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.
Q: My primary healthcare provider recently diagnosed me with a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. They referred me to get chiropractic treatment, but I�m nervous because it’s new to me and I’m afraid of being adjusted wrong, paralyzed, etc. Can I trust chiropractic treatment to work?
A: It�s normal to be nervous about going to a chiropractic clinic.
If you’re not sure whether chiropractic is for you, there is scientific evidence that shows how chiropractic techniques like spinal manipulation/spinal adjustment and forms of manual/mechanical therapy are safe and effective for relieving pain and other musculoskeletal pain, conditions, and symptoms.
I encourage everyone to try chiropractic treatment as a non-surgical treatment option for a herniated disc.
It Is Your Decision
At the first appointment, a chiropractor will take a medical history and perform a thorough exam to determine the nature of the symptoms and their possible causes, which include a herniated disc.
Sometimes with a herniated disc, there may be no symptoms at all.
But usually a herniated disc causes:
Back pain
Referred pain or pain that is felt in other parts of the body like the legs, feet, etc.
An irritated spinal nerve can cause symptoms in the legs
This can lead to neurological symptoms like:
Tingling
Numbness
Weakness in the legs
Once the chiropractor determines your symptoms, they may use one or several techniques to relieve the back pain and other symptoms.
Techniques used by chiropractors for disc-related problems include:
Specific self-treatment exercises to improve motion & decrease back pain
Cox technique like spinal traction using special tables
Spinal manipulation
Hands-on techniques that relieve pain and restore movement to the spine and body
These techniques have been proven to be very safe. There are other techniques a chiropractor can recommend for various conditions, as each has their own style and method.
A chiropractic treatment plan will also include:
Education
Self-management instructions
This is to teach you how to control/eliminate pain with proper posture and proper body mechanics.
Whichever treatment the chiropractor recommends, he or she will discuss it with you, including the benefits and risks.
Although the treatments listed above will most likely be a part of your treatment plan, your chiropractor will answer your questions and work with you to select a treatment that meets your specific goals and preferences.
Don’t Be Nervous A Chiropractor Monitors Treatment Progress
If symptoms do not improve within a reasonable time frame, then a chiropractor may refer the patient to other treatments to manage disc-related pain, including:
Physical therapy
Acupuncture
Spinal injections
Surgery
Fortunately, self-management and time can be the best treatment. Allowing the body to heal itself is the way to go. But if rest is not enough then chiropractic treatment may be just what is needed to kick in the body’s self-healing function.
If you decide to give chiropractic treatment a try, don’t be nervous, as a chiropractor will monitor progress throughout the treatment.
In any case, chiropractors are qualified to discuss the benefits and risks of other treatments, depending on the condition.
Hopefully, this article has given you the basics of chiropractic medicine and how it works so you can make the best choice for your herniated disc/s.
Low Back Pain Management El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Denise suffered an auto accident injury which resulted in back pain. When she realized she could not sit, walk or sleep for lengthy periods of time without having painful symptoms, Denise found chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez at El Paso, TX. Once she received therapy for her automobile accident injuries, Denise experienced relief from her symptoms and she was able to execute her regular tasks once again. Thanks to the education and maintenance Dr. Alex Jimenez supplied, Denise regained her initial health and health.
Back pain is more most common, with roughly nine out of ten adults undergoing it at some time in their lifetime, and five functioning adults developing it annually. Some quote around 95 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some time in their lifetime. It is undoubtedly the typical cause of chronic pain since it’s also a substantial contributor to missed work and handicap. In the United States alone, acute cases of lower back pain are the fifth most frequent reason for doctor visits and cause 40% of missed days off work. What’s more, it is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
NCBI Resources
A herniated disc is a common spinal condition that typically affects the cervical spine (neck region) or the lumbar spine (lower back), although it can occur in any part of the spine. Most often, a herniated disc happens at the L4 � L5 and the L5 � S1.� This is because this portion of the spine, the lumbar region, bears the bulk of the body�s weight.
FDA recognizes and approves spinal decompression and its ability to eliminate herniated discs.
On the verge of back surgery, a mason discovered the non-surgical solution to work-related chronic back pain.
A new male patient who works in construction came to see me as a last resort to lessen his back pain brought on from damaged/herniated discs.
His primary caregiver recommended back surgery, but that would have put him on disability for months.
Fortunately, before saying yes to the surgery, a co-worker recommended chiropractic care.
Bricklayers/masons have the highest rate of back injuries with non-paid sick leave.
Constant bending over, even with a back brace, takes its toll on the spine, which in this case resulted in two herniated discs.
Pain medications helped in the beginning but with constant use, put him in a constant brain fog state, along with the expense, which took its toll on the family budget.
Disc Injury & Back Surgery
The doctor did not discuss spinal decompression therapy
�A non-surgical back treatment that slowly and gently stretches the spine.
This stretching lessens the pressure on the compressed nerve root (herniated disc) and results in less and even complete alleviation.
The patient came twice a week with myself and the team working on him over the course of a month, however, every case is different so treatments vary depending on the condition.
With each treatment, the two herniated discs were slowly reverted back to their natural position. This is able to be achieved with less pressure between the discs.
Towards the end of treatment, the patient’s pain was gone by about 90%.
With two weeks of rest, the patient was able to return to work.
The best part was that there was no surgery, pain medications, disability, and hospital bills.
Spine treatment alternative
Chiropractic/Decompression therapy is way less expensive than medication and surgery. It is:
Non-surgical
Recovery time is faster
Completely drug-free
People suffering every day with herniated/injured discs should consider the chiropractic decompression option. You do not have to learn to live with chronic back pain.
If you suffer from:
Herniated discs
Bulging discs
Degenerative disc disease
I encourage you to discuss the condition with an experienced chiropractor. There are many proven alternatives to back surgery and pain meds. People need to be aware of these alternatives for chronic back pain. The right-back pain treatment can definitely improve the quality of life.
Herniated Disc El Paso, TX
Sandra Rubio developed two herniated discs and a bulging disc after suffering from an accident at a young age, which caused her intense pain throughout her youth.
When she became a mother, her symptoms became severe.
After visiting doctors without results, Sandra found chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez and found relief from her sciatica and migraines.
The herniated disc treatment she received from Dr. Alex Jimenez was non-surgical.
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is a medical condition in which:
Atear from the outer intervertebral disc allows the soft, central area to bulge out beyond the outer rings.
Disc herniation is usually a result of:
Degeneration (wear/tear)
Trauma (auto accident/sports injury)
Lifting injuries
Straining movement
The tear can release the compounds, which cause inflammation and can cause severe pain even if the nerve root not compressed.
A physical examination is usually the first step in diagnosing a herniated disc. The chiropractor will examine the spine while the patient is standing, and while they’re lying down. Depending on the severity and location of the herniation, they may note a decrease in spine curvature.
Radicular pain will be assessed, when the spine is:
Unmoving
In motion
With pressure applied
Other tests may be administered.
X-rays may also be taken, but an MRI is usually more accurate and shows more detail.
Chiropractic has been very effective in helping patients manage their pain and regain their mobility so they can return to their normal life. Therefore, it should be your first option for treatment before you go down the road with drugs or surgery.
NCBI Resources
It is often referred to as a ruptured disc or slipped disc and occurs when the disc moves or slips out of place. It can also be the result of a disc that has a small tear and is leaking the jelly-like substance that is inside. This can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
Cyrex Laboratories is an advanced clinical laboratory that specializes in the functional approach in environmentally induced autoimmunity.� Cyrex works with the leading experts in medical research and provides arrays that address the cross-connections throughout the body systems. In addition to this, Cyrex�strives to deliver the best quality for the patients by always improving and using the most accurate and advanced technology.
Arrays
Cyrex has multiple arrays they use to test patients depending on their symptoms. These arrays range from Alzheimer�s to Joint auto-immune reactivity screenings. Often times, patients who have issues with their joints or headaches and pain, can be traced back to an underlying issue. When a patient comes to a doctor, the practitioner will evaluate and assess the patient based on the symptoms they bring.� From here, the practitioner can go to Cyrex and order the arrays that best suit their patient�s needs. The Cyrex system revolves around immune function and measures the identifiers that can affect multiple tissues in the body, including the brain, heart, pancreas, nervous system, liver, gastrointestinal system, bones, and joints.� The turn around time for these labs is fairly quick and helps highlight the underlying route of the patient�s symptoms.
Cyrex arrays use serum (a blood draw) as their main form of testing. No matter the array the doctor orders, the patient will receive the same kit. The requisition form that is inside the kit is what matters to the phlebotomist and lab as this is where the array ordered will be marked.
The kit is a small box labeled Cyrex Laboratories, Serum Collection Kit. On top of the kit held in place by a rubber band will be a shipping label and bag for the sample to go in once collected. Inside the kit is a smaller styrofoam box that includes a serum separator tube, a serum transport tube, tube labels, a biohazard bag, and collection instructions.
As one can see from the above photo, the different arrays test for different reactions/conditions. A doctor may order one or multiple arrays depending on the patient.
Array 2 is one of the most popular, as leaky gut is a condition that affects most Americans. This test screens for IgG, IgA, and IgM of Lipopolysaccharides and Occludin/Zonulin.
Integrative Testing
Often times, practitioners will use multiple lab companies on one patient. This is not because one is superior to the other, but rather because they specialize in different areas. Even though the doctor may order labs from different companies, it is in the patient�s best interest because it allows the practitioner to view multiple areas to truly understand the underlying issue.
Patients who come in with symptoms like aching joints, headaches, trouble falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, leaky gut, and brain fog will certainly benefit from using multiple lab companies.
Using Cyrex array 2 and DUTCH + CAR the patient will get extremely accurate information in regards to what is occurring in their body. The Cyrex array test will show the practitioner if the patient has a leaky gut and how severe. While the DUTCH + CAR allows the doctor to determine the cortisol patterns in the individual�s body. Sometimes, these levels are not rising and falling at the right times, causing the patient to be tired or having trouble staying asleep.
The patient�s health should always come first, and when doctors are knowledgable enough to use more than one lab, the patient benefits are outstanding. By using the companies together, the doctor is able to check multiple areas, leaving no guesswork when it comes to a treatment protocol. However, it is important to remember that labs vary on patient needs. Some patients are able to use the same company for all labs and obtain the accurate results they need.
Cyrex tests for many conditions and has multiple arrays. Although many
Cyrex labs are a great tool for practitioners and health coaches to use! By using these arrays, it helps the practitioner not only treat the symptoms, but it allows them the insight they need to treat the problem at the route source. The tools that Cyrex provides go a long way in evaluating the complex disorders the human body may have. By using Cyrex and coupling it with other tests from DUTCH or labrix, the patient is able to get proper treatment and get back to the hobbies they used to love and enjoy. These companies are all fantastic and provide specialities in different areas. By using more than one company, the pateint truly gets the best results and the doctors are able to construct a solid treatment protocol with all of the information obtained.�� Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach�
*All information was obtained from Cyrex.com
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Physical therapists or PT’s are healthcare professionals that help treat/rehabilitate patients of all ages with various types of injuries.
Personal
Work
Sports
Auto Accidents
A primary care physician, physiatrist, orthopaedist, spine surgeon, or neurosurgeon may refer an individual to a physical therapist as part of a non-surgical�treatment plan.
A physical therapy program may be an integral part of your after-care following surgery.
Some treatments are done prior to active therapeutic exercise.
Conditions therapists treat
Sciatica
Whiplash
Rheumatoid arthritis
Degenerative disc disease
Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
Post spine surgery therapy
Therapists want to help patients rebuild strength, flexibility, and endurance after any type of intense surgery, as well as help with any specific physical necessities related to post-surgery.
Team Care
Therapists often work directly for or with a doctor/chiropractor to coordinate a treatment plan.
A doctor may send the therapist:
Diagnosis
Current medications
Imaging/scan results
During the consultation, the physical therapist talks about medical history, diagnosis, and symptoms.
This can include:
Conditions
Medications being taken
Diet
Supplements
Type of Pain like:
Acute
Chronic
Episodic
The location of the pain that will also include:
Severity
Type
Factors that decrease or increase pain
Training
Physical therapists have completed an accredited physical therapy program and passed a required state licensing examination.
Therapists graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties through a series of classes/tests therapists can become board-certified specialists in specific areas like:
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Geriatrics
Sports
These are just a few, but there are many areas of specialization.
Physical Therapist
Many states allow individuals to go to a physical therapist without a referral from a doctor.
Definitely ask your doctor for a recommendation, but also think about what you want in a therapist.
Male or female physical therapist, which is right for you
Take Charge
Physical therapists are valuable healthcare professionals and members of the medical community.
Physical therapy can be challenging but don’t let that get you down, because they will help get you back to optimal health, along with building a stronger, healthier body.
Whiplash Massage Therapy El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Physical therapist Sandra Rubio describes how whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident can cause symptoms of neck pain.
An injury to the cervical spine can damage the complex structures of the neck, including:
Vertebrae
Intervertebral discs
Soft tissues
Tendons
Ligaments
Muscles
Neck pain can come from various structures in the neck including vascular, nerve, airway, digestive, and musculature or it can originate from other areas of the human body.
Most cases can be treated with assistance or using self-help suggestions and techniques.
NCBI Resources
Physical therapy includes both active and passive treatments. Passive treatments help to unwind the body and the physique. As an individual does not need to actively participate, they�re known as passive. A physical treatment program may begin with treatments that are passive, but the goal is to get into treatments that are more active.
A look at what a stinger or burner injury is and what they can do to the neck and shoulders. We will look at:
Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
Contact sports, like:
Football
Hockey
Soccer
Basketball
This is a very common cervical injury that affects the neck and upper body. This is known as a stinger.
A stinger can also be called a burner and is an injury that happens when the head or neck gets hit to one side, which causes the shoulder to be pulled in the opposite direction.
Stingers/burners often happen at the high school level but can occur at all levels of play.
Stinger/Burner neck injury cause
A stinger is caused by stretching the brachial plexus nerves.
These peripheral nerves that come out of:
Spinal cord
Run across the shoulders
Under the collarbone
Into the arms
The brachial plexus nerves give the arms their strength and sensation.
When a sideways hit to the head or hit to the shoulder occurs, the nerves can become:
Compressed
Stretched
Irritated
Symptoms of a cervical stinger
This type of sideways collision causes immediate and intense pain, tingling or burning sensations that can run down the arm into the fingers.
Weakness in the affected arm or hand is common.
The weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations can last a few minutes or for a few weeks.
Stinger/burner injury treatment
Fortunately, most stinger injuries heal on their own with rest and relaxation of the neck muscles.
Athletes are placed on the disabled list until symptoms are gone and a doctor has cleared the athlete.
Players can return to sport once the pain is gone and they’ve regained:
Full range of motion
Strength
Normal sensation in neck and arms
Constant or recurring symptoms could indicate a more serious injury.
Cervical x-rays, a CT scan, or MRI could be used to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Can stinger/burner injuries be prevented?
Strengthening exercises for the neck muscles are an important way for athletes and beginners to help prevent these injuries.
Using the proper and correct technique in contact sports to avoid spearing/spear tackles and head down tackling.
Safety equipment, like neck rolls, can help limit the backward movement of the neck.
Players who experience stinger symptoms should immediately report it to their coaches or team/personal physician.
Ignoring or playing through a stinger injury can lead to more severe injuries.
*Neck* Pain Chiropractic Care | El Paso, Tx
Following a balanced diet along with healthy lifestyle habits can help promote optimal health and wellness.
People with neck pain realize how much their symptoms affect their ability to engage in everyday activities.
Dr. Alex Jimenez helps patients achieve neck pain relief through chiropractic care, an alternative treatment option that carefully corrects any spinal misalignments or subluxations.�
NCBI Resources
Stretching is an outstanding complement to chiropractic care.
Blood flow to the muscles is increased, helps lower the risk of injury and improves performance.
Stretching is good for the joints, it helps them function through their full range of motion.
The discs that cushion the vertebrae are made up of a tough outer layer and a softer inner layer. When the outer layer is damaged and the inner layer comes out into the spine, it is referred to as�disc herniation.
Often the symptoms of a herniated disc include back pain, as the inner layer of the disc puts pressure on nerves in the spine. A herniated disc can impact the sciatic nerve, leading to sciatica.
If you know that your sciatica was caused by a herniated disc then try these exercises and stretches to help reduce back and leg pain.
Exercises that help relieve sciatica from a herniated disc
If your spine specialist or chiropractor informed you that a herniated disc is what caused the pain also known as lumbar radiculopathy they may recommend� three sciatica exercises:
Prone on elbows into Press-up
Upper back extension
Opposite arm and leg extension
These stretches can help provide relief when the root cause of sciatica from herniated or bulging disc.
Prone Elbows/Press-Up
This exercise is to ease sciatica from herniated disc pain and pressure in the lumbar spine/low back.
How to:
Lay on stomach
Slowly push up until rested on forearms
Beginners hold for 30 seconds
Once strength is gained and you feel comfortable then hold for 3 to 5 minutes
Gently lower to the floor
Repeat 10 times
Once comfortable holding for 5 minutes then perform an extended arms version, which is like push-ups raising your arms to the point where your elbows lock
Upper Back Extension
This exercise is to strengthen and stabilize the low back muscles.
How to:
Lay on your stomach with a small pillow or rolled towel under your hips
Rest your arms at your sides
Slowly lift your upper body up off the floor, contracting your low back muscles as you rise
Hold the lifted position for 3 seconds
Slowly lower your body to the ground
Repeat 10 times
Throughout this exercise, keep movements fluid and controlled.
Opposite Arm and Leg Extension
This exercise is to stabilize your spine and strengthen your low back, hamstring and gluteus muscles.
How to:
Lay on your stomach with a small pillow or rolled towel under your abdomen
Extend both arms in front of you
Contract your abdominal muscles as you slowly lift both your right arm and left leg
Hold for 3 seconds. Lower your leg and arm down
Repeat with your left arm and right leg
Hold for 3 seconds
Repeat the exercise 5 to 10 times on each side
As you alternate the lifts, make sure to keep abdominal muscles contracted to get the full benefit.
How do these exercises relieve sciatica from herniated disc
These exercises and stretches are designed to move the pain from the leg and into the low back.
This is centralization/localization.
This is a good thing, as the goal is to get the pain centralized and back at the source.
When the leg pain goes away, it means the pressure on the sciatic nerve and related nerves has been removed.
If sciatic pain stretches down to the foot, you will feel these exercises, meaning that the pain and electrical sensations will move through the ankle and knee. Which means you’re doing it correctly.
This does not mean that the pain is immediately going to centralize to the low back, it does take time because you are trying to stretch and straighten out this long nerve.
But you will notice sciatica pain does not go as far down the leg.
Therefore�these exercises need to be done consistently and be made a part of your routine.
What to know before exercising
Before starting these stretches, consider three recommendations:
Get a doctor�s approval
A spine specialist should clear you to perform these stretches and exercises before you start.
While these exercises are safe, get a doctor�s permission before starting physical activity.
Know the cause so your exercise program helps and not makes the condition worse
Sciatica from herniated disc means a different type of exercise than sciatica caused by piriformis syndrome.
Knowing this information will help you choose an exercise plan that provides maximum relief.
Don�t push too hard
Don’t aggravate sciatica, listen to your body and go slow.
Experience any pain or symptoms:
Weakness
Tingling
Numbness
Contact a spine specialist immediately!
Sciatic nerve pain caused by a herniated or bulging disc is a common problem.
But incorporating these exercises and stretches can provide sustained relief.
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that travels from the lower back down both of the legs and into the feet. When pressure is placed on the nerve, such as from a herniated disc, it can lead to the symptoms commonly referred to as sciatica.
The sciatic nerve can be impacted by a number of different things, including injury and degenerative diseases.
Difference Foot Orthotics Make to *REDUCE FOOT PAIN* & Correct Posture | El Paso, TX (2019)
Custom made foot orthotics can help control foot motion and posture. Healthcare professionals prescribe custom foot orthotics to help patients focus on their foot posture and mobility control. Research studies have ascertained that using custom foot orthotics for posture and mobility control can help fix excessive foot pronation and supination to prevent a variety of foot health problems. The subsequent video describes how custom foot orthotics will help control foot posture and mobility to improve health and wellness.
NCBI Resources
Sciatica is a common back ailment that affects approximately 1 in 10 adults in the United States. It is most prevalent in people between the ages of 25 and 45. Sciatica is characterized by a shooting pain that originates in the lower back and travels down through the hip, buttock, and back of the leg.
The pain can be so severe that it inhibits mobility and can prevent people from working, taking care of their homes, or just enjoying their life. Traditionally, doctors have treated the condition with medications and some invasive therapies, but chiropractic treatments have been found to be extremely effective in alleviating the pain and curing the condition.
Pilates or yoga can work wonders and always stretch before physical exercise.
Get fit – no regular physical activity can lead to serious conditions and possibly chronic pain.
Exercise benefits all, even some light walking around the neighborhood is enough. Just get moving!
Playing a sport could be a way to keep active. Remember, in order for any exercise to work is that it is done regularly.
Strength training is important, just as its name implies strength training builds muscle and reduces muscle imbalances.
It�s never too late to increase strength and flexibility.
Look at activities that you and your friends/family can enjoy and make doing them a regular thing.
A�chiropractor�is the ideal�medical professional to consult with for any unexplained pain in the musculoskeletal system. They are highly qualified professionals that their specialty is treating conditions like lower back pain and they are very affordable. If you or a loved one have pain in the lower back, give us a call. We�re here to help!
Understand *FOOT PRONATION* & How to Correct it with Orthotics | El Paso, TX (2019)
Foot pronation is the natural movement that occurs during foot landing while walking or running. Foot pronation also occurs while standing, and in this instance, it is the amount in which the foot rolls inward toward the arch. Foot pronation is normal, however, excessive foot pronation can cause a variety of health issues, including bad posture. The following video describes the 5 red flags of excessive foot pronation, which can ultimately affect a person’s overall health and wellness. Dr. Alex Jimenez can help diagnose and treat excessive foot pronation. Patients recommend Dr. Alex Jimenez and his staff as the non-surgical choice for excessive foot pronation health issues.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
