Having the proper mattress can help reduce, prevent, and alleviate neck and back pain. Individuals spend around one-third of their life sleeping. However, when it comes to the mattress that we sleep on, there seems to be no consideration of how the mattress will affect our spines. No other piece of furniture in the house is used more often or affects overall health more than our beds. �
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Down to sleep
Everybody needs to sleep, as the proper amount of rest is an essential part of life. When there is a lack of sleep or sleep disorder, this contributes and leads to health issues of all types and increased/exacerbated pain.
Specifically, the spine benefits tremendously from a proper sleep cycle. The spine works all day supporting the body and its functions. Rest is essential to maintain this level of activity day in and out. But when the surface that we sleep on does not support our body and spine in the correct form, then proper sleep can be impossible to achieve.
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Proper Mattress Selection
The mattress we sleep on can make a significant difference in the quality of sleep we are getting on a regular basis. A mattress that does not provide optimal support for the spine can lead to muscle fatigue and sleep deprivation.
A proper mattress keeps the spine in the same natural alignment as when standing. When the body can rest in its natural position, the muscles are relaxed and the sleep is healthy following the five stages of a full sleep cycle.
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Healthy sleep means the individual needs to cycle through five stages: 1, 2, 3, 4, and rapid eye movement or REM sleep. A full sleep cycle takes around 90 to 110 minutes to complete. Once the five stages have finished, it starts over at stage 1. Here is a look at the stages:
Stage 1
This is the lightest stage and is characterized by slow eye movement and relaxed muscle activity.
Stage 2
Eye movement stops and brain waves slow down.
Stage 3
This is the first stage of deep sleep where brain waves appear but are extremely slow. It can be quite difficult to wake someone from this stage.
Stage 4
This is the second stage of deep sleep with no eye or muscle activity. Just like stage 3, it can be more difficult to wake someone in this stage.
REM sleep
This is the dream phase where breathing quickens, heart rate, blood pressure increase, and eyes begin to move around in different directions. REM sleep could be considered the most important stage, as researchers believe REM sleep contributes to storing memories, learning, and regulating mood. Most adults spend half of their total sleep time in stage 2, 20% in REM sleep, and 30% in the other stages. �
Innerspring mattresses can offer more variety in terms of firmness and support. However, individuals find other types of mattresses just as comfortable. What makes a proper mattress the best is that it is the one that offers you the most support and the most comfort.
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Foundation
This is usually called the box spring, which is just as important as the mattress. The box spring absorbs the weight along with the added stress of movement etc, from the mattress. Having the proper foundation extends the life of the mattress.
If possible try to purchase the box spring designed for the mattress. Using no box spring, an old box spring, or mixing the mattress and box spring can have a negative impact on the level of support and durability of the mattress.
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Firmness
The belief that the firmer the mattress is the better is not exactly true. A too-firm mattress does not support the body in a balanced fashion. Which means that only the body’s heaviest parts are supported. A too-soft mattress can sink, preventing the spine from keeping proper alignment. Too firm or too soft does not allow the muscles to relax and rest, because they have to keep working to find a comfortable position just to maintain correct posture.
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Comfort
Make sure to take the time to lie on the mattress and test it out when shopping. Lie down and position yourself the way you would when sleeping. Take turns turning/moving from side to side. If sleeping with a spouse or partner, try out the mattress together to make sure there is enough space to move around comfortably. Be sure that the mattress can support the spine and maintain its natural curve.
Beware, mattress manufacturers use different terms for comfort and firmnessthat could be confusing. Mattress makers will use a term like orthopedic but it does not have any actual medical merit or benefit. That is why trying out the mattress before buying is the way to go. It will definitely help to tell which one is the most supportive and comfortable.
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Durability
How long the mattress and materials that it’s made of will last determines the durability. Top-quality materials are what to aim for. Especially, the core and the cover. Prices are determined by:
What the mattress is made out of
The quality of the construction
The size
A proper mattress and box spring should last for around 8-10 years. Therefore it is an investment in your spine and quality health. Don’t automatically go for the mattresses on sale or that are the cheapest. Instead, search for the best quality and value.
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Flip or Rotate
Keeping the mattress in top form means flipping or rotating the mattress on a regular basis. This will ensure even wear and tear giving you optimal spine and body support. �
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Time for a new one
Even proper mattresses don’t last a lifetime. But like most of us, we wait way too long when it comes to replacing. For those who’ve had the same mattress for 10 years or more, it is definitely time for a new one. There are other signs letting you know it’s time to replace including:
Waking up tired and aching could signal that the mattress is no longer providing enough support for proper rest. Not feeling refreshed after sleep could be the sign it’s time for a new mattress.
If the mattress looks old, worn, or strained, and the box spring rocks and squeaks are all signs that the mattress and foundation are worn out.
The bed is no longer comfortable with the mattress sagging/sinking or leaving an impression where you sleep. Slipping or rolling toward the center along with the inability to find a comfortable position means it’s time to think about a new mattress.
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Sleep position makes a difference
Sleeping on the side, with knees bent or with a pillow between the knees is considered the best way to maintain proper body posture. However, if you must sleep on your back, place a pillow under the knees to support the normal curve of the spine.
Sleeping on the stomach or with the head elevated on an oversized pillow creates an unnatural arch of the spine. This increases pressure on the diaphragm and lungs. These positions usually lead to restless tossing and turning and loss of proper sleep. �
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Don’t Worry
If there is difficulty getting the right amount of sleep or you are waking up exhausted then this could be the time to take a look at where and how you sleep. A proper mattress and box spring will generate proper comfortable rest all the while maintaining posture and protecting the spine. Remember that sleep is an essential nutrient for our bodies. Therefore, the bed that we sleep on can make a significant difference.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico
Steroid injections into the cervical spine can help with�radiating�neck pain. Neck pain affects people all over the world. Although it is not as common as back pain, neck pain can really take a toll on a person�s quality of life and ability to work.� This comes in the form of:
Sleep problems
Radiating/Spreading pain
Mental health issues and more
Much like back pain neck pain can be hard to treat effectively without identifying the root cause known as the pain generator. If natural treatments like chiropractic aren’t working then injections could be the next phase.
Injections can help with:
Identifying the source/root cause of the pain as a diagnostic
Treats the pain as a therapeutic
The most commonly used are cervical epidural steroid injections,medial branch blocks (MBBs), and facet joint injections. Learn about what they are, what they treat, and the scientific research behind their risks and benefits.
Cervical Epidural Steroid
The phrase cervical epidural steroid injection:
Injection means that medicine is delivered through a needle.
Cervical means the cervical spine, which is the neck.
Epidural means the dura or outer layer of the soft tissue that encases the spinal cord, nerve roots, and cerebrospinal fluid. Epidural means the medicine goes into the space around the dura.
Spine specialists use image guidance with a contrast dye called fluoroscopy ensuring the medicine gets delivered to the proper area.
2 Types
The needle enters the space through a transforaminal approach or interlaminar approach. Words like epidural just refer to where the needle goes. These injections also called nerve root blocks, are performed by entering the epidural space through the opening where the nerve roots branch out. This space is known as the intervertebral foramen.
When it is called a selective nerve root block, this is for cases where multiple nerve roots are being compressed and the injection is being used in a diagnostic purpose to identify which nerve is the pain generator. The needle in an interlaminar epidural injection goes through the opening that exists between two adjacent vertebrae.
Candidates
Cervical epidural steroid injections may be appropriate for someone who has severe neck pain with:
Numbness
Weakness
Altered sensation in the arm, shoulder, or between the shoulder blades
Cervical epidural steroid injections are reserved as a second-line treatment for individuals that have neck pain that does not stop for more than 4 weeks despite conservative treatment like physical therapy, chiropractic, or medical pain management using NSAIDs or acetaminophen.
The source of the pain is usually what determines if injections are appropriate.
With a patient�s:
Past medical and surgical history
Pain history
Physical exam findings
Imaging Results like CT computed tomography scan, MRI magnetic resonance imaging or a nerve test like an EMG�electromyography test all can help in finding the source of the pain.
If a spine specialist thinks the nerve compression was brought on by a disc herniation, spondylolisthesis or the shifting of vertebral levels, scarring, or arthritic conditions is causing the pain, then an injection may be appropriate. If the pain comes from an infection or cancer, then this treatment is unlikely to be recommended.
Potential Benefits
The effects of injections are different for everyone, because of the variables:
The Duration of symptoms
The Cause of symptoms
Any Additional treatment
More than 50% will have at least 50% improvement in their pain for around 4 weeks. Then there are individuals that experience relief, up to 6 months. There are no significant differences in outcomes between the transforaminal and interlaminar approaches.
Overall alleviation from the pain is enhanced/improved when the injections are combined with a full-on treatment plan that includes physical therapy/chiropractic and pain medications.
Possible Risks
Common complications associated with injections are usually minor and temporary. These are:
Headache/s
Facial flushes
Light Headedness
Rash
Pain increase
Extended Numbness
Major complications are rare, but they can happen. These include�infection, paralysis, stroke, and death. However, this happens in less than 1% of individuals undergoing this treatment. These complications are thought to happen from direct spinal cord penetration of the needle, bleeding into the spinal canal, or the medicine inadvertently getting injected into the blood vessels. Surgical groups and facilities have strict guidelines to limit these complications.
This treatment is commonly used, and when done correctly can be a powerful tool in the treatment of persistent, severe neck pain. Everyone is different so if you are considering a cervical epidural spinal injection find a qualified spine specialist or consult with a chiropractor to find out if injections are necessary.
Reduce stress, reduce pain. Life creates stress, and while some stress can be good, too much causes health problems. Everyone experiences stress. However, now it is becoming a new normal in today�s hectic, fast-paced, high-pressure society. Most individuals equate stress with high blood pressure, heart attacks, or stroke. However, neck and back pain, insomnia, and weight gain can be stress-related, as well. And a lot of stress can make already-existing back/neck pain worse.
73% of individuals report experiencing stress-related psychological symptoms including anxiety and depression. These are not accurate numbers because most do not seek help for their stress issues. Stress symptoms should not be taken lightly. It is important to address the symptoms and find ways to reduce stress. Chiropractic is an effective stress reliever.
Stress
Financial pressures, kids, long work weeks, and medical problems are common anxieties. Prolonged stress can become chronic, which results in muscle tension that can feel stiff, achy and uncomfortable. Stress can develop into neck or back pain.
Stress is the state of:
Emotional
Mental
Pressure
Tension
That results from difficulties, adverse situations, or extremely demanding circumstances. The very nature of stress by definition makes it very subjective. A “stressful” situation for one person might not phase another. This makes it difficult to pin down a precise definition.
More often, the term stress is more often used to describe the set of symptoms that are caused by stress and those symptoms can be as varied as the people who experience them.
Symptoms
Stress symptoms can affect the entire body physically and mentally. Common symptoms include:
Anxiety
Chest pain
Depression
Fatigue
Gastrointestinal problems
Irritability
Lower back pain
Muscle tension
Overeating
Headache
Restlessness
Sleep problems
Unable to focus
Undereating
Health
Technically, stress itself does not have a negative impact on health. Some individuals deal with situations that others would consider to be stressful, yet they never exhibit symptoms. This speaks to the subjective nature of stress. Different people experience different symptoms and are a combination of stress symptoms, how the person handles those symptoms that adversely affect health.
Ultimately, stress symptoms can lead to some very serious conditions including:
Heart disease
Hypertension
Diabetes
Obesity
Cancer/s
Psychologically, it can lead to social withdrawal and social phobias and is directly linked to alcohol and drug abuse.
Tips
These can help you reduce stress, and reduce pain.
Vital Signs
Get a medical checkup if possible through Telemedicine and talk to a doctor/therapist about your stress, along with medical history. Side effects from medications (prescription or over-the-counter), herbal products, or other supplements can cause restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety.
Physical therapy combines pain-relieving non-invasive treatments with therapeutic exercise, posture correction, and preventive body mechanics.
Consider conversational therapy with a stress counselor, psychologist, or support group online.
Get Moving
Yoga and relaxation movements help reduce stress and stretch muscles. Viniyoga blends breathing and movement together to quiet body and mind. These movements are less precise and adapted to a person’s physical condition. Talk to a doctor about trying yoga or other stretches.
Swimming combined with a sauna or steam bathing can relieve stress-induced pain.
Take frequent stretch breaks to loosen up tight neck or back muscles.
Go for short walks at break or lunchtime to get the circulation going.
Learn to Relax
Kick back, put your feet up, and empty your mind of everything.
Wrap an ice pack and hot pack (or hot water bottle) individually in towels. Apply the ice pack for 10 minutes and then the hot pack for 5 minutes. Alternate several times.
Massage, aromatherapy and spa treatments you can do at home.
Aromatic massage oils containing eucalyptus can help ease muscle pain.
Meditation or visualization therapy combines meditation practices that focus on breathing and calming the mind.
Visualization techniques combine imagery with breathing exercises.
Take Control of the Little Things
Break up problems into smaller manageable pieces and work on resolving the easier parts first.
Learn your limits, how to delegate responsibility and not take the entire load on your shoulders so as not to get overwhelmed.
Allow yourself to fail, we all have to fail in order to learn in order to apply what was learned.
Eat and Drink for Life
Make mealtime less stressful. Pick nourishing foods, eat slowly, and savor each other’s company.
Caffeinated coffee, soda, and other drinks do not help reduce stress or promote restful sleep.
Avoid drinking at night because it can make falling and staying asleep a challenge.
Proper sleep or naps can help relieve stress.
Dealing with Stress Is Good for Your Back
We may not be able to control life’s stressors, but don’t let everyday demands interfere with your health. Incorporate exercise, relaxation techniques, and healthy foods to reduce stress and pain and promote stress prevention.
Reduce stress reduce pain with chiropractic
Chiropractic cannot get rid of stress, but it can help relieve stress symptoms. The more stress the body endures, the more sensitive it becomes to pain and physical imbalances. Chiropractic helps by bringing the body back into balance, aligning the spine, and relieving pain.
The simple act of aligning the spine helps relieve stress in the body that you may not even be aware of. The physical stress of a misaligned spine can exacerbate symptoms and make a person more susceptible to stressful stimuli in their environment. Chiropractic helps to improve circulation which is essential in relieving muscle tension and helps shuts down the fight or flight response allowing the body to rest and heal.
A pain specialist is a medical or osteopathic doctor that treats pain caused by disease, disorder, and trauma. Also known as interventional pain management specialists, these doctors are often anesthesiologists or physiatrists.
Pain medicine involves multi-disciplines and team effort with a patient’s primary physician, other doctors, and specialists in radiology, psychiatry, oncology, nursing, chiropractic/physical therapy, alternative medicine, etc.
Education and Training
Upon completion of medical school and a one-year internship, the specialist enters a residency program in anesthesiology, physical medicine or other fields like neurology. Upon residency completion, the doctor completes a one-year fellowship for advanced training in pain medicine.
Pain medicine specialists continue medical training and education throughout their careers.
Pain Management Goals
Pain medicine is aimed at managing acute or chronic pain through pain frequency and intensity reduction and ultimately alleviation.
Multidisciplinary treatment programs are utilized to address functional goals and normal day to day chores and activities.
A pain treatment plan’s goal is to regain well-being, increasing your level of activities like returning to work, school, etc and eliminate medication dependency.
Pain Types & Treatment
Specialists treat all types of pain.
Acute pain is severe/sharp and can signal something is wrong.
Touching a hot stove or slamming a finger in a door are examples of acute pain.
Chronic pain lasts 6 months or longer.
This type varies from mild to severe and is constant.
Spinal arthritis (spondylosis) is an example of chronic pain.
It can be difficult to manage, but combining a variety of treatments can show positive results. The pain types include:
Degenerative disease
Facet joint pain
Sciatica
Cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Vertebral compression fracture
Whiplash
An appointment consists of
These are like most medical visits. The focus is on the pain, the cause, what factors are contributing, and creating an optimal treatment management plan.
A physical examination
Neurological examination
Review of medical history particularly pain history.
Questions can include:
From zero to 10, 10 being the worst, where’s your pain at?
When did it start?
What were you doing when it started?
Does it spread or radiate out other areas of the body?
Is the intensity constant?
Is it worse at different times of the day or night?
What helps relieve the pain?
What worsens the pain?
What types of treatments have you tried?
Did it work and to what degree?
Do you take and what types of, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements?
Do you take prescription medications?
A drawing of the body could be used to mark where the pain is felt, as well as indicate pain spread and type.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing the cause of pain is paramount to creating the proper management treatment plan. If the wrong diagnosis is made and the wrong treatment is initiated it might exacerbate the condition and/or create new injuries.
This can mean getting:
X-ray’s
CT scan
MRI
These imaging types help confirm the origin of the pain. When treating spine pain, arm, leg and foot symptoms may also be present. Therefore the correct diagnosis is essential to a successful treatment plan.
Spinal disorder pain treatment usually involves other specialists, like a primary care physician, neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, radiologists, oncologists, nurses, chiropractors, physical therapists, and alternative medicine practitioners.
We focus on what works for you. We also strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total wellness programs. These programs are natural and use the body�s own ability to achieve goals of improvement, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, surgery, or addictive drugs.
We want you to live a life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life. I have made a life of taking care of every one of my patients.
I assure you, I will only accept the best for you�
Back Pain Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas
NCBI Resources
If you have low back pain�or have had it, you are not alone. Experts estimate that around�80% of people�will experience some type of back problem at some point in their lives.�The Global Burden of Disease 2010�lists low back pain as the number one cause of disability worldwide. The good news is the majority of back pain is mechanical in origin or is not organic.
Back pain can affect every part of the body, including the:
Head
Neck
Legs
Feet
Dental complications are common for people using medications for acute and chronic back pain. Therefore, regular dental care is necessary to spot these problems before they become serious.
Pain medications can at times be the root cause of some dental decay issues.
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) requires the highest level of specialized dental care because of the highly sensitive nature of the condition.
I asked a local dentist that specializes in treating patients with chronic pain conditions why dental care is important?
Dental
Regular dental visits are as important as general check-ups with a primary doctor.
Any issues will have time to grow and become more complicated to treat once diagnosed.
Locate a dentist who treats patients with chronic pain issues, specifically in the upper body, and understands the special needs.
Ask about specific tools to help minimize and control pain:
Before
During
After treatment
Call your primary or pain management physician to ask if there are any specific treatment that the dentist needs to know about.
Dry Mouth
People with chronic pain usually have to use various medications.
These medications can cause dry mouth that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Dry mouth condition is called xerostomia and can cause major issues like:
Normal swallowing
Taste problems
Speech problems
Oral tissue integrity
Chronic mouth irritation
Inflammation
Dental decay
Erosion
Stay hydrated by keeping water around throughout the day, and chew sugarless gum or keep sugarless hard candy around to keep saliva flow.
There is also moisturizing mouth spray, that a dentist can provide.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is when over time, gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that can get infected.
The body�s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque�grows and begins to spread out.
Bacterial toxins and the body�s natural fight response to the infection begin to break down bone and the connective tissue that holds the teeth in place.
If left untreated the:
Bones
Gums
Tissue
That support the teeth are destroyed,� which means that the infected tooth has to be pulled.
Tooth Extraction
People with chronic pain try there best to avoid potential pain triggers, which include dental exams.
Tooth or gum pain/sensitivity usually presents in the later stages of decay when the tooth cannot be saved.
Unfortunately, the result is tooth removal.
There are medications that are known to contribute or cause tooth decay:
Antidepressants
Anti-inflammatories
Aspirin
Methadone
Best Defense Strong Offense
So brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss. Although we’ve all heard this throughout our lives, it is true. Just remember brushing and flossing can go a long way in dealing and managing chronic pain issues.
Give the tongue a good brushing to remove bacteria that can lead to plaque and chronic bad breath.
Tooth cleanings and exams are necessary to prevent any issues before they become serious and require major surgery.
Talk with your primary caregiver before visiting the dentist to figure out any special protocol or medication requirements needed.
After dental treatment, allow plenty of time to rest and recover.
Eat soft food during recovery and avoid:
Meats
Popcorn
Hard candy
These can become lodged in the teeth.
Prevention of dental disease will definitely pay off in the end and allow your immune system to perform at its optimal level.
It is worth the effort, I want all my patients to be in top health and proper oral hygiene can prevent so many diseases and is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
*CHRONIC* pain Chiropractic Relief | El Paso, Tx
Living with chronic pain symptoms can tremendously affect an individual’s quality of life. Neck and back pain caused by a variety of health issues, such as herniated discs and/or automobile accident injuries, can cause persistent symptoms which may last weeks, months, even years if left untreated.
Dr. Alex Jimenez is a chiropractor in El Paso, TX, who has helped his patients with chronic neck and back pain find the treatment they deserve. Patients describe how Dr. Alex Jimenez has helped them find pain relief and achieve overall health and wellness.
NCBI Resources
Dental visits help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Gum disease and poor dental health have been linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease. Researchers have drawn a direct line between tooth loss and heart disease. What�s more, regular oral exams and teeth cleaning can lead to the detection of early-stage medical conditions, some of which can be life-threatening which include:
As far too many Americans and Texans know, chronic pain remains a huge public health problem and one of the most prevalent reasons why people seek medical care. Chronic pain negatively impacts many aspects of a person�s life as well as the lives of their families, friends, and caregivers. It is essential that patients understand all treatment options for various types of pain.
Chiropractors are highly skilled professionals who are dedicated to providing safe and effective physician-level health care to patients suffering from back pain. Chiropractic care focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system as well as promotes a hands-on, non-drug approach to pain management and healthy lifestyles. Their expertise in the prevention, care, and rehabilitation of back, neck, joint, and head pain is critical for treating patients with various pains and disorders and can save the public from the physical and financial tolls of other treatment options. As a first line of defense against pain, chiropractors� services can help individuals heal naturally without the need for drugs or surgery.
At this time, I encourage all Texans to learn more about the vital role that chiropractors play in the health care field and how chiropractic services can benefit their lives. I commend Texas chiropractors for their commitment and efforts to improve the quality of life for all Texans by promoting effective pain management and healthy lifestyles.
Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim October 2019, to be
Chiropractic Health Month
in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.
In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this the 18th day of September 2019.
� Governor of Texas
PDF Download
NCBI Resources
Do you have back, shoulder, neck, leg pain, headaches, or stress? Pain medications work for only so long and don�t fix the problem. A chiropractor can help your symptoms. A chiropractic adjustment means that a chiropractor physically/manually adjusts the vertebrae in the spine. This procedure creates positive effects without the stress or invasiveness of surgery. A chiropractic adjustment�can be a great way to improve multiple areas of the body, along with improving overall health with non-invasive treatment.
When dealing with a sports injury or a similar type of injury, many people are familiar with the R.I.C.E. protocol for injury care. R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation and has long been used when treating everything from sprained ankles to banged up knees. With acute injury patients, experts recommend adding �P� for protection because of the protection of the area is vital in the healing process. It is crucial that this is implemented as soon after the injury as possible and it should be maintained for anywhere from 24 hours to 72 hours afterward. Of course, this depends on the severity of the injury.
P is for Protection: Injuries hurt and pain can be a good thing because it prevents you from further injuring that area. It encourages you to protect it.
It is essential to listen to your body and protect the injured area through full or partial immobilization and restricted use. The way you do this depends on the body part.
An arm or shoulder injury can be protected with the use of a sling. An ankle injury may require a brace or splint, and you may have to avoid or limit weight bearing for a while. This means using crutches a walker, or a cane.
R is for Rest: The body needs rest to heal. This could mean complete rest, but in many cases, it means what is known as �relative rest.� This means that it allows for enough rest to heal but is not entirely restrictive which could slow or inhibit recovery.
This means avoiding activities that are stressful to the area to the point that they cause pain or that they might compromise healing. Many times, though, some movement is a good thing, even beneficial. Some gentle movements can speed recovery.
Isometric contractions of the muscles and joints that surround the injury and even some range of motion exercises can help. The key is to keep the movements gentle and to listen to your body for guidance on how much and how far to push.
I is for Ice:Cryotherapy or cold treatments can come in the form of actual ice, or there can be other types such as a cold soak. When treating acute injuries at home, the best known, and probably most straightforward way is to put some crushed ice in a freezer bag with a zip lock closure and wrap it in a small towel to keep the pack from directly touching the skin.
Frozen vegetables, like green beans, peas, or edamame work well too � remember to use the towel as a barrier between the skin and the pack. You should not use the pack more than 10 to 15 minutes as a time. The recommended cycle is 10 to 15 minutes on and 1 to 2 hours off.
In some cases, you may not be able to apply ice directly to the site. In those cases, you can use the pack at the joint above the affected area. For instance, a tightly wrapped ankle can still benefit from ice, you just apply the ice pack to the back on the knee on the same leg.
C is for Compression: A compression wrap can offer mild support and reduce swelling. Typically, an elastic bandage is used to compress or apply pressure to the injured tissue.
When applying a compression bandage, start it several inches below the area that is injured. It should be applied directly to your skin.
Use some tension as you wrap, but not to the point that it cuts off circulation (characterized by tingling or numbness and the soft tissue should not change color). Wrap the bandage in a figure eight configuration or spiral, depending on the area, stopping a few inches above the injury.
E is for Elevation: When an injured joint or extremity is not elevated, fluid can pool in the area and swelling can occur. This can lead to increased pain and limited range of motion. Elevation helps prevent these things from happening and can even help to speed up recovery.
The key to elevation is positioning the injured area at a level that is above the heart. The most effective way to accomplish this is to keep the area elevated as much as possible while awake and prop it up with pillows while sleeping for at least the first 24 to 48 hours. Some injuries may require more time though, so listen to your body.
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