Spine Health & Spinal Hygiene

Massage is part of integrative medicine and can be used for various medical conditions. In massage therapy, a therapist rubs and kneads the body's soft tissues, including muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and skin. The therapist varies the amount of pressure and movement. Individuals often start feeling the effects right away. One of the benefits is increased temperature. Increased temperature amplifies blood flow and circulation, enabling muscular and connective tissues to release restriction, and muscle tightness, relieve tension, and improve movement. A massage therapist will use different techniques to increase the temperature to treat various conditions.

Increased Temperature

Some patients want to know why their muscles heat up or burn during a massage. Muscles burn because of the accumulation of waste in the cells. The waste products are released as a result of massage. The muscles release lactate, a byproduct of glucose. The effects of deep tissue massage are almost the same as the effects of exercise. During the massage:

• The demand for oxygen in the tissues increases.
• Because of this, blood flow circulation to these tissues increases.
• This is necessary to supply oxygen and glucose.
• It excretes waste substances and toxins.

Muscle heat or burn during massage differs for everybody. Some individuals don't feel it at all. The session can be so intense that the muscles can't clear the lactate/toxins fast enough, causing the burning sensation.

Fascia Circulation

The temperature of the fascia can also be increased. Fascia is the thick, fibrous layer of connective tissues beneath the skin that can often become restrictive. Increased temperature in the superficial and deep tissues releases, relaxes, and loosens tight, tense, shortened, and/or injured areas, allowing muscular tissues to increase in elasticity, flexibility, and relaxation. Heart rate is raised, improving circulation and increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas and the rest of the body.

• Myofascial release involves slowly applying pressure to the area using flattened hands and fingers.
• The slow, soft pressure increases the temperature of the fascia.
• As the hands and fingers get deeper within, they slowly move around, spreading the fascia.
• This releases the tightness and relieves the pain.
• An individual's posture can improve when the temperature is increased. Muscular tension and tightness can cause increased pain symptoms, not allowing healthy posture.

Muscle Burn Relief

Rehydrate

• Drink plenty of water after the session is over.
• Water maintains proper circulation for excreting waste products and nourishes the muscle cells with fresh nutrients and oxygen.
• Avoid coffee and alcohol as they increase urination and blood osmolality and dehydrate the body.

Stretching

• Stretching before and after a session can relieve muscle soreness.
• Stretching exercises increase blood flow.
• Stimulates the release of synovial fluid around the joints.

Sleep

• Get plenty of rest after a session.
• The body knows how to restore itself; during sleep, it reduces cortisol secretion.
• It increases the stimulation of antioxidative hormones to go after free radicals.

Herbal Remedies

• Herbal remedies like ginger, garlic, cloves, and cinnamon increase blood circulation, reducing pain and swelling.

Essential Oils

• Essential oils like peppermint oil can help relax the mind.
• They have anti-inflammatory properties that help with muscle burn and soreness.
• After a session, a little peppermint or CBD oil can relieve the sore parts.

Chiropractic Success Story

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

Dion LJ, et al. Development of a hospital-based massage therapy course at an academic medical center. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 2015; doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v8i1.249.

Massage therapy: What you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/massage-therapy-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021.

Rodgers NJ, et al. A decade of building massage therapy services at an academic medical center as part of a healing enhancement program. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.07.004.

Bruxism is an abnormal jaw clenching or grinding of the teeth, either while awake or during sleep. This can cause neck and shoulder tension caused by excess pressure on the neck and jaw muscles. Individuals may not realize they have bruxism until a dentist notices excess wear and tear or a chiropractor examines their symptoms. Bruxism can play a role in temporomandibular disorders. Doctors and dentists agree that factors like stress increase the likelihood of jaw clenching. Dentists usually recommend a mouth guard to prevent grinding. Chiropractic care, massage, and decompression therapy can relieve symptoms, release and relax the muscles, realign the spine, and restore function.

Bruxism

There is awake bruxism and sleep bruxism. A tight jaw generates tension extending to the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles. Over time, that excess strain irritates the joints, causing inflammation. Jaw clenching and teeth grinding can lead to health issues like damaged teeth, neck, shoulder, and upper back pain symptoms, and tension headaches.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms can include:

• Face, jaw, neck, and upper back aches, tightness, and soreness.
• Tired or tight jaw muscles.
• Headaches that start in the temples.
• What feels like earache pain symptoms.
• Damage from clenching on the inside of the cheek.
• Increased tooth sensitivity. 
• Teeth that are loose, flattened, chipped, or fractured.
• Sleep problems.

Risk Factors

• Emotional tension - Stress, anxiety, frustration, and anger.
• Sleep Disorders
• An unhealthy lifestyle - smoking, excess drinking, caffeine, etc., disrupts brain and cardiovascular functions.
• Medications

Chiropractic Care for Jaw Clenching

If there is a jaw clenching or grinding issue, it is recommended to see a dentist for a professional diagnosis. Then a chiropractor can develop a personalized treatment plan that utilizes massage and decompression therapy to re-position the jaw, stretch, release and relax the muscles. They will recommend exercises to strengthen and maintain the relaxed jaw muscles and awareness exercises to help identify triggers and prevent clenching.

Jaw Exercises

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, 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

Capellini, Verena Kise, et al. "Massage therapy in managing myogenic TMD: a pilot study." Journal of applied oral science: Revista FOB vol. 14,1 (2006): 21-6. doi:10.1590/s1678-77572006000100005

Kuhn, Monika, and Jens Christoph Türp. "Risk factors for bruxism." Swiss dental journal vol. 128,2 (2018): 118-124.

Nishida, Norihiro et al. "Stress analysis of the cervical spinal cord: Impact of the morphology of spinal cord segments on stress." The journal of spinal cord medicine vol. 39,3 (2016): 327-34. doi:10.1179/2045772315Y.0000000012

Ohayon, M M et al. “Risk factors for sleep bruxism in the general population.” Chest vol. 119,1 (2001): 53-61. doi:10.1378/chest.119.1.53

Santos Miotto Amorim, Cinthia, et al. "Effectiveness of two physical therapy interventions, relative to dental treatment in individuals with bruxism: study protocol of a randomized clinical trial." Trials vol. 15 8. 7 Jan. 2014, doi:10.1186/1745-6215-15-8

Healthy sleep is vital for having enough energy, thinking clearly, and managing everyday stresses confidently. Chronic unhealthy sleep patterns and/or insomnia can lead to and contribute to various health issues. This includes daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, delayed reaction time, constantly getting sick, and memory problems. Sleeping health problems can get worse with every night of poor rest. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic provide treatment, training, and tools to realign and relax the body and restore healthy sleep.

Sleeping Health Problems

Lack of sleep disrupts and slows down nerve impulses and transmissions throughout the body. This can lead to health problems that can include:

• Excessive fatigue
• Brain fog
• Slow responses
• Physical performance problems
• Inability to remember
• Low sex drive
• Chronic illness
• Over time the risk of developing a serious medical condition increases and can include:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Seizures

Staying On

There is some research that insomnia is associated with hyperarousal or the state of staying on. It often starts with a stressful event that sets off the body's systems, causing the inability to relax completely. Body discomfort and pain symptoms can also present when the mind and body can't relax. The entire body can tighten/stiffen, causing aches, soreness, and pain. Continuation of sleeping health problems of the cycle leads to more stress.

Healthy Sleep Benefits

Adults need seven to nine hours of sleep every night to operate optimally. The benefits of healthy sleep include:

• Healthy immune system function.
• Thorough tissue and muscle repair.
• Remembering and recalling things comes easier.
• Improved insulin regulation, helping to manage food cravings and weight.
• Enhanced regulation of cortisol.
• Improved mood and outlook.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic care, massage, and decompression therapy can help break the cycle. Breaking the process is necessary to help the body recover and rehabilitate properly. Treatment retrains the body to relax; stretching and pulling the muscles increases blood circulation, as well as advanced and improved brain signals telling the body to relax. A chiropractor will evaluate the individuals sleeping patterns and recommend various solutions. The benefits for individuals with sleep issues include:

• Alleviates muscle tension.
• Stimulates nerve circulation and blood flow.
• Relaxes the whole body.
• Enhances central nervous system function.
• Relieves pain and discomfort.
• A chiropractor will also provide the following:
• Sleeping position recommendations.
• Postural stretches and exercises.
• Recommendations on supportive mattresses.
• Ergonomics for work, home, and bed.

Chiropractic's Evolution

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

Hale, Deborah, and Katherine Marshall. “Sleep and Sleep Hygiene.” Home healthcare now vol. 37,4 (2019): 227. doi:10.1097/NHH.0000000000000803

Liu, Amy. “Sleep Training.” Pediatric annals vol. 49,3 (2020): e101-e105. doi:10.3928/19382359-20200218-01

What Are Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency?https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleepdeprivation#:~:text=Sleep%20deficiency%20is%20linked%20to,adults%2C%20teens%2C%20and%20children.

What Makes You Sleep? https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/body-clock

How Sleep Affects Your Health https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/health-effects

Riemann, Dieter. “Sleep hygiene, insomnia, and mental health.” Journal of sleep research vol. 27,1 (2018): 3. doi:10.1111/jsr.12661