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Lateral Recess Stenosis: El Paso Back Clinic

Lateral Recess Stenosis: El Paso Back Clinic

The spine is the body’s central highway, with the spinal canal as the main lane that handles all the traffic. There are entrances and exits, or spinal cavities, that allow the nerves to branch off the spinal cord and run throughout the body. A traffic jam develops during lane closures, accidents, or construction at an entrance or exit. Lateral recess stenosis causes the narrowing of the spine’s lateral recess/Lee’s entrance, which can compress nerves, impede nerve circulation, and cause painful symptoms.Lateral Recess Stenosis: Injury Medical Chiropractic

Lateral Recess Stenosis

The spinal column provides a strong and flexible structure for the spinal cord. The nerves travel from the spinal cord through various openings and passageways to the rest of the body. One of the openings is known as the lateral recess. Stenosis means narrowing. When a lateral recess in a vertebra develops stenosis, the nerve in that area can get jammed/pinched with no room to move, causing varying symptoms and sensations.

Symptoms

Depending on where the stenosis is taking place (neck, middle or low back), common symptoms of lateral recess stenosis can include:

  • Back pain that can spread out to other areas.
  • Cramping that can spread out to other sites.
  • Radiating pain that worsens with movement and eases with rest.
  • Numbness or weakness of the legs or arms.
  • Electrical tingling sensations down the leg or arm.

Causes

The National Institute of Health lists the major causes:

Natural Wear and Tear

  • Natural aging with gradual degeneration remains the most common cause of stenosis.

Congenital – Born With Stenosis

Disease

Natural Aging Process

Traumatic Injury

  • Automobile crashes and accidents
  • Work Injuries
  • Sports injuries

Treatment

Lateral recess stenosis has no current cure, but there are options to treat stenosis symptoms.

Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

  • A chiropractic physical therapy team can relieve symptoms, restore function, and strengthen the muscles.
  • Muscle groups around the stenosis area are built up to take the pressure off of the area, alleviating symptoms.

Medications

  • A doctor or spine specialist may recommend or prescribe medication to ease symptoms. These include:
  • Tylenol – acetaminophen.
  • NSAIDS – Advil/ibuprofen or Aleve/naproxen.
  • Muscle relaxers

Steroid Injections

  • According to a study, neurogenic claudication is the main reason for disability and loss of independence in the elderly.
  • Neurogenic claudication describes pain and weakness in the buttocks and legs during physical activity that originates from the nerves, not the vessels.
  • This can happen from inflammation and swelling around a compressed nerve.
  • A steroid injection can decrease inflammation for several months.

Surgery

If activity modification, NSAIDs, bracing, and physical therapy don’t work or provide adequate relief, a doctor or specialist could recommend surgery.


Back Problems Chiropractor


References

American College of Rheumatology (n.d.) “Spinal Stenosis” https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Spinal-Stenosis

Arthritis Foundation (n.d.) “Corticosteroids” https://www.arthritis.org/drug-guide/corticosteroids/corticosteroids

Drug Design, Development and Therapy (2014) “Steroid for epidural injection in spinal stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis” https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S78070

Lee, Seung Yeop, et al. “Lumbar Stenosis: A Recent Update by Review of Literature.” Asian spine journal vol. 9,5 (2015): 818-28. doi:10.4184/asj.2015.9.5.818

Liu, Kuan, et al. “Steroid for epidural injection in spinal stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Drug design, development, and therapy vol. 9 707-16. Jan 30, 2015, doi:10.2147/DDDT.S78070

Medline Plus (n.d.) “Achondroplasia” https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/achondroplasia/

Microspine (n.d.) “Endoscopic Decompression” https://www.microspinemd.com/microspine-surgery/endoscopic-decompression/

National Institutes of Health (n.d.) “Spinal Stenosis” https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/spinal-stenosis

Northwest Medical Center (2022) “Lateral Recess/Foraminal Stenosis” https://nw-mc.com/lateral-recessforaminal-stenosis/

NSPC Brain and Spine Surgery (n.d.) Lateral Recess Stenosis https://nspc.com/lateral-recess-stenosis/

Raja A, Hoang S, Patel P, et al. Spinal Stenosis. [Updated 2022 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441989/

Running With A Prosthetic Leg: El Paso Back Clinic

Running With A Prosthetic Leg: El Paso Back Clinic

Before you begin running, talk with your physician, prosthetist, and other clinicians involved in your rehabilitation/health care treatment. Learning to use a prosthetic takes time and practice. Individuals that meet the minimum recommendations for running and have mastered walking on a prosthesis can begin running. The world of sports prosthetics has realized technological advancements to become highly refined and targeted for all levels of competition.Running With Prosthetic Leg: Injury Medical Chiropractic Team

Before Running Recommendations

Every individual has specific healthcare needs, and guidelines should be considered to prevent injuries.

  • To become a runner and progress to a good runner, individuals need to focus on strengthening their legs to build endurance levels to meet the energy demands.
  • Working with a sports chiropractic and physical therapy team is recommended to build, strengthen, and condition the muscles and develop healthy posture and walking habits.

Skin Health

Talk with your healthcare team to ensure the skin can withstand the forces while running. If limb skin quality is insufficient, running can result in sores and blisters that prevent wearing a prosthesis until they heal. Other considerations include the following:

  • The incision should be healed.
  • All stitches and staples have been removed.
  • There should be no drainage.
  • Ensure there are no open wounds or blisters.

Bone Health

  • Research suggests in some cases that a decrease in bone density/osteopenia or osteoporosis of the residual limb can occur after amputation.
  • This can result in pain when applying weight through the residual limb.
  • Some amputations can result in heterotopic ossification – bone growth in the soft tissues outside the normal skeleton.
  • If heterotopic ossification is causing symptoms, it is not recommended to run and talk to your physician and prosthetist about options.

Proper Fitting of Prosthetic

  • Suboptimal socket fit can result in an altered gait.
  • If there is any compensation when walking, the gait deviations will be exacerbated when running.
  • Gait deviations can result in abnormal loading, resulting in injuries.
  • Talk to your prosthetist about the fit if it is less than optimal.
  • It is recommended to participate in gait training with a chiropractic physical therapy team to learn to walk with proper form.

Balance and Agility

Agility drills are recommended to transition from walking to running.

  • They help coordinate the limbs and can be done with a regular prosthesis.
  • Agility and balance exercises promote stability in the socket to become more stabilized during quick movements.
  • They can help to prevent balance-related falls.
  • When working on balance, do it in a safe environment with a friend, family, or something to hold on to.

Strength Training

  • The unaffected leg will now be the main powerhouse, so the focus needs to be on strengthening all the muscles in that leg.
  • If you have bilateral amputations or both legs, the hips will be the powerhouse for running. It needs to generate all the force to propel the body forward.
  • Individuals with a below-knee amputation will also have the hamstrings to help out.
  • Hip musculature needs to be strong to meet running demands.
  • Without proper strength, the body will compensate in various ways, which can lead to injuries.

Endurance

  • Endurance training is essential.
  • A high level of endurance is required before training to run to meet the energy demands.
  • One study showed that running with a SACH/Solid Ankle Cushion Heel Foot requires 28-36% more energy than individuals without amputations.

Running With Prosthetic

Energy

Running on a prosthesis requires more energy. It could be recommended to use a running prosthesis instead of the everyday prosthesis. The energy needed to run is:

  • Greater for individuals with amputations above the knee than those below the knee.
  • Even greater for those with amputations on both sides.

Asymmetry

Asymmetrical loading is a common problem when running with a prosthesis. Runners want to use the unaffected limb more than maintain balance for reasons that include:

  • Not trusting the prosthetic.
  • Discomfort when loading the residual limb.
  • Not enough strength in the residual limb.
  • Unbalanced amounts of force from impact can result in injuries.

Practice Schedule

  • In the first week, asses how the socket fits and if there is any discomfort.
  • If something does not feel correct, check with your prosthetist.
  • Don’t run for more than 10 minutes in the beginning without stopping to check the skin to see if any red spots appear.
  • The pressure will be increased, so be aware of anything irritating or rubbing the skin.
  • Individuals who had their amputations some time ago may be able to tolerate the load more easily at the beginning than individuals who recently had an amputation.
  • Too much too soon can result in injuries.
  • Slowly ease into running and give the limbs and body time to adapt to the physical and mental stress.

Running With A Prosthetic Limb


References

Beck, Owen N et al. “Reduced prosthetic stiffness lowers the metabolic cost of running for athletes with bilateral transtibial amputations.” Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md.: 1985) vol. 122,4 (2017): 976-984. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00587.2016

Bragaru, Mihai, et al. “Sport prostheses and prosthetic adaptations for the upper and lower limb amputees: an overview of peer-reviewed literature.” Prosthetics and orthotics international vol. 36,3 (2012): 290-6. doi:10.1177/0309364612447093

Kanas, Joanne L, and Mark Holowka. “Adaptive upper extremity prostheses for recreation and play.” Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine vol. 2,3 (2009): 181-7. doi:10.3233/PRM-2009-0082

Matthews, D et al. “Return to sport following amputation.” The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness vol. 54,4 (2014): 481-6.

Meyers, Carolyn, et al. “Heterotopic Ossification: A Comprehensive Review.” JBMR plus vol. 3,4 e10172. 27 Feb. 2019, doi:10.1002/jbm4.10172

Morgan, Sara J et al. “Mobility with a lower limb prosthesis: experiences of users with high levels of functional ability.” Disability and rehabilitation vol. 44,13 (2022): 3236-3244. doi:10.1080/09638288.2020.1851400

Sciatica Foot and Ankle Issues: El Paso Back Clinic

Sciatica Foot and Ankle Issues: El Paso Back Clinic

It didn’t happen at work, school, or exercise, and there haven’t been any trips and/or falls, but you can’t pinpoint what is causing foot and ankle discomfort and sensations. However, the cause could be originating in the lumbar spinal region. Sciatica is a set of symptoms that refer to pain, numbness, and tingling radiating down the leg from the lower back, affecting the legs, hips, buttocks, and feet. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can release the compressed nerve, massage circulation back into the nerve, and restore mobility and function.Sciatica Foot and Ankle Issues: Injury Medical Chiropractic

Sciatica Foot and Ankle

Sciatic nerve sensations can run down the back of the leg down into the foot.

  • Compression or irritation to any nerve roots can present with symptoms in the hip, thigh, calf, and foot.
  • Sciatica foot and ankle symptoms can accompany numbness and muscle weakness.
  • Sciatic nerve irritation mostly causes symptoms on the outside of the foot but can spread to other areas.

Nerve Roots

One or more of the lower spine’s sciatic nerve roots are being compressed or pinched. The foot symptoms location depends on which nerve root is affected.

  • If the S1 root is affected, symptoms will radiate to the sole and side of the foot.
  • If L5 is affected, symptoms will radiate to the top of the foot and the big toe.
  • If the L4 root is affected, symptoms can radiate to the medial or inside the ankle area.

Chiropractic Care and Relief

Foot Massage

A foot massage can be helpful.

  • A massage therapist finds points around the ankles that are tender.
  • Tenderness indicates a lymphatic blockage or muscle tension that needs to be worked out.
  • They will apply varying pressures to massage the muscles and get the circulation flowing.
  • The therapist will loosen the tarsal and metatarsal bones to loosen the muscles and nerves.
  • Moving the bones resupplies the joints, forces out inflammatory metabolic waste, opens the space for the nerves, and allows improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow to expedite healing.

Nerve Flossing

Nerve flossing exercises can help stretch and maintain the released nerve.

  • A chiropractor will perform and train the individual on targeted stretches to the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia.
  • They will stretch, release, and open the ankle and sciatic nerve.

Injections

A cortisone injection where the nerve is affected can help in certain cases.

  • Injections of a corticosteroid, an anti-inflammatory medicine, can offer relief for up to three months and are given under local anesthesia.
  • The medicine reduces the inflammation and swelling around the nerve roots.

Foot Orthotics

  • Custom foot orthotics can help support a postural foot or ankle problem.
  • Overpronation is when the ankles collapse inward, which creates an imbalance of leg lengths that affects the hips, pelvis, and spine.
  • Orthotics can help provide symptom relief.

Nutrition

Part of a treatment plan will include an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nutritional plan.

  • A professional nutritionist will make recommendations based on the individual’s case.
  • Magnesium-rich foods are generally recommended for sciatica as this nutrient aids the body in releasing muscle contractions.
  • 99 percent of the body’s magnesium is stored in the bones, muscles, and soft tissues, with only 1 percent concentrated in the blood.

Foods rich in magnesium include:

  • Avocado
  • Bananas
  • Apricots
  • Dried pumpkin seeds
  • Dairy
  • Dark chocolate
  • Dried figs
  • Black beans
  • Brown rice
  • Fish
  • Spinach
  • Swiss chard
  • Yogurt

Benefits of Custom Foot Orthotics


References

Davis, David, et al. “Sciatica.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 6 May 2022.

Ge, Phillip S et al. “Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the superior gluteal artery presenting as pelvic mass with foot drop and sciatica: case report and review of the literature.” Vascular and endovascular surgery vol. 44,1 (2010): 64-8. doi:10.1177/1538574409351990

Hughes, Michael S et al. “Post-traumatic catamenial sciatica.” Orthopedics vol. 31,4 (2008): 400. doi:10.3928/01477447-20080401-15

Mayo Clinic. “Sciatica.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435?p=1

National Institutes of Health. “Sciatica.” https://medlineplus.gov/sciatica.html

Pan, Hung-Chuan, et al. “Magnesium supplement promotes sciatic nerve regeneration and down-regulates inflammatory response.” Magnesium research vol. 24,2 (2011): 54-70. doi:10.1684/mrh.2011.0280

Sugar Consumption Thickens Fascia: El Paso Back Clinic

Sugar Consumption Thickens Fascia: El Paso Back Clinic

The fascia is important for connecting the musculoskeletal system, stabilizing function, and keeping the body healthy and balanced. Sugar consumption and the abundance of sugar in the body that doesn’t get burned directly negatively affect the fascia, making it lose its elasticity and affecting other connective tissues. Excess sugar in the blood leads to a pathological process called glycation. One effect of glycation is binding sugar molecules to fascial proteins, causing them to thicken and stiffen. The body sees the tangled molecules as foreign bodies initiating an inflammatory response to get rid of them. This can lead to chronic inflammation causing various symptoms. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Team will address soreness, pain, and discomfort associated with fascia problems.

Sugar Consumption Thickens Fascia: Functional ChiropractorMyofascial Tissue

Myofascia or fascia is a layer of tissue that connects and supports the spine and muscles. It wraps and links internal body parts in bands, fusing them. This ensures the muscles can move freely without experiencing friction with other body parts.

  • Fascia is made of collagen, creating a tough and flexible texture that provides tension and elasticity.
  • Fascia is found around muscles, nerves, blood vessels, blood and cells, organs, and bones.

When the body stays or moves in repetitive patterns, the fascia can memorize certain positions/postures and hold the fascia in a contracted state. For example, sitting at a desk workstation causes the gluteal muscles, tendons, and ligaments to stretch and pull the muscles around them. The gluteal muscles can become restricted without releasing and training the fascia to return to a retracted position, causing tension and myofascial discomfort. When the body is in balance/homeostasis, and the fascia is healthy:

  • The viscoelastic gel flows without restriction in all directions.
  • The collagen fiber network moves freely.
  • Lymph and blood circulation flow correctly.
  • Communication between cells, the nervous system, and all tissues in the body work correctly.

In the event of an injury and activation of the healing process, specific components interact with cells to create the condition for healing and generate inflammation, allowing new cells to easily move and heal the tissue. An obstruction in the circulation increases pressure where the fluid sits stationary, preventing tissue communication. Sometimes the healing process doesn’t stop, and the inflammation response worsens and can become chronic.

Sugar Consumption

Many think of sugar as candy, sweets, chocolates, and desserts. However, all carbohydrates are sugar, and eating too much bread, pasta, grains, fruit, and cereals, contributes to a lot more sugar consumption.

  • Foods believed to be healthy such as wholemeal bread, low-fat alternatives, and granola cereal, have high amounts of sugar.
  • The connective tissues need collagen for the smooth functioning of joints.
  • High blood sugar exacerbates aches and pains and can lead to impaired joint movement and, eventually, arthritis.

Fascia Problems

  • Impaired flow and mobility
  • Fascia that has thickened and hardened impairs gliding ability.
  • The body feels heavy and sluggish.
  • Pain symptoms
  • Edema
  • Poor balance
  • In places where the body has become stiff and numb, the nervous system can’t transmit signals as quickly to control movements.
  • Muscles can constantly twitch or go into convulsions from misinterpreted signals.
  • A tight connective tissue chain can distort the skeleton causing the joints to wear faster.

Chiropractic Myofascial Massage Release

Chiropractic myofascial massage and release provides several benefits to the body’s health and well-being, including:

  • Relieves the overall effects of stress on the body.
  • Relieves soreness and pain.
  • Increases blood and lymph circulation.
  • Improves tissue recovery.
  • Improves joint range of motion.
  • Restores proper-length-tension relationships for dynamic movement.
  • Maintains normal functional muscular length.
  • Improves neuromuscular function.

Nutritional Guidelines Fascial Health


References

Barros-Neto, João Araújo et al. “Selenium and Zinc Status in Chronic Myofascial Pain: Serum and Erythrocyte Concentrations and Food Intake.” PloS one vol. 11,10 e0164302. 18 Oct. 2016, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0164302

Dong, Shoubin, et al. “A three-dimensional collagen-fiber network model of the extracellular matrix for the simulation of the mechanical behaviors and microstructures.” Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering vol. 20,9 (2017): 991-1003. doi:10.1080/10255842.2017.1321113

Mattei, Giorgio et al. “Engineering Gels with Time-Evolving Viscoelasticity.” Materials (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 13,2 438. 16 Jan. 2020, doi:10.3390/ma13020438

Okumus, M et al. “The relationship between serum trace elements, vitamin B12, folic acid and clinical parameters in patients with myofascial pain syndrome.” Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation vol. 23,4 (2010): 187-91. doi:10.3233/BMR-2010-0264

Vlassara, Helen, and Jaime Uribarri. “Advanced glycation end products (AGE) and diabetes: cause, effect, or both?.” Current diabetes reports vol. 14,1 (2014): 453. doi:10.1007/s11892-013-0453-1

Aging Arthritis: El Paso Back Clinic

Aging Arthritis: El Paso Back Clinic

Aging Arthritis: How the body changes as the years go by is determined by an individual’s diet, physical activity/exercise, genetics, stress levels, sleep patterns, and self-care. As the body ages, natural degeneration from everyday wear and tear will present. The focus is on understanding how age-related degeneration can affect the body and what to do to prevent and treat it.

Aging Arthritis: Injury Medical Chiropractic Functional Medicine

Aging Arthritis

Arthritis refers to joint inflammation and is the fundamental cause of various disorders that include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Infectious arthritis
  • Gout – metabolic arthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Childhood arthritis

Inflammation is just one symptom usually accompanied by swelling, pain, stiffness, immobility, and loss of function.

Osteoarthritis

  • The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, where the cartilage within joints begins to break down, and the bones begin to reshape.
  • It’s known as degenerative joint disease/wear and tear arthritis.
  • The hands, hips, and knees are the most commonly affected joints.
  • These changes often develop slowly but worsen if not treated.
  • Symptoms include intense pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Fibromyalgia

  • Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in various areas of the body, sleep problems, and fatigue.
  • Individuals with fibromyalgia can be more sensitive to pain sensations.
  • Treatments and management plans are available to help ease symptoms and restor function.

Infectious Arthritis

  • Infectious arthritis or septic arthritis is caused by an infection in the joints.
  • Bacteria from another area of the body can invade a joint or the fluid surrounding it.
  • Bacteria can enter the body from open wounds, injections, or surgery.
  • Infectious arthritis is usually only present in one joint.
  • Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that lives on healthy skin and is the cause of most infectious arthritis cases.
  • A virus or fungus can also generate arthritic inflammatory symptoms.

Gout

  • Gout is a common type of arthritis that causes inflammation and pain.
  • It usually only affects one joint, most commonly the big toe joint.
  • Symptoms can intensify, known as flares, and other periods with no symptoms, known as remission.
  • Recurrent gout episodes can degenerate into gouty arthritis, a more serious form of arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis attacks numerous joints simultaneously, specifically in the hands, wrists, and knees.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis causes the joint lining to become inflamed and starts to damage nearby tissues.
  • Tissue damage that is severe or chronic enough can cause pain, balance problems, and visible deformities.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect organs, like the lungs, heart, and eyes, by causing inflammation.

Lupus

  • Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects various body systems.
  • An autoimmune disease is when the immune system mistakes its tissues for bacterial, viral, or fungal intruders and attacks them.
  • Lupus symptoms can be vague, making the disease hard to diagnose.
  • The disease is known as the great imitator because symptoms can mimic other diseases.
  • Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening.
  • Seeing a rheumatologist is recommended, as they are specialists that can diagnose and treat arthritis, lupus, and other joint-related diseases.

Childhood Arthritis

  • Arthritis in children is known as juvenile or childhood arthritis.
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis/juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most frequent form.
  • The condition can cause long-term joint damage that can lead to disability.

Aging Arthritis and Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is recommended for the treatment of any form of arthritis. Chiropractic care can work with other therapies to reduce swelling and inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility and flexibility.

  • A chiropractor will utilize body imagery before beginning treatment.
  • Imaging gives insight into the condition of the joints, and the visual, combined with a self-report from the individual, allows the chiropractor to create a personalized treatment plan.
  • Once a chiropractor has identified which techniques the body can handle, treatment will commence that can include:
  • Therapeutic massage
  • Percussive massage
  • Ultrasound
  • Electrotherapy
  • Low-level cold laser therapy
  • Infrared heat

A chiropractor’s objective is to rebalance, realign and strengthen the body, relieve pressure or stress at the junction of the joints, and expedite healing and rehabilitation.


LLT Laser Therapy


References

Abyad, A, and J T Boyer. “Arthritis and aging.” Current opinion in rheumatology vol. 4,2 (1992): 153-9. doi:10.1097/00002281-199204000-00004

Chalan, Paulina, et al. “Rheumatoid Arthritis, Immunosenescence and the Hallmarks of Aging.” Current aging science vol. 8,2 (2015): 131-46. doi:10.2174/1874609808666150727110744

Goronzy, Jorg J et al. “Immune aging, and rheumatoid arthritis.” Rheumatic diseases clinics of North America vol. 36,2 (2010): 297-310. doi:10.1016/j.rdc.2010.03.001

Greene, M A, and R F Loeser. “Aging-related inflammation in osteoarthritis.” Osteoarthritis and cartilage vol. 23,11 (2015): 1966-71. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2015.01.008

Sacitharan, Pradeep Kumar. “Ageing and Osteoarthritis.” Sub-cellular biochemistry vol. 91 (2019): 123-159. doi:10.1007/978-981-13-3681-2_6

Breathing Back Discomfort Causes: Back Clinic

Breathing Back Discomfort Causes: Back Clinic

Back discomfort symptoms include stiffness, spasms, tenderness, and headaches often caused by unhealthy posture and overuse muscle strain. Breathing back discomfort can be caused by injuries to the spinal musculoskeletal system, conditions and/or disease in the back, lungs, or heart, and other conditions unrelated to the back. When taking a breath, the intercostal muscles surrounding the rib cage contract, expanding the chest and allowing the lungs to fill with air. These muscles directly affect the spine, which is why back issues can present when breathing. Chiropractic care, decompression, and massage therapy, combined with a functional medicine approach, can realign the spine, release tight muscles, and restore function.Breathing Back Discomfort Causes Chiropractor

Breathing Back Discomfort

A problem in the back could be a root cause for discomfort and back problems while breathing.

Spinal Conditions

Scoliosis

  • Scoliosis causes the spine to curve sideways, either in one direction, creating a C shape, or generating an S shape in two directions.
  • The curvature can be so minimal that it cannot be seen or so severe that it can be life-threatening. Most scoliosis cases fall in between.
  • Taking deep breaths can cause discomfort and pain because the spine curvature puts extra strain on certain muscles meant to support the body’s weight in tandem with other muscles that have limited function or are no longer functioning.
  • The condition normally begins in adolescence but can start later in life.

Scoliosis treatment varies depending on the severity.

Monitor

  • A spinal physician will monitor the individual for mild curvature, as sometimes the process stops before it becomes serious. This is known as the wait-and-see, what-happens approach.

Activity, Chiropractic, and Physical Therapy

  • Yoga can stop and even reverse the progression.
  • Chiropractic care and physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms.

Bracing

  • Bracing can be effective at stopping the progression.

Surgery

  • For severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
  • In this case, spinal fusion is the most common surgical procedure for this condition.
  • Newer procedures like vertebral body tethering and ApiFix have been approved and could be an option.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is another curve in the back that is supposed to be there.

  • Instead of curving like scoliosis, kyphosis causes a curve forward in the thoracic spine/upper back.
  • Problems arise when the curve is too pronounced.
  • This curve can come from unhealthy posture, Scheuermann’s disease, or being born with it.
  • Kyphosis causes breathing back discomfort by straining the muscles in the upper back, which are used for each breath.
  • Treatment often involves chiropractic and/or physical therapy to restore proper curvature and reduce inflammation.
  • A back brace could be prescribed if discomfort and pain continue.
  • Spinal fusion could be recommended for severe cases.

Lungs

The lungs and the spine are close to each other, which is why back discomfort and problems with breathing are connected.

Pneumonia

  • Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that causes the tiny sacks known as alveoli to fill with fluid.
  • This is where the body takes oxygen from the inhaled air to the bloodstream.
  • The infection causes inflammation and discomfort symptoms in and around the chest and back while taking deep breaths.

Lung Cancer

  • Lung cancer can cause back issues and pain.
  • Frequently coughing causes the muscles around the ribs and back to become overused and strained from the jerking and heaving.
  • The strained muscles cause discomfort and pain when taking a breath.
  • Tumors can push on sensitive nerves in the back, causing inflammation and pain.

Pleurisy

  • There is a thin layer of protective tissue surrounding the lungs called pleura.
  • Pleurisy describes the layer becoming infected and/or inflamed, which causes discomfort symptoms in the back when breathing.
  • Pleurisy can be caused by injury, infection, or cancer.
  • Individuals with autoimmune disorders are more at risk of developing the condition.

Pneumothorax

  • Pneumothorax describes a full or partial lung collapse, usually on one side.
  • The lung can collapse as a result of severe illness or injury.
  • The lung collapses because air gets between the pleura and the lung and not allowing the lung to expand.
  • Pain with breathing is a common indicator of pneumothorax.
  • Individuals with this condition also experience severe shortness of breath and chest pain on one side.

Pulmonary Embolism

  • A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot gets stuck in an artery, blocking blood flow to part of the lung.
  • The lungs will display signs of distress through back pain when trying to take a deep breath.
  • This is a life-threatening condition that causes chest pain, coughing up blood, a heart rate over 100 beats per minute, dizziness or leg swelling, and painful breathing; get to an emergency room immediately.

Heart

Heart Attack

  • The nerves associated with pain in the muscles and bones differ from those surrounding the organs, including the heart.
  • However, a heart attack can cause back pain as the nerves of the heart travel along the same path as spinal nerves, specifically in the upper back.
  • The brain can misinterpret pain signals from the same roots that supply peripheral nerves in the chest, arm, jaw, and back.
  • Because they share nerve pathways, the upper back can present with pain during a heart attack.

Aortic Dissection

  • The largest artery in the body is called the aorta.
  • It comes off the top of the heart and then drops to supply blood to the rest of the body.
  • Sometimes, the vessel can get a small tear in the chest area, which grows from the blood circulation pressure.
  • Aortic dissection can cause intense back pain while breathing.

Chiropractic care, decompression, and massage therapy combined with functional medicine can help realign the spine, stretch and loosen the overused and strained muscles, and provide postural training and nutritional planning to help alleviate symptoms and restore function.


Deep Breathing Back Pain


References

Costumbrado J, Ghassemzadeh S. Spontaneous Pneumothorax. [Updated 2022 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459302/

Floman, Y., Burnei, G., Gavriliu, S. et al. Surgical management of moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with ApiFix®: a short peri- apical fixation followed by post-operative curve reduction with exercises. Scoliosis 10, 4 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13013-015-0028-9

Hunter MP, Regunath H. Pleurisy. [Updated 2022 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558958/

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumothorax/symptoms-diagnosis-treatment

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pulmonary-embolism/treating-and-managing

Mansfield JT, Bennett M. Scheuermann Disease. [Updated 2022 Aug 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499966/

Raitio A, Syvänen J, Helenius I. Vertebral Body Tethering: Indications, Surgical Technique, and a Systematic Review of Published Results. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022; 11(9):2576. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11092576

Stomach Back Pain Causes: El Paso Back Clinic

Stomach Back Pain Causes: El Paso Back Clinic

Back pain is one of the most common reasons individuals go to a doctor, massage therapist, physiotherapist, osteopath, and chiropractor. Various health conditions, some spine-related, others not, list back pain as a symptom. Many of these conditions begin in the stomach or abdominal cavity, which leads to stomach and back pain. Stomach and back pain happening simultaneously, independently, or in combination could be caused by gut problems, back issues, or something completely different. Understanding what causes these two types of pain simultaneously can help figure out a treatment plan.

Stomach Back Pain Causes and Functional ChiropracticStomach Back Pain Causes

Problems in the abdominal cavity and stomach issues can cause back pain and vice versa. Symptoms can also include referred pain when the pain is felt in one part of the body but is caused by pain or injury in another area. Stomach back pain causes depend on the type of condition/s that can include:

Appendicitis

  • Inflammation in the appendix can cause sudden sharp pain in the abdomen.
  • It presents mostly in the lower right area of the abdomen but can appear in or spread to other sites, especially the back.

Dysmenorrhea

  • The medical term for painful menstrual periods.
  • Dysmenorrhea can cause pain in the abdomen and back at the same time.
  • This type of pain can be:
  • Primary – A condition experienced throughout life.
  • Secondary – Starts later in life due to another condition.

Endometriosis

  • Endometriosis causes tissue to grow outside of the uterus.
  • Similar to dysmenorrhea, symptoms include:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Referred low back pain

Fibromyalgia

  • This condition generates pain across the muscles and joints of the body.
  • It shows up with irritable bowel syndrome -IBS.
  • Fibromyalgia can simultaneously present a wide range of stomach problems and back pain.

Gallstones

  • Gallbladder stones or gallstones can cause blockages, inflammation, and painful swelling.
  • A major symptom of gallstones is pain in the upper right of the abdomen, which can spread to the back.

Kidney Dysfunction

  • Kidney stones, infections, and chronic kidney disease can cause pain that’s felt in the abdomen/flank and the mid and/or upper back.

Irritable bowel syndrome – IBS

Inflammatory Bowel Disease – IBD

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a family of immune-mediated, similar to autoimmune conditions with back pain as a symptom that includes:
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis

Pancreatitis

  • An inflamed pancreas can cause symptoms like:
  • Stomach issues.
  • Pain across the abdomen and back.

Pancreatic Cancer

  • A common symptom of pancreatic cancer is a dull pain in the upper abdomen/belly and/or middle and/or upper back that is on and off.
  • This can be because of a tumor that has formed on the tail of the pancreas or an area where it presses on the spine.

Stomach Bloating and Low Back Pain

  • Bloating is caused by pressure in the abdomen increasing to the point that it causes discomfort and pain.
  • It can cause simultaneous stomach and back pain as the bloating adds pressure on the muscles, organs, and spine.
  • One of the most common causes of bloating is trapped gas in the GI tract.
  • This happens when the body cannot properly move the gas through the system.
  • Bloating can also be caused by extra sensitivity to regular pressure increases.
  • In these cases, the amount and movement of gas in the system are normal, but the body reacts as though something is wrong.
  • Several GI tract disorders can cause similar bloating issues that include:
  • Dyspepsia
  • Gastritis
  • Celiac diseaseDiverticular disease
  • Food allergies

A chiropractic functional medicine team can work with an individual’s primary physician or specialist to develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate back pain symptoms, re-balance the body, strengthen the musculoskeletal system and restore function.


Back and Stomach


References

Clauw DJ. Chapter 258, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Goldman L (ed.). 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. 1774-1778. https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/book/3-s2.0-B9780323532662002587

Ford AC, Talley NJ. Chapter 122, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Feldman M (ed.). Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Elsevier: 2021. 2008-2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/book/3-s2.0-B9780323609623001223?scrollTo=%23hl0001104

Inadomi JM, Bhattacharya R, Hwang JH, Ko C. Chapter 7, The Patient with Gas and Bloating. Yamada’s Handbook of Gastroenterology. 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons; 2019. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119515777.ch7

Kliegman RM, St Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al. Chapter 378, Pancreatitis. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020. 2074-2080. https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/book/3-s2.0-B9780323529501003783

Krames E, Mousad DG. Spinal Cord Stimulation Reverses Pain and Diarrheal Episodes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Case Report. Neuromodulation. 2004 Mar 22;7(2):82-88. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1094-7159.2004.04011.x

Sifri CD, Madoff LC. Chapter 78, Appendicitis. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Bennett JA (ed.). Elsevier; 2020. 1059-1063. https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/book/3-s2.0-B9780323482554000783

Stephen Norman Sullivan, “Functional Abdominal Bloating with Distention,” International Scholarly Research Notices, vol. 2012, Article ID 721820, 5 pages, 2012. https://doi.org/10.5402/2012/721820

Wang DQH, Afdhal NH. Chapter 65, Gallstone Disease. Feldman M (ed.). Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Elsevier: 2021. 1016-1046. https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/book/3-s2.0-B9780323609623000655?scrollTo=%23hl0001772

Weisman, Michael H et al. “Axial Pain and Arthritis in Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease: US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data.” Mayo Clinic proceedings. Innovations, quality & outcomes vol. 6,5 443-449. 16 Sep. 2022, doi:10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2022.04.007

Whorwell PJ. Chapter 13, Abdominal Bloating. Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Diagnosis and Clinical Management. Emmanuel A, Quigley EMM (eds.). John Wiley & Sons; 2013. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118444689.ch13

Yarze JC, Friedman LS. Chapter 12, Chronic Abdominal Pain. Feldman M (ed.). Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2021. 158-167. https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/content/book/3-s2.0-B9780323609623000126?scrollTo=%23hl0000408

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