Discover how chiropractic care for chronic inflammation plays a vital role in alleviating chronic pain and improving quality of life.

Managing Chronic Inflammation with Chiropractic and Integrative Care at El Paso Back Clinic

Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body heal from injuries and infections. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can silently contribute to serious health issues like arthritis, heart disease, and fibromyalgia. Unlike acute inflammation, which is a short-term response to harm, chronic inflammation persists and can damage tissues over time. At El Paso Back Clinic in El Paso, Texas, Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, combines chiropractic care, integrative medicine, and lifestyle interventions to address chronic inflammation and promote long-term health. This article examines the distinctions between acute and chronic inflammation, their respective roles in the body, environmental factors that trigger chronic inflammation, and how non-surgical treatments provided at El Paso Back Clinic can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve overall well-being.

Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation: Understanding the Difference

Inflammation is the body’s defense mechanism against injury, infection, or harmful substances, involving immune cells, blood vessels, and chemical signals. Acute and chronic inflammation serve different purposes and have distinct effects on health.

Acute Inflammation: The Body’s Quick Response

Acute inflammation occurs when the body responds to a specific event, like a cut, sprain, or infection. For example, when you twist your ankle, the area becomes red, swollen, and painful as immune cells like neutrophils rush to fight infection and begin healing (Germolec et al., 2018). Key features include:

• Short-Term: Lasts hours to days, resolving once the threat is neutralized.
• Visible Symptoms: Redness, swelling, heat, and pain signal increased blood flow to the area.
• Protective Role: Helps eliminate pathogens, repair tissue, and restore function (Arulselvan et al., 2016).

For instance, a scraped knee triggers acute inflammation to prevent infection and promote healing.

Chronic Inflammation: A Hidden Health Risk

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, low-grade inflammatory state that can persist for months or years, often without obvious symptoms initially. It can damage tissues and contribute to diseases like diabetes, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia (Suzuki, 2019). Characteristics include:

• Long-Lasting: Persists due to ongoing stressors or immune dysfunction.
• Silent Damage: Affects organs and tissues, leading to conditions like heart disease or cancer.
• Pain and Dysfunction: Increased pain sensitivity, as seen in fibromyalgia (García-Domínguez, 2025).

For example, chronic inflammation in joints can lead to arthritis, causing persistent pain and reduced mobility.

The Role of Inflammation in the Body

Inflammation is essential for survival, but it can become harmful when it becomes chronic. Understanding its roles helps explain why managing chronic inflammation is critical.

Acute Inflammation’s Benefits

Acute inflammation protects the body by:

• Fighting Infections: Immune cells attack bacteria or viruses to prevent illness (Arulselvan et al., 2016).
• Repairing Tissues: Delivers nutrients and oxygen to injured areas for healing.
• Clearing Debris: Removes dead cells and pathogens, cleaning the injury site.

For example, a sore throat during a cold is acute inflammation fighting the virus, aiding recovery.

Chronic Inflammation’s Harmful Effects

Chronic inflammation can disrupt normal bodily functions by:

• Damaging Tissues: Prolonged inflammation breaks down healthy tissues, contributing to conditions like fatty liver or atherosclerosis (Suzuki, 2019).
• Altering Organ Function: Disrupts normal processes, leading to diseases like diabetes or depression (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).
• Increasing Pain: Sensitizes pain pathways, worsening conditions like fibromyalgia (García-Domínguez, 2025).

This persistent state often results from lifestyle factors or environmental triggers, which we’ll explore next.

Environmental Factors Fueling Chronic Inflammation

Several lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to chronic inflammation. Addressing these can help reduce its impact.

Unhealthy Diet

Diet significantly influences inflammation. Consuming too many refined sugars, flours, and processed oils—common in American diets—spikes blood sugar and fat levels, promoting inflammation (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.). Key dietary triggers include:

• Excess Calories: Overeating, especially processed foods, leads to obesity, a known inflammatory state (Suzuki, 2019).
• Low Nutrient Intake: Diets lacking fiber, antioxidants, or healthy fats are ineffective in combating inflammation (Strasser et al., 2021).
• Inflammatory Foods: Aspartame and monosodium glutamate may increase inflammation in some people (Kurapatti et al., 2023).

For example, frequent fast food consumption can elevate inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP).

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of physical activity promotes inflammation by contributing to obesity and poor circulation. Regular movement helps clear inflammatory mediators and supports immune balance (Metsios et al., 2020).

Chronic Stress

Ongoing stress releases cortisol, disrupting immune function and increasing inflammation. For instance, work-related stress can elevate pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 (Suzuki, 2019).

Poor Sleep

Sleep deprivation impairs tissue repair and increases inflammatory markers, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, contributing to the development of chronic conditions (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).

Environmental Toxins

Exposure to pollutants like air pollution or cigarette smoke activates the immune system, causing low-grade inflammation (Arulselvan et al., 2016).

Non-Surgical Treatments at El Paso Back Clinic

El Paso Back Clinic, led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, offers a comprehensive approach to managing chronic inflammation through chiropractic care, integrative medicine, and lifestyle interventions. These non-surgical treatments support the body’s natural detoxification processes, reduce pain, and promote long-term health.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments correct spinal misalignments (subluxations) that contribute to inflammation and pain. Dr. Jimenez uses hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and nerve function, offering benefits like:

• Enhanced Circulation: Adjustments improve blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing inflammatory waste.
• Pain Relief: Reducing nerve irritation alleviates pain caused by inflammation.
• Holistic Recovery: Dr. Jimenez combines adjustments with advanced diagnostics, such as neuromusculoskeletal imaging, to tailor treatments (Jimenez, n.d.).

For example, a patient with chronic low back pain may receive adjustments to restore spinal alignment, reducing inflammation and improving mobility.

Integrative Medicine

Dr. Jimenez integrates complementary therapies to address inflammation holistically:

• Acupuncture stimulates specific points to reduce inflammation and pain by lowering cytokines, such as IL-6 (Wickenheisser et al., 2019).
• Massage Therapy: Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, helping clear inflammatory mediators (Metsios et al., 2020).
• Nutrition Counseling: Emphasizes anti-inflammatory diets, such as Mediterranean or vegan, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3s (Kurapatti et al., 2023).

These therapies enhance the body’s natural detoxification systems, like the lymphatic system, to eliminate waste efficiently.

Physical Activity and Sports

Exercise is a cornerstone of inflammation management. Dr. Jimenez designs personalized plans to boost circulation and reduce inflammation, including:

• Low-Impact Aerobics: Activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling increase blood flow and lower CRP levels (Suzuki, 2019).
• Strength Training: Builds muscle to regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation (Strasser et al., 2021).
• Yoga and stretching improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and lower stress hormones (Metsios et al., 2020).

For instance, a patient recovering from a motor vehicle accident (MVA) might follow a swimming routine to enhance circulation and reduce joint inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

Dr. Jimenez advises patients to adopt diets that combat inflammation:

• Avoid Refined Foods: Reduce sugar, flour, and processed oils (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).
• Emphasize Plant-Based Foods: Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains provide antioxidants and fiber (Kurapatti et al., 2023).
• Incorporate Omega-3s: Foods like salmon or chia seeds reduce inflammatory cytokines (Strasser et al., 2021).

A Mediterranean diet, for example, can help lower inflammatory markers and alleviate symptoms in conditions such as arthritis.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT uses light to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair by stimulating ATP production and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Wickenheisser et al., 2019; Rayegani et al., 2017). Dr. Jimenez may use LLLT for patients with musculoskeletal pain, such as those with fibromyalgia, to complement chiropractic care.

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Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s Expertise at El Paso Back Clinic

Dr. Jimenez, a dual-licensed chiropractor and nurse practitioner, brings a unique approach to managing inflammation and injuries at El Paso Back Clinic. His expertise includes:

Dual-Scope Diagnosis

Using advanced neuromusculoskeletal imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) and medical assessments (e.g., blood tests for CRP or hemoglobin A1c), Dr. Jimenez identifies inflammation and injury causes. This dual-scope approach ensures the development of precise and personalized treatment plans (Germolec et al., 2018; Jimenez, n.d.).

Treating Diverse Injuries

The clinic addresses injuries from MVAs, work, sports, and personal accidents:

• MVAs: Whiplash, herniated discs, and sciatica are treated with adjustments, LLLT, and rehabilitation exercises to reduce inflammation and restore function (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).
• Work Injuries: Repetitive strain injuries are managed with chiropractic care, acupuncture, and ergonomic advice to prevent chronic inflammation.
• Sports Injuries: Sprains or tendonitis are treated with targeted exercises and massage to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Personal Injuries: Falls or minor traumas are addressed with integrative therapies to prevent long-term issues.

Medical and Legal Support

For injury cases, Dr. Jimenez provides detailed medical care and legal documentation, critical for insurance claims or legal proceedings in MVA or workplace injury cases. His clinic ensures accurate records of diagnoses, treatments, and progress (Jimenez, n.d.).

Synergistic Healing

Dr. Jimenez’s treatments work together to enhance the body’s natural healing processes:

• Circulation and Detoxification: Exercise and massage boost blood and lymph flow, clearing inflammatory waste (Metsios et al., 2020).
• Inflammation Reduction: Acupuncture and LLLT target inflammatory pathways, while nutrition neutralizes free radicals (Wickenheisser et al., 2019; Kurapatti et al., 2023).
• Pain Management: Adjustments and stretching reduce nerve irritation and muscle tension (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.).
• Prevention: Addressing root causes like poor diet or stress prevents chronic conditions (García-Domínguez, 2025).

For example, a patient with fibromyalgia might receive adjustments to improve spinal alignment, acupuncture to reduce pain, and a tailored exercise plan to boost circulation, all supported by a plant-based diet.

Addressing Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia, often linked to chronic inflammation, requires careful management. Dr. Jimenez uses blood tests to monitor markers like IL-6 and TNF-α, which are elevated in fibromyalgia (García-Domínguez, 2025). His integrative approach, which includes acupuncture, exercise, and nutrition, reduces these markers, thereby alleviating pain and fatigue.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation can lead to serious health issues, but El Paso Back Clinic, led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, offers effective non-surgical solutions. By combining chiropractic adjustments, integrative therapies like acupuncture and massage, targeted exercise, and anti-inflammatory nutrition, the clinic supports the body’s natural detoxification and healing processes. Whether recovering from an MVA, managing fibromyalgia, or seeking overall wellness, patients benefit from personalized care that reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and promotes long-term health. Contact El Paso Back Clinic at 915-850-0900 to start your journey to better health.

References

• Arulselvan, P., Fard, M. T., Tan, W. S., Gothai, S., Fakurazi, S., Norhaizan, M. E., & Kumar, S. S. (2016). Role of antioxidants and natural products in inflammation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2016, 5276130. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/5276130
• El Paso Back Clinic. (n.d.). Chronic inflammation: Chiropractic treatment. https://elpasobackclinic.com/chronic-inflammation-chiropractic/
• García-Domínguez, M. (2025). Fibromyalgia and inflammation: Unrevealing the connection. Cells, 14(4), 271. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14040271
• Germolec, D. R., Shipkowski, K. A., Frawley, R. P., & Evans, E. (2018). Markers of inflammation. Methods in Molecular Biology, 1803, 57–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-8549-4_5
• Jimenez, A. (n.d.). Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC. https://dralexjimenez.com/
• Jimenez, A. (n.d.). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
• Kurapatti, M., Ratheesh, M., & Jose, R. (2023). Diet composition’s effect on chronic musculoskeletal pain: A narrative review. Pain Physician, 26(7), 527–534. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37976478/
• Metsios, G. S., Moe, R. H., & Kitas, G. D. (2020). Exercise and inflammation. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 34(2), 101504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2020.101504
• Paroli, M., Gioffrè, F. M., & Caccamo, V. (2024). Inflammation, autoimmunity, and infection in fibromyalgia: A narrative review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(11), 5922. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115922
• Rayegani, S. M., Raeissadat, S. A., Heidari, S., & Moradi-Joo, M. (2017). Safety and Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of lasers in medical sciences, 8(Suppl 1), S12–S19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29071029/
• Strasser, B., Wolters, M., Weyh, C., Krüger, K., & Ticinesi, A. (2021). The effects of lifestyle and diet on gut microbiota composition, inflammation, and muscle performance in our aging society. Nutrients, 13(6), 2045. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13062045
• Suzuki, K. (2019). Chronic inflammation as an immunological abnormality and effectiveness of exercise. Biomolecules, 9(6), 223. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9060223
• Wickenheisser, V. A., Zywot, E. M., Rabjohns, E. M., Lee, H. H., Lawrence, D. S., & Tarrant, T. K. (2019). Laser light therapy in inflammatory, musculoskeletal, and autoimmune disease. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 19(8), 37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-019-0869-z