We’ve all seen the commercials, web ads, emails, etc�about the best pillow around. Getting a good night’s sleep can be a struggle these days and any type of physical aid is welcome, specifically a pillow. This is especially true of people with chronic, acute cervical neck/back and neuropathic pain.�
Stores carry various lines of pillows that all claim to be the best pillow for neck pain.
With all the different designs out there, choosing the right pillow for your way of sleeping can be a challenge. Dr. Jimenez takes a look at finding the right pillow that will help you sleep, stay asleep and wake up refreshed and with no neck/back pain.
Throughout the sleep cycle, and therefore has a big responsibility. This guide will help you find the right one to meet your sleep needs.
Sleeping position and the pillow can play a major role in comfort or pain.
Example – Stomach sleepers usually have the most neck pain. This is because the neck is turned to the side and the spine is arched.
For relief, try sleeping either on your back or on the side. This along with a pillow that supports the neck and the natural curve of the spine.
Tips for Buying The Right One
These guidelines apply to anyone looking for a pillow that can support the spine. It should:
Keeps your spine naturally aligned meaning the head should rest directly over your shoulders and should not be propped up or pushed back too much
Can be adjusted for maximum support
Supports your head
Eliminates pressure on the cervical spine
Increases sleep duration
Hypoallergenic for those with allergies
Pillows come in all types and sizes, but don�t get it based on how it’s going to look on your bed. Take into account your body size and match that to the size of the pillow.
Picking Based On Your Sleep Position
Picking the right one for you and understanding how you sleep is important, as your sleep position can lead the way.
Stomach sleepers
Thin pillows are the way to go and sometimes not using a pillow at all could be beneficial.
Sleeping on your stomach puts more pressure on the lower back than any other sleeping position. Consider sleeping on your side/back or only sleep on your stomach for short periods then once comfortable switch to the side/back position.
Back sleepers
Thin pillows are also the way to go, but this pillow should have some lift at the bottom to help support your neck.
Memory foam is an option for back sleepers because it adjusts to your�head and neck shape.
Side sleepers
A firm pillow specifically one with a gusset or a piece of material that adds strength and thickness is more structured and can keep your spine aligned.
Specialty�
With severe spine pain or if pregnant, standard pillows do not work. There are specialty pillows that can provide comfort and pain relief.
Chiropractic
Known also as a cervical pillow, these can help if you have chronic neck or back pain that�s not allowing sleep. These are molded to your neck and keep your spine aligned during sleep, and come in a variety of styles and materials. A chiropractor can help you choose the right type and instruct you on how to use it correctly.
Pregnancy
These also come in different types but the aim is to provide support to your growing abdomen. Pregnancy pillows also come with extra body pillows designed to fit under the abdomen and between the knees supporting the entire body.
When To Replace Your Pillow
It is recommended that individuals should replace every 18 months to 2 years depending on how aggressively you sleep.
Using a pillow beyond its lifespan means there is no longer support for your spine which can exacerbate and create new injuries.
How to tell when a pillow is done its duty, fold it in half. If the pillow stays and does not return to the original position is a good indicator that it�s time for a new pillow.
El Paso, TX Neck Pain Chiropractic Treatment
Sleep allows your body to heal and the spine to rejuvenate. It helps you handle stress better and manage pain more effectively. It is an essential part of good health so making sure that you get good quality sleep should be a priority � and it is possible.
NCBI Resources
The�position that you sleep in can help relieve your back pain, but getting good quality sleep will help you manage your pain much better so it should be your goal to get proper sleep every night. And you should change it out on a regular basis.
They can get worn and no longer deliver the support they once did. If you are waking up with neck or back pain or headaches, it could be your pillow. Additionally, studies show that making your bed every day improves your quality of sleep. Make sure that the temperature is comfortable and avoid electronic devices for about an hour before bedtime. Be kind to your spine and make sleep�a priority.
FDA recognizes and approves spinal decompression and its ability to eliminate herniated discs.
On the verge of back surgery, a mason discovered the non-surgical solution to work-related chronic back pain.
A new male patient who works in construction came to see me as a last resort to lessen his back pain brought on from damaged/herniated discs.
His primary caregiver recommended back surgery, but that would have put him on disability for months.
Fortunately, before saying yes to the surgery, a co-worker recommended chiropractic care.
Bricklayers/masons have the highest rate of back injuries with non-paid sick leave.
Constant bending over, even with a back brace, takes its toll on the spine, which in this case resulted in two herniated discs.
Pain medications helped in the beginning but with constant use, put him in a constant brain fog state, along with the expense, which took its toll on the family budget.
Disc Injury & Back Surgery
The doctor did not discuss spinal decompression therapy
�A non-surgical back treatment that slowly and gently stretches the spine.
This stretching lessens the pressure on the compressed nerve root (herniated disc) and results in less and even complete alleviation.
The patient came twice a week with myself and the team working on him over the course of a month, however, every case is different so treatments vary depending on the condition.
With each treatment, the two herniated discs were slowly reverted back to their natural position. This is able to be achieved with less pressure between the discs.
Towards the end of treatment, the patient’s pain was gone by about 90%.
With two weeks of rest, the patient was able to return to work.
The best part was that there was no surgery, pain medications, disability, and hospital bills.
Spine treatment alternative
Chiropractic/Decompression therapy is way less expensive than medication and surgery. It is:
Non-surgical
Recovery time is faster
Completely drug-free
People suffering every day with herniated/injured discs should consider the chiropractic decompression option. You do not have to learn to live with chronic back pain.
If you suffer from:
Herniated discs
Bulging discs
Degenerative disc disease
I encourage you to discuss the condition with an experienced chiropractor. There are many proven alternatives to back surgery and pain meds. People need to be aware of these alternatives for chronic back pain. The right-back pain treatment can definitely improve the quality of life.
Herniated Disc El Paso, TX
Sandra Rubio developed two herniated discs and a bulging disc after suffering from an accident at a young age, which caused her intense pain throughout her youth.
When she became a mother, her symptoms became severe.
After visiting doctors without results, Sandra found chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez and found relief from her sciatica and migraines.
The herniated disc treatment she received from Dr. Alex Jimenez was non-surgical.
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is a medical condition in which:
Atear from the outer intervertebral disc allows the soft, central area to bulge out beyond the outer rings.
Disc herniation is usually a result of:
Degeneration (wear/tear)
Trauma (auto accident/sports injury)
Lifting injuries
Straining movement
The tear can release the compounds, which cause inflammation and can cause severe pain even if the nerve root not compressed.
A physical examination is usually the first step in diagnosing a herniated disc. The chiropractor will examine the spine while the patient is standing, and while they’re lying down. Depending on the severity and location of the herniation, they may note a decrease in spine curvature.
Radicular pain will be assessed, when the spine is:
Unmoving
In motion
With pressure applied
Other tests may be administered.
X-rays may also be taken, but an MRI is usually more accurate and shows more detail.
Chiropractic has been very effective in helping patients manage their pain and regain their mobility so they can return to their normal life. Therefore, it should be your first option for treatment before you go down the road with drugs or surgery.
NCBI Resources
It is often referred to as a ruptured disc or slipped disc and occurs when the disc moves or slips out of place. It can also be the result of a disc that has a small tear and is leaking the jelly-like substance that is inside. This can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
All can help relax muscles, relieve pain and increase mobility.
Proven Reduced Back Pain with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
Kent S. Greenawalt, President, and CEO of Foot Levelers discuss how custom foot orthotics can help reduce back pain, low back pain, and sciatica.
In a recent research study published by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), researchers demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics help considerably reduce back pain and several of its associated health issues.
The research study also demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care help tremendously reduce low back pain and sciatica.
Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care helped improve the patient’s overall health and wellness.
Dr. Alex Jimenez is a chiropractor in El Paso, TX. can help provide these benefits through the utilization of chiropractic care and Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics, among other treatments.
NCBI Resources
Pain in the upper and/or mid-back is not as common as lower back or neck pain. The upper back is called the thoracic spinal column, and it is the most secure part of the spine. The reach of movement in the upper back is limited because of the backbone�s attachments to the ribs (rib cage).
Upper back pain is generally caused by soft tissue injuries, like sprains or strains, muscle tension caused by bad posture, or looking downward for long time spans (eg, texting, mobile phone use).
Arachnoiditis arach�?noid�?itis (?- rak-n?id-??t-?s) is a condition that is characterized by stinging, burning pain and neurological problems.
A common symptom is chronic and persistent�low back pain, lower limb pain.
It is inflammation of the arachnoidlining. This is one of three linings that surround the brain and spinal cord.
This inflammation causes:
Constant irritation
Scarring
Binding of nerve roots
Binding blood vessels
In the intradural space 3 meninges or protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Dura mater
Arachnoid
Pia Mater
Symptoms of Arachnoiditis
Predominant symptoms are chronic pain in the:
Low back
Lower limbs
In severe cases the entire body
Other symptoms can include:
Leg tingling, numbness, and weakness
Weird sensations like the feeling of insects crawling on the skin or water running down the leg
Shooting pain like an electric shock sensation
Muscle cramps, spasms, and twitching
The bladder, bowel, and possible sexual dysfunction
Progression of the disease can make symptoms more severe and possibly permanent.
The pain is constant and incurable, which makes the disorder very debilitating. Those with arachnoiditis usually cannot work and have a disability.
Causes
Three main causes of arachnoiditis are:
Trauma/surgery
Arachnoiditis has been recognized as a rare complication of spinal surgery usually after multiple or complex surgeries.
It can also be caused by trauma to the spine.
Similar causes include:
Multiple lumbar punctures
Advanced spinal stenosis
Chronic degenerative disc disease
Chemical
Myelograms have come under scrutiny as being a possible cause of the condition.
A myelogram is a test where a radiographic contrast dye is injected into the area around the spinal cord and nerves.
The dye becomes visible on:
X-rays
CT
MRI scans
Used by physicians to diagnose spinal conditions.
Now there is a concern that repeated exposure to some of these dyes may cause arachnoiditis.
There is also a concern of the preservatives found in epidural steroid injections, that they may cause the condition, especially if the steroid medicine accidentally enters the cerebral spinal fluid.
Infection
The disorder can also be caused by certain infections that affect the spine like:
Viral and fungal meningitis
Tuberculosis
Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for arachnoiditis.
Therefore, treatment is aimed at pain relief and is similar to how other chronic pain conditions are treated.
Examples include:
Spinal cord stimulation: is one of the best treatment options. Spinal cord stimulation runs on a device that transmits electrical signals to the spinal cord for relief.
Lidocaine intravenous infusions: Lidocaine is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Ketamine infusions: Ketamine is an anesthetic, that also helps with pain relief.
Low-dose naltrexone is an anti-inflammatory for chronic pain management.
Surgery is not recommended because it causes more scar tissue to develop and makes the irritated spine susceptible to more trauma.
Living with the Arachnoiditis
This condition can be extremely disabling.
Living with chronic pain is not an easy thing to do.
It affects the body and also causes mental stress.
People with the condition are encouraged to join support groups or find therapeutic outlets for stress.
Treatment plans are focused on pain relief and keeping a high quality of life.
Research is ongoing to find a cure.
*CHRONIC* pain Chiropractic Relief | El Paso, Tx
Patients with chronic pain discuss how their symptoms have affected their overall health and wellness. With chiropractic care, patients describe how Dr. Jimenez, a doctor of chiropractic or chiropractor in El Paso, Texas, has helped them recover their original quality of life.
Chiropractic care is an alternative treatment option that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a variety of health issues, including chronic pain and personal injuries. Patients highly recommend Dr. Jimenez and his staff as the non-surgical choice for auto accident injuries and slip-and-fall accidents.
NCBI Resources
Those who continue to deal with the pain after a few weeks� time may choose to look for other solutions. This is also true for people who experience repeated flare-ups, or chronic lower back pain. One of the best and most popular options is chiropractic care. Chiropractic care doesn�t focus solely on the pain but helps the body heal itself. Chiropractors understand the bones, muscles, discs, and nerves in the back, and can figure out the reason for the pain.
From there, they can create a customized treatment plan from compresses to�spinal manipulation�to exercises that help heal the area and reduces the pain.
The goal is to have an economical stance and gait that does not require excessive energy.
The curves need to be well-balanced.
The gravity line should fall through:
The head and cervical spine
Behind the sacrum
Through the center of the hips
Like this minimum energy is exerted for standing and walking.
When these curves are not balanced, like what happens with excessive kyphosis in the thoracic spine or loss of normal lordosis in the lumbar spine, the patient may begin to experience symptoms.
Loss of lumbar lordosis or actual kyphosis in the lumbar spine that presents symptoms is named flatback syndrome.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of flatback are:
Difficulty standing up straight
Low back pain
Thigh pain
Groin pain
Symptoms will worsen as the day progresses with fatigue and increasing difficulty to stand up straight with correct posture.
Individuals will flex or bend their hips and knees to get into an upright position.
This is what causes the exhaustion as the day goes on.
Some patients also have symptoms of:
Sciatica
Spinal stenosis
Leg pain
Weakness made worse from walking
Some individuals have neck and upper back pain as they strain to get themselves upright.
Trying to live like this can lead to a disabling condition that requires pain medications, and limits the individual’s ability to perform daily activities.
This was the earliest type of spine implantation to correct scoliosis.
This instrumentation had a tendency to flatten the normal curve or lordosis in the lumbar spine.
This system was used from the 1960s to the 1980s.
With today’s implant systems and techniques, this problem doesn’t really occur anymore.
But not to knock the system, those treated with�Harrington�rods did very well for decades.
The spine compensates for the flattening of the lordosis with the normal discs underneath the fused area.
However, when the discs below the fusion would wear out (degenerate), the patients would lose the ability to stand upright and pain would develop.
Other causes include:
Ankylosing Spondylitis
A chronic inflammatory arthritic disease that causes stiffness and loss of lordosis.
Degenerative Disc Disease
The normal aging process of the wear and tear/degeneration of the discs, that are the shock absorbers of the spine.
In the lumbar area, these discs contribute to normal curvature.
As the discs degenerate, the spine stiffens and the curvature disappears.
The patient has progressive difficulty in achieving an upright posture.
Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
After a laminectomy procedure used to decompress the spine nerves, loss of lordosis and instability can develop.
This type of procedure is associated with failed back surgery syndrome.
Compression Fractures
Single or multiple vertebrae collapsing can result in loss of lordosis and flatback.
The vertebrae are the building blocks of the spine.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis begins with a patient’s history.
A doctor will look for the common symptoms like the presentation of difficulty standing upright along with back pain.
If there is a history of prior surgery or a disease making them susceptible to the syndrome.
Full standing x-rays will be ordered.
The lateral side view is specifically the side that will be helpful (see x-ray).
The patient stands, knees straight, the posture can be seen to be stooped forward.
This is depicted by the gravity line/plumb line falling in front of the sacrum.
Finally, MRI’s, CT scans, can be utilized to provide information about the health of the:
Discs
Vertebrae
Degree of openness of the spinal canal to see if there is compression of the spinal nerves or not
Non-surgical Treatment
Patients should try non-surgical treatment first like:
Chiropractic
Physical therapy
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
Conditioning and endurance exercise programs can provide relief. But, if the structural problem is too great for conservative therapy then surgery is an option.
Proven Reduced Back Pain with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
In a recent research study published by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), researchers demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics help considerably reduce back pain and several of its associated health issues.
The research study also demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care help tremendously reduce low back pain and sciatica.
Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care helped improve the patient’s overall health and wellness.
Dr. Jimenez is a chiropractor in El Paso, TX who can help provide these benefits through the utilization of chiropractic care and Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics, among other treatments.
NCBI Resources
Sometimes low back pain comes out of nowhere, but that sudden twinge in the lower back does have a cause. With some cases, there�s a�trigger, like picking up a heavy object/furniture from an awkward position.� But sometimes it can be a mystery and a challenge to diagnose.
It is important to know the cause of lower back pain to figure out the proper treatment plan. Otherwise, one could receive treatment for the wrong diagnosis and possibly exacerbate the existing injury.
There are those that can predict approaching storms, and weather change based on the way, their joints behave.
Similarly, individuals with chronic back pain can at times sense a change in how they feel when the weather shifts.
The connection between weather and back pain is not fully understood but here are a few beliefs on why people feel pain based on the season/weather.
There is not a great deal of research on weather’s effects on spinal conditions. said Dr. Alexander Jimenez, D.C. in El Paso, Texas.
Some spinal conditions have been shown to have a clear link to cold weather. An example is sciatica patients that would experience worsened pain when the weather would shift.
Chiropractor Alexander Jimenez breaks down how weather can affect back pain and explains six ways to help weather-related back pain.
Weather and Osteoarthritis
Dr. Jimenez talks of a study that examined joint pain differencesbetween older people with osteoarthritis that were weather-sensitive versus those who also had osteoarthritis but were not weather-sensitive.
More than two-thirds said weather affected their osteoarthritis pain
Researchers found that weather sensitivity and pain:
More prevalent among women
People with anxiety conditions
Weather and season change alters how we feel mentally and emotionally.
That link is definitely true between depression and back pain.
Dr. Jimenez sees the shift in spine health from the hot summer months into the cold ones and that is when the health problems peak.
Winter brings cloudier weather, and that increasesmelatonin from the brain, which causes drowsiness and less energy.
Sunlight increases serotonin, which causes feelings of happiness.
Cold, dark, winter weather can deplete energy and makes people stay indoors. This is not good because being outside, involved in activity and exercise definitely helps with joint pain.
Staying inside and not moving will worsen pain and possibly lead to severe conditions.
When the seasons begin to change, it also brings to realization the holiday season, which can cause all kinds of:
Anxiety
Stress
Tension
The holiday season can cause major stress, and the changes in weather are a reminder of that upcoming stress.
Theories
A common theory suggests that when the temperature drops it affects the viscosity of the synovial fluid in the joints.
This could be one of the reasons why people with spinal joint pain experience flare-ups during the cold shift.
Dr. Jimenez says that the structures within your:
Joints
Tendons
Ligaments
Muscles
Connective tissues
All have different densities and react differently to temperature changes.
In the cold, some connective tissues are looser than others.
So those that are tighter take longer to warm up, and if not then there is a perfect set-up for joint dysfunction.
Another theory is that barometric pressure is what causes the pain. This theory supports people with joint pain that can tell when it�s about to rain.
Some rheumatologists believe the joint capsule and tissues around the joint are like a balloon.
The barometric pressure squeezes this balloon, causing the balloon to expand/inflammation that causes pain.
Moving to Warmer Climate
Mental
Emotional
Physical
Factors play into how pain affects the individual and moving to a sunny place is not necessarily the answer.
Dr. Jimenez says that warmer climates have been thought to be healthier for various conditions.
In a sunny climate, one is likely to be in the sun, being active physically/mentally,� getting plenty of vitamin D, which is good for bones and joints and makes for a good mood all around.
But moving to a warm climate isn�t always an option, so lifestyle changes can do the trick.
Clinical treatments, like infrared sauna, can bring�the sun’s benefits during dark winter days.
People with chronic pain have said they feel pain-free and relaxed after sitting in an infrared sauna.
An infrared sauna does not give off ultraviolet rays, but healthy light.
The light penetrates into the tissues, warms the body, and makes the connective tissue stretchier and looser, which moves easier and doesn’t hurt.
6 Tips
There is no need to move to a sunny climate.
Dr. Jimenez says you can minimize the weather�s effects with these tips:
Diet
Dr. Jimenez recommends reducing consumption of inflammation-inducing foods like:
Red meats
Fried foods
Sugars
Processed starches
Quitting smoking tobacco is essential for finding pain relief.
Proper Hydration
Alcoholic beverages dehydrate and can worsen depression and anxiety.
Dr. Jimenez says drinking plenty of water is important for the spine, and is often overlooked by the senior community.
Older adults don’t have an active thirst like a young person, and can, therefore, dehydrate rapidly.�
Stay Warm
Layer clothing or keep the house warm.
Keep a humidifier running with the heater to prevent respiratory problems caused by the dry heat.
Get Into The Sun Regularly
Natural light helps wards off depression, and it improves productivity in the workplace
Exercise
Physical activity plays a huge part in particularly with low back conditions, walking, which he said engages the postural muscles in the spine.
Dr. Jimenez personally sees the benefits of this: When I�m working out, I don�t feel my hip pain. And I continue because I know that I’m strengthening my body for the better, especially since I help others with their pain.
Hobbies Can Help
A hobby creates a diversion from the pain and releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
A hobby allows you to focus on something else besides the pain.
Depression & Chronic pain | El Paso, Tx
Chronic pain caused by accidents and/or aggravated conditions can often be one of the primary reasons for depression in patients. When painful symptoms induce patients to struggle with their everyday physical activities, their mental health can be tremendously influenced. Chiropractic care utilizes spinal adjustments and manual manipulations which could help restore the initial integrity of the backbone. Patients describe how chiropractic care has helped them recover their well-being and they highly recommend Dr. Alex Jimenez, doctor of chiropractic, as the non-surgical choice for chronic pain and depression, one of a variety of other common health issues.
NCBI Resources
Back pain can be debilitating, causing immobility, inflexibility, and have a significant impact on a person�s quality of life. It can make even the most mundane daily activities extremely difficult � and even excruciating. Building the muscles that make up your core (abdominals and back) can help support your spine and reduce back pain. In many cases, strengthening these muscles can assist a patient to avoid medication with its unpleasant side effects and even avoid surgery. With just a few smart moves you can significantly decrease your�back pain, increase your mobility, and take back your life.
Pilates or yoga can work wonders and always stretch before physical exercise.
Get fit – no regular physical activity can lead to serious conditions and possibly chronic pain.
Exercise benefits all, even some light walking around the neighborhood is enough. Just get moving!
Playing a sport could be a way to keep active. Remember, in order for any exercise to work is that it is done regularly.
Strength training is important, just as its name implies strength training builds muscle and reduces muscle imbalances.
It�s never too late to increase strength and flexibility.
Look at activities that you and your friends/family can enjoy and make doing them a regular thing.
A�chiropractor�is the ideal�medical professional to consult with for any unexplained pain in the musculoskeletal system. They are highly qualified professionals that their specialty is treating conditions like lower back pain and they are very affordable. If you or a loved one have pain in the lower back, give us a call. We�re here to help!
Understand *FOOT PRONATION* & How to Correct it with Orthotics | El Paso, TX (2019)
Foot pronation is the natural movement that occurs during foot landing while walking or running. Foot pronation also occurs while standing, and in this instance, it is the amount in which the foot rolls inward toward the arch. Foot pronation is normal, however, excessive foot pronation can cause a variety of health issues, including bad posture. The following video describes the 5 red flags of excessive foot pronation, which can ultimately affect a person’s overall health and wellness. Dr. Alex Jimenez can help diagnose and treat excessive foot pronation. Patients recommend Dr. Alex Jimenez and his staff as the non-surgical choice for excessive foot pronation health issues.
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