Accidents and Injuries

Individuals suffering from a jammed finger: Can knowing the signs and symptoms of a finger that is not broken or dislocated allow for at-home treatment and when to see a healthcare provider?

Jammed Finger Injury

A jammed finger, also known as a sprained finger, is a common injury when the tip of a finger is forcefully pushed toward the hand, causing the joint to become compressed. This can cause pain and swelling in one or more fingers or finger joints and cause ligaments to stretch, sprain, or tear. (American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 2015) A jammed finger can often heal with icing, resting, and taping. This is often enough to allow it to heal in a week or two if no fractures or dislocations are present. (Carruthers, K. H. et al., 2016) While painful, it should be able to move. However, if the finger cannot wiggle, it may be broken or dislocated and require X-rays, as a broken finger or joint dislocation can take months to heal.

Treatment

Treatment consists of icing, testing, taping, resting, seeing a chiropractor or osteopath, and progressive regular use to regain strength and ability. 

Ice

• The first step is icing the injury and keeping it elevated.
• Use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel.
• Ice the finger in 15-minute intervals.
• Take the ice off and wait until the finger returns to its normal temperature before re-icing.
• Do not ice a jammed finger for over three 15-minute intervals in one hour.

Try To Move The Affected Finger

• If the jammed finger does not move easily or the pain gets worse when trying to move it, you need to see a healthcare provider and have an X-ray to check for a ​bone fracture or dislocation. (American Society for Surgery of the Hand. 2015)
• Try to move the finger slightly after swelling, and the pain subsides.
• If the injury is mild, the finger should move with little discomfort for a short time.

Tape and Rest

• If the jammed finger is not broken or dislocated, it can be taped to the finger next to it to keep it from moving, known as buddy taping. (Won S. H. et al., 2014)
• Medical-grade tape and gauze between the fingers should be used to prevent blisters and moisture while healing.
• A healthcare provider may suggest a finger splint to keep the jammed finger lined up with the other fingers.
• A splint can also help prevent a jammed finger from re-injury.

Resting and Healing

• A jammed finger must be kept still to heal at first, but eventually, it needs to move and flex to build strength and flexibility.
• Targeted physical therapy exercises can be helpful for recovery.
• A primary care provider might be able to refer a physical therapist to ensure the finger has a healthy range of motion and circulation as it heals.
• A chiropractor or osteopath can also provide recommendations for helping rehabilitate the finger, hand, and arm to normal function.

Easing The Finger Back to Normal

• Depending on the extent of the injury, the finger and hand can be sore and swollen for a few days or weeks.
• It can take some time to start feeling normal.
• Once the healing process begins, individuals will want to return to using it normally.
• Avoiding using a jammed finger will cause it to lose strength, which can, over time, further weaken it and increase the risk of re-injury.

If the pain and swelling persist, see a healthcare provider to get it checked for a possible fracture, dislocation, or other complication as soon as possible, as these injuries are harder to treat if the individual waits too long. (University of Utah Health, 2021)

At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we passionately focus on treating patients’ injuries and chronic pain syndromes and improving ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs tailored to the individual. Our providers use an integrated approach to create personalized care plans that include Functional Medicine, Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, and Sports Medicine protocols. Our goal is to relieve pain naturally by restoring health and function to the body. If the individual needs other treatment, they will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited for them. Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with the top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and premier rehabilitation providers to provide the most effective clinical treatments.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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 various 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 studies or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies that are 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, don't hesitate to 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

American Society for Surgery of the Hand. (2015). Jammed finger. https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/jammed-finger

Carruthers, K. H., Skie, M., & Jain, M. (2016). Jam Injuries of the Finger: Diagnosis and Management of Injuries to the Interphalangeal Joints Across Multiple Sports and Levels of Experience. Sports Health, 8(5), 469–478. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738116658643

Won, S. H., Lee, S., Chung, C. Y., Lee, K. M., Sung, K. H., Kim, T. G., Choi, Y., Lee, S. H., Kwon, D. G., Ha, J. H., Lee, S. Y., & Park, M. S. (2014). Buddy taping: is it a safe method for treatment of finger and toe injuries?. Clinics in orthopedic surgery, 6(1), 26–31. https://doi.org/10.4055/cios.2014.6.1.26

University of Utah Health. (2021). University of Utah Health. Should I worry about a jammed finger? University of Utah Health. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/all/2021/03/should-i-worry-about-jammed-finger

For individuals experiencing lower back pain can understanding the anatomy and function of the multifidus muscle help in injury prevention and in the development of a highly effective treatment plan?

Multifidus Muscle

The multifidus muscles are long and narrow on either side of the spinal column, which helps stabilize the lower region of the spine or lumbar spine. (Maryse Fortin, Luciana Gazzi Macedo 2013) Sitting too much, practicing unhealthy postures, and lack of movement can progress to the multifidus muscle weakening or atrophy, which can lead to spinal instability, vertebral compression, and back pain. (Paul W. Hodges, Lieven Danneels 2019)

Anatomy

Known as the deep layer, it is the innermost layer of the three muscle layers of the back and controls the movement of the spine. The other two layers, known as the intrinsic and superficial, are responsible for the thoracic cage/rib cage and shoulder movement. (Anouk Agten et al., 2020) The multifidus has attachment points at:

• The thoracic spine of the middle back.
• The lumbar spine of the lower back.
• The iliac spine - the base of the wing-shaped iliac bone of the pelvis.
• Sacrum - series of bones at the base of the spine connected to the tailbone.
• When standing or moving, the multifidus muscle works with the transversus abdominus and pelvic floor muscles to stabilize the lumbar spine. (Christine Lynders 2019)

Muscle Function

The main function is to stabilize the lower back, but it also helps extend the lower spine whenever reaching or stretching. (Jennifer Padwal et al., 2020) Because the muscle has numerous attachment points and is serviced by a specific branch of nerves known as the posterior rami, it allows each vertebra to work individually and more efficiently.

• This protects against spinal deterioration and the development of arthritis. (Jeffrey J Hebert et al., 2015)
• The multifidus muscle works with two other deep muscle groups to stabilize and move the spine. (Jeffrey J Hebert et al., 2015)
• The rotatores muscle enables unilateral rotation, turning from side to side, and bilateral extension or bending backward and forward.
• The semispinalis muscle above the multifidus allows extension and rotation of the head, neck, and upper back.
• The multifidus muscle ensures spinal strength because it has more attachment points to the spine than the other layers, which reduces spinal flexibility and rotation but increases strength and stability. (Anouk Agten et al., 2020)

Lower Back Pain

A weak multifidus muscle destabilizes the spine and provides less support to the vertebra. This adds pressure on muscles and connective tissues between and adjacent to the spinal column, increasing the risk of lower back pain symptoms. (Paul W. Hodges, Lieven Danneels 2019) The loss of muscle strength and stability can cause atrophy or wasting away. This can cause compression and other back problems. (Paul W. Hodges et al., 2015) Back problems associated with multifidus muscle deterioration include (Paul W. Hodges, Lieven Danneels 2019)

• Herniated discs - also bulging or slipped discs.
• Nerve entrapment or compression pinched nerve.
• Sciatica
• Referred pain - nerve pain originating from the spine felt in other areas.
• Osteoarthritis - wear-and-tear arthritis
• Spinal osteophytes - bone spurs
• Weak abdominal or pelvic floor muscles can compromise the core, increasing the risk of chronic lower back pain and injury.

Individuals are recommended to consult a physical therapist and chiropractor who can help develop the appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, and strengthening plan based on age, injury, underlying conditions, and physical abilities.

Can Core Exercises Help with Back Pain?

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 various 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 studies 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

Fortin, M., & Macedo, L. G. (2013). Multifidus and paraspinal muscle group cross-sectional areas of patients with low back pain and control patients: a systematic review with a focus on blinding. Physical therapy, 93(7), 873–888. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20120457

Hodges, P. W., & Danneels, L. (2019). Changes in Structure and Function of the Back Muscles in Low Back Pain: Different Time Points, Observations, and Mechanisms. The Journal of orthopedic and sports physical therapy, 49(6), 464–476. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2019.8827

Agten, A., Stevens, S., Verbrugghe, J., Eijnde, B. O., Timmermans, A., & Vandenabeele, F. (2020). The lumbar multifidus is characterized by larger type I muscle fibers compared to the erector spinae. Anatomy & cell biology, 53(2), 143–150. https://doi.org/10.5115/acb.20.009

Lynders C. (2019). The Critical Role of Development of the Transversus Abdominis in Preventing and Treatment Low Back Pain. HSS journal: The Musculoskeletal Journal of Hospital for Special Surgery, 15(3), 214–220. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11420-019-09717-8

Padwal, J., Berry, D. B., Hubbard, J. C., Zlomislic, V., Allen, R. T., Garfin, S. R., Ward, S. R., & Shahidi, B. (2020). Regional differences between superficial and deep lumbar multifidus in patients with chronic lumbar spine pathology. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 21(1), 764. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03791-4

Hebert, J. J., Koppenhaver, S. L., Teyhen, D. S., Walker, B. F., & Fritz, J. M. (2015). The evaluation of lumbar multifidus muscle function via palpation: reliability and validity of a new clinical test. The Spine Journal: official North American Spine Society journal, 15(6), 1196–1202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2013.08.05

Hodges, P. W., James, G., Blomster, L., Hall, L., Schmid, A., Shu, C., Little, C., & Melrose, J. (2015). Multifidus Muscle Changes After Back Injury Are Characterized by Structural Remodeling of Muscle, Adipose and Connective Tissue, but Not Muscle Atrophy: Molecular and Morphological Evidence. Spine, 40(14), 1057–1071. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0000000000000972

When a groin strain injury happens, can knowing the symptoms help in the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery times?

Groin Strain Injury

A groin strain is an injury to an inner thigh muscle. A groin pull is a type of muscle strain affecting the adductor muscle group (the muscles help pull the legs apart). (Parisa Sedaghati, et al., 2013) The injury is caused when the muscle is stretched beyond its normal range of motion, creating superficial tears. Severe strains can tear the muscle in two. (Parisa Sedaghati, et al., 2013)

• A groin muscle pull causes pain and tenderness that worsens when squeezing the legs together.
• There may also be swelling or bruising in the groin or inner thigh.
• An uncomplicated groin pull takes four to six weeks to heal with proper treatment. (Andreas Serner, et al., 2020)

Symptoms

A groin pull can be painful, interfering with walking, navigating stairs, and/or driving a car. In addition to pain, other symptoms around the injured area include: (Parisa Sedaghati et al., 2013)

• A popping sound or snapping sensation when the injury occurs.
• Increased pain when pulling the legs together.
• Redness
• Swelling
• Bruising of the groin or inner thigh.

Groin pulls are graded by severity and how much they impact mobility:

Grade 1

• Mild discomfort but not enough to limit activities.

Grade 2

• Moderate discomfort with swelling or bruising that limits running and/or jumping.

Grade 3

• Severe injury with significant swelling and bruising can cause pain while walking and muscle spasms.

Signs of a severe groin strain

• Difficulty walking
• Groin pain while sitting or resting
• Groin pain at night
• A healthcare provider should see severe groin pulls because the muscle may have ruptured or be on the verge of rupturing.
• In severe cases, surgery is necessary to reattach the torn ends.

Groin pulls are sometimes accompanied by a stress fracture of the pubis/forward-facing pelvic bones, which can significantly extend healing and recovery time. (Parisa Sedaghati et al., 2013)

Causes

Groin pulls are often experienced by athletes and individuals who play sports where they must stop and change directions quickly, placing excessive strain on the adductor muscles. (Parisa Sedaghati et al., 2013) The risk is increased in individuals who: (T. Sean Lynch et al., 2017)

• Have weak hip abductor muscles.
• Are not in adequate physical condition.
• Have a previous groin or hip injury.
• Pulls can also occur from falls or extreme activities without the proper conditioning.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will perform a thorough investigation to confirm the diagnosis and characterize the severity. This involves: (Juan C. Suarez et al., 2013)

Medical History Review 

• This includes any previous injuries and specifics about where and when the symptoms started.

Physical Examination

• This involves palpating - lightly touching and pressing the groin region and manipulating the leg to understand better where and how extensive the injury is.

Imaging Studies

• Ultrasound or X-rays.
• If a muscle rupture or fracture is suspected, an MRI scan may be ordered to visualize soft tissue injuries and stress fractures better.

Differential Diagnosis

Certain conditions can mimic a groin pull and require different treatments. These include: (Juan C. Suarez, et al., 2013)

Sports Hernia

• This type of inguinal hernia occurs with sports and work injuries.
• It causes a portion of the intestine to pop through a weakened muscle in the groin.

Hip Labral Tear

• This is a tear in the cartilage ring of the labrum outside the rim of the hip joint socket.

Hip Osteoarthritis 

• This is the wear-and-tear form of arthritis that can present with groin pain symptoms.

Osteitis Pubis

• This is inflammation of the pubic joint and surrounding structures, usually caused by the overuse of the hip and leg muscles.

Referred Groin Pain

• This nerve pain originates in the lower back, often due to a pinched nerve, but is felt in the groin.

Treatment

Beginning treatment is conservative and includes rest, ice application, physical therapy, and prescribed gentle stretching and exercises.

• Individuals may need crutches or a walking device to reduce pain and prevent further injury if the pain is significant. (Andreas Serner, et al., 2020)
• Physical therapy will be a part of the treatment plan.
• Over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol/acetaminophen or Advil/ibuprofen can help with pain relief short term.
• If there is severe pain from a grade 3 injury, prescription medications may be used for a short period to help minimize pain. (Andreas Serner, et al., 2020)
• Surgery is not usually necessary. (Andreas Serner, et al., 2020)

Recovery

Recovery times can vary based on the injury's severity and physical condition before the injury.

• Most injuries will heal within four to six weeks with rest and proper treatment.
• Severe groin strains can take up to 12 weeks or longer if surgery is involved. (Andreas Serner, et al., 2020)

Injury Rehabilitation

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 various 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 studies 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, don't hesitate to 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

Sedaghati, P., Alizadeh, M. H., Shirzad, E., & Ardjmand, A. (2013). Review of sport-induced groin injuries. Trauma monthly, 18(3), 107–112. https://doi.org/10.5812/traumamon.12666

Serner, A., Weir, A., Tol, J. L., Thorborg, K., Lanzinger, S., Otten, R., & Hölmich, P. (2020). Return to Sport After Criteria-Based Rehabilitation of Acute Adductor Injuries in Male Athletes: A Prospective Cohort Study. Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 8(1), 2325967119897247. https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967119897247

Lynch, T. S., Bedi, A., & Larson, C. M. (2017). Athletic Hip Injuries. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 25(4), 269–279. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00171

Suarez, J. C., Ely, E. E., Mutnal, A. B., Figueroa, N. M., Klika, A. K., Patel, P. D., & Barsoum, W. K. (2013). Comprehensive approach to the evaluation of groin pain. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 21(9), 558–570. https://doi.org/10.5435/JAAOS-21-09-558

A joint is where two bones meet. The two sacroiliac or SI joints connect the spine, pelvis, and hips. This strong joint balances and transmits stress from the upper body to the pelvis and legs. The joints can suffer a sprain causing pain and discomfort symptoms. There can also be the feeling of tightness wrapping around the waist and dull aching across the low back as the surrounding muscles tighten up as a form of protection, also known as muscle guarding. A correct diagnosis is vital to avoid any potentially serious complications. Chiropractors are experts on neuromusculoskeletal problems and can treat, heal, and strengthen the body through various MET, mobilization, and manipulation techniques.

Sacroiliac Sprain

The main function is to balance the upper and lower body forces. The sacroiliac joints are surrounded by muscle, connective tissue, nerves designed to withstand large stresses and a complex system of ligaments, further strengthening the joints.

Injury Causes

Sacroiliac sprains can be caused by direct trauma to the pelvis from a fall or automobile collision or jobs and sports that involve a lot of bending and twisting. However, sometimes there is no distinct cause. Common causes include:

• Repetitive microtrauma is excessive/repetitive movements like prolonged twisting, bending, or lifting at work, home, physical activities, and sports.
• The joint can be pushed out of alignment.
• Muscular imbalance or weakness in the muscles surrounding the sacroiliac joints can cause problems to develop over time, presenting little or no symptoms.
• The tissues around a sacroiliac joint also can be stretched or torn.
• Trauma such as a fall or road traffic accidents
• Problems with the hips, knees, and feet can generate increased pressure on the joint, which can become painful over time due to repetitive strain.
• Pregnancy hormones released to promote pelvis relaxation can increase the risk of SI sprain injury.

Excessive stress on the joint can cause microscopic damage to the ligaments surrounding the joint. The joint then becomes inflamed and presents with pain and sensations of discomfort. The body responds by contracting the muscles to prevent further damage. However, the muscle spasms may not stop, resulting in more pain. Referred pain is common from the muscles that go into spasm, with the most affected being the piriformis, gluteal/buttock, and psoas muscles.

Signs and Symptoms

• Tenderness over the affected joint and area.
• Pain symptoms on one or both sides above the joints and into the buttocks.
• Standing or working with increased weight on one leg increases pain symptoms.
• Pain after lifting or twisting that develops a little while later.
• Pain travels to the back of the leg, front of the thigh, and the groin.
• Pain gets worse when sitting and bending forward.
• Lying down eases the symptoms.
• Most cases report no loss of strength, tingling, or numbing sensations.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic treatment will relieve the pain symptoms, but there are stages of treatment, each with specific goals before moving to the next.

• The objective of the initial stage is to decrease pain and inflammation.
• The second stage is stabilizing and restoring proper musculoskeletal function.
• Rehabilitation and targeted stretches and exercises will be introduced as the treatment continues.
• In the maintenance stage, there should be no pain, and the individual should be able to perform normal daily activities and return to normal life.
• Recovery time for a sacroiliac sprain can be 4-6 weeks but can take months to heal completely.

Chiropractic Approach for Pain Relief

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 various 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, don't hesitate to get in touch with 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

BIDWELL, A M. “Treatment of sacroiliac sprain by manipulation.” The Medical World vol. 65,1 (1947): 14-6.

Evans, P. “Sacroiliac sprain.” American family physician vol. 48,8 (1993): 1388; author replies 1390.

LeBlanc, K E. “Sacroiliac sprain: an overlooked cause of back pain.” American family physician vol. 46,5 (1992): 1459-63.

Sun, Chao, et al. “Cost and outcome analyses on the timing of first independent medical evaluation in patients with a work-related lumbosacral sprain.” Journal of Occupational and environmental medicine vol. 49,11 (2007): 1264-8. doi:10.1097/JOM.0b013e318156ecdb

Chiropractors and spine specialists utilize spinal imaging through X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to figure out what is causing back problems and pain. Imaging is common. Whether chiropractic or spinal surgery, they help immensely discover back issues and allow the individual to see what is happening. Types of cases include back pain that:

• Comes from trauma
• Has lingered for four to six weeks
• It is accompanied by a history of:
• Cancer
• Fever
• Night sweats

Doctors use these images when diagnosing a spinal condition. Here is some insight into spinal imaging.

X-rays

X-rays for back pain can be quite helpful. An X-ray is radiation-based and is used to examine the conditions of the bone structures. X-rays are optimal for bone tissue or tissues that are ossified or calcified. They work the best with hard tissues, specifically bones. Soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, or intravertebral discs do not present as well.

Individuals undergoing a back X-ray will be scanned by a machine that generates a beam. A receiver picks registers the beam after it passes through the body and generates an image. It takes around five minutes to complete but could be longer depending on the doctor's number of images. X-rays are helpful for insurance purposes and rule out bone conditions like compression fractures and/or bone spurs. X-rays are ordered for specific reasons and are often part of a whole-body diagnostic study. This includes MRI and/or CT scan.

CT Scan

CT stands for computed tomography. It is a series of X-rays that are digitized into images using a computer. The advantage of a CT scan to standard X-rays is that it offers different views/angles of the body and can be in 3D. CT scans are most often used in trauma cases or individuals who have had surgery. They take around five minutes.

For X-rays, individuals stand up or lay under the X-ray machine as it scans the body. A CT scan has the individual lie down in a circular donut-looking machine that scans while rotating during the imaging. Individuals are recommended to wear casual loose, comfortable clothing. Sometimes a dye, or intravenous contrast, is used to get the vascular tissues to stand out, generating clearer images.

MRI

MRI is short for magnetic resonance imaging. MRIs use magnets to generate images. MRI imaging is often used in individuals that have undergone surgery. They take longer, usually around 30 to 45 minutes. No metallic objects are allowed in the MRI. Patients are asked to remove items like belts, jewelry, etc. Contrast dye can be a part of an MRI. The machine is like a tunnel. This can become challenging for individuals that have claustrophobia. Consult with a doctor and find out how to get comfortable during the process.

Other Forms of Spinal Imaging

Other forms of imaging include:

CT navigation

• CT navigation shows real-time CT scans during the procedure.

Fluoroscopy

• Fluoroscopy involves an X-ray beam that passes directly through the body that shows live, moving images.

Both of these types of spinal imaging are utilized during surgeries. For some cases, intraoperative imaging is used. This type of imaging uses high-tech robotics to help surgeons navigate through tight spaces during the procedure. This increases the surgeon's accuracy and reduces the size of the incision.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can be used for spinal conditions. This is an imaging test that uses sound waves to generate images. However, the imaging tests which are used in spinal imaging are primarily X-rays and MRIs.

Imaging Appointment

Talk with your doctor or chiropractor ahead of time to understand what to expect during the imaging process. They will let you know how to prepare and any special instructions before the appointment. Along with medical history and a physical examination, spinal imaging is an important part of the diagnostic process to find what is causing the pain and to develop the best treatment plan.

Body Composition

Short-term Effects of Coffee and Blood Pressure

The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant or substance that excites the body's systems. When caffeine is ingested, individuals experience an increase in excitement, specifically in the cardiovascular system. This excitement causes the heart rate and blood pressure to rise and then lower back to a baseline level for healthy individuals. Coffee slightly increases short-term blood pressure. Moderate coffee consumption is safe for individuals that do not have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

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

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (May 2021) “Doses in Our Daily Lives” https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/doses-daily-lives.html

X-Ray for Back Pain: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. (April 2009) “What is the role of imaging in acute low back pain?” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697333/

When dealing with a sports injury or a similar type of injury, many people are familiar with the R.I.C.E. protocol for injury care. R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation and has long been used when treating everything from sprained ankles to banged up knees. With acute injury patients, experts recommend adding “P” for protection because of the protection of the area is absolutely vital in the healing process. It is crucial that this is implemented as soon after the injury as possible and it should be maintained for anywhere from 24 hours to 72 hours afterward. Of course, this depends on the severity of the injury.

P is for Protection: Injuries hurt and pain can be a good thing because it prevents you from further injuring that area. It encourages you to protect it.

It is essential to listen to your body and protect the injured area through full or partial immobilization and restricted use. The way you do this depends on the body part.

An arm or shoulder injury can be protected with the use of a sling. An ankle injury may require a brace or splint, and you may have to avoid or limit weight bearing for a while. This means using crutches a walker, or a cane.

R is for Rest: The body needs rest to heal. This could mean complete rest, but in many cases, it means what is known as “relative rest.” This means that it allows for enough rest to heal but is not entirely restrictive which could slow or inhibit recovery.

This means avoiding activities that are stressful to the area to the point that they cause pain or that they might compromise healing. Many times, though, some movement is a good thing, even beneficial. Some gentle movements can actually speed recovery.

Isometric contractions of the muscles and joints that surround the injury and even some range of motion exercises can help. The key is to keep the movements gentle and to listen to your body for guidance on how much and how far to push.

I is for Ice: Cryotherapy or cold treatments can come in the form of actual ice, or there can be other types such as a cold soak. When treating acute injuries at home, the best known, and probably the easiest way is to put some crushed ice in a freezer bag with a zip lock closure and wrap it in a small towel to keep the pack from directly touching the skin.

Frozen vegetables, like green beans, peas, or edamame work well too – just remember to use the towel as a barrier between the skin and the pack. You should not use the pack more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. The recommended cycle is 10 to 15 minutes on and 1 to 2 hours off.

In some cases, you may not be able to apply ice directly to the site. In those cases, you can use the pack at the joint above the affected area. For instance, a tightly wrapped ankle can still benefit from ice, you just apply the ice pack to the back on the knee on the same leg.

C is for Compression: A compression wrap can offer mild support and reduce swelling. Typically, an elastic bandage is used to compress or apply pressure to the injured tissue.

When applying a compression bandage, start it several inches below the area that is injured. It should be applied directly to your skin.

Use some tension as you wrap, but not to the point that it cuts off circulation (characterized by tingling or numbness and the soft tissue should not change color). Wrap the bandage in a figure eight configuration or spiral, depending on the area, stopping a few inches above the injury.

E is for Elevation: When an injured joint or extremity is not elevated, fluid can pool in the area and swelling can occur. This can lead to increased pain and limited range of motion. Elevation helps prevent these things from happening and can even help to speed up recovery.

The key to elevation is positioning the injured area at a level that is above the heart. The most effective way to accomplish this is to keep the area elevated as much as possible while awake and prop it up with pillows while sleeping for at least the first 24 to 48 hours. Some injuries may require more time though, so listen to your body.

Skateboarding Injury Treatment

Can physical therapy with instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization or IASTM improve mobility, flexibility, and health for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries or illnesses?

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization or IASTM is also known as the Graston technique. It is a myofascial release and massage technique used in physical therapy where the therapist uses metal or plastic tools to improve soft tissue mobility in the body. The ergonomically shaped tool is gently or vigorously scraped and rubbed across the injured or painful area. The rubbing is used to locate and release tightness in the fascia/collagen covering the muscles and the tendons. This helps reduce pain and improve movement.

Massage and Myofascial Release

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization rehabilitation helps:

• Improve soft tissue mobility.
• Release of restrictions in tight fascia.
• Decrease muscle spasms.
• Improve flexibility.
• Increased circulation to the tissues.
• Relieve pain. (Fahimeh Kamali et al., 2014)

Individuals often develop tissue tightness or restrictions in the muscles and fascia after an injury. These soft tissue restrictions can limit the range of motion - ROM and can trigger pain symptoms. (Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. 2017)

History

The Graston technique of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization was developed by an athlete who created their instruments to treat soft tissue injuries. The practice has grown with input from medical experts, trainers, researchers, and clinicians.

• Physical therapists use different types of tools to perform IASTM.
• These massage instruments comprise various types for specific massage and release.
• The Graston company designs some of the tools.
• Other companies have their version of metal or plastic scraping and rubbing tools.
• The objective is to help release soft tissue and myofascial restrictions to improve body movement. (Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. 2017)

How It Works

• The theory is that scraping the tissues causes microtrauma to the affected area, activating the body's natural inflammatory response. (Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. 2017)
• The body activates to reabsorb the tightened or scar tissue, causing the restriction.
• The therapist can then stretch the adhesions to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Treatment

Certain conditions respond well to instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, including (Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. 2017)

• Limited mobility
• Decreased muscle recruitment
• Loss of range of motion - ROM
• Pain with movement
• Excessive scar tissue formation

Augmented soft tissue mobilization or ASTM techniques can treat certain injuries and medical conditions that include:

• Musculoskeletal imbalance/s
• Ligament sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Myofascial pain
• Tendonitis and tendinopathy
• Scar tissue from surgery or trauma (Morad Chughtai et al., 2019)

Benefits and Side Effects

Benefits include: (Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. 2017)

• Improved range of motion
• Increased tissue flexibility
• Improved cell activity at the site of injury
• Reduced pain
• Reduced scar tissue formation

Side effects may include:

• Redness of the skin at the treatment site
• Bruising(Kim J, Sung DJ, Lee J. 2017)
• Worsening of the pain

Research

• A review compared hands-on myofascial release to instrument myofascial release for chronic low back pain. (Williams M. 2017)
• Little difference was found between the two techniques for pain relief.
• Another review compared IASTM to other methods for treating pain and function loss. (Matthew Lambert et al., 2017)
• The researchers concluded that IASTM could positively affect blood circulation and tissue flexibility and reduce pain.
• Another study examined the use of IASTM, pseudo-fake ultrasound therapy, and spinal manipulation for patients with thoracic/upper back pain. (Amy L. Crothers et al., 2016)
• All groups improved over time with no significant negative events.
• The researchers concluded that instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is no more or less effective than spinal manipulation or pseudo-ultrasound therapy for thoracic back pain.

Every case is different, and musculoskeletal conditions respond differently to various treatments. For any questions or concerns, contact your primary healthcare provider to determine if IASTM is an appropriate treatment that can help.

From Injury To Recovery

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 various 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 studies 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, don't hesitate to 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

Kamali, F., Panahi, F., Ebrahimi, S., & Abbasi, L. (2014). Comparison between massage and routine physical therapy in women with sub acute and chronic nonspecific low back pain. Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, 27(4), 475–480. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-140468

Kim, J., Sung, D. J., & Lee, J. (2017). Therapeutic effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soft tissue injury: mechanisms and practical application. Journal of exercise rehabilitation, 13(1), 12–22. https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.1732824.412

Chughtai, M., Newman, J. M., Sultan, A. A., Samuel, L. T., Rabin, J., Khlopas, A., Bhave, A., & Mont, M. A. (2019). Astym® therapy: a systematic review. Annals of translational medicine, 7(4), 70. https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2018.11.49

Williams M. (2017). Comparing pain and disability outcomes of instrumental versus hands-on myofascial release in individuals with chronic low back pain: a meta-analysis. Doctoral dissertation, California State University, Fresno. https://repository.library.fresnostate.edu/bitstream/handle/10211.3/192491/Williams_csu_6050D_10390.pdf?sequence=1

Matthew Lambert, Rebecca Hitchcock, Kelly Lavallee, Eric Hayford, Russ Morazzini, Amber Wallace, Dakota Conroy & Josh Cleland (2017) The effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization compared to other interventions on pain and function: a systematic review, Physical Therapy Reviews, 22:1-2, 76-85, DOI: 10.1080/10833196.2017.1304184

Crothers, A. L., French, S. D., Hebert, J. J., & Walker, B. F. (2016). Spinal manipulative therapy, Graston technique® and placebo for non-specific thoracic spine pain: a randomised controlled trial. Chiropractic & manual therapies, 24, 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-016-0096-9

For individuals experiencing gluteus minimus pain and are unsure where to start to deal with it, can a physical therapist, chiropractor, or general practitioner help diagnose lower extremity pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan?

Gluteus Minimus Muscles

The gluteus minimus is the smallest muscle of the gluteal muscles. Combined with the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius, these muscles make up the glutes. The glutes help form the buttocks shape, stabilize the hips, rotate the legs, and raise the thighs. The gluteus minimus and medius specifically support the gluteus maximus's ability to raise the leg to the side and rotate the thigh inwards. (ScienceDirect. 2011)

Anatomy

• The gluteus minimus muscles are triangular and lie underneath the gluteus medius near the rotators of the hip joints. The muscles start in the lower ilium region, the upper and largest area of the hip bone that makes up the pelvis and attaches to the femur/thigh bone.
• The fibers on the top part of the muscle are thick and compact, while the lower fibers are flat and spread out.
• The superior gluteal nerves and blood vessels separate the gluteus minimus and the medius.
• The gluteus medius muscles start on the upper ilium region, which covers the gluteus minimus muscle entirely. The location of the gluteus minimus muscles envelopes the sciatic notch or the area in the pelvis that houses the piriformis muscle, superior gluteal vein, and superior gluteal artery, which provide a certain amount of protection.

Function

Movement depends on the location of the femur. The gluteus minimus muscle's function is to:

1. Flex
2. Rotate
3. Stabilize

• When the thigh is extended, it helps abduct or swing the leg out away from the body.
• When the hip bones are flexed, the gluteus minimus rotates the thigh inward with the help of the gluteus medius.
• The movements are done with the support of the muscle fibers, which contract to move the thigh in both directions. (ScienceDirect. 2011)
• The gluteus minimus and the medius also stabilize the hips and pelvis during movement and when resting.

Associated Conditions

One of the most common injuries is muscle wearing and tearing, which can cause pain over and around the greater trochanter. This is known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome or GTPS, a condition usually caused by a gluteus medius or minimus tendinopathy, which can include inflammation of the surrounding bursae. (Diane Reid. 2016) For a gluteus minimus tear, the pain/sensations will be felt outside the hip, especially when rolling or applying weight on the affected side. A tear can happen suddenly with no particular activity causing the tear to occur aside from normal use and stress on the muscle. Physical activities like walking may be painful.

Rehabilitation

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Usually, rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication can help reduce swelling and pain symptoms. For pain symptoms that are not subsiding, it’s recommended to see a healthcare provider who can run an MRI or X-ray to see the condition of the muscle and rule out other causes of pain. The healthcare provider will refer the patient to a physical therapy team that can evaluate the strength of the gluteus minimus and provide a list of exercises and stretches to help repair the muscle while conditioning the surrounding muscles. (SportsRec. 2017) Depending on the level of pain, sometimes the healthcare provider will prescribe a cortisone injection to the gluteus minimus muscle in conjunction with physical therapy. This will help alleviate the pain so that the physical therapy exercises can be done comfortably, allowing the gluteus maximus muscle to heal properly and strengthen. (Julie M. Labrosse et al., 2010)

The Science of Motion Chiropractic Care

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 various 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 studies 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 discuss the subject matter above further, don't hesitate to 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

ScienceDirect. (2011). Gluteus minimus muscle.

Reid D. (2016). The management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome: A systematic literature review. Journal of orthopaedics, 13(1), 15–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jor.2015.12.006

SportsRec. (2017). Physical therapy exercises for the gluteus minimus.

Labrosse, J. M., Cardinal, E., Leduc, B. E., Duranceau, J., Rémillard, J., Bureau, N. J., Belblidia, A., & Brassard, P. (2010). Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection for the treatment of gluteus medius tendinopathy. AJR. American journal of roentgenology, 194(1), 202–206. https://doi.org/10.2214/AJR.08.1215

Individuals dealing with back pain problems could be suffering from a bulging disc. Could knowing the difference between slipped and herniated disc symptoms help with treatments and finding relief?

Bulging Disc Pain

Back pain can become debilitating if not treated properly. A bulging disc is a common cause of cervical, thoracic, and lower back pain symptoms. It happens when one of the fluid-filled cushions between the vertebrae begins to shift out of place. Instead of being aligned with the edges, the disc bulges over. This begins to generate pressure on the nerves causing pain and inflammation.

• Bulging discs are often caused by age, but repetitive movements and/or lifting heavy objects can contribute to the condition.
• Symptoms can resolve on their own, but individuals are recommended to consult with a physical therapist and/or chiropractor to make sure the disc healed properly, otherwise, it can lead to worsening and/or further injuries.

Bulging Disc vs. Herniated Disc

Bulging and herniated discs cause pain symptoms.

• They both can be linked to injuries and degenerative disc disease but are not the same condition. (Penn Medicine. 2018)
• Sometimes the terms bulging and herniated disc are used interchangeably, which can be confusing. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2022)

1. Bulging - the intervertebral disc moves out of place but stays intact.
2. Herniated - the thick outer layer of the disc ruptures, causing the cushioning gel inside to leak onto the spinal nerves.

Location of Symptoms

• A bulging disc can happen anywhere along the spine.
• However, most occur between the last five vertebrae in the lower back.
• This is the lumbar spine. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2022)
• This is because the lower back is subject to all kinds of pressure and movement with daily activities, increasing the chances of pain and injuries.
• The next most common place is the neck/cervical spine where there are constant movements making it prone to injury and pain symptoms.

Causes

Bulging discs are most often caused by body aging and normal wear and tear. As time goes on the intervertebral discs naturally degenerate, known as degenerative disc disease. This can cause the discs to pull downward, causing them to bulge from their placement. (Penn Medicine. 2018) Factors that can cause or worsen the condition include:

• Practicing unhealthy postures.
• Repetitive motions.
• Lifting heavy objects
• Spinal injuries.
• Medical history of spinal or disc disease in the family.

Treatment

Treating a bulging disc takes time and patience. (American Academy of Neurological Surgeons. 2023)

Examination

Individuals with back pain that interferes with daily functions or has lasted longer than six weeks, should see a healthcare provider for diagnosis. They will order a magnetic resonance imaging scan/MRI, which can show where a disc is protruding. (American Academy of Neurological Surgeons. 2023)

Rest

• For bulging disc pain, resting the back is necessary. However, 
• Many patients benefit from a day or two of bed rest. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2022)
• After that, start light activities like walking. Avoid any movements that make your pain worse.

NSAIDs

• NSAID pain medications like Advil, Motrin, or Aleve can keep pain symptoms and inflammation reduced.
• However, this is for short-term use, as the underlying cause still needs to be addressed.
• A healthcare provider will recommend safe dosage and how long these medications should be taken. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2022)

Physical Therapy

• Individuals may be recommended by their healthcare provider for a referral to a physical therapist.
• A physical therapist will address the injury for rehabilitation and introduce strengthening exercises. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2022)
• Chiropractic Adjustments (NIH. 2022)
• Non-surgical spinal decompression
• Traction therapy
• Therapeutic massage
• Muscle Energy Technique

Steroid Injection

• An epidural steroid injection can provide relief for individuals still experiencing symptoms after six weeks.
• A healthcare provider will inject cortisone into the spine to reduce inflammation and pain. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2022)

Surgery

• If conservative treatments don't work, a healthcare provider may recommend surgery, like a microdiscectomy.
• This procedure uses small incisions to remove all or part of a bulging disc.
• Most individuals with a bulging disc will not require surgery. (American Academy of Neurological Surgeons. 2023)

Inflammation: Integrative Medicine Approach

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 various 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

Penn Medicine. (2018) Bulging disc vs. herniated disc: What’s the difference?

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2022) Herniated disk in the lower back.

American Academy of Neurological Surgeons. (2023) Herniated disc.

National Institutes of Health. (2022) Spinal Manipulation: What You Need To Know.

Back injuries from vehicle collisions vary from person to person. Common injuries may include strains, sprains, herniated discs, and fractures, and individuals dealing with certain spinal conditions like spinal stenosis may cause the medical condition to accelerate. Still, the force and physical impact the body absorbs during a crash, no matter how minor the accident or how safe the car is, will cause bodily aches and pains with the potential for other spinal conditions. Chiropractic care, massage, decompression, and traction therapy can relieve symptoms and restore mobility and function.

Back Injuries From Vehicle Collisions

Depending on how the impact affects the spine, problems can present in various areas of the back. The violent motion can sprain, strain, and fracture spinal components. Even minor incidents can impact mobility. Symptoms can stem from inflammation, compressed nerves, or fractures. Any damage can have long-lasting effects on the vertebrae, nerve roots, and back muscles. A vehicle collision can affect the following:

• Lumbar vertebrae - lower back
• Thoracic vertebrae - middle/upper back
• Cervical vertebrae - neck

Each area consists of bones, tissues, muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments extending from the neck to the pelvis.

• The most common back injuries are to the neck and lower back, where the most movement and shifting occurs, often causing nerve damage.
• The central placement and rigid structure make middle back injuries less common.
• Upper back injuries that connect the rib and chest region can affect breathing.
• Soft tissue injuries might not show up immediately.

Symptoms

After a vehicle collision, it's common to feel sore all over. The symptoms can range from manageable discomfort to complete immobility. Individuals may experience the following:

Muscle spasms

• The muscle may repeatedly twitch, feel like hard knots, and feel tender to the touch.
• Muscle spasms can vary in pain levels from mild to debilitating.

Stiffness

• Individuals may not feel as flexible because of the muscle tension that activated during the crash to protect the body.
• Stiffness can go away after light stretching or continue throughout the day.

Burning or Shooting Pain

• A burning or shooting pain may travel down the back and buttocks through the back of one or both legs.
• It can be mild, dull aches and pains that go away quickly or last for days.
• Changing positions, such as sitting up after waking up or standing up after sitting, can cause sharp acute pain.
• Facet disease may cause neck or shoulder pain.

Discomfort When Walking or Standing

• Certain physical activities can cause a throbbing sensation or mild pain when attempting to perform various tasks.

Tingling and/or Numbness

• Tense muscles can pinch nerves leading to sensations of tingling or numbness in the legs, feet, arms, or hands.

Head Issues

• Headaches, dizziness, or disorientation can present.

Spinal Disorders

Back injuries from vehicle collisions can result in a degenerative disc disorder months or years later. It can also speed up health issues individuals didn't know they had before the crash. As the body ages, previous damage combined with degeneration can result in:

• Pinched nerves
• Sciatica
• Bulging discs
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Foraminal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal osteoarthritis
• Bone spurs
• Degenerative scoliosis

Discogenic pain

• Damage to spinal discs causes discogenic pain, often sharp impulses or shooting sensations.
• Individuals can experience symptoms in different ways:
• Some individuals feel better when standing, sitting, or lying down, while the positions or motions worsen the symptoms for others.

Chiropractic Care and Therapies

Chiropractic treatment can rule out critical issues and expedite recovery time. Benefits include:

Pain Symptom Relief

• Chiropractic relieves pain in the affected areas and throughout the body.
• Massaging and decompression release endorphins.

Inflammation Alleviation

• Micro-tears within the muscles and ligaments are common and cannot be found through a standard x-ray.
• Spinal adjustments can bring the spine back into alignment, producing natural anti-inflammatory properties to assist with discomfort and heal the tears.

Scar Tissue Breakdown

• Muscles can get scarred, causing stiffness and soreness.
• Chiropractic massage targets these areas and breaks down the build-up quicker than if it was left to heal on its own.
• Less scar tissue means faster recovery.

Range of Motion and Mobility Restored

• Back injuries can result in restricted mobility.
• It may be difficult to turn or move when the muscles are inflamed.
• Mobilizing the spine through adjustments restores the proper range of motion.

Decreased Medication Use

• Prescription pain medications can turn into dependency.
• Chiropractic adjustments can ensure that the injury is healed and the pain is not just masked.

Long-Term Benefits

• Receiving chiropractic care can help prevent minor injuries from worsening into serious and chronic conditions.

Post Whiplash Symptoms

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 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 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 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

Erbulut, Deniz U. "Biomechanics of neck injuries resulting from rear-end vehicle collisions." Turkish neurosurgery vol. 24,4 (2014): 466-70. doi:10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.9218-13.1

National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. (2020) "Spinal Cord Injury: Facts and Figures at a Glance." https://www.nspine injurysc.uab.edu/Public/Facts%20and%20Figures%202020.pdf

Rao, Raj D et al. "Occupant and Crash Characteristics of Elderly Subjects With Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Injuries After Motor Vehicle Collisions." Spine vol. 41,1 (2016): 32-8. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000001079

Rao, Raj D et al. "Occupant and crash characteristics in thoracic and lumbar spine injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions." The spine journal: official journal of the North American Spine Society vol. 14,10 (2014): 2355-65. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2014.01.038

Physical therapists or PT's are healthcare professionals that help treat/rehabilitate patients of all ages with various types of injuries.

• Personal
• Work
• Sports
• Auto Accidents

A primary care physician, physiatrist, orthopaedist, spine surgeon, or neurosurgeon may refer an individual to a physical therapist as part of a non-surgical treatment plan.

A physical therapy program may be an integral part of your after-care following surgery.

PTs practice in various settings like:

• Chiropractic clinics
• Outpatient clinics
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Gym/Fitness centers
• Nursing homes
• Wellness Centers 

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy aims to:

• Improve/maintain functional ability
• Build physical strength/endurance
• Increase flexibility
• Reduce pain
• Prevent further injury

Therapists teach patients how to:

• Exercise safely
• Improve physical fitness
• Move safely
• Biomechanics
• Ergonomics
• Injury prevention

Physical therapists also help patients with physical disabilities like spinal cord injury.

It includes active and passive treatments the therapist administers to the patient.

Treatments include:

• Ultrasound
• Massage
• Myofascial release
• Ice
• Heat

Some treatments are done prior to active therapeutic exercise. 

Conditions therapists treat

• Sciatica
• Whiplash
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
• Post spine surgery therapy

Therapists want to help patients rebuild strength, flexibility, and endurance after any type of intense surgery, as well as help with any specific physical necessities related to post-surgery.

Team Care

Therapists often work directly for or with a doctor/chiropractor to coordinate a treatment plan.

A doctor may send the therapist:

• Diagnosis
• Current medications
• Imaging/scan results

During the consultation, the physical therapist talks about medical history, diagnosis, and symptoms.

This can include:

• Conditions
• Medications being taken
• Diet
• Supplements

Type of Pain like:

• Acute
• Chronic
• Episodic

The location of the pain that will also include:

• Severity
• Type
• Factors that decrease or increase pain

Training

Physical therapists have completed an accredited physical therapy program and passed a required state licensing examination.

In the United States, physical therapy programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

The program includes:

1. Academic learning
2. Medical ethics
3. Evidence-based medicine
4. Clinical application

Therapists graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties through a series of classes/tests therapists can become board-certified specialists in specific areas like:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics
• Sports

These are just a few, but there are many areas of specialization.

Physical Therapist

Many states allow individuals to go to a physical therapist without a referral from a doctor.

Definitely ask your doctor for a recommendation, but also think about what you want in a therapist.

Things to consider:

• Physical therapist’s education/training background
• Do they treat my condition regularly
• Will my insurance cover the therapy
• How many sessions will I need
•  Will, there be a customized home treatment plan
• Male or female physical therapist, which is right for you 

Take Charge

Physical therapists are valuable healthcare professionals and members of the medical community. 

Physical therapy can be challenging but don't let that get you down, because they will help get you back to optimal health, along with building a stronger, healthier body.

Whiplash Chiropractic Massage Therapy El Paso, TX.

Physical therapist Sandra Rubio describes how whiplash-associated disorders resulting from an automobile accident can cause symptoms of neck pain.

An injury to the cervical spine can damage the complex structures of the neck, including:

• Vertebrae
• Intervertebral discs
• Soft tissues
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Muscles

Neck pain can come from various structures in the neck including vascular, nerve, airway, digestive, and musculature or it can originate from other areas of the human body.

Most cases can be treated with assistance or using self-help suggestions and techniques.