Q: My primary healthcare provider recently diagnosed me with a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. They referred me to get chiropractic treatment, but I�m nervous because it’s new to me and I’m afraid of being adjusted wrong, paralyzed, etc. Can I trust chiropractic treatment to work?
A: It�s normal to be nervous about going to a chiropractic clinic.
If you’re not sure whether chiropractic is for you, there is scientific evidence that shows how chiropractic techniques like spinal manipulation/spinal adjustment and forms of manual/mechanical therapy are safe and effective for relieving pain and other musculoskeletal pain, conditions, and symptoms.
I encourage everyone to try chiropractic treatment as a non-surgical treatment option for a herniated disc.
It Is Your Decision
At the first appointment, a chiropractor will take a medical history and perform a thorough exam to determine the nature of the symptoms and their possible causes, which include a herniated disc.
Sometimes with a herniated disc, there may be no symptoms at all.
But usually a herniated disc causes:
Back pain
Referred pain or pain that is felt in other parts of the body like the legs, feet, etc.
An irritated spinal nerve can cause symptoms in the legs
This can lead to neurological symptoms like:
Tingling
Numbness
Weakness in the legs
Once the chiropractor determines your symptoms, they may use one or several techniques to relieve the back pain and other symptoms.
Techniques used by chiropractors for disc-related problems include:
Specific self-treatment exercises to improve motion & decrease back pain
Cox technique like spinal traction using special tables
Spinal manipulation
Hands-on techniques that relieve pain and restore movement to the spine and body
These techniques have been proven to be very safe. There are other techniques a chiropractor can recommend for various conditions, as each has their own style and method.
A chiropractic treatment plan will also include:
Education
Self-management instructions
This is to teach you how to control/eliminate pain with proper posture and proper body mechanics.
Whichever treatment the chiropractor recommends, he or she will discuss it with you, including the benefits and risks.
Although the treatments listed above will most likely be a part of your treatment plan, your chiropractor will answer your questions and work with you to select a treatment that meets your specific goals and preferences.
Don’t Be Nervous A Chiropractor Monitors Treatment Progress
If symptoms do not improve within a reasonable time frame, then a chiropractor may refer the patient to other treatments to manage disc-related pain, including:
Physical therapy
Acupuncture
Spinal injections
Surgery
Fortunately, self-management and time can be the best treatment. Allowing the body to heal itself is the way to go. But if rest is not enough then chiropractic treatment may be just what is needed to kick in the body’s self-healing function.
If you decide to give chiropractic treatment a try, don’t be nervous, as a chiropractor will monitor progress throughout the treatment.
In any case, chiropractors are qualified to discuss the benefits and risks of other treatments, depending on the condition.
Hopefully, this article has given you the basics of chiropractic medicine and how it works so you can make the best choice for your herniated disc/s.
Low Back Pain Management El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Denise suffered an auto accident injury which resulted in back pain. When she realized she could not sit, walk or sleep for lengthy periods of time without having painful symptoms, Denise found chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez at El Paso, TX. Once she received therapy for her automobile accident injuries, Denise experienced relief from her symptoms and she was able to execute her regular tasks once again. Thanks to the education and maintenance Dr. Alex Jimenez supplied, Denise regained her initial health and health.
Back pain is more most common, with roughly nine out of ten adults undergoing it at some time in their lifetime, and five functioning adults developing it annually. Some quote around 95 percent of Americans will experience back pain at some time in their lifetime. It is undoubtedly the typical cause of chronic pain since it’s also a substantial contributor to missed work and handicap. In the United States alone, acute cases of lower back pain are the fifth most frequent reason for doctor visits and cause 40% of missed days off work. What’s more, it is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
NCBI Resources
A herniated disc is a common spinal condition that typically affects the cervical spine (neck region) or the lumbar spine (lower back), although it can occur in any part of the spine. Most often, a herniated disc happens at the L4 � L5 and the L5 � S1.� This is because this portion of the spine, the lumbar region, bears the bulk of the body�s weight.
FDA recognizes and approves spinal decompression and its ability to eliminate herniated discs.
On the verge of back surgery, a mason discovered the non-surgical solution to work-related chronic back pain.
A new male patient who works in construction came to see me as a last resort to lessen his back pain brought on from damaged/herniated discs.
His primary caregiver recommended back surgery, but that would have put him on disability for months.
Fortunately, before saying yes to the surgery, a co-worker recommended chiropractic care.
Bricklayers/masons have the highest rate of back injuries with non-paid sick leave.
Constant bending over, even with a back brace, takes its toll on the spine, which in this case resulted in two herniated discs.
Pain medications helped in the beginning but with constant use, put him in a constant brain fog state, along with the expense, which took its toll on the family budget.
Disc Injury & Back Surgery
The doctor did not discuss spinal decompression therapy
�A non-surgical back treatment that slowly and gently stretches the spine.
This stretching lessens the pressure on the compressed nerve root (herniated disc) and results in less and even complete alleviation.
The patient came twice a week with myself and the team working on him over the course of a month, however, every case is different so treatments vary depending on the condition.
With each treatment, the two herniated discs were slowly reverted back to their natural position. This is able to be achieved with less pressure between the discs.
Towards the end of treatment, the patient’s pain was gone by about 90%.
With two weeks of rest, the patient was able to return to work.
The best part was that there was no surgery, pain medications, disability, and hospital bills.
Spine treatment alternative
Chiropractic/Decompression therapy is way less expensive than medication and surgery. It is:
Non-surgical
Recovery time is faster
Completely drug-free
People suffering every day with herniated/injured discs should consider the chiropractic decompression option. You do not have to learn to live with chronic back pain.
If you suffer from:
Herniated discs
Bulging discs
Degenerative disc disease
I encourage you to discuss the condition with an experienced chiropractor. There are many proven alternatives to back surgery and pain meds. People need to be aware of these alternatives for chronic back pain. The right-back pain treatment can definitely improve the quality of life.
Herniated Disc El Paso, TX
Sandra Rubio developed two herniated discs and a bulging disc after suffering from an accident at a young age, which caused her intense pain throughout her youth.
When she became a mother, her symptoms became severe.
After visiting doctors without results, Sandra found chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez and found relief from her sciatica and migraines.
The herniated disc treatment she received from Dr. Alex Jimenez was non-surgical.
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is a medical condition in which:
Atear from the outer intervertebral disc allows the soft, central area to bulge out beyond the outer rings.
Disc herniation is usually a result of:
Degeneration (wear/tear)
Trauma (auto accident/sports injury)
Lifting injuries
Straining movement
The tear can release the compounds, which cause inflammation and can cause severe pain even if the nerve root not compressed.
A physical examination is usually the first step in diagnosing a herniated disc. The chiropractor will examine the spine while the patient is standing, and while they’re lying down. Depending on the severity and location of the herniation, they may note a decrease in spine curvature.
Radicular pain will be assessed, when the spine is:
Unmoving
In motion
With pressure applied
Other tests may be administered.
X-rays may also be taken, but an MRI is usually more accurate and shows more detail.
Chiropractic has been very effective in helping patients manage their pain and regain their mobility so they can return to their normal life. Therefore, it should be your first option for treatment before you go down the road with drugs or surgery.
NCBI Resources
It is often referred to as a ruptured disc or slipped disc and occurs when the disc moves or slips out of place. It can also be the result of a disc that has a small tear and is leaking the jelly-like substance that is inside. This can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
Increase in sports-related fractures among young and active people
Any type of bone fracture, especially when the spine is involved, comes with the most common and debilitating symptom is severe pain.
Managing pain correctly is vital to the proper healing of a fractured bone.
Unfortunately, the common treatments prescribed to manage fracture pain can cause significant side effects, especially when used beyond the short-term or acute phase of pain.
Bone fractures cannot be always be avoided, but when it comes to osteoporosis, everyone can take steps to help minimize the risk of developing the condition.
How to Prevent Osteoporosis and Bone Fracture
First, understand that osteoporosis is not a normal part of the aging process.
It is an irreversible and degenerative disease that causes bones to become porous over time.
Prevention should begin as early as possible, as this will benefit an individual later in life.
It’s never too late to begin taking steps!
Protecting the bones begins with the most important thing and that is diet.
Most individuals’ diet does not fill the recommended daily values of calcium and Vitamin D.
Both are essential for strong bone health and density.
Diet must be well-balanced with an abundance of:
Green leafy vegetables
Fruit
Dairy sources high in calcium:
Milk
Yogurt
Cheese
However, vitamin D is typically highest in sources of wild-caught fatty fish like salmon and tuna.
Regular exercise is the next important step to help reduce the risk and keep bones strong.
Do exercises that are both:
Weight-bearing (high/low-impact aerobics or walking/jogging)
Muscle-strengthening (weightlifting and exercise bands)
Yoga and Pilates can also help to improve:
Strength
Balance
Flexibility
These are essential in the prevention of bone fractures from falls.
Engage in exercise that you enjoy, this way you will stick with it on a regular basis.
Try for two to three sessions a week if you�re beginning and try to work up to five.
While diet and exercise are extremely important to prevent osteoporosis, there are some areas that should be removed from the lifestyle or limited.
Smoking
Alcohol
These chemicals in bothcigarettes and heavy alcohol consumption are known to be significant contributors to bone loss.
Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic offers not only chiropractic treatment, but exercise, and diet programs set up by professional life/health coaches that are customized to each patient. Set up an appointment today, we can help!
Chronic Body Pain Treatment El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Aracely Norte suffered a slip-and-fall accident which tremendously limited her ability to work, affecting her quality of life. Due to the chronic pain she experienced, Aracely had difficulty engaging in her regular, everyday responsibilities. After her lawyer recommended Dr. Alex Jimenez, chiropractor, Aracely found the relief she was looking for.
Chronic pain is a common issue that can occur due to a variety of reasons, including injuries and underlying conditions, however, chiropractic care can help eliminate chronic pain symptoms from the source.
NCBI Resources
As with most conditions, prevention is the most�effective treatment. If you have a family history or fall under any of the risk factors, there are things you can do to minimize the effects or prevent the conditions completely.
Your chiropractor can talk to you about lifestyle changes, exercise, and�diet�as well as supplements that you can take. Chiropractic adjustments can also be effective for many patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis as long as the chosen technique is a low force technique like Activator.
Physical therapists or PT’s are healthcare professionals that help treat/rehabilitate patients of all ages with various types of injuries.
Personal
Work
Sports
Auto Accidents
A primary care physician, physiatrist, orthopaedist, spine surgeon, or neurosurgeon may refer an individual to a physical therapist as part of a non-surgical�treatment plan.
A physical therapy program may be an integral part of your after-care following surgery.
Some treatments are done prior to active therapeutic exercise.
Conditions therapists treat
Sciatica
Whiplash
Rheumatoid arthritis
Degenerative disc disease
Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
Post spine surgery therapy
Therapists want to help patients rebuild strength, flexibility, and endurance after any type of intense surgery, as well as help with any specific physical necessities related to post-surgery.
Team Care
Therapists often work directly for or with a doctor/chiropractor to coordinate a treatment plan.
A doctor may send the therapist:
Diagnosis
Current medications
Imaging/scan results
During the consultation, the physical therapist talks about medical history, diagnosis, and symptoms.
This can include:
Conditions
Medications being taken
Diet
Supplements
Type of Pain like:
Acute
Chronic
Episodic
The location of the pain that will also include:
Severity
Type
Factors that decrease or increase pain
Training
Physical therapists have completed an accredited physical therapy program and passed a required state licensing examination.
Therapists graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties through a series of classes/tests therapists can become board-certified specialists in specific areas like:
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Geriatrics
Sports
These are just a few, but there are many areas of specialization.
Physical Therapist
Many states allow individuals to go to a physical therapist without a referral from a doctor.
Definitely ask your doctor for a recommendation, but also think about what you want in a therapist.
Male or female physical therapist, which is right for you
Take Charge
Physical therapists are valuable healthcare professionals and members of the medical community.
Physical therapy can be challenging but don’t let that get you down, because they will help get you back to optimal health, along with building a stronger, healthier body.
Whiplash Massage Therapy El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Physical therapist Sandra Rubio describes how whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident can cause symptoms of neck pain.
An injury to the cervical spine can damage the complex structures of the neck, including:
Vertebrae
Intervertebral discs
Soft tissues
Tendons
Ligaments
Muscles
Neck pain can come from various structures in the neck including vascular, nerve, airway, digestive, and musculature or it can originate from other areas of the human body.
Most cases can be treated with assistance or using self-help suggestions and techniques.
NCBI Resources
Physical therapy includes both active and passive treatments. Passive treatments help to unwind the body and the physique. As an individual does not need to actively participate, they�re known as passive. A physical treatment program may begin with treatments that are passive, but the goal is to get into treatments that are more active.
All can help relax muscles, relieve pain and increase mobility.
Proven Reduced Back Pain with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
Kent S. Greenawalt, President, and CEO of Foot Levelers discuss how custom foot orthotics can help reduce back pain, low back pain, and sciatica.
In a recent research study published by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), researchers demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics help considerably reduce back pain and several of its associated health issues.
The research study also demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care help tremendously reduce low back pain and sciatica.
Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care helped improve the patient’s overall health and wellness.
Dr. Alex Jimenez is a chiropractor in El Paso, TX. can help provide these benefits through the utilization of chiropractic care and Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics, among other treatments.
NCBI Resources
Pain in the upper and/or mid-back is not as common as lower back or neck pain. The upper back is called the thoracic spinal column, and it is the most secure part of the spine. The reach of movement in the upper back is limited because of the backbone�s attachments to the ribs (rib cage).
Upper back pain is generally caused by soft tissue injuries, like sprains or strains, muscle tension caused by bad posture, or looking downward for long time spans (eg, texting, mobile phone use).
The goal is to have an economical stance and gait that does not require excessive energy.
The curves need to be well-balanced.
The gravity line should fall through:
The head and cervical spine
Behind the sacrum
Through the center of the hips
Like this minimum energy is exerted for standing and walking.
When these curves are not balanced, like what happens with excessive kyphosis in the thoracic spine or loss of normal lordosis in the lumbar spine, the patient may begin to experience symptoms.
Loss of lumbar lordosis or actual kyphosis in the lumbar spine that presents symptoms is named flatback syndrome.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of flatback are:
Difficulty standing up straight
Low back pain
Thigh pain
Groin pain
Symptoms will worsen as the day progresses with fatigue and increasing difficulty to stand up straight with correct posture.
Individuals will flex or bend their hips and knees to get into an upright position.
This is what causes the exhaustion as the day goes on.
Some patients also have symptoms of:
Sciatica
Spinal stenosis
Leg pain
Weakness made worse from walking
Some individuals have neck and upper back pain as they strain to get themselves upright.
Trying to live like this can lead to a disabling condition that requires pain medications, and limits the individual’s ability to perform daily activities.
This was the earliest type of spine implantation to correct scoliosis.
This instrumentation had a tendency to flatten the normal curve or lordosis in the lumbar spine.
This system was used from the 1960s to the 1980s.
With today’s implant systems and techniques, this problem doesn’t really occur anymore.
But not to knock the system, those treated with�Harrington�rods did very well for decades.
The spine compensates for the flattening of the lordosis with the normal discs underneath the fused area.
However, when the discs below the fusion would wear out (degenerate), the patients would lose the ability to stand upright and pain would develop.
Other causes include:
Ankylosing Spondylitis
A chronic inflammatory arthritic disease that causes stiffness and loss of lordosis.
Degenerative Disc Disease
The normal aging process of the wear and tear/degeneration of the discs, that are the shock absorbers of the spine.
In the lumbar area, these discs contribute to normal curvature.
As the discs degenerate, the spine stiffens and the curvature disappears.
The patient has progressive difficulty in achieving an upright posture.
Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
After a laminectomy procedure used to decompress the spine nerves, loss of lordosis and instability can develop.
This type of procedure is associated with failed back surgery syndrome.
Compression Fractures
Single or multiple vertebrae collapsing can result in loss of lordosis and flatback.
The vertebrae are the building blocks of the spine.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis begins with a patient’s history.
A doctor will look for the common symptoms like the presentation of difficulty standing upright along with back pain.
If there is a history of prior surgery or a disease making them susceptible to the syndrome.
Full standing x-rays will be ordered.
The lateral side view is specifically the side that will be helpful (see x-ray).
The patient stands, knees straight, the posture can be seen to be stooped forward.
This is depicted by the gravity line/plumb line falling in front of the sacrum.
Finally, MRI’s, CT scans, can be utilized to provide information about the health of the:
Discs
Vertebrae
Degree of openness of the spinal canal to see if there is compression of the spinal nerves or not
Non-surgical Treatment
Patients should try non-surgical treatment first like:
Chiropractic
Physical therapy
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
Conditioning and endurance exercise programs can provide relief. But, if the structural problem is too great for conservative therapy then surgery is an option.
Proven Reduced Back Pain with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
In a recent research study published by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), researchers demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics help considerably reduce back pain and several of its associated health issues.
The research study also demonstrated that Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care help tremendously reduce low back pain and sciatica.
Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics and chiropractic care helped improve the patient’s overall health and wellness.
Dr. Jimenez is a chiropractor in El Paso, TX who can help provide these benefits through the utilization of chiropractic care and Foot Levelers custom foot orthotics, among other treatments.
NCBI Resources
Sometimes low back pain comes out of nowhere, but that sudden twinge in the lower back does have a cause. With some cases, there�s a�trigger, like picking up a heavy object/furniture from an awkward position.� But sometimes it can be a mystery and a challenge to diagnose.
It is important to know the cause of lower back pain to figure out the proper treatment plan. Otherwise, one could receive treatment for the wrong diagnosis and possibly exacerbate the existing injury.
A doctor will rule out these causes to make a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosing
A doctor utilizes medical history and physical exam to diagnose coccydynia.
Imaging scans are usually not necessary, but a doctor may order:
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
If they believe a separate:
Bone
Nerve
Tissue
Problem to be the cause of tailbone pain.
Medical history is important, a doctor wants to know if a
Fall
Accident
Recent trauma
Might have caused the pain.
A physical exam is next in line along with symptoms.
The pain is usually localized in the tailbone, making it straightforward to diagnose.
A doctor will want to know if the pain strikes when sitting or leaning back and which is worse.
A doctor might ask the patient to point to where they’re feeling the pain.
Pointing could be enough for the doctor to tell if the pain is coccydynia when compared to other low back pain conditions.
The doctor will want to palpate the tailbone area for signs of inflammation.
Non-surgical Treatment
Conservative treatment is extremely effective for coccydynia.
Ninety percent of people experience pain reduction using non-surgical means or any medical intervention.
It is first treated with noninvasive methods:
Ice or heating pad can help provide immediate, short-term relief.
Donut/Wedge cushion provides extra padding taking the pressure off the coccyx when sitting. These cushions are available at pharmacies.
Avoid sitting for long times, like a long flight will help prevent additional pain and injury.
Rest is very important to help avoid further injury during recovery.
If there is still pain after these therapies, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription-strength non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain medications.
If the medication doesn’t work then a doctor may try cortisone injection or local spine blocker to send strong medicine directly to the tailbone area.
Surgical Procedure
If none of the conservative treatments work then surgery could be the next step.
The procedure is called a coccygectomy, which means the removal of the tailbone.
A surgeon will discuss the procedure in great detail before it is performed.
These risks include:
Infection
Hematoma (abnormal collection of blood outside an artery or vein)
Perineal hernia (weakened pelvic muscles)
Chronic Coccydynia
A small portion of people can develop chronic coccydynia, which means the pain lasts for more than 2 months.
Chronic coccydynia can take a major toll on the quality of life. Talk to a doctor if symptoms are not resolving.
They may refer you to a doctor that specializes in coccydynia management.
Protecting the Tailbone
There is no exact way or method to prevent coccydynia,
However, reducing the risk of tailbone pain can be achieved by using caution when participating in sports like:
Skating – Ice, Inline, and Roller
Biking
Horseback riding
And take extra care when walking on icy/slippery/hazardous conditions so nobody falls.
El Paso, TX Severe Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment
Gale Grijalva suffered from acute back pain because of an automobile incident injury. Where it was once very tough to do her routine daily tasks, Gale Grijalva is now able to take part in physical activities she was not able to engage in earlier thanks to Dr. Alex Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, TX. Gale Grijalva clarifies how patient Dr. Jimenez is and she discusses how completely he’s been able to help her, such as answering any concerns she might have.
Severe chronic back pain is a serious, recurring condition that affects an individual’s everyday life. Back pain lasting over three weeks is deemed chronic. The backbone is an essential component of the body. Severe chronic back pain might be the backbone’s way of telling the body that there’s a problem. The spine consists of bony vertebrae, soft spinal discs, facet joints, tendons, ligaments, and tendons. Within the bony vertebral artery lies that the spinal cord, the delicate but effective nerve pathway of the central nervous system.
NCBI Resources
Before you run screaming in horror to the medicine cabinet, one of the best reasons to participate in chiropractic treatment is that it helps reduce the chance of a recurrence. By working on the total body and getting it in the best shape possible, the patient is stronger and more balanced to handle their workload and other strenuous activities. Chiropractors also impart advice on how to minimize the chances of re-aggravating the lower back.
Millions of people suffer from back pain each year, and some never visit a chiropractor. Those who do choose�chiropractic treatment�are privy to treatment that reduces their pain, increases healing, shortens their downtime and lessens their chances of a recurrence. If over the counter medication and ice packs haven�t worked within a few days, it�s time to make an appointment for a consultation with a licensed chiropractor. You will be happy you did.
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