Clinic Wellness Team. A key factor to spine or back pain conditions is staying healthy. Overall wellness involves a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, physical activity, restful sleep, and a healthy lifestyle. The term has been applied in many ways. But overall, the definition is as follows.
It is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential. It is multidimensional, bringing together lifestyles both mental/spiritual and the environment in which one lives. It is positive and affirms that what we do is, in fact, correct.
It is an active process where people become aware and make choices towards a more successful lifestyle. This includes how a person contributes to their environment/community. They aim to build healthier living spaces and social networks. It helps in creating a person’s belief systems, values, and a positive world perspective.
Along with this comes the benefits of regular exercise, a healthy diet, personal self-care, and knowing when to seek medical attention. Dr. Jimenez’s message is to work towards being fit, being healthy, and staying aware of our collection of articles, blogs, and videos.
Chiropractic adjustment has various applications. From the treatment of chronic pain and pre-existing conditions to early or sudden onset pain. Perhaps most frequently cited, sufferers of back and neck pain, sciatica, migraines and more have found relief from chiropractic medicine.
In fact, many medical doctors recommend that their patients seek chiropractic care for a variety of conditions before seeking more invasive measures such as surgery. This sentiment was (echoed by the American Medical Association) as recently as 2013.
Relieving Back & Neck Pain
Roughly 80% of adults have experienced back pain at some point. (In a study by Consumer Reports), �14,000 sufferers were surveyed. None of these individuals had undergone back surgery of any type. By the end of the study, Chiropractic adjustment was rated as the #1 treatment option.
At the conclusion of the twelve-week study, patients who underwent regular chiropractic adjustments were twice as likely to be pain free as those who were treated with medication. (Further research demonstrates) the validity of chiropractic adjustments as easily seen via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Patients with lower back pain often experience limited mobility in the lumbar spine region that produces degeneration as well as adhesions within the joints of the vertebrae. When patients received an MRI scan following a chiropractic adjustment, the imaging showed an increase in spinal gapping. This breaks up the adhesions, allows the joints to move freely, and lead to a reduction in pain.
Headaches and Migraines
Chronic head pain, including migraines is another common condition that chiropractic adjustment can provide relief for. Through manipulation, chiropractic medicine is able to relieve pressure off of the nerves and provide relief. Headache and migraine sufferers may find long-term relief with continued adjustments, resulting in lessening the severity of symptoms or the frequency of onset.
There is also published research showing the validity of these treatment options. In an (Australian study that tracked 127 migraine sufferers), those who received regular chiropractic adjustments reported a decrease in migraine attacks as well as the need to take less medication.
Considering the rising costs of healthcare, specifically prescription medication, mitigating pharmaceutical costs can provide extra benefits.
Foundation for Chiropractic Progress
In Support of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is becoming increasingly more widespread. Support from medical research and organizations such as The American Medical Association, as well as high profile supporters such as Tiger Woods, Jerry Rice, Aaron Rodgers have helped bring the treatments into the mainstream.
Today, Chiropractic medicine is practiced all over the world, and is an increasingly popular as well as effective form of treatment for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to the ones mentioned above.
(Some more statistics)
Utilizing chiropractic adjustments for treatment of back pain may help save Medicare costs by more than $80 million per year.
Back pain sufferers whose first point of treatment included a medical doctor or surgeon, went on to receive surgery 42.7% of the time. For sufferers who sought chiropractic adjustment first, surgery only occurred 1.5% of the time.
Chronic pain sufferers who sought treatment through chiropractic adjustment experienced a 20% reduction in overall care costs.
Is Chiropractic Adjustment Right for You?
The effectiveness of chiropractic adjustment in treating chronic and recent onset conditions is supported through research, scientific study, as well as patients just like you. If you are suffering from pain or discomfort in your neck, back, joints, or elsewhere,�contact a well qualified Chiropractor near you.
About the Author:
Dr. Alec�with Proactive Chiropractic and Rehab Centre extensively studied human anatomy, physiology, radiology, kinesiology and post graduate seminars in topics such as herniated disc, whiplash, functional movement, car accident rehabilitation. With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Alec helps care for patients with back pain, neck pain, headaches, knee pain, shoulder pain, foot pain, whiplash, etc. Treatment services include: spinal decompression therapy, functional rehabilitation, active release technique, gua sha, electro-stimulation, intersegmental traction, hands-on chiropractic adjustment, instrument assisted chiropractic adjustment and rehabilitation. Dr. Alec takes pride in providing individualized treatment for each patient, with lasting results.
Some People don’t believe in Chiropractic Treatment. However, chiropractic care is becoming increasingly widespread through�medical research. And�top supporters, such as Tiger Woods, Jerry Rice, and Aaron Rodgers have helped to bring�chiropractic�treatment into the mainstream.
There�s a disease that�s often mistaken for another illness or disorder at first since it can cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, loss of appetite and other problems associated with different health concerns. But it�s much more serious than the flu. In fact, it�s a progressive, debilitating disease that affects about one in every 4,000 people. I�m talking about mitochondrial disease.
Mitochondrial disease is a disorder that�s caused by failure of the mitochondria, which results from�DNA mutations that affect�how someone�s genes are expressed. What do mitochondria do, and how does their failure impact someone�s health? Mitochondria are specialized �compartments� found within almost every single cell of the human body (all except red blood cells). They�re often nicknamed �the powerhouse� of cells because they help with the process of creating usable energy (ATP) within cells, but mitochondria also have numerous other roles too.
According to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90 percent of the energy needed to sustain the human body (plus the bodies of most other animals too), but what might surprise you is that about 75 percent of their job is dedicated to other important cellular processes besides energy production. (1,�2) Without proper mitochondrial functioning, we wouldn�t be able to grow and development from the time of infancy or have enough energy to carry out bodily functions as adults like digestion, cognitive processes and maintaining cardiovascular/heartbeat rhythms.
There�s still a lot to learn about how mitochondrial disease develops, what risk factors might make people susceptible, how it should be properly diagnosed and what the best treatment options are. Researchers believe that the�aging process itself is at least partially caused by deteriorating mitochondrial functions, and today we know of many different disorders that are tied to abnormal mitochondria processes (cancer, some forms of heart disease and Alzheimer�s, for example).
That being said, because there isn�t a cure for mitochondrial disease at this time, the goal is to help control symptoms and stop progression as much as possible through a healthy lifestyle and in some cases medications.
Natural Treatment for Mitochondrial Disease
1. See a Doctor for Early Treatment and Management
Early diagnoses and treatment of mitochondrial disease might be able to help stop cellular damage from worsening and causing permanent disabilities. Early interventions for young children can also help improve functions like talking, walking, eating and socializing.
It helps many patients manage their symptoms when they become educated on mitochondrial diseases and know what to expect.�Mitochondrial disease is unpredictable and can change shape day to day, so the more a patient understands his or her�own disease, the better that person�can prepare for symptoms. Symptoms can worsen and progress if they�re ignored so ongoing support and early recognition are key.
2. Get Plenty of Rest
People with mitochondrial disease often experience chronic fatigue, which makes it hard to go about life normally. Things like digestion, bathing, walking and working can be hard to keep up with, so getting plenty of sleep and not overexerting yourself is important.
Many people aren�t�be able to exercise, at least not vigorously, due to trouble breathing and low energy, and require more sleep than a healthy person would to manage symptoms and stay healthy. It�s also helpful to prevent fatigue by eating regularly and avoiding fasting, plus trying to stick to a normal sleep/wake cycle as much as possible.
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3. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Digesting the foods we eat is one of the hardest processes the body goes through, using a high percentage of our daily energy to metabolize nutrients, send them to our cells and discard of waste afterward. A lot of people with mitochondrial disease experience gut trouble, problems with appetite and eating regularly, and uncomfortable symptoms caused during digestion of foods, which is why a nutrient-dense diet that�s low-processed is most beneficial.
The more processed someone�s diet is (high in things like sugar, artificial ingredients, refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated fats), the harder the�organs have to work to extract nutrients and get rid of toxic waste that�s left over. It�s also important to consume plenty of nutrients to help prevent even more fatigue from developing, such as B vitamins, iron, electrolytes and trace minerals.
For some people with mild forms of mitochondrial disease, getting enough rest and eating a healing diet filled with anti-inflammatory foods is enough to help manage their symptoms and improve quality of life. Some helpful tips for improving mitochondrial disease symptoms with a healthy diet include:
Avoid fasting/going too long without eating, and avoid trying to lose too much weight (both can worsen fatigue). Eat small, frequent meals to help with digestion. Have a healthy snack before bedtime (especially one with a form of complex carbohydrates) and upon waking up. Healthy fats seem to be helpful for some people with mitochondrial diseases, so in some cases extra fat can be taken in the form of MCT oil. (3) Each person should test his or her�reaction to fats since some do better with a lower fat diet, while others must be careful about low-fat diet risks. Some people�need to reduce almost all fats and consume more carbohydrates to avoid excess free fatty acids and low-energy ADP production. Iron-rich foods should be limited and levels monitored since iron�can be�harmful if it�s overaccumulated. Avoid taking supplements with iron unless you�re being monitored by a doctor, and try to limit�vitamin C foods around a meal rich in iron, since this boosts iron absorption even more. (4) 4. Avoid High Amounts of Stress
Stress worsens inflammation and fatigue while also hindering immune function. Stressful situations should be avoided, and many patients find they feel better when purposefully reduce stress by incorporating stress relievers like meditation, journaling, relaxing outdoors, etc. Thermal regulation is also critical for people with mitochondrial disease, which means avoiding stressing situations like very cold or very hot temperatures.
5. Build Immunity to Prevent Infections
People with mitochondrial disease are more susceptible to infections and other illnesses, so it�s crucial to keep immunity up with a healthy lifestyle. Many different natural antiviral herbs might be able to help prevent frequent infections. Tips for�helping to improve immunity include:
conserving energy and pacing out�activities to avoid fatigue getting outdoors and maintaining a comfortable environment/temperature as much as possible Avoiding exposure to lots of germs, bacteria and viruses that trigger an illness (such as in childcare settings, schools or certain work environments) staying hydrated and eating a nutrient-dense diet taking high-quality supplements, including: omega-3 fatty acids, a multivitamin/B vitamin complex, and antioxidants like vitamin C or vitamin E. There�s also evidence that CoQ10,�a fat-soluble antioxidant used for energy production, can be helpful and is safe for most people with mitochondrial dysfunction. (5) Facts About Mitochondrial Disease
Mitochondria disease is actually a term used to group together hundreds of different disorders that all stem from dysfunctions of mitochondria, each one with its�own exact cause and symptoms. It�s estimated that about one in 4,000 people has a type of mitochondrial�disease, which is considered progressive in nature and currently without a cure. (6) When mitochondria stop working properly, the result is that less energy in the form of ATP is generated within cells, and therefore the whole body usually suffers. Cells can become damaged or die all together, sometimes leading to a complete failure of different organs and entire bodily systems. Damaged mitochondria can affect how the�brain, heart, liver, bones, muscles, lungs, kidneys and endocrine systems (hormones) work. (7) Children are more likely to have mitochondrial disease than adults are, although more cases of adult-onset mitochondrial disease are now being diagnosed. Infants and children might show signs of slow or abnormal development, trouble speaking or hearing, fatigue, and lack of coordination at a young age. Mitochondrial disease can develop at any age (although it shows up in children most often) and is often mistaken for another illness or disorder at first since it can cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, loss of appetite and other problems associated with different health concerns. Some people experience debilitating symptoms from mitochondrial disease, like not being able to talk or walk normally, but others live a mostly normal life as long as they take care of themselves carefully. Most patients� symptoms fluctuate over the course of their disease, from severe to being barely noticeable. However, some people develop mitochondrial disease at a young age that causes disabilities that last their whole lifetimes. Older people can develop diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction, including dementia and Alzheimer�s disease. (8) Mitochondrial disease runs in families to some extent, but it�s also caused by other factors. Family members with the same disorder can experience vastly different symptoms even if they have the same genetic mutations. How Mitochondria Work
It takes about 3,000 genes to make one mitochondria, and only about 3 percent of those genes (100 of the 3,000) are allocated for making ATP (energy) within cells. The remaining 95 percent of genes found within mitochondria are tied to cell formation and differentiation, functions of the metabolism, and various other�specialized roles.
Mitochondria are needed to:
build, break down and recycle the molecular �building blocks� of cells make new RNA/DNA within cells (from purines and pyrimidines) produce enzymes required to make hemoglobin help cleanse the liver and detoxify the body by boosting removal of substances like ammonia for cholesterol metabolism creating and balancing hormones (including estrogen and testosterone) carrying out various neurotransmitter functions protection against oxidative damage/free radical production breaking down fats, proteins and carbs from our diets to be turned into ATP (energy) As you can see, mitochondria are extremely important for development and overall health, since they help us grow from an embryo to an adult and form new tissues throughout our lives. All of the roles mitochondria have help slow down the effects of aging and defend us from disease development.
Symptoms of Mitochondrial Disease
Symptoms of mitochondrial disease can manifest in many different ways and vary in terms of intensity depending on the specific person and�which organs are affected. When a large enough number of cells in one organ are damaged, symptoms become noticeable. Some common mitochondrial disease symptoms�and signs include: (9)
fatigue loss of motor control, balance and coordination trouble walking or talking muscle aches, weakness and pains digestive problems and gastrointestinal disorders trouble eating and swallowing stalled growth and development cardiovascular problems and heart disease liver disease or dysfunction diabetes and other hormonal disorders respiratory issues like trouble breathing normally higher risk for strokes and seizures vision loss and other visual problems trouble hearing hormonal disorders including a lack of testosterone or estrogen higher susceptibility to infections It�s possible for mitochondrial disease to affect only one organ or group of tissues in some people, or to affect entire systems in others. Many people with a mutation of mtDNA display a cluster of symptoms that are then classified as a specific syndrome. Examples of these types of mitochondrial diseases include: (10)
Kearns-Sayre syndrome chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers neurogenic weakness with ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa many people also experience symptoms that cannot be easily classified, so they don�t fit into one particular category Whether they�re grouped together under a specific condition/syndrome or not, research suggests that people with mitochondrial dysfunctions experience higher rates of these symptoms and illnesses than people with mitochondrial diseases:
drooping of the eyelids (ptosis) autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto�s disease�and fluctuating encephalopathy disorders that affect the eyes, including external ophthalmoplegia,�optic atrophy, pigmentary retinopathy�and diabetes mellitus exercise intolerance irregular heartbeat rhythms and functions (cardiomyopathy) seizures dementia migraines stroke-like episodes autism � a�child with autism may or may not have a mitochondrial disease (11) mid- and late-pregnancy loss (miscarriages) The Causes of Mitochondrial Disease
Mitochondrial disease is the result of spontaneous mutations in mtDNA or nDNA. This leads to altered functions of either proteins or RNA molecules that live within mitochondria compartments of cells.�In some cases, mitochondrial disease only affects certain tissues during the time of development and growth, which are referred to as �tissue-specific isoforms� of mitochondrial dysfunction. Researchers don�t fully understand yet why people are affected so�differently by mitochondrial problems and what leads to experiencing symptoms within various organs/systems.
Because mitochondria perform hundreds of different functions in different tissues throughout the entire body, mitochondrial diseases produce a wide spectrum of problems, making proper diagnoses and treatment hard for doctors and patients. (12)
Even when researchers are able to identify that an identical mtDNA mutation occurred in two different people using genetic testing, both people still might not have identical symptoms (the term for diseases like this that are caused by the same mutation but cause different symptoms is �genocopy� diseases). Mutations in different mtDNA and nDNA can also cause the same symptoms (known as �phenocopy� diseases).
Risk Factors for Mitochondrial Diseases
The exact causes of mitochondrial disease aren�t entirely known at this time. Risk factors for mitochondrial disease and related illnesses, however, include: (13)
Having nuclear gene defects that are inherited in an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant manner (they�re transmitted by maternal inheritance more often but can be passed on from a parent). (14)�Mitochondrial disease has an approximate recurrence risk of one in 24 within the same family.�Parents can be genetic carriers of a mitochondrial disease and not show symptoms of their own but still pass the defective gene onto their children. High levels of inflammation. Inflammation has been linked to multiple degenerative diseases as well as the aging process itself, and mitochondrial alterations play a central role in these processes. (15) Other compounding medical conditions. For example, in adults many �diseases of aging� have been found to have defects of mitochondrial function, including type 2 diabetes, Parkinson�s disease, atherosclerotic heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer�s disease and cancer. In some cases, patients receiving immunizations show abnormal mitochondrial symptoms for the first time, or symptoms become worse. But it still isn�t totally clear if the immunizations can be blamed and how they�re involved. Some evidence suggests children should not receive vaccinations if they have underlying mitochondrial disorders that make them exponentially more vulnerable to vaccine damage. (16,�17) Some evidence shows that inflammation and �medical stress� � caused by an unhealthy lifestyle or conditions like fevers, infections, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and other illnesses � can activate the immune system, which worsens metabolic disorders and mitochondrial functions.
Mitochondrial Disease Takeaways
Mitochondria disease is actually a term used to group together hundreds of different disorders that all stem from dysfunctions of mitochondria, each one with its own exact cause and symptoms. Mitochondrial disease is often mistaken for another illness or disorder at first since it can cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, loss of appetite and other problems associated with different health concerns. It�s a progressive, debilitating disease that affects about one in every 4,000 people. Some people experience debilitating symptoms from mitochondrial disease, like not being able to talk or walk normally, but others live a mostly normal life as long as they take care of themselves carefully. To treat mitochondrial disease, see a doctor for early treatment and management, get plenty of rest, eat an anti-inflammatory diet, avoid high amounts of stress, and build immunity to prevent infections. Symptoms include fatigue; loss of motor control, balance and coordination; trouble walking or talking; muscle aches, weakness and pains; digestive problems and gastrointestinal disorders; trouble eating and swallowing; stalled growth and development; cardiovascular problems and heart disease; liver disease or dysfunction; diabetes and other hormonal disorders; respiratory issues like trouble breathing normally; higher risk for strokes and seizures; vision loss and other visual problems; trouble hearing; hormonal disorders including a lack of testosterone or estrogen; and higher susceptibility to infections. Risk factors include nuclear gene defects that are inherited in an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant manner, high levels of inflammation, and other compounding medical conditions. Some evidence shows that inflammation and �medical stress� � caused by an unhealthy lifestyle or conditions like fevers, infections, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and other illnesses � can activate the immune system, which worsens metabolic disorders and mitochondrial functions.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
The mitochondria is an amazing wonder. �It is an organelle of untold mystery. �Known as the power plant of the cell it is quickly getting to be know as the savior of the human state. �It amazing wonder and magical abilities continue to amaze all that look to it for answers. �Much science is now bearing weight on the search into its wonder. �
If you have persistent neck or back pain, you might be considering chiropractic manipulation, or realigning the spine by pressing on its joints, a therapy often touted to relieve such chronic discomfort. Chiropractic care is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine. In 2012, one in 12 U.S. adults visited the chiropractor, according to an analysis of federal survey data published in January. And each year chiropractors (along with some osteopathic physicians and physical therapists) perform several million adjustments.
Does It Work?
The founder of modern chiropractic care, a 19th-century Iowan, believed that chiropractic manipulation could cure all manner of maladies. And some chiropractors still offer services for conditions such as asthma and high blood pressure, even though there�s no strong evidence that chiropractic treatment helps for those. But most chiropractors focus on skeletal and muscular problems�especially low back, neck, and shoulder pain, and related headaches.
And some studies suggest that spinal manipulations (�adjustments�) can help diminish such pain. A 2011 review of 26 studies found that for chronic low back pain, manipulation reduced pain in the short term at least as much as exercise and even pain relievers. Chiropractic care also improved participants� short-term physical functions, such as their ability to climb stairs or bend over.
�The bad news is that for chronic, persistent back pain, even the best therapies result in only mild to moderate relief,� says Roger Chou, M.D., a professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University who studies back pain. �The key is finding the treatment that works for you and seeing a therapist who cares about function�not just pain relief�and who will help you get back to the activities that matter most in your life.�
When it comes to neck pain, a study of 181 people published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that getting regular chiropractic care (about once per week for 12 weeks) could lessen discomfort better than acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some research also suggests that chiropractic manipulation might work as well as medication for migraine headaches.
�For chronic backache or neck pain that is not accompanied by symptoms requiring medical attention�such as urinary or intestinal problems or weakness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg�considering chiropractic manipulation seems reasonable,� says Consumer Reports� chief medical adviser, Marvin M. Lipman, M.D. But it isn�t risk-free. �It can cause temporary headaches and, rarely, serious problems such as worsening the pain of a slipped disk,� he notes.
What to Know If You Go
All states require chiropractors to earn a four-year doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). Chiropractors are also required to pass an exam administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners to get licensed.
Treatments are often covered by insurance, including Medicare Part B, which pays 80 percent of the cost after your deductible.
Back pain is one of the most common symptoms reported among the general population. While a majority of cases resolve on their own, some instances of back pain may be due to further injury or an aggravated condition. If the symptoms are persistent, it might be time to seek medical attention immediately. Chiropractic care focuses on musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, helping to restore the original health of the spine.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: Headache After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as head pain. Headaches are a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession which focuses on injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system as well as the effects of these on overall health. Chiropractic care is generally utilized to treat neuromusculoskeletal complications, including but not limited to: back pain, neck pain, joint pain and headaches.
What is a Doctor of Chiropractic?
Doctors of Chiropractic, abbreviated as DCs, also commonly known as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians, practice a hands-on, drug-free alternative treatment approach to healthcare, performing patient assessments, determining a diagnosis and following with an appropriate treatment. Chiropractors possess a wide variety of diagnostic skills and are also qualified to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises to patients, providing them with nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling in the process.
Chiropractors commonly evaluate patients using clinical examinations, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic interventions to establish the most appropriate time to begin chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors may also readily refer patients to receive care from other healthcare providers when chiropractic treatment is not suitable to treat the patient�s condition or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other healthcare providers.
In many instances, such as with lower back pain, chiropractic treatment may be an individual�s primary form of treatment. In other cases where severe, complicated injuries or conditions are present, chiropractic may be utilized to complement or support medical treatment by healing the musculoskeletal issues associated with the existing injury or condition.
Similar to doctors of medicine, abbreviated as MDs, doctors of chiropractic are subject to the boundaries established in state practice acts and are regulated by state licensing boards. A DC�s education in four-year doctoral graduate school programs is nationally accredited through an agency which operates under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Education. After graduating, chiropractors are required to pass national board exams in order to acquire a license to practice, where they must then maintain their license annually by earning continuing education, or CE, credits through state-approved CE programs.
What is Spinal Manipulation?
A spinal manipulation, also referred to as a chiropractic adjustment, is one of the most recognized and common therapeutic procedures performed by chiropractors. Chiropractic adjustments help restore the mobility of the joints and other structures of the body by utilizing the application of manual and controlled force against the joints which have become restricted in their movement, or hypomobile, due to tissue damage or injury. Tissue injury can be the result of a single traumatic circumstance, such as through the improper lifting of a heavy object or through repetitive and constant stress from sitting in improper positions with poor posture for an extended period of time. In both cases, the affected structures of the body can become physically and chemically altered, resulting in pain, inflammation and limited function. A spinal manipulation of the affected joints and tissues can ultimately restore mobility, improving the symptoms of pain and muscle tightness, allowing the tissues to heal on their own.
Chiropractic adjustments infrequently cause discomfort. However, patients may occasionally report feeling mild soreness or aching following treatment, which generally resolve within 12 to 48 hours. In contrast to other common treatments for pain, such as over-the-counter and prescription pain medications, the conservative approach of chiropractic care offers individuals a safe and effective, alternative treatment option for their specific injuries or conditions.
Why Choose Chiropractic?
Annually, chiropractors care for more than 30 million Americans, adults and children alike. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed to practice in all 50 states, as well as in the District of Columbia, and in many nations around the world.
An increasing list of research studies and reviews has established that the treatment methods and techniques provided by chiropractic physicians are both safe and effective. The evidence strongly supports the natural, whole-body and cost-effective approach of chiropractic care for a variety of conditions.
Chiropractic treatment is included in most health insurance plans, including: major medical plans, worker�s compensation, Medicare, some Medicaid plans, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for federal employees, among others.
Chiropractic is used widely by young and professional athletes to help prevent and treat injuries and/or aggravated conditions as well as to aid them achieve optimal health and wellness. Also commonly utilized by the general population, chiropractic care can help restore an individual�s original well being, increasing their strength, flexibility and mobility as well as decreasing symptoms such as pain, inflammation and discomfort caused by spinal complications. Following up with the chiropractor�s treatment recommendations can also help speed up the individual�s recovery process, helping them return to their everyday lifestyles.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Many new patients are unsure about what to expect during their first appointment with a chiropractor. Foremost, a doctor of chiropractic will begin the consultation by taking a patient�s history and then performing a physical examination in order to develop a working diagnosis. Imaging or lab tests, including MRI, CT scans and/or X-rays, may be used to confirm a diagnosis.
The combination of the history, exam, and diagnostic study results will ultimately allow the chiropractor to determine a proper diagnosis for the individual�s injury or condition, which will then allow the healthcare professional to follow up with the best treatment procedures according to their overall health and wellness. If your chiropractor determines you would be more appropriately managed or co-managed by another healthcare professional, he or she will make the proper referral.
Through a process of shared decision-making, you and your chiropractic physician can establish which treatment methods and techniques will be right for you. As part of this process, the chiropractor will explain your injury and/or condition, recommend an appropriate treatment plan and finally, they will review the risks and benefits of all procedures with you.
As with all forms of treatment, time and patience is required to heal an injury or condition and visiting your chiropractor regularly can ensure the process is smooth and effective. Following the healthcare professional�s treatment plan accordingly is the best, most recommended decision you can take as an individual to achieve overall health and wellness.
Dr. Alex Jimenez is an El Paso Chiropractor who has been helping people recover from their specific injuries or conditions through the use of chiropractic adjustments and manipulations. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Jimenez can provide safe and effective care to those in need.
Chiropractic treatment is a popular, alternative treatment option which is generally used to treat spinal complications, including back pain and neck pain. Commonly utilizing spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to restore the natural health of the spine, chiropractors can also recommend a variety of exercises and lifestyle changes to promote healing and speed up the recovery process for overall health and wellness.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Our body is adapted to withstand the constant struggles for survival. Researchers estimate that each individual cell is capable of enduring approximately 10,000 assaults from reactive oxygen species, abbreviated as ROS, or free radicals. The human body is equipped with an unbelievable self-healing system which can combat the attack of these intruders, repairing those which have been damaged. While our body is suited to protect itself from harm, there are methods available which can help increase the body�s natural defenses. Chiropractic care has been demonstrated to be a powerful method of stabilizing and enhancing this self-healing ability.
The central nervous system is the fundamental system that controls all the body�s functions and healing. The communication between the nerves from the brain to the body coordinates all 75 trillion cells to action. The brain then receives movement information from the skin, joints, & muscle receptors, known as proprioception. The brain depends on sufficient proprioception for optimal function.
Physical stress can begin to affect the nervous system, interrupting signals from the brain to the rest of the body when the vertebrae of the spine are misaligned or subluxated. This can result due to direct trauma or injury from falls, sporting activities and automobile accidents. Additionally, improper posture, repetitive movements, and poor sleeping habits can damage the spine and nervous system as well. Injury to the nerves can lead to a deficiency in healthy brain-body signaling and may increased the release of a stress hormone called cortisol, which can disrupt the body’s ability to heal itself.
Research studies have demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments can remove the unnecessary pressure being placed against the nerves due to compression or impingement, allowing the body to restore its function as it was naturally designed. Other studies have shown that chiropractic care can be a powerful form of anti-aging. In 2005, a landmark study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation, or JVSR, found evidence that chiropractic treatment can reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Oxidative stress is the damage that occurs when free radicals outnumber the body’s antioxidants. Oxidative stress can damage all of the body�s cell components, including: proteins; lipids; and DNA. As a matter of fact, researchers established that one out of every three proteins can be rendered dysfunctional by unchecked free radical damages.
Thiols are sulfur containing compounds found in the body that act as antioxidants. They react with free radicals to neutralize them. Scientists from Biomedical Diagnostic Research, Inc, announced that serum levels of thiols may reflect the DNA’s capacity to repair itself, which can then be used to measure an individual�s disease and aging status. In a 2003 study published in the Journal of Anti Aging Medicine, low serum thiol levels were found in nine different categories of human sickness and disease.
The study published in JVSR consisted of 76 participants, where one group received temporary chiropractic care, a second group received prolonged, regular chiropractic care and the third group received no chiropractic care. The study categorized study participants by age, sex and the use of nutritional supplements. Healthy individuals which were provided with chiropractic treatment for 2 or more years experienced increased levels of serum thiol than those previously diagnosed with a sickness or disease. Several of the chiropractic patients had serum thiol levels higher than what is associated with normal wellness.
Chiropractor Dr. Christopher Kent stated, �Oxidative stress, metabolically generating free radicals, is now a broadly accepted theory of how we age and develop disease. Going through life”, he added, �we experience physical, chemical and emotional stress. These stresses can greatly affect the function of the nervous system. We hypothesized that these disturbances in nerve function could affect oxidative stress and DNA repair on a cellular level. Chiropractic care appears to improve the body�s ability to adapt to stress”, concluded Dr. Christopher Kent.
Over time, the human body will experience natural degenerative changes which can often cause the development of conditions or disorders, such as osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis. However, research studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care can help reverse the effects of aging using treatments like spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to slow down the process.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: Headache After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as head pain. Headaches are a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
Our bodies require a properly balanced nutrition, consistent physical activity and the appropriate amount of sleep in order to maintain overall health and wellness. These essential elements help each structure of the body function accordingly, providing us with the fundamental energy we need to perform our daily tasks.
While many individuals follow these key principles to maintain their wellbeing, our bodies today are persistently challenged with harmful toxins. Chlorine and health damaging fluoride in our water, harmful chemicals found in foods, the toxic air and pollution we breathe every day, even constant everyday stress can create a dangerous accumulation of toxins within the body. Processed foods containing a harsh amount of preservatives is probably one of the most detrimental factors to our overall digestive health and wellness.
Processed foods do not move easily through the digestive tract and they can become adhered to the intestines. When these become stagnant in the gut, the digested food begins to rot, creating the ideal environment for parasites as hazardous toxins are released into the bloodstream and towards the liver. Albeit the liver is capable of purifying the blood of harmful substances, an excessive accumulation of toxins in the blood can burden the natural function of the liver, eventually causing disease.
The Basics of a Coffee Enema
A detox involves the discipline of abstaining from or the process of releasing health damaging substances from the body. Although there are methods and treatments available to detoxify the body, there is an uncommon practice which has increasingly been utilized for its disputed benefits to promote gut motility and the frequency of bowel movements: coffee enemas.
Coffee enemas, along with other natural detoxification treatment, have been utilized for thousands of years to help restore the original function of the digestive system and improve overall health and wellness. Coffee enemas are known to help cleanse out bacteria, heavy metals, fungus and yeast from the digestive tract, including from the liver and colon. This procedure can not only help relieve the body of dangerous toxins, it also helps lower inflammation, improving the frequency of bowel movements, prevents bloating and increases the amounts of energy levels in the body, enhancing good mood, ultimately healing individuals from disorders and conditions due to an improper digestive health.
Additionally, coffee enemas are considered to be powerful detoxifiers because, due to several wonderful compounds which can be found within the coffee, these can stimulate the liver to produce glutathione S-transferase, a chemical which is identified as the master detoxifier in the body. Glutathione S-transferase functions by binding to toxins, releasing them out of the body along with the coffee.
Coffee beans naturally consist of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, such as cafestol palmitate, kahweol, theobromine, theophylline and caffeine. When ingested, either from drinking it or from the direct insertion of it into the colon after performing a coffee enema, the compounds within the coffee will act like a cathartic, causing the colon muscles to contract. This will help move stools through the digestive tract, improving cases of constipation.
Regular bowel movements are essential for carrying waste and toxins out of the body. Research studies have demonstrated that the compounds from a coffee enema travel through the hemorrhoidal vein to the liver. The coffee then opens up blood vessels, relaxing smooth muscles, helping with bowel movements and improving circulation as well. Once in the liver, the coffee is believed to also help open up bile ducts, increasing the production of bile necessary for proper digestion and excretion.
How to Do a Coffee Enema
Cleansing the body of harmful toxins on a regular basis has increasingly become an essential necessity due to the rising amounts of dangerous substances that our bodies are challenged with everyday, from water, food, the air we breathe and simply, our busy, stressful lives. Several studies have been previously conducted on the benefits of coffee enemas, however, many of these demonstrated inconclusive results. Although these might need further research their effectiveness, many who�ve used them themselves or to treat others can testify on the individual�s tremendous improvements. In a world where people are trying to find new and old ways to promote overall health and wellness, coffee enemas are certainly within the spectrum of methods and treatments which are increasingly being used for whole body wellbeing.
Utilized since the dawn of time, coffee enemas have been known to flush out harmful toxins from the body, promoting frequent bowel movements and gut motility. The compounds of coffee which enter the body can have tremendous benefits, including the reduction of inflammation and bloating, towards overall digestive health.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Headache After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as head pain. Headaches are a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
On accounts of various individuals and healthcare professionals today, coffee enemas have been utilized to relieve various conditions and illnesses. The following article emphasizes several important basic information people should know before utilizing a coffee enema. It’s fundamental to assess the individual’s health as a whole before attempting any procedures on your own.
Using enemas for therapeutic purposes has been around since ancient times and is referenced in both the Dead Sea Scrolls and a third-century Aramaic manuscript. There are many things you can use in an enema like probiotics, essential oils, and chlorophyll; but my favorite and probably the most popular ingredient to use in a therapeutic enema, is coffee.
Using coffee dates back to World War I, when it was discovered that administering coffee rectally provided pain relief. This prompted studies which showed that coffee dilated bile ducts, restored the liver, and released toxic bile and waste products into the digestive tract to be carried out of the body. Since then, coffee enemas have been shown to help with many health conditions like arthritis, depression, cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
In my personal experience, doing a regular enema healed the scar tissue in my intestine, was huge in healing my crohn�s disease, tackled a lingering candida issue, and regenerated my bowel function. Most importantly, it saved me from having to have one of those beautifully attractive colostomy bags that every 20-year-old wants to have when they�re looking for Mr. Handsome Man.
Because of coffee�s ability to address the toxic cause of chronic disease, Dr. Max Gerson adopted it into his cancer healing program, and countless doctors including O.A. Meyer, Martin Heubner, William Kelley, Harold Manner, Nicholas Gonzales, W. J. Mayo, and Linda Isaacs, have done the same. Dr. Peter Lechner (an oncologist surgeon) of Austria conducted a trial of the Gerson cancer therapy in the post-surgical treatment of metastasized colorectal cancers and reported in 1984 that �Coffee enemas have a definite effect on the colon which can be observed with an endoscope.� Currently, coffee enemas are being tested for the prevention of pancreatic cancer and were even listed in the Merck manual from 1899-1977 (and was removed to make room for new material�not because of ineffectiveness).
And hey, if it works for cancer it works for me right? If you�re wanting to heal intestinal scar tissue, use essential oils in your enema. If you want to gently cleanse the gut, use chlorophyll. If you want to address and re-populate your gut flora, use probiotics. If you�re serious about detoxing, pull out the big guns and use coffee.
How To Do a Coffee Enema
Fill a small coffee pot with filtered water. Add 3 tablespoons of coffee, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. You can let it cool down to room temp or slightly higher than body temperature (which I prefer). This could take an hour or two. Attach the hose and attachment piece to your enema bucket and clamp the hose. Strain and pour in the coffee solution. Grab your iPad and head to the bathroom. Put a little olive oil on the attachment and insert into your bumper. I know�it�s weird but you�ll get over it. Lay on your right side or hang out in down dog (on your knees) and unfasten the clamp. You can also hang the bucket on the door knob. Release the solution and clamp the hose if you need to slow down the flow or if you feel cramps. Once your solution is gone, clamp the hose, pull out the attachment, and either invert or lay on your right side, knees to chest, and breathe deeply to bring the solution deeper into your colon. Try to retain the enema for 15 minutes so you can get all the effects of the coffee. When your 15 minutes is up you�ll know it. Go�sit on the loo�and let er� poo. When you�re done, clean your toilet, take a shower, rinse the bucket and sanitize the attachment. Go run a marathon�you�ll feel like you want to. �How often should you do a coffee enema?
Many programs recommend doing enemas every day during a detox. If you have cancer or a severe medical condition, programs like Gerson Therapy would advise using it several times a day (and sometimes in conjunction with castor oil). To me, that seems like a lot. Once every 2-3 days or as needed, is a more balanced approach.
Can you become addicted to coffee enemas?
Although some are concerned about becoming addicted to using enemas, I have a hard time wrapping my mind around it. A person can be addicted to anything and people are certainly addicted to drinking coffee in this country (which is far inferior therapeutically). That to me, is a greater concern. The people from �My Strange Addiction� on TLC are not accurate representations of people who utilize enemas.
Despite the great feeling post enema, doing it is a process, requires preparation, a set aside block of time, a good toilet cleaning, and a shower. Do that every two days for 2-3 years while babies are running around and you�ll come to appreciate your ability to naturally take a poo in the loo.
Will my colon become dependent upon an enema?
Many people think their colon will become reliant on an enema to relieve itself. In my experience, this is not the case. An enema is not a laxative or a stimulant. In rehydrates the stool, soothes the colon, and your body evacuates on its own. I had zero bowel function for almost three years and used an enema to regain it. However, an enema should not be used as a crutch for bad habits. If you can�t #2, you need to address your food.
Where can I buy the enema kit and coffee?
Although you can find inexpensive enema bags at Wal-Mart and internal cleansing systems on Amazon, I�ve found that these products are great for single uses but are very hard to clean. Nobody wants to populate the gut with black mold. If you�re serious about detoxing and are using enemas therpeutically, I�d recommend investing in a good one.
I personally use a stainless steel enema kit with Gerson coffee from Pure Life. The kit comes with instructions on how to use the enema and this lovely disclaimer, which I took a picture of for my own amusement.
That aside, I�m not allowed to give medical advice either, so this is my personal opinion on the matter. If you want a medical opinion�you should heed the disclaimer and consult your doctor who (unless he/she is super cool) will probably freak out because they�ve never done it themselves and have no understanding of, or training in the therapeutic use of an enema.�It does however, make for an entertaining appointment. In�addition to heeding�the disclaimer, I would also invest in a book on Gerson Therapy.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.livingwhole.org
Dating back to approximately around the time of World War I, coffee has been utilized in enemas by physicians as a method to help detoxify the body of harmful toxins and improve illnesses and conditions. While additional research studies are still necessary to determine their effectiveness today, many individuals still use coffee enemas to rid their bodies of these undesired toxins.
Trending Topic: Headache After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as head pain. Headaches are a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
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