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Outpatient Spine Surgeries

Outpatient Spine Surgeries

Many complex spinal surgeries take place in a hospital environment. The individual spends a night or two in the hospital, so medical staff can monitor them if any complications arise. However, outpatient surgeries have increased with new developments in minimally invasive procedures, pain management, and home rehabilitation. The improvements compared to traditional spinal surgical procedures are significant. These advancements have made it possible to perform more complex surgeries outside of a hospital. Outpatient surgeries have:

  • Accelerated recovery times
  • Decreased complications
  • Decreased infections
  • Healthier overall outcomes

Outpatient Spine Surgeries

Outpatient Surgery Candidates

Determining if outpatient surgery can be performed effectively depends on the injury/s and/or conditions that the individual is going through. An individual who is debilitated or has underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for complications or do not have support at home to assist with recovery and rehabilitation is recommended to have the surgery done in a hospital. To be considered for outpatient spine surgery, a surgeon looks at:

  • Age
  • Disease/s
  • Condition/s
  • Overall health
  • Weight
  • Body type

Individuals must also be a non-smoker or have quit before surgery, as smoking:

  • Interferes with proper healing
  • Can accelerate disc degeneration
  • Can cause ill effects on the spine and other areas of the body

Recovery times vary on a case-to-case basis and procedure type. Most procedures’ recovery time is between three weeks and three months.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers

An ambulatory surgery center or ASC is an outpatient clinic that offers surgical procedures. Standard outpatient procedures include:

  • Abdominal hernia repairs
  • Cataract surgeries
  • Skin therapies

Standalone ambulatory surgery centers offer same-day surgical procedures for individuals that meet specific criteria. Medical staff assess the patient’s condition and determine recovery at home. If issues arise, the individual can be transferred to a hospital. Some facilities are single-specialty facilities, focusing on one medical specialty, and others are multi-specialty, meaning they offer a range of medical services from:

  • Orthopedic
  • Podiatry
  • Pain management services

Procedures

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion – ACDF

ACDF is a two-part surgery. First, the surgeon removes part of an intervertebral disc with bulged and compressed nerves from the spinal cord.  Because there is less cushion, the vertebrae above and below are fused to prevent and eliminate painful movement. The discectomy:

  • Provides more accessible access to the vertebrae
  • Reduces healing time
  • Causes less pain

ACDF outpatient procedure treats several neck conditions that include:

  • Cervical spinal stenosis
  • Cervical radiculopathy
  • Neck-related degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated disc
  • Cervical spinal fracture

Individuals recover in the surgical center for one to several hours following the surgery before returning home. Traditional ACDF procedure takes three weeks to three months to recover.

Lumbar Discectomy

A lumbar discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that repairs a lower back herniated disc compressing the surrounding nerves. This procedure provides compression relief and allows the nerve to heal. A traditional lumbar discectomy takes four to six weeks to recover.

Lumbar Laminectomy

This minimally invasive procedure removes thickened ligaments and lamina from the lower back. This opens the spinal canal space, relieving pressure and bringing pain relief. The surgery commonly treats lower-back spinal stenosis. A traditional laminectomy takes four to six weeks to recover.

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Outpatient lumbar spinal fusion permanently connects two or more vertebrae in the lower back. The surgery helps stabilize the spine from severe arthritis or herniated disc removal. Spinal fusion has been found to be effective for correcting certain spinal deformities. The surgery involves a short recovery time at the outpatient center, after which the individual can return home the same day. A traditional or open spinal fusion requires a two-to-three-day hospital stay. After four to six weeks and with a doctor’s clearance, individuals can return to light activities, with full recovery requiring six months.


Chiropractic Spinal Decompression


References

International Journal of Spine Surgery. (April 16, 2021) “The expanding frontier of outpatient spine surgery.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33900984/

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.) “Spinal fusion.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spinal-fusion/about/pac-20384523

Neurosurgeons of New Jersey. (July 21, 2019) “Lumbar discectomy recovery timeline: Your guide to recovery.” https://www.neurosurgeonsofnewjersey.com/blog/lumbar-discectomy-recovery-time/#:~:text=The%20overall%20lumbar%20discectomy%20recovery,discectomy%20recovery%20time%20should%20progress

Rothman Orthopaedics. (March 2, 2017) “Outpatient spine surgery: A new way to look at surgery.” https://rothmanortho.com/stories/blog/outpatient-spine-surgery

Healing Nutrients and Non-Surgical Decompression

Healing Nutrients and Non-Surgical Decompression

Nerve impingement, sciatica, disc herniation/degeneration, or spinal stenosis can cause sharp, debilitating nerve pain causing electric shocks, pins, needles, or burning sensations along the back or into the arms and legs. In combination with additional chiropractic treatment modalities, spinal decompression therapy effectively relieves the pain and disability resulting from disc injury and degeneration, repairs the damaged discs, and reverses nerve dystrophy. Part of the treatment involves a proper diet to deliver healing nutrients to the spine.

Non-Surgical Decompression Healing Nutrients

Healing Nutrients

The spine supports the entire body to perform motions and movements and needs the proper healing nutrients, especially after chiropractic and decompression therapy. There are vitamins and minerals that are critical for a healthy spine. These ensure that the bones, muscles, discs, and other tissues function correctly. There are nutrients that are essential to the immune system; if they are not present, the ability to heal and recover properly is reduced and takes longer. Nutrients commonly used in immunonutrition include:

  • Nucleotides
  • Antioxidants
  • Arginine
  • Glutamine
  • Omega-3

All are found naturally in certain foods and nutritional supplements and are essential in healing from injuries, like a herniated disc, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and back or neck surgery.

Nucleotides

  • Every cell in the body contains nucleotides, which help make up and maintain DNA and RNA.
  • DNA and RNA production is necessary for cell repair and regrowth.
  • When the body is experiencing a stressful health issue like back or neck pain, it needs more nucleotides.
  • The body produces and recycles nucleotides and absorbs them through food.
  • All-natural plant- and animal-based food sources contain nucleotides.

Antioxidants

  • Antioxidants maintain and restore healthy tissues by reducing oxidative stress.
  • Oxidative stress is associated with chronic inflammation.
  • Antioxidants include:
  • Beta-carotene
  • Selenium
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C boosts the immune system and acts as an anti-inflammatory
  • Antioxidant-rich foods include:
  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Fresh and frozen fruits
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Whole grains

Arginine

  • Arginine is an amino acid produced in limited amounts during growth, illness, or injury.
  • Research has shown that taking arginine supplements can increase the body’s ability to fight infections.
  • Foods include:
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Legumes
  • Meats, specifically turkey meat

Glutamine

  • Glutamine is an amino acid involved in the processes that control cell growth and repair.
  • Supplementation can help decrease the risk of infections and reduce the number of missed school or workdays.
  • Glutamine-rich foods include:
  • Eggs
  • White rice
  • Corn
  • Beef
  • Tofu

Omega-3s

  • Omega-3s naturally reduce the body’s inflammatory response.
  • Inflammation is necessary during healing, but chronic inflammation can be destructive.
  • Omega-3 supplementation can help decrease chronic inflammation.
  • Omega-3 foods include:
  • Salmon
  • Eggs
  • Walnuts
  • Flaxseed
  • Spinach

Spinal decompression gently stretches the spine, creating a vacuum inside the discs and joints. The negative pressure helps heal disc bulges and herniated discs. The lengthened spine allows healing nutrients and water to flow correctly, reducing swelling and inflammation and improving joint motion.


DRX9000 Explicada En Español


References

Chen, Linlin, et al. “Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs.” Oncotarget vol. 9,6 7204-7218. 14 Dec. 2017, doi:10.18632/oncotarget.23208

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

Dionne, Clermont E et al. “Serum vitamin C and spinal pain: a nationwide study.” Pain vol. 157,11 (2016): 2527-2535. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000671

Napier, Zachary, et al. “Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Reduce Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.” Medical science monitor: international medical journal of experimental and clinical research vol. 25 9531-9537. 14 Dec. 2019, doi:10.12659/MSM.918649

Zolfaghari, Farid, et al. “A Survey of Vitamin D Status in Patients with Degenerative Diseases of the Spine.” Asian spine journal vol. 10,5 (2016): 834-842. doi:10.4184/asj.2016.10.5.834

Healthy Sleep, Physical Activity, and Muscle Recovery

Healthy Sleep, Physical Activity, and Muscle Recovery

Healthy sleep plays a vital role in the body’s overall health, as it ensures muscle growth, recovery, and illness prevention. This is especially true for home D.I. Yers’ fitness enthusiasts, weekend warriors, athletes, and physically active individuals. When sleeping, the body goes into recovery mode, releasing hormones and other chemicals to repair and restore muscle. A healthy night’s sleep provides the rest the mind and body need to perform at optimal levels.

Healthy Sleep, Physical Activity, and Muscle Recovery

Healthy Sleep

Sleep is vital for recovering from workouts. This could be construction work, exercise, gardening, sports, landscaping, any activity that uses bodyweight or works against some form of resistance. The muscles cannot repair themselves properly without proper sleep. Sleep aids the muscles in releasing protein-building amino acids, helping them grow in size and strength.

  • Growth hormone is released during non-REM sleep that stimulates tissue growth and repairs muscle.
  • During REM or rapid eye movement sleep, blood pressure drops, breathing slows and deepens, the brain relaxes, and blood supply to the muscles increases, feeding them oxygen and nutrients.

Unhealthy Sleep

Sleep maintains the muscles’ sharpness, coordination, function, and muscle movement patterns that improve physical performance. The body needs to sleep for at least 7 hours a night for muscles to grow properly. Not getting healthy sleep decreases protein synthesis activity and increases the activity of degradation that leads to muscle loss.

Less Sleep Leads To Eating More

Hormonal changes occur when the body sleeps less, causing individuals to feel hungry more often, increasing the amount of food taken in because after eating, the body does not feel full right away, so the individual continues to eat. Without sleep, the body decreases the production of a hormone that indicates when the body is full and activates a hormone that causes hunger. Insufficient sleep also lowers the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Because of this, the muscle fuel glycogen is not adequately replenished. Without the regular restoration of glycogen, individuals have less energy, insulin sensitivity decreases, increasing the risk of diabetes.

Physical Health

Unhealthy sleep also impacts overall physical health. Individuals that do not get healthy sleep have an increased risk of developing:

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Mental health issues
  • Depression

Body Composition


Nutrition Before Bed

Nighttime Snacks

  • Research has found that certain foods that contain tryptophan or melatonin can help with sleep.
  • These include turkey, bananas, milk, rice, grapefruit, oats, cherries, walnuts, and almonds.

Cut Back on Carbohydrates Before Bed

  • Consuming carbohydrate-rich foods before bed can impair growth hormone activation during sleep.

Reduce or Remove Afternoon and Evening Caffeine

  • Caffeine can impair sleep, sometimes without knowing it.
  • Avoid caffeinated foods or beverages before bed.

Eliminate Energy Drinks

  • These drinks can contain elevated levels of caffeine and other substances that can result in overstimulation.
  • This hyper-active state can cause individuals to decline in performance.
  • Overconsumption of energy drinks has been linked to adverse effects, including strokes, seizures, and death.

Eliminate Sugar

  • Sugar raises blood sugar, which triggers the pancreas to release insulin, fueling the cells causing overstimulation.
  • Eliminating sugar after dinner can help the body fall asleep.
References

Dattilo, M et al. “Sleep and muscle recovery: endocrinological and molecular basis for a new and promising hypothesis.” Medical hypotheses vol. 77,2 (2011): 220-2. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2011.04.017

Morselli, Lisa et al. “Role of sleep duration in the regulation of glucose metabolism and appetite.” Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism vol. 24,5 (2010): 687-702. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2010.07.005

Murray, Bob, and Christine Rosenbloom. “Fundamentals of glycogen metabolism for coaches and athletes.” Nutrition reviews vol. 76,4 (2018): 243-259. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuy001

Musculoskeletal Nutrition

Musculoskeletal Nutrition

Musculoskeletal Nutrition: Musculoskeletal conditions are non-communicable conditions/disorders and are the most common conditions that chiropractors and physiotherapists treat. Unhealthy lifestyle practices like smoking, an unhealthy diet, and little to no exercise or physical activity impact musculoskeletal disorders and remain the most common causes of physical disability and pain. Musculoskeletal conditions include:

  • Back pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Tendonitis – inflammation of the fibrous tissues that connect the muscles to the bones.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Bone Fractures
  • Fibromyalgia

Musculoskeletal Nutrition

A lack of proper nutrients increases the risk for bone, muscle, and joint disease. A proper diet combined with strengthening and stretching will help with injury recovery and help prevent disorders, injury, and pain. For example, inadequate consumption of calcium and vitamin D intake can lead to osteoporosis. Both nutrients are necessary for musculoskeletal health. Calcium helps build bone tissue, and vitamin D promotes calcium absorption.

Musculoskeletal Nutrition

Even physically active and healthy individuals’ can go through inadequate nutrition intake, increasing the risk of injury from its effect/s on rehabilitation and recovery. There are mechanisms to insufficient nutrient intake that can lead to muscle injury.

  • Intense training causes skeletal muscle breakdown that can worsen from poor dietary protein intake.
  • Not hydrating the body can compromise blood flow to working muscles, increasing the risk for injury and other health issues.
  • Hydration influences the amount and composition of joint fluid and helps maintain articular cartilage.
  • Deficiencies in nutrients like:
  • Potassium
  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium
  • Chromium
  • Copper
  • Vitamins
  • The lack of micronutrients and their role in bone and muscle metabolism increases the risk for injury and the development of musculoskeletal conditions.

Overall Health

Connective tissue holds the body’s bones and muscles together and is essential for joint integrity. Athletes and individuals with physically demanding jobs and lifestyles need to take care of their connective tissues to prevent degradation, injuries, and joint conditions, like arthritis and tendon injuries. It is recommended to have a diet that is:

Proper nutrition will help the body build, repair, and maintain healthy connective tissue. Things like:

Achieving optimal health requires all-around healthy lifestyle choices and musculoskeletal nutrition.


Body Composition


Superfoods

Many nutrient-rich foods can be incorporated into an individual’s diet to improve overall well-being. Superfoods are high in antioxidants and contain vast amounts of vitamins and minerals. A superfood is a food rich in compounds that are beneficial to an individual’s health. These compounds include:

  • Phytochemicals – include antioxidants like polyphenols that provide anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Fiber
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

Superfoods are recognized by national nutrition guidelines as Powerhouse Fruits and Vegetables or PFV. Antioxidants reduce free radicals and prevent and repair damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals accumulate in the body and can lead to chronic and degenerative illnesses like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. A diet rich in antioxidants can expedite recovery time from injury, illness, and physical activity/exercise-induced stress.

Anthocyanins are a type of polyphenol that become antioxidants that help reduce the incidence of chronic disease. They are different types of pigments found in plants, giving fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. These include:

  • Black beans
  • Berries
  • Cherries
  • Pomegranates
  • Peaches
  • Eggplant
  • Purple sweet potatoes

A diet rich in anthocyanins can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, help prevent cardiovascular disease, and control and prevent diabetes.

References

Craddock, Joel C, et al. “Vegetarian and Omnivorous Nutrition – Comparing Physical Performance.” International journal of sports nutrition and exercise metabolism vol. 26,3 (2016): 212-20. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2015-0231

Mendonça, Carolina Rodrigues et al. “Effects of Nutritional Interventions in the Control of Musculoskeletal Pain: An Integrative Review.” Nutrients vol. 12,10 3075. 9 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12103075

Sale, Craig, and Kirsty Jayne Elliott-Sale. “Nutrition and Athlete Bone Health.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 49,Suppl 2 (2019): 139-151. doi:10.1007/s40279-019-01161-2

Slavin, Joanne L, and Beate Lloyd. “Health benefits of fruits and vegetables.” Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) vol. 3,4 506-16. 1 Jul. 2012, doi:10.3945/an.112.002154

Tucker, K L et al. “Potassium, magnesium, and fruit and vegetable intakes are associated with greater bone mineral density in elderly men and women.” The American journal of clinical nutrition vol. 69,4 (1999): 727-36. doi:10.1093/ajcn/69.4.727

Gentle Yoga Poses After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Gentle Yoga Poses After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Recovery and rehabilitation after spinal fusion surgery take time. Gentle yoga poses can help expedite recovery from spinal fusion surgery and are recommended in a rehabilitation program. The spine is the body’s central support structure that allows the body to stand upright, bend, and stay balanced. However, an individual may need to have vertebrae fused to repair painful back problems. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that permanently connects/fuses two or more vertebrae into a single bone. The procedure is done to help:

  • Correct a deformity
  • Improve stability
  • Reduce pain

At the beginning of the recovery process, the doctor may recommend light physical activity like walking. As the spine continues to heal, moderate exercise is essential for optimal recovery. Doctors are recommending gentle yoga to increase mobility, flexibility and regain strength.

Gentle Yoga Poses After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Gentle Yoga and Spine Surgery Recovery

Yoga has become a way to stretch the body, exercise, promote physical and mental well-being. There are different styles of yoga, ranging from gentle stretching to advanced poses. Yoga focuses on stretching, coordination, and balance. When stretching the body, the range of motion is improved. Yoga also helps improve balance and increases strength to reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Gentle yoga after spinal fusion benefits include:

  • Pain relief
  • Stress reduction
  • Improved mental health
  • Increased flexibility and strength
  • Improved balance
  • Increase in energy levels

Gentle yoga after surgery focuses on an improved range of motion/coordination of the arms and legs with the torso. This allows the spine to safely flex, not become stiff, and avoid strain, leading to fuller activity.

When To Begin Yoga After Spinal Fusion?

A reduced range of motion and loss of muscle mass is expected in the weeks and months following surgery. The healthcare/rehabilitation team will address this through exercise and physical therapy once the doctor clears the individual to begin rehabilitation training. The doctor will use some form of diagnostic imaging to determine if the vertebrae have fully fused before giving the ok for exercise. Most individuals can begin light physical activity four to six weeks after the procedure. If the fusion surgery was fused in only one place, individuals could start gentle yoga poses within two to three months. For a multi-level fusion surgery, individuals may need to wait four to six months after the procedure before they can safely begin.

Yoga Recovery Program

It’s essential to take it slow and steady when first beginning yoga after spinal fusion. As the body continues to heal, gradually add more challenging poses and stretches to the routine. This is a graduated recovery program separated into stages to help the individual build back strength and flexibility. In the first stages of recovery, gentle poses that have minimal effects on the spine are recommended. These include:

A few weeks to a month later, with the doctor’s clearance, the individual can advance to poses that stretch/flex the spine a little more, including:

Eventually, individuals can slowly increase the challenge further, with poses like:

Garudasana – Eagle pose
Gomukhasana – Cow Face pose
Vasisthasana – Side plank pose

It’s crucial to listen to the body as a guide when moving through the poses, no matter what stage of recovery. The fusion needs time to heal and stabilize, so any poses that involve twisting movements and flexing should be avoided. Seek advice if there is confusion about how or whether or not to proceed. It is recommended to work with an experienced yoga teacher after spinal fusion. A knowledgeable instructor can guide with the poses, inform which poses to avoid and make modifications to get the most out of the gentle poses.


Body Composition


How Heat Affects Basal Metabolic Rate

Gender, height, and age influence Basal Metabolic Rate. These are factors individuals cannot control or change. However, individuals can increase the calories the body burns by regulating body temperature. Both the internal and external temperatures influence metabolic rate. The chemical reactions that contribute to metabolism happen more quickly if the temperature is higher, as the body works harder to restore normal temperature balance. For example, when a fever is present, the Basal Metabolic Rate will jump up to a much higher rate than usual to increase the speed of cellular metabolic reactions to combat the fever and get the body back to a healthy state. When it comes to external temperature, it’s only prolonged exposure to heat that raises the Basal Metabolic Rate.

References

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (June 2018). “Spinal Fusion.” https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-fusion/

Gillooly, James F, and Andrew P Allen. “Changes in body temperature influence the scaling of VO2max and aerobic scope in mammals.” Biology letters vol. 3,1 (2007): 99-102. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2006.0576

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (February 2020) “Yoga for Health: What the Science Says.” https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/yoga-for-health-science

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (April 2021) “Yoga: What You Need to Know.” https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-what-you-need-to-know

Taking It Slow After Spine Surgery

Taking It Slow After Spine Surgery

Taking it slow after spinal surgery is recommended to optimize a full recovery. What usually happens is that an individual starts feeling normal/better, so they begin to engage in a few daily activities. Then pain presents, letting the individual know that they have done too much too soon. The pain does not necessarily signal re-injuring the area, but recovery should be treated seriously. More than 50% of patients have successful spine surgery, but repeat surgeries do not tend to be quite as effective. Doing too much too early during recovery can result in severe re-injury or creating new injuries. So when can an individual get back to everyday life?

Taking It Slow After Spine Surgery

Surgery Recovery

Recovery after back surgery is different for everyone. Low back lumbar fusion surgeries usually require more recovery time than lumbar non-fusion surgeries, like:

  • Laminectomy – when the lamina portion of a vertebra is removed.
  • Microdiscectomy – the removal of abnormal disc material
  • Cervical spine surgeries.

Individuals who have undergone a procedure where two or more vertebrae have been surgically fused should expect a longer recovery. A typical timeline for lumbar fusion usually involves around three months. What happens is individuals want to get up and move, doing household activities almost immediately because they feel so good, but this is because of the pain medications. Strong pain medication use ends by four to six weeks. It is not until after 12 weeks or three months with post-operative chiropractic rehabilitation and physical therapy that individuals are encouraged to engage in specific physical activities that will optimize the healing process.

Taking It Slow With Certain Activities

Specific activities should not be engaged in after lumbar fusion surgery, as it requires a higher level of caution during recovery.

No Bending, Lifting, and Twisting

Bending, lifting, and twisting all require the direct use of the back muscles. Performing these movements can cause serious damage and hinder proper healing. Therefore it is recommended not to bend, lift, or twist for six weeks.

No Taking Baths or Swimming

Taking showers can be done right away with protective plastic or a sponge bath for a few days after surgery, but it is advised not to take baths or go swimming for three weeks.

No Cardiovascular Exercise

While the back may be feeling better after the spine surgery, cardiovascular exercise is not recommended for at least six to 12 weeks as it is too strenuous on the back. Light walking is fine, but the doctor and a chiropractor and physical therapist will develop a controlled, progressive exercise program for the individual. The program usually starts between 6 weeks and three months after surgery. This can include working out on an elliptical machine, a stationary bike, or easy treadmill walking.

Listening to The Body

The doctor will be clear about what can and can’t be done immediately following back surgery. Therefore it is crucial to follow the instructions to avoid any complications and listen to the body. Don’t push through activity or try taking on too much. Give the body and spine time to heal, taking it slow. There is time to get back to normal activities, but if re-injury or new injuries occur, rehabilitation/recovery could become the regular activity.


Body Composition


Malnutrition

Malnutrition is defined as deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in an individual’s energy intake and/or nutrients. Protein-energy deficiency is one of the most common forms of malnutrition, and this health condition has an immediate and negative impact on body composition. The deficit wreaks havoc on skeletal muscle mass as the body progressively goes into starvation mode, breaking down the protein stored in the muscle for fuel.

Micronutrient deficiency is a lack of minerals and vitamins that support vital bodily processes like cell regeneration, immune system health, and eyesight. Common examples include iron or calcium deficiencies. Micronutrient deficiency has the most significant impact on normal physiological functions, processes and can happen in conjunction with a lack of protein-energy. This is because most micronutrients are obtained from food. Nutritional deficiencies of specific micronutrients can affect processes like building and repairing muscle; protein deficiency has a more pronounced effect on body composition because lowered protein intake can lead to muscle mass loss. Malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies in adults include:

  • Not enough energy to get through the day.
  • Unintended weight loss.
  • Physical function, including handgrip strength and physical performance, diminishes.
  • Serious medical conditions can result from fluid accumulation like edema.
References

Daniell, James R, and Orso L Osti. “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Review Article.” Asian spine journal vol. 12,2 (2018): 372-379. doi:10.4184/asj.2018.12.2.372

Chiropractic Treatment For Tennis Injuries

Chiropractic Treatment For Tennis Injuries

Tennis is an intense sport that requires strength, agility, flexibility, stamina, endurance, and conditioning. And it’s a great way to stay in shape. However, with all of this intensity is the risk of injuries. Although they are lower compared to other sports injuries, injuries are more cumulative/repetitive based and wear and tear over time type. Tennis injuries can be painful and impair daily life. They can be treated and prevented with chiropractic medicine and strength training. Chiropractic can help the body heal quicker, and address underlying issues that led to the injury. This will help to worsen and prevent re-injury. The most common tennis injuries include…Chiropractic Treatment For Tennis Injuries

Wrist Tendonitis

This is an injury that can happen to beginner players that don’t have a great deal of arm/wrist strength, use a racquet that is too heavy, and begin developing an improper form to compensate. But it can also be caused by repetitive/overusing the wrist instead of the whole arm.  Symptoms are chronic stiffness and pain in the area surrounding the wrist joint. Chiropractic sports massage, physical rehabilitation, and learning proper form will help alleviate the pain and prevent worsening or developing new injuries.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a condition that is caused by inflammation of the outside muscles in the forearm and tendons. This is usually an overuse injury from all the swinging and hitting, but using the improper technique could also be a cause. Chiropractic adjustments are highly recommended instead of steroid injections and other anti-inflammatories. The adjustments and massage relieve the discomfort and pain by naturally relaxing, stretching, and strengthening the muscles and tendons.

Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

The rotator cuff belongs to a group of tendons and muscles that surround the shoulder joint. This allows the shoulder to perform 360-degree arm circles and is what stabilizes the shoulders. Tendonitis happens when the tendons inside the rotator cuff become inflamed. The inflammation causes pain with movement, especially overhead motions decreasing the range of motion in the shoulder. This injury is often caused by serving and hitting overheads with an improper technique. Chiropractic adjusting, heat and ice therapy, and electro-muscular stimulation loosen and stretch the muscles/tendons back to their proper form.

Knee Sprains and Strains

The knee goes through a lot in sports. And tennis is no exception, much like basketball and volleyball with all the jumping, pounding, shifting, twisting, losing balance, or extending beyond the normal range of motion causes injuries that result in:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Loss of the ability to move ​

Chiropractic will help relieve that pain and relax the damaged muscles. It also speeds the healing process by addressing the underlying issues.

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain also known as a twisted ankle happens when the ligaments attached to the joint become over-stretched or partially tear. These sprains happen from the:

  • Quick start and stop movements
  • Changing direction rapidly
  • Quick sprints all around the court
  • Causing the ankle to roll and/or twist.

A chiropractor will realign the ankle and provide physical therapy massage to allow the ligaments to heal properly and faster. Chiropractic treatment will allow the player to return to play quicker and prevent reinjury that if not treated correctly can become chronic. Having the proper personalized treatment plan will ensure the body heals correctly, prevent misalignments, loss of functionality, and/or range of motion.


PUSH Fitness


Aerobic Training

Aerobic exercise is a cornerstone for weight loss. Having the heart rate elevated for a continuous amount of time is the key. This is how calories are burned. Research has found that individuals involved in aerobic training lose more weight overall, including more fat mass than resistance training alone. When combined, aerobic and resistance training individuals gain more fat-free mass, including lean muscle. Aerobics causes the cardiorespiratory system to adapt. Maintaining heart function and health and keeps the body’s energy metabolism system running at optimal levels. Aerobic exercise for fitness and weight loss is a key element of maintaining the body’s health.

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: [email protected]
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

Dines, Joshua S et al. “Tennis injuries: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment.” The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons vol. 23,3 (2015): 181-9. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-13-00148

Minghelli, Beatriz, and Jéssica Cadete. “Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries in tennis players: risk factors.” The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness vol. 59,12 (2019): 2045-2052. doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.19.09842-6

Stuelcken, Max et al. “Wrist Injuries in Tennis Players: A Narrative Review.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 47,5 (2017): 857-868. doi:10.1007/s40279-016-0630-x

Willis, Leslie H et al. “Effects of aerobic and/or resistance training on body mass and fat mass in overweight or obese adults.” Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md.: 1985) vol. 113,12 (2012): 1831-7. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.01370.2011

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