Headaches can be detrimental to a high quality of life.� Especially, migraine and tension headaches.�Some deal with them on a weekly, or even daily, basis.�They can range from minor to life-changing afflictions. There are various causes, symptoms, and treatment options. The first step in treating headaches is understanding the type of headache it is.
Some people think they have a migraine, when in fact, they are suffering from a tension headache. Tension headaches are more common. But the Migraine Research Foundation found that 1 in 4 U.S. households include someone that suffers from migraines. Determining what type of headache can take some research.
Here are some things to think about to determine if the headache is a migraine or a tension headache.
Headache/s origin
According to the Mayo Clinic, migraines often begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Tension headaches can start at any time in an individual’s life.� An adult just beginning to have recurring headaches means that they are most likely tension headaches.
Where is the pain located
Migraines usually happen on one side of the head. Tension headaches can affect both sides of the head and can produce intense pressure on the forehead. The location of the pain can be a key indicator of the type of headache.
Describe the pain
If it is a dull pain, with pressure, and tenderness around the scalp, this could mean a tension headache. If the pain is throbbing or pulsing pain, it could be a migraine. Both headaches can present intense pain, just different types of pain.
Other symptoms
Migraines often come with symptoms beyond head pain.
Nausea
Light sensitivity
Sound sensitivity
Seeing bright flashing/sparkling lights
A sensation of Pins and needles in one or both arms
Dizziness
Individuals not experiencing any of these symptoms are more than likely dealing with a tension headache.
Functionality
Those with tension headaches can still perform jobs, drive, read, and operate through daily life even though it can be painful and frustrating. Migraines are very different. Lying down in a dark, quiet room with an eye mask on until the headache passes is how many handle their migraines. If the headache disrupts your life it is more than likely a migraine.
Over the counter pain killers
Tension headaches can usually be relieved with over-the-counter pain meds. However,�this type of treatment does not work for migraines. When a migraine shifts into full force, the individual has to go through it. Headaches that respond well to nonprescription pain killers means it’s a tension headache. The majority will at some point deal with a headache.
Although tension headaches are more common that doesn’t rule out the possibility of the headache being a migraine. Just a little insight as to the type of headache that is presenting, and some proactive treatments. No matter the type of headache, if the pain is severe, or starts up after a head injury, seek medical treatment.
The most�common type of arthritis in children and adolescents is Juvenile idiopathic arthritis aka (JIA) a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects kids 16 years and younger. It is a rare condition, that affects around 1 in every 1,000 children. It can cause�joint�pain and stiffness throughout the body, especially the facet joints/spinal joints.
Types of Arthritis that Fall Under JIA
Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis was known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, but it is not a child/teenage version of adult rheumatoid arthritis. Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis falls into a group of several types of arthritis. When a doctor diagnoses JIA, they will determine the type.
To better understand how this arthritis affects the spine, it helps to know some of the terminology.
Enthesitis: Inflammation of the entheses is the area where tendons and ligaments connect to bone/s.
Spondyloarthritis: Arthritis that attacks the entheses of the spine. Ankylosing spondylitis is an example of spondyloarthritis.
The neck joints are the most common to be attacked by JIA. Whereas, spondyloarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the low back.
Typical Symptoms
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis happens in children aged 16 years and younger. Symptoms include:
Joint pain
Swelling
Stiffness
Tenderness
Mild heat or a warmness that has been present for at least 6 weeks.
Other symptoms can include muscles and soft tissues becoming tight, erosion of the bone,�joint misalignment, and abnormal growth patterns.
Diagnosis Can Be A Challenge
Diagnosis is not always straightforward, and there are criteria for diagnosing juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The doctor will perform a physical exam and order tests. They will monitor the child�s symptoms for at least 6 weeks initially, and then for 6 months after the onset of the disease. During this time, figuring the number of joints involved helps determine the diagnosis. As joint involvement can vary by the type of arthritis, and symptoms can and do change regularly.
This arthritis attacks the joints of the spine, specifically in the neck. However, with certain types of spondyloarthropathy, the lower back can become the target.
Diagnosing arthritis involves a complete and thorough examination. If a chiropractor has been brought in to help with the case, a medical work-up by a rheumatologist could be recommended. This includes radiology/X-rays or an MRI, urine, blood analysis and physical examinations.
Treatment
A doctor may recommend a multi-disciplinary approach to treat JIA. They may prescribe various types of therapies/treatments focused on stopping the disease’s progression. The treatment plan will include teaching healthy habits to prevent future back pain.
Medication/s
Treatment usually starts with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory’s. A doctor can also prescribe a corticosteroid to control the inflammation. Most respond well to anti-inflammatory medication, however, these medicines do not treat the underlying disease or the root cause.
Inflammatory arthritis and its progression can be controlled with certain medications. There are disease-modifying antirheumatic medications that can slow the disease�s progression. There are also TNF-blocking medications that can help block a specific protein known as tumor necrosis factor that causes inflammation. Etanercept known on the market as Enbrel and adalimumab aka Humira are examples of TNF-blockers that can prevent the disease from progressing.
Chiropractic
Understand that chiropractic medicine cannot cure arthritis, but it can help alleviate the symptoms and slow the progression. They will use spinal adjustments in conjunction with other treatments. These can include:
Hot and cold treatments
Ultrasound
Massage
Electronic muscle stimulation
Magnet therapy
Physical rehabilitation
Physical Therapy Exercise
Focuses on:
Proper posture
Joint mobility
Deep breathing
Exercises
Healthy lifestyle education
Patients can develop a forward posture that can lead to a hunched back and neck pain. Postural training and back extension exercises are helpful. Stretching and range of motion exercises keep the facet and rib joints functioning and mobile. Deep breathing expands the chest which expands the rib joints and aids lung function. Depending on the type and severity, a doctor might try other approaches like spine surgery.
Optimal Results
If you or someone has been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the spine,�learn as much as possible about the disease and the ways to combat it. Being informed about this or any disease encourages empowerment and engagement throughout the treatment process.
The best results are achieved by attacking it from all angles. Working with a chiropractor and rheumatologist in combination. A chiropractor will train the individual on how to maintain a healthy diet and maintain an active exercise program to help with movement. This is geared toward a healthy outcome.
Lumbago is a term that means mild to extreme pain in the muscles and joints of the lower spine/back. The pain can be acute or chronic and affects both young and older individuals. The spine is a very intricate structure and when one component fails to function properly it can affect the entire body, causing pain and loss of mobility. Back pain costs about $100 billion in medical bills, disability, and lost workdays.
Tiny bones, known as vertebrae, are stacked on top of each other, which forms the spine. The way these bones are joined facilitates movement, flexibility, and range of motion. In between�each vertebra are small, fluid-filled discs that are the padding/cushions between the bones. When these discs become damaged, injured, or shift out of place it can affect the surrounding nerves, muscles, and ligaments causing pain and making movement difficult.
At some point, an individual will experience some form of back pain. This could be a sore back from yard work, tough manual labor or hard workout, etc. This is a normal occurrence and can be taken care of at home. If you have a sprained or strained back but not a serious injury icing can help reduce swelling, muscle spasms, and pain for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. After 48 hours, switch to heat to warm and relax the sore muscle tissues.
Causes
There are a variety of conditions that can cause low back pain. The more common conditions:
Herniated Disc is one of the most common spinal disc issues.
Osteoarthritis or Spondylosis
Osteoporosis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scoliosis
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Tumor
Factors that can contribute to back pain and can exacerbate the pain during episodes of lumbago.
Exposure to a cold damp environment
Poor posture
Sudden movement/s
Coughing
Sneezing
Lumbago Symptoms
Common symptoms of lumbago.
The pain can radiate into the buttocks, thigh/s, and the groin and can cause tingling/numbing/electrical sensations to be felt in the low back, buttocks, and legs and feet.
The pain can be aggravated when moving around. Bending forward, backward and side-to-side can limit mobility.
Spine muscle spasms can cause the back to feel stiff with a constant soreness.
The pain can affect proper posture, which causes individuals to walk bent or hunched to one side.
Lumbago rarely causes serious symptoms that need immediate medical attention.
See A Chiropractor
A chiropractor can help you create a natural, non-surgical treatment/exercise/health plan to control low back pain and prevent future episodes of lumbago. Treatments include physical therapy, chiropractic, supplements, and alternative medicine like acupuncture.
The “LIFE CHANGING” Foot Orthotics | El Paso, Tx (2020)
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Everyone needs to take care of their back/spine because it is what holds us up as long as we keep it straight and strong.�Strengthening the core�can help prevent a weak and misaligned spine from getting worse�and helps to eliminate pain. Back safety should be priority one, as it affects all aspects of your life. Not only are you protecting your back, but preventing future injury.
Neck pain prevention can go a long way as long as you take proper care of your body, exercise, and practice healthy habits. Here are a few tips to help prevent neck pain before it begins. Neck mobility is a marvelous thing. The neck can move the head in various directions:
90� of flexion forward motion
90� of extension backward motion
180� of rotation side to side
Almost 120� of tilt to each shoulder
A lot of us are very familiar with a stiff neck or a crick in the neck. This stiffness prevents us from moving comfortably. A crick in the neck can cause the neck part of the spine to feel stiff, rigid and immobile. Fortunately, prevention and various treatments can help.
Prevention:
Standing and sitting properly maintains proper posture and keeps muscles working/healthy. If you begin to hunch over, correct it immediately as it can quickly lead to pain in the neck. Pay attention to how you stand and sit and the more you do this it will become a healthy habit.
Do neck and body exercises regularly and try for a 30-minute cardio workout 3-5 times week.
Staying within a healthy weight-range will keep your spine in top form as it carries the weight of your body, and not overstrain it, which can lead to all kinds of pain.
With healthy weight comes a healthy meal plan, not just for proper weight but to strengthen muscles, bones, enriching the blood and getting to optimal health.
Smoking can affect the bones and muscles in your cervical/neck area of the spine, as well as all the other areas of the body. Therefore it is time to quit.
Sleep with correct head and neck posture. Sleeping with your head in an awkward position is an easy set-up for a strain and pain.
Stress and tension reduction.�Tense muscles in the neck and shoulder often lead to pain in the neck. A few effective ways to reduce stress can be writing, talking to friends, exercising, walking, listening/playing music, art/crafts, cooking, reading,� and turn to these when the stress begins to build.
Driving safely and wearing seat belts can help prevent whiplash.
Using the proper equipment to protect your neck while participating in sports that can lead to neck injuries like football, skateboarding, wrestling, soccer is a must.
Taking care of your body is a complex process. Lifestyle changes pave the way to wellness and making these changes will benefit more than just the neck.
Don’t worry about the list and try to check everything off. Look at the things that apply to you and try to implement a few of these tips one at a time. Keep the bigger changes like quitting smoking/losing weight in the foreseeable future. It takes time, patience and commitment. With a little hard work, it will pay off, and you should have a healthier life with less neck pain episodes and remember prevention is key.
Massage
This is a popular therapy that relieves:
Aches
Fluid retention
Inflammation
Muscle tension
Pain
Spasms
Stiffness
Other benefits include improved blood and lymph circulation, flexibility, range of motion, and increased tissue elasticity.While increasing circulation the muscles are warmed along with other soft tissues like tendons and ligaments.
Swedish
It is one of the most popular massage types in the US. Usually, therapeutic muscle lotion or oil is used to reduce friction and relax the area/muscles as the therapist performs light stroking in one direction with deep pressure in another to relax and loosen the muscles and surrounding ligaments/tissues.
This takes the blood flow and flushes lactic acid, uric acid, and other waste products from the muscles. The ligaments and tendons get stretched, which increases their soft but firm/strong feel. The nerves are stimulated and relaxed, with any stress in the muscles taken away. Relaxing the muscles is the overall goal.
Deep Tissue
This technique aims at chronic muscle tension. The strokes are slower, using more intense direct pressure to release the built-up stress, knots, and tightness. Depending on how deep the muscle and tissue stress maybe, the therapist will adjust their hand positions, strokes, and intensity periodically to work the tissues releasing tension.
Relaxing the Muscles
The therapist using their hands or tools to rhythmically knead, rub, and stroke muscles, circulation begins muscle stimulation. This blood flow brings needed oxygen and nutrients and helps the muscles eliminate waste products, like lactic acid, that can collect in the muscles brought on by spasms, which cause pain.
El Paso, TX Neck Pain Chiropractic Treatment
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Individuals with chronic neck pain that don�t seem to have a cause, could be trigger points. A doctor will refer you to a�physical therapist, chiropractor or another spine specialist�to conduct an examination for trigger points.
Ultrasound is a passive therapy, which means this is a treatment that a physical therapist administers. It creates gentle pulsating, penetrating heat that soothes, and relaxes spinal and any other muscles that may be tight, knotted and sore.
It is an added supplemental therapy of the primary treatment like chiropractic, therapeutic stretching, and exercise. Ultrasound releases and warms the muscles and soft tissues thus increasing circulation that speeds recovery/healing.
How does ultrasound work?
The equipment creates high-frequency sound waves that flow through to the tight, knotted area with a round-headed probe. The sound waves flow deep into the muscle tissue and ligaments all the while creating a soothing heat that loosens up the tissues.
Treatment application
The therapist will apply a hypoallergenic gel to the skin, that makes for a smooth moveable surface. Then the therapist goes in gentle, circular motions with the probe, and performs the treatment, that can last several minutes.
Ultrasound can also be utilized when performing phonophoresis. This is a treatment that involves the application of topical anti-inflammatory medications that are mixed with ultrasound gel�then applied to the area with the probe. The sound waves force the medicine into the tissues to help reduce inflammation.
Does it hurt?
Absolutely not, the patient will only feel a tingling sensation around the area being treated. There will also be a warming sensation from the sound waves.
Ultrasound results
The ultrasound probe is glided over the surface, all the while sound waves are penetrating through the skin’s surface, which causes the soft tissues to vibrate, creates muscle tightness soothing/releasing heat. The heat induces vasodilation that draws blood into the tissues that are hurting. The increased blood flow delivers much needed:
Oxygen
Nutrients
Removes the cell’s waste
The heat relieves pain and inflammation, reduces muscle spasms, and accelerates healing. Depending on thearea being treated, the range of motion will be increased.
Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation
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Physical therapists also�instruct patients on the best way to exercise to enhance overall physical fitness, move about safely (biomechanics and ergonomics), and injury prevention. Physical therapists also help patients with�long-term physical incapacity�(eg, spinal cord injury).
Here are a few questions that most new patients have along with the answers about chiropractic adjustments, how they work, what they do and what to expect when visiting a chiropractor.
How do adjustments work?
Chiropractic adjustments are painless, but there is soreness from the massage, the working out of trigger points, knots and from the realignment of the spine into its proper position. New chiropractic patients sometimes involuntarily stiffen or fight the adjustment and feel some discomfort. However, once they relax the treatment will go very smoothly.
If the patient has gone through recent trauma like a car accident or personal injury where whiplash or inflammation has set in then there will be some pain. This is completely normal. However,�once the adjustment has been completed patients report feeling relief, calmness, a sense of well-being, and improved mobility.
During an adjustment what is that pop?
When the vertebrae are realigned, there are small pockets of gas that get released from the joints, which is what makes that pop. It is the same sound heard when knuckles are popped. This pop does not happen with all patients. But it does not mean that the adjustments are working/not working. It is not necessary to have a pop to mean that the treatment is working.
Professional Vietnamese chiropractor doing pushing motion to adjust the spine of a male patient
How safe are these adjustments?
There are several research studies documenting the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic is far safer than taking medication/s or surgery. Complications from chiropractic are very rare.
Question Is self-adjustment possible?
Absolutely not, chiropractic adjustments and treatment need to be performed by a qualified professional. Remember this is your spine when it’s out of place you don’t want to try to shove it back into place. A medical practitioner that knows the body’s anatomy, especially the spine is who you want working on your spine. This is exactly what chiropractors are specifically trained to do.�
Can other professionals perform these adjustments?
Yes, there are osteopaths or doctors of osteopathic medicineDO’s that are trained to perform these techniques. But usually, they are chiropractors themselves or have chiropractic training but are not using that title in their practice. Chiropractors perform 97% of all adjustments in the country. Be mindful of pain therapists, massage therapists, or so-called healers that claim that they can perform spinal adjustments but do not have the credentials, qualifications, and experience.
What conditions do adjustments help with?
Chiropractic medicine involves precise restoring/realignment of the spine that will allow for correct function and proper movement. Chiropractic helps with:
Repetitive Movement Injuries like carpal tunnel, golfer/tennis elbow
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Sports injuries
Sprained�muscles, joints, and ligaments
Stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, chest, abdomen, hips, legs, feet
Strained�muscles, joints, and ligaments
Tendonitis� inflammation of soft tissues
Trauma to the body like whiplash from an accident, sports injury, personal injury
Work injuries, falls, slips, lifting, twisting
Question What if surgery is needed?
New guidelines have been issued�and emphasize that the first response for conditions and injuries should be conservative care. Because of the opioid crisis, non-invasive/surgical treatment has been deemed the approach to take with pain meds and surgery as a last resort. However, chiropractors are trained to recognize an injury that they are not able to work on and will refer a patient to the appropriate medical specialist when necessary.
Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX
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A chiropractic adjustment�can be a great way to improve multiple areas of the body, along with improving overall health with non-invasive treatment. Dr. Jimenez has teamed with the top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers and premiere rehabilitation�providers to bring El Paso the top clinical treatments to our community.��Providing high non-invasive protocols is our priority. For any questions, you may have about treatments, please feel free to call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900 or 915-412-6677.
Physical therapy involves both passive and active treatments and�is an effective treatment for whiplash, especially combined with other treatments, like bracing and chiropractic. Whiplash causes the soft tissues in your neck to get damaged. A physical therapist can work with you to restore proper function and movement of those tissues.
Passive treatments help to relax tension in the muscle tissues brought on during the accident in the neck and body. It is considered a passive treatment because the patient does not actively participate. Fresh from the injury acute pain sets in, therefore passive treatment is usually the first type of therapy used as your body begins to heal and adjusts to the symptoms.
The primary goal of physical therapy is to get the patient actively participating in active treatment until they can do the exercises on their own. The therapeutic exercises that physical therapists teach to a patient are for strengthening your entire body to ensure that your spine is optimally supported.
Passive Treatment
Deep Tissue Massage
This technique focuses on tight muscle tension that develops from the injury. Direct pressure is applied and massaged to release the tension in the soft tissues like the:
Ligaments
Tendons
Muscles
This will help these tissues heal quicker and keep them loose.
Hot/Cold Therapy
Heat therapy is used by physical therapists to circulate more blood to the injured area. Increased blood flow allows more oxygen, and nutrients to the area. Blood also removes the waste products created by muscle spasms.
Cold therapy slows the blood’s circulation, which helps to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. Physical therapists alternate between hot and cold therapy depending on the patient’s condition.
Whether in a car accident or other type of trauma hot and cold therapy can be used at home. Ice should be used first to bring down the inflammation. After 24 to 48 hours, switch between ice and heat. The heat helps relax tense muscles and increases blood circulation to the injured area. Never put ice or heat directly on the skin, wrap in a towel then apply.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound helps reduce muscle:
Cramping
Pain
Spasms
Stiffness
Swelling
Sound waves are sent deep into the muscle tissues and create a gentle heat that circulates the blood that optimizes the healing process.
Active Treatment
When the active part of the therapy begins, the therapist will teach/train you a variety of exercises to work on strength and range of motion or how the joints move with ease or not. Each physical therapy program is customized to each patient’s condition, health, and medical history.
Some exercises might not be appropriate for someone else with a whiplash injury as they could worsen their symptoms and exacerbate the injury. Learning how to correct your posture and utilizing ergonomics into your regular daily activities is part of the therapy program. Once recovered this posture work will continue to help because of the training/exercising you can prevent other forms of neck pain that develop from regular life.
Physical therapy for whiplash patients helps reduce muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, and promote healing of the neck tissues.
Spinal Bracing Another Treatment Option
Whiplash is very treatable, another option is using a cervical brace or cervical collar. The brace provides support to the neck while the soft tissues heal. The soft tissue’s job is to support your neck, but when they’re injured, they can’t do their job. That’s where the brace comes in.
Cervical devices limit the neck’s movement and support your head, which takes the weight off the neck.
This allows the muscles to rest while they heal. Your doctor will inform you of how long you need to wear the brace. Generally, it is worn for two to three weeks. The doctor will explain how to wear the collar, which means how long to weary it each day, caring for the collar, handling daily activities like showering, sitting, sleeping, etc. Symptoms usually subside in two to three weeks. However, if there is still pain, soreness, or other symptoms, you may have to try other treatments.
Whiplash Massage Therapy El Paso, TX Chiropractor
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After a car accident, you may notice neck pain.�It could be a�slight soreness that you think is nothing but take care more than likely you have whiplash.�And that�little soreness can turn into a lifetime of chronic neck pain�if only treated with pain meds and not�treated at the source.
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