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Tag: herniated

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

Chiropractic Care: What to Know About Herniated Discs

Discover the role of herniated discs and how it affects the spine. Learn how chiropractic care can promote healing and restoring balance to your spine and body.

Chiropractic Care for Herniated Discs: A Comprehensive Guide to Relief and Recovery

¡Mi querida, let us dance through the spine’s mysteries like Gomez and Morticia gliding across a moonlit ballroom! Low back pain from herniated discs can feel like a pesky poltergeist haunting your daily life, but fear not—chiropractic care, with its gentle adjustments and innovative techniques like spinal decompression, offers a path to relief that’s as smooth as a tango. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the clinical rationale behind why chiropractic care is a beacon of hope for those grappling with lumbar disc herniations, delve into the lumbar spine’s role in this spinal saga, and highlight how Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a distinguished chiropractor and nurse practitioner in El Paso, Texas, uses advanced diagnostics to help personal injury victims reclaim their vitality. So, grab a cup of tea (or perhaps a goblet of Addams-family-approved batwing brew), and let’s unravel the science and solutions for low back pain with a dash of charm!

Understanding Herniated Discs: The Lumbar Spine’s Misadventure

The lumbar spine, that trusty foundation of your lower back, is like the stagehand of a grand theatrical production—it supports the show but rarely gets the spotlight. Comprising five vertebrae (L1 to L5), the lumbar spine bears the weight of your upper body, facilitates movement, and protects the spinal cord and nerves. Between these vertebrae lie intervertebral discs, the spine’s shock-absorbing cushions, made up of a tough outer ring called the annulus fibrosus and a soft, jelly-like center known as the nucleus pulposus (OrthoInfo – AAOS, n.d.).

When a disc herniates—think of it as the nucleus pulposus staging a dramatic escape through a tear in the annulus—it can press on nearby spinal nerves, causing a ruckus of pain, numbness, or weakness. This is particularly common at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, where the lumbar spine carries the most weight (Personal Injury Doctor Group, 2017). Imagine Gomez Addams trying to lift a heavy chandelier with a flourish, only to have his back protest with a theatrical groan—that’s the lumbar spine under strain!

How Herniated Discs Affect Daily Life

A herniated disc can turn routine activities into a comedy of errors. Picture this: bending to tie your shoes feels like auditioning for a role as a rusty tin man, and sitting through a meeting is like enduring a lecture from Uncle Fester on electric eels—shocking and uncomfortable. The pressure on nerve roots, often leading to sciatica, can cause radiating pain down the buttocks, thighs, and legs, sometimes accompanied by numbness or tingling (OrthoInfo – AAOS, n.d.). For example:

  • Walking: Pain or weakness can make a stroll feel like navigating a haunted mansion’s creaky floors.
  • Sitting: Prolonged sitting, like binge-watching a spooky series, can exacerbate nerve compression, leaving you squirming.
  • Lifting: Picking up groceries or a child can trigger sharp pain, as if Gomez’s fencing foil jabbed your spine.
  • Sleeping: Finding a comfortable position is like trying to sleep in Lurch’s creaky old bed—nearly impossible.

These symptoms, often worsened by repetitive movements, heavy lifting, or poor posture, can disrupt work, hobbies, and family time, making daily life feel like a never-ending Addams Family prank (Personal Injury Doctor Group, 2017).

References:

The Clinical Rationale for Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is like Gomez Addams’ passionate embrace of Morticia—precise, intentional, and transformative. It’s a non-surgical approach that focuses on restoring spinal alignment, reducing nerve compression, and promoting the body’s natural healing. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, with over 25 years of experience as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner, emphasizes that chiropractic care targets the root causes of pain rather than masking symptoms (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).

Why Chiropractic Works for Herniated Discs

  1. Spinal Manipulation:
    • Chiropractic adjustments, or spinal manipulations, involve controlled, hands-on movements to correct spinal misalignments (subluxations) that contribute to nerve compression. A 2018 study found that spinal manipulation significantly reduces pain and improves function in patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniations and sacroiliac joint hypomobility (Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2018). It’s like Gomez realigning the family’s crooked portrait gallery with a flourish!
    • By restoring proper alignment, adjustments reduce pressure on the herniated disc and irritated nerves, alleviating pain and improving mobility.
  2. Reducing Nerve Compression:
    • Herniated discs often compress nerve roots, causing sciatica or radiculopathy. Chiropractic care gently repositions the spine to create space, reducing this pressure. Dr. Jimenez notes that precise adjustments can relieve symptoms like radiating leg pain, allowing patients to dance through life again (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
  3. Promoting Natural Healing:
    • Chiropractic care enhances blood flow and nutrient delivery to the disc, supporting the body’s resorption process, where disc fragments are naturally reabsorbed. This can reduce the herniation’s size over time, as noted in a PubMed study on lumbar disc herniation (PubMed – Nerve Root Compression, n.d.).
  4. Holistic Approach:
    • Dr. Jimenez’s integrative approach combines chiropractic adjustments with functional medicine, addressing factors like inflammation, posture, and lifestyle. This comprehensive care ensures long-term relief, much like Gomez ensuring every cobweb in the Addams mansion is perfectly placed (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).

References:

Spinal Decompression: Rehydrating the Spine’s Star Performers

Spinal decompression therapy is the unsung hero of chiropractic care, like Thing quietly saving the day in the Addams household. This non-surgical technique uses motorized traction to gently stretch the spine, relieving pressure on herniated discs and promoting healing.

How Spinal Decompression Helps

  1. Relieving Disc Pressure:
    • Decompression therapy creates negative pressure within the disc, allowing the nucleus pulposus to retract and reduce nerve compression. A 2017 study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that nonsurgical spinal decompression significantly reduced pain and disc herniation volume in patients with subacute lumbar herniated discs (PubMed – Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression, 2017).
    • Think of it as giving the disc a chance to take a deep breath, like Gomez exhaling after a passionate monologue.
  2. Rehydrating Discs:
    • By stretching the spine, decompression enhances nutrient and oxygen flow to the disc, aiding rehydration. Dr. Jimenez explains that this process can restore disc height, reducing stress on surrounding tissues and nerves (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
    • It’s like watering a parched plant, bringing the disc back to its plump, cushiony glory.
  3. Pain Relief and Mobility:
    • Patients often feel immediate relief, as decompression alleviates nerve irritation. A 2022 article by Dr. Jimenez highlights how devices like the DRX9000 provide instant relief by stretching soft tissues and separating joint surfaces (Sciatica Pain and Treatment Clinic, 2022).
  4. Non-Invasive Alternative:
    • Unlike surgery, which carries risks and downtime, spinal decompression is gentle and allows patients to resume activities quickly. It’s the chiropractic equivalent of Gomez choosing a fencing duel over a cannon blast—effective yet refined.

References:

What Causes Disc Herniation- Video

Dr. Alexander Jimenez: El Paso’s Premier Chiropractic and Personal Injury Specialist

In the vibrant city of El Paso, Texas, Dr. Alexander Jimenez shines like Gomez Addams’ prized candelabra, illuminating the path to recovery for personal injury victims. With dual licensure as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner, Dr. Jimenez brings a unique blend of expertise to his practice at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).

Comprehensive Care for Personal Injury Cases

  1. Advanced Diagnostics:
    • Dr. Jimenez employs state-of-the-art imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, to pinpoint herniated discs and nerve compression. These diagnostics are crucial for personal injury cases, as they provide objective evidence of injury (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
    • For example, an MRI can reveal the exact location and severity of a disc herniation, guiding precise treatment plans.
  2. Dual-Scope Procedures:
    • As both a chiropractor and nurse practitioner, Dr. Jimenez bridges medical and chiropractic care. He conducts thorough health assessments, evaluating biomechanical issues (like spinal misalignments) and physiological factors (like inflammation or hormonal imbalances) (A4M, n.d.).
    • This dual approach ensures a holistic treatment plan, addressing both symptoms and underlying causes.
  3. Legal-Medical Liaison:
    • Personal injury cases often require detailed documentation for insurance claims or legal proceedings. Dr. Jimenez’s expertise in advanced diagnostics and his ability to produce comprehensive reports make him an invaluable liaison between medical care and legal needs (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
    • His reports link injuries to symptoms, supporting fair compensation for victims of auto accidents, work injuries, or other traumas.
  4. Patient-Centered Care:
    • Dr. Jimenez’s clinic offers personalized care plans, integrating chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, functional medicine, and rehabilitation. Patient testimonials highlight his success in treating complex herniated discs and sciatica, restoring mobility and quality of life (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).

References:

The Science Behind Discogenic Back Pain and Chiropractic Solutions

Discogenic back pain, caused by damage to the intervertebral disc, is a common culprit behind low back pain. It’s like the Addams Family’s pet octopus causing a ruckus in the plumbing—disruptive but fixable with the right approach. A PubMed review explains that discogenic pain arises from internal disc disruption, often due to degeneration or injury, leading to inflammation and nerve irritation (PubMed – Discogenic Back Pain, 2019).

Chiropractic’s Role in Discogenic Pain

  • Reducing Inflammation: Chiropractic adjustments and decompression therapy reduce stress on the disc, decreasing inflammation. A 2019 meta-analysis supports the use of therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which Dr. Jimenez incorporates to enhance tissue repair (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
  • Restoring Function: By correcting spinal misalignments, chiropractic care improves biomechanics, reducing strain on the disc and surrounding tissues.
  • Preventing Progression: Regular adjustments and lifestyle counseling, as offered by Dr. Jimenez, prevent further disc degeneration, much like Gomez maintaining the family’s gothic charm with meticulous care.

References:

Integrating Functional Medicine and Rehabilitation

Dr. Jimenez’s approach is like Gomez choreographing a family dance—every step is purposeful and harmonious. Beyond chiropractic adjustments and decompression, he incorporates:

  • Functional Medicine: Addressing metabolic, hormonal, and nutritional imbalances to support overall health and recovery (A4M, n.d.).
  • Rehabilitation Protocols: Tailored exercises strengthen the core and improve posture, preventing re-injury. It’s like training Pugsley to avoid toppling the family’s antique vases.
  • Nutritional Counseling: Anti-inflammatory diets reduce pain and support disc health, complementing physical therapies.

These integrative methods ensure that patients not only find relief but also build resilience against future issues.

References:

The Importance of Personal Injury Care in El Paso

El Paso, with its bustling community and vibrant spirit, is no stranger to personal injuries from auto accidents, work incidents, or sports mishaps. Dr. Jimenez stands out as a beacon for victims, offering not just medical relief but also legal support. His ability to document injuries with precision—using advanced imaging and diagnostic evaluations—ensures that patients receive fair compensation while healing (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025). It’s like Gomez defending the family honor with a rapier-sharp argument, only Dr. Jimenez wields MRI reports and clinical expertise.

References:

Conclusion: A Serious Note on Chiropractic Care

Let us set aside the Addams Family theatrics, my dear reader, and speak earnestly. Low back pain from herniated discs can profoundly impact your quality of life, but chiropractic care, as championed by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, offers a scientifically grounded, non-invasive path to relief. Through spinal manipulation, decompression therapy, and integrative care, patients can reduce pain, restore mobility, and reclaim their daily routines. Dr. Jimenez’s expertise in El Paso makes him a trusted ally for personal injury victims, bridging medical treatment with legal documentation to ensure holistic recovery.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider, such as Dr. Alexander Jimenez, for personalized diagnosis and treatment plans. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www.dralexjimenez.com or www.chiromed.com, or contact his clinic at 915-850-0900.

References:

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

Back Pain When Walking: A Comprehensive Guide

For individuals with lower back pain when walking, could they have injured a muscle or have an underlying condition affecting the joints, ligaments, or nerves?

Back Pain When Walking

Lower back pain when walking can occur for a variety of reasons. It can result from poor posture, injuries, muscle fatigue, or an underlying condition. Specific injuries, like muscle strains, can affect the ligaments in the spine and cause pain. Muscles that have not been used often can result in fatigue and pain. Specific health conditions, such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, sciatica, or even sacroiliac joint dysfunction, can cause lower back pain. Factors like overexertion or improper gait can exacerbate it.

Muscle Issues

Muscle strains, ligament sprains, or fatigue can cause lower back pain when walking. Pain can occur after walking or come on gradually from wear and tear without an apparent cause, as follows (American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2024)

Strains

  • Occur when the fibers in the back are overstretched or torn.
  • Pain from muscle strains is usually worse during activity and better when resting.

Sprains

  • It occurs when the ligaments that connect bone to bone become detached.
  • If the muscles do not adequately support the spine, the spinal joints absorb more pressure, which can lead to injury to the spinal ligaments.

Fatigue

  • It can happen from overexertion and lead to lower back pain when walking.
  • It could occur when walking longer than the body is used to, on uneven surfaces that make the muscles work harder to help maintain balance, or climbing hills that cause you to lean forward while walking.

Degenerative Disc Disease

  • Between each vertebra is a disc that provides cushioning between the bones.
  • As the disc wears down, surrounding muscles, ligaments, joints, and nerves in the spine absorb more pressure, causing damage.
  • Degenerative disc disease is a wear-and-tear condition that becomes more common as individuals age and is a common cause of lower back pain.
  • Healthcare providers recommend walking as a low-impact activity for individuals with the disease. However, if the condition is more severe, individuals could experience pain from this exercise, especially when walking on hard surfaces. (Hospital for Special Surgery, 2024)

Sciatica

Sciatica pain occurs when a nerve exiting the spine in the lower back becomes compressed or pinched. It is a common symptom of a herniated disc, in which a disc moves out of place and puts pressure on nearby nerves. In addition to lower back pain, sciatica can cause pain in the hip, the back of the thigh, and down the leg. Sciatica can also cause: (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021)

  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Muscle cramps
  • Leg muscle weakness

Healthcare providers often recommend walking as a safe form of physical activity for individuals with sciatica. However, individuals should avoid twisting or bending forward. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021) To decrease pain, avoid walking on uneven surfaces or uphill.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

  • Spinal stenosis is a wear-and-tear condition that often affects the lumbar spine/five vertebrae in the lower back.
  • It causes the space surrounding the spinal cord to narrow.
  • Sometimes, the narrowing can add pressure on the nerves, resulting in numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs. (American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons, 2021)
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis typically causes pain when standing upright, including when walking.
  • Many with this condition find that leaning slightly forward helps to reduce the pain by opening up the compressed areas.

Hyperlordosis

Lordosis describes the normal curve in the spine in the lower back. However, when this curve is exaggerated, it causes hyperlordosis or swayback. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2020) Hyperlordosis affects the range of motion, putting abnormal pressure on the muscles, ligaments, and joints. It also reduces the spine’s ability to absorb shock correctly when walking, leading to pain. (Cedars-Sinai, 2025)

Prevention Strategies

Individuals can take steps to reduce their risk of lower back pain when walking, even if they’ve been diagnosed with a condition that can potentially cause this symptom. Walking can decrease chronic low back pain for some. (Suh J. H. et al., 2019) As with any new exercise program, check with a healthcare provider to ensure that walking for exercise is appropriate for the injury, condition, or disease and is safe. Recommended tips: (Harvard Health Publishing, 2015)

  • Wear shoes made for walking.
  • Perform gentle lower back stretches before walking.
  • Start slowly by walking for a few minutes, then gradually increase the time.
  • Walk on a smooth surface, such as a sidewalk or athletic track, or indoors, such as in a shopping center or mall.
  • Warm up and cool down by walking slowly at the beginning and end of the walk.
  • This allows the back and leg muscles to warm up before exercise and recover afterward.
  • Walk at a slow to moderate pace/speed that allows one to converse.
  • Standing up straight while walking or standing upright reduces pressure on the lower back.

Alternative Exercise

If there is still back pain when walking, it might not be an appropriate exercise for the individual and/or how their condition presents symptoms. Alternate activities can include: (Hospital for Special Surgery, 2023)

Elliptical Trainer

  • This exercise keeps the feet in contact with the pedals, putting less shock-absorbing pressure on the spine than walking.

Recumbent Biking

  • will keep the back upright, which is recommended if there is more pain when bending forward.

Upright Stationary Biking

  • This is recommended if the back pain improves when bending forward.

Walking In A Pool

  • This activity provides benefits while reducing pressure on the spine.
  • To target different muscles, try walking laps in waist-deep water in multiple directions (forward, backward, and side to side).

Water Aerobics

  • This activity provides cardiovascular health benefits with decreased pressure on the back.

Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic

See a physical therapist for a personalized exercise program to reduce back pain and appropriate for your condition. 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.

Beyond Adjustments: Chiropractic and Integrative Healthcare

References

American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2024). Low back strain and sprain. https://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/low-back-strain-and-sprain/

Hospital for Special Surgery. (2024). Degenerative disc disease. https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_degenerative-disc-disease.asp

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021). Sciatica. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sciatica

American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons. (2021). Lumbar spinal stenosis. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/lumbar-spinal-stenosis/

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2020). Spine basics. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/spine-basics/

Cedars-Sinai. (2025). Swayback (lordosis). https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/s/swayback-lordosis.html

Suh, J. H., Kim, H., Jung, G. P., Ko, J. Y., & Ryu, J. S. (2019). The effect of lumbar stabilization and walking exercises on chronic low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine, 98(26), e16173. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000016173

Harvard Health Publishing. (2015). 5 tips for getting started with a walking program. https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/get-started

Hospital for Special Surgery. (2023). Best types of exercise for back pain. https://www.hss.edu/article_best-exercise-lower-back-pain.asp