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Unlock Peak Performance with Central Nervous System Activation

Unlock Peak Performance with Central Nervous System Activation

For individuals about to engage in physical activity or exercise, how does warming up the body help prepare for the work ahead?

Optimize Your Performance with Central Nervous System Activation

Central Nervous System Activation

A proper warm-up before physical activity or working out prepares the mind and body to reduce risks of injury, mentally and physically transition to physical activity work, and enhance performance. A well-designed warm-up also primes the central nervous system/CNS for activity. The central nervous system transmits messages to the muscles to prepare them for action. Central nervous system activation increases motor neuron recruitment and engages the sympathetic nervous system so the body can better handle the physical stressors. The process may seem complex, but priming the nervous system is as simple as warming up with light aerobic activity before getting into more explosive movements.

CNS

The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. This central communication system uses another part of the nervous system known as the peripheral nervous system or PNS to transmit and receive messages throughout the body. The PNS is connected to the entire body and the brain and spinal cord (CNS).

  • Nerves run throughout the body, receiving signals from the CNS to the muscles, fibers, and organs, transmitting various information back to the brain. (Berkeley University. N.D.)
  • There are two types of systems within the peripheral nervous system – somatic and autonomic.
  1. Somatic nervous system actions are those controlled by the person through voluntary actions like choosing to pick something up.
  2. The autonomic system is involuntary and generates actions like breathing or heartbeat. (Cleveland Clinic. 2020)

Properly preparing the body for an intense strength training session or other physical activity needs the correct messages to be sent through the autonomic nervous system.

Parasympathetic and Sympathetic States

The autonomic nervous system consists of two subcategories, which are parasympathetic and sympathetic.

  • The sympathetic nervous system helps the body get ready to face stress which includes physical stress. (R. Bankenahally, H. Krovvidi. 2016)
  • The fight, flight, or freeze response describes the sympathetic nervous system’s aspect.
  • The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for relaxation and de-stressing.

Individuals are recommended to perform a few calming movements and actions after a workout to return the body to a parasympathetic state. This can be:

  • Stretching
  • Lying with the legs elevated
  • Relaxing yoga poses
  • Box breathing
  • Taking a warm shower or bath
  • Foam rolling
  • Massage

Returning the mind and body to a calm state helps with recovery and reduces stress hormone production. (National Academy of Sports Medicine. 2022)

Why Activate the CNS

Activating the CNS can increase performance and prevent injuries. The process wakes up and alerts the body for the activity. Individuals are recommended before beginning a training session, to communicate to the body about the physical stress it is about to endure and to prepare for the work ahead. This is a concept known as post-activation potentiation/PAP. (Anthony J Blazevich, Nicolas Babault. 2019) PAP helps increase force and power production, which enhances physical performance.

  • Whenever an individual trains, the brain adapts and learns what the body is doing and the purpose of the training.
  • Muscle memory describes this interaction.
  • Individuals who have started up a new strength training routine or after an extended break report feeling awkward for the first few sessions, or even weeks, depending on their experience. (David C Hughes, Stian Ellefsen, Keith Baar, 2018)
  • However, after a few sessions, the body is more adept at performing the movements and ready to increase resistance, repetitions, or both.
  • This has to do with the neural drive and muscle memory than it has to do with true potential physical abilities. (Simon Walker. 2021)
  • Training the CNS to be alert and pay attention can increase the development of a healthy mind-muscle connection combined with muscle memory. (David C Hughes, Stian Ellefsen, Keith Baar, 2018)

General Warm-Up

The first step is a general warm-up that should use large muscle groups and be of low intensity so as not to exhaust the body before beginning the actual training. General warm-up benefits central nervous system activation and the entire body include: (Pedro P. Neves, et al., 2021) (D C. Andrade, et al., 2015)

  • Increases blood circulation.
  • Assists the release of oxygen from hemoglobin and myoglobin.
  • Warms the muscles, so they contract more effectively.
  • Increases nerve impulse speed.
  • Increases nutrient delivery.
  • Lowers joints’ resistance through increased synovial fluid/joint lubrication.
  • Increases joint range of motion.
  • Improves joint resiliency.
  • Removes metabolic waste quicker.
  • Reduces risk of injury.

A general warm-up can be simple as any aerobic activity will work. This can include:

  • Performing bodyweight movements – light jumping jacks or jogging in place.
  • Treadmill
  • Rowing machine
  • Stair climber
  • Elliptical trainer

It is recommended to use the rating perceived exertion scale/RPE to determine the general warm-up effort. An exertion rating of between 5 to 6 is equivalent to moderate walking or a slow jog. Individuals should be able to speak clearly without taking a pause.

Try this strategy before the next workout to see increased performance and reduced injury risks.


Ankle Sprains Recovery


References

The nervous system. Berkeley University.

Cleveland Clinic. Nervous system: What it is, types, symptoms.

Bankenahally R, Krovvidi H. (2016) Autonomic nervous system: anatomy, physiology, and relevance in anesthesia and critical care medicine. BJA Education. 16(11):381-387. doi:10.1093/bjaed/mkw011

National Academy of Sports Medicine. Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic overtraining.

Blazevich, A. J., & Babault, N. (2019). Post-activation Potentiation Versus Post-activation Performance Enhancement in Humans: Historical Perspective, Underlying Mechanisms, and Current Issues. Frontiers in physiology, 10, 1359. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.01359

Hughes, D. C., Ellefsen, S., & Baar, K. (2018). Adaptations to Endurance and Strength Training. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 8(6), a029769. https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a029769

Walker S. (2021). Evidence of resistance training-induced neural adaptation in older adults. Experimental gerontology, 151, 111408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2021.111408

P. Neves, P., R. Alves, A., A. Marinho, D., & P. Neiva, H. (2021). Warming-Up for Resistance Training and Muscular Performance: A Narrative Review. IntechOpen. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.96075

Andrade, D. C., Henriquez-Olguín, C., Beltrán, A. R., Ramírez, M. A., Labarca, C., Cornejo, M., Álvarez, C., & Ramírez-Campillo, R. (2015). Effects of general, specific, and combined warm-up on explosive muscular performance. Biology of sport, 32(2), 123–128. https://doi.org/10.5604/20831862.1140426

What Happens To The Body After Eating Healthy: Back Clinic

What Happens To The Body After Eating Healthy: Back Clinic

What happens to the body after eating healthy? Individuals report the effects of healthy eating, feeling mentally clearer and more focused, increased energy levels, experiencing decreased junk food cravings and hunger pangs, improved sleep, and the benefits of strong bones, cardiovascular health, and disease prevention. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Team can assist individuals working on making healthy lifestyle adjustments to make the transition easier and with professional support to streamline the process, allowing the individual to focus on getting healthy.

What Happens To The Body After Eating Healthy: EP Chiropractic

What Happens To The Body After Eating Healthy

It can take a little while for the body to adjust to a new nutrition plan. A healthy diet includes nutrient-dense foods from all the major food groups, including lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables of various colors.

Benefits

The benefits of healthy eating include the following.

  • Longer life.
  • Maintains digestive health and system function.
  • Maintains whole body health.
  • Strengthens muscles.
  • Strengthens bones.
  • Increases immunity.
  • Promotes healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Decreases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
  • Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

One Week

  • Experience decreased food cravings throughout the day.
  • Junk food cravings decrease.
  • The body begins shedding all the excess water from a high sodium intake and processed foods.
  • Hunger starts to stabilize.
  • Experience decreased hunger pains, making losing weight a little easier.
  • Improved sleep.
  • Improved control over food choices.
  • Higher mental focus and clarity – brain fog or low concentration symptoms begin to clear.
  • Energy levels are higher, making completing daily activities and exercise easier.
  • The body will become regular with a lower amount of bloating and discomfort.
  • Moods become stable with fewer ups and downs throughout the day.

One Month

  • Improved skin health.
  • A steady rate of weight loss, depending on the approach and starting point.
  • Clothing begins to feel looser.
  • Pre-existing health problems like migraines, joint pain, irritable bowel issues, etc., may begin to clear up.
  • Eating right starts to become more habitual.
  • Making healthy choices starts to become second nature.
  • Improved physical performance.
  • Feel stronger and notice that the body recovers much faster.
  • Improved metabolism.
  • Can eat more without gaining body weight.

Six Months

  • A decrease in overall cholesterol levels if they were high before.
  • Blood pressure improvement, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • Strengthened skeletal system reducing the risk of stress fractures and breaks.
  • Improved blood glucose levels, reduced blood sugar fluctuations, and lowered risk factors for diabetes or symptoms are easier to manage.

All the positive changes will lead to staying naturally motivated, where eating healthy is just something you do, and you have learned to indulge wisely. All the benefits will persist for as long as you eat healthily. Target goals can be achieved with a body weight that makes you feel healthy, strong, and confident.


Basal Metabolism


References

Bradbury, Kathryn E et al. “Fruit, vegetable, and fiber intake in relation to cancer risk: findings from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).” The American journal of clinical nutrition vol. 100 Suppl 1 (2014): 394S-8S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.071357

Carlson, Justin L et al. “Health Effects and Sources of Prebiotic Dietary Fiber.” Current developments in nutrition vol. 2,3 nzy005. 29 Jan. 2018, doi:10.1093/cdn/nzy005

Hills, Ronald D Jr, et al. “Gut Microbiome: Profound Implications for Diet and Disease.” Nutrients vol. 11,7 1613. 16 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11071613

Zohoori, F Vida. “Chapter 1: Nutrition and Diet.” Monographs in oral science vol. 28 (2020): 1-13. doi:10.1159/000455365

Foods For Stress: El Paso Back Clinic

Foods For Stress: El Paso Back Clinic

Maintaining a healthy and well-balanced nutritional plan is recommended for overall health. When the body is nourished healthily, it will perform optimally. Stress is part of daily life, and certain foods can enhance the body’s ability to handle stress, help target physical and emotional states, and protect the brain. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Team can provide therapeutic massage to increase circulation, and relax the mind and body, adjustments to restore any misalignments, and nutritional support and health coaching for total wellness.

Foods For Stress: EP Chiropractic Functional Team

Foods For Stress

Anxiety is a widespread condition affecting millions of individuals. Trying to lower stress levels includes self-care, sleep management, physical activity, and incorporating foods to reduce cortisol levels, the primary hormone responsible for stress.

Cortisol

Cortisol has a variety of functions that include:

  • Manages how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
  • Sleep cycle regulation.
  • Blood pressure regulation.
  • Increases blood sugar.
  • Decreases inflammation.

Cortisol is sometimes known as the stress hormone because the adrenal gland releases it when experiencing stress or when the body is under physical stress/inflammation. It is the key to managing the fight-or-flight instinct and is healthy for a short period as a protective mechanism providing the energy needed to respond to short-term stress. However, the long-term release of cortisol generates tension in the body, leading to chronic inflammation and raised blood pressure. Learning how to manage stress is necessary for lowering cortisol levels.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary and are different for everybody.

Physical

  • Exhaustion.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Headaches.
  • Muscle tension.
  • Jaw clenching.
  • Aches and pains.
  • Chronic illness from a weakened immune system.
  • Stomach or digestive problems.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Chest pain or a feeling like the heart is racing.
  • Dizziness.
  • Shaking.

Emotional and mental

  • Irritability and or anxiousness.
  • Sadness.
  • Depression.
  • Panic attacks.

Foods

The objective is to reduce inflammation, thus reducing cortisol levels. Recommended foods for stress include foods high in magnesium, vitamin B,  Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and foods that benefit the gut. Here are a few.

Magnesium

Magnesium is highly beneficial in reducing inflammation, metabolizing cortisol, and relaxing the mind and body.

  • Dark chocolate.
  • Bananas.
  • Broccoli.
  • Spinach.
  • Avocados.
  • Pumpkin seeds.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B12 can help with the metabolism of cortisol.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid

These foods reduce inflammation.

  • Olive oil.
  • Avocados.
  • Tuna.
  • Sardines.
  • Mackerel.
  • Salmon
  • Anchovies.
  • Oysters.
  • Walnuts.
  • Chia seeds.
  • Flax seeds.

Protein

These foods promote balanced blood sugar levels.

  • Eggs.
  • Peanuts.
  • Almonds.
  • Chicken breast.
  • Turkey breast.
  • Lean beef.
  • Tuna.
  • Shrimp.
  • Salmon.
  • Lentils.
  • Quinoa.

Probiotic and Fermented

The immune system relies on the gut for immunity. Probiotics and fermented foods can help balance blood sugar and reduce cholesterol.

The key to lowering stress is a whole-body approach that includes exercise, proper sleep, and managing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, all of which can put the body in a prolonged state of inflammation. Incorporating these foods into a nutritional plan can help relieve stress naturally.


Impact of Stress


References

Aucoin, Monique, and Sukriti Bhardwaj. “Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Hypoglycemia Symptoms Improved with Diet Modification.” Case reports in psychiatry vol. 2016 (2016): 7165425. doi:10.1155/2016/7165425

Errisuriz, Vanessa L et al. “Perceived stress and dietary choices: The moderating role of stress management.” Eating behaviors vol. 22 (2016): 211-216. doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2016.06.008

Norwitz, Nicholas G, and Uma Naidoo. “Nutrition as Metabolic Treatment for Anxiety.” Frontiers in psychiatry vol. 12 598119. 12 Feb. 2021, doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.598119

Serafini, Mauro, and Ilaria Peluso. “Functional Foods for Health: The Interrelated Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Role of Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, Spices and Cocoa in Humans.” Current pharmaceutical design vol. 22,44 (2016): 6701-6715. doi:10.2174/1381612823666161123094235

Zellner, Debra A et al. “Food selection changes under stress.” Physiology & behavior vol. 87,4 (2006): 789-93. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2006.01.014

Coping With Sports Injuries: El Paso Back Clinic

Coping With Sports Injuries: El Paso Back Clinic

Athletes, pros, semi-pros, weekend warriors, fitness enthusiasts, and physically active and healthy individuals can feel cheated when they suffer an injury. Sports injury recovery involves rest, physical therapy, chiropractic realignment, and rehabilitation. However, it can be all for naught if the individual doesn’t recover mentally and emotionally. Coping with the stress of an injury, being sidelined and moving beyond the negative, and focusing more on positive strategies is important and requires physical and psychological toughness.

Coping With Sports Injuries: EP's Chiropractic Functional Clinic

Coping With Sports Injuries

Incorporating sports psychology techniques is important as individuals can experience injury-related emotions like anxiety, sadness, frustration, anger, denial, isolation, and depression. Dealing with an injury and using the off time to reflect and gain new perspectives allows the athlete to improve their objectives by being more focused, flexible, and resilient.

Strategies That Can Help

Understand The Injury

Knowing the cause, treatment, and prevention of the specific injury results in deeper understanding and less fear or anxiety. Talking with a doctor, sports chiropractor, trainer, coach, and psychological therapist can help individuals learn what they need to do to recover quickly and optimally. A few things to consider the following include:

  • The type of injury.
  • Treatment options.
  • Purpose of the treatments.
  • Recovery time.
  • Coping strategies.
  • Rehabilitation expectations.
  • Safe alternative exercises.
  • Warning signs that injury is getting worse.
  • Getting a second opinion is recommended, especially if surgery is being advised.

Focus On Recovering

Instead of focusing on being unable to play, losing strength, relearning movements, and the length of time it may take, accepting that the body is injured and needs to be repaired to return to play is more beneficial. Taking responsibility for the recovery process generates positive outcomes and builds confidence.

Stay Committed

Getting discouraged and missing therapy sessions is expected, especially at the beginning when unable to perform, and pain symptoms are presenting. To get the most out of rehabilitation, stay focused on what needs to be done, not what’s being missed.

  • To expedite healing, stay committed, and maintain a positive attitude to overcoming the injury.
  • Apply the same mindset and motivation as you would when practicing the game to the treatment and therapy sessions.
  • Listen to what the doctor, chiropractor, therapist, and athletic trainer recommend, just as you would a coach.
  • Set small goals to build momentum and maintain balance, with the end goal of fully recovering and returning to the game.
  • Self-talk is important to reflect on progress, setbacks, new perspective on the game, and what you want to achieve.

Strengthen the Mind

Research shows that the healing process can happen faster by using mental techniques like imagery and self-hypnosis. These techniques use all senses to generate mental images, emotions, and sensations of the desired outcome. They are used for improving sports skills and techniques, game anxieties, and injury recovery.

Support

A common response after an injury is self-isolating from the team, coaches, family, and friends. However, maintaining contact with others during recovery is highly recommended as all these individuals are there when you need advice, to vent feelings, or to raise your spirits when feeling discouraged. Knowing you don’t have to face the injury alone can push you to keep going.

Alternate Fitness

Individuals going through injury treatment will undoubtedly go through physical strengthening, stretching, etc. But depending on the type of injury, individuals can modify their sports training or add safe and gentle alternate forms of exercise to maintain conditioning and strength for their sport. This can encourage recovery, as the individual is still participating and working to return to play. Talk with the doctor, chiropractor, trainer, or therapist to help create an alternative workout program around the specific sport.

With a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, taking rehabilitation and recovery slow, setting realistic goals, and maintaining a positive mindset, coping with injuries can be a successful learning journey.


Unlocking Pain Relief


References

Clement, Damien, et al. “Psychosocial responses during different phases of sport-injury rehabilitation: a qualitative study.” Journal of athletic training vol. 50,1 (2015): 95-104. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-49.3.52

Johnson, Karissa L, et al. “Exploring the Relationship Between Mental Toughness and Self-Compassion in the Context of Sports Injury.” Journal of sport rehabilitation vol. 32,3 256-264. 1 Dec. 2022, doi:10.1123/jsr.2022-0100

Leguizamo, Federico et al. “Personality, Coping Strategies, and Mental Health in High-Performance Athletes During Confinement Derived From the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Frontiers in public health vol. 8 561198. 8 Jan. 2021, doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.561198

Rice, Simon M et al. “The Mental Health of Elite Athletes: A Narrative Systematic Review.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 46,9 (2016): 1333-53. doi:10.1007/s40279-016-0492-2

Smith, A M et al. “The psychological effects of sports injuries. Coping.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 9,6 (1990): 352-69. doi:10.2165/00007256-199009060-00004

De-Stress: Injury Medical Chiropractic Back Clinic

De-Stress: Injury Medical Chiropractic Back Clinic

Stress and anxiety treatments can include a range of therapies, including talking therapy, meditation techniques, and medication. Chiropractic care, adjustments, and massage are also used as a treatment plan to de-stress. Whether diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or experiencing intense stress, chiropractic functional medicine can address the physical symptoms to rebalance the mind and body.De-Stress: Injury Medical Chiropractic Functional Medicine Clinic

De-Stress

Physical and mental health are connected. Stress and anxiety can cause tension, fatigue, headaches, and aches and pains. It can make sleeping and/or relaxing difficult, affecting mental and physical health. Signs of stress include:

  • Blood sugar level changes
  • Every day or almost every day, tension headaches
  • Teeth grinding
  • Backaches
  • Muscle tension
  • Digestive problems
  • Skin irritation
  • Hair loss
  • Heart issues

The spine is the conduit for the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

  • The sympathetic nervous system activates when the brain thinks sudden action or important stressful decisions needs to be taken.
  • The fight or flight response speeds up the heart rate and releases adrenaline.
  • The parasympathetic system deactivates the fight or flight response, calming the body into a more relaxed state.

Problems arise when the sympathetic nervous system gets activated repeatedly, causing the fight or flight system to remain semi-active. This can come from long commutes, traffic jams, loud music, deadlines, sports practice, rehearsals, etc. The parasympathetic nervous system never gets a chance to activate and settle the mind and body. The result is constantly feeling stressed and agitated.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care to de-stress decreases stress hormones and releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which allow healing and help the body relax. Chiropractic adjustments let the brain know it’s time to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and ease down. Chiropractic helps by:

Relieving Muscle Tension

  • When the body is under stress, the muscles tense up, causing discomfort, aches, and pains.
  • The continued stress can lead to health issues, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and depression.
  • Chiropractic relieves tension restoring the body to its natural balance.

Restoring Body Function

  • When stress activates, it can cause body dysfunction.
  • Chiropractic can help effectively restore bodily functions.
  • Adjustments and massage rebalance blood circulation and energy flow, allowing clear nervous system transmission.

Lowering Blood Pressure

  • Chiropractic care has shown positive results in lowering blood pressure.

Improving Quality Sleep

  • Chiropractic care improves sleep patterns by correcting spinal misalignments.

Increasing Relaxation

  • Chiropractic adjustments can release and relax muscle activity, allowing the body to relax and de-stress completely.

Health Voice


References

Jamison, J R. “Stress management: an exploratory study of chiropractic patients.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 23,1 (2000): 32-6. doi:10.1016/s0161-4754(00)90111-8

Kültür, Turgut, et al. “Evaluation of the effect of chiropractic manipulative treatment on oxidative stress in sacroiliac joint dysfunction.” Turkish journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 66,2 176-183. 18 May. 2020, doi:10.5606/tftrd.2020.3301

Mariotti, Agnese. “The effects of chronic stress on health: new insights into the molecular mechanisms of brain-body communication.” Future science OA vol. 1,3 FSO23. 1 Nov. 2015, doi:10.4155/fso.15.21

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet

Stefanaki, Charikleia, et al. “Chronic stress, and body composition disorders: implications for health and disease.” Hormones (Athens, Greece) vol. 17,1 (2018): 33-43. doi:10.1007/s42000-018-0023-7

Yaribeygi, Habib et al. “The impact of stress on body function: A review.” EXCLI journal vol. 16 1057-1072. 21 Jul. 2017, doi:10.17179/excli2017-480

PTSD Physical Pain Symptoms After Motor Vehicle Accident

PTSD Physical Pain Symptoms After Motor Vehicle Accident

Motor vehicle crashes and accidents cause significant trauma in a few seconds changing an individual’s life completely. Severe injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, fractures, and amputations. Many individuals experience post-traumatic stress disorder – PTSD after a vehicle collision; even a minor accident can cause emotional trauma symptoms. PTSD commonly presents with other symptoms that range from depression to heart disease, and the most frequent symptom is physical pain. Chiropractic decompression, physical therapy, and therapeutic massage can help alleviate physical pain.

PTSD Physical Pain Symptoms

PTSD Physical Pain

Physical trauma can cause immediate physical effects and injury, as well as physical symptoms that present later on.

Symptoms

  • Flashbacks or reliving the collision incident.
  • Sleep disturbances.
  • Nightmares about the wreck.
  • Fatigue.
  • Memory and concentration problems.
  • Hyperarousal.
  • Fear.
  • Anxiety.
  • Irritability or anger.
  • Avoiding driving or riding in a vehicle.
  • Trying not to talk or think about the crash or accident with friends, family, places, or anything associated with the trauma.
  • Avoiding activities.
  • Emotional numbness.
  • Detachment.

All can generate physical muscle tension and chronic stress, leading to headaches, migraines, back pain, stomach pain, and body aches. Long-term physical pain symptoms can turn chronic pain and medication dependency into a vicious cycle.

Chiropractic Therapy

Chiropractic care diagnoses and treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment is recommended to help alleviate the physical symptoms of PTSD. Trauma causes individuals to store intense emotions in their bodies. Chiropractic manipulation and decompression release the tension in the muscles caused by the trauma and the emotional stress. Adjustments restore the body’s alignment and open the nervous system circulation, allowing signals to flow freely, leading to a healthier mind-body connection.


Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy


References

Beck, J Gayle, and Scott F Coffey. “Assessment and treatment of PTSD after a motor vehicle collision: Empirical findings and clinical observations.” Professional psychology, research, and practice vol. 38,6 (2007): 629-639. doi:10.1037/0735-7028.38.6.629

Elder, Charles et al. “Comparative Effectiveness of Usual Care With or Without Chiropractic Care in Patients with Recurrent Musculoskeletal Back and Neck Pain.” Journal of general internal medicine vol. 33,9 (2018): 1469-1477. doi:10.1007/s11606-018-4539-y

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

Hu, JunMei, et al. “Chronic widespread pain after motor vehicle collision typically occurs through immediate development and nonrecovery: results of an emergency department-based cohort study.” Pain vol. 157,2 (2016): 438-444. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000388

Walking Technique Improvement

Walking Technique Improvement

Walking is the most natural form of physical activity for optimal body health. It is low impact and can provide health and longevity benefits. Walking is second nature, but sometimes individuals can forget how to walk correctly and begin to present with musculoskeletal discomfort and injuries. The proper walking technique increases breathing function, reduces stress on the body and mind, and is a recommended form of self-care for aches and pains, injuries, and conditions. Proper walking techniques rely on the simple form, proper body mechanics, and active adjustments. Walking technique improvement can be achieved through chiropractic musculoskeletal rehabilitation and retraining to keep the body balanced and in top health.

Walking Technique Improvement

Walking Problems

Forgetting proper walking technique is like forgetting healthy posture, which can lead to problems that include:

  • Walking with the head and neck bent down
  • Dragging the feet
  • Dropping the feet
  • Irregular, jerky movements when walking
  • Taking smaller steps
  • Waddling gait
  • Walking more slowly
  • Spastic gait pattern

Gait

Gait is the manner or way an individual walks. The average gait could be described as placing one foot in front of the other in a continuous motion from the heel to the ball of the foot. Walking problems are often brought on by poor posture, injury, or physical condition. Typical gait abnormalities:

Propulsive gait

  • This gait is a stooped, stiff posture with the head and neck bent forward.

Scissors gait

  • This gait is when the legs flex slightly at the hips and knees like a crouch, with the knees and thighs hitting or crossing in a scissors-like movement.

Spastic gait

  • This gait is a stiff, foot-dragging walk caused by a prolonged muscle contraction on one side.

Steppage gait

  • This gait causes foot drop where the foot hangs with the toes pointing down, causing the toes to scrape while walking, requiring the individual to lift the leg higher.

Waddling gait

  • This gait is a duck-like walk that can show up in childhood or later in life.

Walking Problem Causes

Different diseases and conditions can affect gait and lead to walking issues. They include:

  • Foot problems, including corns, calluses, and sores
  • Injuries, such as fractures/broken bones, sprains, and tendinitis
  • Arthritis of the spine, hips, knees, ankles, or feet
  • Neurologic diseases – multiple sclerosis and peripheral nerve disorders
  • Cerebellar disorders of the brain that control coordination and balance
  • Movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease
  • Infections
  • Abnormal development of the muscles or bones of the spine, legs, or feet
  • Vision problems

Walking Technique Improvement

Body posture continually needs to be assessed and adjusted. When an individual least realizes it they start to forget healthy walking techniques, posture, and their shoulders begin to bow forward or become rounded or their feet start turning out when they shouldn’t. Poor walking posture leads to body aches and pains. Walking technique improvement consists of:

  • Standing up straight like a string is attached to the head maintaining a plumb line with the sky.
  • Keeping the chin parallel to the ground.
  • Shoulders are back and relaxed to relieve tension.
  • There is no arching of the back.
  • Wear comfortable footwear.
  • Engaging the core.
  • Proper arm motion.
  • Breathing deep and full.
  • Letting the legs and buttocks create a natural stride.
  • Focusing on around 15-20 feet in front, so the head follows where the eyes are looking.

The body relies on muscle/form memory. Chiropractic adjustments make it possible to keep the body in alignment, allowing mobility and flexibility without pain. Walking with proper form will strengthen the muscles that support the spine, eliminate stress on the body, and relieve aches and pains. Circulation will improve, bringing vitamins and minerals to the muscles and tissues.


DRX9000 Patient Testimonials Spinal Decompression


References

Buldt, Andrew K et al. “The relationship between foot posture and plantar pressure during walking in adults: A systematic review.” Gait & posture vol. 62 (2018): 56-67. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.02.026

Chambers, April J et al. “The Effect of Prolonged Walking With Intermittent Standing on Erector Spinae and Soleus Muscle Oxygenation and Discomfort.” Journal of sports science & medicine vol. 18,2 337-343. 1 Jun. 2019

Hackford, Jessie, et al. “The effects of walking posture on affective and physiological states during stress.” Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry vol. 62 (2019): 80-87. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.09.004

Russell, Brent S et al. “Walking Gait Before and After Chiropractic Care Following Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: A Single Case Kinetic and Kinematic Study.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 17,2 (2018): 106-116. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2018.02.002

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