by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
A South Florida chiropractor continues to draw attention for his invention that helps people who constantly bury their heads in their cellphones.
Dean Fishman, a Weston resident who practices in Plantation, was featured in the Wall Street Journal�s �Aches and Claims� health column on May 24. The article noted that Fishman, who trademarked�the term �Text Neck� in 2009, now has a�patented phone app that warns users when they drop their head ���causing�neck pain and headaches�as well as early onset of arthritis, arm pain, gastrointestinal and breathing problems�� as they view their phone.
The app works without interruption of other functions on the phone by having a green face,�which is located in the top corner of the device,�meaning users are viewing their phones with good posture; a red face means that they need to make an adjustment�to �anatomical neutral,� which is defined as having the ears over the shoulders and the shoulders over the hips.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Text neck, is a modern condition characterized by�neck pain and other symptoms as a result of constantly looking down at a smart phone, tablet, or other device. While prevention is a key element towards avoiding text neck from developing in the first place, it can be difficult to maintain a proper posture while using any of these devices. Fortunately though, a new app has been created to help individuals keep a good posture while using a device. 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, Veterans
For over 10 years, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress has included chiropractic services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, as part of the approved medical benefits package offered to all enrolled veterans. A recent study organized by researchers from the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the handling of chiropractic services and the chiropractic workforce in VA has grown significantly since their introduction over a decade ago. The yearly number of chiropractic visits has expanded by nearly 700 percent, hence showing an increase in veteran�s access to chiropractic care.
The lead author of the study, Anthony J. Lisi, DC, Director of the VA Chiropractic Program and Chiropractic Section Chief at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System made a statement on the progressive and significant increase of chiropractic service utilization by the VA each year after its introduction in late 2004. Additionally, as stated by Anthony J. Lisi, Veterans Affairs� chiropractic care includes evidence-based medicine and patient-centered care, among other treatment options which are highly requested by veterans and referring providers.�
Throughout the numerous findings among an 11-year period, the study concluded that the number of individuals treated in Veterans Affairs clinics increased by 821 percent in a year, the number of chiropractic visits expanded by 693 percent in a year, the total number of VA chiropractic clinics escalated 9 percent in a year as well as the number of chiropractic employees, increasing by 21 percent in a year. Finally, the study also confirmed that the average VA chiropractic patient is male, between the ages of 45 and 64, and generally receives diagnosis, chiropractic spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, as well as other health care services focused on low back and/or neck injuries or conditions.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Over the past year, Dr. Alex Jimenez has been able to provide chiropractic care for veterans in El Paso, Texas, in relation to the approved chiropractic coverage from Veterans Affairs, VA. Chiropractic treatment supports the overall health, fitness, and wellness of respected and valued veterans as well as help relieve the symptoms of�an individual’s injuries or conditions. 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
Upright�s wearable device connects to your back and helps improve your posture. Thankfully, we had the chance to test it out
If the opening of this article hasn�t already prompted you to straighten your back, give it a go right now. Try keeping your back straight for the rest of this article. Unfortunately you may find that after five minutes or less, you will be longing to slouch again. If this is the case, Upright has the product for you.�
As well as causing back pain in the short and long term, slouching affects your body language, mood, self confidence and more. It is estimated that as many as 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
Vast research demonstrates the benefits of good posture. It was found that �adopting an upright seated posture in the face of stress can maintain self-esteem, reduce negative mood, and increase positive mood compared to a slumped posture.� Furthermore good posture can improve mood and energy levels and increase lung capacity by as�much as 30 percent.
Oded Cohen founded Upright when he couldn�t find an adequate solution for his mother�s slouching. So in July 2012, he started Upright in Israel, with a mission to eradicate bad posture. In May 2014, Upright launched an Indiegogo campaign and raised $155,244 from over 2,000 backers.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Maintaining a proper posture is important in order to avoid developing spine complications in the future. Standing upright while sitting at an office desk can ultimately help prevent back and neck pain as well as other symptoms, however, it might not always be easy to maintain a correct posture. Through the use of various equipment tools designed to improve posture, many individuals can experience better health. 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
A research conducted from the University of Alberta demonstrated that�consistent recording of an individual�s pain and discomfort in a journal may actually slow down their recovery from whiplash-associated disorders.
The research involved 60 individuals diagnosed with acute whiplash injuries. Each individual was randomly designated to one of two separate groups: a symptom diary group or a control group.�The individuals from the symptom diary group were asked to manage a journal rating their overall levels of pain for each day. Additionally, individuals from both groups received physical therapy for their whiplash-type injuries. After three months of treatment, the individuals were evaluated for recovery.�Overall, 59% of the individuals within the symptom diary group reported recovery as compared to 86% of the individuals within the control group.�
The author of the study, Robert Ferrari, concluded that not only was using a pain diary unfavorable towards recovery but its use might actually be more harmful for the individual. Ferrari explained that keeping a pain diary could make an individual more aware of their symptoms, leading to incorrect perceptions of prognosis. Negative attitudes have before been linked to chronic pain symptoms in individuals with whiplash-type injuries and low back pain.
�While diaries may serve a useful purpose to facilitate practitioner-patient communication about symptoms and to track the course of symptoms, the benefits have not been demonstrated�, Ferrari wrote.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
A majority of individuals who are diagnosed with whiplash-related injuries as a result of an automobile accident are often advised to manage a pain diary to supervise their symptoms but, a recent study indicated that keeping record of your own ailments may not prove as beneficial as experts believe. 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
When first visiting a chiropractor, its essential to provide the medical specialist with as much detail relating to your neck pain, including medical records and history that can outline the description and symptoms of any prior injuries or conditions. Explaining your symptoms in detail to a chiropractor can provide valuable information to best diagnose the root cause of an individual�s cervical spine complications.�
Spinal misalignments can be caused by numerous factors, such as an improper posture or a sport-related injury. The spine is surrounded by many complex tissues: muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. In the presence of a subluxation of the spine, the vertebra may stretch or compress any of these tissues, resulting in the well-known symptoms of pain and discomfort and depending on the location of the symptoms, neck or back pain may occur.
Chiropractic care consists of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to the spine to progressively re-align the vertebra to their natural state in order to improve functionality, reduce nerve irritation, and restore the spine�s range of motion. After treatment, a chiropractor may also recommend a series of stretches and/or exercises according to an individual�s level of pain and symptoms, to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected area.
It�s important to seek immediate medical attention and treatment for your neck complications to help alleviate an individual�s pain and discomfort and restore your well-being.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Commonly the result of direct trauma from an accident or an underlying condition, any degree of irritation to the cervical spine can greatly restrict an individual�s ability to function. There are many treatment options for people experiencing neck complications and treating them is crucial towards preventing further, much more severe issues. 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
Text neck is a modern, cervical spine condition characterized by neck pain and discomfort as a result of constantly looking down at a technological device for extended periods of time.�
The symptoms include neck pain and soreness, upper back pain, shoulder pain and tightness, and occasionally, neurological symptoms�if a cervical nerve becomes pinched.
An improper posture is the source of the pain and other symptoms related to text neck. The common�slouching posture of text neck�can add extra pounds of unnecessary pressure on the cervical spine�which can begin causing degeneration and wear and tear of the structures surrounding the cervical spine. Text neck is much more common among young people.�Considering the impact of the accumulative hours of bad posture in the time span of a year, is the reason teenagers are at a higher risk of developing text neck and further cervical spine complications.�Furthermore, text neck in combination with a sedentary lifestyle can further aggravate the condition. Inactivity and an improper posture can cause other types of complications along the spine, such as back pain and muscle weakness, and if there�s a spinal misalignment, the nerves along the length of the spine may also become compressed.
Through chiropractic treatment, a chiropractor may use spinal adjustments and manual manipulations as well as recommend a specialized set of stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. Spine health is important for anyone who wishes to maintain a healthy lifestyle and preventing injuries or complications to their health is the key to improving your well-being, most importantly during the growth of teenagers, in order to avoid text neck from developing.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Neck pain is one of the most common types of symptoms experienced by the general population. Cervical spine complications can frequently occur due to a variety of injuries or conditions, however, neck pain has become increasingly common. Since the introduction of smart phones, tablets, and other devices, many individuals spend too much of their time looking down and over time, damage or injury can occur, a condition known as text neck. 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
Research conducted by the University of North Carolina, Department of Anesthesiology has indicated that weight differences among individuals who�ve been involved in an automobile accident can ultimately affect the recovery rate of auto injuries. The research determined that losing weight may be a necessary means towards not only improving an individual�s overall health but also, reducing the risk of possible injuries during a future automobile accident.
The study involved 1,000 adults whom had checked into an emergency department within 24 hours after a car collision. Overall, 37% of individuals were characterized as normal weight, 32% of individuals were characterized as overweight, 18% of individuals were characterized as obese, and 13% of individuals were characterized as morbidly obese. Each individual rated their injury symptom levels on a scale of 0 to 10, mainly describing pain and discomfort on their neck, shoulders, and back. Individual assessments were conducted at the end of the study as well as six months and a year later.�The researchers at the Department of Anesthesiology of the University of North Carolina discovered that the more weight an individual carried, the more likely they were to report pain and other symptoms.�
Conclusively, maintaining a healthy weight and/or weight loss is fundamental for achieving overall health, fitness, and wellness, as well as to prevent complications and improve the recovery rate of injuries after an automobile accident.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Maintaining a healthy weight is not only essential towards achieving overall wellness but also, according to research, a healthy weight can help promote an individual’s recovery after experiencing an automobile accident. A chiropractor can help both treat injury symptoms as well as advice on proper nutrition and exercise for weight loss. 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
The feet are complex structures which function�to provide protection and support to the body in relation to the spine and head posture. The feet are essential towards balancing the body�s entire weight, allowing it to walk, run, stand, and, jump. Consequently, foot complications may cause severe issues throughout the spine, hips, knees, and ankles if left untreated.
Individuals who�ve suffered a prior injury or condition may often continue experiencing pain and other symptoms on the surrounding structures of the foot.�Bone fractures on the outside end of the ankle can occasionally occur but more often, the ligaments around the anterior and side of the ankle can tear and produce pain as well as visible swelling and bruising on the affected region. Generally, it can take 4-6 weeks to recover from a direct injury but, the ligaments can become full of scar tissue, which is non-elastic and stiff. This can increase the chance of damage or injury, often leading to further sprains. Repeated traumas can influence the mobility of the ankle and cause complications on the joint and other structures, such as the knee and spine.
Chiropractic care can be effective for treating injuries or conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and ankle sprains, among others. Foot health is essential towards establishing the body�s proper support and balance, together with a proper spinal posture. In the presence of foot complications, chiropractic treatment can be used to achieve long lasting health.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
In the presence of foot complications resulting in pain and other symptoms, an individual�s gait, or manner of walking, can become altered, placing considerable stress and pressure on the spine, pelvis, hips, and knees. The body has the ability to compensate with posture modifications but this can often lead to limited mobility and further complications in other structures. 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
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in many individuals. �Although most commonly diagnosed in runners, individuals who are overweight, women who are pregnant, and those who wear shoes with inadequate support, are at an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis. The condition is characterized by a sharp pain that generally occurs during the first steps an individual takes first thing in the morning. After the foot warms up, the pain of the condition may decrease, but it may return after extended periods of time standing or after getting up from a seated position.
�The pain and symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis can develop gradually, most frequently affecting a single foot although it can occur in both feet simultaneously.
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a variety of reasons but certain factors can increase the risk of developing the condition.�Overuse with age frequently irritates the plantar fascia, resulting in the well-known symptoms of heel pain and discomfort. Plantar fasciitis is most common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60.�Because women who are pregnant can often experience plantar fascia complications due to their added weight, plantar fasciitis is statistically more likely to occur in women than men. Also, certain types of exercise or physical activities which place an increased amount of stress on the heel and attached tissue, can greatly contribute to the early development of plantar fasciitis.�Additionally, being flat-footed, having a high arch, or even having an abnormal pattern of walking or running can negatively affect the weight distribution within the body while standing, adding stress on the plantar fascia.�Occupations that require longer periods of time walking or standing while on hard surfaces can also aggravate the plantar fascia and result in plantar fasciitis. And last but not least, improper footwear can commonly cause plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
The plantar fascia is a broad cord of tissue which normally functions to support the arch of the foot. For many individuals, when an excess amount of tension begins to build up on the plantar fascia, small tears can begin to develop on the tissue. With constant stretching and tearing, the fascia can become irritated and inflamed, causing pain and discomfort on the affected foot, a condition best known as plantar fasciitis.�
For individuals with plantar fasciitis symptoms, conservative treatment such as chiropractic care, stretching, shoe inserts or orthotics, night splints, and taping, can offer positive effects towards treating the condition. Through the use of chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue manipulation, and exercises, many individuals can experience relief of their plantar fasciitis symptoms with chiropractic treatment.�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
Research has discovered that individuals with whiplash-type injuries may share various characteristics of those with Achilles tendonosis, offering further insight into possible new treatment options for chronic whiplash symptoms. The study analyzed the tendons of individuals with whiplash-associated disorders and found signs of pathological neovascularization, or the development of blood vessels in abnormal tissues, comparable to what has been found in individuals with Achilles tendonosis.
The research conducted to examine the symptoms of chronic pain in the Achilles and patellar tendons demonstrated the presence of high blood flow in the more painful areas of the tendons. Additionally, later studies revealed that these particularly painful tendons showed the characteristic similarity of blood vessel growth in abnormal tissues. Through the study, researchers also determined that injections of anesthetics into these vessels could provide temporary symptom relief.
The researchers from Umea University in Sweden utilized the same imaging techniques used in the Achilles tendonosis studies to determine changes in the tendons of individuals who suffered from whiplash injuries during auto collisions. Individuals with whiplash showed more areas with high blood flow, and the blood flow was intensified at each examined region. Areas of high blood flow were evident where the tendons entered into the bone. In the study, women with whiplash were more likely to have more areas of high blood flow than men, evidence that may suggest why there�s higher rates of whiplash injuries in women.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
After being involved in an automobile accident,�it�s important so seek immediate medical attention to help prevent the development of chronic whiplash symptoms tied to tendonosis and muscle damage or injury. Chiropractic care�can ultimately help heal the damaged and/or injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and other structures of the neck or cervical spine after whiplash-associated disorders. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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