Ever wonder what goes through your chiropractors head when treating your moderate back pain? Using a patient as an example, Dr. Jimenez shares his thought process through the treatment of a patient with moderate low back pain. All the way through the first appointment through to the recovery process.
Patient’s Background
Louis is a 47-year-old programmer who plays tennis regularly, especially tournaments.
However, low back pain has put Louis’ game on hold as he�s not able to manage the pain with the regular heating pad, ice, and over-the-counter pain reliever.
His primary physician referred him to Dr. Jimenez.
Louis’ is referred to chiropractic
Dr. Jimenez: Louis’ primary physician referred him to me instead of a spine surgeon because first, the pain is not yet serious enough for surgery. And so there was a window to treat with a non-invasive approach. Secondly, I specialize in sports medicine and so maximize conservative, non-operative techniques/methods.
The United States has 5 times the surgical rate of other countries, so going to a non-operative spine specialist/chiropractor is the best approach at the beginning before the pain becomes severe/acute/chronic.
Louis’ first appointment, medical history, and current back pain
Dr. Jimenez: Once I went through his medical history, I saw it was pretty straightforward. So I dug deeper into other areas of Louis’ lifestyle.
I asked about:
Diet
Physical activity
Emotional well-being
Smoking status
Also, a factor, his occupation was contributing to his pain. He�s a programmer, so spends a lot of time sitting at a desk. Sitting for prolonged periods and usually improperly/poor posture are two of the worst things you can do to your spine.
Sitting for a long time without moving around causes the hip muscles to get tight, and glutes and spine muscles to weaken.
Louis sits most of the day working and spends the weekend if not doing house chores, then playing tennis. Just imagine using weakened muscles during the week and then jumping into a sports activity on the weekend will definitely cause pain.
Louis said that his pain would worsen when serving, hitting a forehand and bending over to pick up a ball. The pain would ease down once he was resting and sleeping.
Louis’ physical exam
Dr. Jimenez: With the physical examination, I looked at
Alignment
Motion
Inflexibilities (not just the spine but the hips and lower extremities)
Muscular imbalances
Weaknesses
I saw that Louis had a flattened lumbar lordosis, meaning the gentle curve in his low back was now flat. Restricted motion in one direction� or a flexion. And weakness in the buttock muscles and hips, and tightness in the lower extremity muscles.
Pushing on certain areas along his spine, presented tenderness in the mid to lower lumbar spine and joint areas.
Initial treatment for Louis’ moderate low back pain
Chiropractic
Physical therapy
Exercises
Stretching
Re-education – proper sitting/standing
Diet
Foot orthotics if necessary
The best initial treatment is to work chiropractically on the muscular imbalances of the spine and lower extremities that are affecting the body’s biomechanics.
Other exams?
Dr. Jimenez: If necessary, a functional movement screening examination.
This test is used in sports medicine to check for imbalances from the feet all the way up to the neck.
After this, Louis would be tested to see if foot orthotics could help and receive specially designed exercises from a physical therapist to address the muscular imbalances.
Radiographic, CT, or MRI imaging
Dr. Jimenez: Many believe that imaging tests are essential to the diagnostic process.
My goal for Louis and all my patients is to get them pain-free, functional and back to health.
Are imaging tests important?
Dr. Jimenez: Imaging tests are important when there are neurologic discoveries/complaints, like muscle weakness, sensory loss, and immobility, as this can indicate the need for surgery.
Imaging tests are helpful for guiding targeted treatment like an epidural injection.
And if your doctor believes there is something serious, e.g., a spinal tumor, infection, then get an imaging test right away.
Louis’ diagnosis
Dr. Jimenez: Because Louis’ pain worsened while playing tennis and then ease during sleep, I diagnosed him with mechanical low back pain.
This type of back pain comes on through mechanical activities or applying a load to the spine.
Non-mechanical low back pain is pain that exists all the time.
Thought process while developing Louis’ treatment plan
Dr. Jimenez: The treatment plan is focused on controlling pain and inflammation.
I first recommended chiropractic treatment, physical therapy/massage, and heat/ice compress.
After completing the course of treatment I suggested Louis take naturally derived supplements:
Turmeric
Bromelain
High-dose omega 3’s
This would help reduce inflammation.
They have been proven to be effective without the serious side effects of both over-the-counter and prescription medications.
Louis and I also discussed his diet
I recommended cutting back on carbohydrate and processed sugar intake thus curbing inflammation and upped healthy fat consumption of and natural sugars that are found in nuts and berries.
I taught Louis proper basic movement techniques, including positioning himself at work and stretches to do throughout the day.
I suggested that Louis work with a fitness physical therapist to build strength and flexibility, that would take shape in 4 to 6 weeks.
After a few sessions, the goal is to be able to do the exercises without help.
Return to tennis
Dr. Jimenez: Very soon, as long as, he uses his natural anti-inflammatory supplements and follows through with regular chiropractic/physical therapy.
Slow and steady is the key to pain relief. Jumping into a tennis set before finishing treatment would set him back and possibly cause new injuries.
I recommended he start by playing non-competitive tennis and just rally after completing the treatment and then take a day or 2 to see how it feels.
Taking it slow should bring back full strength within 2 months after the initial visit.
Preventive tips:
A proper tennis swing should put minimal force on the spine.
Tennis professionals start and stop, jump, slide, dive and run, run, run. That is where a significant overload of the lower back occurs and all the energy goes right into the spine.
The key to a proper swing is to rotate the hips, take the proper arm swing, and hit through the ball.
If you don�t have proper hip rotation, your body will pay for it through the spine.
Bending at the hips and knees when picking up balls will greatly reduce stress on your low back.
Work with a tennis pro that can teach you proper swing and specific tennis training especially movement.
This will help you play well, alleviate/avoid back pain and enjoy the game.
Low Back Pain Treatment | El Paso, Tx
Low back pain which gradually influenced his quality of life was developed. David Garcia was unable to walk as his symptoms worsened and his back pain became excruciating. He first visited Dr. Alex Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, TX, following a recommendation from his sister. Dr. Jimenez managed to supply David Garcia with all the aid he deserved for his low back pain, restoring his well-being. David Garcia clarifies the wonderful service Dr. Alex Jimenez and his team have given him to offer him relief from his painful symptoms and he highly recommends chiropractic care as the non-surgical pick for low back pain, among other health problems.
NCBI Resources
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 moderate lower back pain and they are very affordable. 31 million Americans experience moderate low back pain at any given time. This condition affects many, but finding the exact cause can be a challenge. Chiropractors are spinal specialists that are trained to not only alleviate pain but also find and help correct the cause of the problem.
Subluxation describes what happens when the spinal joints get shifted out of alignment. This can be caused by:
Stress
Trauma
Chemical imbalance
The nervous system, which consists of the (spine/nerves/brain) is the central headquarters of the body. Subluxation removal helps the body function at its optimum level.
Chiropractic adjustments reduce pressure on the nerves and ease the flow of communication and signals going back and forth.
These adjustments trigger the release of endorphins, which cause instant pain relief.
Our hips are made durable, but with age and normal wear and tear, this cartilage wears down, which can lead to injury.
This also includes the:
Muscles
Tendons
Bones in and around the hip
And can be caused by a number of conditions, including:
Arthritis
Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)
Cancers
Bursitis
Hip fractures
Hip labral tear
Muscle/tendon strain
Tendinitis
If adjustments seem to be only temporary, this could be an indicator of problems beyond the spine.
Pain or other symptoms in the body start with the body�s foundation: the feet.
When we walk there are incremental-segmental movements of the spine that are small motions but are very important in proper function.
If there are foot problems:
Spinal subluxations
Pain
Degeneration throughout the body can happen.
Research has found that poor foot mechanics can create severe problems that affect the normal functions of the:
Ankle
Knee
Hip
Back
Symptoms of Vertebral Subluxation
Neck and back pain
Headaches
Dizziness
Balance issues
Spine muscle spasms
Tightness
Weakness
Spinal mobility
Pain
Numbness
Tingling
Joint pain
Tenderness
Stiffness
Treatment
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, subluxation could be the cause.
Chiropractic treatment and custom orthotics are the best way to correct the subluxation.
Chiropractors are experienced in finding and correcting these problems. And the custom orthotics can help keep you and your spine in perfect alignment.
Get Rid of *LOW BACK PAIN* with Custom Foot Orthotics | El Paso, TX (2019)
Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain sometime throughout their lifetime. Low back pain and sciatica are several of the most common complaints frequently reported in a doctor office setting. But, did you know that low back pain and sciatica can be caused due to foot problems? Custom-made functional foot orthotics can help support and promote the natural alignment of the spine. Poor posture associated with foot problems and other health issues can be corrected through the utilization of custom-made functional foot orthotics. Because every individual has unique foot anatomy, custom-made foot orthotics can be beneficial for a variety of people with foot problems and other health issues. Dr. Alex Jimenez is the non-surgical choice for foot problems.
What’s Afoot
Although many people try to treat their low back pain on their own first, one of the fastest and best ways to treat it is through custom orthotics, which actually optimize the performance of your entire body, not just your feet and lower back. Over-the-counter orthotics do not provide proper support and can even cause more damage to the body. Chronic lower back pain is not a normal thing that has to do with age or lifestyle.
If you are experiencing lower back pain, call a chiropractor and ask about how custom orthotics can help you.
NCBI Resources
Chiropractors use specific methods to return the vertebrae in their proper locations or muster them to allow them to go freely when subluxations happen. These techniques are called spinal manipulations or adjustments. During an adjustment, the vertebra is freed in the misaligned location and returned to the right place in the spinal column. The adjustment permits the entire body to cure and preserve homeostasis once performed.
Kyphosis is a condition that is most typically identified by a humped mid to upper back. It can be frustrating to find yourself diagnosed with kyphosis, both due to the unusual appearance it causes and the physical discomfort that can come with the condition. Fortunately, chiropractic offers a variety of treatment options for kyphosis that are non-invasive, drug-free and quite effective. With the right approach, it should be possible to get significant relief for your symptoms through chiropractic care.
Causes
Many times kyphosis is caused by poor posture. Years of hunching your back can cause the body to change the way the vertebrae sit atop one another�leading to stretching of soft tissues and a resting position that is hunched instead of upright.
Not all cases of kyphosis are the result of poor posture, however. There are some people who are born with kyphosis. There are also those that develop kyphosis following trauma or due to disease. One of the most common diseases that result in kyphosis is Scheuermann’s disease.
Chiropractic can often help resolve kyphosis that is caused by poor posture. If your kyphosis is due to trauma or other issues, chiropractic can still provide a much-needed relief from many of your symptoms�including pain and stiffness.
How Chiropractic Helps With Kyphosis
HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAL CONCEPT: KYPHOSIS
Diagnosing the Cause
Your first visit to the chiropractor will begin with a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of your condition. An accurate diagnosis is key to developing an effective treatment plan. The examination will most likely include imaging tests like an x-ray or MRI. It may also include a physical examination to figure out how your body currently moves, where you are tender and/or in pain, etc.
Treatment Plan
Your chiropractor will never move forward with treatment until he or she has explained your options and gotten your permission to begin. The treatment plan you are offered may include:
The joint in the human body, particularly the spinal joints, have an ideal alignment where everything fits together best. The more you can achieve and maintain this alignment, the less pain, stiffness and other disruptions you can expect to experience. Chiropractic adjustments aim to bring your body back into alignment.
Regular adjustments should help to improve your spinal alignment and straighten your back. In the case of poor posture, adjustments can aid you in learning how to improve your posture and keep those improvements over the long term.
Mobility Increased
The curving of the back typical of kyphosis can lead to a lot of stiffness in the spine and surrounding soft tissues. Lack of mobility makes everything you do more difficult, so it makes sense to try and increase your mobility when possible.
Chiropractic adjustments and complementary therapies are ideal for relaxing the soft tissues that may have become stiff as the kyphosis developed. One of the great things about improving the mobility of the spine is that it allows you to improve your posture. Over time, it should become easier to keep your back in a more healthy alignment.
Pain Lessened
Pain is common with kyphosis. The spine is not meant to hump as it does with kyphosis, which explains why pain is so typical with the condition. Chiropractic is very useful for decreasing pain related to spinal issues. Many patients get relief immediately following their first adjustment.
Schedule an Appointment With Us Today
If you are suffering from kyphosis, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Our chiropractic team is standing by to answer your questions and help you get treatment for your condition.
What is a Pronated Foot & What Can Custom Orthotics Do?
When a foot is pronated, it means its arches have fallen and the foot is flat. Flat feet do not absorb shock as well and make for a less stable base for�the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can also:
Shift the body’s alignment out of order
Cause aches and pains in the feet, knees, hips, neck and/or spine
Lead to injury and problems like shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis
Up to a third of people suffer from flat feet
Causes
The connective tissue, called the plantar fascia, on the underside of the foot is what maintains the foot�s healthy arch shape. Injury and health conditions can cause the fascia to stretch out and flatten. But so can everyday walking and standing. Once the fascia stretches out, it is unable to spring back. When the foot structure becomes flattened, the body�s foundation is prone to injury and health conditions.
Treatment
Chiropractic adjusting to ensure proper positioning of bones and joints
Custom orthotics in every pair of shoes for pronation control, support, and comfort
Get Rid of *Foot Pronation* with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx (2019)
Pronation
Pronation describes the way that the foot rolls inward during its normal motion. The foot turns inward, flattening out, as the heel�s outer edge strikes the ground. For the foot to function correctly, there must be a significant degree of pronation. However, excessive pronation, or overpronation, can cause injury and damage to the foot and ankle. It creates the arch in the foot to flatten, and the ligaments, tendons, and muscles under the foot overstretch. For instance, overpronation of the foot causes a series of internal changes that extend up through the leg. The femur may rotate causing hip pain and inflammation of the sacroiliac joint which leads to back pain. Other misalignments in the body that are caused by foot problems can also lead to chronic lower back pain as well.
NCBI Resources
Sometimes there are abnormalities of the spine and it causes a misalignment of the natural curvatures or some curvatures may be exaggerated. These unnatural curvatures of the spine are characterized by three health conditions called�lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis. They gently curve, sloping slightly inward at the small of the back, and again slightly at the neck. The pull of gravity, combined with body movement, can put a great deal of stress on the spine and these slight curves help absorb some of the impact. Spinal manipulations for spinal curvature disorders�have been shown to be very effective. Chiropractic helps restore the spine�s natural balance even if the patient has one of these types of conditions.
At least 80% of the U.S. population will experience back pain at some point in their life, which accounts for more than 3 million reported cases of lower back pain each year. Lower back pain is also one of the biggest reasons why people miss work.
There is a solution that doesn�t include trips to the doctor, insurance agency, or prescription medication.
Understand Low Back Pain
The symptoms of low back pain can be different for everyone, ranging from dull aches to sharp /stabbing pain.
Low back pain can inhibit our ability to stand up straight, move around, lift everyday items, and do our household chores e.g. laundry and garbage.
When the pain comes quick such as, after lifting something heavy or from an injury, it is considered acute.
If the pain lasts for more than three months, it is considered chronic.
Common Causes
Heavy lifting, exercise or sudden jerking movements and injury can cause acute pain.
Injury can also lead to more chronic issues like sciatica
Those of us with desk jobs are at risk for chronic low back pain.
When carrying a bag, be careful
Purses, backpacks, and briefcases carried over the shoulder put a greater risk of developing chronic back pain because it is the lower back that takes all the weight.
Instead, get a rolling bag/case or a backpack that distributes the weight evenly over the body, across both shoulders.
Other causes of lower back pain can be hormones, weight, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
The Solution to Low Back Pain
Many chiropractors encourage the use of custom orthotics to help treat a variety of problems, ranging from joint pain, foot discomfort, and posture issues.
Custom orthotics are insoles that are slipped into shoes and made especially for your body.
Wearing custom orthotics provides nearly immediate relief from lower back pain, and also helps prevent it from returning.
Custom orthotics are created by scanning and assessing your feet in less than five minutes.
By simply standing barefoot on a kiosk inside your chiropractor�s office, a one-of-a-kind solution is created.
No X-rays, MRI�s, or further testing is required.
The foot scan assesses the three arches in both of your feet, as well as how you distribute your weight on the foundation of your body.
Although many people try to treat their low back pain on their own first, one of the fastest and best ways to treat it is through custom orthotics, which actually optimize the performance of your entire body, not just your feet and lower back.
Over-the-counter orthotics do not provide proper support and can even cause more damage to the body.
Chronic lower back pain is not a normal thing that has to do with age or lifestyle.
If you are experiencing lower back pain, call a chiropractor and ask about how custom orthotics can help you.
Low Back Pain? Fix it with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
After a quick scan, your feet will be assessed and your custom orthotics will be designed and made especially for you.
El Paso Back Clinic Foot Orthotic Kiosk
The Kiosk helps guide patients in selecting the best custom-made orthotics for their condition and lifestyle. It’s�
Fast:�Push the Start button and the scanner begins.
Easy to use:�User-friendly easy touch screen.
Engaging:�Videos explain the importance of healthy feet and the benefits of custom-made orthotics.
Cloud-based:�Results can be securely accessed from anywhere.
Comprehensive:�Easily retrieve previous scans to compare them to new scans and see the difference.
The Foot Levelers Kiosk saves time so you can spend more time living your life.
Orthotics
When there are problems with the feet, it can cause problems through the legs and all the way to the spine. This can cause the ankle to pronate, meaning it rolls inward. This alters the way the�bones of the foot line up which extends through the tibia, or shin bone. Ankle pain�and injury are not issues reserved solely for athletes. In the United States, more than 25,000 people deal with�ankle sprains�or pain every day. Studies show that somewhere around 40 percent of ankle sprains are not treated correctly or are misdiagnosed, which leads to disability or chronic ankle pain.
Ankle Manipulation
The typical treatment for pain, such as with a sprain, is R.I.C.E., which is rest, ice, compression and elevation. A somewhat newer treatment approach replaces the R with an M, meaning that instead of rest, movement is required instead. However, it is important that the movement is done safely and carefully. Certain types of�ankle injuries can be exacerbated by movement so it should be approached with care. Chiropractic can help reduce pain without prescription medication and the associated side effects. This alone is often a great draw for many patients. However, there are other benefits that chiropractic can provide for ankle pain.
31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time. This condition affects many, but finding the exact cause can be a challenge. Chiropractors are spinal specialists that are trained to not only alleviate pain but also find and help correct the cause of the problem. 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.
Back pain and everything that comes with it can really take you out of it. It, being life, that you don’t get to participate in, because you have to anticipate how, whatever the activity may be, is going to affect your back. So you just skip activities altogether. No more! You have options and chiropractic care is one of them. Because back pain can occur due to a variety of health issues, diagnosis is essential to create the correct treatment plan.
Doctor of chiropractic Alexander Jimenez specializes in treating back pain. A few patients share their back pain experiences and how it affected their lives. They describe how Dr. Jimenez has helped them improve their overall health and wellness with chiropractic care. Patients highly recommend Dr. Jimenez and his staff as the back pain specialist.
El Paso Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
We Are Ready To Get You Back To Normal Life!
Low Back Pain & Your Feet
The feet are the foundation of the body; they support its weight. If there is not enough support, various parts of the body, especially the spine become exposed to added stress, this can lead to:
Back, hip, knee and foot pain
Poor posture and abnormal foot movement
Sports performance compromised
Greater risk of injury
An abnormal walk leads to imbalances throughout the knees, ankles, and feet, and can eventually cause pain throughout the body, and yes you guessed it the back.
Foot Levelers Kiosk
The Kiosk helps guide patients in selecting the best custom-made orthotics for their condition and lifestyle. It’s�
Fast:�Push the Start button and the scanner begins.
Easy to use:�User-friendly easy touch screen.
Engaging:�Videos explain the importance of healthy feet and the benefits of custom-made orthotics.
Cloud-based:�Results can be securely accessed from anywhere.
Comprehensive:�Easily retrieve previous scans to compare them to new scans and see the difference.
The Foot Levelers Kiosk helps you. It saves time so you can spend more time living your life.
Intake Form
This is the intake form that is used to set up a custom orthotics treatment plan.
Low Back Pain
When there are problems with the feet, it can cause problems through the legs and all the way to the spine. This can cause the ankle to pronate, meaning it rolls inward. This alters the way the�bones of the foot�line up which extends through the tibia, or shin bone.
The spine is the foundation for the body, supporting the spinal cord and the limbs. When there is a problem with any of the limbs it can affect the spine and vice versa. The intricate network of tendons, ligaments, and nerves work together within the incredible machine that is the human body.
Chronic back pain affects many people. Whether it’s chronic neck pain, shoulder, hip, back or fibromyalgia, these symptoms seriously affect an individual’s health and disrupt their lives to the nth degree.
Dr. Alexander Jimenez is a chiropractor of 30+ years experience that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries, conditions and health issues.
Various individuals tell their stories and describe how Dr. Jimenez helped them recover their quality of life and their health. They recommend Dr. Jimenez as the choice for chronic pain.
El Paso Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
Schedule An Appointment & Let Us Get Your Spine Healthy!
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to�subscribe�and�recommend�us.
A chiropractor, or (DC), is a healthcare professional that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a variety of health issues associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Dr. Jimenez is a back pain specialist who utilizes chiropractic care to safely and effectively correct any spinal misalignments, or subluxations, which may be causing painful symptoms. Individuals describe how Dr. Jimenez and his staff helped them recover the natural integrity of their spine. These patients recommend Dr. Jimenez as the choice for back pain.
El Paso Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities. �
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life. �
Call Us And Let Us Get You Healthy!
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend�us. �
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