Introduction: Why the Gut Suffers After a Crash
Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are a leading cause of trauma-related injuries in the United States. While much attention is given to head, neck, and spine damage, abdominal and gastrointestinal (GI) injuries are frequently overlooked—especially when symptoms are delayed. However, car crashes can seriously harm the digestive system due to blunt force trauma, compression from seatbelts, or stress-induced GI issues. These injuries can result in internal bleeding, perforated organs, disrupted digestion, or even life-threatening infections.
Many people don’t realize that seatbelts, while life-saving, can cause bruising or tearing of abdominal organs like the liver, spleen, or intestines. Furthermore, the impact of blunt force trauma from airbag deployment or dashboard collisions can lead to serious internal damage that takes hours or even days to show up. Symptoms may include bloating, hard stomach, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or abdominal pain—all signs of possible GI trauma.
Fortunately, a dual-scope approach that blends conventional care with chiropractic, nurse practitioner support, acupuncture, and integrative medicine can play a significant role in recovery. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, a dual-licensed chiropractor and nurse practitioner in El Paso, specializes in diagnosing and treating post-accident injuries through this unique approach. By combining advanced diagnostic imaging, functional medicine, and hands-on therapy, Dr. Jimenez offers a comprehensive path to healing that addresses both the visible symptoms and underlying causes of gastrointestinal distress following an accident.
The Hidden Danger of Abdominal Injuries in Auto Accidents
Gastrointestinal injuries from MVAs can be life-threatening if left undiagnosed. According to autopsy and trauma studies, injuries to the liver, spleen, intestines, and kidneys frequently occur in high-speed crashes or when the body absorbs significant force (BMC Emergency Medicine, 2024). These injuries might not be visible externally, which makes them especially dangerous.
Even when the skin looks unbroken, internal organs may be bruised, lacerated, or perforated. The most common causes of GI trauma in car crashes include:
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Seatbelt syndrome: Internal bruising, bowel injury, or mesenteric tears caused by the seatbelt's sudden compression.
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Blunt force trauma: Injury to the stomach, intestines, or spleen from impact with the steering wheel or dashboard.
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Stress-related complications: Gastritis, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can develop from post-accident anxiety or shock.
A study in BMC Emergency Medicine found that even in non-penetrating injuries, internal organ damage was reported in more than 10% of front-seat passengers. Signs such as a hard abdomen, referred shoulder pain, or blood in the stool should never be ignored (BMC Emergency Medicine, 2024).
Dr. Alexander Jimenez uses advanced diagnostics—including ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans—to detect hidden abdominal damage. His dual-scope practice allows him to assess both physical trauma and systemic symptoms, helping prevent complications like infection, organ failure, or chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Delayed Stomach Pain: A Red Flag for Internal Damage
It’s common for stomach pain to show up hours or days after an accident, especially if adrenaline masked the symptoms immediately after the crash. Many individuals dismiss early signs of discomfort, thinking it’s just soreness or stress. However, this can be a dangerous mistake.
Delayed symptoms may include:
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Bloating or abdominal swelling
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Sudden nausea or vomiting
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Pain when pressing the belly
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Fever or chills
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Loss of appetite
These signs may indicate bleeding, internal rupture, or peritonitis—all of which require urgent medical care (Smith & Hassler, 2024). For instance, a ruptured spleen may cause pain in the upper left abdomen and referred pain in the shoulder. Similarly, bowel perforation can lead to infection and sepsis.
Dr. Jimenez has treated numerous El Paso patients who delayed care after their car accidents. Through careful history-taking and full-body diagnostic workups, he uncovers the underlying injuries causing GI symptoms. His integrative treatments include:
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Chiropractic adjustments to relieve spinal misalignments that may disrupt vagus nerve function and gut-brain signaling.
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Acupuncture to reduce inflammation and enhance parasympathetic activity for better digestion.
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Nutritional protocols to heal the gut lining and promote microbiome balance.
Early diagnosis is crucial. Dr. Jimenez emphasizes that anyone experiencing delayed abdominal symptoms after a crash should undergo a comprehensive evaluation, even if the pain seems mild.
Smith & Hassler Injury Lawyers, 2024
Seatbelt Syndrome and Gastrointestinal Compression Injuries
Seatbelts save lives. But during high-speed collisions, they can also cause what doctors refer to as “seatbelt syndrome”—a cluster of injuries affecting the abdominal organs, spine, and soft tissue structures across the torso. The most commonly affected areas are the small intestine, colon, liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.
Seatbelt-related GI trauma often presents with:
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Horizontal bruising or abrasions across the lower abdomen (the “seatbelt sign”)
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Internal bleeding or hematomas
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Mesenteric tears (damage to the membrane that holds the intestines in place)
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Bowel perforation or rupture
In a study of autopsy cases from road traffic accidents, abdominal trauma from seatbelts was a major factor in cases involving internal bleeding and fatal injury (ResearchGate, 2022). Additionally, the Rhône Road Trauma Registry noted that over 10% of front-seat passengers sustained abdominal injuries during collisions (PMCID: PMC3503429, 2012).
According to Dr. Alexander Jimenez, seatbelt syndrome is one of the most underdiagnosed causes of chronic abdominal pain after MVAs. Patients often experience vague or shifting symptoms such as cramps, bloating, or constipation. Using MRI and CT imaging, Dr. Jimenez can detect mesenteric tears or hidden hematomas that primary care clinics may miss. Once the root injury is identified, chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and neuromuscular rehabilitation are used to realign the core and support gut healing.
ResearchGate, 2022
National Library of Medicine, 2012
How Stress and Trauma Disrupt Gut Function
Physical injuries aren’t the only culprits behind GI problems after a car accident. The emotional trauma of an accident can affect the digestive system by triggering or worsening conditions such as:
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
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Stress-induced gastritis
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Ulcer formation
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Appetite changes and nausea
The brain and the gut are connected through the gut-brain axis, which includes the vagus nerve, the enteric nervous system, and multiple hormonal pathways. After a traumatic event, the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) becomes overactive. This can suppress digestion, reduce blood flow to the gut, and disrupt the microbiome—leading to pain, bloating, or diarrhea (Michigan Auto Law, 2024).
Dr. Jimenez frequently treats patients who develop post-accident IBS symptoms, including urgent bowel movements, food sensitivities, or fluctuating constipation and diarrhea. Using acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments focused on the vagus nerve, he helps reactivate the parasympathetic (rest and digest) system, allowing the GI tract to heal naturally.
He also integrates stress-reducing tools like:
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Functional nutrition protocols to repair the gut lining
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Adaptogenic herbs to support adrenal health
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Guided breathing and vagal nerve stimulation techniques
This mind-body approach helps stabilize both the nervous and digestive systems, making it ideal for treating post-MVA GI dysfunction that’s driven by trauma.
Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s Dual-Scope Diagnostic Approach
Dr. Alexander Jimenez brings a unique perspective to post-accident recovery. As both a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN, FNP-BC), he blends medical diagnostics with hands-on therapy—an approach that’s rare and highly effective in personal injury care.
Key Features of Dr. Jimenez’s Dual-Scope Method:
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Medical Assessment: Orders and interprets labs, imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray), and GI tests (e.g., stool studies, abdominal ultrasound).
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Chiropractic Evaluation: Assesses spinal alignment, nerve interference, and soft tissue dysfunction linked to digestive or abdominal symptoms.
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Functional Medicine Testing: Evaluates microbiome imbalances, leaky gut markers, and food sensitivities.
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Documentation for Legal Claims: Provides full personal injury reports, SOAP notes, ICD-10 codes, and collaborates with attorneys on medical-legal cases.
This dual-scope capacity allows him to bridge the gap between emergency room medicine and ongoing rehabilitation. For example, if a patient presents with delayed abdominal pain and fatigue, Dr. Jimenez will evaluate for internal injury using clinical palpation, nerve function tests, and functional GI diagnostics.
If red flags appear—such as rebound tenderness or guarding—he may refer for emergency imaging. But if structural injury is ruled out, he can offer drug-free interventions to address inflammation, nervous system imbalance, and microbiome disruption.
Patients benefit because they get both diagnostic clarity and holistic recovery strategies under one roof. This reduces medical errors, improves recovery time, and ensures complete documentation for insurance and legal cases.
Dr. Alexander Jimenez on LinkedIn
Dr. Jimenez’s Clinical Website
Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Treating Abdominal Injuries
Chiropractic care is often associated with back and neck injuries, but it also plays a crucial role in addressing gastrointestinal dysfunctions following a motor vehicle accident. When the spinal column is misaligned—particularly in the thoracic or lumbar regions—it can interfere with the nerves that control digestive organs. This interference may worsen issues such as abdominal pain, constipation, acid reflux, or irregular bowel movements.
Dr. Alexander Jimenez explains that spinal adjustments are not just about alignment—they improve the function of the autonomic nervous system, which directly impacts digestion. For example, correcting subluxations in the lower thoracic spine can relieve pressure on the nerves that regulate the liver, stomach, and intestines.
In addition to chiropractic therapy, acupuncture has proven helpful for reducing:
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Nausea and vomiting
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Abdominal bloating or distention
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Pain from abdominal wall contusions
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Sympathetic nervous system overdrive (i.e., chronic stress)
A study published in BMC Emergency Medicine emphasized the importance of managing blunt abdominal trauma through multimodal care, especially when patients suffer from lingering pain despite normal imaging (BMC Emergency Medicine, 2024). In these cases, acupuncture helps activate natural pain relief pathways and restore gut motility.
At his El Paso clinic, Dr. Jimenez frequently combines:
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Segmental spinal adjustments
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Myofascial release around the abdomen
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Auricular (ear-based) acupuncture
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Electroacupuncture on GI-related points
This integrated approach can help relieve symptoms when medication alone is insufficient or causes side effects.
The Role of Integrative Nutrition and Functional Medicine
Gastrointestinal injuries from car accidents can leave lasting effects on digestion, nutrient absorption, and gut-brain communication. After the initial trauma is treated, patients often face long-term symptoms like:
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Poor appetite or food intolerance
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Constipation or diarrhea
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Nutritional deficiencies
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Fatigue or mood changes related to gut dysfunction
Dr. Jimenez incorporates functional medicine protocols to rebuild gut integrity. He often begins with a “4R” strategy for post-trauma digestive repair:
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Remove irritants (e.g., processed foods, allergens, antibiotics)
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Replace digestive enzymes or bile acids if impaired
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Reinoculate with probiotics to restore microbiome balance
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Repair with nutrients like zinc, glutamine, omega-3s, and antioxidants
For example, after blunt force trauma or internal bruising from a seatbelt, the gut’s mucosal lining may become inflamed or compromised—resulting in increased intestinal permeability (commonly referred to as “leaky gut”). This can trigger systemic inflammation and immune reactions.
Dr. Jimenez utilizes stool analysis, food sensitivity testing, and micronutrient assessments to personalize each patient's nutritional plan. He may recommend anti-inflammatory foods, medicinal herbs like turmeric and licorice root, or advanced formulations designed to seal the gut lining.
In his integrative clinic setting, patients also receive education on how to:
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Eat small, frequent meals during gut healing
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Incorporate gut-friendly foods (bone broth, aloe vera juice, fermented vegetables)
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Avoid common triggers such as NSAIDs, caffeine, or dairy (when necessary)
By blending nutritional science with functional testing, Dr. Jimenez helps car accident victims heal not just their gut—but their overall health and energy.
Maguire Law Firm, 2024
Fletcher Law, 2024
Legal-Medical Documentation and Personal Injury Support
Many gastrointestinal issues caused by car accidents are not immediately obvious, which can complicate insurance and legal claims. Insurance companies may argue that abdominal pain or digestive symptoms are unrelated to the accident unless they are properly documented.
This is where Dr. Jimenez’s dual-scope training becomes invaluable.
As both a licensed chiropractor and nurse practitioner, he can:
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Provide a full injury diagnosis
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Document gastrointestinal symptoms and internal injuries
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Order imaging or lab tests to confirm organ involvement
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Submit medical records for legal use
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Work with personal injury attorneys to support the patient's case
For instance, if a patient develops delayed diarrhea, abdominal tenderness, and internal bruising after an accident, Dr. Jimenez can document these symptoms in both narrative reports and SOAP notes. He codes them accurately using ICD-10 standards, which are accepted by insurance companies and courts.
When necessary, he also refers patients to gastroenterologists, trauma surgeons, or radiologists for collaboration. His team coordinates care while ensuring all symptoms are traced back to the MVA if clinically justified.
This level of integrated documentation is critical when:
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Patients seek compensation for long-term GI issues
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Imaging is negative, but symptoms persist
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Legal cases require expert testimony linking trauma to internal organ damage
By combining his clinical and legal insight, Dr. Jimenez becomes an advocate for both healing and justice, ensuring patients aren’t left suffering without acknowledgment or support.
Smith & Hassler, 2024
Lorfing Law, 2024
Conclusion: Healing the Gut After a Car Crash with Integrative Care
The gastrointestinal system is more vulnerable than most people realize after a motor vehicle accident. Whether from blunt force trauma, seatbelt compression, or psychological stress, the gut often suffers in silence—its symptoms dismissed or misdiagnosed as minor discomfort. Yet delayed abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, or appetite changes may all signal a more serious internal problem.
As we’ve explored, these hidden injuries require more than just emergency care. They demand a full-body, multi-disciplinary approach—one that examines the nervous system, musculoskeletal alignment, digestive health, and emotional trauma together. That’s where integrative medicine truly shines.
Under the care of experts like Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, patients benefit from a dual-scope method that blends diagnostics, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and nutrition-based healing. This approach doesn’t just patch the problem—it uncovers the root, supports the whole body, and helps accident victims return to their lives with renewed strength and confidence.
If you or someone you love is experiencing persistent abdominal pain, nausea, or digestive problems after an accident—don’t wait. Early intervention and integrative care may prevent serious complications and improve your long-term quality of life.
Recovery Tips: Supporting Your Digestive System After an MVA
Here are a few simple but effective strategies to promote gastrointestinal recovery following an auto accident:
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Seek a full evaluation – Even if your symptoms are mild, abdominal pain should be assessed with imaging and physical examination.
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Don’t ignore delayed symptoms – Pain, bloating, or diarrhea that starts days or weeks after a crash could still be related.
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Watch for red flags – A hard abdomen, vomiting, fever, or blood in your stool requires emergency attention.
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Follow a gut-healing diet – Stick to anti-inflammatory foods (bone broth, cooked veggies, lean protein, turmeric) and avoid processed items.
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Consider chiropractic or acupuncture – These therapies can restore nervous system balance, improve blood flow to digestive organs, and reduce pain.
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Use functional testing when appropriate – This can identify food sensitivities, leaky gut, or microbiome imbalances that slow recovery.
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Document everything for your legal case – Keep a symptom journal and work with providers who understand personal injury claims.
Remember: The gut is often the silent victim in car accidents—but with the right care, it doesn’t have to suffer in silence.
References
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Barnes Firm. (2024). Delayed stomach pain after a car accident. https://www.thebarnesfirm.com/delayed-stomach-pain-after-a-car-accident
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Smith & Hassler Injury Lawyers. (2024). Stomach pain after a car accident. https://www.smithandhassler.com/articles/stomach-pain-after-car-accident
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Maguire Law Firm. (2024). Gastrointestinal distress after car accidents. https://maguirelawfirm.com/stomach-pain-after-a-car-accident
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Lorfing Law. (2024). Hard stomach after a Texas car accident. https://lorfinglaw.com/blog/stomach-rigid-hard-after-car-accident-texas
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Plaxen Adler Muncy. (2024). Abdominal injuries from vehicle crashes. https://www.plaxenadler.com/2024/07/16/abdominal-injuries-from-vehicle-crashes
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BMC Emergency Medicine. (2024). Trauma in car crash victims. https://bmcemergmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12873-024-01002-0
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National Library of Medicine. (2012). Blunt abdominal trauma and road accidents. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3503429
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ResearchGate. (2022). Autopsy study on abdominal injuries in traffic accidents. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360421866_Abdominal_injuries_in_road_traffic_accidents_-_autopsy_study
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Michigan Auto Law. (2024). Stomach pain and diarrhea after car crash. https://www.michiganautolaw.com/personal-injury-lawyer/stomach-pain-diarrhea-after-car-accident
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Fletcher Law USA. (2024). Internal injuries after Texas car accident. https://www.fletcherlawusa.com/blog/stomach-pain-after-a-texas-car-accident
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Patterson Personal Injury. (2024). Common pelvic and abdominal injuries from car crashes. https://pattersonpersonalinjury.com/common-car-injuries/pelvic-abdominal-injury
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UpToDate. (2024). Blunt abdominal trauma in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/blunt-abdominal-trauma-in-adults-initial-evaluation-and-management/print
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Dr. Alexander Jimenez. (2024). Functional medicine and injury diagnostics. https://dralexjimenez.com
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Dr. Alexander Jimenez. (2024). Professional profile on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez
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, and physical medicine, as well as wellness, sensitive health issues, and 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 the jurisdiction in which they are licensed to practice. We utilize functional health and wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders affecting 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 made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and identified relevant research studies that support our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies upon request to regulatory boards and the public.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol. To discuss the subject matter above further, please contact Dr. Alex Jimenez or us at 915-50-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
Email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*
