Showing posts from January, 2025
Can individuals add sparkling water to their diet to help lower blood sugar and aid with weight loss? Sparkling Water Sparkling water is generally considered a healthy drink with health benefits. It is refreshing, increases hydration, improves digestion, and may even help with weight loss ( Takahashi A. 2025 ) ( University of Chicago Medicine, 2023 ). This is nothing new. A previous study suggested that carbonated water makes the body feel full. The carbonation in sparkling water can trick the stomach into feeling fuller, reducing overall calorie intake by curbing snacking between meals, which could prevent overeating and weight gain. ( Wakisaka S. et al., 2012 ) However, a new report suggests carbonated water may help with weight loss by enhancing glucose/sugar uptake and metabolism. ( Takahashi A. 2025 ) But further research is needed. Lower Blood Sugar Levels The report compared the effects of carbonated water to hemodialysis , a treatment that filters blood for individuals wi...
Could individuals who are having headaches with neck pain need emergency treatment or need to get started with sustained physical therapy? Headaches and Neck Pain Headaches and neck pain are two very common symptoms. They often occur together and signal common health issues, including fatigue, sinus headaches, and migraines. The combination can also occur due to serious health issues such as a concussion or meningitis. Causes of headaches with neck pain range from various causes, such as not getting enough sleep, having the neck in an awkward position, or having a hangover, to life-threatening issues like fluid buildup in the brain. It is recommended that individuals see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to rule out any life-threatening issues. Discuss the symptoms of neck pain with headache, what can cause these symptoms, and discuss treatment and prevention. Symptoms Symptoms are similar to what they feel like when they occur alone. Headache can present as: A feeling of...
Excessive alcohol consumption: what is alcoholic peripheral neuropathy? Alcoholic Peripheral Neuropathy Alcoholic peripheral neuropathy (ALN) is a condition that damages the nerves in the body due to chronic alcohol consumption. It can cause sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunction, which can lead to disability. This damage prevents the nerves from communicating information. Most symptoms generally start as mild but typically worsen over time as the neuropathy progresses. The most common symptoms are: ( National Library of Medicine, 2023 ) Numbness or tingling sensation in the extremities Pain or a burning sensation in the extremities Difficulty walking Difficulty urinating Difficulty talking or swallowing Affected nerves include the peripheral and autonomic nerves, which help regulate internal body functions. Around 46% of chronic alcohol users will eventually develop the condition. ( Julian T., Glascow N., Syeed R., & Zis P. 2019 ) Causes The exact cause of alcoholic...
For individuals with shoulder pain and problems, what are the stages of a frozen shoulder, how long do they last, and what can be done to relieve pain? Frozen Shoulder Stages A frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a very common cause of shoulder pain. It causes severe pain and limited mobility. The condition progresses through stages and can take up to two years to resolve completely. The stages of frozen shoulder include pre-freezing, freezing, freezing, and thawing. Stage 1 Pre-Freezing - 1 month to 3 months Pre-freezing describes the earliest stage of a frozen shoulder. This is when individuals first start to notice pain in their shoulder. ( Soussahn, S. et al., 2024 ) Many in this stage will first experience the pain at night while changing sleeping positions. As the condition progresses, individuals may notice pain when they move their shoulders, especially when raising their arms or reaching behind them. Individuals may also find reduced mobility in that sho...
For individuals who have to be in one position for long periods, have poor postural alignment, and perform repetitive motions, what are myofascial pain syndrome spasm cycles? Myofascial Pain Syndrome Spasm Cycles Myofascial pain syndrome is a common condition that causes pain symptoms in a particular body area ( Jafri M. S. 2014 ). A myofascial pain syndrome spasm cycle is a recurring pattern in which muscle tension and spasms in affected regions, caused by myofascial pain syndrome, lead to pain, triggering more muscle spasms. This creates a vicious cycle of discomfort and tightness that can be difficult to break without treatment; the pain perpetuates muscle spasms and vice versa. Spasm Pain Cycle Left untreated, myofascial pain is often experienced as a recurring cycle of spasm, pain, and spasm. ( Kojidi M. M. et al., O2016 ) The exact cause of the spasm is not known. It may be related to excessive accumulation and release of acetylcholine, which causes sustained muscle ...
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*