Facet joint syndrome also called facet joint sprain is a common cause of back pain. The joint/s in our bodies connect two or more bones and their primary function is to promote motion. In the spine, the joints connecting each vertebra are known as facet joints. Like any other joint, each facet joints� job is to generate healthy movement and provide stability for each motion segment.
The disc/s function as spacers that support motion between the vertebral bodies. This creates a tri-relationship between the intervertebral disc and the facet joints. Degeneration or damage/injury to one affects the other. The effects of aging and/or traumatic injury can damage the facet joints and is the leading cause of back pain known as facet joint syndrome.
There are a variety of treatments that are used, but the most mainstream involves pain medication which can have undesirable side effects and can lead to addiction. Chiropractic is a proven, reliable treatment for pain relief and discomfort of facet joint syndrome. It restores mobility and flexibility while providing pain relief. Individuals notice significant alleviation from the pain and inflammation with chiropractic and is often recommended to those with the condition.
Facet joint syndrome
The joints are located at the back of the spine. At each level, there are two joints, one on each side of the spine. The facet joints are enclosed in a capsule. The capsule contains synovial fluid and the surface is covered with hyaline cartilage. These joints are constructed in this fashion because of their role in the body. This role is to control excessive or extensive movement, which includes hyperextension and rotation. This helps to stabilize the spine.
Facet joint syndrome happens when there is an injury or damage to the joints. There are a variety of causes, but basically, it is a sprain that is brought on by excessive movement. This damages the joint capsule and results in inflammation, swelling, and pain.
The pain triggers a protective mechanism in the spine called a reactive muscle spasm which causes difficulty moving comfortably and severe, sudden pain. It is difficult to sit and rest because of its integral function of supporting the body. Severe sprains can take weeks to heal, normally 2 to 6 weeks. The�daily pain and lack of mobility make everyday activities difficult and a normal lifestyle almost impossible.
Chiropractic/Physical Therapy
Chiropractic is a proven, effective treatment for facet syndrome.� A chiropractor will conduct a physical exam, discuss medical history, and send you for diagnostic tests like x-rays and MRIs. Once they have a clear picture of the condition and a facet joint syndrome diagnosis has been confirmed, they will discuss a recommended course of treatment that can include:
Exercise
They recommend exercises�specific�to the condition that helps relieve the pain while strengthening the muscles in the back.
Poor Posture
Posture is extremely important for spinal health and general wellness.
A chiropractor will help you achieve a proper, healthy posture along with exercises to do at home to maintain posture and retrain your body.
Heat/Ice
Heat wraps, hot showers or ice packs and cold pads can be recommended to help control pain and swelling.
Changes
Depending on job type, you may be advised to take frequent breaks if you sit all day or shorten your commute. Certain activities won�t be do-able for some time until your back heals.
Spinal manipulation
Spinal manipulation is the most standard chiropractic treatment. A chiropractor may include other treatments/therapies depending on the specific condition and lifestyle.
Chiropractic is a safe, effective, non-invasive, and drug-free way to treat facet joint syndrome, relieve back pain, and help you regain mobility. Talk to your chiropractor about treatment options. Our uplifting southwest community surrounded by its infinite beauty is a fantastic place to live and enjoy our families; it is, therefore, our mission to help each of our patients to live,�to�love,�to�matter�and�to�thrive�pain-free�in this beautiful special place.
Reducing stress is important for emotional well being and physical health. Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex condition with no cure and can cause intense chronic pain. Stress only exacerbates the symptoms, affects pain perception, and weakens the body. Stress management is highly important for reducing pain. In a weakened state, an individual is more vulnerable to arthritis symptoms, like flare-ups, weakness, and fatigue.�Chiropractic can help.
There are non-surgical treatments for arthritis, like medications, physical, and massage therapy that address the physical nature of the condition. By eliminating stressful triggers and making healthy behavioral/lifestyle changes a better sense of well being can be achieved.
Different emotions can run rampant:
Confusion
Frustration
Anger
Sadness
Helplessness
And all of these feelings can generate intense stress on an individual. Chiropractic excels in wellness and is becoming more common for individuals to visit chiropractic clinics for treating a variety of different kinds of pain symptoms and conditions. Chiropractic adjustments provide countless benefits to those with arthritis. We�ll explore how chiropractic can help those with arthritis and give additional information along with suggestions on how to alleviate the pain.
What Chiropractic Does
A doctor of chiropractic is a health professional that focuses on wellness and optimal health instead of ailment/sickness symptoms. Their specialty aims at adjusting the spine to correct misalignments that could be pressing down on nerves and causing major disruption in the body. Regular chiropractic not only restores health throughout the body but helps alleviate back pain and any other symptoms associated with an out of alignment spine.
They also work in setting up exercise programs specific to the condition being treated along with the proper diet to utilize in assisting with the management of inflammation and pain.
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation in the body’s joints which results in pain, stiffness and limited range of movement. There are over 200 different varieties of arthritis. Generally associated with age, it can affect young people. It can strike pretty much any area of the body. Arthritis can cause damage to soft tissues and muscles.
Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type. It comes from repeated trauma to the joints and occurs more often in the elderly.
Other forms include:
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second common type in which the body�s immune system attacks the joint/s.
Psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune form of arthritis.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis where the body attacks itself.
Septic arthritis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection of the joint/s.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing arthritis involves a thorough physical examination. Rheumatologists often need help with these cases, and so a medical work-up can be done and a chiropractor could be recommended. This includes X-rays or MRIs, urine, blood analysis, and physical examinations. Having the condition properly diagnosed will help to more effectively treat the symptoms.
Chiropractic
The most common treatment is medication, which takes down the inflammation, the swelling and reduces pain. Chiropractors can be of great help in managing arthritis. Medications work but as we’ve seen they can have long-term health risks like impaired healing, damage to the stomach lining and internal bleeding.
A chiropractor can reduce stress, and reliance on medications, all the while managing the pain and symptoms in a natural way. Chiropractic can:
Improve range of motion
Keeps the spine properly aligned
Improve endurance
Improve flexibility
Increase strength
Increase muscle tone
Develop a dietary and nutritional plan to reduce inflammation
Recommend an exercise regimen conducive to arthritis symptoms
According to the American Chiropractic Association, this is vital in managing arthritis symptoms.
Treatment
Understand that chiropractic cannot cure arthritis. They can help alleviate symptoms, slow the progression and help to reduce stress levels. They will use adjustments in combination with other treatments. This can include:
Hot and cold treatments
Ultrasound treatments
Massage
Electronic muscle stimulation
Physical rehabilitation
Magnet therapy
Reduce Stress
Exercise
Water aerobics or make walking around the park/neighborhood part of a daily routine, as it promotes a healthy mind by reducing stress and anxiety. Gentle exercises like aerobic exercise are perfect because it improves mobility and helps shed a few pounds taking pressure off the joints. Exercise creates endorphins, which reduces pain and uplifts the mood.
Support groups
With any type of painful condition, it’s easy to feel alone. Joining a support group can connect you with people who understand what’s going on and the emotions you’re experiencing. The community helps diminish the sense of isolation.
Relaxation therapy
This focuses on calming the body and mind by making a conscious effort to relax. Even for only a few moments, you might find this technique effective at controlling the stress response. Begin by focusing on one part of the body like the hands, feet, etc.
Concentrate until the area you’re focusing on is completely free of stress or tension. Then imagine weightlessness flow through the body. Close your eyes, lie down, turn off the lights, and think of something soothing. There are no strict guidelines for relaxation. Whatever puts you in a relaxed frame of mind is the way to do it.
Warm bath
Warm moist heat from a shower, bath, or steam room can decrease the secretion of stress hormones and raise levels of endorphins, as aforementioned the body’s natural pain killers.
Take time for yourself
When it comes to reducing stress, balance is key. Staying active, and regular rest/sleep is vital to successful treatment. A balance needs to be in everything you do. Therefore, make time for the things you want to do.
Results
Inflammatory diseases like arthritis have shown the best results are achieved from combating it from all angles. Working with a chiropractor and rheumatologist to combine treatments can make all the difference. A healthy diet and active exercise program will get you in the right direction toward a healthy active lifestyle. If you or a loved one are suffering from arthritis, don�t hesitate to call. We�re here to help in any way possible!
Shoulder pain along with the kinds of shoulder problems like sprains and strains that chiropractors regularly treat often involves a form of rotator dysfunction. The shoulder has the greatest mobility of any joint in the body. However, there is little stability when in certain positions the soft tissues in the shoulder area can get injured through sports injury/s, recreational activities, at work or in a fall.�
This usually begins with dysfunction of the rotator cuff muscles and progresses to:
In cases like this, there is no direct, acute injury.
Every sprain and strain injury to the shoulder must be treated and rehabilitated�properly�to avoid future injuries and pain. There is a higher probability of shoulder instability that becomes chronic after an injury. This is because the surrounding muscles and connective tissues are what create shoulder joint stability.
Shoulder Pain
The shoulder goes through a great deal that we do not realize. It is made up of an intricate network of ligaments and muscles, with the rotator cuff taking most of the load/weight during movement and exertion. As aforementioned, the shoulder is the most flexible joint in the human body, but it is one of the most unstable. For athletes, shoulder injuries are pretty common, as the shoulder sustains more injuries than almost any other part of the body.
The shoulder is unstable because of its unique construction. Other joints like the ankle or elbow are limited in their range of motion. The shoulder, on the other hand, can move pretty widely, which leaves it open to stress, injury, and pain. The soft tissues in the shoulder, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can get injured from overuse, excessive strain, falls, and improper motion.
Treating shoulder pain can be a challenge because it is used so much daily. A Chiropractor can bring relief to shoulder pain and speed up the healing process.
Injury and pain causes
Shoulder pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. Injury is one of the most common causes and is seen in athletes, like swimmers, gymnasts, golfers, baseball players, bowlers, and tennis players, etc, who use their arms and shoulders regularly, place added stress on the joint.
Jobs that involve repetitive shoulder movements can also cause injury. People whose job requires repetitive motions or strenuous upper bodywork are at higher risk. Truck drivers, construction workers, warehouse and grocery store employees commonly experience shoulder injury and pain.
Prevention
Preventing shoulder pain and injury can be a simple process. Workers and athletes whose jobs require repetitive arm work or rotation should warm-up, and take stretching and shake out the hand/s and arm/s breaks. Pain should be addressed, as soon as it presents with ice/heat and a possible chiropractic appointment. Ignoring the pain could lead to a more serious/chronic condition.
Shoulder rest is always a must. The joint needs time off to heal and regular chores should not be resumed until the doctor or chiropractor clears the patient. Chiropractors usually recommend exercises and stretches geared toward the type of injury/s or condition/s.
Chiropractor
Chiropractic is highly beneficial for shoulder injury/s and shoulder pain.
It will:
Reduce pain
Relieve pain
Improve range of motion
Increase flexibility
Restore function to the joint
Different techniques are used depending on the type of injury or condition. The patient will be assessed by the chiropractor and will determine a treatment plan. Compression techniques have been found to be very effective for shoulder pain. It is favored because it is not strenuous for the doctor, is very safe, and is handled well by the patient. Chiropractic is the treatment of choice for shoulder pain because it is minimally invasive and it works.
Chiropractic addresses the entire body with its aim to relieve pain without drugs or surgery and keep the individual healthy and functioning at an optimal level. Are you, a family member, or friend suffering from shoulder stiffness/pain? If so, give us a call. Dr. Jimenez and his outstanding physical therapy team are here to help!
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder affecting millions and mostly women. It is physically and emotionally distressing. Those with the condition experience widespread chronic muscle pain. Research has shown that individuals with fibromyalgia could have a lower threshold for pain. This can come from injury, emotional distress, or abnormal levels of substances/chemicals in the brain and spine linked to pain sensitivity. One of the most common treatments is chiropractic medicine.
Common symptoms/conditions individuals report:
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Irritable bladder
Irritable bowel syndrome
Migraines
Sleep disorders
Restless legs syndrome
TMJ or Temporomandibular joint disorder
Raynaud’s Syndrome�-�a�rare blood vessel disorder causing the toes and hands to feel cold or numb.
Doctors are still trying to figure out the relationship between these conditions and fibromyalgia.
Causes
Doctors have yet to determine the exact cause, however, research is ongoing and beginning to shed light on the condition. Some possible causes include:
Abnormalities in the endocrine system
Abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system
Genetics
Muscle tissue abnormalities
Abnormal blood flow
As research has discovered many conditions/disorders do not have one cause but rather, several factors that impact the probability of developing the condition.
Questions
It has become one of the most common chronic pain conditions. 1 in 50 Americans are dealing with fibromyalgia. The condition can be difficult to diagnose, and, because of its chronic nature, it can linger for months and even years. Typically it causes pain throughout the body and creates areas that become tender to the slightest touch. There are both traditional and alternative treatments available.
Traditional approaches to manage the pain:
Anti-inflammatory’s
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Sleep medications
Muscle relaxants
Fibromyalgia medications include:
Lyrica – pregabalin, which is a nerve pain medication
Cymbalta – duloxetine hydrochloride, which is an antidepressant that can also help manage pain
Savella – milnacipran HCI, which is an antidepressant and nerve pain medicine
The type of treatment depends on the symptoms. For example, a doctor could prescribe an antidepressant to reduce pain and depression. If stress, anxiety, and trouble sleeping are presenting,�a therapeutic exercise program could be the answer. Individuals prefer natural remedies/therapies instead of more medications like vitamin therapy, acupuncture, and meditation.
Other treatment options include alternative treatments like:
The most common issue is constant and consistent pain, which can affect the entire body for weeks and even months. Individuals realize that chiropractic helps restore overall health and aids the body to heal itself. Adjustments to the spine bring alignment and balance back to the body. Also incorporated is soft tissue work that can relieve and reduce painful pressure/trigger points and decrease pain in tender spots.
Range of motion is increased
Chiropractic medicine also adjusts the body’s joints and helps loosen them up. This increases the range of motion and allows the individual to move more freely and easily. Depending on how long the individual has been dealing with the condition, it can take a few treatments to achieve optimal results, so it does take a commitment from the individual patient. However, in the long run, it is well worth the time.
Sleep is improved
The pain associated with fibromyalgia often affects an individual’s ability to sleep well. Being unable to sleep normally will leave you exhausted, foggy, unable to accomplish things and irritable to downright angry. A chiropractor’s ability to loosen the body’s joints, massage tender points, and kickstart the body’s self-healing mechanisms means individuals with this condition can enjoy deep sleep, and stay asleep.
Complements other therapies
Medicines/treatments/therapies can counteract with each other, or get mixed up and cause side effects. Chiropractic medicine can be utilized in combination with medications/treatments, either traditional or natural. Individuals diagnosed with this condition should speak to their chiropractor about the different treatments available. Customized treatment programs are created case-by-case and are tailored to the specific needs of that individual. Remember there is not a one-stop solution.
Empowers the individual
Individuals that have to deal with painful, chronic conditions can exhaust themselves with the varying treatment options and can feel as if they have no control over the situation. This causes stress, anxiety, and depression, which works against achieving overall wellness. With chiropractic, individuals are more in charge of their treatment plan, which leads to an optimistic outlook in their recovery.�
Chiropractic medicine treats not only the symptoms of fibromyalgia but attempts to get to the root cause to alleviate the condition or to activate the body’s self-healing response. Patients that commit will see the benefits along with reduced pain, better mobility, and sound sleep.
The best benefit is being able to take control of the circumstances and playing a vital role in the managing of an individual’s well-being. Understand that there are options available for fibromyalgia pain management. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, don�t go it alone. Dr. Alex Jimenez is passionate about helping those who are injured or struggling with a condition get relief. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
We are familiar with neck stiffness or a crick. This can prevent us from comfortably moving the head all around. A crick can cause the spine, and shoulders to feel rigid and stressed from not being able to turn around and could cause an upper or low-back strain from having to turn the whole body to look back or even just to the side. Chiropractic treatment is available and will help, along with some self-care therapies that can be done at home.
Crick in the Neck vs. Neck Stiffness
A crick in the neck is the same as a stiff neck. It develops when the neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments become strained/sprained. Most strains and sprains are minor but do cause inflammation/swelling of the neck�s soft tissues, which results in stiffness and, at times muscle spasms.
The symptoms
Cricks in the neck are uncomfortable, but not necessarily painful. If there is a pre-existing neck condition or injuries like whiplash the crick and stiffness could increase the uncomfortableness and generate pain.
The most common symptoms include:
Neck stiffness
Muscle stiffness
Reduced mobility affecting the neck�s range of motion
A popping sensation when trying to turn or tilt the head
Causes of a stiff neck or crick
There are different causes of neck stiffness. It can be a combination of things you can control and some you can�t.
Possible causes that you can control:
Poor posture working either sitting or standing for several hours without breaks or stretching.
Sleeping in a position that puts the neck in an awkward position or using a pillow that does not support the neck when sleeping.
Constantly looking down at a cell phone or tablet.
Stress and emotional tension can cause involuntarily tightening of the neck muscles and shoulders.
Heavy labor along with incorrect lifting techniques.
Reaching or having to look up/overhead for several hours like when painting a ceiling.
Possible causes that are out of your control:
Whiplash injury
Sports-injuries like a football stinger
Aging muscles and bones
Around 13% of cases the stiffness, and pain are caused by separate cervical spinal conditions, like:
Cold therapy reduces the swelling of soft tissues, like muscles and ligaments, while heat soothes the tightness by boosting blood circulation to the affected area. There are different products available that can deliver cold or heat to the neck and upper back.
Apply ice for 15 minutes each hour.
Apply heat therapy like a heating pad for 15 minutes every 2 or 3 hours.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammation medicines
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve inflammation and pain.
Because neck stiffness can be linked to lifestyle choices, individuals may find that they occur repeatedly. Simple neck stretches, chiropractic treatment, using a supportive pillow, and taking frequent breaks at your job can help prevent neck stiffness and keep you moving. These professionals have undergone extensive training in their field and are capable of treating neck pain effectively. So if you or a loved one are experiencing neck pain, give us a call. We�re ready to help!
Knee pain chiropractic: Around 40 percent of running injuries are knee injuries. They fall under a general term of runner�s knee. This includes chondromalacia patellae also referred to as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFMS). Other knee injuries include iliotibial band syndrome and plica syndrome.
Rest and ice are common therapies, but when that doesn�t work or when pain and mobility issues comeback, chiropractic is a tried and true treatment option. Structural issues that affect the knees are often very responsive to chiropractic treatment.
In the case of chondromalacia patellae and other knee problems, it has proven to reduce pain and help improve the condition significantly, providing increased mobility and flexibility.
Anatomy
The knee is constructed to take the impact of the body�s weight when bending and moving. Under the knee is a layer of cartilage that is a natural shock absorber. Injury/s, overuse, aging, and other conditions can cause damage to the cartilage. The condition causes pain and impaired mobility, especially when walking up or downstairs. The pain can be reduced with rest and ice, but sometimes it’s not enough.
Common treatments include:
Chiropractic
Physical therapy
Medications
Surgery
Symptoms
Common symptoms include pain at the front of the knee. It can be described as a dull ache deep in the knee.
This pain can be made worse when:
Sitting with the knee bent for a long time
Squatting
Kneeling
Walking up and downstairs
The more the knee is in use the worse it is. Rest and ice work fairly quickly to help relieve the pain. But if the pain persists even with rest and ice, more aggressive treatment is the next step. Traditional doctors prescribe medication and surgery. But now more individuals are gravitating to a drug-free, less invasive treatment, like chiropractic.
Causes
The exact cause of chondromalacia patellae is still unknown. The condition has been linked to several factors.
Overuse and repetitive stress placed on the joint. This is seen in sports and physical activities that involve jumping and running.
Poor muscle control when the muscles that surround the knee and hip don�t operate properly making the tracking of the kneecap off balance.
Trauma such as a fracture or dislocation.
Figure 106. Patellar tendonitis (jumper�s knee).
Risks
A person�s risk of developing chondromalacia patellae can increase based on certain criteria.
Young adults and adolescents can acquire the injury as they’re still growing.
Older individuals with knee pain and possible arthritis are more susceptible to injury.
Gender is a risk factor, as women are twice as likely to develop the condition compared to men. Doctors theorize this is due to the skeletal structure of a woman as the pelvis is wider increasing the angle where the bones of the knee joint meet.
Those that participate in sports that involve a lot of jumping and running have a higher risk. Particularly if the individual increases their level of training.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment for chondromalacia patellae includes nutritional intervention as well as adjustments, stretches and exercises. The treatment is focused on stretching shortened hamstrings and adjusting the sacroiliac joint.
The aim is to improve the tracking of the kneecap and increase motor control. Soft tissue work can help individuals with knee pain. The whole-body approach that chiropractic provides goes beyond relief from knee pain but curing or reducing the condition completely.
The Cost-effectiveness
Why see a chiropractor?
There are plenty of reasons why. From:
General health
Aches
Pains
Injury
Increased movement
Strength
Optimal health
Millions are now turning to chiropractic for natural healing, relief, and whole-body wellness. Some may think the price could hinder their decision to seek chiropractic. Lack of insurance and the number of treatments are two of the common reasons patients think it’s too expensive.
However, individuals need to understand the cost of other treatment options like medications and surgery that end up costing more than dollars with all the negative side-effects. Here are three reasons to visit a chiropractor, and the savings that come with it.
Prevention
Chiropractic promotes optimal health through prevention that is increasingly attracting those striving to remain younger, longer. It promotes whole-body healing through spinal adjustments/joint manipulations to increase mobility and optimize the body’s performance. It decreases blood pressure and reduces the chance of headaches.
Avoiding these health issues saves tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. Seeing a professional chiropractor enables a person to stay healthy and enjoy a more active lifestyle because their back, bones, and joints are in optimal condition.
Re-Injured
Millions of bodies are injured from a variety of mishaps and accidents.
Sports injuries
Car accidents
Work injuries
Slips
Falls
Our backs, knees, ankles, hips, and feet take a beating. Chiropractic for injury/s is a wise choice as it promotes healing, decreases dependence on medications, and minimizes the chance of a recurrence. It also strengthens the other parts of the surrounding area of the body and not just the injured area. Treating injuries through chiropractic decreases money spent on expensive medicine and reduces time off work.
Chronic
Many types of medical conditions are ongoing, with no cure in sight. Daily pain, loss of strength and mobility are conditions that individuals power through and learn to live with when they don’t want to continually take medication and feel horrible. This is where chiropractic medicine can shine, as it’s all-natural. The aim is to get the body to react the way it is supposed to and heal itself.
An experienced chiropractor can treat these medical conditions by building a customized treatment plan to manage the symptoms with drug-free pain management. Adjustments to the afflicted area, proper anti-inflammation diet, and at-home exercises reduce pain symptoms and increases mobility. Chiropractic is a productive treatment for various injuries and medical conditions, combined with preventative therapy to maintain and prolong wellness.
Yoga has gained popularity because of its ability to reduce back pain, relax tight muscles, relieve stress and exercise in a safe calm environment. Developed thousands of years ago, the practice of breathing, posing and stretching offers a variety of important health benefits. As a chiropractor, I�m often asked about the practice of yoga. Those with back pain or have undergone spine surgery want to know if yoga can help them improve their physical and psychological health.
Reduced stress
Improved blood pressure
Increased flexibility
Increased stamina
Greater balance
Improved breathing techniques
In addition to the normal exercise benefits yoga offers, the practice serves as therapy for a variety of injuries and health conditions. Yoga embodies the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness, and touches upon other forms of traditional exercise. The concept that yoga heals the body in its entirety mirrors chiropractic care. These foundations offer enormous benefits to those dealing with a variety of injuries and conditions. By incorporating yoga, individuals are able to reap amazing rewards.
A regular exercise plan needs to include a little cardio as there are huge benefits from pumping the heart rate up. Minimal loading exercises, like biking, and swimming are great. Pain can be managed by participating in cardiovascular exercises, however, yoga�s gentleness can complement the healing process.
Here are a few reasons:
Prepares the body for healing
Practicing yoga stretches and elongates the body’s muscles, releasing tension and stress. It can serve to warm up the body and clear the mind, so a chiropractor can get to the root problem. Yoga complements chiropractic treatment by preparing the body to heal itself.
Strengthens joints and ligaments
Dealing with a health condition or injury is frustrating and can seem like it takes forever to heal. Implementing yoga into a recovery plan helps strengthen joints and ligaments, which aids in promoting healing and cutting down the time it takes to get better. Yoga works on the body as a whole and promotes greater well-being from head to toe. A stronger body offers more productivity than one that is stiff, sore, and unhealthy.
Increases range of motion
Depending on the individual’s specific condition, individuals may need a few visits to prepare their bodies before the main issue can be addressed. Yoga sessions increase a body’s flexibility and help with the range of motion in the neck, back, hips, and other joints.
Prevents injury/s
Yoga provides a continual way for individuals dealing with chronic conditions to manage and reduce pain, inflammation, and other symptoms. Yoga combined with chiropractic keeps the body aligned, balanced, muscles stretched, de-stressed, and the joints working properly.
Both also serve to keep posture correct, and ligaments strong. All of this creates a body that is less susceptible to future injury, illness, and stress. Individuals enjoy increased mobility for a lot longer without changing lifestyle.
The Best Way to Start
There are many different types of yoga. Most sessions usually last an hour and include breathing exercises, meditation and holding poses/postures that stretch and tone muscle groups.
To help visualize how yoga can help the spine, here’s an analogy:
Think of the spine like a cookie ice cream sandwich with the ice cream in-between and a gummy band wrapped around. The cookies represent the vertebrae, the ice cream is the disc cushion in between and the gummy band represents the ligament and muscles surrounding the area.
The tighter the gummy band is, the more it compresses the cookies and applies pressure to the ice cream.When stretching the gummy band, it loosens the pressure on the cookies and reduces the load/compression of the ice cream.
Exercise is crucial for recovery and rehabilitation. Yoga is a gentle way to get you back on your feet. It promotes circulation, relaxation, strength, and flexibility. Pure plane movements meaning moving forward then backward in basic movements are essential until the body becomes more flexible. Move carefully forward, sideways and cautiously backward.
At the beginning no movements combining bending and twisting.
The muscles need to adapt and become comfortable with these movements at first. Therefore, hold poses for at least 30 seconds without bouncing minimizing potential injury.
Certified instructor
Ask your doctor or chiropractor if they can recommend a certified yoga instructor; preferably with 500 hours of instruction. Search for small class sizes and a teacher that closely monitors movements and poses closely. It is important that the instructor be aware and make gentle adjustments or offer modifications to participants as needed.
Restorative Flow
Start off with a type known as Restorative Flow. It restores the flow from one part of the body to another with slow controlled movements/poses that emphasize stretching and correct breathing.
Listen to Your Body
When healing from injury/s, take it slow. Listen to your body and let it guide your movements so that it feels safe and comfortable. Do not push beyond. For most, a beginner or restorative Yoga class is best. Ask about modifying the poses so that the bending and twisting combinations/advanced postures are taken out so as not to overload the joints.
If you are on a budget consider purchasing an instructional DVD. DVD’s offer program variations of 20 to 60 minutes and are highly educational and easy to follow. Stretching pain/soreness is okay, but sharp pain is not.
Yoga could be an answer to many of the body’s issues, whether dealing with current conditions or just want to stay healthy in a new way check out the basics of yoga. Chiropractic coupled with yoga offers great benefits to those dealing with medical conditions or injury. Ask your chiropractor for an evaluation, and if adding yoga to your health program will help.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
