Sciatica doesn�t have to prevent you from being able to travel.
Sometimes a journey can create a series of challenges for people with sciatic nerve pain in the low back and leg.
A common issue among individuals is to prevent sciatica from flaring up when on the road or in the air.
A solution for this is to find ways to keep moving. However, easier said than done, but it can be done!
Flying and driving often mean long periods of sitting and sitting in a position typically not friendly with sciatic pain.
“When we drive or fly for an extended trip, it means long sitting times, and sitting in a position that can cause sciatica to flare up at any time,” says Dr. Alexander Jimenez, D.C. in El Paso, Texas, and member of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
Dr. Jimenez shares some basic tips for keeping mobility up, all the while pain-free, when flying and driving with sciatica.
He also offers additional advice to keep radiating pain from starting, upon arrival.
Flying with Sciatica
Sciatica pain radiates through the lower body meaning:
The low back
Hips
Buttocks
Legs
So when a flight anchors you to a seat, this can aggravate the area and cause pain.
The first thing to consider is the seat choice.
An aisle seat allows you the easiest access out of the seat, allowing you to move more during the flight.
Also when flying with sciatica, tell the flight crew about your condition.
When the seatbelt off light comes on, get up, stretch your legs and move around anywhere you can find room.
With a good portion of the population suffering from sciatica, most crews have seen people with this condition, and will usually let you do some stretching if they’re not busy.
A good sciatica stretch is to put your hands on something stable and do some deep knee bends.
This will use the upper body weight to stretch the lumbar spine comfortably.
Do a few and make sure you feel and return to your seat stretched and refreshed.
When taking a long flight, do this every hour to feel better when landing.
Sciatica Road Trip
Road trips, on the other hand, are easier to stop and move around. However, it can also create over-concentration on the drive and forgetting how much you are hurting until the pain is unbearable.
Dr. Jimenez advises frequentstops, if possible every hour is best to prevent pain.
On the stops walk two or three laps around the car/Suv/truck.
Rear bumper stretching prop
Place one foot on the bumper, and the other a few feet behind, lean into the bumper and square the hips with the lead foot.
This is like a hurdle stretch.
Stretch both legs on each break.
Regular stretching helps relieve the pressure on the low back so you can drive comfortably.
Arrival
Packing light is a healthy tip because hauling heavy luggage will aggravate sciatic nerve pain.
There are a few things that Dr. Jimenez recommends packing or getting upon arrival.
Gel ice pack you can keep in the refrigerator or freezer in a hotel.
Apply the cold pack to the low back for 20-minute increments will go a long way toward relieving pain.
Topical agent/cream/gel that has menthol or camphor, that you can apply to any area of tenderness or pain before the ice gel pack.
This increases the ice pack’s power by helping relax muscles and decreasing pain.
Supportive shoes or custom foot orthotics
People with sciatica should choose footwear or orthotics that support all three arches of the foot.
Leg length is usually not equal on each side, and proper arch supports can be custom made for you by your chiropractor to compensate for the difference.
Even a 5mm difference can cause chronic back pain.
And if possible, ask your chiropractor or primary physician if they can recommend a chiropractor, physical/massage therapist,� or acupuncturist that you can see in case you need emergency treatment.
This can give you some peace of mind.
Keep Your Exercise/Stretching Routine When Traveling
When we travel especially on vacations it can be easy to let healthy lifestyle habits you practice at home slide.
All are sciatica�s natural enemies make sure to bring these healthy practices with you to your destination.
Use the same good sense when you travel just like at home getting:
Get plenty of rest
Drink plenty of water
Don’t overeat
You will need more rest when you travel and don’t forget when you travel to:
Walk
Stretch
Stay mobile
Difference Foot Orthotics Make to *REDUCE FOOT PAIN* & Correct Posture | El Paso, TX (2019)
Custom made foot orthotics can help control foot motion and posture. Healthcare professionals prescribe custom foot orthotics to help patients focus on their foot posture and mobility control. Research studies have ascertained that using custom foot orthotics for posture and mobility control can help fix excessive foot pronation and supination to prevent a variety of foot health problems. The subsequent video describes how custom foot orthotics will help control foot posture and mobility to improve health and wellness.
NCBI Resources
Sciatica is generally caused by the compression of lumbar or sacral nerves or by compression of the sciatic nerve. When sciatica is caused by compression of a dorsal nerve root, it’s known as lumbar radiculopathy. This can occur because of a spinal disk bulge or spinal disk herniation (a herniated intervertebral disc), or by roughening, enlarging, or misalignment (spondylolisthesis) of the fascia, or as a consequence of degenerated discs which can reduce the diameter of the lateral foramen by which nerve roots exit the spine.
Myofascial syndrome, what is it? You’re probably thinking I don’t have that, but more than likely, you have.
Myo means muscle and fascia refer to the tissue bands that cover and connect the muscles/organs.
Tightness
Twitching areas
Painful knots
In the neck/back, then myofascial pain syndrome could be the cause.
Myofascial syndrome is a very common condition. It affects about 44 million people in the United States.
Trigger Points The Areas Where Pain Can Develop
Myofascial pain is associated with trigger points. These are areas that can become tender and stiff inside muscle tissue that reduce the range of motion.
Myofascial pain syndrome can happen when you have several active trigger points.
Trigger points are often referred to as knots because they feel tight and balled up compared to the softer relaxed surrounding muscle/s.
If the muscle becomes tight, it can cut off its blood supply, that can trigger:
Muscle tenderness
Pain
Spasm
Tightness
Trigger points can form all over the body which includes:
Neck
Mid-back
Low back
Common characteristics of trigger points are that they cause pain that travels or spreads to the surrounding area. For example, shoulder pain can radiate across the upper back.
The muscles can also twitch when touched.
Pretty much everyone has trigger points, but not all triggers cause symptoms.
Dormant or latent��trigger points can reduce the range of motion but only cause pain when directly palpated or compressed,
Active trigger points are painful any time, even when at rest.
Lifestyle factors like:
Stress
Poor posture
Can make a dormant trigger point become active.
Trigger Point Causes in the Spine
Spinal injury or trauma can result in myofascial pain syndrome, but lifestyle factors usually have a hand in the condition.
Poor posture over a long period, for example, sleeping in an awkward position can cause physical muscular stress on the spinal muscles.
Mental and emotional stress can present itself through muscle tension that helps the development of trigger points.
The trapezius muscle, that extends from the back of the neck down the shoulders and upper back, is the most common site of spinal trigger points and myofascial pain because of the significant amount of pressure that the muscle has to bear and its susceptibility to whiplash.
The Difference Myofascial Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Because myofascial syndrome is linked to triggering points, fibromyalgia and its tender points bring out a comparison of the two.
Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are two distinct conditions, and the table below outlines the primary differences.
Because they are unique conditions, there is a possibility to develop both conditions.
Doctor(s) can help craft a treatment approach that addresses the pain of both trigger points and tender points.
Diagnosis can be difficult
Myofascial pain syndrome is common but can be difficult to diagnose.
The challengingreasons behind diagnosing include:
Scientists are not sure how these trigger points cause pain.
The condition is often confused for other spinal disorders and conditions.
An example is having low back pain caused by myofascial syndrome in the lumbar spine. But low back pain brought on by arthritis can cause similar pain. That’s when the cause needs to be carefully and properly assessed.
There is no standard test for myofascial pain syndrome diagnosis yet.
There�s no standard diagnosing protocol but manual palpation or use of the hands to feel for:
Tenderness
Twitching
Tightness around the area
Is the most common way doctors diagnose the condition.
Some doctors might only utilize manual palpation but ultrasound is emerging as a diagnostic tool for myofascial pain syndrome.
Ultrasound produces clean images of the soft tissues and shows the active trigger points.
However, more research is needed to secure its place as a diagnostic method and tool.
A personal or primary care doctor can diagnose myofascial syndrome, but they may refer you to a pain specialist or a spine specialist like:
Doctors and researchers are still learning about myofascial syndrome, therefore, treatment options differ from doctor to doctor.
But most doctors do support a multidisciplinary treatment approach that is, using a variety of therapies and employing lifestyle changes to manage trigger point pain and prevent it from coming back.
Below are common treatments for myofascial pain syndrome.
Release Therapy
Myofascial release is a broad treatment option that consists of manual or instrument-guided therapydesigned to release the muscles and fascia by use of applying pressure.
Practitioners and clinicians are trained in myofascial release therapy, including:
Massage therapists
Physical therapists
Chiropractors
Physiatrists
The goal is the same:
Put pressure on the trigger point and release it.
Myofascial release technique might sound like a massage, but it is a distinct method compared to massage.
Massage moves muscles up and down,� myofascial release utilizes direct pressure into the stiff fascia and muscle.
Repeated pressure on the tight areas is not soothing, and patients tell of soreness during and after the treatment.
Once the trigger point loosens up, blood flow and nerve function begin to return to the area.
Then the pain is gone, hallelujah!
Additional Care Options
Myofascial release therapy is just one option for trigger point pain.
Other common treatments to manage spine-related pain include:
Home
If you know the location of the trigger points you can treat them at home with simple tools.
Rolling the trigger point over a:
Foam roller
Golf ball
Tennis ball
Can help loosen any of the tight areas.
Over-the-counter medication
If doctor-approved, then taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can help with spine pain and allow daily activities.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy like:
Massage
Chiropractic
Heat
Electrical stimulation
Ultrasound
There are also stretches/exercises to keep muscles warm and flexible to help any future trigger points from forming.
Massage therapy
Licensed massage therapists practice myofascial release therapy, but also include other forms of massage
Deep tissue massage
Swedish massage
Can also help relieve trigger point pain.
Massage can also help to relax, and this is very important in preventing myofascial pain syndrome.
Also, learn how to keep stress and anxiety in check, and avoid tension that can turn into trigger points.
Dry needling/acupuncture
While both therapies use needles, dry needling and acupuncture are different treatments that can reduce the pain.
There is not a lot of research on dry needling like acupuncture, but it can help increase blood flow to the trigger point area.
Acupuncture means inserting needles into specific points on the body.
These needles help stimulate the body’s energy and help in sending signals to the nervous system to release chemicals into the body to help with the pain, which means less pain.
Trigger point injections
If any of these treatments don’t seem to be working, then you might want to talk to your doctor about trigger point injections.
Many people who have trigger points or myofascial pain syndrome in their spine have knots and tightness throughout their back and neck.
To prevent myofascial pain syndrome one needs to practice a healthy lifestyle that promotes good spine health.
Stretching and exercising regularly can help keep stress under control and prevent tension from building up, which makes it harder for trigger points to activate and cause pain.
El Paso Chiropractic Back Pain Therapy
Andres “Andy” Martinez first came to see Dr. Alex Jimenez in Push Fitness after undergoing back pain and knee issues. Following a period of physical therapy and rehabilitation, Andy became engaged in Crossfit, where he learned everything he needed to know about health and wellness from the coaches at Push. Andres Martinez expresses how grateful he is to receive the amount of care he does against the staff and he clarifies how much his perspective of fitness has shifted from the first time he walked into Push Fitness. Andy has seen a family at Push who led him to a healthy, clean life and both the trainers and staff mean everything to Andres Martinez.
NCBI Resources
The knots you have probably felt in your muscles or had others identify are also known as trigger points. These tight spots are often sensitive to the touch and can be found in any muscle in your body. As they develop, they may produce symptoms like numbness, burning, weakness, pain, and tingling. Trigger points are caused by trauma to the body, such as an accident in a car or during athletics. They can also be caused by more mild, long-term trauma, such as working at a desk without proper ergonomics or making a repetitive motion over a long period of time. Chiropractors are not only good at finding trigger points, but they are also good at treating them.
Cervical radiculopathy happens when a pinched nerve in the neck (cervical spine) causes pain.
Radicular pain can extend beyond the neck and radiate down:
The shoulders
Arms
Fingers
This type of nerve compression also causes:
Weakness
Numbness
Tingling
Reflex problems
The neck consists of 8 pairs of nerves that control several motor (strength) and sensory (feel) functions.
The cervical nerve roots at the top send movement and feeling signals to the head and neck, and the nerves at the bottom enable motor and sensory function to the arms and hands.
If one or more of the spinal nerves in the neck gets pinched, it can disturb its ability to function correctly.
This results in radiating pain in the neck and other areas of the body.
This condition can affect anyone but usually affects middle-aged adults.
Men also tend to develop cervical radiculopathy more than women.
Causes
The natural aging process on the spine is what usually causes cervical radiculopathy.
The spine goes through the aging process just like the rest of the body and even more as it is the basis of our structure.
This process can lead to several degenerative spinal disorders, that include:
Cervical spondylosis (osteoarthritis)
Spinal stenosis
Herniated discs
When nerve passageways begin to narrow, intervertebral discs begin to protrude,� and bone spurs, caused by these disorders can put pressure on the nerves in the neck.
The condition can also be caused by a traumatic injury to the neck like whiplash or sports injury.
Rarely is it caused by an infection or spinal tumor.
Symptoms
The primary symptom is pain radiating from the neck down to the:
Shoulders
Arms
Hands
Fingers
The above is an example of sensory function, which is related to feeling.
In addition to sensory symptoms, radiculopathy can also cause motor dysfunction.
Motor dysfunction relates to muscles and movement.
Reflex changes in the neck and upper body and weakness are examples of motor dysfunction.
Diagnosis
A spine specialist/chiropractor has several tools to diagnose cervical radiculopathy.
First and foremost your medical history will be reviewed and then will be:
Asked to describe symptoms
A physical exam will be conducted�to recreate the pain in a controlled manner in the:
Neck
Shoulder
Arms
Example: Spurling�s maneuver, which gently rotates the head, while applying gentle pressure.
Once the information from the medical history and physical exam are done,��imaging tests such as an MRI�may be ordered so they can pinpoint the location of the nerve compression.
MRI scans show the soft tissues in the spine, including the nerves.
The doctor may request a pair of diagnostic tests called electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction exam if there are significant upper nerve arm and neck pain.
These tests help understand if there is nerve damage, the cause of the damage and if the symptoms are related to the nerve damage.
EMG and nerve conduction tests are usually performed together to help in the diagnosis.
Emergency Symptoms
Once the spine specialist confirms the diagnosis, they will develop a treatment plan to relieve the nerve compression or prevent it from getting worse.
Most cases are taken care of with non-surgical treatment, however, if the following occurs you should contact your doctor:
Neck pain does not improve with treatment in the time your doctor expects.
Pain worsens regardless of treatment
Or you develop new:
Numbness
Weakness in the
Neck
Arms
Upper body
Develop fever
If you experience symptoms in the lower body like:
Weakness in the leg
Difficulty walking
Lack of bowel/bladder function, then seek medical attention immediately.
These symptoms may indicate cervical myelopathy, a more severe condition.
Cervical myelopathy is the compression of the spinal cord.
When the spinal cord gets compressed, it can generate widespread spine issues and usually requires surgery.
Treatment Cervical Radiculopathy
Like most types of spine pain, a doctor will recommend trying one or more conservative treatments first.
Conservative treatments are nonsurgical means.
It�s important to understand that just because a treatment is considered conservative does not mean it is ineffective.
In fact, it�s quite the opposite. Most people with nerve compression in their neck respond well to conservative therapies.
Though research on the efficacy of conservative treatments for cervical radiculopathy has produced mixed results, findings show that these therapies help eliminate pain and other nerve-related symptoms (like numbness and muscle weakness) in 40-80% of people.
The following are the most common conservative treatments:
Over-the-counter medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications(ibuprofen, Motrin)
Prescription medications, like steroids (prednisone), neuropathic agents (gabapentin, pregabalin), and muscle relaxants (baclofen, cyclobenzaprine)
Cervical spinal traction, that can be performed during physical therapy
Avoiding strenuous activity, but don’t avoid all activity, as too much rest can exacerbate the injury and extend the recovery time
These conservative treatments can go on for 6 to 8 weeks. If there is no improvement or it gets worse, then a doctor may want to step you up to the next level.
This may include steroid injections.
Spinal Injections
Cervical epidural steroid injections are considered a second-line treatment for radiculopathy that is not responding to conservative therapy. These injections send a dose of anti-inflammatory medicine into a specific nerve root�s that can relieve pain.
The number of injections differs from patient to patient. A doctor will make recommendations based on the condition and response to the first injection.
If the first injection reduces the pain and symptoms, a second or third injection might not be necessary unless symptoms recur.
If more than one is needed, they are given 3 weeks between each injection.
Injections can help manage pain and inflammation, but cannot strengthen or improve the flexibility of the cervical muscles.
Because of this, a doctor may prescribe physical therapy, chiropractic or an exercise program to condition the neck muscles.
Surgery Considered
When surgery is needed it is considered a last resort option. This is not a guaranteed solution and there are risks and complications.
Different types of surgical approaches are available. These procedures can be performed minimally invasively in a hospital setting or an outpatient surgery center.
Discussing options with a doctor and whether you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery or not, along with other types of surgery e.g. artificial disc, is a discussion that is different for everybody, as some patients have existing medical conditions that can increase risks and complications.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
This approach is the most widely used surgical approach.
The surgeon makes an incision through the front of the neck and removes the damaged intervertebral disc, fills the empty space with spacers to restore the height and attaches spinal instrumentation (plate, screws) for stabilization.
A bone graft is then packed into and around the body spacers for bone ingrowth and healing.
Posterior cervical foraminotomy
Here, the surgeon accesses one or more levels of the cervical spine with an incision in the back of the neck.
Foraminotomy decompresses the nerve root by removing whatever is compressing the nerve like a bone or soft tissue.
The procedure opens/widens the neural foramen or the nerve passageway where the nerve exits the spinal canal.
Cervical artificial disc replacement (C-ADR)
Here an artificial disc device is implanted in the empty disc space.
C-ADR is like a shock absorber and enables healthy movement the way that an actual disc does.
Conclusion
A compressed nerve in your neck can lead to radiating pain. This pain can make it almost unbearable to do simple tasks, even moving the neck from side to side or just opening a jar. Conservative treatment like chiropractic and exercise can ease the pain of this condition and restore function. Fortunately, surgery is rarely necessary.
El Paso, TX Neck Pain Chiropractic Treatment
Alfonso J. Ramirez now retired, found follow-up treatment with Dr. Alex Jimenez for his neck pain. Mr. Ramirez experienced chronic pain and headaches, but after receiving chiropractic care, he found relief from his symptoms. Ever since that time, Alfonso Ramirez has continued to maintain the alignment of his backbone with Dr. Jimenez. Mr. Ramirez is grateful for the chiropractic care he’s received for his neck pain and for his knee and shoulder pain. Alfonso J. Ramirez recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-invasive pick for neck pain.
NCBI Resources
Approximately two-thirds of the population being affected by neck pain at any time throughout their lives. Pain that originates in the cervical spine, or upper spine, can be caused by numerous other spinal health issues. Joint disruption in the neck can generate a variety of other common symptoms, which include headaches, head pain, and migraines. Neck pain affects about 5 percent of the global population, according to statistics.
Sometimes low back pain comes out of nowhere, but that sudden twinge in the lower back does have a cause. With some cases, there�s a trigger, like picking up a heavy object/furniture from an awkward position.� But sometimes it can be a mystery and a challenge to diagnose.
It is important to know the cause of lower back pain to figure out the proper treatment plan. Otherwise, one could receive treatment for the wrong diagnosis and possibly exacerbate the existing injury.
Why do I need to know what triggers my back pain
Knowing what triggers back pain is the first step toward prevention and how to treat it.
Muscle spasms can stop you cold, and so I’m sure you don�t want another one.
Acute Back Pain
Acute low back pain typically comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time.
It often resolves on its own with self-care and a little time.
Back pain that lasts longer than three months, is considered chronic.
Chronic back pain can be more complex and require doctor/spine specialist-directed treatment, like physical therapy.
Lower Back Pain Is Common
Over 90 percent of adults will have some type of low back pain during their life.
It happens to be the number one cause of job disability globally and the leading contributor to missed work.
Lower back pain happens more often, compared to mid or upper back pain because of the location and all of the movement.
The lower back supports the upper body’s weight.
The low back known as the (lumbar spine) absorbs and distributes all of the forces and stress when we move:
Walking
Standing
Rest
Sitting
Sleeping
Spinal and abdominal muscles that are weakened heighten injury risk.
These factors combined make the lower back vulnerable to painful spinal conditions.
Common Triggers
When the lumbar spine:
Muscles
Tendons
Ligaments
And other connective tissues get:
Pulled
Strained
Sprained
Is when lower back pain happens.
Small tears in the disc can also contribute to back pain.
Basically, any number of activity and non-activity can cause damage to the spinal discs depending on the movement.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research saw 999 people from 300 clinics in Australia, to examine their pain triggers.
The most common triggers include:
Manual tasks performed in an awkward posture
This includes:
Lifting boxes with the back and not bending the knees
Lifting something too heavy
Moderate physical activity
Vigorous physical activity
High intense strength training, long bike rides without proper conditioning, handling people or animals, and picking up children can be triggers and cause injury.
Other triggers include:
Overstretching
Twisting
And Trauma
From:
Falls
Vehicle accidents
Sports
Triggers You Might Not Know About
Although we don’t think about it being Distracted can increase the odds of low back pain.
When we’re not paying attention,� we are more likely to lift and carry something too far from our body or distribute the weight unevenly.
Feeling tired and Fatigued is associated with lower back pain.
Getting the proper amount of sleep is vital to restore our bodies to optimal performance.
When we don’t sleep the right amount of hours we make our bodies more susceptible to injury.
Treatment
Thankfully most cases are not serious and typically resolve within a few days to, four weeks healing on its own.
But if not, then there are these conservative treatments that can help you feel better and speed up healing.
Continue to Move Around
Depending on how much pain your body will allow, keep doing regular activities and exercise, as best as you can.
Activity increases blood flow, that moves oxygen and minerals/nutrients through the body.
Activity and movement help reduce muscle tension and inflammation.
Heat/Ice
This will not cure a strain or sprain, but they do help in pain reduction.
Heat helps loosen tight muscles.
This can be done by making warm compresses by soaking a towel in hot water.
Fold it to the size you need and wrap it around your lower back up to 20 minutes.� Then rest, massage and re-apply.
Massage can bring temporary relief from short-term back pain.
If the pain is intense and interferes with daily activities, a chiropractor/physical therapist can offer exercises and stretches to:
Improve posture
Increase mobility
Correct muscle imbalances
Acute lower back pain can stop you cold with its intensity.
Understanding triggers can take steps to maintain a healthy spine and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Medication
Both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain.
These need to be taken, specifically as directed by your doctor. We’ve seen the opioid crisis going on and now this type of treatment is now a last resort. Various medical associations are now pushing towards natural and alternative therapies before turning to medication.
Prolonged use of NSAIDs (Aleve, Advil) can be associated with an upset stomach, kidney damage and gastrointestinal conditions and bleeding, among other conditions.
Back Pain Specialist | El Paso, Tx
Back pain is one of the most common health issues frequently diagnosed by healthcare professionals. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain throughout their lifetimes. Because back pain can occur due to a wide array of health issues, diagnosis is essential to follow-up with the proper treatment approach. Dr. Alex Jimenez, chiropractor or doctor of chiropractic in El Paso, TX, utilizes chiropractic care to help treat back pain. Patients describe how their back pain affected their quality of life, and how Dr. Jimenez helped them improve their overall health and wellness with chiropractic. Patients highly recommend Dr. Jimenez and his staff as the non-surgical choice for back pain, among other common health issues.
NCBI Resources
Throbbing, dull and achy, sharp and excruciating. All of these words can be used to describe lower back pain. Unfortunately, lower back pain is a common occurrence in adults. According to the�American Chiropractic Association, low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, with millions of reported cases every year. Patients who experience lower back pain never want to deal with it again, but�it can flare up periodically. According to the�National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,�roughly 20% of those who suffer from low back pain will eventually deal with it chronically. This can cause frustration, primarily when it affects mobility.
Many healthcare professionals believe that peripheral neuropathy, which affects the peripheral nerves or the nerves which connect from the brain and spinal cord to the upper and lower extremities, can be permanent or irreversible. However, healthcare professionals like Dr. John Coppola and Dr. Valerie Monteiro have demonstrated that peripheral neuropathy can be treated through the utilization of a variety of treatment methods and techniques.
Dr. Coppola and Dr. Monteiro describe that because peripheral neuropathy can manifest due to a variety of health issues, such as diabetes, treating the underlying cause of a patient’s peripheral neuropathy can help treat their symptoms. The 5 critical keys for defeating peripheral neuropathy are ultimately described to help promote overall health and wellness. Dr. Alex Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, Tx, can help ease symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy. Dr. Alex Jimenez is the non-surgical choice for peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral Neuropathy Relief & Treatment | El Paso, TX (2019)
Neuropathy is a medical term used to describe a collection of general diseases or malfunctions which affect the nerves. The causes of neuropathy, or nerve damage, can vary greatly among each individual and these may be caused by a number of different diseases, injuries, infections, and even vitamin deficiency states. However, neuropathy can most commonly affect the nerves that control the motor and sensory nerves. Because the human body is composed of many different kinds of nerves which perform different functions, nerve damage is classified into several types.
Neuropathy can also be classified according to the location of the nerves being affected and according to the disease-causing it. For instance, neuropathy caused by diabetes is called diabetic neuropathy. Furthermore, depending on which nerves are affected will depend on the symptoms that will manifest as a result. Below we will discuss several specific types of neuropathies clinically treated by chiropractors, physical therapists and physical medicine doctors alike, as well as briefly describing their causes and their symptoms.
Peripheral neuropathy, which is often simply referred to as �neuropathy,� is a state that happens when your nerves become damaged or injured, oftentimes simply disrupted. It�s estimated that neuropathy affects roughly 2.4 percent of the general populace and approximately 8 percent of people older than age 55. However, this quote doesn�t include people affected by neuropathy caused by physical trauma to the nerves.
Types
Neuropathy can affect any of the three types of peripheral nerves:
Sensory nerves, which transmit messages from the sensory organs, eyes, nose to the brain
Motor nerves, which track the conscious movement of the muscles
Autonomic nerves, which regulate the involuntary functions of the body
Sometimes, neuropathy will only impact one nerve. This is medically referred to as mononeuropathy and instances of it include:
Ulnar neuropathy, which affects the elbow
Radial neuropathy, which affects the arms
Peroneal neuropathy, which affects the knees
Femoral neuropathy, which affects the thighs
Cervical neuropathy, which affects the neck
Sometimes, two or more isolated nerves in separate regions of the body can become damaged, injured or disrupted, resulting in mono neuritis multiplex neuropathy. Most often, however, multiple peripheral nerves malfunction at the same time, a condition called polyneuropathy. According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or the NINDS, there are over 100 kinds of peripheral neuropathies.
Causes
Neuropathies are often inherited from birth or they develop later in life. The most frequent inherited neuropathy is the neurological disease Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which affects 1 in 2,500 people in the USA. Although healthcare professionals are sometimes not able to pinpoint the exact reason for an acquired neuropathy, medically referred to as idiopathic neuropathy, there are many known causes for them, including systemic diseases, physical trauma, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
A systemic disease is one which affects the whole body. The most frequent systemic cause behind peripheral neuropathy is diabetes, which can lead to chronically high blood glucose levels that harm nerves.
Other systemic issues can cause neuropathy, including:
Kidney disorders, which permit high levels of nerve-damaging toxic chemicals to flow in the blood
Toxins from exposure to heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, mercury, and thallium
Certain drugs and/or medications, including anti-cancer medications, anticonvulsants, antivirals, and antibiotics
Chemical imbalances because of liver ailments
Hormonal diseases, including hyperthyroidism, which disturbs metabolic processes, potentially inducing cells and body parts to exert pressure on the nerves
Deficiencies in vitamins, such as E, B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), B12, and niacin, that can be vital for healthy nerves
Alcohol abuse, which induces vitamin deficiencies and might also directly harm nerves
Cancers and tumors that exert damaging pressure on nerve fibers and pathways
Chronic inflammation, which can damage protective tissues around nerves, which makes them more vulnerable to compression or vulnerable to getting inflamed and swollen
Blood diseases and blood vessel damage, which may damage or injure nerve tissue by decreasing the available oxygen supply
Signs and Symptoms
Depending on the reason and unique to each patient, signs, and symptoms of neuropathy can include:
Such signs and symptoms are dependent on whether autonomic, sensory, or motor nerves, as well as a combination of them, are ultimately affected. Autonomic nerve damage can influence physiological functions like blood pressure or create gastrointestinal problems and issues. Damage or dysfunction in the sensory nerves may impact sensations and sense of equilibrium or balance, while harm to motor nerves may affect movement and reflexes. When both sensory and motor nerves are involved, the condition is known as sensorimotor polyneuropathy.
Complications
Peripheral�neuropathy�may result in several complications, as a result of disease or its symptoms. Numbness from the ailment can allow you to be less vulnerable to temperatures and pain, making you more likely to suffer from burns and serious wounds. The lack of sensations in the feet, for instance, can make you more prone to developing infections from minor traumatic accidents, particularly for diabetics, who heal more slowly than other people, including foot ulcers and gangrene.
Furthermore, muscle atrophy may cause you to develop particular physical disfigurements, such as pes cavus, a condition marked by an abnormally high foot arch, and claw-like deformities in the feet and palms.
Neuropathy Treatment
The first step in neuropathy treatment should be finding the root cause that’s causing the neuropathy.
Treatment of diseases such as:
Diabetes
Guillain-Barre syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sarcoidosis
Other underlying diseases
Prevents continued nerve damage and in some cases heals the damaged nerves.
If you are unaware of any underlying disease that is causing the peripheral neuropathy, make sure to let your doctor know of abnormal symptoms you may be experiencing.
Medication
Peripheral neuropathy can be treated with various medications.
The first type used to treat mild symptoms are:
Over-the-counter pain medications
In more severe cases:
Opiates
Narcotic medications
Anti-seizure medications
A doctor may prescribe a lidocaine patch or anti-depressants, as well to relieve symptoms.
Patients should thoroughly discuss medication for neuropathy treatment with a doctor before proceeding.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can benefit symptoms in neuropathy treatment.
A therapist will teach the patient exercises and stretches to help improve symptoms and increase muscle strength/control.
A therapist may also recommend braces or splints to improve mobility.
Patient’s should attend all physical therapy sessions to gain the maximum benefits.
Acids
Supplements like:
Essential acids called ALA (alpha-Lipoic acid)
GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and omega-3 fatty acids
These can have a beneficial effect on diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is a substance that the body makes and stores in the:
Liver
Brain
There have been reports that certain diabetics with neuropathy symptoms could regain regular sensation in the limbs when they increased their consumption of carnitine called acetyl-L-carnitine.
Red meat
Peanut butter
Dairy products
Are good dietary sources of this nutrient.
Supplements are also available at health food stores and pharmacies and health/wellness clinics.
Vitamins/Minerals
Vitamin deficiencies can result in peripheral neuropathy in some people.
Therefore there needs to be a replenishing of vitamins:
B
B12
E
Can help to decrease symptoms.
Recommended dosages are 300mg daily of vitamin E.
Doses of the different B vitamins differ, but one option for patients is to take a daily B-complex supplement.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal remedies are an alternative to explore.
St. John’s Wort, is a herbal supplement that can be taken orally and can reduce the pain.
Topical creams that have capsaicin, which is an anti-inflammatory found in chili peppers, can reduce the burning sensation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM
Acupuncture can be an effective way to manage peripheral neuropathy.
Acupuncture uses pressure points throughout the body to realign the body’s energy, called the qi or chi.
Also, movement therapy is a way to manage the condition.
Tai chi and yoga can also help:
Align the body
Mind
Encourage relaxation
Distract from the pain
Even if the neuropathy treatment is only temporary, it can still help.
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
Neuropathy can be caused by a variety of injuries and/or aggravated conditions, often manifesting into a plethora of associated signs and symptoms. While every type of neuropathy, such as diabetic neuropathy or autoimmune disease-associated neuropathy, develops its own unique group of signs and symptoms, many patients will often report common complaints. Individuals with neuropathy generally describe their pain as stabbing, burning or tingling in character.
If you experience unusual or abnormal tingling or burning sensations, weakness and/or pain in your hands and feet, it�s essential to seek immediate medical attention in order to receive a proper diagnosis of the cause of your specific signs and symptoms. Early diagnosis may help prevent further nerve injury. Visit http://www.neuropathycure.org�for more details.
Pelvic tilts to gently awaken the transverse abdominals
Side-stretching helps� expand the spine
Stretching the sides of your body allows for space between the ribs.
It alleviates back pain and improves breathing.
As pregnancy advances, the middle area of your body can feel tighter.
This is one reason you may feel out of breath.
My massage therapist shared a stretch that helps to open up this space.
Sit cross-legged and raise both arms toward the ceiling
Put your right hand down and, with the left hand, reach over toward the right side of the room
Repeat on the opposite side
Take deep breaths
The goal is to reach up and over to improve breathing.
Legs up the wall
Your legs, knees, and feet will begin to feel the effects of added bodyweight and pressure.
A restorative yoga pose that involves placing a yoga mat or blanket as a back cushion next to a wall.
Lie on the floor against the wall
Let your legs climb up the wall
Stretch arms outward and turn your palms up
Take deep breaths
This reverses the blood flow and gives your joints a much-needed break.
Hang out and enjoy.
If the back of your legs feel like it’s too much to stretch all the way up, bring the soles of your feet together and let the knees butterfly out to the sides.
Make it a Daily habit
It can be a struggle to do daily stretches and exercises, especially as things get crazier and busier.
But this is what makes these home exercises/tips work.
Get into the habit to make it more personal and make body-care a top priority.
Children and life will try to take over but your wellness needs to come first before the care of others.
Living with back pain is something I would not recommend trying. Instead, see a chiropractor/doctor and learn these exercises and more tips so you can work out the discomfort/pain whenever it presents and enjoy your pregnancy to the fullest.
Lower Back Pain Pregnancy Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX
Truide Torres, office supervisor, first considered chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez throughout her pregnancy as a consequence of her lower back pain. Mrs. Torres experienced aggravating symptoms throughout different stages of her pregnancy, which led her to seek a pure remedy strategy for her well-being, particularly because of her child in the womb. After Truide Torres began chiropractic therapy with Dr. Alex Jimenez, she recovered her overall well-being and managed to go back to her first state of well-being. As a professional manager, Truide Torres additionally receives regular chiropractic care for any lower back pain that might occur as a result of her occupation. Mrs. Truide expresses how important it is to keep her spinal care and she recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-surgical pick for several health difficulties.
Low back pain, or LBP, is a normal health problem between the muscles, nerves, and bones of the spine. Pain could differ, often called a dull persistent pain or any sudden sharp sense. Low back pain could be classified by length and severity, including acute (pain lasting less than 6 weeks ), sub-chronic (6 to 12 months ), or chronic (over 12 weeks ). The status could be further categorized together with the inherent causes as both bodily, non-mechanical, or referred pain. The signs of lower back pain may generally improve in a couple of weeks, but a few instances may require further treatment. In virtually all episodes of lower back pain, a certain underlying cause is not identified or properly cared for, and health care professionals might feature it to muscle or joint strain.
What’s Afoot
The human body is an intricate machine, and everything is connected so when something goes wrong in one area, it can cause problems in other areas. The back carries a lot of the stress in the body so when there is a problem with the hips, knees, or a foot dysfunction, the spine can bear at least some of the brunt of the pain and other effects.
NCBI Resources
Chiropractic a preferred treatment for pregnancy low back pain. The chiropractor may perform a spinal subluxation to bring the spine back into alignment and the body back into balance. Regular chiropractic care�and following the doctor�s instructions can help greatly decrease low back pain for the mom to be so that she can better enjoy the excitement and joy of her pregnancy.
Piriformis syndrome will cause dull, mild pain in the low back, buttocks and can radiate down the leg.
Hip pain attributed to avascular necrosis will be severe and constant.
Sacroiliac joint pain could be attributed to the hip and the low back because the sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum in the spine to the hip bones.
Symptoms that the Spine Is the Root
Where groin pain is a sign that the pain is linked to the hip when the pain is above the waistline and travels down the body usually indicates a low back issue.
Among the most common degenerative conditions that affect the lumbar spine are:
Herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Pain is caused by irritating the low back nerves, which result in pain shooting down the leg/s and:
Weakness
Numbness
Reduced range of motion
Arthritis of the spine brings on pain usually when first getting out of bed or rising up after sitting.
It usually improves after beginning to move.
Spinal stenosis or nerve pressure compression pain worsens with prolonged standing or walking, while relief comes with sitting.
Getting to the Root
When there is pain in the lower body and are not sure whether it’s the back or hip, the first course of action is to visit your doctor or a chiropractor.
They will review your medical history and perform a series of physical exams, such as various movements to get an idea of what is going on.
Your primary doctor may refer you to a doctor/chiropractor who specializes in hip or spinal conditions to make an accurate diagnosis.
The doctor will ask you to describe the:
Pain
Location
When it worsens
When it’s relieved
What the pain feels like (e.g., sharp, dull).
The doctor may have you perform various movements to observe your biomechanics.
The goal is to determine what movements trigger the pain.
For both spine and hip pain, surgery is rarely necessary and only utilized as the last-resort option.
Labrum Tear Hip Treatment El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Andrew Hutchinson turned into chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab after suffering a high ankle sprain and a hip labrum tear for which he moved through with surgery to repair it. After being bedridden for weeks so as to correctly recuperate, Andrew Hutchinson transitioned to chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab to regain his strength, freedom, and flexibility before returning to perform. Although he has suffered other sports accidents, Andrew Hutchinson continues to trust in chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab to keep his spine properly aligned and maintain overall health and wellbeing.
Labrum tears in athletes may occur from a single event or recurring trauma. Running may lead to labrum tears as a result of labrum being used more for weight-bearing and taking excessive forces while at the end-range motion of the leg. Sporting activities are likely causes, especially the ones that require frequent hip rotation or pivoting to some wealthy femur as in ballet or hockey. Continuous hip rotation places increased pressure on the capsular tissue and injury to the iliofemoral ligament. This then causes hip instability placing increased stress on the labrum and resulting in a cool labrum tear.
What’s Afoot
Muscle imbalances in the hip, such as tight hip flexors, can cause low back pain � or at least contribute to it. When the hip flexor muscles are too tight, it causes what is known as an anterior pelvic tilt. In other words, the muscles cause an anterior pull on the pelvis. This affect posture and throws the entire lower body out of alignment. It can also affect the knees and feet if left untreated.
NCBI Resources
Hip flexors can become too tight if the person sits for extended periods of time or engages in activities like cycling and jogging. A chiropractor can guide you through exercises that will help release the tight muscles and stop the micro spams that occur as a result. They will also assess your knees, feet, and ankles to ensure that the issue has not through them out of alignment as well. Correcting the cause of the problem will often correct the associated issues and resolve the pain allowing you to return to your normal activities.
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