We are familiar with neck stiffness or a crick. This can prevent us from comfortably moving the head all around. A crick can cause the spine, and shoulders to feel rigid and stressed from not being able to turn around and could cause an upper or low-back strain from having to turn the whole body to look back or even just to the side. Chiropractic treatment is available and will help, along with some self-care therapies that can be done at home.
Crick in the Neck vs. Neck Stiffness
A crick in the neck is the same as a stiff neck. It develops when the neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments become strained/sprained. Most strains and sprains are minor but do cause inflammation/swelling of the neck�s soft tissues, which results in stiffness and, at times muscle spasms.
The symptoms
Cricks in the neck are uncomfortable, but not necessarily painful. If there is a pre-existing neck condition or injuries like whiplash the crick and stiffness could increase the uncomfortableness and generate pain.
The most common symptoms include:
Neck stiffness
Muscle stiffness
Reduced mobility affecting the neck�s range of motion
A popping sensation when trying to turn or tilt the head
Causes of a stiff neck or crick
There are different causes of neck stiffness. It can be a combination of things you can control and some you can�t.
Possible causes that you can control:
Poor posture working either sitting or standing for several hours without breaks or stretching.
Sleeping in a position that puts the neck in an awkward position or using a pillow that does not support the neck when sleeping.
Constantly looking down at a cell phone or tablet.
Stress and emotional tension can cause involuntarily tightening of the neck muscles and shoulders.
Heavy labor along with incorrect lifting techniques.
Reaching or having to look up/overhead for several hours like when painting a ceiling.
Possible causes that are out of your control:
Whiplash injury
Sports-injuries like a football stinger
Aging muscles and bones
Around 13% of cases the stiffness, and pain are caused by separate cervical spinal conditions, like:
Cold therapy reduces the swelling of soft tissues, like muscles and ligaments, while heat soothes the tightness by boosting blood circulation to the affected area. There are different products available that can deliver cold or heat to the neck and upper back.
Apply ice for 15 minutes each hour.
Apply heat therapy like a heating pad for 15 minutes every 2 or 3 hours.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammation medicines
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve inflammation and pain.
Because neck stiffness can be linked to lifestyle choices, individuals may find that they occur repeatedly. Simple neck stretches, chiropractic treatment, using a supportive pillow, and taking frequent breaks at your job can help prevent neck stiffness and keep you moving. These professionals have undergone extensive training in their field and are capable of treating neck pain effectively. So if you or a loved one are experiencing neck pain, give us a call. We�re ready to help!
Understanding chronic pain and its alleviation requires an understanding of the anatomy of the nervous system. The nerves of the body are the carriers for the nervous system, as it sends messages to and from the brain. It is quite a complex system. The central nervous system consists of the spinal cord and the brain. The peripheral nervous system branches off the spinal cord.� Both the central and peripheral nervous systems can be affected by neuropathic pain, a type of chronic pain caused by nerve malfunction.
The peripheral nervous system contains 31 pairs of nerve roots that extend from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. There are the feeling nerves/sensory nerves and moving nerves/motor nerves. The chart shows how many pairs of spinal nerves are at each level of the spine.
Peripheral nervous system
The somatic nervous system is comprised of nerves that connect to the musculoskeletal system’s:
Bones
Ligaments
Tendons
Muscles
Skin
It’s what helps generate feeling and what generates the feeling of pain.
It makes sure the heart keeps pumping and the digestive system breaks down food correctly without thinking. Damage to any nerves can lead to the development of chronic pain. The nerves are responsible for sending pain messages, and if they get damaged, they can continually send a steady stream of pain messages.
Nociceptorsare another important part of the nerve body. Nociceptors are receptors at the nerve endings, which are activated when something happens and triggers a pain message.
Example: Nociceptors�in the finger turn on and send a pain message through the peripheral nerve to the spinal cord, on to the brain when a finger gets smashed in the car door. Before the finger was smashed, the nociceptors were not on because there was nothing to make them respond.
One possible cause of chronic pain could be malfunctioning nociceptors. Even if there is not a direct or root cause, they could be continually sending pain messages. Using the same example of the finger smashed in the car door. The finger heals after the smashing but pain signals are still being sent. The�finger’s�nociceptor’s nerves could be malfunctioning, which is why they are still sending pain messages. The result is chronic pain.
Chronic pain symptoms
Chronic pain is pain that does not stop for more than 6 months. Pain is a subjective experience, it is different for everyone and takes on many forms. The pain could be:
Aching
Burning
Constant Soreness
Constant Stiffness
Electric
Sharp
Shooting
Throbbing
Tight
Chronic pain can lead to other problems, specifically social, psychological and emotional. It can:
Cause sleeplessness
Drain the body’s energy
Cause depression
Withdraw from activities/friends/family
Weaken the immune system because so much energy is spent dealing with the pain
These added conditions feed off each other. Example: Sleeping is impossible when the pain is active, the next day nothing gets done because of the tiredness. As a result of the inactiveness, a loss of self-esteem begins to set in causing withdrawal from family and social life.
Alleviation
To get the best treatment possible, take note of activities, diet, accidents, injuries, etc before the pain began. Depending on the diagnosis, chiropractic care could help. Research studies have shown that two weeks of regular adjustments/manipulation can bring significant improvement.
Physical therapy combined with stretching and strengthening exercises is part of the treatment for chronic pain. Physical therapy could consist of ice, heat, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound, and myofascial release. A chiropractor and other pain professionals can help bring alleviation, so you can fully live your life.
Degenerative disc/s is a condition where the wearing down of the spinal discs causes pain and discomfort. All of our spines go through this, but not everybody�feels pain. Chiropractic care is a treatment option for degenerative disc disease (DDD). The first step is to determine the disc-related problem.
Chiropractic Diagnosis
During an initial evaluation, your chiropractor will review your medical history, along with a discussion about current symptoms and the possible causes.
With degenerative disc/s��the main symptom is back pain. A chiropractor will examine potential causes:
How the mechanics of the spine are operating.
Thinning discs could bulge and place added pressure on the nerves of the spine.
Spinal stenosis can also cause back and leg pain.
A physical and neurological exam can pinpoint problem areas, like:
Where joint motion is restricted
Range of motion
Abnormal spinal curvature
Muscle spasms
Trigger points
An injury like a sprain or strain
There are different reasons why your neck or back may hurt, and your examination may include some basic tests. Observance of how you walk, and overall posture. This will help to observe body mechanics and how your spine moves. Imaging tests like x-rays or MRI are common to find the problem area and cause. The chiropractor will diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan for pain alleviation.�
Degenerative Disc/s
The disc/s can lose their integrity, and begin to thin and possibly tear. This increases unwanted pressure on nerves and creates friction between the vertebrae. Degenerative disc disease can go through various stages. With the progression, the negative symptoms become more pronounced.
Stages
1
The first stage of degenerative disc disease may go unnoticed by the individual but can be identified by a chiropractor or other medical professional. The loss of the natural curvature of the spine can indicate the beginning of degenerative disc disease. Pain may not be apparent, but extra pressure is being placed on the spine which can lead to more rapid aging of the spine, nerves, joints, etc.
2
The degradation of discs becomes more apparent in the second stage. They may look thinner, and it is common to see deformations in the bone, such as bone spurs. The curvature of the spine will become more unnatural and the spinal canal may become more narrow. Stage 2 is often where you will begin to notice some pain and discomfort.
3
Stage 3 is marked by a more extreme change in the posture and curvature of the spine, along with more pain and loss of mobility. Nerve damage is common and scar tissue typically begins to form. Discs are even thinner than before, which can sometimes cause even more deformation of the bones.
4
The final stage of degenerative disc disease is the most severe and is typically considered irreversible. Discs are at their thinnest or gone altogether. The flexibility of the spine is extremely limited and pain is often considerable. Nerve damage can be severe and the bones of the spine may even begin to fuse together.
Care
Chiropractic care is a preferred treatment for degenerative disc/s disease. Because it is gentle and non-invasive, chiropractic does not create undesirable side effects like prescription meds and surgery are more prone to do. The earlier the stage of the disease, the more successful the treatment. But chiropractic can help even in the most extreme cases. The goal of chiropractic is to improve joint mechanics with improved spinal motion and reduced inflammation. The chiropractor may also work on improving the function of the intervertebral discs.
Treatments can include:
Adjustment/s
One of the most effective treatments is to ensure the spine is in proper alignment. Loss of alignment, which can happen due to injury or just regular wear and tear, puts extra stress on the spine which can accelerate disc/s degradation. Adjustments bring the body back into proper alignment.
Spinal manipulation will identify the joints that are restricted or those that have abnormal motion. They will use a gentle thrusting technique.
Flexion-distraction technique uses a gentle, non-thrusting technique that is typically used to treat herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
Instrument-assisted manipulation uses a hand-held instrument. The chiropractor or therapist applies gentle force without thrusting directly into the spine.
Therapeutic massage
A physical therapist can perform different types of massage to reduce muscle tension. Manual joint stretching and resistance techniques can also relieve pain and other symptoms.
Trigger point therapy
Here tight painful points on a muscle/s are identified and places direct pressure on these points to relieve tension.
Decompression
Spinal decompression uses gentle but firm pressure to bring space back between the vertebrae. Space allows blood flow to return and healing to happen. Decompression is an important treatment to complement adjustments.
Electrical stimulation
A low-frequency electrical current stimulates your muscles and reduces inflammation.
Ultrasound
This type can help reduce muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain with sound waves that penetrate deep into your muscle tissues. This creates a gentle heat and enhances blood circulation.
With chiropractic, prevention is the key, and therapeutic exercises can prevent symptoms from getting worse. Seek treatment for your back and neck pain now. Our team can help you feel better and educate you on living a healthier life. Your chiropractor will work hard to treat you and address all your symptoms. Chiropractors treat the whole body and not just symptoms.�
Herniated Disc El Paso, TX
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A disc can also�herniate and place pressure on the nerves that flow into the feet, and cause pain, tingling, and numbness. The wear and tear of the spine combined with a herniated disc�can pinch the nerves that go to the feet.
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.
The sciatic nerve can be compressed, pinched, twisted, moved out of position by a variety of things, including injury/s and spinal conditions, diseases, and the most common a herniated disc. This could be time to try the chiropractic solution that can treat sciatica symptoms and bring relief quickly. If you are experiencing a shooting, electrical, tingling, numb pain down one of your legs could be a presenting of sciatica symptoms.
Sciatica
Sciatica is really a symptom itself caused by lumbar radiculopathy. Lumbar radiculopathy is a medical term referring to a low back condition/injury/disorder that is affecting the nerves in this area. The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back down both of the legs and into the feet. Added pressure placed on the nerve from a herniated disc can lead to common symptoms.
Shooting pain that goes down from the low back, through the leg, calf and sometimes into the foot
A feeling of electricity down one leg
Burning pain
Pain from moving
Numbness
Weakness
Causes
Causes of sciatica include:
Vertebrae Out of Alignment
Misaligned vertebrae, referred to as subluxations can put pressure on nerves in the spine � including the sciatic nerve.
Disc Herniation
The discs that cushion the vertebrae are made up of a tough outer layer and a softer inner layer. When the outer layer is damaged and the inner layer comes out into the spine, it is referred to as disc herniation.
A herniated disc means that the inner layer of the disc is putting pressure on nerves in the spine. A herniated disc impacts the sciatic nerve and can lead to sciatica.
Car Accidents
A car accident can easily damage the spine and soft tissues. An accident can cause a misalignment of the spine, a herniated disc, or other injuries that cause symptoms of sciatica.
Sports Injury/s
Even the fittest athletes are susceptible to back injuries, which in turn can cause sciatica. The spine and discs can be damaged due to a large impact, repetitive motion injuries, or even twisting the wrong way.
Work Injuries
Many sufferers of sciatica do not realize that their workplace activities � including repetitive motions and sitting or standing in one position for long periods of time � can lead to sciatica.
How Chiropractic Solution Helps
Prevention found that sixty percent of individuals with sciatica failed to find relief from other treatments found their symptoms improved after chiropractic treatment.
The chiropractic solution works because it gets to the source of the problem and relieves pressure on the sciatic nerve. Chiropractic treatments include:
Realignment
Spinal misalignments are often the cause of sciatica can be corrected through careful chiropractic adjustments. The chiropractor analyzes the misalignment, then applies pressure to the area to correct the misalignment. The pressure is removed from the sciatic nerve, and this is done on and off to get the correct position and massaging the inflamed tissues until symptoms improve.
Spine Decompression
For those whose sciatica is caused by a herniated disc, spinal decompression can bring real relief. Using a specially designed table, the chiropractor can gently stretch the spine � creating space for the disc to heal and pull back from the sciatic nerve.
Find Relief
Please contact our chiropractic team today to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica. We are ready to help you feel better and get back on your feet again. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.�We do this so that we may reach as many El Pasoans who need us, no matter the affordability issues.
Severe *Sciatica”* Pain Relief | El Paso, Tx (2020)
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Patients with sciatica feel better with time, usually a few weeks. If pain continues, other treatment modalities can be discussed.�Muscle spasms can accompany sciatica symptoms and can be treated with heat or ice therapy. A doctor may advise�light exercise like short walks�and once recovery is established they may give you exercises to strengthen your back and core.
Living in the desert means we don’t have to deal with digging/shoveling through snow and ice, but there are still proper techniques, tools, body mechanics, posture, and core strength that we should pay attention to and apply to guard our spines and general health. It is no surprise that when shoveling many individuals experience muscle fatigue, low back strain, vertebral disc damage (herniated disc), and even spinal fractures.
A great deal of these injuries come from excessive stress to spinal structures by slip and fall accidents. Shoveling is a frequent cause of back pain and injuries. Injuries are not only limited to the musculoskeletal system but excessive shoveling can also place added stress on the cardiovascular system.� Any hint of shortness of breath or chest pain, stop shoveling immediately but if symptoms continue, seek medical attention.
A study published indicated when handling heavy material with a shovel, the L5-S1 disc has been identified as the weakest link in the body. The most severe injuries along with pain are likely to occur in the back. Here are some tips to prevent injury.
Shoveling Basics
Shoveling can be compared to weight lifting and intense aerobic exercise. To help your body function correctly consider the following tips:
Eat long before shoveling so you have fuel but don’t cramp up.
Avoid caffeinated drinks/beverages. Stimulants can increase heart rate and cause blood vessels to constrict.
If you experience pain, stop immediately and get assistance.
Pace yourself when shoveling.
Take plenty of breaks.
Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body.
For snow, if the ground is icy or slick, throw sand or salt to help create traction. But still be aware that some areas can still be uneven and cause you to slip, trip, or fall.
Proper Clothing
Consider the weather before beginning the job.
When it’s cold dress in layers, wear gloves, and a hat because a good amount of body heat is lost through the head. If icy cold, use a scarf.
Wear clothing that is easy to move around in.
Proper boots are essential for maintaining balance, traction and keeping feet warm/dry.
Choose specialized work/blister-free gloves or thicker gloves, that allow for a good grip on the handle.
The Shovel That’s Right for You and the Job
Shovels come in different materials, purposes, shapes, and sizes.
Choose an ergonomic shovel with a curved handle. These shovels help keep your back straight and reduce spinal stress.
Hardware stores stock ergonomically designed shovels of all types.
For snow maybe try a shovel with a plastic blade instead of metal as it’s lightweight.
Sometimes a smaller blade is the way to go. You don’t shovel as much per load, but it weighs less and puts less strain on the spine.
Don’t go for a cheap model if the job you are doing is heavy-duty. Your body will thank you.
Once you have your shovel take some time to learn the proper technique.
Technique is Key
Take some time to stretch and prepare your body as warm muscles work better.
Hand placement on the shovel is very important! Don�t grip with the hands close to each other.
Keep some distance between the hands. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to lift.
Think about proper posture and maintaining the natural curve of your spine.
Address the task directly.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart to stay balanced.
Try to keep the shovel close to your body. Holding a shovelful with arms outstretched puts added weight on your spine.
Bend at the knees and not the waist or back.
Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift.
Lift with your legs and not your back.
Dump the material in front of you. If you need to move the material to the side, move your feet.
Do not twist your body.
Scoop small amounts into the shovel
Walk to where you want to dump it.
Do not throw over your shoulder.
Go forward with the material.
Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks and stretch your back and body.
Power Equipment
Power equipment is terrific, but if it’s not used correctly, you can still strain or injure your back.
Example: Snowblowers are designed to remove snow at a certain speed but pushing or forcing the equipment to go faster is defeating the purpose of the machine doing the work for you.
You may not realize that you hurt your back. But that little twinge you felt could change your life forever. Getting back to 100% of where you were before the injury could take time and treatment. So, do not take this activity lightly and remember prevention is the best defense.
El Paso, TX Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Care
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Injuries that are caused by repetitive movements often develop gradually.�It�s not until the symptoms get very painful and debilitating that the individual realizes that something is wrong. Don�t wait, as soon as you feel a tingle, slight pinch, or a little soreness and feel that it’s from your work, get in touch with a doctor or chiropractor.
Here are some tips to avoid stressing your back. Ergonomics breaks down how our work environment affects our work and body. Ergonomics looks for ways to improve our environment to decrease the risks of injury, ailments, enhance productivity, and improve the quality of our work.
The profession of ergonomics focuses on two areas:
Industrial ergonomics also called occupational biomechanics focuses on the physical aspects of work like
Force
Posture
Repetitive movement/s
Human factor ergonomics looks at the psychological aspects of work like mental well-being and efficient decision-making.
Minimize Stress at the Desk
Try not to lean over the desk for extended amounts of time.
Do not sit too far from the desk/workstation.
Do not sit with your back unsupported.
Adjust the chair to a proper height so the knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
Keep the elbows bent at a 90-degree angle but also rest the elbows on the work surface or chair armrests.
Try not to bend or twist the neck while on the phone.
Maintaining a Neutral Spine While Standing
The feet should be slightly apart with the knees straight and chin tucked in. Try not to stand in one or the same position for extended amounts of time. Change and shift the weight from one foot to the other regularly. Use a footstool to elevate the foot/feet off and on, shifting the weight and continually moving can be helpful.
Proper Posture
Proper posture means maintaining the natural curve of the spine known as a neutral spine. Proper posture should be incorporated into all activities of daily living, which minimizes the amount of added stress to the spine. Proper posture is so important it’s what a chiropractor or physical therapist will first teach a patient.
Proper posture looks like
Imagine a plumb bob hanging from the ear lobe. With proper posture, the plumb bob will drop straight down the middle of the arm to the ankle.
Why is this so important?
Improper posture and incorrect body mechanics are two of the primary causes of neck and back pain.
Lifting/Carrying Objects
Observe the object to be moved, if the object looks too heavy or too big then please get help!
Before moving the object move any obstacles out of the path.
Get as close to the object as possible and bend at the knees.
Before lifting make sure the feet are slightly apart and flat. When turning, instead of twisting, pivot with the feet. This helps provide a stable base.
Take a long breathe and tighten the stomach muscles.
Smoothly lift the object using the arms and legs, not the back!
Try to hold the object at the side and bottom and keep it close to the body.
Keep your back straight.
Carry the object with the elbows slightly bent.
When carrying try to keep a balanced amount of weight in each hand. For example, shopping bags or luggage should have the loads divided in two.
Keep the shoulders held slightly back and level.
The ears should line up with the shoulders.
Keep the chin tucked in slightly.
Keep the pelvis shifted forward so that the hips are lined up with the ankles.
Reaching
Consider the size, weight, and location of the object.
Use a heavy-duty step ladder.
Directly face the object and get as close to it as possible.
One hand should be used for additional support.
Try not to look overhead for extended periods as this causes unnecessary stress to the neck.
Store items that are used all the time easy to reach. This could mean rearranging shelves etc.
There are almost as many causes of back pain as there are words to describe the pain and symptoms. Muscle spasms are the most common cause, the spine is susceptible to the same problems as other parts of your body. Poor posture and incorrect body mechanics are two of the leading causes of neck and back pain.
Through Dr.Alex Jimenez�s unique approach to healing, he continues being voted the best�Chiropractor in El Paso by the El Paso reviewing sites, clinical specialists, researchers and readers.��This is in part because he passionately accepts patients he feels are candidates for care. If he feels you need other treatment, then you will be referred to a clinic or Physician that is best suited for you.��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.
Chiropractic Care For Migraine El Paso, TX
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Sitting places added�stress and pressure on your back because it transfers the body�s full weight onto the buttocks and thighs. Sitting for long periods can cause�pressure�to�increase on the discs, which can lead to severe/chronic back pain.�Sitting also takes a toll on the lower extremities. As the�blood stays�in the legs and feet this creates a sluggish return of blood to the heart.
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