Around 60% of individuals have a condition caused by or complicated by chronic inflammation. The body reacts with acute inflammation, which is beneficial as the immune system fights off bacteria that could infect the injury. Examples could be getting a cut on the finger that swells for a day or so to repair the wound or catching a cold and coughing up mucus to expel the germs. However, acute inflammation only lasts as long as necessary; chronic inflammation can last for weeks, months, and years. Individuals can have chronic inflammation and not know the damage being done to arteries and organs until pain or other issues begin to present. There are a few anti-inflammatory diets, which are nutrition plans that can help reduce inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Diets
Health-promoting substances include vitamins, minerals, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, flavan-3-ols in tea and cocoa, and anthocyanins in blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and other red and purple plant foods. Certain chemicals in the body cause inflammation, and naturally-occurring chemicals in foods, can prevent and combat inflammation by providing essential nutrients.
Nordic Diet
This includes Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, which each have different cuisines, but traditionally, they share healthy foods that provide anti-inflammatory benefits, including:
Rye is a grain shown to help reduce blood sugar, the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein. Individuals that follow this way of eating have lower blood levels of C-reactive protein and other inflammation markers. A randomized study was done in various Nordic countries and lasted six to 24 weeks. One group was assigned a healthy Nordic diet while the other stayed on the country’s modern, less healthy diet. The studies found that individuals that practiced a healthy Nordic diet even for a short while improved inflammatory markers and lost weight.
Mexican Diet
Research has linked a traditional Mexican diet to lower inflammation. Staple foods of a traditional Mexican diet include:
Cheese
Corn tortillas
Fruits and vegetables, including hot peppers
Rice – brown and white
Legumes/Beans
Legumes/beans are linked to protection from inflammatory-related conditions that include:
Obesity
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol
Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Legumes are high in fiber, which helps:
Reduce inflammation
Reduce unhealthy cholesterol
Reduce blood sugar spikes after a meal, which helps prevent type 2 diabetes and inflammation.
A National Cancer Institute study of post-menopausal women of Mexican descent living in the U.S. found that those following a more traditional Mexican diet averaged 23% lower C-reactive protein levels.
Nutritionist Health Coach and Chiropractic
In some instances, chronic inflammation can come from acute inflammation that does not turn off, which can happen when the body does not make enough chemical substances responsible for turning off the immune response. Blood tests for inflammation can include tests that detect the C-reactive protein and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which measures the speed red blood cells settle in a test tube that shows if more inflammatory compounds are present. A combined approach and team of medical professionals, including chiropractic, massage therapy, health coaching, and nutrition, can help relieve and prevent inflammation.
Nutritionist
Consulting a nutritionist is recommended to figure out and determine the best diet/nutrition plan for the individual.
A nutritionist may also suggest supplementation like vitamin D, magnesium, and fish oil supplements.
Body composition analysis breaks down the body elements of water, protein, minerals, and fat that can also discover inflammation markers.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic adjustments help reduce the production of cytokines or proteins that regulate the cells of the immune system. Overproduction of cytokines can cause a severe inflammatory response. Chiropractic’s purpose is to rebalance the body by realigning the vertebrae to reduce pressure on the nerves and promote a healthy nervous system. When the spine and other joints are correctly aligned, the nerves function correctly, returning the body’s biomechanics to normal.
InBody Results
References
Galbete C, Kröger J, Jannasch F, et al. Nordic diet, Mediterranean diet, and the risk of chronic diseases: the EPIC-Potsdam study. BMC Med. 2018;16(1):99.
Lankinen M, Uusitupa M, Schwab U. Nordic Diet and Inflammation-A Review of Observational and Intervention Studies. Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1369.
Ricker MA, Haas WC. Anti-Inflammatory Diet in Clinical Practice: A Review. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2017;32(3):318-325.
Santiago-Torres M, Tinker LF, Allison MA, et al. Development and Use of a Traditional Mexican Diet Score in Relation to Systemic Inflammation and Insulin Resistance among Women of Mexican Descent. J Nutr. 2015;145(12):2732-2740.
Valerino-Perea, Selene, et al. “Definition of the Traditional Mexican Diet and Its Role in Health: A Systematic Review.” Nutrients vol. 11,11 2803. 17 Nov. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11112803
Yang, Yoon Jung, et al. “Dietary flavan-3-ols intake and metabolic syndrome risk in Korean adults.” Nutrition research and practice vol. 6,1 (2012): 68-77. doi:10.4162/nrp.2012.6.1.68
Energy Boosting Foods: Nutritionists, dieticians, and health coaches are constantly asked which foods help maintain energy, alertness, and focus throughout the day. The first thing to know is that all foods provide energy in the form of calories, but not all foods affect energy levels the same way. There are three macronutrients, carbohydrates, fat, and protein. However, carbohydrates are a rapid energy source compared to proteins and fats and are the body’s preferred energy. Here are a few foods for steady, consistent energy levels to include in a meal plan.
Energy Boosting Foods
Properly planned meals can keep the body fueled for up to four hours, and it is recommended to eat every four hours to keep a steady flow of energy. The objective is to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and eat foods with low glycemic index carbohydrates combined with protein and healthy fats. Unhealthy foods for energy are high-sugar foods that cause blood sugar levels to spike, triggering a heavy insulin release, which triggers plunging blood sugar levels, also known as a sugar crash.
Avocados
Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and B vitamins.
The fat in avocados promotes healthy blood-fat levels and increases the absorption of nutrients.
Around 80% of the carbohydrate content is made up of fiber, which means sustained energy.
Bananas
One of the best energy-boosting foods that can be eaten on its own, frozen and blended into a smoothie or mixed into oatmeal.
Bananas contain complex carbohydrates, vitamin B6, potassium, and some protein.
Beans
It can be pinto, great northern, red, black, Anasazi beans, or other varieties as they have similar nutrient profiles.
They digest slowly, which stabilizes blood sugar.
They contain antioxidants, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, folic acid, iron, and
Magnesium helps produce energy and delivers it to the body’s cells.
Cashews
Cashews are low in sugar, rich in fiber,
They contain heart-healthy fats and plant protein.
They are a reliable source of copper, magnesium, and manganese, critical for energy production, healthy bones, brain health, and immunity.
Eggs
Eggs are packed with protein and rich in B vitamins, which help enzymes turn food into energy generating steady energy.
They contain leucine, an amino acid that stimulates energy production by helping cells to:
Take in more blood sugar.
Stimulates energy production in the cells.
Break down fat to produce energy.
Oatmeal
The complex carbs in oatmeal generate a steady source of slow-burning energy.
Oats boost serotonin production, which helps:
Manage stress.
Enhances learning.
Memory function.
Oast can be made with raisins, berries, bananas, and healthy maple syrup or honey for a healthy meal.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains lactose and galactose that breaks down to provide ready-to-use energy.
Top with oats, fruits, berries, and some honey or maple syrup.
Shrimp
Shrimp are low in calories and provide vitamin B12 and omega-3 fat, which helps with:
Mood
Energy
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are recommended for energy production because of their iron, magnesium, and vitamin C nutrients.
The food we eat significantly impacts the body’s health and wellness, along with exercise, proper hydration, and healthy sleep are essential in sustaining high energy levels. Avoiding highly processed and sugary foods will help prevent mental and body fatigue. Consult a licensed nutritionist to learn about personalized diet and nutrition plans.
Natural Energy
References
Atkinson, Fiona S et al. “International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021: a systematic review.” The American journal of clinical nutrition vol. 114,5 (2021): 1625-1632. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqab233
Evans J, Richards JR, Battisti AS. Caffeine. [Updated 2022 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519490/
Holesh, Julie E., et al. “Physiology, Carbohydrates.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 26 July 2021.
Melaku, Yohannes Adama, et al. “Association between Macronutrient Intake and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: An Iso-Caloric Substitution Analysis from the North West Adelaide Health Study.” Nutrients vol. 11,10 2374. 5 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11102374
Osilla EV, Safadi AO, Sharma S. Calories. [Updated 2021 Sep 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499909/
Maintaining a healthy weight is challenging, especially Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and extended weekends, increasing the risk of binge eating and weight gain. This is where healthy cheat meals and snacks come into play to help individuals stick to their diet while enjoying healthy junk food. Plus, finding the proper high-calorie carb-packed meal can help optimize the body’s hormones to prevent adverse effects on metabolism and hunger.
Cheat Meals
One way to look at a diet and still have the flexibility for sweet or savory foods is to set up the flexibility. To maintain health, practice portion control and eat healthy foods 80% of the time, allowing a 20% margin for the junk foods. To improve health, eat healthy foods 90% of the time, and allow a 10% margin until a health goal is reached.
Cheeseburger without the Buns and Sweet Potato Fries
They can be made healthy with lean ground beef, beans, peppers, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and jalapeños for a meal that incorporates quality protein and healthy fats.
It can be made vegetarian by removing the meat and adding more beans and vegetables.
Dark chocolate contains monounsaturated fats that can help improve cholesterol, blood sugar, and insulin levels.
Dark chocolate also supplies vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for heart and brain health.
Dietician Nutritionist
These are a few examples; the objective is to get individuals to learn to create their healthy cheat meals A diet or adjusting for a more nutritional food plan should always start with a nutritionist, dietician, or health care provider. They can help develop a customized plan that fits an individual’s specific needs. It is about finding the balance and creating a positive relationship with food.
Fibromyalgia Food Choices Nutraceutical Options
References
Coelho de Vale R, et al. (2016). The benefits of behaving badly on occasion: Successful regulation by planned hedonic deviations.
doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2015.05.001
Kuijer RG, et al. (2014). Chocolate cake. Guilt or celebration? Associations with healthy eating attitudes, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and weight loss. DOI:
10.1016/j.appet.2013.11.013
Murray SB, et al. (2018). Cheat meals: A benign or ominous variant of binge eating behavior? DOI:
10.1016/j.appet.2018.08.026
Warren JM, et al. (2017). A structured literature review on the role of mindfulness, mindful eating, and intuitive eating in changing eating behaviors: Effectiveness and associated potential mechanisms. DOI:
10.1017/S0954422417000154
Tremors are extremely rare, but they can result from spinal compression and not necessarily a brain condition like Parkinson’s disease. Tremors are abnormal, involuntary body movements with various causes, most of which are connected to the brain and not the spine. A study reports that more than 75% of individuals with Parkinson’s experienced a resting tremor, and about 60% experience tremors while moving. Sometimes the spine is the contributor caused by compression of the spinal cord.
Spinal Compression Study
A 90-year-old man was hospitalized after having tremors, with Parkinson’s being the initial diagnosis. The tremors progressed to the point where the man could not feed himself or walk without support. The case became the focus of a medical report published by physicians in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of the Spine, Singapore Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Along with the tremors, symptoms progressed to:
Difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning a shirt.
However, it was ruled out because the patient was not presenting with other Parkinson’s symptoms.
For individuals with cervical spondylotic myelopathy tremors, surgery can be used to help the condition. However, with cervical myelopathy, there is often some permanent damage. Individuals have shown that post-surgery and decompression, symptoms still present, maybe not as much, but there will be a need for a symptom management plan.
Prevention
The best way to prevent tremors associated with cervical spondylotic myelopathy is to minimize the strain on the spine that can lead to herniated discs and/or other spinal injuries. The discs in the spine degenerate, dry out and start cracking with age, increasing the risk of rupture. If a tremor develops, contact a doctor, spine specialist, or chiropractor to help diagnose the condition. These doctors can perform physical and neurological tests to determine the cause and treatment options.
Body Composition
Aging Health
Steady weight gain throughout life can lead to adult-onset diabetes. This is partly caused by having more body fat and progressive muscle loss. Loss of skeletal muscle mass is linked to insulin resistance that involves:
The less muscle is available, the less insulin sensitive the body becomes.
As insulin sensitivity decreases, the body becomes more resistant, increasing risk factors for type II diabetes.
This can lead to osteoporosis, where the old bone is reabsorbed more and less new bone is created.
Both men and women can experience decreased muscle mass that can lead to:
Thinner bones
Weaker bones
Increased risk of osteoporosis and severe injury from falls.
To help prevent these issues, it is recommended to:
It is recommended to space out protein intake across meals rather than consuming it all at once. This helps to ensure the proper amount is acquired.
Monitoring body composition regularly can help minimize muscle mass loss and fat mass gain as the body ages.
A regular strength training routine will help strengthen bones muscles and maintain optimal circulation.
References
Heusinkveld, Lauren E et al. “Impact of Tremor on Patients With Early Stage Parkinson’s Disease.” Frontiers in neurology vol. 9 628. 3 Aug. 2018, doi:10.3389/fneur.2018.00628
Jancso, Z et al. “Differences in weight gain in hypertensive and diabetic elderly patients primary care study.” The Journal of nutrition, health & aging vol. 16,6 (2012): 592-6. doi:10.1007/s12603-011-0360-6
Srikanthan, Preethi, and Arun S Karlamangla. “Relative muscle mass is inversely associated with insulin resistance and prediabetes. Findings from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.” The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism vol. 96,9 (2011): 2898-903. doi:10.1210/jc.2011-0435
Tapia Perez, Jorge Humberto et al. “Treatment of Spinal Myoclonus Due to Degenerative Compression Myelopathy with Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Report of 2 Cases.” World neurosurgery vol. 136 (2020): 44-48. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2019.12.170
Nervousness, fear, anxiety, and discouragement are common and natural feelings to have while awaiting surgery. Preparing for spinal surgery can cause individuals to experience what is known as preoperative anxiety. A study suggests that preoperative anxiety affects from 60 to 80% of individuals. There can be a lot of unknowns going into spinal surgery. Individuals can experience preoperative anxiety:
Over the procedure itself.
By imagining what could go wrong?
How is the body going to recover?
The temporary changes in functioning post-surgery.
The post-surgical pain and discomfort.
What will the results be?
Learning how to decrease surgery stress will improve the procedure and recovery. There are ways to overcome this anxiety with tips from a pain psychologist.
Getting Educated and Informed
A pain psychologist recommends spending as much time as needed to discuss the surgery with the surgeon/provider. Ask the doctor if it is possible to speak with other patients who have gone through the same surgery to learn more about the procedure and what to expect with the recovery. Searching the internet is fine, but it is recommended not to get caught up searching non-reputable websites as there is a lot of misleading information that can lead to unnecessary stress. Ask the doctor to share statistics of positive outcomes versus complications to provide reassurance and to determine if surgery is the right option based on the specific condition.
Going In With The Right Mindset
Having a heightened level of anxiety or depression can contribute to poor surgical outcomes. Individuals that focus on the worst-case scenario are more likely to have higher levels of pain after surgery. Having the right mindset, staying calm and positive can decrease preoperative anxiety and can optimize recovery.
Preparation and Planning
Mental preparation and planning for surgery will set the mind and body at ease. This means:
Knowing the anticipated healing timeline.
The recovery phases the body will go through.
How long they will last?
What is needed for optimal recovery?
Support during each step.
Recommended medical follow-up.
Post-surgical treatment/rehabilitation plan.
Understand the Pros and Cons
Before surgery, it can be beneficial to understand the pros and cons of the surgery. Speaking with the surgeon to learn this information can create a clear, concise picture of what to expect and the recovery timeline.
Relaxation
It is important to learn relaxation skills to stay positive and calm before and after surgery. Relaxation exercises can be very effective at all stages of pre-and post-surgery. Learn how to:
Manage thinking positively.
Avoid catastrophizing.
These can be accomplished through:
Meditation
Slow walks
Gentle yoga as long as it is cleared by the doctor.
Understand the Time
Knowing what will go into post-surgery recovery and having realistic expectations will create a sense of confidence.
Support System
Having a healthy support system will increase positivity and can speed up recovery. This can include:
A partner.
Family members.
Close friends.
They can help before and after surgery with physical assistance or just to listen.
Consult a Professional Pain Psychologist
Help from a behavioral health specialist or a pain psychologist can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and promoting positive surgical outcomes. They help deal with the pain, pre, and post-surgery, rehabilitation, life moving forward, etc.
Body Composition
Carbohydrates Simple and Complex
Simple carbs are a quick, scattered source of energy, and complex carbs are a healthy source of steady energy. Complex carbs are not as readily available for immediate energy as simple carbs are, but they are more efficient and healthier. Complex carbs provide sustainable energy, meaning the energy is constant with no crash like simple carbs. Complex carbs release slowly and should be the most significant component of daily energy intake. When it comes to muscle gain, complex carbohydrates can help:
Prevent Muscle Weakness
Glycogen is stored in the muscles. When the muscles are used during physical activity or exercise, the body taps into the glycogen stores for that particular muscle. Athletes take advantage of glycogen by consuming carbs (carbo-loading) a day or more before a workout to maximize the muscle glycogen stores. This helps delay fatigue and improve performance, making for a better workout and stronger muscles.
Prevent Muscle Degradation
One concern about consuming a low-carb diet is muscle loss. A study compared a low-carb diet to other diets and found that restricting carbohydrates results in protein loss. This is because restricting carbohydrates causes an increase in the amount of nitrogen that gets excreted by the body. Nitrogen is a component of amino acids that forms muscle proteins, with a loss in nitrogen indicating that the muscles are breaking down.
References
Beck, Kathryn L et al. “Role of nutrition in performance enhancement and postexercise recovery.” Open access journal of sports medicine vol. 6 259-67. 11 Aug. 2015, doi:10.2147/OAJSM.S33605
Hearris, Mark A, et al. “Regulation of Muscle Glycogen Metabolism during Exercise: Implications for Endurance Performance and Training Adaptations.” Nutrients vol. 10,3 298. 2 Mar. 2018, doi:10.3390/nu10030298
How Attitude Can Affect Recovery: Journal of Neurosurgery. (November 2017) “Influence of catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression on in-hospital opioid consumption, pain, and quality of recovery after adult spine surgery” thejns.org/spine/view/journals/j-neurosurg-spine/28/1/article-p119.xml
International Journal of Surgery Open. (2018) “Prevalence and factors associated with preoperative anxiety among elective surgical patients at University of Gondar Hospital. Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017. A cross-sectional study” www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405857217300475
Kettlebell training for the back muscles and back pain prevention can be part of a recommended treatment plan. When experiencing low back pain, many sports medicine experts recommend kettlebell exercise to strengthen the core and posterior chain. However, if not used correctly, kettlebell exercises can worsen back pain.
Kettlebell
They are made of cast iron or steel and are named for resembling a tea kettle with an oversized handle. They can be used in one and two-handed movements.
Exercises and Movements for Back Pain
For individuals that are not experiencing back pain, kettlebell training can be excellent for maintenance and injury prevention. They strengthen the core and back muscles.
The kettlebell swing is an essential exercise and is one of the most important exercises when dealing with back pain issues.
A kettlebell is placed on the floor about 12 inches in front while standing with the feet a little wider than hip-distance.
The hips become the hinge.
Extend the arms down to the bell and grip it.
Begin swinging it up and down through the legs and then upward and outward to chest level.
The shoulders are to stay relaxed.
The hips are used to thrust and create momentum to swing the kettlebell.
Keep the spine neutral throughout the exercise to prevent injury.
The arms are to hold the bell only.
Don’t swing with the arms or shoulders, but push through with the hips.
The exercise can be swung up over the head but is not recommended for those with back pain.
Benefits
They are portable and don’t require a lot of space.
With kettlebells, an individual can train more easily than with barbells.
Kettlebell workouts provide strength training and cardiovascular fitness.
Once the proper technique is learned, individuals can set up a regular regimen at home.
Proper Form and Mistakes
Proper form is crucial. The primary movement most individuals have difficulty with is getting the proper hinging motion at the hip. Most individuals flex at the lower back and place increased pressure on the discs. Proper hip hinge motion means:
Keeping the low back straight
Flexing at the hip
Pushing back out with the buttocks when performing the swing motion.
When done correctly, an individual should be able to stop at any stage and hold that position.
Posture Form Tips
Form issues with kettlebells include:
Hip Hinge
When picking up the kettlebell, remember to hip hinge instead of squatting to maintain the back in a neutral position.
Drive the hips back in the same way when sitting down on a low chair.
Arching the back
If the pelvis is tilted too far forward, the back arches a lot.
This can narrow where the nerves leave the spine in the low back.
Keep the abdominals tight to prevent the pelvis from tilting forward.
Using the incorrect weight can also cause problems; this could be going too heavy or too light.
Too heavy increases the risk of straining the body and back.
A kettlebell that is too light does not provide the correct resistance to strengthen the muscles.
Another common mistake is overtraining. Specifically, individuals over 50 whose bodies don’t recover as quickly.
Individuals over 50 are recommended to spread out the workout days with more than one rest day.
Common Injuries
Proper training before working with kettlebells is highly recommended, especially for those already dealing with back pain. Individuals are encouraged to work with a physical therapist, sports chiropractor, or personal trainer who can teach proper techniques and specific exercises, observe the individual’s process, and make corrections. Improper technique can lead to:
Muscle strains.
Muscle spasms.
Compressed or pinched nerves.
Added stress to pre-existing low back conditions.
Impact injuries to the wrist and forearm.
Body Composition
Exercise Ball Pikes
Exercise ball pikes are an advanced total body workout. Muscle groups worked out include:
Deep abdominals
Hip abductors
Quadriceps
Deltoids
Scapula stabilizers
Pectoralis major/minor
To do the exercise:
Start in a pushup position with the arms on the floor in front.
Lift the legs, so the tops of the feet rest on the exercise/stability ball.
Knees should be bent to start the movement.
Extend the legs out as straight as possible.
Hold the position for a few seconds.
Return to the starting position.
References
Common Injuries Associated with Kettlebells: ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal (March/April 2017) “Managing Risks of Training with Kettlebells to Achieve Optimum Benefits.” journals.lww.com/acsm healthfitness/Fulltext/2017/03000/MANAGING_RISKS_OF_TRAINING_WITH_KETTLEBELLS_TO.6.aspx
Chiropractic treatment/care is a recommended pain relief option for musculoskeletal automobile, sports, personal – injuries, strains, sprains, pain, and rehabilitation. An initial chiropractic examination is similar to a standard examination administered by health care providers. What an individual can expect at their first consultation includes:
Some chiropractors offer individuals an initial interview over a video conference and/or phone call. It is focused on discussion with topics like the chiropractors:
The initial in-office clinical exam generally includes:
Patient History and Symptoms
The patient will be asked to fill out forms that can also be filled out online before the visit, saving a patient time if they so choose. This provides background information about symptoms and conditions in preparation for the in-person chiropractic consultation. Questions include:
Did the pain start as a result of an auto, sports, personal, work injury?
How did the pain start – activities, sports, work, etc.?
When did the pain start – a few days, weeks, months, years?
Where is the pain located?
Does the pain spread out to other areas?
Is the pain dull, sharp, burning, or throbbing?
Does the pain come and go, or is it constant?
What activities or body positions make it better and/or worse?
Patients are also asked to provide information on pre-existing medical conditions, family medical history if necessary, prior injuries, and previous and current treatments provided by other medical professionals.
Physical Examination
A chiropractic examination includes:
Reflexes
Respiration
Blood pressure
Pulse
Certain orthopedic and neurological tests can also be used. These include:
Range of motion
Neurological integrity
Muscle strength
Muscle tone
Walking gait
Posture analysis
Diagnostic Studies
Based on the medical history and physical exam results, diagnostic studies could help reveal pathologies and identify structural abnormalities to diagnose more accurately. X-rays are the most commonly used during an initial chiropractic exam and are used to:
Diagnose recent trauma
Diagnose bone fractures
Study spinal deformities
An MRI scan is recommended for soft tissue damage like a herniated disc, torn muscle/s, or nerve compression.
Patient Diagnosis after the Chiropractic Exam
All the findings from the medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests help the chiropractor form a diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, the chiropractor will discuss personalized treatment options.
Body Composition
Heart Disease
Many factors can contribute to heart disease, and research has pointed to inflammation caused by obesity as one of the most significant factors to its development. The main contributor is cytokines produced by excess body fat. Cytokinescause inflammation in the walls of the arteries causing damage and increasing pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the vessels. High blood pressure means that the heart is not pumping blood effectively, and the heart begins to enlarge. An enlarged heart is a significant risk factor that can lead to heart failure if interventions are not taken to repair the damage.
References
Jenkins HJ, Downie AS, French SD. Current evidence for spinal x-ray use in the chiropractic profession. Chiropr Man Therap. 2018; 26:48.
Wang, Zhaoxia, and Tomohiro Nakayama. “Inflammation, a link between obesity and cardiovascular disease.” Mediators of inflammation vol. 2010 (2010): 535918. doi:10.1155/2010/535918
Weeks, William B et al. “Public Perceptions of Doctors of Chiropractic: Results of a National Survey and Examination of Variation According to Respondents’ Likelihood to Use Chiropractic, Experience With Chiropractic, and Chiropractic Supply in Local Health Care Markets.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 38,8 (2015): 533-44. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2015.08.001
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