis. Stress, gut inflammation, traumatic events, food allergens, autoimmunity, and metainflammation are some overlapping risk profiles associated with neck and back pain. Studies reveal that chronic stress in the brain can affect the gut’s composition and functionality by alternating intestinal permeability. When the gut microbiome is being affected, the harmful bacteria begin to overproduce and trigger the sympathetic branch of the nervous system to cause an imbalance of hormones to be released and be associated with stress-related muscle dysfunction in the body. So what does this implicates to the body? Let’s say, for example, that you have been experiencing pain in the cervical region of the spine, but your brain is telling the body that it is a headache. This is known as somato-visceral pain.
An Overview Of Somatosensory Tract-Video
Have you been suffering from cognitive and memory dysfunction? How about experiencing gastrointestinal issues that are affecting your gut? Or have you experienced any cramping, gnawing, or sharp pain that seems to be triggered by movement and appears in one area of the body? This is known as somato-visceral pain and is defined as soft tissues and muscles experiencing pain that can affect the internal organs. Somato-visceral pain is much easier to identify than viscero-somatic pain because visceral pain is caused by damaged internal organs associated with distress in different body locations. At the same time, somato-visceral pain is often associated with musculoskeletal pain. The video above explains the somatosensory tract that is in the body and how the body responds to the somatosensory system. The somatosensory system is located within the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is responsible for modulating the body’s sense of touch, vibration, temperature, and pain receptors that are located in the body. When traumatic events affect the somatic nerves, they can trigger changes in the gut-brain axis and cause alterations to the affected organs.
Somatovisceral Pain Affecting The Gut-Brain Axis
When dealing with chronic stress, the effects cause a dysfunctional gut-brain axis and cause issues affecting the two organs. Studies reveal that when chronic stress becomes an associated mediator for gut disturbances and dysregulation of the gut-brain axis, it can cause an overlap in risk profiles in the body. So what does this mean, and how is the body affected by somato-visceral pain? First, let’s look at what happens when the body is affected by chronic stress. When stress affects the gut and the brain, it can cause issues like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or headaches. Studies reveal that IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders that trigger visceral and somatic hypersensitivity on the sensory nerves. So the body experiencing sharp pain in the back or neck may be associated with IBS.
Now looking at headaches and their causes on the body, it is one example of somato-visceral pain. When a person is dealing with neck trauma due to an auto accident that causes whiplash can trigger cervicogenic headache. How do the two correlate with somato-visceral pain? Well, somato-visceral pain is when soft muscles and tissues are affected and can cause an impact on the internal organs. For cervicogenic headaches may trigger mechanical pain along the cervical spine to be aggravated by movement and be associated with musculoskeletal issues like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or muscle strain on the upper cervical spine. Many individuals go to available treatments that can help them better understand the issue that is causing them to be in pain and how to alleviate them.
Conclusion
The gut-brain axis is fundamental in the body as it communicates bi-directional with the brain and the gut. These two organs help keep the body functioning as the brain provides neuron signals while the gut regulates homeostasis. The gut-brain axis helps the body by correlating with the various systems that help influence intestinal activity and control cognitive function. When traumatic factors affect the body’s soft tissues and muscles and trigger organ issues, this is known as somato-visceral pain. Somato-visceral pain is when the muscles are affecting the organs, and an example is cervical muscle strain associated with headaches. Providing much-needed information on available treatments can help many individuals when being examined by their physicians.
References
Appleton, Jeremy. “The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), InnoVision Health Media Inc., Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6469458/.
Carabotti, Marilia, et al. “The Gut-Brain Axis: Interactions between Enteric Microbiota, Central and Enteric Nervous Systems.” Annals of Gastroenterology, Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4367209/.
Martin, Clair R, et al. “The Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis.” Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elsevier, 12 Apr. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6047317/.
Suslov, Andrey V, et al. “The Neuroimmune Role of Intestinal Microbiota in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Disease.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, MDPI, 6 May 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8124579/.
Yuan, Yao-Zong, et al. “Functional Brain Imaging in Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Rectal Balloon-Distention by Using Fmri.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, June 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4611816/.
Athletes train and practice constantly to prepare their mind and bodies for the big games, matches, etc. When the game is on, it is normal/natural to feel anxious and nervous, especially at the beginning, but then the athlete settles in and relaxes, letting their training take over. However, for some athletes, the anxiousness and nervousness doesn’t go away but intensifies, the heart starts racing, and the individual can’t stop thinking about choking, failing, and losing. This is known as sports performance anxiety, or competitive anxiety, and is common.
Competitive Anxiety
Research shows that 30 to 60 percent of athletes experience the disorder. Doctors divide the signs and symptoms into mental and physical categories.
Physical Symptoms
Rapid Heartbeat
The stress can cause overproduction of adrenaline and cortisol, making the heart beat rapidly.
Muscle Tension
The muscles can tighten up, become painful, and cause tension and pain in the head.
Trembling
The hands could shake while holding the ball, bat, racket, or foot twitching could present.
Hyperventilation
Individuals report a sensation of choking or being unable to catch their breath.
Digestion Issues
The stress can cause foods to be quickly digested, causing cramping and/or the sudden urge to use the bathroom.
Mental Symptoms
Fear of Failing
The athlete imagines themselves losing all the time.
Worrying about letting the coach and team down or the audience or other athletes criticizing and laughing at your performance.
Unable to Focus
The athlete may have concentration issues and become absorbed in how others react to their performance.
Overthinking
The athlete can temporarily forget how to perform specific actions that are typically automatic.
Self-confidence issues
The athlete can start doubting their abilities.
Stress and Anxiety
The Yerkes-Dodson law explains how stress, anxiety, and arousal levels affect performance and how stress levels must be maintained within a range to perform well.
Low Arousal
It could be the athlete is not as into the sport as when they began, so they do not put forth the total effort.
High Arousal
This means the sport could be causing so much stress that the athlete panics or freezes up.
Competitive anxiety sets in.
Optimal Arousal
This means the athlete is fully engaged in pushing themselves to the fullest.
This can be applied to any performing task like play rehearsals to a tennis match.
Some recommended steps can be taken to handle and prevent sports competitive anxiety when trying to overcome those overwhelming feelings of nervousness and tension.
Positive self-talk
Self-talk is having a positive conversation with yourself.
Athletes who practiced positive self-talk reported:
Improved self-confidence
Reduced physical anxiety symptoms
Improved sports performance
Listen to Music
When anxious before a meet, game, match, etc., consider listening to some favorite or relaxing music.
Meditation
Meditation has been found to reduce all types of anxiety, including sports.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment specializes in the musculoskeletal system and can realign the body and release any muscle tension and restriction through hands-on manipulation techniques and mechanical decompression. Treatment involves manipulating the muscles, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and soft tissues to relieve pain through therapeutic muscle therapies that include:
One or a combination of therapies can alleviate symptoms related to muscle spasms, delayed onset muscle soreness, fascia restrictions, soft tissue injuries, and pain and dysfunction throughout the body, restoring function, movement, and strength.
Using The DRX9000 For Spinal Decompression
References
Elliott, Dave, et al. “The effects of relaxing music for anxiety control on competitive sport anxiety.” European journal of sports science vol. 14 Suppl 1 (2014): S296-301. doi:10.1080/17461391.2012.693952
Ford, Jessica L et al. “Sport-related anxiety: current insights.” Open access journal of sports medicine vol. 8 205-212. 27 Oct. 2017, doi:10.2147/OAJSM.S125845
Rice, Simon M et al. “Determinants of anxiety in elite athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” British journal of sports medicine vol. 53,11 (2019): 722-730. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2019-100620
Rowland, David L, and Jacques J D M van Lankveld. “Anxiety and Performance in Sex, Sport, and Stage: Identifying Common Ground.” Frontiers in psychology vol. 10 1615. 16 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01615
Walter N, et al. (2019). Effects of self-talk training on competitive anxiety, self-efficacy, volitional skills, and performance: An intervention study with junior sub-elite athletes. mdpi.com/2075-4663/7/6/148
Motor vehicle crashes and accidents cause significant trauma in a few seconds changing an individual’s life completely. Severe injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, fractures, and amputations. Many individuals experience post-traumatic stress disorder – PTSD after a vehicle collision; even a minor accident can cause emotional trauma symptoms. PTSD commonly presents with other symptoms that range from depression to heart disease, and the most frequent symptom is physical pain. Chiropractic decompression, physical therapy, and therapeutic massage can help alleviate physical pain.
PTSD Physical Pain
Physical trauma can cause immediate physical effects and injury, as well as physical symptoms that present later on.
Trying not to talk or think about the crash or accident with friends, family, places, or anything associated with the trauma.
Avoiding activities.
Emotional numbness.
Detachment.
All can generate physical muscle tension and chronic stress, leading to headaches, migraines, back pain, stomach pain, and body aches. Long-term physical pain symptoms can turn chronic pain and medication dependency into a vicious cycle.
Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractic care diagnoses and treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment is recommended to help alleviate the physical symptoms of PTSD. Trauma causes individuals to store intense emotions in their bodies. Chiropractic manipulation and decompression release the tension in the muscles caused by the trauma and the emotional stress. Adjustments restore the body’s alignment and open the nervous system circulation, allowing signals to flow freely, leading to a healthier mind-body connection.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy
References
Beck, J Gayle, and Scott F Coffey. “Assessment and treatment of PTSD after a motor vehicle collision: Empirical findings and clinical observations.” Professional psychology, research, and practice vol. 38,6 (2007): 629-639. doi:10.1037/0735-7028.38.6.629
Elder, Charles et al. “Comparative Effectiveness of Usual Care With or Without Chiropractic Care in Patients with Recurrent Musculoskeletal Back and Neck Pain.” Journal of general internal medicine vol. 33,9 (2018): 1469-1477. doi:10.1007/s11606-018-4539-y
Hu, JunMei, et al. “Chronic widespread pain after motor vehicle collision typically occurs through immediate development and nonrecovery: results of an emergency department-based cohort study.” Pain vol. 157,2 (2016): 438-444. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000388
The lower back core muscles initiate and control movement and posture. Total body movements start at the pelvis and are carried out by the low back and abdominal muscles. These core muscles provide control and stability when moving. When the body is not moving, standing and sitting posture habits (healthy and unhealthy) develop based on how an individual controls/holds their pelvis posture. The lower back muscles are in constant demand for performing repetitive motions or forceful actions. The muscles become chronically tight and sore, joints and nerves get compressed, and bones and connective tissue stay in a stressed state, causing intense pain and damage to the body’s structure. These problems can result from muscle memory, the nervous system’s operating procedure to make movements automatic.
Muscle Memory
The nervous system controls the movement and contraction in the muscles and constantly reinforces and learns new movement patterns to become more efficient through muscle memory. However, this learning process allows for the development of healthy muscle habits and unhealthy muscular habits. An example is sitting using a slouching posture. The nervous system will store that posture data and subconsciously contract the abdominal and pectoral muscles, so the slouched posture takes over. Because of the continual usage and compromised postures, various muscles start to tighten up. Individuals are typically not aware of the gradual tightening until stiffness, soreness, and pain sets in. Tight muscles pull the skeleton in awkward ways that cause body misalignments, causing:
Individuals develop unique muscle patterns and tension levels throughout the body due to repetitive daily activities, stress responses, injuries sustained, and physical activities. Muscle memory issues can contribute to chronic back pain and sciatica. Unhealthy muscle memory causes the muscles not to return to their natural state but to the awkward position and makes that the natural state. Healthy muscle memory leads to instant reflexes that make movements smooth and effortless.
Chiropractic will relieve back and sciatica pain by inducing deep muscle relaxation that releases endorphins. The soreness and tension will be massaged, and mechanical decompression if necessary. Massage and stretching will help retrain muscle and movement memory, along with exercises to reinforce the retraining.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
References
Campbell, James N, and Richard A Meyer. “Mechanisms of neuropathic pain.” Neuron vol. 52,1 (2006): 77-92. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2006.09.021
Wilder, David G et al. “Effect of spinal manipulation on sensorimotor functions in back pain patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.” Trials vol. 12 161. 28 Jun. 2011, doi:10.1186/1745-6215-12-161
After traveling, body/musculoskeletal aches and pains can present from continual standing in line, sitting, staying in the same position, carrying a heavy bag or pulling a suitcase, and sleeping in an unfamiliar bed with different pillows, on a plane or car can cause body imbalances, jerking the spine out of alignment, straining the neck, shoulders, and back causing headaches, soreness, stiffness, back pain, and compression. Chiropractic massage and decompression will relieve travel pains, loosen stiff and sore joints, soothe aching muscles, realign the spine, and restore body health and comfort.
Musculoskeletal Health
The musculoskeletal system is comprised of:
Muscles
Tendons
Ligaments
Bones
Joints
Tissues that move the body and help maintain structure and form.
The health of the musculoskeletal system is defined as the absence of injury, disease, or illness within the system. Keeping this system healthy is crucial for the health of the other body systems.
Common Muskuloskeletal Conditions
Musculoskeletal injuries – work-related, personal, automobile, sports, or physical activity
Musculoskeletal health is enhanced by increased circulation that increases oxygen flow that relaxes the mind and body. Overworked sore, tired muscles after traveling can keep the body tense which could lead to chronic stress symptoms. Chiropractic massage therapy effectively reduces stress and anxiety by manipulating the body tissues like the muscles, tendons, connective tissues, and ligaments, increasing blood circulation and improving flexibility.
Jet-Lag
The body is weak after traveling into different time zones, which can cause jet lag, stress, and relaxation problems.
Jet lag can cause sleep problems, leading to extreme fatigue, headaches, and nausea.
Chiropractic can alleviate jet lag effects quickly by working/massaging/stretching out the muscles, increasing blood flow, flushing out toxins, and calming the body.
Travel Stress
The stress starts right before the trip when preparing, packing, and setting up the house while away.
The body tenses up when traveling to maintain focus, stay alert, and be ready for surprises.
When on vacation, having fun and doing all kinds of activities can make individuals forget to relax.
Waking up early and going to bed late can contribute to travel stress.
Chiropractic therapy will relieve all the strain and return the body to a relaxed state.
Relieve Back Pressure
Sitting for hours can increase pressure on the spine.
The muscles become stiff from the immobility accumulating pressure on the body and the mind, increasing the risk for other pains.
Chiropractic therapy will help lower heart rate and blood pressure relieving discomfort and stiffness.
Relax and Sleep
The internal body clock can get thrown off when traveling, resulting in little to no sleep and irritability.
Driving or flying will drain the body and mind, which can cause fatigue and anxiety.
Chiropractic will restore body and mind functions resulting in sleep and relaxation.
Spinal Decompression Texas
References
Crofford, Leslie J. “Chronic Pain: Where the Body Meets the Brain.” Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association vol. 126 (2015): 167-83.
Sadler, Sean G et al. “Restriction in lateral bending range of motion, lumbar lordosis, and hamstring flexibility predicts the development of low back pain: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 18,1 179. 5 May. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1534-0
Waterhouse, J et al. “The stress of travel.” Journal of sports sciences vol. 22,10 (2004): 946-65; discussion 965-6. doi:10.1080/02640410400000264
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