Sacroiliac joint dysfunction and its symptoms can also be a cause for low back pain conditions and disorders.
This condition is also known as:
Sacroiliitis
SI joint inflammation
SI joint syndrome
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
SI joint strain
It can make regular activities like sitting, standing, walking, and sleeping frustrating, difficult and unbearable. It has been found in around 30-35% of individuals.�Many individuals can spend months or even years dealing with symptoms but are never aware that it’s not the correct diagnosis. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. These joints are so close to the hip and low back, that it is common for sacroiliac joint dysfunction to be mistaken for other causes/conditions of low back pain, like a herniated, slipped or bulging disc.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Symptoms
When low back pain is present, it can be quite difficult for a doctor to figure out the exact source/cause of your pain.
These are a few recognizable symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Low back pain is the most common.
Pain could also present in the hips, buttocks, thighs, and possibly the groin area.
The pain can be so severe that just touching the area is unbearable.
Other activities that can cause symptoms:
Common movements like climbing stairs, sitting down/getting up out of a seat, can cause pain. Pain can also be aggravated from standing or walking for extended periods but improve when relaxed or lying down. Stiffness or a burning sensation in the pelvis can also present.
Causes of Joint Dysfunction
A variety of conditions can cause sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The most common:
Arthritis
Joint pain can be caused by spinal osteoarthritis because as the cartilage around the sacroiliac joint wears down, the bones can start to rub against each other. Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine that can also cause joint dysfunction.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women can experience low back pain or pelvic pain from sacroiliac dysfunction because the joints get stretched and lose their elasticity during pregnancy. Hormone changes and added weight during pregnancy can place added stress on the sacroiliac joints.
Accident Trauma
High impact from an auto accident, slip and fall injury, or sports injury could damage the sacroiliac joint/s.
Viral Infection
Infections are extremely rare but could be another cause of joint pain.
There are a variety of treatment options that can help reduce and prevent low back pain.
Exercise/Physical Therapy
Exercise and physical therapy are therapies that doctors highly recommend before other treatments like pain medications or surgery. Exercise, chiropractic and physical therapy can help manage pain and other symptoms. Consult your doctor before starting any physical therapy or exercise program. Your doctor can recommend a chiropractor or therapist that can help get you started with the proper exercise treatment plan.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help reduce stress on the joints, that are strained and tight. It also helps maintain joint flexibility. A physical therapist will perform passive and active treatment therapies to help manage joint pain.
Passive treatments – the physical therapist does the majority of the work. An example of passive treatment applying heat or ice along with massaging the area.
Active treatments – the patient participates in the treatment with at-home exercise routines is an example of active treatment.
A combination of passive and active treatment provides the best outcomes and offers the most benefits, as the patient has the know-how of proper posture, exercises that they can do and injury prevention. A chiropractor and physical therapist can build a physical therapy program to help address your symptoms.
Exercise
With sacroiliac joint dysfunction, you do not have to do hard intense exercise. The benefits come from a consistent gentle exercise routine with an emphasis on consistency. Exercising stretches and strengthens muscles of the low back muscles and helps maintain joint flexibility.
An overall exercise plan should incorporate the three main types:
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is known to cause low back pain, but diagnosing can be hard for some doctors. Especially those that do not have a great deal of experience in sacroiliac joint pain. However,�chiropractors specialize in this area as the SI joint is an important part of the musculoskeletal system.
Q: I’m experiencing back pain more so now.�My question is, is this back pain from my baby is it normal or is it something else? I’m a 30-year-old woman in the second trimester with our first child. I would have back pain before I was pregnant but nothing serious, just normal work and a little soreness at the end of the day. There was never back soreness or pain that I thought warranted a visit to the doctor. My doctor says that it is normal from the weight of the baby and there is nothing amiss, but to discuss this with a chiropractor, as there could be some treatment/therapies/exercises to help.
El Paso, TX.
A: Having low back pain before you were pregnant concerns me, as what you are saying sounds like a possible herniated disc bulging or slipped disc. However, I cannot give you an official diagnosis unless I see you as a patient and can’t say if it is something else.
But low back pain can be caused by a combination of things. This includes your pregnancy along with:
Herniated disc
Disc degeneration
Age
Muscle spasm/s
Daily wear and tear
Injuries
Unknown injuries
Added Weight
These are just a few of the things that could be causing your low back pain. Add pregnancy to this list and low back pain can become unbearable. Your pain can be made worse by a variety of factors.
For example, let’s say you were lifting a few pieces of light furniture before you became pregnant, and that slight soreness you felt and thought was nothing could actually be a strain, muscle spasm, or over-stretch that did not cause an injury but is the beginning of an injury waiting to happen.
During pregnancy, a growing belly can put place more pressure on the:
Intervertebral discs
Joints
Muscles
Ligaments
Hormones that are released during pregnancy can also exacerbate your back pain. The hormone relaxin causes the pelvis and the ligaments of the lower back to gain flexibility. This is in preparation for the delivery and can cause low back pain because of the added flexibility you are more prone to injury, which is why doctors say to take it easy. It could all be a combination of these factors but I would have to examine you, go over your medical history to get a proper diagnosis to create a personalized treatment plan during pregnancy and after if the need is there.
Treatment During Pregnancy
There are several treatment options for back pain. During pregnancy is not the time to experiment with medications or back pain treatments that could cause a negative response or something else to your health. The goal�during pregnancy is safety.
Here are four safe therapies for managing back pain while pregnant:
Gentle exercise/s like walking and yoga helps alleviate back pain and can also generate an overall feeling of wellness.
Physical therapy can decrease your back pain by strengthening the muscles. A physical therapist that has experience working with pregnant women is the best option.
Prenatal massage relaxes tense back muscles and reduces stress. Look for a massage therapist that specializes in prenatal massage.
Prenatal yoga classes are great for decompressing/destressing during pregnancy.
Discuss all of this with your doctor and all treatment options. It’s not a good idea to start a new exercise program when you’re pregnant. If there was a regular exercise routine before you were pregnant, you can continue, but you may have to make some adjustments as your body prepares for the delivery. Once the baby is born, you and your doctor can re-evaluate your treatment plan. But regardless of your treatment plan, you should still continue to maintain a proper healthy weight by eating right and exercising regularly to prevent back pain from worsening.
Low Back Pain Treatment While Pregnant
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Chiropractic a preferred treatment for pregnancy low back pain. The chiropractor may perform a spinal subluxation to bring the spine back into alignment and the body back into proper balance. Regular chiropractic care and following the doctor�s instructions can help greatly decrease back pain so that she can better enjoy the excitement and joy of her pregnancy.
There are different types of topical medications, different ways of delivery and are available for patients with back and neck pain. A physician may combine one or more types of medication for maximum relief or as a way of�limiting the side effects of larger doses of only one medication. Strong dose compounds and controlled drugs are�only�available with a doctor’s prescription.
Medicines with a low potency and low risk of side effects are available at stores and local pharmacies over-the-counter. But remember medications sold over the counter without a prescription doesn’t mean they are safe to use as much as possible. Please read the label and follow the instructions. Taking higher doses, even acetaminophen e.g. Tylenol can cause liver damage. Discussing these medications with a doctor or pharmacist before purchase would be wise. Your physician should know if you plan to continue using over-the-counter medications.
Medicines with a low potency and low risk of side effects are available at stores and local pharmacies over-the-counter. But remember medications sold over the counter without a prescription doesn’t mean they are safe to use as much as possible. Please read the label and follow the instructions. Taking higher doses, even acetaminophen e.g. Tylenol can cause liver damage. Discussing these medications with a doctor or pharmacist before purchase would be wise. Your physician should know if you plan to continue using over-the-counter medications.
Inform your physician about all the products you take including herbal remedies to decrease the risk of side effects or potential severe drug interactions. When acute pain is present, injections either intravenous or intramuscular injected into the muscles are used. For chronic pain, medications are used and are typically in pill form. Both methods have limitations and different�delivery�approaches may be considered. This includes inhalation or topical on top of the skin applications.
Topical Pain Alleviators
These type of medications come prepared and are applied to the skin via:
Topical medications aim to reduce inflammation and soothe nerve and muscle pain. Some are available with a doctor’s prescription and others are over-the-counter. Medication administered�through the skin is becoming more popular.
Skin Cells
The skin is the largest organ of the body. It serves as�water barrier protection, it regulates body temperature, controls fluid loss, and is important to homeostasis/healthy internal balance.
It is made up of many layers and is supported by a complex blood supply. The blood vessels are in a framework of connective tissue including fat and fascia that holds the tissues together. Below that layer is the bone and muscle. There are also nerve endings that relay touch, temperature, and pain signals from the skin to the spinal cord, to the brain.
Compounds�have been developed to safely carry the various medicines through the skin into the blood. These compound enhancers are able to penetrate the skin by opening normally closed channels for a quick time to help the skin absorb the medication/s and then close back up.
Spine Pain
Spine physicians and pain specialists often first recommend topical pain-relievers to help relieve the symptoms of back and neck pain/conditions.
Topical medicines may be used to treat the pain associated with:
Neck strain
Low back strain
Whiplash
Muscle inflammation
Spasms
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Certain types of nerve pain
Topical Advantages
Bases like creams, ointments, gels, and sprays make application easy.
Symptom relief is faster than oral medicines.
Symptoms reduce at a steady rate.
Relief can last longer.
Not as much medicine is needed when applied in topical form.
As the medication is diffused through the skin and enters the bloodstream, it bypasses the digestive system reducing any unwanted�side effects, like an irritated stomach.
Topical Disadvantages
Blood flows in different ways to different parts of the body. Education about the product is essential to know where to apply the product like the arm or abdomen and how often.
Blood flow to certain parts of the body can change over time. For example, when it’s cold the blood vessels in the skin contract which decreases the absorption of the medicine, while sweating can open the pores too much and allow too much medication to be absorbed too quickly or wash it away completely.
The skin could present a negative reaction. Therefore patients need to know what to do if an allergic or other reaction takes place.
The skin nerves are different from the spinal nerves, so certain types of neck/back pain may not respond well to topical treatment.
Spinal conditions/disorders deep in the body will not respond well to topical therapy.
Is it right
Are topical pain-alleviating medications the right for you? The best person to ask is your doctor or healthcare provider. Upon a final diagnosis and medical history, your doctor should offer various treatments/therapies for pain management.
Conclusion
Patches and creams can be used to deliver a wide variety of medications. These topicals are becoming popular because of their convenience and, reduction of negative side-effects.
For individuals with muscle or tendon inflammation, applying a topical to the affected area limits the amount of medication going to other areas of the body that do not need it.
For those that have stomach problems and find it difficult to digest anti-inflammatories, these topicals could be all they need to stay active.
Individuals with chronic neck or back pain should discuss these medications with their pain specialist, physician or chiropractor to see if one of these topicals might work for them.
El Paso, TX Neck Pain Chiropractic Treatment
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Everyone needs to take care of their back/spine because it is what holds us up as long as we keep it straight and strong.�Strengthening the core�can help prevent�a weak and misaligned spine from getting worse�and helps to eliminate pain.
Back safety should be priority one, as it affects all aspects of your life. Not only are you protecting your back, but are preventing future injury. We all need to pay attention to proper body positioning and�body mechanics, as it will pay off in the long run.
Living in the desert means we don’t have to deal with digging/shoveling through snow and ice, but there are still proper techniques, tools, body mechanics, posture, and core strength that we should pay attention to and apply to guard our spines and general health. It is no surprise that when shoveling many individuals experience muscle fatigue, low back strain, vertebral disc damage (herniated disc), and even spinal fractures.
A great deal of these injuries come from excessive stress to spinal structures by slip and fall accidents. Shoveling is a frequent cause of back pain and injuries. Injuries are not only limited to the musculoskeletal system but excessive shoveling can also place added stress on the cardiovascular system.� Any hint of shortness of breath or chest pain, stop shoveling immediately but if symptoms continue, seek medical attention.
A study published indicated when handling heavy material with a shovel, the L5-S1 disc has been identified as the weakest link in the body. The most severe injuries along with pain are likely to occur in the back. Here are some tips to prevent injury.
Shoveling Basics
Shoveling can be compared to weight lifting and intense aerobic exercise. To help your body function correctly consider the following tips:
Eat long before shoveling so you have fuel but don’t cramp up.
Avoid caffeinated drinks/beverages. Stimulants can increase heart rate and cause blood vessels to constrict.
If you experience pain, stop immediately and get assistance.
Pace yourself when shoveling.
Take plenty of breaks.
Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body.
For snow, if the ground is icy or slick, throw sand or salt to help create traction. But still be aware that some areas can still be uneven and cause you to slip, trip, or fall.
Proper Clothing
Consider the weather before beginning the job.
When it’s cold dress in layers, wear gloves, and a hat because a good amount of body heat is lost through the head. If icy cold, use a scarf.
Wear clothing that is easy to move around in.
Proper boots are essential for maintaining balance, traction and keeping feet warm/dry.
Choose specialized work/blister-free gloves or thicker gloves, that allow for a good grip on the handle.
The Shovel That’s Right for You and the Job
Shovels come in different materials, purposes, shapes, and sizes.
Choose an ergonomic shovel with a curved handle. These shovels help keep your back straight and reduce spinal stress.
Hardware stores stock ergonomically designed shovels of all types.
For snow maybe try a shovel with a plastic blade instead of metal as it’s lightweight.
Sometimes a smaller blade is the way to go. You don’t shovel as much per load, but it weighs less and puts less strain on the spine.
Don’t go for a cheap model if the job you are doing is heavy-duty. Your body will thank you.
Once you have your shovel take some time to learn the proper technique.
Technique is Key
Take some time to stretch and prepare your body as warm muscles work better.
Hand placement on the shovel is very important! Don�t grip with the hands close to each other.
Keep some distance between the hands. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to lift.
Think about proper posture and maintaining the natural curve of your spine.
Address the task directly.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart to stay balanced.
Try to keep the shovel close to your body. Holding a shovelful with arms outstretched puts added weight on your spine.
Bend at the knees and not the waist or back.
Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift.
Lift with your legs and not your back.
Dump the material in front of you. If you need to move the material to the side, move your feet.
Do not twist your body.
Scoop small amounts into the shovel
Walk to where you want to dump it.
Do not throw over your shoulder.
Go forward with the material.
Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks and stretch your back and body.
Power Equipment
Power equipment is terrific, but if it’s not used correctly, you can still strain or injure your back.
Example: Snowblowers are designed to remove snow at a certain speed but pushing or forcing the equipment to go faster is defeating the purpose of the machine doing the work for you.
You may not realize that you hurt your back. But that little twinge you felt could change your life forever. Getting back to 100% of where you were before the injury could take time and treatment. So, do not take this activity lightly and remember prevention is the best defense.
El Paso, TX Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Care
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Injuries that are caused by repetitive movements often develop gradually.�It�s not until the symptoms get very painful and debilitating that the individual realizes that something is wrong. Don�t wait, as soon as you feel a tingle, slight pinch, or a little soreness and feel that it’s from your work, get in touch with a doctor or chiropractor.
Here are some tips to avoid stressing your back. Ergonomics breaks down how our work environment affects our work and body. Ergonomics looks for ways to improve our environment to decrease the risks of injury, ailments, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of our work.
The profession of ergonomics focuses on two areas:
Industrial ergonomics also called occupational biomechanics focuses on the physical aspects of work like
Force
Posture
Repetitive movement/s
Human factor ergonomics looks at the psychological aspects of work like mental well-being and efficient decision-making.
Minimize Stress at the Desk
Try not to lean over the desk for extended amounts of time.
Do not sit too far from the desk/workstation.
Do not sit with your back unsupported.
Adjust the chair to a proper height so the knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
Keep the elbows bent at a 90-degree angle but also rest the elbows on the work surface or chair armrests.
Try not to bend or twist the neck while on the phone.
Maintaining a Neutral Spine While Standing
The feet should be slightly apart with the knees straight and chin tucked in. Try not to stand in one or the same position for extended amounts of time. Change and shift the weight from one foot to the other regularly. Use a footstool to elevate the foot/feet off and on, shifting the weight and continually moving can be helpful.
Proper Posture
Proper posture means maintaining the natural curve of the spine known as a neutral spine. Proper posture should be incorporated into all activities of daily living, which minimizes the amount of added stress to the spine. Proper posture is so important it’s what a chiropractor or physical therapist will first teach a patient.
Proper posture looks like
Imagine a plumb bob hanging from the ear lobe. With proper posture, the plumb bob will drop straight down the middle of the arm to the ankle.
Why is this so important?
Improper posture and incorrect body mechanics are two of the primary causes of neck and back pain.
Lifting/Carrying Objects
Observe the object to be moved, if the object looks too heavy or too big then please get help!
Before moving the object move any obstacles out of the path.
Get as close to the object as possible and bend at the knees.
Before lifting make sure the feet are slightly apart and flat. When turning, instead of twisting, pivot with the feet. This helps provide a stable base.
Take a long breathe and tighten the stomach muscles.
Smoothly lift the object using the arms and legs, not the back!
Try to hold the object at the side and bottom and keep it close to the body.
Keep your back straight.
Carry the object with the elbows slightly bent.
When carrying try to keep a balanced amount of weight in each hand. For example, shopping bags or luggage should have the loads divided in two.
Keep the shoulders held slightly back and level.
The ears should line up with the shoulders.
Keep the chin tucked in slightly.
Keep the pelvis shifted forward so that the hips are lined up with the ankles.
Reaching
Consider the size, weight, and location of the object.
Use a heavy-duty step ladder.
Directly face the object and get as close to it as possible.
One hand should be used for additional support.
Try not to look overhead for extended periods as this causes unnecessary stress to the neck.
Store items that are used all the time easy to reach. This could mean rearranging shelves etc.
There are almost as many causes of back pain as there are words to describe the pain and symptoms. Muscle spasms are the most common cause, the spine is susceptible to the same problems as other parts of your body. Poor posture and incorrect body mechanics are two of the leading causes of neck and back pain.
Through Dr.Alex Jimenez�s unique approach to healing, he continues being voted the best�Chiropractor in El Paso by the El Paso reviewing sites, clinical specialists, researchers and readers.��This is in part because he passionately accepts patients he feels are candidates for care. If he feels you need other treatment, then you will be referred to a clinic or Physician that is best suited for you.��Dr. Jimenez has teamed with the top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers and premiere rehabilitation�providers to bring El Paso the top clinical treatments to our community.��Providing high non-invasive protocols is our priority.
Chiropractic Care For Migraine El Paso, TX
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Sitting places added�stress and pressure on your back because it transfers the body�s full weight onto the buttocks and thighs. Sitting for long periods can cause�pressure�to�increase on the discs, which can lead to severe/chronic back pain.�Sitting also takes a toll on the lower extremities. As the�blood stays�in the legs and feet this creates a sluggish return of blood to the heart.
Back soreness, pain, and discomfort can make walking even moving a challenge, but through assistive devices, you can keep moving. If a spinal condition affects your ability to walk or if you have recently undergone surgery, a cane or walker can help maintain your independence.
Canes and walkers are designed in a simple fashion, but come with amazing benefits: They improve:
Balance
Prevent falls
Takes stress/pressure off the spine
There are all kinds and styles of assistive walking devices. Here are a few tips to help you select the best cane or walker.
Which To Get Cane or Walker
There are options when it comes to choosing but with so many options knowing which is the best for your condition can be challenging.
Talk with your health provider, which could be a primary physician, nurse, chiropractor, physical therapist, or other health care professionals familiar with your medical history and discuss which device would suit your condition and lifestyle the best.
Canes and walkers each have their pros and cons depending on the condition/s. Some considerations to think about when choosing between a cane and a walker:
What is the purpose of the device?
Canes are ideal for problems that occur on one side of the body like sciatica, which often affects one leg, and walkers are ideal for pain that occurs on both sides like weakness in both of the legs.
Which should I get to support my weight?
Canes can support up to 25 percent of your weight, and walkers can support up to 50 percent.
What is the amount of stability you need in the device?
Walkers have the most stability, but there are four-point canes that can also support proper balance and spine safety.
What amount of flexibility do you need in the device?
If you want perhaps the flexibility to go up and downstairs�a cane may be a better choice, as walkers should not be used on stairs.��
Considerations and Questions
Once you�ve decided on what type, then it’s time to decide which type to buy and make sure it is the correct model and style for you. A health care provider can help you find the right model that suits your needs, fits correctly and will educate and show you how to properly use it. Considerations to think about when buying a cane or walker.
Canes
Canes fall into three categories:
Standard: The simplest type of cane and comes with a comfortable T-shaped handle. This helps with balance, but these aren’t able to bear as much weight.
The Offset: A cane that can support more weight than a standard model comes with a flat grip for those with a weak grip and an upper shaft that can bend outward.
Multi-legged: Multiple-legged canes offer maximum stability, perfect for preventing slips, and falls. The only issue could be is that because of the multiple legs means it can be a little awkward at first. But once you get the hang of it
Questions for a Cane
What grip should I go with?
There�s no right or wrong grip. This all comes down to you and what feels the most comfortable as you move around. But, larger grips work better for those with joint problems, and the foam grip style or a type of memory foam that shapes to your hand seems to be the current trend.
What if the grip I chose is not the correct one?
If numbness, tingling, or pain begins to present in your hand/s when using the device or after, consult your doctor, chiropractor or physical therapist.
Where are Canes available?
Canes can be purchased at medical supply stores and pharmacies. But they can also be purchased online, which is extremely helpful if the model you want is not available at the store.
Where to learn how to properly use the cane?
Talk to your chiropractor, physical therapist or doctor who can give you tips and guidelines on how to use the device. They will also help make sure that the cane fits correctly.
Working with a health care professional to achieve the right fit can be highly beneficial. If the grip does not feel right, it’s not comfortable, or if it’s too long/short, the cane ends up doing more harm than good. A therapist/chiropractor will make sure everything is right.
Walkers
Walkers fall into three models:
Standard: These walkers have four legs with rubber ends and provide quality support and stability. But, because there are no wheels it needs to be picked up to move around.
Front-wheel walker: This type has two wheels in the front and two solid legs in the rear. This type does not need to be picked up and requires less effort.
Four-wheeled walkers: These move the easiest, but they can be difficult to get used to placing all your weight because of the easy rolling. Although they do have breaks and wheel adjustments to control the wheel speed, it can take some getting used to and training. Some models come with a seat.
Questions for a Walker
What grip should I go with?
Walker grips are usually made of hard plastic, non-slip rubber, or flexible memory foam. Again it�s all up to you to decide which is the most comfortable.
Preparing the home for a walker
Walkers can get snagged on rugs or bump into the furniture so it�s a good idea to set up your home and move the furniture/objects to help accommodate your movement.
Where can I purchase a walker?
Walkers are available at medical supply stores and pharmacies. They can also be purchased online.
How can I learn how to properly use my walker?
Using a walker can be a little uncomfortable at first. Movements that were easy, like sitting to standing might need to take some time to get the feel of it. But with time and practice, it will become second nature. Talk to your doctor or chiropractor/physical therapist about the right way to use your walker. They can help you develop a strategy and technique to improve mobility.
Spine Pain Won’t Slow You Down
Mobility assistive devices, like canes, and walkers can help you move around after an accident, spine surgery, or a chronic spine condition and allow you to maintain your freedom.
Our uplifting southwest community surrounded by its infinite beauty is a fantastic place to live and enjoy our families; it is, therefore, our mission to help each of our patients to live,�to�love,�to�matter�and�to�thrive�pain-free�in this beautiful special place.
Shoulder Pain Treatment El Paso, TX Chiropractor
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As you move into your senior years, you may expect some discomfort and loss of mobility. Aging is hard on the body. But it is important to understand that there are things you can do to feel better. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and�chiropractic care�can all make your senior years active and thriving.
More and more individuals are looking to add or try out complementary, alternative or integrative treatments for their back and neck pain. To help understand the differences as well as the similarities between the terms, try to remember:
If an alternative clinic which means not mainstream is combined with a conventional clinic this is mainstream medicine, then it is known as complementary or integrative health care.
If it is used instead of or replaces conventional medical care, it is known as alternative health care.
These terms complementary, alternative and integrative tend to get used interchangeably.
The acronym C.A.M is sometimes used, which means Complementary Alternative Medicine.
Choosing the right practitioner for your spine problem whether osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, or whiplash is just as important as choosing a medical physician or chiropractor.
You want to find an alternative or complementary/ integrative professional who is
Highly trained
Licensed
Experienced in treating your particular condition
Makes you feel comfortable
Takes time to answer all your questions
Finding a Complementary Alternative Specialist
A good place to start is to ask your primary care physician, chiropractor for a referral. Others include:
Credentialing, licensing and certifying are terms you will find when learning about a particular complementary alternative medicine clinic or practitioner. Credentials can include the practitioner�s education, where and what they are allowed to practice. Certification in a particular field of practice like acupuncture, for example, is typically needed before the state issues a license and allows the professional to begin treating patients.
You can check your state�s mandatory licensure process for the type of complementary, alternative or integrative practitioner or clinic you are looking into. Most states require the practitioner to register their education, graduation, training, and continuing education credits. Your state agency can provide this information explaining what services the practitioner is allowed to provide such as the ability to provide dietary supplements.
Review the education and qualifications of all potential practitioners
Questions to think about when doing your research.
Did they graduate from a certified program/school?
Did they complete advanced training?
Are they a member of professional societies or organizations?
Do they regularly continue their training with up to date and advanced education?
How long have they been practicing?
Are the treatments covered by insurance?
Are they ready to work with your insurance provider?
What’s the cost of treatment if not covered by insurance?
Your Appointment Plan
Treatment or therapy that the complementary, alternative or integrative practitioner/clinic provides is considered non-medical.
These practitioners need your medical history, that includes over-the-counter and prescription medications, allergies, prior treatment like surgery/spinal injections along with vitamins/supplements you take. Additional information that could be needed is the contact information of your primary care physician or the doctor who referred you. Keep your primary physician/chiropractor informed about all treatments or therapies you will be receiving.
El Paso, TX Neck Pain Chiropractic Treatment
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The spine is the primary support for the body. When it breaks down, the body suffers.�Regular chiropractic treatment ensures that the spinal column remains in proper alignment which, in turn, keeps the body in proper alignment. It helps with joint health as well as the health of the related muscles and ligaments.
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