Baastrup’s syndrome is named after Christian Ingerslev Baastrup. He discovered and described the condition in 1933. In this syndrome, pain and inflammation are triggered when the spinous processes of two adjacent vertebrae begin to touch each other. This is where the term kissing spine came from. Most back and neck pain is attributed to inflammation or degeneration of the spinal vertebrae, discs, muscles, and nerves. This is a spinal condition that can cause problems with age. If experiencing pain that worsens when arching the back, consult a professional chiropractor. A physical examination and imaging could reveal the spine is going through this underdiagnosed condition.
Kissing Spine
Spine problems mostly involve the vertebrae and the discs. However, the spine has other components, which include spinous processes. These are thin segments of bone that protrude off the back of each vertebra. Kissing spine syndrome, also known as Baastrup’s disease, or interspinous bursitis, happens when these spinous processes begin to move close together and touch/kiss. Pain and inflammation can be triggered by this.
It is believed to develop as a result of degeneration in the spine that comes with age. As vertebral discs break down from all the wear and tear of life, this can cause the spinous processes to move closer together and touch. This typically develops in the lumbar spine/lower back, but can also affect the cervical spine/neck. The most common symptom of kissing spine syndrome is back pain that worsens when touched or arching the back. For some individuals slumping forward or rounding the back, can help diminish the pain.
When the spinous processes touch, they begin abrasively rubbing against each other. This wears them down and can lead to other types of spinal degeneration. Over time secondary problems can begin to present including neurological conditions caused by compressed nerves. The condition is common in older adults from the natural wear and tear on their spines. But young individuals specifically athletes, can develop the syndrome.
Poor posture
Obesity
Spinal injury/s are additional risk factors.
Diagnosing the condition involves a physical exam and imaging scans to confirm that the spinous processes are in fact touching.
Chiropractic Care
A chiropractor can help manage the pain caused by degenerative disc disease and kissing spine syndrome. Treatment protocols for kissing spine syndrome include:
Spinal adjustments
Physical therapy massage
Spinal manipulation
Stretches
Exercises
Anti-inflammatory diet
Spinal decompression techniques can open the spinal segments so that the spinous processes don’t touch. Manipulations can facilitate proper joint mobility and alleviate inflammation. Physical therapy exercises and stretches will help stretch the spine and the supportive tissues. If experiencing neck or low back pain, contact Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic. Our spine specialists will listen, discuss, and develop a personalized treatment plan. We provide non-invasive approaches for long-term pain management and spinal correction for lasting comfort.
Body Composition
The Paleo Diet
The Paleo diet consists of eating foods that would have been available to humans before modern agriculture was established. If the food was not available to these human ancestors and they did not eat it, then it is not part of the Paleo diet. This includes eating:
Lean meats
Fish
Vegetables
Fruits
Eggs
Nuts
The Paleo cuts out foods like:
Grains
Legumes
Dairy
Sugars
Processed oils
One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared the Paleo diet to other control diets based on United States nutritional guidelines. The researchers found that the Paleo diet generated improvements in waist circumference, triglyceride levels, and blood pressure.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to 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 provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of 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.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Philipp LR, Baum GR, Grossberg JA, Ahmad FU. Baastrup’s Disease: An Often Missed Etiology for Back Pain. Cureus 8(1): e465. Published January 22, 2016. https://www.cureus.com/articles/3982-baastrups-disease-an-often-missed-etiology-for-back-pain. Accessed December 20, 2018.
Filippiadis DK, Mazioti A, Argentos S, et al. Baastrup’s disease (kissing spines syndrome): a pictorial review. Insights Imaging. 2015 Feb; 6(1): 123–128. Published online January 13, 2015. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13244-014-0376-7 Accessed December 20, 2018.
Improper posture affects the whole body and can lead to various pain issues throughout the body. Correcting posture is recommended before trying to correct it when pain begins to present. If pain is presenting, chiropractic treatment will bring relief, stabilize the spine, realign/balance the body, and educate the individual on maintaining proper posture through stretches, exercises, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Improper posture symptoms
Neck Pain
Discomfort, stiffness, tightness, and pain are common when sitting at a workstation. This comes from a forward head/head jutting position. The head pushes forward and is not aligned with the shoulders. This means that the neck takes on a compromised position. The head forward position places significant strain on the neck muscles. Because of this neck discomfort and pain often occur later in the afternoon and evening. If not sure whether head jutting is taking place, try placing the chin to the chest. If not able or if there is discomfort/pain in the upper back, there is some forward head jutting.
Shoulder Discomfort and Pain
When we sit for extended periods, the body relaxes muscles that would normally be used if standing. One set of muscles is in the upper back. This causes slouching with a rounded upper back/shoulders. The more time the body stays in any one position, the more it begins to conform to the unhealthy position. This also causes pain in the upper, front part of the shoulders. The pain is noticeable when trying to bring the arm/s overhead or when trying to perform exercises like pushups or pullups.
Regular Headaches
Regular headaches are another symptom of improper posture. Forward head posture is usually a contributor combined with the long hours sitting or standing. However, headaches can be caused by a variety of causes that include:
Stress
Tension
Dehydration
Low Back, Tailbone Discomfort, and Pain
Lower back pain is a very common symptom of improper posture. For individuals under 40, pain and discomfort present because of improper posture while sitting or standing and a lack of stretching and exercise. Sitting for a long time causes the muscles that bring the thighs towards the chest, known as the hip flexors to be consistently flexed, with no relief. This causes the hip flexors to shorten and tighten. This pulls the pelvis out towards the front of the body, creating an exaggerated spinal curve.
Buttocks or Stomach Pushes Outward
Take a look at the body’s profile, does the butt and/or stomach stick out? If so this could be hyperlordosis also known as Donald duck posture. This can come from wearing high heels too much, the body having to carry extra weight in the stomach area, and sometimes this comes from pregnancy. Sometimes, this happens when individuals stand with their knees locked. This causes the rear end and/or belly to push out.
Correcting Improper Posture
The main problem with correcting posture is the ability to maintain proper posture. Many individuals go back to the unhealthy positioning without recognizing that they are doing it. There are devices to help correct poor posture habits. This could be a brace or harness that detects when the body is slouching and vibrates to let the individual return to a proper position.
Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy
The most effective and thorough way to correct years of improper posture is to see a professional chiropractor. A complete diagnosis, inspection, and analysis of an individual’s posture when sitting, standing, walking, and running will be done. They will educate the individual on correct posture, how to achieve and maintain it. If pain is presenting, the chiropractor will take steps to correct any subluxations, misalignments, and develop a personalized treatment plan, to heal the body first. Treatment modalities can include:
Chiropractic adjustments
Physical therapy
Massage
Heat therapy
Infrared
Ultrasound
TENS device
Health coaching
Nutritional advice
Once the body has healed and is moving freely, the doctor will recommend exercises and stretching programs to do at home. This will improve and help maintain proper posture. An experienced musculoskeletal professional will keep the body balanced and prevent further injuries.
Body Composition
Hydrating the body with water or a sports drink
Many individuals prefer drinking sports drinks during and after physical activities, sports, and exercise. Many are opposed to water because of the lack of taste, while sports drinks have taste and added electrolytes. But many sports drinks have added ingredients and sugars. This makes them not the best choice for individuals trying to lose calories. Take a look at some of the additional ingredients:
Electrolytes
Minerals, like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, have an electric charge that helps maintain the body’s ionic balance. The body loses electrolytes when sweating. A sports drink can help replace the lost electrolytes.
Carbohydrates
Most of the carbohydrates come from sugars. Carbohydrates are one of the body’s energy sources and sports drinks are designed to refuel the body after hard physical activity.
Amino acids
These are protein building blocks. Drinking a sports drink after an intense workout can help the body recover quicker. Therefore, some of the additional ingredients in sports drinks offer hydration extras that water on its own cannot. However, water should always be the first drink of choice. But there are certain times when a sports drink is what the body needs.
When participating in high-intensity physical activities, workouts, sports that last longer than 45 minutes to an hour. Here a sports drinks can help replenish the body’s electrolytes better than water.
Individuals that sweat high levels of sodium (look for sweat stains/rings on skin or clothing) can benefit from re-hydrating with a sports drink.
Endurance athletes, triathletes, marathon runners, long-distance athletes, etc can also benefit from a sports drink, from the increased fluid loss.
In these activities, athletes should make sure the sports drink they are consuming contains carbohydrates and electrolytes.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to 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 provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of 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.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Hao, Ning et al. “Enhancing creativity: Proper body posture meets proper emotion.” Acta Psychologica vol. 173 (2017): 32-40. doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2016.12.005
Jaromi, Melinda et al. “Treatment and ergonomics training of work-related lower back pain and body posture problems for nurses.” Journal of clinical nursing vol. 21,11-12 (2012): 1776-84. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04089.x
O’Connor B. Sitting Disease: The New Health Epidemic. The Chopra Center Web site. http://www.chopra.com/articles/sitting-disease-the-new-health-epidemic. Accessed January 7, 2017.
Jaw pain can make chewing, yawning, and talking a painful experience. This is a syndrome known as Temporomandibular Joint syndrome or disorder or TMJ and TMD. What happens is the temporomandibular joint that connects the jaw to the skull becomes inflamed. It is part of the musculoskeletal system, which means that chiropractors can treat the syndrome with various chiropractic techniques that include soft tissue work and temporomandibular joint adjustments. Chiropractic can bring lasting relief from Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome/Disorder.
How to Tell if TMJ Is Present
Jaw pain is the most common symptom but there are other factors that can cause pain. To help determine if it is TMJ, here is a list of additional symptoms:
Difficulty or pain moving the mouth such as when chewing
Popping sensation sound when opening/closing the jaw
Cracking sensation sound when opening or closing the jaw
If it is TMJ should an individual see a dentist or a chiropractor? This depends on the situation and individual.
If TMJ is caused by teeth grinding while sleeping, or there is pain/problems with the teeth then seeing a dentist is recommended.
If TMJ pain is accompanied by joint or muscle pain, or there is neck and/or back pain, then chiropractic is recommended.
Certain cases could require dental treatment and a chiropractor for the joint issues.
Chiropractic TMJ Treatment
Jaw Adjustment
One way chiropractic treats TMJ is through jaw adjustment/s. This varies from patient to patient. An example assessment and adjustment for TMJ.
The chiropractor will utilize the most beneficial technique/s for each individual.
The chiropractor will have the individual open and close their jaw while feeling each side.
They will determine which side opens first and widest, and which opens last and not as wide.
Then they will perform a jaw adjustment through gentle pressure applied to both sides of the jaw.
Soft Tissue Treatment
A contributor to jaw pain can be attributed to the muscles that are used to open and close. In this case, the chiropractor will perform soft tissue manipulation to loosen them up. This releases the jaw so it evens out. This also helps with headaches associated with TMJ. The focus is on three muscles:
Masseter
Pterygoid
Temporalis
A chiropractor will mobilize these muscles applying pressure repeatedly as the individual opens and closes their mouth.
Jaw Exercise Therapy
The chiropractor will recommend exercises to help quicken the healing process and strengthen the muscles. These are simple exercises that can be done at home or work to help relieve any discomfort or pain and for prevention.
Mouth Opening
Place one thumb under the chin
Open the mouth and gently push against it with the thumb
Hold for 5 to 8 seconds then close mouth
Repeat a few times every day
Mouth Closing
Open the mouth holding the chin with the index finger and thumb from both hands
Close jaw with gentle resistance with the fingers
Hold for 5 to 8 seconds
Repeat a few times every day
A chiropractor may collaborate with a dentist to provide the best treatment plan.
Body Composition
Body Dehydration
Dehydration happens when the body loses more water than it can replace. This can come from frequent:
Diarrhea episodes
Vomiting episodes
Too much alcohol the night before
Excessive sweating
Excessive urination
When dehydration sets in a wide range of symptoms can present. Early signs/symptoms include:
Dizziness
Headaches
Dry mouth
Cool skin
If dehydration is not addressed in the early stages, it can lead to not having the urge/need to urinate. There is potential for long-term health issues like high blood pressure. High blood pressure is common for individuals that are chronically dehydrated. When the body’s cells lack water, the brain sends a signal to secrete vasopressin, which is a chemical that constricts the blood vessels. This causes blood pressure to rise. This could eventually lead to heart failure. If the blood vessels continue to progressively narrow, oxygen, and blood circulation to the brain decreases. This results in migraine headaches and decreased ability to concentrate.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to 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 provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of 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.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Ibi, Miho. “Inflammation and Temporomandibular Joint Derangement.” Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin vol. 42,4 (2019): 538-542. doi:10.1248/bpb.b18-00442
Blum, Charles L. “Chiropractic and dentistry in the 21st Century.” Cranio: the journal of craniomandibular practice vol. 22,1 (2004): 1-3. doi:10.1179/crn.2004.001
Brantingham, James W et al. “Manipulative and multimodal therapy for upper extremity and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 36,3 (2013): 143-201. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.04.001
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmj
A whiplash injury can cause pain for months, even years after the accident/incident. It can cause persistent pain in the neck, shoulders, back, as well as, headaches, and sleep problems. Waiting to see if it will go away is not recommended. Chiropractic treatment can effectively and successfully expedite the healing process getting back to normal life as quickly as possible. Chiropractors treat whiplash successfully using a combination of techniques, approaches, and exercises for pain relief, recovery, and long-term spinal health. The extent and severity of the whiplash injury determine what type of chiropractic treatment will be implemented.
The Severity of a Whiplash Injury
Whiplash injuries are often the result of:
Automobile accidents
Work injuries
Sports
Amusement park rides
It is primarily an injury of the neck muscles and ligaments, but can also damage the vertebral discs. It is not considered a serious or life-threatening injury, but it can cause long-term complications and severe chronic pain. The biggest risk comes from the delayed presentation of symptoms. It can take days and sometimes weeks for the effects of the injury to present. Individuals that are older or those with arthritis are more likely to have severe and long-term issues.
Other Symptoms
Typical symptoms like neck pain, blurry vision, stiffness, and dizziness are well known. These can range from mild to severe, and last for a few days, weeks, or, in severe cases, years. However, there are some symptoms that most don’t know about and include:
Individuals should be alert for signs/symptoms that the injury requires immediate medical attention. If any of the following are experienced seek immediate care.
The arms, shoulders, or legs are numb, tingling, and/or weak
The neck pain and stiffness return after going away
Bowel or bladder problems could indicate nerve damage
Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment depends on the individual case. A doctor of chiropractic will determine the right treatment plan by the:
The severity of the pain
Location of the injury
Accompanying symptoms
Medical history
X-rays will be taken of the affected area to rule out any other trauma or injury. The chiropractor will evaluate the entire spine. This is based on how one part of the body influences other areas with the objective being to get the whole body functioning successfully at optimal levels.
Treatment Options
Some of the more common treatments for whiplash include:
Initial
Visiting a chiropractor a short time after the injury means the neck will be inflamed. The doctor will utilize gentle, anti-inflammatory options like:
Cold therapy
Ultrasound
Stretching
Electrical therapy
Laser therapy
Spinal Manipulation
There are different types of spinal manipulation, these include:
Specific Manipulation
This type involves a gentle but firm thrusting, usually done with the hands to the soft tissue areas. It stimulates the nervous system to realign subluxations, and restore mobility/flexibility of the spinal joints and vertebrae.
Flexion Distraction Technique
This is also a hands-on technique that treats slipped and bulging discs. This type of treatment utilizes a pumping motion on the disc/s and not the spine itself.
Instrument Assistance
This treatment is used for patients with degenerative disc disease. Special instrument assistance is often used in combination with hands-on care.
Massage
Massage promotes healing, reduces pain, and improves blood circulation in and around the affected area. It helps relieve tension/stress in the shoulder and neck.
Stretching and Trigger Point Therapy
The muscles and tendons can become tight. A chiropractor will gently stretch the area to relieve pain, ease tension, and reduce tension headaches. Trigger point therapy uses persistent pressure by the chiropractor’s fingers. It relaxes and releases the tight areas.
McKenzie Exercises
McKenzie exercises help reduce disc tears common to these types of injuries. The chiropractor will show how to perform these simple movements at home as part of the recovery.
What to do outside of the clinic
A chiropractor will offer tips and guidance on how to successfully avoid worsening the injury or create new injury/s. Stretches and exercises will be recommended to strengthen and maintain flexibility. Depending on an individual’s:
Overall health
Posture
Work/Occupation
Lifestyle factors
They will offer recommendations to avoid long-term issues.
Body Composition
Successfully regaining fitness after an injury
It is difficult to predict how long it will take to regain a previous level of fitness after an injury. Retraining to peak condition depends on the injury and how much damage was done. A key factor is to not adopt a sedentary lifestyle.Muscle memory can help as the muscles have special cells in the fibers that can recollect previous movements. This means when back to working out after an extended layoff, the body is able to regain the lost muscle. Some tips to help get back into shape:
Ease back into working out to avoid/worsen the injury
Wait a month before starting a less-intense version of a regular workout
Patience and persistence are essential to regaining fitness successfully.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to 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 provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of 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.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: [email protected] phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Dagenais, Simon, and Scott Haldeman. “Chiropractic.” Primary care vol. 29,2 (2002): 419-37. doi:10.1016/s0095-4543(01)00005-7
Ritchie, Carrie et al. “Medical and allied health service use during acute and chronic post-injury periods in whiplash injured individuals.” BMC health services research vol. 20,1 260. 30 Mar. 2020, doi:10.1186/s12913-020-05146-0
Ferrari, Robert, and Anthony Science Russell. “Survey of general practitioner, family physician, and chiropractor’s beliefs regarding the management of acute whiplash patients.” Spine vol. 29,19 (2004): 2173-7. doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000141184.86744.37
While bruising, soreness, and scrapes are common, whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries may not show for several days or weeks. While today’s vehicles are safer than ever, they can still only do so much when it comes to the body and musculoskeletal health. Being involved in an automobile accident, even a light tap can give a sudden jolt to the spine that although the individual might not have felt anything like discomfort or pain, it was enough to shift the disc/s out of place or set them up to shift out of place. No one wants to be involved in a car or motorcycle accident, but regardless of good driving habits, or how advanced the safety features on the vehicle might be, the average driver will be involved in three to four automobile accidents in their life.
Whiplash
Whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents. More than 3 million Americans will see a doctor and a chiropractor for automobile accidents and whiplash effects. It only takes a 2.5 mph hit to cause an injury. And whiplash doesn’t only happen when hit from behind, there are several ways an individual can be subjected to whiplash, including being T-boned, amusement park rides, and falling off a bicycle or a horse.
Symptoms
Most whiplash symptoms develop in the first twenty-four hours, but this is not always the case. Common symptoms include:
Most individuals realize they have whiplash a day or two after, but for others, it can take a few weeks or even months to present. Whiplash is classified by degree or grade:
Grade 0
The individual has no complaints and there are no symptoms/signs of physical injury.
Grade 1
There is neck pain but there are no physical signs of injury.
Grade 2
There are signs/symptoms of musculoskeletal damage and neck pain is presenting.
Grade 3
There are signs/symptoms of neurological damage and neck pain is presenting.
The average amount of time most individuals stay home from work is around 40 days. However, when whiplash pain lasts longer than a few weeks, it is deemed to be chronic whiplash.
Chronic Whiplash
Some individuals with whiplash experience painful symptoms for years. This is true of those that avoid or refuse medical attention and learn to live with it.
Treatment Options
There are very effective methods for treating whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries. Depending on the extent of the injury/s, developing the right treatment/rehabilitation plan requires individual consultation with a chiropractor to discuss options that can include:
Pain Relief
The pain can be excruciating. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for temporary relief. However, the individual will need extended treatment to ensure it does not become chronic pain.
Neck Brace
Neck braces help limit the pain, but should not be worn for more than three or four days. If worn for too long the neck muscles are prevented from gaining the strength needed to support the head.
Don’t Sit For Too Long
Avoid keeping the head in any one position for too long. This includes sitting in bed, watching TV, or working at a desk. This places a large amount of pressure and stress on the neck, making the pain even more severe and longer-lasting.
Sleeping Properly and Comfortably
For many, it can be difficult to get into a comfortable position when sleeping. Sleeping on the back with the head turned to one side can worsen the pain. Try a high-quality ergonomic pillow that allows the individual to sleep on their side and takes the pressure off of the neck.
Spinal Alignment
Whiplash can cause the spine to shift out of alignment. This can lead to additional problems in the back or shoulders. It�s always a good idea to see a chiropractor that specializes in motor vehicle accident injuries to realign the spine and neck, as well as for rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles and prevent further injuries. See a chiropractor for an evaluation of the injuries and develop a customized treatment plan that works for the individual’s condition.
Everyone is different
Some individuals can be stiff and sore for a few days and then are okay with not much pain. Some individuals experience severe pain immediately after the wreck, while others have no pain for days or even weeks. Both scenarios are pretty common. Soft tissue injuries can be very deceiving. Some don�t experience any pain for months after the accident. Many don�t think they need to see a doctor or chiropractor because there is no pain or symptoms. However, underneath serious problems could be getting ready to present including:
Constant headaches
Numbness or pins and needles in the hands or arms
Pain between the shoulder blades
Poor posture
Chronic muscle tension
Painful spasms
Degeneration of the discs
Painful inflamed arthritis
The quick development of arthritis
Sore, tight, or inflexible muscles
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Dizziness
Body Composition
A decrease in physical activity
Physical inactivity is a primary factor in the progression of sarcopenia. Resistance exercise can help maintain muscle mass and help build muscular strength. Individuals that are more sedentary can exacerbate the effects of sarcopenia.
A decrease in motor neurons
Aging is accompanied by motor neuron loss resulting from cell death. This leads to a decrease in muscle fiber. This decrease in muscle fibers leads to:
Impaired performance
A reduction in functional capacity
A decreased ability to perform everyday tasks
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*
Chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia, also known as M.U.A is a non-invasive stretching and musculoskeletal manipulation technique. This type of chiropractic treatment can offer relief from chronic and constant back pain and other types of pain that have not responded well or at all to conservative non-surgical care. Chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia breaks up adhesions/internal scar tissue that could result from an injury or previous surgery, helping restore the normal range of motion and reduce pain. This technique is utilized to treat:
Undergoing chiropractic manipulation under anesthesia while sedated means the body is in a highly relaxed state. This sedation allows the chiropractor to adjust the bones, joints into proper alignment and stretch the muscles without the individual�s voluntary/reflexive resistance. And the sedation allows the chiropractor to use less force, making the procedure painless.
Manipulation Under Anesthesia Specialists
This type of manipulation is a specialty procedure. Trained and certified physicians only perform it in the fields of:
Chiropractic medicine
Orthopedics
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Osteopathy
Advantages to MUA treatment
There are individuals with pain that respond well to regular chiropractic manipulation, physical therapy, or exercise. However, depending on their condition, relief might only last for a few days or weeks. This is where manipulation under anesthesia could improve the range of motion and relieve pain. Manipulation under anesthesia has been performed for more than sixty years. It can be cost-effective and safer than invasive treatment like spine surgery. It is recognized and covered by most insurance and workers’� compensation plans.
Determining if MUA is right for the individual and their condition
Manipulation under anesthesia is not for all individuals with back pain. MUA is only recommended for patients that meet the procedure’s criteria. Like any other type of recommended treatment, a doctor will carefully consider the individual’s medical history, symptoms, previous treatments, and effectiveness. A doctor will also perform a physical and neurological examination with an individual’s complete medical history. Test results will confirm the patient�s diagnosis and determine if anesthetic manipulation can help relieve pain and other symptoms. Tests can include:
Not an appropriate treatment for individuals with:
Uncontrolled diabetic neuropathy
Spinal cord compression
Morbid obesity
Any cancer
Acute or healing bone fracture/s
Osteomyelitis vertebral bone infection
Acute inflammatory arthritis
Metastatic bone disease
Severe osteoporosis
Acute inflammatory gout
Tuberculosis of the bone
Co-existing medical problems could mean an individual may not be able to undergo any procedure that requires sedation.
Another reason why a patient’s complete medical history is vital
Procedure
This procedure is usually performed in an ambulatory surgery center that is a modern healthcare facility focused on providing same-day surgical care for diagnostic and preventive procedures or at a hospital. An anesthesiologist administers the medicine/s. The patient could be sedated but not unconscious or general anesthesia meaning complete unconsciousness. The choice of sedation depends on various factors, like the patient’s diagnosis and how severe the condition is. The anesthesiologist can recommend a specific type of medicine or a cocktail of medications for the patient’s comfort during and after.
Once sedated, the chiropractor utilizes specialized techniques to stretch, adjust and mobilize the affected areas of the spine and body. The manipulations free up fibrous adhesions or scar tissue in one or more areas of the spine and surrounding tissues. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The individual will be awakened and then is carefully monitored in a recovery area. Many report an immediate reduction in pain and a broader range of motion after the procedure. There is usually temporary muscle soreness, similar to the soreness after an intense workout.
Recommended aftercare
Before being discharged, the patient is provided instructions about aftercare therapy. Instructions may include:
At-home warm-up movements
Physical therapy rehabilitation
Passive stretching
Electrical stimulation
Cryotherapy or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and pain
Physical therapy, exercise, and stretching
Three to six weeks after the procedure, individuals continue with physical therapy to help prevent back pain from returning and any fibrous adhesions/scar tissue broken up from reforming. Exercise and stretching will help strengthen and stabilize the abdominal and spinal muscles and prevent pain from returning.
InBody
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is defined as a lack of uptake or intake of nutrition that can negatively affect body composition. An important nutrient that elderly individuals might not get enough of is protein. Trouble chewing, food cost, and trouble cooking are all factors that limit elderly individuals’ access to protein, which can lead to sarcopenia. These complications can affect how the body responds to diet and exercise.
That is because protein requirements for the elderly are usually higher than for younger individuals. This comes from age-related changes in the metabolism that includes a decreased response to protein intake. This means that an older individual needs to consume more protein to achieve the same anabolic effect. Micronutrient deficiency is a lack of nutrients like minerals and vitamins. These support important bodily processes like cell regeneration, immune system function, and vision. A common example is iron and calcium deficiencies. This type of deficiency has the greatest impact on normal physiological functions in conjunction with protein-energy deficiency, as most micronutrients are acquired from food.
Dr. Alex Jimenezs Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, 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 directly or indirectly support 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*
Pinched nerves occur when added pressure is applied to a nerve or set of nerves from surrounding tissues like bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons. The pressure affects the nerve’s ability to function properly and usually causes pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. A pinched nerve can occur at various sites in the body. Whether located in the neck, shoulder, arm, hand, back, or knees, they can lead to other debilitating conditions/injuries and permanent nerve damage if left untreated.
Pinched Nerves
The nerves are not actually being pinched but are being compressed. The added pressure on or around the nerve causes painful sensations that can also include:
Pinched nerves are nothing to dismiss. Individuals experiencing any of the above symptoms should get a proper diagnosis from a chiropractor.
Compression Goes Away By Itself
A compressed nerve can go away on its own if the pain has recently started or is not severe. In addition, home remedies like rest, heat, ice, and stretching can be utilized to help the compression subside on its own.
Length of Time It Takes for a Pinched Nerve to Heal
The length of time depends on the reason why the nerve is compressed and irritated. For example, some pinched nerves are brought on from poor posture and tight muscles. These can usually heal within 4 weeks. However, if the pain has been going on for some time, like more than 3 months, it will take longer, especially to identify the root cause/s and address them according to their severity.
Treatment Options
Chiropractic Adjustments and Massage
These two types of treatment/therapy highly complement each other. A chiropractor understands the importance of massage when it comes to healing and stress relief. Some cases of pinched nerves come from tight muscles and muscle spasms. Along with chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy is perfect for releasing and stretching the nerves back to their natural form.
Studies show that chiropractic massage therapy offers pain relief and also helps reduce any depression and anxiety that the pain symptoms can generate. In addition, comprehensive chiropractic treatment has been proven to be the best and fastest way to deal with pinched nerves.
Get More Sleep
Whenever the body is going through stress and needs repair, more sleep gives the body the time to heal itself. An extra hour of sleep also ensures that the injured area moves less. However, try to avoid sleeping on the stomach and make sure that the pillows being used provide plenty of support.
Warm/Hot Soothing Bath
Ice can really help lower swelling and inflammation, but if icing the area has not relieved the pain after 72 hours, it is time for a warm/hot bath. Warm water increases blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to help heal and restore. In addition, heat relaxes the muscles of the body, which relieves pressure on the affected area.
Collagen Nerve Joint Repair
Collagen adds cushion to the spaces between the joints and bones while damaged tissues are being repaired. Collagen is the most plentiful natural protein in the human body. Supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid can help and consume bone broth, a healthy collagen source. An anti-inflammatory diet can also help. Inflammation contributes to pain symptoms. Lowering inflammation lowers pain as well.
Proper Posture
Slouching and poor posture, whether sitting or standing, place added pressure/stress on the joints. When this goes on for long periods or when something traumatic occurs, a pinched nerve can result. A chiropractor will restore the body’s natural curvature. In addition, a chiropractor will discuss and show what proper posture should be and how to strengthen the core to maintain proper posture.
Other Treatment Options
Conventional treatments usually include:
Over the counter pain relievers
Prescription pain relievers for severe cases
Corticosteroids
Microdiscectomy spinal surgery
Regular surgery
Most individuals want to avoid any of the above treatment options. The body has a tremendous ability to heal itself. Chiropractic will reduce the amount of time that is required to heal a pinched nerve. It’s about treating the entire body, not just the symptoms. A customized treatment/recovery diet plan will be developed according to each individual’s needs. At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we encourage anyone experiencing any pain to call us right away.
Composition of the Body
What happens to the body when you stop eating
Not eating for a few hours causes glucose levels in the blood to drop, and insulin release stops. Alpha cells in the pancreas produce a hormone called glucagon that helps the liver break down the body’s stored glycogen, converting it back into glucose. The liver can also produce glucose by utilizing fats, amino acids, and waste.
If the body’s blood sugar levels drop, too low a condition called hypoglycemia happens. It occurs a few hours after eating when there is too much insulin in the blood or certain medications. This is why an individual might feel dizzy, shaky, anxious, or irritable when they have not eaten for several hours. Eating at least 15 to 20 grams of carbohydrates will reverse the symptoms.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, 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 directly or indirectly support 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*
References
Dubinsky RM, Miyasaki J.Assessment: Efficacy of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in treating pain in neurologic disorders (an evidence-based review). Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.Neurology. 2010;74:173-176.
Shrier I. Does stretching help prevent injuries? Evidence-based Sports Medicine. Williston, VT: BMJ Books; 2002.
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