Back Clinic Functional Medicine Team. Functional medicine is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.
Practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
By changing the disease-centered focus of medical practice to this patient-centered approach, our physicians are able to support the healing process by viewing health and illness as part of a cycle in which all components of the human biological system interact dynamically with the environment. This process helps to seek and identify genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that may shift a person’s health from illness to well-being.
Clean eating for beginners is a way to approach how you eat by removing unnecessary fats, sugars, and carbs, avoiding processed foods, and embracing vegetables, whole foods, unrefined grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The more you practice, the more the craving for salts and sweets decreases and no longer satisfies. The idea is to combine a clean eating lifestyle with an active life that turns into long-term healthy habits.
Clean Eating
Junk food refers to processed/refined foods, artificial flavors, sugars, salts, high saturated fats, and other foods that don’t provide nutrition. Clean foods fill the body with an abundance of vitamins and minerals, high-quality protein, and healthy fats, which improve heart and brain health, assist with weight management, strengthen the immune system and increase energy levels. Clean eating guidelines include:
Preparing and Cooking Own Food
Preparing and cooking your food is an easy way to control what goes into your body.
You control the salt, sugar, flavors, and fats with the objective of keeping the levels as low as possible.
Restaurant and diner food tastes great, but it is usually because salt, sugar, and butter are added to everything.
Whole Foods
Whole foods have not been modified, processed or refined, or saturated with preservatives, added sugars, dyes, fats/hydrogenated fats, or salt to add extra flavor or to enhance shelf life.
They include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, unsalted nuts/seeds, whole grains, full-fat dairy products, and dried beans/legumes.
Unrefined foods contain more nutrients and fiber, essential for healthy body function.
For example – broccoli is a carbohydrate but provides a lot of fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients, so it’s recommended when eating clean.
Fats should come from unsaturated fats as much as possible, avoiding saturated and trans fats when possible.
This should be practiced with every meal, whether a snack or dinner.
Limit Adding Salt, Sugar, and Fats
Avoid unnecessary additives, like fat, salt, and sugar, when choosing foods.
Clean eating detoxes the body, so pastries, hamburgers, fries, and fried foods begin to taste too sweet or salty because the body is no longer used to them.
The body and tastebuds become acclimated to whole foods with no longer a need for additives.
Five to Six Small Meals
Counting calories does not take into account the value of each calorie.
Making mindful decisions for all foods, like lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fats, fresh fruits, and vegetables, will make the calories count.
Eating five to six times a day in the right amounts with three small main meals and two to three healthy snacks prevents:
Over-eating
Skipping meals
Exhaustion or jitteriness from unstable blood sugar levels.
Avoid foods with labels that include words like modified, which indicates added processing, and words that end with the lettersose, which indicate added sugars/fructose.
Look for labels with whole grains and whole wheat.
High-calorie foods should have low saturated fat and sugar levels and calories that come from fiber and lean proteins.
Sodium levels should be as low as possible; the body only needs 250 mg daily.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water needs to be consumed throughout the day, every day.
Water will maintain body hydration and function and prevent hunger.
Fruit juices contain more nutrients than soda but can be high in calories and sugar. Read the labels.
To start, take small steps so the body can gradually transition into healthy habits that will last long-term. This is a new lifestyle, not a trending fad. Individuals are recommended to ease into it, and then it will begin to feel normal. Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic has a Functional Medicine team, including a certified nutritionist, to help individuals develop a nutrition plan specific to their needs.
For Beginners
References
Ambwani, Suman et al. “”It’s Healthy Because It’s Natural.” Perceptions of “Clean” Eating among U.S. Adolescents and Emerging Adults.” Nutrients vol. 12,6 1708. 7 Jun. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12061708
Allen, Michelle, et al. “The Dirt on Clean Eating: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Dietary Intake, Restrained Eating, and Opinions about Clean Eating among Women.” Nutrients vol. 10,9 1266. 8 Sep. 2018, doi:10.3390/nu10091266
Ghaderi, Ata. “A European perspective on “clean eating”: Commentary on Negowetti et al. (2021).” The International journal of eating disorders vol. 55,1 (2022): 49-51. doi:10.1002/eat.23615
Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been around for nearly 2,000 years. It became popular in Europe in the early 20th century. It has the same health benefits as tea, is rich in probiotics, contains antioxidants, and can destroy harmful bacteria. Kombucha sales are growing at stores because of its health and energy benefits.
Kombucha
It is typically made with black or green tea, sugar, healthy bacteria, and yeast. It is flavored by adding spices or fruits into the tea while it ferments. It is fermented for about a week, when gases, 0.5 percent of alcohol, beneficial bacteria, and acetic acid are produced. The fermentation process makes the tea slightly effervescent. It contains B vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics, but the nutritional content will vary depending on the brand and its preparation.
Benefits
The benefits include:
Improved digestion from the fact that fermentation makes probiotics.
Helps with diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome/IBS.
Toxin removal
Increased energy
Improved immune system health
Weight loss
Helps with high blood pressure
Heart disease
Kombucha, made from green tea, includes the benefits of:
Beneficial bacteria are known as probiotics. These same probiotics are found in other fermented foods, like yogurt and sauerkraut. Probiotics help populate the gut with healthy bacteria that aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and produce essential vitamins B and K. The probiotics improve bowel movements and alleviate nausea, bloating, and indigestion.
Antioxidants
The antioxidants and polyphenols benefits include:
Increased metabolic rate
Reduced blood pressure
Lowered cholesterol
Improved cognitive function
Decreased risk of chronic diseases – cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Anti-Bacterial Properties
The fermentation process produces acetic acid that destroys harmful pathogens like invasive bacteria and yeasts, preventing infection.
The anti-bacterial effect also preserves the beneficial bacteria.
Liver Detoxification
It can help detoxify the liver, which:
Improves overall skin health
Improves liver function
Decreases abdominal bloating and pain
Improves digestion and bladder function
Pancreatic Support
It can improve pancreatic function, which can help protect the body from diseases and illnesses like:
Acid reflux
Abdominal spasms
Numbness
Pancreatic cancer
Joint Support
The tea contains compounds like glucosamines that have been shown to improve joint health and relieve joint pain.
Glucosamines increase hyaluronic acid, lubricating the joints, which helps protect and strengthen them.
Satisfy Soda Craving
The variety of flavors and natural carbonation can satisfy the craving for a soda or other unhealthy beverages.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic includes elements of integrative medicine and takes a different approach to health and wellness. Specialists take a comprehensive view of an individual’s health, recognizing the need for a personalized treatment plan to help identify what is needed to get healthy. The team will create a customized plan that fits an individual’s schedule and needs.
Dietitian Explains Kombucha
References
Cortesia, Claudia et al. “Acetic Acid, the active component of vinegar, is an effective tuberculocidal disinfectant.” mBio vol. 5,2 e00013-14. 25 Feb. 2014, doi:10.1128/mBio.00013-14
Costa, Mirian Aparecida de Campos et al. “Effect of kombucha intake on the gut microbiota and obesity-related comorbidities: A systematic review.” Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 1-16. 26 Oct. 2021, doi:10.1080/10408398.2021.1995321
Gaggìa, Francesca, et al. “Kombucha Beverage from Green, Black and Rooibos Teas: A Comparative Study Looking at Microbiology, Chemistry and Antioxidant Activity.” Nutrients vol. 11,1 1. 20 Dec. 2018, doi:10.3390/nu11010001
Kapp, Julie M, and Walton Sumner. “Kombucha: a systematic review of the empirical evidence of human health benefit.” Annals of epidemiology vol. 30 (2019): 66-70. doi:10.1016/j.annepidem.2018.11.001
Villarreal-Soto, Silvia Alejandra, et al. “Understanding Kombucha Tea Fermentation: A Review.” Journal of food science vol. 83,3 (2018): 580-588. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.14068
Toxin overload is the condition of having an excessive amount of toxins in the body. Harmful substances can come from water, food, cleaning products, and environmental sources that individuals are exposed to regularly. Toxins are also produced in the body by poor gut health through autointoxication. Considering the number of toxins from food additives, preservatives, and perfumes to cleaning products, cosmetic products, and plastic water bottles, much of everyday life include exposure to chemicals that are not healthy. That’s why it’s recommended to undergo regular detoxes to ensure optimal body function and disease prevention.
Toxin Overload
One of the main ways toxins damage the body is they poison the enzymes, which prevents the body from functioning correctly. The body relies on enzymes for every physiological function. When toxins damage the enzymes, the production of hemoglobin in the blood is prevented, which can accelerate aging and lead to the failure of energy production and lower protection against oxidated stress. The failure of normal body functions increases the risk of diseases that include:
Proper waste elimination is essential to optimal health.
80% of the immune system is in the gut, and with a compromised digestive system, toxins can begin to accumulate.
Fatigue
When the body efficiently delivers nutrients to the cells and eliminates waste, there should be balanced energy throughout the day.
Toxin overload can cause individuals to experience fatigue, even in individuals that eat healthily and exercise, which could be an indicator of accumulation.
Chronic fatigue and viral infections could present from a weakened immune system.
Muscle Joint Aches and Pains
When gut health is compromised, undigested food particles can cause tears in the lining of the intestinal wall leading to a leaky gut.
The food particles enter the bloodstream and can cause an inflammatory response.
They can lodge themselves in weak areas of the joints, causing pain and increased muscle soreness.
Proper digestion and detoxification help eliminate toxins from the joints and muscles and heal the damaged lining.
Insomnia
Sleep is when the body detoxes, repairs, and rejuvenates itself.
Sleep problems could be a sign that the body is struggling to detoxify.
Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches often result from imbalances in the body resulting from toxin overload and obstructed/blocked detoxification pathways.
Fluid Retention and Congestion
The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system. The primary function is to transport lymph, a clear fluid that contains white blood cells essential for regulating inflammation.
Diet, hormone imbalances, sedentary lifestyle, medications, and genetics can contribute to fluid retention and congestion, causing stagnation of the lymphatic system.
If the system becomes congested, it can cause pain and swelling.
Unusual Weight Loss or Gain
Increased belly/visceral fat is the fat stored within the abdominal cavity. This is the most dangerous fat because of its proximity to vital organs like the liver, pancreas, and stomach.
Visceral fat or active fat influences how hormones function in the body. Stress, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet contribute to excess visceral fat.
Individuals trying to lose weight unsuccessfully could be a sign of having excessive toxins in the body.
Skin Problems
The skin reveals what’s happening inside the body.
Acne, rosacea, eczema, or other chronic skin issues, could indicate toxins are traveling through the skin.
When waste is not eliminated thoroughly through sweat, urine, and feces, the body could try to expel it through the skin.
Improving the body’s digestive and detoxification processes can help heal the root problem.
Giannini, Edoardo G et al. “Liver enzyme alteration: a guide for clinicians.” CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne vol. 172,3 (2005): 367-79. doi:10.1503/cmaj.1040752
Grant, D M. “Detoxification pathways in the liver.” Journal of inherited metabolic disease vol. 14,4 (1991): 421-30. doi:10.1007/BF01797915
Lala V, Goyal A, Minter DA. Liver Function Tests. [Updated 2022 Mar 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482489/
Mattick, R P, and W Hall. “Are detoxification programmes effective?.” Lancet (London, England) vol. 347,8994 (1996): 97-100. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(96)90215-9
Seaman, David R. “Toxins, Toxicity, and Endotoxemia: A Historical and Clinical Perspective for Chiropractors.” Journal of chiropractic humanities vol. 23,1 68-76. 3 Sep. 2016, doi:10.1016/j.echu.2016.07.003
Functional fitness conditioning exercises train the muscles for everyday activities safely and efficiently. It refers to exercises that simulate daily movements like standing, bending, reaching, jumping, twisting, pushing, pulling, squatting, lunging, turning, walking, and running. These exercises improve functional body strength to train the muscles to work together and prepare for daily tasks and chores that individuals do at home, at work, or in sports activities. Strengthening the muscles the same way they are needed for everyday tasks reduces the risk of injury, allowing individuals to go through the day without worrying about straining or pulling something.
Functional Fitness Conditioning
Functional fitness conditioning exercises can be done at home, park, or gym and is an excellent way to combat restlessness and keep the body moving. Training the muscles to work the way they do daily prepares the body to move optimally and efficiently in various situations. Functional fitness exercises simultaneously utilize upper and lower body muscles to increase core stability and train the whole body. Examples include:
Combining strength training with exercises that mirror the movements of daily life increase overall strength and improves:
Balance
Endurance
Flexibility
Mobility
Various gyms or fitness centers may offer functional fitness conditioning classes or incorporate functional fitness into their exercise courses. Exercise equipment can include:
Primarily using body weight makes this strength training simple and safe for almost anybody. Functional fitness conditioning is laidback, requiring less equipment and intensity. The objective is to develop and strengthen the entire body to handle daily life while minimizing the risk of injury, making it suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
Benefits
These include benefits for overall health and physical performance.
Everyday life
Quality of life improves because of the stress relief factor.
This type of training has been reported to be more enjoyable because the training is for everyday life.
Increased muscle memory
Builds muscle and core strength and exercises the brain to increase memory.
Increased mobility
Improves balance
Coordination
Flexibility
Muscle strength
Agility
Improves balance and posture
Training and strengthening the muscles to manage/balance weight correctly reduces stress on the body.
Faster injury recovery
A strengthened body operates at optimal levels that improve repairing and healing capabilities.
It is recommended to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, and pregnant women should check with their doctors. A personal trainer, functional medicine, or sports chiropractor can discuss available conditioning options specific to the individual.
Functional Fitness
References
Fahlman, Mariane M et al. “Effects of resistance training on functional ability in elderly individuals.” American Journal of health promotion: AJHP vol. 25,4 (2011): 237-43. doi:10.4278/ajhp.081125-QUAN-292
Gerards, Marissa H G, et al. “Perturbation-based balance training to improve balance control and reduce falls in older adults – study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.” BMC geriatrics vol. 21,1 9. 6 Jan. 2021, doi:10.1186/s12877-020-01944-7
Pacheco, Matheus Maia, et al. “Functional vs. Strength training in adults: specific needs define the best intervention.” International Journal of sports physical therapy vol. 8,1 (2013): 34-43.
Pullyblank, Kristin, et al. “Effects of the Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities Intervention on Functional Fitness of Rural Women.” The Journal of rural health: official Journal of the American Rural Health Association and the National Rural Health Care Association vol. 36,1 (2020): 104-110. doi:10.1111/jrh.12361
In many situations, stress or cortisol in the body allows the host to go into a “fight or flight” response that works together with the sympathetic nervous system. In its acute form, stress enables the individual to experience various symptoms quickly and doesn’t last very long. However, when there is residual stress still in the body over an extended period can cause havoc to the body and affect a person’s well-being is known as chronic stress. To that point, when the body is dealing with chronic stress, over time can become at risk of developing chronic disorders associated with chronic issues affecting the endocrine system. One of the endocrine disorders that correlate with chronic stress is Cushing syndrome. Today’s article examines Cushing syndrome, its symptoms, and ways to manage Cushing syndrome in the body. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in endocrinology treatments to aid individuals suffering from Cushing syndrome. We also guide our patients by referring them 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
What Is Cushing Syndrome?
Have you been experiencing abnormal weight gain around your midsection? What about feeling tired throughout the entire day? Or has your mood been changing all day? Many of these symptoms that you are experiencing could potentially make you at risk of developing Cushing syndrome. Cushing syndrome is an endocrine disorder that causes the brain’s anterior pituitary to produce excessive ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), leading to excess cortisol release from the adrenal glands. In the endocrine system, cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands above the kidneys. These hormones help the body by:
Maintaining blood pressure
Regulates glucose levels
Reduces inflammation in the body
Converts food into energy
Manages respiration
When the adrenal glands overproduce cortisol, it causes the body to be on high alert and can become a risk of developing chronic symptoms associated with Cushing syndrome. Studies reveal that Cushing’s disease (a condition where the pituitary glands overproduce ACTH and turn into cortisol) becomes associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders that overlaps chronic symptoms, thus affecting the body.
The Symptoms
When the body is dealing with Cushing syndrome, studies reveal that chronic exposure to excess cortisol could potentially be involved with its associated comorbidities that contribute to decreasing a person’s quality of life. When a person has the signs of Cushing syndrome, the symptoms are unmistakable as the symptoms vary in different people. One of the prominent symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome is rapid weight gain along the face, abdomen, back of the neck, and chest. Some other symptoms associated with Cushing’s syndrome include:
High blood pressure
Purple/red stretch marks along the abdomen
Fatigue
Weak, thin muscles along the arms and legs
Excessive hair growth in some regions of the body
Cognitive difficulties
An Overview Of Cushing Syndrome-Video
Have you been experiencing rapid weight gain along your face, neck, and abdomen? What about feeling stressed constantly? Or have you noticed that your memory is declining? Many of these symptoms are associated with an endocrine disorder called Cushing syndrome. The video above explains what Cushing’s syndrome is, its causes and symptoms, and how to treat Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing syndrome is developed when the adrenal glands produce an excessive amount of cortisol in the body. When the body is suffering from too much cortisol caused by Cushing syndrome, one of the symptoms is bone fractures associated with Cushing syndrome. Studies reveal that the skeletal system is one of the common targets that cause glucocorticoids to attach themselves to the skeletal joints. To that point, Cushing syndrome causes structural and functional impairment to the skeletal system associated with morbidity and disability to many individuals. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage Cushing syndrome and lower cortisol levels in the body.
How To Manage Cushing Syndrome
Since stress/cortisol is beneficial and harmful to the body, it has a causal relationship with the organs and tissues in the body. The body needs cortisol to regulate the metabolism and functionality of the endocrine organs. Too much cortisol causes the development of Cushing syndrome, and fortunately, there are ways many individuals can manage this endocrine disorder while keeping an eye on their cortisol levels. Many individuals suffering from weight gain from Cushing syndrome should try to find an exercise regime that their primary physician recommends to lose weight and improve their muscle strength little by a little. Other ways that individuals can manage Cushing syndrome are by:
Eating nutritious foods that are anti-inflammatory and taking supplements that have calcium and vitamin D.
Meditation or yoga can help calm the mind, and taking deep breaths can help relax the body while lowering cortisol levels.
Incorporating massages and chiropractic care to alleviate muscle and joint pain caused by Cushing syndrome. Chiropractic care and massages can help loosen stiff muscles and support the joints to regain their range of motion in the body.
Slowly incorporating these lifestyle changes can lower cortisol levels and help prevent Cushing’s syndrome from progressing further in the body while helping the individual get back on their health journey.
Conclusion
The body needs cortisol or stress to get through stressful situations that a person is going through. Cortisol is a hormone formed from the adrenal glands that help regulate the body’s metabolism and provide the functionality to the organs and tissues. In its acute and chronic form, cortisol can range from mild to severe depending on the body’s situation. The body risks developing Cushing’s syndrome when the adrenal glands overproduce cortisol. Cushing syndrome is an endocrine disorder that causes an increased risk of metabolic disorders associated with chronic symptoms like weight gain around the face, neck, and abdomen. Luckily, there are ways to manage Cushing’s syndrome and lower cortisol levels by incorporating an exercise regime, eating anti-inflammatory foods filled with calcium and vitamin D, meditation to calm the mind, and incorporating deep breaths to lower cortisol levels. Utilizing these small changes can significantly impact the body while helping the individual better manage their cortisol levels.
References
Buliman, A, et al. “Cushing’s Disease: A Multidisciplinary Overview of the Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” Journal of Medicine and Life, Carol Davila University Press, 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5152600/.
Faggiano, A, et al. “Spine Abnormalities and Damage in Patients Cured from Cushing’s Disease.” Pituitary, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2001, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12138988/.
Kairys, Norah, and Ari Schwell. “Cushing Disease.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 2 Feb. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448184/.
Nieman, Lynnette K. “Cushing’s Syndrome: Update on Signs, Symptoms and Biochemical Screening.” European Journal of Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553096/.
The body has a defensive response known as the immune system that comes to the rescue when traumatic events or injuries impact certain areas of the body. The immune system releases inflammatory cytokines to the affected area and begins the healing process to repair the damage while also getting rid of the foreign intruders in the body. Inflammation can be potentially beneficial and harmful to the body, depending on how severe the injury has potentially impacted the area. When inflammation begins to cause an impact on the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and joints, it can lead to chronic issues associated with pain. To that point, it causes the body to be dysfunctional while mimicking other symptoms. Today’s article examines how chronic inflammatory responses affect the joints, their associated symptoms, and how to manage chronic joint inflammation. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in anti-inflammatory treatments to help many individuals dealing with chronic inflammation of the joints. 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 Chronic Inflammatory Response Affect The Joints?
Have you been experiencing pain in some regions of your body? What about experiencing tenderness in your muscles? Do your joints ache when you are doing everyday activities? If you have been dealing with these issues, it might be due to chronic inflammatory responses affecting your musculoskeletal joints. As stated earlier, inflammation can be both beneficial and harmful to the body, depending on the severity of the impact the body has taken. In its beneficial form, the body activates the immune system and eliminates pathogens from bacteria, viruses, and other environmental triggers to promote healing and tissue repair. This potentially makes the affected area red and inflamed, thus repairing the damaged cells.
However, in its harmful form, studies reveal that chronic inflammatory responses can break down immune tolerance, causing significant alterations to all the tissues, organs, and joints. To that point, the residual effects of high inflammation can cause harm to the joints and cartilage, making them potentially involved with pain and possibly deformity over time. The joints help keep the body moving, surrounded by connective muscle tissue that helps stabilize the body; when chronic inflammatory responses start to affect the joints, they can become a mediator for pain and discomfort while triggering musculoskeletal disorders. Studies reveal that inflammation in the joints can cause damage to the cartilage and result in degenerative changes to the body. This includes functionality loss, joint instability, and other symptoms associated with chronic joint inflammation.
The Symptoms Associated With Chronic Joint Inflammation
When it comes to chronic joint inflammation, it can mimic other chronic conditions that present joint instability while overlapping different chronic disorders. This makes diagnosing difficult, especially if the person is dealing with inflammation on one side of their body, but it affects another part. This is known as referred pain, and studies reveal that most inflammatory forms that affect the joints are sometimes arthritic and have systemic symptoms that may occur in different body areas. Some of the symptoms associated with chronic joint inflammation can include:
Swelling
Stiffness
Grinding sounds
Difficult mobility
Numbness
Joint deformity
The Difference Between Healthy Joints & Inflamed Joints-Video
Have you been dealing with joint pain throughout your life? Do you feel muscle stiffness in certain areas when you move around? Or do you feel muscle tenderness in certain areas? Many of these symptoms are associated with joint inflammation, potentially overlapping with musculoskeletal pain. The video above explains the difference between healthy joints and inflamed joints. Healthy joints are utilized when the surrounding muscles are strong and functional while no pain is inflicted on the body. Inflamed joints may be caused by numerous factors like lifestyle habits, physical inactivity, or previous conditions associated with inflamed joint pain. Studies reveal that inflammatory cytokines may potentially amplify musculoskeletal discomfort that affects the musculoskeletal tissues that surround the joints. To that point, inflammation of the musculoskeletal system may overlap with joint pain, thus directly impacting a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are ways to manage chronic joint inflammation and restore a person’s health and wellness.
Managing Chronic Joint Inflammation
Since inflammation is beneficial and harmful to the body, there are different ways to manage chronic inflammatory markers triggering joint pain. Many individuals who want to lower inflammation in their joints will begin to incorporate natural ways to lessen the pain. Eating foods high in fiber may potentially help lower inflammatory markers, including physical activities to improve musculoskeletal and joint stability and utilizing chiropractic care. Studies reveal that chronic joint inflammation associated with pain does affect a person’s ability to sleep and emotional health. To that point, incorporating treatments to manage inflammatory effects may potentially improve a person’s self-efficacy. Now how does chiropractic care help manage chronic joint inflammation? Chiropractic care includes inflammation reduction techniques that help loosen the stiff muscles that surround the inflamed joints. Joint inflammation may also be due to subluxation (spinal misalignment) associated with environmental factors. Utilizing chiropractic care not only alleviates the symptoms caused by joint inflammation but may potentially alleviate the cause of inflammation. Once a person has completed their chiropractic care treatment, they can return to normal activities without the risk of re-injury and re-inflammation.
Conclusion
Inflammation in the body can be beneficial and harmful depending on the impacted area. The body unleashes inflammatory cytokines when a traumatic event or injury has occurred in certain body areas. This is due to the immune system naturally responding to the damaged cells, thus causing the area to be red, hot, and swollen to promote healing. To that point, inflammation can impact the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and joints, which can lead to chronic issues associated with pain. Chronic joint inflammation is residual high inflammatory effects that cause harm to the cartilage and joint structures, thus making them potentially involved with pain and possible deformity. Fortunately, treatments like high fiber and anti-inflammatory foods, getting enough exercise, and chiropractic care may help manage chronic joint inflammation and its associated pain symptoms. This way, many individuals can resume their normal activities.
References
Furman, David, et al. “Chronic Inflammation in the Etiology of Disease across the Life Span.” Nature Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7147972/.
Lee, Yvonne C. “Effect and Treatment of Chronic Pain in Inflammatory Arthritis.” Current Rheumatology Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3552517/.
The body is exposed to various environmental factors daily. Whether it is the environment that a person is living, the foods being consumed, or the level of physical activities a person has plays a part in the body. Many individuals that want to live a healthier lifestyle will start small by incorporating nutritious foods they can add, sticking to an exercise regime they might enjoy, and finding time to meditate. Those who don’t want to change their lifestyle habits will continue eating foods that are high in fats, not exercising enough, or have problems sleeping. Over time, the body will be at risk of developing autoimmune disorders associated with musculoskeletal symptoms when exposed to environmental factors that impact a person’s lifestyle. Today’s article looks at an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammatory effects on the joints, known as polymyalgia rheumatica, the symptoms associated with this disorder, and how chiropractic care can help manage the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica. We refer patients to certified providers specializing in autoimmune treatments to help many individuals with autoimmune diseases associated 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
What Is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
Have you been experiencing pain along your shoulders, neck, hips, or thighs? Does your body feel stiff in the morning and better throughout the day? Or have you been experiencing a limited range of motion in certain areas of your body? Many of these symptoms are signs that you might be at risk of developing polymyalgia rheumatica in your joints. Polymyalgia rheumatica is defined as a rheumatic disorder that is common in elderly adults over the age of 50. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder that induces muscle pain and stiffness around the joints, especially in the morning. Studies reveal that polymyalgia rheumatica is often characterized by aching muscle pain in the shoulders, pelvis, and neck; it can mimic other rheumatic diseases like RA (rheumatoid arthritis), SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), and polymyositis. When the body is dealing with the inflammatory effects of polymyalgia rheumatica, many people believe they are dealing with a different disorder affecting their bodies. To that point, diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica is difficult.
The Symptoms Associated With Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Since polymyalgia rheumatica can mimic other rheumatic diseases, some of the symptoms associated with this inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder are similar to other chronic common diseases in the body. Studies reveal that the cause of polymyalgia is unknown, but environmental and genetic factors contribute to this inflammatory disease. Another disease that shares similar symptoms with polymyalgia is a disease known as giant cell arteritis. Giant cell arteritis causes inflammatory effects along the lining of the arteries, and individuals with this disease may have polymyalgia rheumatica. Some of the symptoms associated with polymyalgia rheumatica include:
Shoulder pain
Pelvic pain
Limited range of motion
Muscle stiffness
Joint pain
Inflammation
Neck pain
An Overview Of Polymyalgia Rheumatica- Video
Have you been experiencing pain in some regions of your body, like the shoulders, pelvis, and neck? Do you feel muscle stiffness every morning, but does it get better throughout the day? Have you been dealing with joint inflammation? If you have been experiencing these musculoskeletal symptoms, you might be at risk of developing polymyalgia rheumatica. The video above gives an insightful overview of what polymyalgia is and the symptoms associated with this inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an auto-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder that affects many adults over 50 and causes muscle stiffness in the body’s neck, shoulder, and pelvic regions. This inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder does mimic other rheumatic disorders like RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and lupus. The symptoms associated with polymyalgia rheumatica are generally similar to other common chronic disorders, making diagnosis challenging to pinpoint. Luckily there are ways to manage polymyalgia rheumatica and its associated musculoskeletal symptoms.
Managing Polymyalgia Rheumatica With Chiropractic Care
Since the body is dealing with symptoms from polymyalgia rheumatica is challenging to diagnose since it mimics other rheumatic disorders and their associated symptoms. When the body is suffering from joint pain associated with polymyalgia rheumatica, the surrounding muscles, and ligaments that help stabilize the joints become inflamed and cause discomfort to the body. Fortunately, treatments like chiropractic care are available to help manage the joint inflammation associated with polymyalgia rheumatica. Chiropractic care utilizes spinal manipulation of the body by manipulating spinal subluxation or misalignment of the joints. Spinal manipulation helps the body relax and incorporates healing properties into the inflamed joints. Chiropractic care helps loosen up the stiff muscles and ligaments surrounding the joints to reduce pressure on the nerves and help bring the range of motion back to the joints. Many individuals who incorporate chiropractic care to help manage musculoskeletal symptoms associated with rheumatic disorders like polymyalgia rheumatica will be pain-free on their wellness journey.
Conclusion
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder common in elderly adults that induces muscle pain and stiffness around the joints. This inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder affects the shoulder, neck, and pelvic region while mimicking other rheumatic disorders like RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and lupus. Since the body is exposed to various environmental daily, over time may be at risk of developing autoimmune diseases associated with musculoskeletal symptoms that can impact the individual. To that point, making it difficult to diagnose. Fortunately, treatments like chiropractic care can help manage the musculoskeletal symptoms associated with polymyalgia rheumatica. Chiropractic care can help reduce stiff joint inflammation by manipulating the body, causing the aching muscles to relax and increase their range of motion. Utilizing chiropractic care can help a person get back to their health and wellness journey.
References
Acharya, Saurav, and Rina Musa. “Polymyalgia Rheumatica – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 21 June 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537274/.
Al-Kaabi, Juma, et al. “Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Mimicking Polymyalgia Rheumatica in a Young Patient.” Oman Medical Journal, OMJ, July 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3282323/.
Michet, Clement J, and Eric L Matteson. “Polymyalgia Rheumatica.” BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), BMJ Publishing Group Ltd., 5 Apr. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2287267/.
Milchert, Marcin, and Marek Brzosko. “Diagnosis of Polymyalgia Rheumatica Usually Means a Favourable Outcome for Your Patient.” The Indian Journal of Medical Research, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, May 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5644293/.
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