Few individuals realize they have problems with their feet. Flat feet can cause anterior or posterior pelvic tilt. This is a condition where the pelvis tilts too far forward or too far backward. Individuals can go through their entire life without realizing they have some type of foot issue. This can cause poor support in the lumbar spine generating back problems and chronic illness. The problem with foot issues is that it can set-up a chain of physiological deficiencies. This can include:
Many accept these health issues as part of their normal physiology. However, flat-feet and other related musculoskeletal issues can be identified and corrected with proper support. Custom FootOrthotics for the foot issue/s and chiropractic alignment for the whole-body. Based on the assessment of the spinal curvature and posture of the individual, a chiropractor will be able to determine to what degree the pelvic tilt and foot problem/s need to be corrected.
Foot Orthotic Support
How orthotics function to promote proper posture and alleviate back pain works like this.
First, immediate support to the feet that are weakened, unbalanced, and lack physiological strength is provided. This generates proper posture and balance all the way up the spine.
Second, the feet are able to remodel themselves over time as they become accustomed to the new support.
Pelvic Tilt Identification
Chiropractors utilize orthotics when correcting anterior or posterior pelvic tilt. This is because the conditions are the direct result of a poor/weakened foundation. When there is little or no natural arch of the foot there is no support for the:
The lower body needs this support from these various muscle groups with many in the lower back. This causes strain on these muscles and causes pelvic and potential spinal misalignment. Depending on the progress of the tilt/misalignment and posture, will aid a chiropractor to determine the best treatment approach.
Rebuilding
Chiropractic adjustments will be able to restore the lumbar support that was weakened or lost from foot issues. A chiropractor will go to the source or root of the problem. Foot orthotics can be a primary tool for re-training the feet for proper support. These orthotics are custom modeled to an individual�s feet.
This promotes spinal and pelvic wellness combined with the right amount of support required for each foot. Over time, and as the feet remodel themselves the custom orthotics can also be remodeled allowing for continuous improvement. With time it�s possible for many to accomplish the restoration of the body’s musculoskeletal health. These include:
Strengthened foot arches
Stress and muscle tension alleviation
A re-trained proper lower back support
Restoration of proper spinal curvature
Correct and retrain anterior/posterior pelvic tilting habits
Custom Foot Orthotics
Foot orthotics require no effort. An individual just puts them in their footwear and done. The orthotics do the work for the individual when standing, walking, or running. If diagnosed with a pelvic tilt condition or are unsure if there is a tilt, contact a chiropractor about the benefits of foot orthotics.
Benefits of Functional Foot Orthotics
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Betsch, Marcel, et al. �Influence of foot positions on the spine and pelvis.� Arthritis care & research�vol. 63,12 (2011): 1758-65. doi:10.1002/acr.20601
There is a multitude of chiropractic techniques for spinal alignment. They are used by chiropractors all over the world. All chiropractors have their favorite and specific techniques that they utilize. Depending on how long they have been practicing they can have five to ten different approaches or more refined techniques from years of experience.
The focus of these chiropractic techniques is to get the body back to optimal health and allow the body to heal itself naturally. As the body gets restored joint function is enhanced, muscle tension is released, and inflammation and pain are alleviated.
Various approaches use a form of force, hence the manipulation of the spine. The chiropractic adjustment technique that is the most common is spinal manipulation. It can also be called the diversified technique or HVLA – high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust.
However, chiropractic techniques are continually evolving. This comes from creating variations on existing techniques, a combination of techniques, or the chiropractor needs to adjust/tweak their own specific technique/s because they begin to suffer overuse injury/s from the constant adjusting, pushing, thrusting motions. Most techniques are named after the chiropractor that developed the method. These are the most common spinal manipulation techniques currently in use.
Manipulation Techniques
Chiropractic adapts to the condition/s and specific needs of each individual. Treatment plans can involve a forceful approach and a gentler force technique. This could happen during the same visit or the treatment plan could be half forceful adjustments, that could range from 6 to 10 visits, with the final visits using the gentle approach.
Spinal Manipulation
This is the High-Velocity Low-Amplitude Thrust technique. The most frequently used chiropractic technique. This is the manipulation that most are familiar with because of the audible pop that results. This is from the chiropractor’s hands applying a controlled quick forceful thrust to the spine while the body is positioned in a specific way.
Spinal Mobilization
This is the Low-Force/Gentle Chiropractic Technique. These techniques are for individuals that require a gentler approach. The technique is known as spinal mobilization. This approach could be utilized due to:
Underlying conditions like Osteoporosis for example
Some chiropractors prefer and/or specialize in mild spinal mobilization techniques. These are techniques that do not involve twisting the body or using forceful thrusts. Along with spinal mobilization, chiropractors often employ complementary therapy, as part of an overall treatment plan. This could be:
Ice
Heat
Physical therapy
Electric stimulation
Ultrasound
Individuals need to discuss symptoms and preferences with the chiropractor. It is their role to perform a thorough examination to determine the most optimal treatment plan satisfactory to the patient. Chiropractors are not the only health care providers who utilize spinal manipulation for back pain. Osteopathic physicians can also provide types of spinal adjustments. Physical and massage therapists often work with chiropractors with continued treatment. They are fully trained in providing spinal therapy as well.
Pregnancy Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Back discomfort and pain could be caused by hip issues and could be resolved with hip replacement. According to a recent study, a total hip replacement solved back pain in four out of five individuals dealing with spinal discomfort and pain. When the hip/s are stiff or cannot move normally, this places added pressure on the spine. Studies show that low back pain was resolved in 82% of individuals after a total hip replacement known as total hip arthroplasty or THA. The body is designed as a fluid chain with fluid motion connecting the neck all the way down to the toes.
When a region like the hip tightens/stiffens, it generates added stress/pressure on the other areas of the body, which in this case happens to be the lower spine. Individuals with mild arthritis of the spine are able to experience increased pain reduction than individuals with severe arthritis. An insight into the relationship between the hips and low back that can lead to accurate diagnoses and optimal treatment plans.
Hip Issues
The hip/s move with the lower back during activities like walking, sitting, bending, etc. Tight muscles, normal wear-and-tear, and osteoarthritis can reduce hip movement, forcing the lower back to make awkward and poor posture causing adjustments. Individuals usually relieve the painful position by increasing the curve of their lower back.
If an individual has severe arthritis of the hip, they put a lot of stress and pressure on the low back that often results in low back pain. Advanced hip osteoarthritis is the breakdown of joint cartilage and the most common type of arthritis. Individuals with this type experience low back pain 50% of the time, and even higher depending on the individual’s condition. 80% to 90% of individuals with hip or knee arthritis, unfortunately, develop low back arthritis.
There is not yet a clear reason as to why this occurs. It is theorized that some osteoarthritis risk factors like obesity and high-impact/force activities can be modified with lifestyle adjustments. Other risk factors that include injury, trauma, age, and congenital conditions like hip dysplasia, cannot be avoided. Hip osteoarthritis isn�t the only hip issue that can also cause lower back pain. Other hip issues.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint connects the sacrum to the pelvis. It is a shock absorber between the upper body, the pelvis and can stiffen with time. Sacroiliac joint pain affects around 15% to 25% of individuals with low back pain. It worsens when climbing stairs, getting up from a seated position or running. Symptoms include:
Low back pain
Pain in buttock/s
Groin pain
Stiffness
Instability
Piriformis syndrome
About 200,000 individuals each year are affected with piriformis syndrome and is often misdiagnosed as symptoms resemble sciatica. What happens is the piriformis muscle, which connects the sacrum to the top of the femur, tightens/irritates the sciatic nerve. Symptoms are often mistaken for sciatica with pain in the buttocks, numbness, and tingling that travels down the back of the leg and into the feet.
Diagnosis
A doctor or chiropractor will use a combination of diagnostic tools. This typically includes a physical exam, X-rays with other specific tests to help identify the source of pain. What typically happens is a patient will undergo a hip and lumbar spine X-ray, but the thoracic spine, pelvis, and hip areas are missed. Getting the middle segment is critical to see how the spine and hips are working together. It is critical to understand the hip-spine connection. All spine patients should have X-rays of the hips to make sure any problems don’t go undetected. The overlap of symptoms with these two areas could be overlooked.
If necessary a diagnostic injection into the hip joint can help precisely locate the pain source. This can be done at the clinic or doctor’s office using ultrasound or X-ray to guide the needle. If no pain relief results from the injection, hip replacement is still not considered because the pain could be coming from the spine. A critical part of the diagnosis is not just imaging. One of the most important parts is getting a thorough history of symptoms. X-rays and MRI show what the problem could be, however, the symptoms could coming from another area.
Treatment Options
Before total hip replacement is considered there are nonsurgical approaches to be considered. All diagnoses should start with conservative treatment. Physical therapy, chiropractic, gait training, and core strengthening can optimize the spine to better manage hip issues and arthritis. Conservative therapies could also include:
Weight loss
Activity modification like walking instead of running
Anti-inflammatory medication
Cortisone injections
Total hip replacement is the last option for individuals experiencing pain, difficulty walking, and limited mobility. The procedure removes the damaged cartilage and bone from the hip joint. This includes the head of the thighbone along with the socket where it fits and replaces it with artificial parts.
Conclusion
Get a second opinion. Individuals are encouraged to educate themselves as much as possible on the condition. The hip and spine is a complex relationship. The most important information for patients is that they understand along with their doctor where the pain is coming from, the hip, spine, or both.
Reduce Plantar Fasciitis Foot Pain
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Getting an accurate chronic pain diagnosis is essential to creating the most optimal, highly customized treatment plan for the individual. Depending on the severity and cause of pain, individuals could require various pain specialists/therapists combined with a primary physician. These could include:
Chiropractor
Physical therapist
Neurosurgeon
Pain medicine specialist
Physiatrist
Rheumatologist
Orthopedic spine surgeon
Chronic Pain Diagnosis
�
� Over time chronic pain symptoms can change or alter and need reevaluation. This could mean having to adjust treatment and management but that is exactly what it is, an adjustment to the treatment plan flowing with the symptoms as they come and go while keeping to the objective of. Chronic pain diagnosis entails a series of tests, as well as, a full review of symptoms and medical history. A doctor will ask a series of questions concerning symptoms and pain triggers. These questions could include:
When did the pain begin?
Describe and rate the pain, is it shooting, electrical, burning, throbbing, dull, or sharp?
�
Has there ever been an injury at or around the problem area?
What activities/actions/movements relieve and worsen the pain?
Is there a history of mental illness, like depression or anxiety?
�
Labs
Tests will be ordered to identify physical/non-physical causes that could be the cause or contributor. Possible tests include:
�
Blood
Blood tests are used in the diagnosis of infections and inflammation. Individuals with infection/s or inflammatory disorders have high levels of white blood cells and inflammatory reactive substances like C-reactive protein. Blood tests also help determine the presence of rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or cancer. If rheumatoid arthritis is present, the blood analysis will show positive results for proteins known as rheumatoid factor.
�
Urine
Urinalysis is commonly used to check for gout. This is a type of arthritis that causes high blood levels of uric acid. A doctor may order a urine test for a patient using prescription pain meds.
�
Spinal tap
A doctor inserts a needle into the lower back and a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is collected. Cerebrospinal fluid is clear and protects the brain and spinal cord. A cerebrospinal fluid analysis helps to diagnose disorders of the central nervous system and certain cancers. �
�
Musculoskeletal/Neurological tests
A musculoskeletal exam looks at posture, joint mobility, muscle stiffness, tightness, and swelling in or around the area, as well as the rest of the body. An example is a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. A detailed spine examination is done to identify deformities and moving/walking posture. A neurological examination is used to check:
Muscle strength
Touch reaction
Balance
Overall sensation
A neurological exam can also be used to test:
Memory
Alertness
Mood
Behavior
�
Imaging
Imaging provides detailed images of the body’s organs and bones. Doctors use these to:
Spot fractures or inflammatory alterations in the bone/s
Focus on details of a bone and surrounding structures
Differentiate between growths, infections, or fractures
Identify nerve/s injury or damage
�
X-Rays
X-rays are standard in the diagnosis of fractures. An arthrogram is an x-ray that uses a contrasting agent to check and identify joint disorders.
�
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images. Magnetic resonance imaging helps in diagnosing:
EMG’s are used to diagnose disorders of the muscles and nerves. Electrical activity in the muscles is recorded to see how the impulses/electrical signals are transmitting from the nerves to muscles. �
�
An EMG could be required if an individual has:
Numbness
Muscle weakness
Muscle pain
Tics
Electromyography is also used to identify conditions that can cause chronic pain like:
A nerve conduction study measures the speed of electrical signals passing through a nerve. It can identify:
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Herniated disk disease
Sciatic nerve injury/damage/abnormality
A doctor can order both an EMG and NCS in combination.
�
Back Pain Chiropractic Care
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Individuals can develop a herniated, slipped or bulging disc in the neck or back.�Too much stress on the disc/s whether from poor posture, being overweight, injury, aging, and an unhealthy lifestyle can increase the risk for disc problems. Herniation can be caused by a combination of factors or physical injury. Several common questions about disc problems are answered.
Can Discs Slip
A slipped disc can mean a ruptured or herniated disc. We use the term slipped disc, however, the discs do not slip. Each disc is sandwiched between two vertebrae that are supported by a system of ligaments that hold the spine together. A bulging or herniated disc is the proper term.
Difference Between a Bulging and Herniated Disc
Disc disorders are categorized as contained or non-contained. Bulging disc is an example of a contained disc disorder.
Bulging
A bulging disc has not broken open meaning the nucleus is still contained inside the annulus fibrosus. The disc could protrude into the spinal canal without breaking open. The gel, the jelly interior does not leak out. The disc stays intact except a small bubble pops out.
Herniated/Ruptured
A non-contained disc has either partially or completely broken open, and that is a herniated/ruptured disc. Imagine a closed tube�being squeezed placed under pressure, which causes the contents to move wherever they can. If a portion of the tube is weak or there is too much pressure, the contents could leak or burst out. When a disc herniates the gel-like contents could spread out to the spinal cord and nerves.
Herniation Can Cause Pain
The disc’s gel-like nucleus has a chemical that irritates the nerves and causes them to become inflamed and swell. The chemical stays and continues to press on the irritated nerves. Sometimes fragments from the disc wall or the tube break off from the disc and drift into the spinal canal causing other nerves to inflame and swell. Based on the type of injury and condition of the discs, more than one disc could herniate, rupture, or bulge. Sometimes injury causes a combination of disc disorders.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a herniated disc can include:
Dull
Shooting pain
Muscle spasms
Cramping
Weakness
Tingling
Referred or radiating/traveling pain
Sometimes, however, a herniated disc does not cause any symptoms at all. When this happens it is called an asymptomatic herniated disc. Disc/s could be bulging or herniated, but if it or they are not applying pressure on the spinal nerve/sor the cord, symptoms like pain may not present. This makes a point about herniated disc symptoms that they are dependent on where you have a herniated disc.
Cervical Herniation Symptoms
With a herniated or bulging disc in the neck, then you could experience:
Neck soreness/pain
Muscle tightness
Cramping in the neck
Pain that travels down the arm/s
Tingling in the arm/s or hand/s
Weakness in the arm/s or hand/s
Lumbar Herniation Symptoms
With a herniated disc in the low back the following symptoms could happen:
Low back pain
Muscle tightness
Cramping in and around the low back
Radiating pain that travels down the leg/s
Tingling in your leg/s or foot/feet
Weakness in the leg/s or foot/feet
Referred Pain
Referred pain means that you have pain in another part of the body from the disc problem. An individual could have a bulging or herniated slipped disc in the low back and have pain in the leg. This is lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica. Usually, just one leg is affected. If you have a herniated disc in the neck, there could be referred pain going down the arm and into the hand.
Chiropractic Cares
A chiropractor can help relieve back pain and other herniated disc symptoms. A chiropractor will go through your medical history, do a physical exam, and perform orthopedic and neurological tests. They are looking at several things. Orthopedic and neurological exams can help the chiropractor figure out what’s going on.
Are reflexes functioning properly?�Meaning are your nerves sending messages correctly. An example is a reflex test is when a doctor taps the knee with a hammer and the leg kicks.
Is there a loss of muscle strength?
Signs of muscle/s wasting away?
Is there a loss of sensation, tingling or numbness along the nerve/s path?
They will carefully look at posture, and will probably order an X-ray or MRI to help with the diagnosis.
Chiropractors evaluate the entire spine. Even if you only have lower back pain, your chiropractor will examine your neck, too. They want to see how well your spine is functioning overall. Remember what happens to one area of your spine can influence another part of the spine and/or body.
Pain from a herniated disc can make it difficult to enjoy daily life. Walking, sitting, and sleeping normally/comfortably can become a nightmare. You should make an appointment with a doctor or chiropractor if your herniated slipped disc symptoms last for more than two weeks.
Herniated Disc Treatment
NCBI Resources
In the United States alone, acute cases of lower back pain are the fifth most frequent reason for doctor visits and cause 40% of missed days off work. What�s more, it is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Q: My primary healthcare provider recently diagnosed me with a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. They referred me to get chiropractic treatment, but I�m nervous because it’s new to me and I’m afraid of being adjusted wrong, paralyzed, etc. Can I trust chiropractic treatment to work?
A: It�s normal to be nervous about going to a chiropractic clinic.
If you’re not sure whether chiropractic is for you, there is scientific evidence that shows how chiropractic techniques like spinal manipulation/spinal adjustment and forms of manual/mechanical therapy are safe and effective for relieving pain and other musculoskeletal pain, conditions, and symptoms.
I encourage everyone to try chiropractic treatment as a non-surgical treatment option for a herniated disc.
It Is Your Decision
At the first appointment, a chiropractor will take a medical history and perform a thorough exam to determine the nature of the symptoms and their possible causes, which include a herniated disc.
Sometimes with a herniated disc, there may be no symptoms at all.
But usually a herniated disc causes:
Back pain
Referred pain or pain that is felt in other parts of the body like the legs, feet, etc.
An irritated spinal nerve can cause symptoms in the legs
This can lead to neurological symptoms like:
Tingling
Numbness
Weakness in the legs
Once the chiropractor determines your symptoms, they may use one or several techniques to relieve the back pain and other symptoms.
Techniques used by chiropractors for disc-related problems include:
Specific self-treatment exercises to improve motion & decrease back pain
Cox technique like spinal traction using special tables
Spinal manipulation
Hands-on techniques that relieve pain and restore movement to the spine and body
These techniques have been proven to be very safe. There are other techniques a chiropractor can recommend for various conditions, as each has their own style and method.
A chiropractic treatment plan will also include:
Education
Self-management instructions
This is to teach you how to control/eliminate pain with proper posture and proper body mechanics.
Whichever treatment the chiropractor recommends, he or she will discuss it with you, including the benefits and risks.
Although the treatments listed above will most likely be a part of your treatment plan, your chiropractor will answer your questions and work with you to select a treatment that meets your specific goals and preferences.
Don’t Be Nervous A Chiropractor Monitors Treatment Progress
If symptoms do not improve within a reasonable time frame, then a chiropractor may refer the patient to other treatments to manage disc-related pain, including:
Physical therapy
Acupuncture
Spinal injections
Surgery
Fortunately, self-management and time can be the best treatment. Allowing the body to heal itself is the way to go. But if rest is not enough then chiropractic treatment may be just what is needed to kick in the body’s self-healing function.
If you decide to give chiropractic treatment a try, don’t be nervous, as a chiropractor will monitor progress throughout the treatment.
In any case, chiropractors are qualified to discuss the benefits and risks of other treatments, depending on the condition.
Hopefully, this article has given you the basics of chiropractic medicine and how it works so you can make the best choice for your herniated disc/s.
Low Back Pain Management El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Denise suffered an auto accident injury which resulted in back pain. When she realized she could not sit, walk or sleep for lengthy periods of time without having painful symptoms, Denise found chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez at El Paso, TX. Once she received therapy for her automobile accident injuries, Denise experienced relief from her symptoms and she was able to execute her regular tasks once again. Thanks to the education and maintenance Dr. Alex Jimenez supplied, Denise regained her initial health and health.
Back pain is more most common, with roughly nine out of ten adults undergoing it at some time in their lifetime, and five functioning adults developing it annually. Some quote around 95 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some time in their lifetime. It is undoubtedly the typical cause of chronic pain since it’s also a substantial contributor to missed work and handicap. In the United States alone, acute cases of lower back pain are the fifth most frequent reason for doctor visits and cause 40% of missed days off work. What’s more, it is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
NCBI Resources
A herniated disc is a common spinal condition that typically affects the cervical spine (neck region) or the lumbar spine (lower back), although it can occur in any part of the spine. Most often, a herniated disc happens at the L4 � L5 and the L5 � S1.� This is because this portion of the spine, the lumbar region, bears the bulk of the body�s weight.
About� 40 percent of people all over the world struggle with allergies and the demand for treatment has never been higher. However, there is still no cure-all when it comes to treating allergies. There are plenty of options available, but few are as effective as we would like them to be�and the ones that do work usually have side effects that can make them undesirable.
Chiropractic offers an attractive alternative to standard medical treatment. By improving general health, chiropractic helps the body better cope with all those allergens now and years to come.
What are they?
When the human body encounters a substance that it is allergic to, the immune system is triggered and attempts to attack the allergen in much the same way it would a substance that is truly harmful. The problem is, the allergen is not harmful in and of itself�but the immune system reaction can be harmful, or at least highly unpleasant.
For example, if you are allergic to pollen, your immune system will attempt to attack the pollen you inhale. Your body will produce immunoglobulin, leading to the release of histamines. The histamines that surge through your system cause blood vessels to dilate, fluid to increase in the space surrounding your cells, and your blood pressure to drop. A runny nose and sneezing typically follow, and symptoms can become even more extreme, like nausea and vomiting. It all seems like overkill for a bit of pollen, but there is little you can do to avoid it.
It is possible to be allergic to just about anything, but there are certain substances that are common allergens. These include:
Pollen
Mold
Pet Dander
Weeds
Dust Mites
Grass
Girl� with allergies
Allergies and Chiropractic Adjustments
Allergies are not something that can be cured, but they can be treated in a way that lessens their impact on your life. Standard medical care offers a variety of treatments for allergies, some more effective than others.
Many over-the-counter allergy medications are available, each with its own potential side effects. You can also seek an appointment with an allergy specialist, who can determine exactly what you are allergic to and offer stronger treatment options�but these also carry potential side effects, and as with over-the-counter options, may or may not be effective.
Proper Nervous System Function
Chiropractic care approaches allergies more holistically. One of the main ideas behind chiropractic is that the human body can heal itself in most cases if the conditions are right.
It is the job of your chiropractor to create the ideal conditions for healing. By optimizing spinal alignment, it is possible to improve nervous system function and thereby improve the body�s response to all types of stimuli�including allergens.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Chiropractic is about more than spinal adjustments. A holistic approach means optimizing every aspect of your health, which includes diet and exercise.
Your chiropractor can look closely at your diet and other lifestyle factors and help you identify changes that may lessen your allergy symptoms. By improving your diet and adding exercises that add strength and mobility, you will change the composition of your body in fundamental ways. These changes often lead to surprising improvements in the way you react to a variety of substances.
Call To Make An Appointment
If you are suffering from allergy symptoms and you are tired of ineffective treatments and their unpleasant side effects, chiropractic care may be a perfect fit for you. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alex Jimenez. Let us show you how much better chiropractic can make you feel.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
