PUSH-as-Rx ®™ Wellness Exercise & Fitness

Back discomfort sensations and symptoms could indicate pulled-back muscles. Unless you’ve experienced the condition before, determining the cause can be difficult. A pulled-back muscle can start as a sudden, sharp sting when bending, reaching, or twisting. Or it can present gradually, worsening over a few days. It is a common injury, but if left untreated could take several weeks, and in severe cases, a few months, to heal correctly. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help diagnose the problem and develop a customized treatment plan to restore optimal function and health.

Pulled Back Muscles

A pulled muscle describes a strained muscle.

• A strain is a muscle or tendon injury that happens when the tissue overstretches or tears.
• When a ligament stretches or tears, it’s called a sprain.
• Most cases can be managed and treated at home.
• But if the symptoms are not improving or make it difficult to move, see a doctor or chiropractor.

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of a pulled-back muscle include:

• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Soreness - Sore muscles that feel tight and achy usually indicate a condition that is likely to improve in a few days. More severe soreness could indicate a more significant injury.
• Spasms - A sudden convulsive spasm in the muscle can also indicate a pull. This can feel like a sudden tightening that does not release. The muscle can continue to spasm and lead to other symptoms.
• Cramping - A muscle can cramp can lead to increased tightness whenever trying to use the muscle.
• Pain - Can be characterized as a constant dullness and/or soreness in most situations or, in severe cases, sharp and shooting.
• Discomfort when moving around. If pain flares up when trying to move or use the back muscles is usually an indication that something is wrong.
• Relief during inactivity and rest. When lying down to rest or taking a temporary break, and the symptoms disappear could also be an indication of a pulled-back muscle or another injury.

Causes

The most common causes are:

A Strained Muscle

• This causes some damage to a region of muscle tissue, usually the result of being over-used or torn from another injury.

Sprained Ligaments

• Involves damage to the ligaments in a joint, usually those in the spinal vertebrae.

A Herniated Disc

• This involves damage to the discs that can leak out, irritating the surrounding tissues and nerves and can cause shifting and misalignment of the spine.

These conditions are distinct, but the symptoms can be similar.

Therapies

It is important to consult a medical professional before treating an injury because symptoms of other injuries, such as disc problems or a broken bone, can resemble strains and sprains. Most treatments will utilize:

Ice and Heat

• Ice helps reduce inflammation.
• The faster ice can be applied to a pulled-back muscle, the quicker pain and swelling are reduced, and the healing process can begin.
• Apply a cold pack for 15-20 minutes as soon as the injury occurs.
• Take a 20-minute break between each cold application.
• After the first days, alternate cold therapy with heat to increase circulation.
• Try a 20-20-20 rule: 20 minutes of an ice pack followed by a 20-minute break, then 20 minutes of heat.
• Repeat as necessary, allowing 20 minutes between heat or ice therapy.

Limited Rest

• Right after a muscle strain, limiting physical activity levels and avoiding movements are recommended for a short period.
• After the initial pain subsides, partial activity levels are recommended to help prevent the muscles from weakening.

Compression

• Applying compression bandages or using an active compression system can help reduce swelling and edema and repair damaged tissues faster.

Stretching

• Returning to activities, gentle stretching exercises can improve tissue healing by increasing blood circulation to the injured area.
• Applying heat to the area before stretching can also help.

Strength Training

• Ask a doctor or chiropractor about the right strength exercises for your condition.
• Strength training will develop the muscles to prevent future injuries.

Pain Medication

• Pain levels are an important indicator during the recovery process.
• Pain medications relieve symptoms but do not assist with healing and should only be used short-term to provide relief.
• If you need pain medication, consult your physician to determine the appropriate type and dosage for your situation.

Massage

• Blood circulation to the injured tissues is increased with massage therapy.

Chiropractic

• A chiropractor can diagnose back pain from a muscle or disc injury and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Chiropractic Therapy

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please contact Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Strain-and-Sprain

Allen, Laura. “Case Study: The Use of Massage Therapy to Relieve Chronic Low-Back Pain.” International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork vol. 9,3 27-30. 9 Sep. 2016, doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v9i3.267

Kumar, Saravana et al. “The effectiveness of massage therapy for the treatment of nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review of systematic reviews.” International journal of general medicine vol. 6 733-41. 4 Sep. 2013, doi:10.2147/IJGM.S50243

https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/sprains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/overview-of-sprains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/exercises-lower-back-muscle-strain

Most individuals don't think about how they walk or whether they are walking with the correct posture. Knowing how to walk with the proper technique and posture can help:

• Ensure the bones and joints maintain proper alignment.
• Decrease abnormal wear and tear on the joints, muscles, and ligaments from awkward positions.
• Prevent neck, back, hip, and leg pain.
• Reduce muscle aches and fatigue.
• Reduce injury risk.
• Improve balance, stability, and mobility.

Walking with the correct technique and posture is not complicated but requires individuals to stay aware of standing and moving.

Correct Posture

Walking is a physical activity that involves the whole body. It helps to focus on each part of the body to understand how to walk correctly fully.

Head-Up

• Focus on standing straight with the chin parallel to the ground and ears aligned above the shoulders.
• Imagine the head being pulled gently upwards by an invisible string attached to the sky/ceiling.
• This can help prevent dropping the head into the chest while walking.
• Maintain eyes forward and gaze.
• Focus on an area about 10 to 20 feet ahead when walking.

Straighten and Extend the Spine

• Focus on extending the spine while walking.
• Avoid slouching, hunching, or leaning forward. This stresses the back muscles.

Relaxed Shoulders Down and Back

The shoulders have a role with posture and technique. Shoulders that are tense or hunched forward can strain the muscles and joints in the shoulders, upper back, and neck. When walking, perform the following:

• Raise the shoulders as high as they will go in a shrugging motion, then let them fall and relax.
• Shoulder shrugs will help relieve tightness or tension.
• This places the shoulders in a natural position that allows for easy arm movement.
• Keep the shoulders loose and relaxed.
• Shoulder shrugs while walking can help ensure that the shoulders are relaxed and in the correct position.

Swing the Arms

Walking correctly can be helped by gently swinging the arms back and forth at the sides.

• Make sure to swing the arms from the shoulders, not from the elbows.
• Do not swing the arms across the body.
• Do not swing the arms up too high.
• Keep them around the midsection, not around the chest.

Engage the Body's Core

The core muscles have an essential role and help the body move with ease.

• Focus on tightening and engaging the core muscles by clenching the belly button toward the spine.
• This helps maintain balance and stability.
• It helps relieve stress and pressure on the back when walking.

Step Heel to Toe

Step in a steady heel-to-toe gait.

• The foot should hit the ground with the heel first.
• Then roll through the heel to the toes.
• Push out of step with the toes.
• Avoid flat-footed steps and/or landing with the toes first.

Injury Prevention

To prevent injury or overuse wear and tear on the muscles and joints, it is recommended to avoid the following:

Looking down too frequently

• Looking down at the ground or phone too much places unnecessary strain on the neck.

Do not take long strides

• The power comes from pushing off of the rear leg.
• Overstriding places stress on the lower leg joints.

Rolling or swinging the hips

• The hips should stay as level as possible.

Slouching

• This will help avoid back and shoulder strain.

Wearing the wrong shoes

• Wear the right shoes when walking for more than a few minutes.
• Shoes should fit comfortably.
• Provide arch and heel support.
• Well-cushioned to absorb the shock of the feet hitting the ground.

Benefits of Correct Posture

The physical and mental benefits of proper posture and optimal walking technique include:

Alleviation of muscle and joint pain

• Walking properly will avoid placing unnecessary stress and strain on the muscles, ligaments, and joints.

Increased energy

• Walking with incorrect/awkward posture can wear out the muscles faster, whereas walking with proper form helps conserve energy.

Improved breathing

• Walking with the shoulders back allows the lungs to fill and expand fully. This makes breathing more manageable and efficient.

Improved circulation

• When the body is properly aligned and moving correctly, it's easier for the blood to circulate throughout the body.

Digestion improvement

• When the internal organs are not compressed from awkward postures, the body digests food more efficiently and increases blood flow to the digestive tract.

Enhanced core strength

• The abdominal muscles gain strength and power from walking correctly.

Reduced headaches

• Keeping the head straight, not bending forward, can help reduce neck strain, leading to reduced headaches.

Improved balance

• Correct posture improves balance and less prone to falling.

Correct gait and posture are not complicated but do take some practice to develop healthy habits. For any issues with gait or back problems, talk to a doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor about technique improvement.

Body Composition

Ten-Thousand Steps Speed and Distance

Before deciding to put in the walking distance and time, speed also needs to be considered. Calories burned from walking depend on the intensity, or speed, of the walk. The average walking speed is about 3 miles per hour and the number of calories burned depends on walking speed.

• A leisure 30-minute walk at two mph yields a burn of 102 calories
• Moderate intensity of 3.5 mph in the same 30-minute walk increases to burn 157 calories.
• The faster the pace, the greater the heart rate.
• The more calories are burned covering the same distance.
• However, reaching 10,000 steps can almost entirely be irrelevant if not careful with a stable caloric intake.

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

Buldt, Andrew K et al. “The relationship between foot posture and lower limb kinematics during walking: A systematic review.” Gait & posture vol. 38,3 (2013): 363-72. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2013.01.010

Common posture mistakes and fixes. (2019). nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/common-posture-mistakes-and-fixes/

The cost of being on your toes. (2010). Archive.unews.utah.edu/news_releases/the-cost-of-being-on-your-toes/

Hackford, Jessie et al. “The effects of walking posture on affective and physiological states during stress.” Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry vol. 62 (2019): 80-87. doi:10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.09.004

Perfecting your walking technique. (n.d.). health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/perfecting-your-walking-technique

Proper walking technique. (n.d.). mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/multimedia/proper-walking-technique/img-20007670

Around a half-million high school students in the U.S. play volleyball. Whether the parent of a volleyball player or part of a recreational league, the goal is to be ready for the season, which means preventing and addressing volleyball injuries. It is a highly demanding sport with quick movements, jumping, twisting, diving, spiking, etc. Despite being fit and healthy, extensive training along with match play takes a toll on the body. Chiropractic can benefit volleyball players.

Why Chiropractic Works

Chiropractic treatment and rehabilitation, especially by a sports chiropractor, is recommended for volleyball injuries because it addresses acute and chronic injuries to all body areas. Chiropractic treats the entire musculoskeletal system. Proper joint alignment from chiropractic adjustments in the spine and throughout the body maintains the biomechanic integrity. This reduces high-impact forces in the joints. Soft tissue treatments like instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization can help resolve injuries by providing the tissues with more blood flow into the affected area allowing for faster healing. Most volleyball injuries result from overuse to the joints and muscles, resulting in repetitive strain. In volleyball, repetitive/overuse injuries are common in the knees, ankles, and shoulders. This comes from all the jumping, serving, and spiking.

Player Benefits

Body Soreness Is Reduced/Alleviated

Many athletes, including volleyball players, do not get the proper recovery time from training or playing.

• Reduced recovery periods cause body soreness and stiffness that can overlap into an injury.
• Chiropractic can reduce and alleviate body soreness.
• Chiropractic promotes faster recovery.

Optimal Performance

Studies show that athletes that receive regular chiropractic care found speed and mobility performance enhanced.

• Athletes require fast reflexes and optimal hand-eye coordination.
• Speed, mobility, reflexes, and coordination depend on a healthy nervous system.
• 90% of the central nervous system travels through the spine.
• Spinal alignment can either allow for proper nerve flow or disrupt nerve flow.
• The nervous system can impact reflexes, speed, mobility, and hand-eye coordination even when just one spinal segment is misaligned and out of place.
• A properly functioning spine and nervous system will ensure the player is at their best.

Faster Injury Recovery Time

Healing the body properly takes time. Just like the body needs sleep/rest to function properly, so it is with injuries.

• The issue for athletes is how much time healing takes.
• Individual athletes receiving chiropractic care have been shown to heal faster.

Mobility and Strength

A chiropractic doctor can reduce the pressure around the nerve roots that exit the spine, which will help improve player performance. This includes:

• Range of motion
• Mobility and flexibility
• Strength
• Endurance

To find out how chiropractic can help, contact Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic. We will perform a thorough musculoskeletal and nervous system examination.

Sports Chiropractic Injury Treatment

How Many Calories Over 24 hours

Myths that offer strategies that avoid the hard work and commitment that diet and exercise demand should be avoided. Individuals cannot expect to experience healthy body composition changes by increasing/decreasing meal frequency if they are living a sedentary lifestyle. It is not important how often an individual takes in calories (has a meal). What is important is how many calories an individual has over a 24-hour period. A study looked at healthy individuals that ate one large meal a day for two weeks and then later ate the same meal but spread out over five smaller meals for another two weeks. It was concluded that there was no statistical difference in body weight gain or loss between the two eating methods. 2000 calories over 3 meals is the same 2000 calories consumed over 5 meals. There is no substitute for proper diet and exercise. The focus should be on what and how much you eat.

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

Eerkes, Kevin. “Volleyball injuries.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 11,5 (2012): 251-6. doi:10.1249/JSR.0b013e3182699037

Gouttebarge, Vincent et al. “Preventing musculoskeletal injuries among recreational adult volleyball players: design of a randomized prospective controlled trial.” BMC musculoskeletal disorders vol. 18,1 333. 2 Aug. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1699-6

Kilic, O et al. “Incidence, etiology, and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries in volleyball: A systematic review of the literature.” European journal of sports science vol. 17,6 (2017): 765-793. doi:10.1080/17461391.2017.1306114

Seminati, Elena, and Alberto Enrico Minetti. “Overuse in volleyball training/practice: A review on the shoulder and spine-related injuries.” European journal of sports science vol. 13,6 (2013): 732-43. doi:10.1080/17461391.2013.773090

Wolfram, G et al. “Thermogenese des menschen bei unterschiedlicher mahlzeitenhäufigkeit” [Thermogenesis in humans after varying meal time frequency]. Annals of nutrition & metabolism vol. 31,2 (1987): 88-97. doi:10.1159/000177255

Q: Dr. Jimenez, I read one of your articles about physical therapy and spinal stenosis exercises that focus on stretches for relieving pain. I was wondering if it was also possible to do aerobic exercise with a spinal condition and can you recommend a safe cardiovascular program?

I'm a 65-year-old with spinal stenosis, and I want to stay in shape. I try to ride a stationary bike for 20 minutes at least 2 times a week, but with my low back pain, I don't always finish the workout. 

How else can I stay in shape

A: I do recommend aerobic exercise for everyone, but especially for people with spinal conditions.

Aerobic exercise increases the blood flow to the body's tissues, and people with high levels of cardiovascular fitness generally do better dealing with spinal problems.

However, before anyone with a spine condition or any medical condition for that matter, starts a wellness and fitness program, they should check with their primary caregiver, to clear the individual as fit to exercise.

Example: Someone with cardiovascular (heart problems) can have restrictions when it comes to certain types of exercise.

A physical exam will make sure your body is ready for exercise. 

Low-impact aerobic exercise is recommended 

• Walking
• Swimming

These are excellent examples of low-impact aerobic exercise. They increase heart rate and are easy on the body.

• Riding a stationary bike is another recommended form of low-impact aerobic exercise.

It can be tiring, but if recommended by a caregiver/therapist, then realize they did so for a reason/s to get you healthy.

By biking, you are building up endurance, and that is exactly what you want, as it speeds up recovery.

• Walking is a great exercise for spinal conditions. It is low-impact, and you can control the pace to fit your needs.  
• Daily walks after lunch or after getting home are a great way to exercise.

If exercise does begin to increase back pain or another type of pain, tell your caregiver or physical therapist right away.

The phrase, no pain, no gain does not apply when there are spinal conditions. So do not try to push through the pain or think that the hurt is good.

Also, do not try to do take on too much right away. Even if you feel good, follow the fitness plan.

But if you want to mix it up, discuss with your chiropractor/physical therapist if adding walking and swimming to the plan will be beneficial, as well.

It can be tempting to not exercise with a spinal condition. But remember that if there is no movement at all, you could make the pain worse. Knowing what your body can handle and sticking to a workable schedule, these healthy steps will relieve you and help with your low back pain.

El Paso, TX Chiropractic Care and Sports Rehabilitation

Daniel Alvarado, the owner of Push-as-RX Fitness, discusses how he carries out his PUSHasRx Functional Fitness Workouts personal injury rehabilitation and athletic training program as a part of Dr. Alex Jimenez's chiropractic rehabilitation plan.

Physical therapy (PT), also referred to as physiotherapy, is one of the allied health professions which, by utilizing mechanical force and motions (bio-mechanics or kinesiology), manual therapy, exercise therapy, and electrotherapy, remediates impairments and promotes mobility and purpose.

Physical therapy is used to enhance a patient's quality of life through:

• Examination
• Diagnosis
• Prognosis
• Physical intervention

Crossfit Rehabilitation: Daniel Alvarado, owner of Push-as-RX Fitness, discusses how he carries out his CrossFit personal injury rehabilitation and athletic training program as a part of Dr. Alex Jimenez's chiropractic rehabilitation plan. Daniel Alvarado ensures that his rehabilitation procedures complements well with Dr. Alex Jimenez's chiropractic treatment in order to help patients return to their original state of well-being. Both Daniel Alvarado and Dr. Alex Jimenez work hard to maintain a strong dynamic between their collaborative services.

Crossfit Rehabilitation & Chiropractic Care 

Crossfit Rehabilitation is a big part of Physical therapy (PT), also referred to as physiotherapy, as one of the allied health professions. By utilizing mechanical force and motions (bio-mechanics or kinesiology), manual therapy, exercise therapy, and electrotherapy, remediates impairments and promotes mobility and purpose. Physical therapy is used to enhance a patient's quality of life through examination, diagnosis, prognosis and physical intervention. It's performed by physical therapists (called physiotherapists in many countries). 

CrossFit originated as a plan for military forces, police and fire departments, as well as other such organizations to keep their members in the very best shape in their lives. CrossFit has taken the country by storm encouraging anyone from grandparents to specialized elite military personnel to join this growing fitness movement, today.

CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program made to generate wide-ranging responses out of anyone who engages consistently in this training. That is not a specialized program but one designed to optimize physical performance in every one of the ten fitness realms.

The CrossFit program is intended to increase physical performance of athletes in all physical performance jobs. Qualified CrossFit athletes perform at the maximal amount in multiple, physical challenges that are varied, and randomized.

This is actually the kind of strength and fitness called upon in the line of work such as police, fire fighters, as well as the military. CrossFit has been demonstrated time and time again to be successful in these venues.

Nevertheless, you don’t need to be a top athlete to engage and gain from CrossFit. In fact, everyone from highly conditioned athletes to senior citizens have began CrossFit and benefited from the plans profoundly. The load as well as intensity of the workouts predicated on amount of physical fitness although the difference isn’t in the program.

If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to subscribe and share us.

Thank You & God Bless.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, C.C.S.T

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Injury Clinic Extra: Physical Rehabilitation & Chiropractic

Injury Medical Chiropractic Decompression Clinic focuses on the whole body, realigns the bones and joints, and helps strengthen the muscles. This helps prevent pain and injury and maintains spinal stability. Strong back muscles can help promote correct posture and keep the spine free from restriction. A stable spine is achieved when the back muscles can support and balance the everyday forces and stress of rigorous physical activity. Strengthening the back muscles can be done through yoga, weightlifting, and other recommended chiropractic exercises.

Sports Strength, Balance, Core Decompression Clinic

The primary muscles in the back include:

• Latissimus dorsi/lats) are in the area below the armpits and down the sides of the back
• Rhomboids are in the mid-upper back
• Trapezius/traps run from the neck to the mid-back
• Erector spinae run along the spine

Major Core Muscles

• The transverse abdominis
• Multifidus
• Internal and external obliques
• Erector spinae
• Diaphragm
• Pelvic floor muscles
• The rectus abdominis/abs

Minor Core Muscles

• Lats
• Traps
• Glutes

Exercises should target a combination of these muscles.

Core Importance

The core is a crucial area of the body. The body utilizes the core for all movements and as a stabilization unit. Lack of strength places unwanted tension and pressure on the spine. Chiropractic ensures all the joints function correctly and enhances the core to brace more effectively and efficiently.

Chiropractic Balance

Adjustments and decompression realign the muscles into the proper position and help lubricate the muscles to help ease the stabilizer muscles that could be tight or tense. Treatments used can include:

• Spinal manual and motorized decompression
• Extremity adjustments
• Myofascial release
• Active Release Technique
• Trigger point therapy

Benefits

• Natural pain relief
• Injury prevention
• Enhanced muscle performance
• Expedited recovery
• Increased endurance
• Mobility enhancement
• Increased strength

Core strength and stability play a huge factor in everyday life and functions. Maintaining health results requires attention to detail. Injury Medical Decompression Clinic will create a personalized optimal health treatment plan that focuses on whole-body realignment, simple lifestyle adjustments, health coaching/nutrition, and strength training to improve balance, strength, and core stability.

Spinal Decompression DRX9000

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, or licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

Globe G, Morris C, Whalen W, et al., "Chiropractic Management of Low Back Disorders: Report from a Consensus Process," Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics November/December 2008: 651-658.

Keller, MD, et al., "Trunk Muscle Strength, Cross-sectional Area, and Density in Patients With CLBP Randomized to Lumbar Fusion or Cognitive Intervention and Exercises," Spine, 2004 29(1): 3-8 (3)

Mayer J, DC, Ph.D. Mooney V, MD, Dagenais S, DC Ph.D., "Evidence-informed management of CLBP with lumbar extensor strengthening exercises," T Spine J, 2008;8:96-113. (3)

McKenzie, RA, "The Lumbar Spine: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy," Spinal Publications/Printed by Wright & Carman, LTD, Upper Hutt, New Zealand, 1989 reprinted.

Sculco AD, Paup DC, Fernhall B, Sculco MJ, "Effects of aerobic exercise on low back pain patients in treatment," Spine J, 1(2):95-101 (2001).

Going camping for an extended weekend can be exciting and fearful for individuals with back pain. Being in nature is exhilarating, setting up tents with the family, fishing, and hitting the backpacking trails. For those that struggle with back and/or neck pain or conditions that cause pain, the objective is to be prepared for the worst. The weather, steep hills, physical activities, sitting in chairs that are not spine supportive, and sleeping on hard ground can contribute to all kinds of back issues. There are adjustments and modifications, as well as, tools to help the experience remain pain-free and be highly enjoyable.

Camping Back Pain

Not everyone with back pain or conditions that cause pain will struggle with camping out. There are individuals that prefer an ultra-firm sleeping surface like the ground as it provides their spine with the necessary support. Research has found that medium to fully firm mattresses and surfaces are the least to cause back pain. Many individuals go mattress-free a few nights a week and report that it helps reduce their pain.

• Mattresses that are too soft sink in too much, provide no support to the spine that leads to spinal problems and more aches, and pains.
• Sciatica from pinched nerves can become irritated or flare up when sleeping on the ground.
• Individuals with arthritis in the spinal joints can present with stiffness and more pain.
• Carrying and moving heavy equipment
• Hiking
• Backpacking with heavy bags
• Setting up tents
• Repeatedly bending over 
• Using traditional camping chairs can position the spine at unnatural angles and can aggravate certain spinal conditions.

Modifications and Adjustments

As with most physical activities for individuals with back pain, it’s all about preparation and modification. Here are a few ways to adjust the camping trip to prevent and avoid back pain:

• Don't sit for too long.
• Move around throughout the day.
• Stretch out
• Don't take long hiking or biking trips.
• Use the pockets in cargo pants/shorts or a jacket for essential items.
• Rent a camper with a bed.
• Get a cabin if necessary.

Equipment

Individuals with spinal conditions and pain will benefit from using proper and advanced gear to provide back support.

• Use a back supportive camping chair, not the soft canvas type.
• Utilize as much mobile/rolling camping gear and ask for help when moving, lifting heavy equipment.
• Use hiking poles for support and avoid carrying backpacks or bags, as they add strain to the spine.
• There are quality air mattresses and sleeping pads designed for pain symptoms and conditions.

Do a little research and see what options are available. Overall, aim for equipment that is sturdy and supportive. Listen to your body, follow a doctor or chiropractor's advice, and enjoy nature.

Body Composition

Food Journaling

Individuals can keep track of their food choices by logging their food intake into a personal food journal. This is where food choices and calorie intake can be examined, analyzed, and learned from. A study showed that individuals who diligently track their food and calorie intake had a greater amount of weight loss. For those that want to lose body fat, the body needs to be in a caloric deficit. After a week of logging meals, snacks, and drinks, an individual is in a better position to correct and adjust a weight loss plan. For example, journaling helps with:

• Commitment to making smart food choices.
• Monitoring portion sizes.
• Log calories by using a phone app.
• Take a look at the MyPlate food diagram

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

Most comfortable sleeping: Sleep Health. (December 2015) “Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment in adults with or without back pain; a systematic review of controlled trials.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352721815001400

At home or a gym, working out with cardio exercise equipment can be a highly beneficial treatment for back discomfort, soreness, and pain. However, when checking out all the cardio machines it is recommended to use those that will help with back pain and not worsen or cause further injury. The same goes for purchasing cardio equipment to use at home. 

Research has found that exercise training could be highly effective in the treatment of back pain. A study on pain found that the endorphins generated from aerobic exercise help to lessen low back pain. The North American Spine Society announced evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of back pain, and one of the top recommendations was aerobic exercise. Individuals can always go outside to:

• Walk
• Hike
• Run
• Bike ride

But mixing it up with cardio equipment can have its own benefits for different reasons. It could be too hot, raining, sometimes individuals prefer a set workout program to reach calorie or distance goals, and it could be easier on the spine. Working out at home or at a gym, cardiovascular machines can help bring relief for back pain.

Cardiovascular Exercise Back Pain Treatment

Cardiovascular exercise is highly recommended for everyone. For individuals dealing with back pain, exercise combined with conservative therapy is usually part of a treatment plan. This  includes:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Health coaching
• Diet
• Aerobic exercise regimen

With an exercise program, experts recommend starting with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Moderate intensity workouts are meant to get an individual's heart and blood pumping, sweating a little, and slightly deep breathing. These types of exercise include:

• Power walking outside
• Power walking on a treadmill
• Stationary biking

As long as the physical activity gets the heart rate up, these exercises have been shown to decrease back pain, relieve stress, and elevate mood. 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise three to five times a week for six weeks is what is recommended. This will help the back become healthier, feel better, and is recommended by the American Heart Association.

Exercise Not For All Spine Conditions

However, not all spinal conditions benefit from regular exercising. Getting an evaluation from a doctor, spine specialist, or chiropractor is recommended for injuries, severe and/or persistent back pain before starting a cardiovascular exercise program. This could be a spinal fracture, or spinal condition that requires bracing, or intense physical therapy/rehabilitation. Individuals that do not exercise regularly or have a medical or heart condition/s definitely need to get a doctor's clearance before beginning a cardiovascular workout regimen.

Top Cardiovascular Exercises and Equipment

Once a doctor clears the individual for aerobic exercise there is no cardio equipment that is off-limits. Elliptical machines and stationary bikes are the most well-tolerated by individuals with back problems/conditions. Because they are low impact. However, if it is tolerable using a jogging treadmill is beneficial as well. Listen to the body. If a workout on a treadmill causes back pain that is not just workout soreness,  stop with that machine and try different cardiovascular equipment that is more low impact. Do not ignore back pain. If pain is continuous and exercising is not helping, stop and see a doctor, or chiropractor to evaluate and analyze the situation. Then they can adjust the exercise part of the treatment plan according to the presenting symptoms. 

Body Composition

Concurrent Training

Concurrent training is the combination of aerobic and resistance exercises during the same workout session. Aerobic and resistance exercise impacts the body in different ways. The type of aerobic training determines how it interacts with resistance exercise. The order of the types of exercises like aerobic and resistance workouts can make a difference. Having an understanding of a few specifics about concurrent training will help to make decisions about an exercise program.

• Aerobic/interval and resistance training does not seem to interfere with the others’ adaptations
• However, gaining strength could be lowered by adding running to a resistance program
• Whereas bicycling does not have the same effect.

Cycling and the ergonomics that go with it are similar to traditional lower-body resistance exercises. The muscle contractions that come with running result in muscle damage, while the contractions in cycling also cause muscle damage, it is not to the same extent. Pairing the exercise programs correctly is key, such as a running program in combination with an upper-body lifting exercise can be beneficial. While running and doing leg presses every day could interfere with each other and could cause injuries. Or if doing both aerobic and resistance exercises in the same session, or on the same day, consider the order of the exercises, depending on what the goal is.

Disclaimer

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

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

British Journal of Sports Medicine. (November 2020) “Which specific modes of exercise training are most effective for treating low back pain? Network meta-analysis” https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/54/21/1279

Pain. (December 2020) “Are endogenous opioid mechanisms involved in the effects of aerobic exercise training on chronic low back pain? A randomized controlled trial” https://journals.lww.com/pain/Citation/2020/12000/Are_endogenous_opioid_mechanisms_involved_in_the.23.aspx

North American Spine Society. (2020) “Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines for Multidisciplinary Spine Care” https://www.spine.org/Portals/0/assets/downloads/ResearchClinicalCare/Guidelines/LowBackPain.pdf

Lauren Baldwin expresses how much participating in crossfit at Push Fitness has changed her life. Having been involved in other exercise programs, Lauren feels like crossfit has pushed her to go beyond her limits, unlike anything else she's ever tried before. Lauren Baldwin was able to reach her personal fitness goals with the help of the trainers and staff at Push Fitness. Grateful for all the support, encouragement and guidance she's received, Lauren recommends crossfit to anyone who's willing to push themselves to become the best they can be.

Crossfit Workouts & Chiropractic Care 

CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these reflect the best aspects of jogging, weightlifting, jogging, rowing and more. Intensity is essential for results and is quantifiable as physical activity or exercise divided by time or power. The more you do in less time and the greater the energy output, the more extreme the effort. These are the core movements of life. They move the largest loads the maximum distances, so that they are ideal for maximizing the quantity of work completed in the shortest time.

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Our services are specialized and focused on injuries and the complete recovery process. Our areas of practice include: Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sport Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Stress Management, and Complex Injuries.

As El Paso’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we passionately are focused treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.

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