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Sciatic Nerve Decompression

Sciatic Nerve Decompression

Sciatica is experienced as lower back pain and pain that radiates down the back of the legs. It is pain caused by compression, irritation, or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. It is generally experienced on one side of the body. Body movements like twisting, bending, sitting, or responses like coughing and sneezing can worsen the pain. Individuals with sciatica also experience muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or electrical shock-like sensations. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic offer manual and motorized sciatic nerve decompression to stretch/realign the spine, release the compressed nerves, and relieve pain.

Sciatic Nerve Decompression

Sciatic Nerve Decompression

The spine consists of 23 spinal discs that are shock absorbers for the body during movement. Each disc consists of a soft inner core of a gel substance and a thick outer layer. Wear and tear of the spinal discs from aging, degenerative disc disease, repetitive physical activities like lifting and bending, obesity, and poor posture are some of the factors that can stress the spine, causing the thick outer layer of the spinal disc to crack/breakdown causing the soft inner core to leak out forming a bulging or herniated disc. This type of injury compresses, pinches, or irritates one or more nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve, triggering sciatica.

  • Spinal bone spurs.
  • Spinal stenosis or the narrowing of the spinal canal.
  • Spondylolisthesis, or the slipping or dislocation of the spinal vertebrae in the lower part of the spine.
  • Are also known sciatica causes.

Symptoms

Common compressed nerve symptoms include:

  • Pain or burning sensations radiating down the leg.
  • Because branches of the sciatic nerve extend from the lumbar spine through the buttocks and down the leg, pain, burning sensations or dull aching can present along the nerve’s pathway if the nerve gets compressed or irritated.
  • Weakness in the affected leg.
  • When walking or moving the legs, the nerves transmit information to the brain, stimulating the muscles to react in specific ways.
  • A pinched sciatic nerve can cause interference with relaying signals, resulting in weakness.
  • Numbness.
  • The compression impedes blood circulation and nerve energy transmission.
  • Pins and needles sensations – paresthesia.
  • Like numbness, paresthesia sensations happen when a nerve is compressed or irritated.

Non-Surgical Sciatic Nerve Decompression

Spinal decompression therapy relieves pressure on the spine by pulling/stretching it in small increments. Non-surgical spinal decompression creates negative pressure within the discs. The negative pressure pulls or vacuums back the disc material that has protruded or herniated and an abundance of nutrients to activate the healing response. The chiropractor, physical therapist, or nurse uses motorized medical equipment with sensors linked to a computer-aided system to perform the procedure. The equipment is designed to adjust the pull force accordingly to prevent muscle resistance. The adjustable table also allows the spine to be stretched at different angles to target the upper or lower back.

The objective of spinal decompression treatment is to relieve the symptoms of sciatica or disc disorders and heal the injured disc. We utilize spinal decompression as an effective tool in treating a vast array of spinal conditions.



DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression


References

Berry, James A et al. “A Review of Lumbar Radiculopathy, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” Cureus vol. 11,10 e5934. 17 Oct. 2019, doi:10.7759/cureus.5934

Davis D, Maini K, Vasudevan A. Sciatica. [Updated 2022 Feb 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507908/

Giuffre BA, Jeanmonod R. Anatomy, Sciatic Nerve. [Updated 2021 Jul 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482431/

National Institutes of Health. (2019.) “Sciatica.” medlineplus.gov/sciatica.html

Motorized Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Motorized Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Motorized non-surgical decompression helps relieve pain, removes pressure on the nerves, promotes healing, and increases blood flow to the spine. Spinal discs cannot attain nutrients from the blood without circulation. Decompression opens the spine, flooding the discs with nutrients that result in quicker and optimal healing. This, combined with manual chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic massage, can help get an individual to a pain-free lifestyle.

Motorized Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Spinal Discs

The soft disc material that separates each spinal bone can lose hydration, causing the material to dry out and compress. The discs can also compress from pressure from added weight, trauma from an automobile accident, work, school, and sports injury. Often the soft gel center of the discs spills out, causing a disc herniation. This is usually accompanied by:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Soreness
  • Stiffness
  • Sharp pain
  • Dull pain
  • Achiness
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Stinging/Burning sensation
  • Leg pain
  • Poor balance

These are often indicators of a nerve or nerve bundle, including the sciatic nerve becoming compressed by a herniated disc, bulging disc or slipped disc, stenosis, facet syndrome, or degenerative disc disease. When this happens, the symptoms may be felt in the back or neck area, and/or they may spread out into the arms, hands, legs, or feet.

Motorized Decompression

Spinal decompression is relaxing and helps maintain range of motion throughout the body. The benefits of motorized decompression include:

  • Relaxation
  • Increased energy
  • Pain relief
  • Stress relief
  • Headache relief
  • Improved posture
  • Improved range of motion
  • Improved circulation
  • Improved sleep

We focus on providing expert chiropractic treatment that incorporates the most current research and technology into personalized treatment plans. Our goal is to help the individual heal as quickly as possible while educating and training them to use tools to maintain health and wellness.


What Is Spinal Decompression?


References

Andersson, G B, and R A Deyo. “History and physical examination in patients with herniated lumbar discs.” Spine vol. 21,24 Suppl (1996): 10S-18S. doi:10.1097/00007632-199612151-00003

Apfel, Christian C et al. “Restoration of disk height through non-surgical spinal decompression is associated with decreased discogenic low back pain: a retrospective cohort study.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 11 155. 8 Jul. 2010, doi:10.1186/1471-2474-11-155

Cherkin, DC, and F A MacCornack. “Patient evaluations of low back pain care from family physicians and chiropractors.” The Western journal of medicine vol. 150,3 (1989): 351-5.

Koçak, Fatmanur Aybala et al. “Comparison of the short-term effects of the conventional motorized traction with non-surgical spinal decompression performed with a DRX9000 device on pain, functionality, depression, and quality of life in patients with low back pain associated with lumbar disc herniation: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.” Turkish Journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 64,1 17-27. 16 Feb. 2017, doi:10.5606/tftrd.2017.154

Urban, Jill PG, and Sally Roberts. “Degeneration of the intervertebral disc.” Arthritis research & therapy vol. 5,3 (2003): 120-30. doi:10.1186/ar629

Spinal Decompression Institute

Spinal Decompression Institute

Injury Medical Chiropractic Functional Medicine and Spinal Decompression Institute offer progressive technology to treat neck and back-related injuries, conditions, and disorders. We utilize a non-surgical spinal decompression system combined with chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic massage that combats back and neck pain. These combined techniques relieve nerve compression and separate the vertebrae in the back or neck to allow for optimal healing. Individuals suffering from herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, or pinched nerves can undergo decompression treatment to slow, stop, and reverse back issues.

Spinal Decompression Institute

Spinal Decompression Institute

The spine/back is a complex structure of joints, bones, ligaments, and muscles. Individuals can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, leading to back issues and pain. Injuries from work, school, automobile accidents, and sports can lead to health issues that can become chronic and cause permanent damage.

  • Motorized mechanical decompression separates the vertebrae and discs, allowing them to realign and reset properly while increasing circulation, hydration, and oxygenation into the discs to heal fully.
  • This removes the compression on pinched nerves.
  • This is spinal retraining so the spine can remember a new healthy position.

What A Session Consists Of

  • The individual’s doctor, spine specialist, or chiropractor will determine the treatment plan after their in-person physical evaluation and review of imaging scans like X-rays and/or MRI.
  • Every case is different, but a session typically requires 20-30 minutes.
  • Treatment plans differ in the number of sessions per week and the number of weeks necessary.
  • Patients remain clothed during a spinal decompression therapy session and lie on a motorized table.
  • Depending on the condition or injury, the patient could be in the prone position lying face down or lying supine face up.
  • A harness is placed around the hips or neck.
  • The technician/therapist sets up the program.
  • The table will move slowly back and forth and/or to the sides to provide spinal traction, release the compression, and promote relaxation.
  • There is no pain during or after the decompression therapy, but the patient will feel their spine stretch.
  • To avoid any discomfort, the system has emergency stop switches for the patient and the therapist technician.
  • The switches terminate the treatment immediately if the patient experiences pain or discomfort.

Physiological Well Being

  • Increases blood circulation and promotes nutrient supply through the spine.
  • Allows for proper disc rehydration.
  • Prevents herniations from advancing or worsening.

Physical Well Being

  • Lowers stress levels.
  • Pain alleviation.
  • Improves spinal mobility.
  • Improves joint flexibility.
  • Resume normal daily activities.
  • Prevents muscle guarding.
  • Helps to develop core strength.
  • Helps to prevent new injuries.

At the Spinal Decompression Institute, we offer total care for complete health and well-being. Our goal is to thoroughly investigate the body’s health and determine the root cause of the pain. A successful spinal decompression program will help identify what led to the problem/s to prevent and avoid a recurrence of symptoms.


DRX9000 Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression System


References

Apfel, Christian C et al. “Restoration of disk height through non-surgical spinal decompression is associated with decreased discogenic low back pain: a retrospective cohort study.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 11 155. 8 Jul. 2010, doi:10.1186/1471-2474-11-155

Daniel, Dwain M. “Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy: does the scientific literature support efficacy claims made in the advertising media?.” Chiropractic & osteopathy vol. 15 7. 18 May. 2007, doi:10.1186/1746-1340-15-7

Koçak, Fatmanur Aybala et al. “Comparison of the short-term effects of the conventional motorized traction with non-surgical spinal decompression performed with a DRX9000 device on pain, functionality, depression, and quality of life in patients with low back pain associated with lumbar disc herniation: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.” Turkish Journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 64,1 17-27. 16 Feb. 2017, doi:10.5606/tftrd.2017.154

Macario, Alex, and Joseph V Pergolizzi. “Systematic literature review of spinal decompression via motorized traction for chronic discogenic low back pain.” Pain practice: the official journal of World Institute of Pain vol. 6,3 (2006): 171-8. doi:10.1111/j.1533-2500.2006.00082.x

Treatment Procedures Surgical and Non-Surgical For Abdominal Aneurysm

Treatment Procedures Surgical and Non-Surgical For Abdominal Aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm refers to an enlargement of the abdominal aorta. If the blood vessel is enlarged and starts to leak blood or rupture, it will cause severe abdominal and lower back pain. This is a serious medical emergency that necessitates emergency surgery. Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse the damage. A prominent symptom from a rupture is severe, persistent low back pain, and pain in and around the abdomen. Treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm depends on the possible complications that could develop. Approaches for treatment:
  • Nonsurgical treatments like anti-biotics calcium channel blockers and exercise along with monitoring are used for individuals that have a low risk of rupture.
  • If an aneurysm is not found until it becomes an emergency, then surgery to repair the ruptured artery is absolutely necessary. If ruptured or there is a high risk of rupturing is considered an emergency.
  • If a rupturing aneurysm has been diagnosed, some treatment/management will be implemented to prevent severe/fatal bleeding.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Treatment Procedures Surgical and Non-Surgical For Abdominal Aneurysm

Cardiac

For low-risk cases, lifestyle changes and possible medication/s may be recommended to slow the development. Small aneurysms are monitored using ultrasound. This can be every 6 to 12 months depending on the size and growth rate of the artery. Medications for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol could be prescribed. This is to limit the amount of plaque buildup in the aorta and reduce any pressure on the arterial walls. Quitting smoking and removing tobacco altogether whether dip, chew, vape is a significant action an individual can do to minimize the risk of aortic rupture. Other lifestyle changes involve maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise will help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels decreasing the chance of rupture.

Surgery

Surgical treatment when necessary is to stop a rupture if leaking blood or to prevent a rupture. Surgery requires replacing the damaged portion of the aorta with a stent-graft. This is an artificial artery made from a high-tech mesh/fabric. There are two standard surgical treatments:

Open Repair

Open repair is the most common surgical treatment. It takes the enlarged portion of the aorta removes it and replaces it with a stent-graft. Open surgery repair consists of the following:
  • The incision is made in the abdomen at the site of the aneurysm.
  • The aorta gets clamped with the blood temporarily blocked from flowing through the damaged portion.
  • The damaged part is removed.
  • A tube graft is placed where the damaged portion was.
If the damage was not severe and does not require the removal and complete replacement, then less invasive options will be offered.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Treatment Procedures Surgical and Non-Surgical For Abdominal Aneurysm

Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair

EVAR endovascular aneurysm repair surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. There is no need for a large abdominal incision or removal of the damaged portion of the artery. This procedure does not require blood flow stoppage, which places less stress on the heart. Endovascular surgery involves:
  • A fluoroscopy or live X-ray is used. This is so the surgeon can look at the repair, and guide the stent into place.
  • 2 small incisions are made in the groin.
  • A catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin and guided to the abdominal aorta.
  • Through the catheter, the stent is guided to the aneurysm.
  • Once it reaches the aneurysm, it is compressed and closed.
  • The stent is placed in position, and the wireframe is expanded to fit the artery.
  • The stent is sewn/secured into place at both ends.
  • Once in place, the blood gets redirected from the enlarged area and flows only through the stent-graft. This takes the pressure off the artery’s walls and allows for size reduction over time, and decreases the risk of rupture.
The procedure is not an option for individuals with an aorta that cannot be accessed safely through the femoral arteries. Or if the artery is severely damaged that the aneurysm portion needs to be replaced. And if the aneurysm is too big or complex where an open repair is a more favorable option.

Follow Up

Follow-up monitoring is necessary after any aortic aneurysm surgical procedure. This is to ensure the stent works and the aorta is functioning without a high risk of rupture. Individuals will be advised to maintain a healthier heart and cardiovascular system. A surgeon/doctor will suggest:
  • Diet adjustments
  • Regular exercise
  • Quitting smoking/tobacco intake
  • Taking cholesterol and blood pressure medication
  • Chiropractic/Physical therapy for any spinal misalignment, herniation, sciatic nerve compression back pain relief.

Lower Back Pain

 

 

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*
Degenerative Disc/s and Chiropractic El Paso, Texas

Degenerative Disc/s and Chiropractic El Paso, Texas

Degenerative disc/s is a condition where the wearing down of the spinal discs causes pain and discomfort. All of our spines go through this, but not everybody�feels pain. Chiropractic care is a treatment option for degenerative disc disease (DDD). The first step is to determine the disc-related problem.

degenerative disc disease diagram | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Chiropractic Diagnosis

During an initial evaluation, your chiropractor will review your medical history, along with a discussion about current symptoms and the possible causes.

With degenerative disc/s�the main symptom is back pain. A chiropractor will examine potential causes:

  • How the mechanics of the spine are operating.
  • Thinning discs could bulge and place added pressure on the nerves of the spine.
  • Spinal stenosis can also cause back and leg pain.

A physical and neurological exam can pinpoint problem areas, like:

  • Where joint motion is restricted
  • Range of motion
  • Abnormal spinal curvature
  • Muscle spasms
  • Trigger points
  • An injury like a sprain or strain

There are different reasons why your neck or back may hurt, and your examination may include some basic tests. Observance of how you walk, and overall posture. This will help to observe body mechanics and how your spine moves. Imaging tests like x-rays or MRI are common to find the problem area and cause. The chiropractor will diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan for pain alleviation.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Degenerative Disc/s and Chiropractic El Paso, Texas

Degenerative Disc/s

The disc/s can lose their integrity, and begin to thin and possibly tear. This increases unwanted pressure on nerves and creates friction between the vertebrae. Degenerative disc disease can go through various stages. With the progression, the negative symptoms become more pronounced.

 

Stages

1

The first stage of degenerative disc disease may go unnoticed by the individual but can be identified by a chiropractor or other medical professional. The loss of the natural curvature of the spine can indicate the beginning of degenerative disc disease. Pain may not be apparent, but extra pressure is being placed on the spine which can lead to more rapid aging of the spine, nerves, joints, etc.

2

The degradation of discs becomes more apparent in the second stage. They may look thinner, and it is common to see deformations in the bone, such as bone spurs. The curvature of the spine will become more unnatural and the spinal canal may become more narrow. Stage 2 is often where you will begin to notice some pain and discomfort.

3

Stage 3 is marked by a more extreme change in the posture and curvature of the spine, along with more pain and loss of mobility. Nerve damage is common and scar tissue typically begins to form. Discs are even thinner than before, which can sometimes cause even more deformation of the bones.

4

The final stage of degenerative disc disease is the most severe and is typically considered irreversible. Discs are at their thinnest or gone altogether. The flexibility of the spine is extremely limited and pain is often considerable. Nerve damage can be severe and the bones of the spine may even begin to fuse together.

Care

Chiropractic care is a preferred treatment for degenerative disc/s disease. Because it is gentle and non-invasive, chiropractic does not create undesirable side effects like prescription meds and surgery are more prone to do. The earlier the stage of the disease, the more successful the treatment. But chiropractic can help even in the most extreme cases. The goal of chiropractic is to improve joint mechanics with improved spinal motion and reduced inflammation. The chiropractor may also work on improving the function of the intervertebral discs.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 Change of Weather Worsening Back Pain El Paso, TX.

 

Treatments can include:

Adjustment/s

One of the most effective treatments is to ensure the spine is in proper alignment. Loss of alignment, which can happen due to injury or just regular wear and tear, puts extra stress on the spine which can accelerate disc/s degradation. Adjustments bring the body back into proper alignment.

  • Spinal manipulation will identify the joints that are restricted or those that have abnormal motion. They will use a gentle thrusting technique.
  • Flexion-distraction technique uses a gentle, non-thrusting technique that is typically used to treat herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
  • Instrument-assisted manipulation uses a hand-held instrument. The chiropractor or therapist applies gentle force without thrusting directly into the spine.

 

Therapeutic massage

A physical therapist can perform different types of massage to reduce muscle tension. Manual joint stretching and resistance techniques can also relieve pain and other symptoms.

 

Trigger point therapy

Here tight painful points on a muscle/s are identified and places direct pressure on these points to relieve tension.

 

Decompression

Spinal decompression uses gentle but firm pressure to bring space back between the vertebrae. Space allows blood flow to return and healing to happen. Decompression is an important treatment to complement adjustments.

 

Electrical stimulation

A low-frequency electrical current stimulates your muscles and reduces inflammation.

Ultrasound

This type can help reduce muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain with sound waves that penetrate deep into your muscle tissues. This creates a gentle heat and enhances blood circulation.

With chiropractic, prevention is the key, and therapeutic exercises can prevent symptoms from getting worse. Seek treatment for your back and neck pain now. Our team can help you feel better and educate you on living a healthier life. Your chiropractor will work hard to treat you and address all your symptoms. Chiropractors treat the whole body and not just symptoms.


 

Herniated Disc El Paso, TX

 


 

NCBI Resources

A disc can also�herniate and place pressure on the nerves that flow into the feet, and cause pain, tingling, and numbness. The wear and tear of the spine combined with a herniated disc�can pinch the nerves that go to the feet.

 

Is My Pregnancy Causing Back Pain or Something Else El Paso, TX?

Is My Pregnancy Causing Back Pain or Something Else El Paso, TX?

Q: I’m experiencing back pain more so now.�My question is, is this back pain from my baby is it normal or is it something else? I’m a 30-year-old woman in the second trimester with our first child. I would have back pain before I was pregnant but nothing serious, just normal work and a little soreness at the end of the day. There was never back soreness or pain that I thought warranted a visit to the doctor. My doctor says that it is normal from the weight of the baby and there is nothing amiss, but to discuss this with a chiropractor, as there could be some treatment/therapies/exercises to help.

El Paso, TX.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 Is My Pregnancy Causing Back Pain or Something Else El Paso, TX?

 

A: Having low back pain before you were pregnant concerns me, as what you are saying sounds like a possible herniated disc bulging or slipped disc. However, I cannot give you an official diagnosis unless I see you as a patient and can’t say if it is something else.

But low back pain can be caused by a combination of things. This includes your pregnancy along with:

  • Herniated disc
  • Disc degeneration
  • Age
  • Muscle spasm/s
  • Daily wear and tear
  • Injuries
  • Unknown injuries
  • Added Weight

These are just a few of the things that could be causing your low back pain. Add pregnancy to this list and low back pain can become unbearable. Your pain can be made worse by a variety of factors.

For example, let’s say you were lifting a few pieces of light furniture before you became pregnant, and that slight soreness you felt and thought was nothing could actually be a strain, muscle spasm, or over-stretch that did not cause an injury but is the beginning of an injury waiting to happen.

During pregnancy, a growing belly can put place more pressure on the:

  • Intervertebral discs
  • Joints
  • Muscles
  • Ligaments

Hormones that are released during pregnancy can also exacerbate your back pain. The hormone relaxin causes the pelvis and the ligaments of the lower back to gain flexibility. This is in preparation for the delivery and can cause low back pain because of the added flexibility you are more prone to injury, which is why doctors say to take it easy. It could all be a combination of these factors but I would have to examine you, go over your medical history to get a proper diagnosis to create a personalized treatment plan during pregnancy and after if the need is there.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Tips For Reducing Back Pain During Pregnancy El Paso, TX.

Treatment During Pregnancy

There are several treatment options for back pain. During pregnancy is not the time to experiment with medications or back pain treatments that could cause a negative response or something else to your health. The goal�during pregnancy is safety.

Here are four safe therapies for managing back pain while pregnant:

  1. Gentle exercise/s like walking and yoga helps alleviate back pain and can also generate an overall feeling of wellness.
  2. Physical therapy can decrease your back pain by strengthening the muscles. A physical therapist that has experience working with pregnant women is the best option.
  3. Prenatal massage relaxes tense back muscles and reduces stress. Look for a massage therapist that specializes in prenatal massage.
  4. Prenatal yoga classes are great for decompressing/destressing during pregnancy.

Discuss all of this with your doctor and all treatment options. It’s not a good idea to start a new exercise program when you’re pregnant. If there was a regular exercise routine before you were pregnant, you can continue, but you may have to make some adjustments as your body prepares for the delivery. Once the baby is born, you and your doctor can re-evaluate your treatment plan. But regardless of your treatment plan, you should still continue to maintain a proper healthy weight by eating right and exercising regularly to prevent back pain from worsening.


 

Low Back Pain Treatment While Pregnant


 

NCBI Resources

Chiropractic a preferred treatment for pregnancy low back pain. The chiropractor may perform a spinal subluxation to bring the spine back into alignment and the body back into proper balance. Regular chiropractic care and following the doctor�s instructions can help greatly decrease back pain so that she can better enjoy the excitement and joy of her pregnancy.

 

SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

Spinal Cord Injuries Are Not Only Caused by Trauma

When people think of spinal cord injury/s or SCI’s, traumatic events like a major auto accident, hard fall, severe sports injury or intense work injury come to mind. It is true that auto accidents are the leading cause, however, non-traumatic accidents and diseases like a spinal tumor can also cause spinal cord injuries.

These types of injuries involve damage to the spinal cord that can temporarily or permanently affect its functionality. Spinal cord injuries are divided into 2 categories: traumatic and non-traumatic. Even with non-traumatic injuries the impact or severity is not lessened and the aftermath can have a devastating effect on a person�s life.

 

Spine Trauma Imaging Diagnostics Evaluation | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

Spinal Cord Injury Trauma

  • Vehicle crashes: Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of traumatic spinal cord injuries, and they account for 40% of all SCI’s.
  • Falls: Falls are the second cause of traumatic spinal cord injuries, and they account for 32% of injuries.
  • Sports: Sports and recreational activities cause around 9.0% of traumatic spinal cord injuries.
  • Violence: Violent acts, like gunshot wounds or a stabbing cause around 14% of spinal cord injuries.

Spinal cord injuries occur more in men than women with 80% of cases affecting men.

Although people of all ages can experience SCI, there are activities/events that increase the risk that affects different age groups more than others. An example is high-impact actions like motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries occur more in young adults. Conversely, spinal cord injuries caused by a fall happens more in adults over age 60.

Regardless, SCI occurs more in the neck or cervical spine. Around 60% of cases involve the neck, followed by the mid-back or thoracic spine that averages to around 32% of injuries. Although most people experience low-back pain, only 9% of spinal injuries occur in the low back and tailbone or lumbosacral spine.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

 

Understanding SCI Trauma

Damage to the spinal cord not only affects the area where the point of impact occurred. The primary injury can also damage cells, dislocate the vertebrae and cause spinal compression. It can also trigger secondary injuries, that cause a series of biological changes. This can happen within weeks or months after the injury.

The secondary injury cascade processes:

Glial cells along with the nerve cells in the spinal cord begin to die. These cells provide nutrients and other support to the nerve cells in the central nervous system. This consists of the brain and spinal cord.

The blood vessels in the spinal cord lose their ability to function, and this reduces the blood supply to the cord. When the blood supply becomes inadequate it is called ischemia. Blood vessel injuries expose the cord to inflammatory cells that in turn cause swelling. When the spinal cord becomes inflamed the spinal cord gets more and more compressed. If this happens�the initial injury progressively worsens.

This changes the cord�s structure and its normal operation. The secondary injury cascade can interfere with the cord�s ability to heal itself. This means an individual could experience permanent nerve pain and dysfunction.

 

Non-traumatic SCI

Spinal cord damage does not only happen with traumatic events. An SCI can also be caused by non-traumatic diseases in the spine. Tumors are the leading cause, but infections and degenerative disc disease can also cause serious damage.

Non-traumatic SCI’s happen more than traumatic based ones. �The incidence of traumatic SCI in North America comes to around 54 cases per one million people. With the incidence of non-traumatic SCI is around 1,227 cases per million people.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 126 SCI-Spinal Cord Injury Chiropractic Care El Paso, Texas

 

Healthy Spinal Cord Injury Outcomes

Spine researchers are making great strides in developing optimal protective and regenerative treatments to improve spinal cord health after these injuries occur.

Currently, innovative medical, surgical, cell-based and alternative treatments are furthering the medical community�s understanding of SCI’s. This is dramatically improving the quality of life and creating positive futures for individuals who experience these injuries.


 

Car Accident Injury Rehabilitation | El Paso, Tx (2020)

 


 

NCBI Resources

The muscles in the back keep the spine moving and functioning properly.�When the spine or�abdominal muscles are�weak this creates a higher probability of a back strain or injury. Having strong, healthy spine muscles are important because they function in maintaining correct posture, which in some cases, causes chronic back pain because of poor posture.

If�only one part of the body is�strengthened like the back is not enough. Therefore strengthening the rest of the body is a must. These include the body�s core and leg muscles. Total body strength will reduce back pain and can help perform regular activities, like�lifting heavy objects much easier, with more confidence and with a lesser probability of injury.