by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Neck pain may occur as a result of various activities that add extra strain on your neck. An abundance of individuals frequently report feeling pain at the base of their skull and down into their shoulders, or they also often describe feeling a knot in their neck and stiffness. Many others also experience headaches along with their other symptoms. Severe cases of neck pain can impair a person�s ability to move their head and can even become serious enough to greatly restrict the individual�s ability to function to their fullest capacity, especially during the job.
If your neck pain worsens by the end of a long work day, it may be due to all the excess stress being placed on your neck while working. Consistently prolonged activities can affect bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints and other tissues in the region of the cervical spine. Activities that cause these complications, for example, include an improper posture while sitting at a desk, incorrect lifting techniques, and repetitive movements of the arms and upper body. Holding your head forward to read a computer screen, a posture best referred to as forward head posture, is one of the most common types of improper postures. Research shows that simply using a computer for an extended period of time can cause or even aggravate neck pain. Also, when doing heavy lifting at work, the neck is as much at risk for damage or injury due to incorrect lifting techniques as the back. Furthermore, overusing the arms and upper body repeatedly can irritate their surrounding tissues, leading to degeneration or wear and tear damage.
Regardless of your job, ergonomics can help protect your neck from damage or injury. Ergonomics is the science of fitting a work environment to the job in a manner that is best fitting to the individual�s overall well being. For instance, if you work by a desk at a computer station, ergonomics takes into consideration how your desk, chair, and computer monitor should be positioned to reduce the stress on your neck and body. If you work in an industrial setting, ergonomics may involve teaching you about the most appropriate lifting techniques as well as using heavy equipment.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
For individuals who sit for prolonged periods of time behind a desk, neck complications and their symptoms are all well-known among the general population. From improper posture to incorrect lifting techniques, injury in the workplace is a frequent reason many people seek relief and treatment for their symptoms. Fortunately, several techniques can help decrease the risk of developing neck complications. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Sciatica is identified as a group of symptoms occurring when the sciatic nerve, found on the lumbar region of the spine, becomes irritated. The most commonly diagnosed cause of sciatic nerve irritation, or sciatica, results due to compression or impingement of a single or multiple nerve roots caused by natural spinal degeneration with age or a disc herniation in the lower back, which may occur after trauma from an injury. The symptoms of sciatica generally originate in the area of the buttock, and depending on the grade of the underlying nerve compression and inflammation, sciatic nerve irritation may radiate down the entire leg into the ankle and foot.
Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, found in the buttock region from the upper femur bone to the edge of the sacrum, or the pelvic bone below the lumbar spine, contracts and spasms causing pain and tightness as well as tingling and numbness. The symptoms of piriformis syndrome are very similar and are often closely associated with sciatica. In some cases, the condition actually causes sciatic nerve irritation. Because the sciatic nerve runs underneath or through the middle of the piriformis muscle, contraction or inflammation of the tissues in this area may compress the sciatic nerve and develop sciatica symptoms. This is one of the main reasons sciatica and piriformis syndrome are often misdiagnosed.
As previously mentioned, the symptoms of sciatica and piriformis syndrome are very similar. Both cause pain, tingling and burning sensations, and/or numbness down the affected leg which can radiate down into the foot. Furthermore, this set of symptoms and the condition tend to closely correlate to biomechanical functional complications in the joints of the back and pelvis. Sciatica and piriformis syndrome may even be present simultaneously in the same person which can make telling both complications apart more difficult.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
While sciatica is a term used to describe a set of symptoms affecting on the lumbar region of the spine, sciatic nerve pain can occur due to a variety of injuries or conditions. Piriformis syndrome, a condition affecting the piriformis muscle located in the buttocks, can cause symptoms similar to sciatic nerve pain, where these two complications may be often confused. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
When an individual maintains a proper posture, the muscles and other tissues supporting the structure of the neck and back remain strong while the spine preserves its natural and healthy alignment. Studies have previously concluded that good posture can help you have more energy, less stress, as well as prevent fatigue. As a matter of fact, good posture is crucial if you want to maintain an ideal physical fitness. Ultimately, a proper posture is a sign of good health.
If you have bad posture, not only will it create spine complications along with pain and discomfort in the present, but gradually, improper posture can have negative effects later in life if not corrected in time.
One of the most distinguished negative effects associated among individuals with improper posture includes a change in the spinal curve. The spine is naturally designed to have a slight S-shaped curvature, however, after an extended period of time practicing incorrect posture when sitting or standing, the spine is put under a tremendous amount of pressure. This occurs because the spine is repeatedly being forced into an unnatural position. The altered spinal curve can not only lead to chronic pain and discomfort, but it can impede the spine from naturally absorbing shock as well as maintain proper balance.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Posture isn’t only important for its visual aspects, maintaining a proper posture can ultimately help keep an individual healthy. Sitting and even standing incorrectly for an extended period of time can alter the structure of the spine, leading to long term, physical complications. A proper posture is overall important for achieving optimal heath. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Forward head posture is the most common form of improper posture responsible for neck and shoulder pain in many individuals. The head weighs nearly the same as a bowling ball. When the head is placed in a further forward position than normal, it adds an increasingly greater force on the neck, much like when you hold a bowling ball away from you, it�s more difficult to hold it.
The supplementary force from a forward head posture adds even more stress on the cervical spine and increases the demands on the surrounding muscles which function to hold the head upright. Imagine the effects of the increased and sustained efforts from these muscles on the rest of your body. The improper posture can often cause restrictions in blood flow that cause a decrease of oxygen and energy delivery which can impede waste removal. The neck ultimately suffers, causing stiffness as well as trigger points that attribute to the well-known symptoms of head and neck pain along with discomfort on other parts of the body.
The increased tightness resulting from forward head postures can contribute to nerve compression as numerous nerves pass through the surrounding muscles. Because these specific nerves also run down into the arm, any type of neck complication can cause pain, tingling, and numbness on the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers.
Furthermore, rounded shoulders from an improper posture can create a variety of shoulder complications. As the shoulder blades move forward, they restraint the space the rotator cuff tendons have between two of the bones found in the shoulder. The space restriction can lead to compression of the cuff tendons, occasionally causing tears.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
A majority of individuals frequently seek medical attention after experiencing constant pain and discomfort on their neck and shoulders, including repetitive headaches. While injury is believed to be one of the leading causes for cervical spine complications among the population, there�s another important and often overlooked factor that may be contributing to the individual�s gradual symptom development; posture. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Sciatica can be a very uncomfortable experience for many individuals. Characterized as a series of symptoms rather than a single condition, sciatica is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, the largest single nerve in the human body extending from the lower back through deep in the buttock and down into the back of each leg. It�s been reported that the immense and debilitating pain in the back and legs from sciatica can make going through your regular day difficult.
Fortunately for many individuals experiencing sciatica symptoms, there are numerous remedies to treat it, however, in order to begin treatment, its essential to first diagnose the possible causes behind their sciatica. Properly identifying the source of your symptoms is the best way to manage this lower back complication and its symptoms.
The presence of any of the above conditions or injuries do not necessarily suggest the development of sciatica symptoms. However, if you are experiencing any painful symptoms and suspect a possible underlying condition or injury may be causing your discomfort, its crucial for you to seek a proper diagnosis for sciatica and follow through with an appropriate treatment regimen.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
A number of individuals often seek medical attention to treat the symptoms of sciatica, commonly characterized as low back pain that radiates down into the legs. Fortunately, there are many different types of treatments for sciatica but, while being aware of your options, its also essential to know the cause of the symptoms. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
�There is not a lot of science behind sleep as a major cause of back pain,� states Santhosh Thomas, DO, a spine specialist with the Cleveland Clinic and associate medical director of the Richard E. Jacobs Medical Center in Avon, Ohio. However, experts do claim that individuals with sleep problems experience more complications regarding back pain. According to the National Sleep Foundation, pain in turn can affect the quality of an individual�s sleep, leading to a lighter sleep state and more frequent waking throughout the night.
Sleeping on your stomach is one of the most common sleep position which can aggravate back pain. �Typically, sleeping on your stomach can flatten the natural curve of the spine, putting some additional strain on your back muscles,� Santhosh Thomas said. �Plus, stomach sleeping means that your neck is rotated, which can actually result in back pain between the shoulders,� added Paul Grous, MSPT, a physical therapist and spine specialist with Good Sheppard Penn Partners in greater Philadelphia.
While several sleep positions can create back complications, the source of many individuals� back pain and symptoms is frequently caused by their daily activities or a lack of it. It is believed that the biggest factor contributing to the development of back complications among the general population is the amount of time people spend sitting during their waking hours in an improper posture. Sitting for extended periods of time behind a desk in a slouched posture with a rounded back can strain as well as increase the pressure on the structures surrounding the spine. During daylight hours, its essential to stand, walk, or stretch as often as possible and practice good posture when standing and sitting to help ease back pain at night.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
For individuals suffering from back pain, getting a good night�s rest can often be a challenge. However, some people report feeling relief from the strain on their aching backs after sleeping in specific positions. Often misunderstood, it�s strongly believed that certain forms of back pain can be associated with sleep complications, including an improper sleeping posture. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Millions of Americans are encountered with some form of pain on their back and spine. There are a wide variety of factors that could lead to these well-known symptoms of pain, however, many individuals can reduce or even eliminate their back pain through a series of simple steps.
Experts at the Interventional Pain Management Center, or IPMC, a multi-site clinical practice based in New Jersey, is currently evaluating several basic methods that may help alleviate chronic back pain among the general population. Foremost, one of the first recommendations discussed by the experts included improving posture, or the position in which an individual stands and moves around. �Proper posture contributes greatly to the relief or elimination of back pain,� quoted a spokesperson for the Interventional Pain Management Center. �The spine is stronger and more stable when one practices healthy posture.�
When an individual slouches or stoops, the improper posture can cause the muscles, ligaments and other tissues that support the complex structures of the spine to become misaligned, straining to provide balance to the body. This straining is what often leads to pain on the back, neck, and shoulders. The spine has a natural S-shaped curve which functions to absorb shock, maintain balance, and allow range of motion, and in order to maintain those natural curves, proper posture is essential.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
For many individuals in the United States alone, back and spine complications are common struggles which affect people at some point in their lifetimes. There are a number of causes that can lead to back pain, but fortunately, many individuals can achieve relief of their symptoms through several well-known methods. Chiropractic care can help improve the condition of a variety of spine complications and relieve their symptoms. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Over-exercising, lifting, bending, or twisting abruptly into awkward positions, and even driving for extended periods of time, can strain the sciatic nerve, leading to lower back pain which radiates into the back of the legs as well as other numerous symptoms, known as sciatica.
Approximately 5 to 10 percent of individuals experience some form of low back pain from sciatica. Most commonly seen in people ranging from 18 to 35 years of age, the prevalence of sciatic symptoms varies tremendously from 1.6 percent throughout the general population to 43 percent in a selected working population. Unfortunately, only 30 percent of individuals suffering from sciatica seek medical attention only after experiencing these painful symptoms for a year or more. In a majority of cases, sciatica is caused by a herniated disc involving nerve root compression.
Not all individuals with lower back pain have sciatica. Lower back pain could result from a variety of factors, most frequently seen in sedentary workers who sit behind a desk for an extended period of time with improper posture while not following ergonomics.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Back pain is a common symptom affecting a wide range of individuals. Various factors can cause back complications but when a person’s lower back pain begins to radiate down into the back of the legs, it could be another issue. Approximately 5 to 10 percent of individuals experience low back pain due to sciatica. Characterized as a group of symptoms rather than a single condition, sciatica can often make an individual’s lifestyle more difficult than a simple low back problem. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
In today�s society, its easy to identify a strong, confident individual by the way they carry themselves. From strong leaders to popular group members, we can look at many of these people and see their confidence. Aside from personality, there�s one main factor that commonly defines these individuals; posture. The body language we display to others is a powerful source of communication. Posture can say more about an individual than words. An upright posture can be a subtle signal of self-assurance to everyone around you, but more importantly, a proper posture reveals health from within.
Good posture is an essential component of your health. The spine is the key to a strong and healthy posture. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine quoted, �Look first to the spine for the cause of all disease.��For many years now, it�s been acknowledged that spinal health can therefore influence your overall health.�The spine, also referred to as the vertebral column or spinal column, is composed of a series of bones called vertebrae which are stacked one upon another. The spine functions to protect the spinal cord as well as to provide overall support to the structures of the body, allowing you to stand upright, bend, and twist.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
The body language we display to others is a powerful source of communication. Posture can say more about an individual than words. An upright posture can be a subtle signal of self-assurance to everyone around you, but more importantly, a proper posture reveals health from within. The spine is essential towards the function of many systems in the body and an improper posture may lead to complications. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Many individuals participate in some form of physical activity or sport to achieve their own personal fitness goals. Actively engaging in exercise offers many benefits, from strengthening the bones and muscles and controlling weight to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease but, unfortunately for many individuals, injuries can frequently occur. The truth is, exercising with an improper posture can cause a wide variety of complications on the spine, knees, hips and shoulders, including numerous structural issues such as muscle tightness, joint pain and the potential increase of injuries. Many individuals struggle to correct and maintain a proper posture, as a matter of fact, most adults tend to walk with their shoulders slumped while staring at the ground.
Improper posture can result in a range of health complications, most commonly causing an increase in low back pain, neck pain, headaches and restricted mobility for many individuals due to the excess curvature of the spine.�As a result, body mechanics may also be affected, leading to potential gait and walking complications. Furthermore, in more advanced cases, poor posture can also result in decreased lung capacity and digestion issues.�
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
For many individuals, maintaining a proper posture needs to be a constant reminder throughout their everyday lives. While this is essentially important towards avoiding postural complications and the development of spinal issues, avoiding an improper posture during exercise routines is just as important in order to avoid injury and experience the full benefits of each workout. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
See on elpasochiropractorblog.com
