Individuals experiencing persistent pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the back could be suffering from nerve root encroachment. Could surgery ease nerve compression and improve symptoms for persistent and severe cases? Surgical Decompression The pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling associated with nerve root encroachment are usually first treated with non-surgical therapies that include: Anti-inflammatory medications Physical therapy This can be enough to address the irritation of the spinal nerve root. But when cases become severe, surgical decompression may be recommended and necessary. It can be done in a couple of different ways. Causes and Symptoms Vertebrae are bones in the spine. Small openings called foramina allow a spinal nerve root to pass through on each side of the vertebra. When nerve root encroachment is present, the spinal nerve root gets compressed, pinched, and trapped, which can cause peripheral symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness to de
Does an individual's ideal daily intake of vegetables depend on age, sex, and activity level? Daily Serving of Vegetables Vegetables are vital to a healthy diet. Every type offers various nutrients in a unique combination of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Plus, they are low in fat and calories and packed with fiber. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and other health organizations recommend eating a variety for optimal health. An age guide recommends the number of cups of vegetables that babies and older adults should consume daily. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that very few individuals meet the vegetable consumption guidelines, putting them at risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. ( U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017 ) What Is a Serving? Current Dietary Guidelines recommend 2 1/2 cups of vegetables or nine servings daily. However, the amount varies by age. Serving sizes are also based on the type of
For individuals with chronic pain conditions, what are the risks of developing peptic ulcers? NSAIDs and Peptic Ulcers A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first area of the small intestine. The most common symptom is a burning stomach pain that may come and go for several days or weeks. Other symptoms include: Feeling full Feeling bloated Belching Heartburn Nausea Stress and spicy foods can worsen ulcers but do not cause them. A peptic ulcer is a sore that occurs in the mucosal lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. It is caused by stomach acids or other digestive juices damaging the stomach or duodenum lining. When the ulcer is in the stomach, it might also be called a gastric ulcer. The acid can create a painful open sore that may bleed. The most common cause of a peptic ulcer is a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). A second, less common cause of peptic ulcers is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medic
What type of concussion tests are there to help establish the extent of head injuries and help assess improvement during recovery? Concussion Tests A concussion is a temporary change in brain function that occurs from a traumatic brain injury or TBI. It can cause problems with thinking and mood and can take weeks to years to heal. Concussion tests are done after a suspected head injury and are also used after diagnosis to assess healing progress. They are noninvasive tests that measure brain functions. Several tests vary in how they are given and what they measure. Tests A mild or moderate traumatic brain injury can cause damage to the brain that is not detectable with brain imaging tests. However, the damage can cause serious symptoms, including headaches, emotional changes, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. ( Haider M. N. et al., 2021 ) The effects of a concussion can be hard to describe, but concussion testing can help identify and quantify these changes. For individu
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*
