by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
The fundamental element for protecting yourself from whiplash injuries involves your head restraint. A wide variety of studies have found that a majority of individuals have an improperly adjusted head restraint, more commonly known as a head rest, and their incorrect use could be the key to whiplash-associated disorders. Whiplash�can put hundreds of pounds of force on the complex muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other structures that surround the cervical spine, causing damage and/or injury.
A good head restraint position can be obtained by eliminating or reducing the amount of space from which the head can move. In doing so, the strain which is placed on the neck can be greatly reduced. The head restraint also needs to be positioned where the back of the head will be leveled directly with the middle of the head rest while the seat will need to be positioned where the head is placed very close to the head restraint. There should be a maximum of 2.5 inches between the head and the restraint.
Properly adjusting the head restraint of your car can help reduce the chance of neck injury during an automobile accident. If you�ve been involved in a car collision, seek immediate medical attention to diagnose any other possible injuries or developing conditions, such as whiplash, to begin medical treatment as soon as possible. Chiropractic care can provide effective treatment for many individuals with whiplash-type injuries through the use of spinal adjustments to the cervical spine as well as manual manipulation to relieve muscle pain and soreness.�Additionally, a chiropractor may also recommend following a specific routine of stretches and exercises to promote faster healing for your whiplash symptoms.�
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Whiplash injuries are frequent causes for the development of neck complications and symptoms in individual’s who’ve been involved in an automobile accident. The neck pain and other symptoms associated with the condition can often impair an individual’s lifestyle. Although auto accidents are unexpected, simple precautions can be taken to prevent serious whiplash injury such as the proper use of a head rest. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Depression approximately affects more than 3 million people in the United States alone.�A majority of people resolve to taking antidepressants in an attempt to relieve their symptoms of depression but using medication doesn�t have to be your first option for treatment. You can reduce your depression, and improve your mood and overall mental health by using the following natural antidepressants.
Exercise is believed to be the number one, but often underused, natural antidepressant effective towards treating mild to moderate depression.�When you exercise, the body releases chemicals known as endorphins which collaborate with receptors in the brain to reduce the perception of pain. Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, helping to reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and avert anxiety and feelings of depression.
Sunlight exposure is also a great natural antidepressant.�An exposure to sunlight triggers the brain�s release of a hormone known as serotonin. If there is not enough exposure to sunlight, an individual�s levels of serotonin in their body can drop significantly. The low levels of serotonin can often be associated with an increased risk for people to develop depression.�Getting anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes of indirect sunlight, 2 to 3 times a week can be enough to feel the positive benefits of the sun on your mood.
Sugar can also largely aggravate depression.�The consumption of sugar causes tremendous highs and lows in the body�s glucose metabolism. Also, the body uses vitamin B to process sugar. Vitamin B helps convert food into energy as well as regulate the nervous system. If you use up your vitamin B processing sugars, there won�t be much left to help regulate your mood.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest which characterize depression can often lead people to use antidepressants to treat their symptoms. Using medications don’t need to be an individual’s first treatment option, in fact, changing diet and physical activity habits are some natural antidepressants that can help improve mood and reduce the symptoms of depression. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
For an individual with neck pain, the hardships that come with a deep sleep are not unusual, however, choosing a proper pillow can help ease the symptoms of neck pain. The only requirement is, taking careful considerations of your own sleeping habits to purchase a pillow that will benefit your overall health in the long run.
There are numerous varieties of pillows to choose from but beforehand, you must first determine the primary position you sleep in. Pillows come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and firmness, and, depending on your sleeping position, some pillows can support the head and neck more comfortably than others. When shopping for a new pillow, consider the following tips and avoid settling for an improper pillow choice.
First, before selecting a new pillow, make sure to consult your chiropractor for suggestions. Chiropractors understand the cause of neck pain better than many and they may give you valuable information and recommendations on which type of pillow would be most beneficial for your sleeping posture and source of neck symptoms.
Then, consider doing some research in terms of a pillow�s filling before purchasing one. Pillows are filled with a variety of material which is also important when considering which type of pillow will be the best choice for you.�
Also, it�s important to consider the size of the pillow. Pillows typically range between 4 to 6 inches in height in order to help relieve pressure points around the neck and shoulders. Pillows which tend to be thicker or flatter then the average height are most often improper choices for the majority of people.�An individuals size in relation to their pillow should also be considered.�
The function of a pillow is to provide comfort and support as well as hold the neck in a neutral position while sleeping. If your current pillow is not doing this for you, it could be one source for your neck pain.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Neck pain is a common symptom many people experience that can affect their sleep. During those nights when the painful neck symptoms flare up, getting a full night�s rest can be nearly impossible, leaving a person feeling tired and completely unprepared to face the day. In addition, an individual�s sleeping position can further aggravate their neck pain. But, choosing a proper pillow by following several tips can help relieve neck pain symptoms. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
Symptoms of neck pain can often be a result of an injury or possible underlying condition. Although finding a proper pillow may allow an individual to experience relief from their neck pain when sleeping through the night, it�s essential to first seek immediate medical attention to diagnose and determine any possible cervical spine complications. Addressing your symptoms with a chiropractor and following chiropractic care along with finding the right pillow to sleep in can ultimately help improve your neck problems and restore your full nights of rest.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Cervicogenic Dizziness from�Whiplash
Dizziness is a word used to describe a feeling of false sense of motion or spinning, lightheadedness, and disorientation, an uncomfortable feeling that continuously affects approximately 11-28% of adults.
Cervicogenic dizziness originates from complications on the cervical spine or neck. The neck, as the rest of the spine, has an important function in the body�s postural control. The neck is�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Sciatica Symptoms in�Athletes
Exercises that focus mainly on the legs moving away from the body can increase the chance for individuals to experience sciatica, especially in athletes who have weaker interior thigh muscles.�Lifting is another physical activity that frequently causes sciatica. Athletes who have weaker core muscles can also increase their chance of experiencing a herniated disc while lifting. Improper lifting�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
The Difference of Sprains &�Strains
A sprain is medically defined as a stretch or tear of the ligaments, the strong cords of fibrous tissue which connect two bones together at the joints. Sprains most commonly occur on areas of the body which can be injured during a fall or sudden twisting motion, such as the ankle. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, approximately 2 million ankle sprains alone occur each year. An�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Concussions from Auto�Accidents
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that may alter the normal function of the brain. Concussions aren�t only caused by a direct impact to the head but occasionally, sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head, such as that during an automobile accident, or violent shaking of the head and upper body can also cause a head injury. The level of severity of a concussion can range from minor�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Back Pain & Chiropractic�Care
The bipedal posture of humans carries many benefits for us, but alternatively, this standing posture also adds pressure on the spine as well as other bones and surrounding muscles of the body. Together with an individual�s improper sitting position and the natural wear and tear degeneration of tissues through age, it�s not uncommon for individual�s to develop symptoms of back pain. In fact, back�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
The bipedal posture of humans carries many benefits for us, but alternatively, this standing posture also adds pressure on the spine as well as other bones and surrounding muscles of the body. Together with an individual�s improper sitting position and the natural wear and tear degeneration of tissues through age, it�s not uncommon for individual�s to develop symptoms of back pain. In fact, back pain is considered to be the second most common cause people seek medical attention, only next to upper-respiratory infections. According to some experts, as many as 80% of individuals may experience back complications at some point in their lives.
Although back pain and its associated symptoms is common among the population, treating your injury or condition is crucial for individuals to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Chiropractic care focuses on the structure and function of the human body, primarily that of the spine. A chiropractor can diagnose a possible injury or condition causing back complications and determine the most appropriate treatment for each individual using spinal adjustments, manual manipulation and occasionally, recommending exercise and dietary lifestyle changes to improve a person�s wellbeing. Chiropractic adjustments can be an effective treatment for back pain as well as other types of pain.
�Additionally, before relying on chiropractic care for diagnosing and treating a back complication, the common injuries or conditions relating to back pain can be prevented in a variety of ways such as,�maintaining a healthy diet and weight are important towards preventing back pain,�avoiding prolonged inactivity or bed rest, staying active, warming up or stretching before exercising or participating in other physical activities to avoid further injuries, maintaining a proper posture, wearing comfortable, low-heeled shoes, and sleeping on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in the spine.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Many people frequently experience back complications resulting from their everyday life routines. Back injuries can range from a sharp pain to a dull ache, typically associated with symptoms of tingling, numbness, and/or burning sensations.�While a majority of back complications can be considered minor injuries that usually heal rapidly, some complications can often develop into chronic back pain and chiropractic treatment can help. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900. �
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
As a part of chiropractic care treatment, it�s essential for individuals who frequently suffer from joint and/or muscle pain due to direct trauma from an injury or an underlying condition to continue keeping their bodies as flexible as possible. People who often workout to maintain or improve their flexibility are actually at a lower risk of experiencing an injury or aggravating a condition.�
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