Care is the cornerstone of our practice

Visit our Location
11860 Vista Del Sol Dr Suite 105,
El Paso, TX 79936
Give us a Call
+1 (915) 412-6680
Send us a Message
support@chiromed.com
Opening Hours
Mon-Thu: 7 AM - 7 PM
Fri - Sun: Closed

Tag: chronic

ChiroMedBlogchronic
By Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP 0 Comments Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), Chiropractic Care, Work Injury , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chiropractic Care After a Car Crash and Support Options

What are the benefits of having both a chiropractor and a nurse practitioner help with spine health after a car accident?

Benefits of a Nurse Practitioner and a Chiropractic Specialist in Motor Vehicle Collision

Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are a leading source of spinal injuries such as whiplash, ruptured discs, and soft tissue injury, all of which can cause severe pain and limit movement. These injuries typically demand a multimodal therapeutic strategy for short-term and long-term recovery. As advanced practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners provide medical examinations, write prescriptions, and manage overall health, whereas chiropractors specialize in musculoskeletal care, such as spine adjustments and manual therapies. The partnership of these clinicians strives to create a complete, patient-centered plan for post-MVC spine health. (Kent, R., et al., 2023)

A chiropractic and nurse practitioner team can provide comprehensive spinal health treatment to individuals recovering from car accident injuries. This treatment will concentrate on improving mobility and managing pain.

  1. A chiropractic and nurse practitioner team can offer a comprehensive approach to spinal health after a car accident by addressing pain, improving mobility, and facilitating faster recovery.
  2. Chiropractors focus on spinal alignment and joint mobility.
  3. Nurse practitioners provide broader medical oversight and patient education.
  4. The team approach can lead to more effective and personalized care for individuals recovering from car accident injuries. (Riva, J. J., et al., 2010)

Key advantages of this collaborative strategy include:

A chiropractor and nurse practitioner (NP) therapy team can offer comprehensive care for spine health following a motor vehicle collision (MVC) by combining their expertise to address immediate and long-term requirements.

Comprehensive and Interdisciplinary Care

  • Working together, chiropractors and NPs can help with structural and systemic issues, leading to better results, especially for MVC-related spine injuries, notably chronic neck pain and headaches. (Riva, J. J., et al., 2010)

Customized Therapeutic Strategies

  • Chiropractors and nurse practitioners develop individualized treatment regimens for patients that focus on their specific injuries and general health, including any pre-existing diseases and prescription requirements. This method improves results by adjusting treatment to the patient’s particular situation.

Managing pain without relying too much on drugs

  • Chiropractic care uses non-invasive methods to ease pain, which may lead to less use of opioids. NPs can prescribe short-term pain relief and monitor side effects, ensuring safe use and reducing dependency risks. This mix of natural pain treatment and medical supervision lowers the risk of reliance and side effects. (Prater, C., Tepe, M., & Battaglia, P. 2020)

Faster healing and rehabilitation

  • As demonstrated in the treatment of motor vehicle accidents, chiropractic adjustments can help joints work better and ease muscular spasms. NPs can send patients to physical therapy and monitor their progress. This coordinated treatment speeds up healing and lowers the chance of long-term back discomfort. This coordinated care speeds healing and reduces the risk of long-term problems like chronic back pain.

Insurance and Legal Assistance

  • After an MVC, chiropractors and doctors must carefully record injuries and treatments for insurance claims or legal actions to ensure that patients receive fair reimbursement and coverage for their care.

Rationale for Efficacy Post-MVC

A team of nurse practitioners and chiropractors provides a patient-centered approach to spine health following motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). This team integrates NP’s medical management with chiropractic expertise to improve patient outcomes, reduce chronic risks, and enhance recovery. This method is especially beneficial for spine injuries that are complex and related to motor vehicle accidents (MVCs), as it guarantees both immediate relief and long-term health.

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic

Dr. Jimenez, a nurse practitioner, integrates chiropractic care with medical expertise to address various conditions. The clinic provides customized care programs integrating functional medicine, acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and sports medicine. The clinic addresses chronic pain syndromes and injuries by prioritizing agility, flexibility, and strength. Comprehensive care plans and in-person and virtual health coaching guarantee individual wellness outcomes and treatment plans for patients of all ages and abilities.

Personal Injury Rehabilitation

References

Kent, R., Cormier, J., McMurry, T. L., Johan Ivarsson, B., Funk, J., Hartka, T., & Sochor, M. (2023). Spinal injury rates and specific causation in motor vehicle collisions. Accident; analysis and prevention, 186, 107047. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2023.107047

Riva, J. J., Muller, G. D., Hornich, A. A., Mior, S. A., Gupta, A., & Burnie, S. J. (2010). Chiropractors and collaborative care: An overview illustrated with a case report. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 54(3), 147–154.

Prater, C., Tepe, M., & Battaglia, P. (2020). Integrating a Multidisciplinary Pain Team and Chiropractic Care in a Community Health Center: An Observational Study of Managing Chronic Spinal Pain. Journal of primary care & community health, 11, 2150132720953680. https://doi.org/10.1177/2150132720953680

By Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP 0 Comments Gut Health, Therapy , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Abdominal Self Massage Techniques for Constipation

For individuals struggling with constipation, a common digestive issue, could performing abdominal self-massage help bring relief?

Abdominal Self Massage

Constipation refers to having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. In addition to stress, certain lifestyle issues can lead to constipation, including not getting enough fiber, exercise, and proper hydration. Many also experience constipation while traveling. Abdominal self-massage involves gently massaging the stomach with your hands, either in a circular motion or with strokes, to improve digestion, relieve constipation, and reduce bloating. Performing self-massage on and around the abdomen can help ease constipation in several ways, such as stimulating the muscles, producing bowel movements, and soothing chronic stress. (Sinclair M. 2011)

Massage and Constipation

Abdominal massage can provide several benefits, including:

Stimulates and Improves Digestion

  • Massage stimulates the muscles and nerves that control digestion, promoting bowel movements and reducing constipation.

Reduces Bloating

  • Massaging the abdomen may help to reduce bloating and gas by gently moving fluids and gases through the digestive system.
  • In addition, it can help soften stool, speed up the movement of stool through the gut, and reduce the need to use laxatives. (University of Michigan Medicine, 2021)

Relieves Constipation

  • Abdominal massage can help with constipation by encouraging bowel movements.

Reduces Pain and Discomfort

  • Some find that abdominal massage helps to reduce pain and discomfort related to digestive issues.
  • Massage can help relax tense abdominal muscles and reduce pain associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Improved lymphatic drainage

  • Massage helps move lymphatic fluid, which carries waste products and toxins away from the abdominal area.

Research

Although massage isn’t a standard treatment for constipation, some research shows it may help restore regularity. A report reviewed several clinical trials focusing on abdominal massage and its use as a treatment for chronic constipation. The results showed that abdominal massage may provide relief by promoting peristalsis, a series of muscle contractions that help move food through the digestive tract.  The report also found that massage may help lessen colonic transit time, which is when digested food passes through the colon or last segment of the digestive tract. The report determined that abdominal massage can help alleviate constipation-related pain and discomfort. (Sinclair M. 2011)

In clinical trials, individuals with constipation reported improved quality of life after abdominal self-massage. However, some research suggests that using abdominal massage for constipation relief will not decrease the use of laxatives, the most commonly used treatment. (Lämås K. et al., 2009)

How to Massage

Various massage techniques may help relieve constipation and promote bowel movements. These are typically performed while lying down.

  • One technique involves placing the palm on the abdomen and making small, circular, clockwise motions around your belly button.
  • Individuals can also widen these circles so that the massage covers their entire abdomen.
  • Another technique begins by placing your hand below your breastbone, then gliding that hand down the length of your abdomen in one smooth stroke.
  • Repeat the movement with the other hand and continue this cycle for a few minutes.
  • When practicing self-massage, use light and gentle pressure, then gradually increase the pressure.
  • If you experience pain or tenderness, lighten up and return to a comfortable pressure level.

Try performing massage twice daily, aiming for a 20-minute session. Incorporating deep breathing into each session may also help. Before trying a massage or any home remedy, it is recommended to discuss it with a healthcare provider to see if it’s appropriate and safe. Pregnant women, for example, should avoid any massage on their abdomen. Constipation can sometimes signal an underlying condition that requires medical treatment, such as an underactive thyroid. Other symptoms like abdominal pain may be present, but sometimes constipation may be the only symptom.

Other Remedies

Self-massage alone is unlikely to treat chronic constipation; the goal should be to improve overall digestion to keep the organs functioning properly. To maintain regularity, it’s essential to drink plenty of water daily, eat enough fiber-rich foods, and engage in physical activity. Other alternative treatments include therapies like:

  • Acupressure
  • Biofeedback
  • Probiotics

Before trying self-massage, consult a medical caregiver to ensure it is safe and correct for the individual. Abdominal massage may not help with painful bloating caused by disease, infection, or other reasons.

Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.

Massage Therapy Rehabilitation

References

Sinclair M. (2011). The use of abdominal massage to treat chronic constipation. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 15(4), 436–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2010.07.007

University of Michigan Medicine. (2021). Self-abdominal massage. https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/MBCP/AbdominalSelfmassage.pdf

Lämås, K., Lindholm, L., Stenlund, H., Engström, B., & Jacobsson, C. (2009). Effects of abdominal massage in management of constipation–a randomized controlled trial. International journal of nursing studies, 46(6), 759–767. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2009.01.007

By Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP 0 Comments Chiropractic Care, Therapy , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Patient’s Guide

Individuals dealing with chronic pain following a minor injury, surgery, or trauma could be experiencing complex regional pain syndrome. What are the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments available?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS), more commonly known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic pain condition where a person experiences severe, persistent pain in a limb, usually following an injury, that is significantly more profound than from the initial trauma. It is considered a neuroinflammatory disorder in which the body’s response to injury is dysregulated. The condition is characterized by severe burning pain, often in an arm or leg, that can occur following a minor injury, surgery, or trauma. It is associated with abnormal changes in skin temperature, swelling, and sensitivity to touch, usually affecting the affected area’s nerves, skin, muscles, blood vessels, and bones. Other names it is known by include:

  • Causalgia
  • Shoulder-Hand Syndrome
  • Sudeck’s Atrophy

Causes

CRPS is a chronic pain condition believed to result from dysfunction in the central or peripheral nervous systems (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2017). It involves irritation and abnormal excitation of nervous tissue, leading to abnormal impulses along nerves that affect blood vessels and skin. Animal studies indicate that norepinephrine, a catecholamine released from sympathetic nerves, acquires the ability to activate pain pathways after tissue or nerve injury, resulting in CRPS. Another theory is that CRPS, which follows an injury, is caused by triggering an immune response and continuous inflammation symptoms (swelling, redness, warmth). (Goh E. L., Chidambaram S., & Ma, D. 2017) It is believed to have multiple causes producing similar symptoms.

Triggers

There can be numerous triggers, including:

Symptoms

CRPS usually affects one of the extremities (arm, leg, hand, or foot). The primary symptom is intense, continuous pain. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2017) Other symptoms can include

  • Burning pain
  • Swelling
  • Increased skin sensitivity
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch, often causing significant disability in the affected limb.
  • Stiffness and swelling in affected joints
  • Skin color changes – blotchy, purple, pale, red.
  • Skin temperature changes – warmer or cooler than the opposing extremity.
  • Skin texture changes – shiny, thin, sweaty.
  • Changes in nail and hair growth patterns.
  • Pain can spread, for example, from the finger to the entire arm and the opposite extremity or from the left to the right arm.
  • Emotional stress can cause symptoms to worsen.

Some experts suggest three stages during which progressive changes occur in the affected area’s skin, muscles, joints, ligaments, and bones (Harvard Health Publishing, 2023). However, further research is needed.

Stages

Stage One

  • Lasts 1 to 3 months
  • Severe, burning pain
  • Muscle spasm
  • Joint stiffness
  • Rapid hair growth
  • Skin color and temperature changes (Stanford Medicine, 2025)

Stage Two

  • Lasts from 3 to 6 months
  • Pain becomes more intense
  • Swelling
  • Decreased hair growth
  • Nails are cracked, brittle, grooved, spotty
  • Softened bones
  • Stiff joints
  • Weak muscle tone

Stage Three

  • Pain is continuous
  • Muscle atrophy
  • Severely limited mobility
  • Irreversible changes to skin and bone
  • Contractions of muscles and tendons – limbs may be twisted

Diagnosis

  • A patient’s clinical history – signs and symptoms are the major factor in diagnosis.
  • The diagnosis is difficult because many symptoms overlap with other conditions. (Goh E. L., Chidambaram S., & Ma, D. 2017)
  • There is no specific blood test or other diagnostic tests.
  • X-rays may show osteoporosis, and nuclear bone scans may show characteristic uptake patterns that help diagnose.

Treatments

Treatment focuses on relieving painful symptoms and can include: (Goh E. L., Chidambaram S., & Ma, D. 2017)

  • Physical therapy and exercise
  • Psychotherapy to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Sympathetic nerve blocks
  • Surgery
  • Spinal cord stimulation
  • Intrathecal drug pumps

Medications

These can include:

  • Topical analgesics
  • Anti-seizure drugs
  • Antidepressants
  • Corticosteroids
  • Opioids

It is estimated that there are 50,000 new cases every year in the United States. (Tajerian M., & Clark J. D. 2016)

Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.

The Root Causes of Pain

References

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2017). Complex regional pain syndrome fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/sites/default/files/migrate-documents/CRPS_FactSheet-E_508C.pdf

Goh, E. L., Chidambaram, S., & Ma, D. (2017). Complex regional pain syndrome: a recent update. Burns & Trauma, 5, 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41038-016-0066-4

Bruehl S. (2015). Complex regional pain syndrome. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 351, h2730. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2730

Harvard Health Publishing. (2023). Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/complex-regional-pain-syndrome-crps-a-to-z

Stanford Medicine. (2025). Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). https://med.stanford.edu/pain/about/chronic-pain/crps.html

Tajerian, M., & Clark, J. D. (2016). New Concepts in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Hand Clinics, 32(1), 41–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hcl.2015.08.003