Showing posts from June, 2020
Most of us have heard the term spinal tap, or have seen it on a tv medical drama show. It is known as a lumbar puncture , but what does this procedure involve and how is it utilized? What to know. This procedure is performed in the lower part of the back. It can be used for: Health diagnosis Medication administration Imaging assistance A spinal tap is performed by a doctor or nurse trained to do lumbar punctures. A specialized needle is inserted between the vertebrae to collect cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is a watery, colorless fluid that cushions the spinal cord and brain , protecting them from injury/damage. Questions may arise as to when an individual would need a spinal tap, how dangerous it is, and what to expect from this procedure? Spinal Tap Utilization Spinal taps are often utilized in helping to diagnose infections of the central nervous system. One of the most common infections is meningitis. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken
Insulin resistance is directly related to many chronic health conditions. As the research continues to evolve, we see blood sugar regulation playing a large role in many diseases. Insulin resistance syndrome is used to describe a combination of conditions. However, the common factor in all of these is that the body does not properly utilize insulin to metabolize sugars. Some of these health conditions include obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, excess inflammation , hypercholesterolemia, and heart disease. For an individual who is experiencing insulin resistance, the body’s cells have a lack of ability to respond to the action of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that removes glucose from the body and places it into our cells. Type 2 diabetes in certain families has been linked to a genetic background but we are finding that environmental factors truly unmask the genes. To test genotypes, we use DNA Health from DNA Life . This report shows us the genetic makeup an individual has as wel
Summer footwear, although light and comfortable can lead to low back pain. Individuals with low back pain conditions/issues should opt for custom flip-flops or sandals. A few tips on how to choose the right summer footwear and avoid back pain. With the temperature going up we're all ready to take out the shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops or sandals. That's when back pain can flare-up . There are a variety of things that can generate back pain like improper posture, muscle spasms, and various medical issues . However, everyday shoe choices can also impact the spine and cause back pain. NCBI studies backed by podiatrists have found that unstable shoes, e.g., cheap flip-flops, and sandals can cause low back pain. Improper footwear allows biomechanical abnormalities affecting the feet to be compounded and worsened. This leads to increased pain in the knees, hips, and lower back . Accurately fitted shoes and orthotics are some of the best footwear for lower b
Chronic back pain does not have to ruin the summer season. The best approach is planning ahead remembering a few self-care warm/hot weather tips. The hot weather can worsen pain symptoms. With all the family activities going on, maintaining back pain wellness can be difficult . This is where the planning/preparing for chronic pain comes in. Individuals should begin thinking around April what they will be doing once the hot months arrive and plan accordingly. However, self-care should be implemented for all seasons. Water Therapy Depending on the condition, water can be a friendly sanctuary from the pain with the ability to do some spine exercises . Light stretching can bring relief and keeps the muscles and ligaments stretched. Outside of the pool, a misting fan can create a relaxing atmosphere along with ice packs during summer pain flares. Avoid high heat Sunburn or prolonged heat exposure can cause burning nerve pain. The changes in temp
In order to have proper bone health, it takes a lot of focus and a lot of nutrients. Bone health is not only an important aspect when it comes to our structure but to our overall health in general. Our bones make and house bone marrow. Bone marrow is where every single blood cell in the body gets created. Without proper bone health, we see dysfunction in our blood, tissues, and other organ systems. As we age, our bone health starts to decline. This often leads to osteoporosis. A complex disease that is characterized by decreased bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue, and an increased risk for fractures. Studies have shown that if you have one hip fracture, that is an 80% mortality rate. Studies using families and twins have shown a strong genetic contribution to osteoporosis and 60-70% of the variability in bone mineral mass can be accounted for by genetic variations as well as variations in diet and other environmental factors. The study Osteoporosis Prevention and Management: Nonph
What is a disease? Over the years the definition of disease has evolved and changed as medicine became more advanced. Years ago, people used to think a disease was an actual entity or thing that had entered the body and was lying hidden causing disruptions. Now, we know that a disease is actually a disordered function. To properly treat the disease we need a treatment that is based upon the principle of restoring disordered functions to order. Another discovery that has been brought to our attention along with disease is our genes. Similar to disease, our definition and understanding of our genes was not accurate. As the research has become more available, our original thinking of the genes you are born with are the genes you are stuck with has been proven wrong. We are taught that some people are born with good genes so they do not get diseases while others draw the short end of the stick and are born with bad genes, prone to illness and health care conditions. One main question that
An individual may need to wear a neck brace or cervical collar after cervical spine surgery, or after experiencing a traumatic injury to the neck , from an automobile accident, sports , work, or personal injury . Neck braces are some of the most common spinal braces . A doctor might call these orthoses or orthotics . There are different types of neck braces also called cervical collars, and function for different purposes. They can be utilized in stabilizing the neck after cervical/neck surgery. They can provide non-surgical relief after experiencing trauma or injury to the neck Neck braces or collars are used to limit movement, support the head, and take the load off the neck . This gives the muscles time to rest, recover, and heal properly and thoroughly. Soft and Hard Collars Philadelphia Collar Sterno-occipital-mandibular Immobilization Device Halo brace Soft and Hard Neck Braces Soft braces are made to be flexible and are made of a polyurethan
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 contact us.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*
