Chiropractic Examination
Chiropractic Examination:
An initial chiropractic examination for musculoskeletal disorders will typically have four parts: a consultation, case history, and physical examination. Laboratory analysis and X-ray examination may be performed. Our office provides additional Functional and Integrative Wellness Assessments in order to bring greater insight into a patients physiological presentations.
Consultation:
The patient will meet the chiropractor which will assess and question a brief synopsis of his or her lower back pain, such as:
Duration and frequency of symptoms
Description of the symptoms (e.g. burning, throbbing)
Areas of pain
What makes the pain feel better (e.g. sitting, stretching)
What makes the pain feel worse (e.g. standing, lifting).
Case history. The chiropractor identifies the area(s) of complaint and the nature of the back pain by asking questions and learning more about different areas of the patient’s history, including:
Family history
Dietary habits
Past history of other treatments (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical and other)
Occupational history
Psychosocial history
Other areas to probe, often based on responses to above questions.
Physical examination:
We will utilize a variety of methods to determine the spinal segments that require chiropractic treatments, including but not limited to static and motion palpation techniques determining spinal segments that are hypo mobile (restricted in their movement) or fixated. Depending on the results of the above examination, a chiropractor may use additional diagnostic tests, such as:
X-ray to locate subluxations (the altered position of the vertebra)
A device that detects the temperature of the skin in the paraspinal region to identify spinal areas with a significant temperature variance that requires manipulation.
Laboratory Diagnostics:
If needed we also use a variety of lab diagnostic protocols in order to determine complete clinical picture of the patient. We have teamed up with the top labs in the city in order to give our patients the optimal clinical picture and appropriate treatments.
by spinedoctors | Feb 26, 2018 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination, Functional Medicine
These assessment and treatment recommendations represent a synthesis of information derived from personal clinical experience and from the numerous sources which are cited, or are based on the work of researchers, clinicians and therapists who are named (Basmajian 1974, Cailliet 1962, Dvorak & Dvorak 1984, Fryette 1954, Greenman 1989, 1996, Janda 1983, Lewit 1992, 1999, Mennell 1964, Rolf 1977, Williams 1965).
Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques: the Subscapularis Muscle
The subscapularis is a large triangular muscle which fills the subscapular fossa and inserts into the lesser tubercle of the humerus and the front of the capsule of the shoulder-joint.
The subscapularis rotates the head of the humerus medially (internal rotation) and adducts it; when the arm is raised, it draws the humerus forward and downward. It is a powerful defense to the front of the shoulder-joint, preventing displacement of the head of the humerus.
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Feb 16, 2018 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination, Clinical Case Reports, Clinical Case Series, Functional Medicine, Headaches & Treatments, Migraine
Several types of headaches can affect the average individual and each may result due to a variety of injuries and/or conditions, however, migraine headaches can often have a much more complex reason behind them. Many healthcare professionals and numerous...
by spinedoctors | Feb 14, 2018 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination, Clinical Case Reports, Functional Medicine, Neck Pain, Physical Rehabilitation
Being involved in an automobile accident can cause damage or injury to the complex structures of the cervical spine which can go unnoticed for months if left untreated. Medically referred to as whiplash-associated disorders, or whiplash, symptoms resulting after an auto accident can often take days to even weeks or months to manifest. Persistent neck pain that lasts for more than 3 months then becomes chronic neck pain, an issue which can be difficult to manage if not treated accordingly. Chronic neck pain may also result due to other underlying issues. The following article demonstrates which types of treatment methods can help relieve chronic neck pain symptoms and its associated complications, including capsular ligament laxity and cervical instability.
Chronic Neck Pain: Making the Connection Between Capsular Ligament Laxity and Cervical Instability
Abstract
The use of conventional modalities for chronic neck pain remains debatable,
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Feb 2, 2018 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination, Clinical Case Reports, Clinical Case Series, Conditions Treated, Lower Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common causes people visit their healthcare professional every year. A primary care physician is often the first doctor who can provide treatment for a variety of injuries and/or conditions, however, among those individuals seeking...
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Jan 30, 2018 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination, Clinical Case Reports, Physical Rehabilitation
Understanding clinical and experimental evidence, manual therapies, or manipulative therapies, are physical treatments that utilize skilled, hands-on techniques, such as manipulation and/or mobilization, used by a physical therapist, among other healthcare...
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Jan 23, 2018 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination, Clinical Case Reports, Clinical Case Series, Functional Medicine, Sciatica
Consider the following, sciatica is a medical term used to describe a collective group of symptoms resulting from the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, generally due to an injury or aggravated condition. Sciatica is commonly characterized by radiating...
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Jan 17, 2018 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination, Conditions Treated, Functional Medicine, Injury Care
These assessment and treatment recommendations represent a synthesis of information derived from personal clinical experience and from the numerous sources which are cited, or are based on the work of researchers, clinicians and therapists who are named (Basmajian...
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Jan 16, 2018 | Chiropractic Examination, Sciatica
Suffer Sciatica: Are you experiencing pain along one side of your body from your lower back down through your hip and the back of your leg? If so, you could be suffering from a condition called sciatica. According to the Mayo Clinic, sciatica can best be described as...
by spinedoctors | Dec 6, 2017 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination, Head Pain and Trauma, Headaches & Treatments
If you are among the 45 million Americans who suffer headaches regularly, you are undoubtedly familiar with the traditional methods that people use to treat them, including taking some type of over the counter medication that is supposed to eliminate the pain and reduce any associated swelling. There are many other types of treatment that you may have attempted as well, including taking pharmaceutical concoctions designed to treat pain. However, none of these solutions provide permanent relief that addresses the problem at the core.
In the past few decades, there have been an increasing number of patients throughout the country that have begun to seek alternative forms of therapy for all types of conditions, including headaches. One form of treatment that is very promising for physical as well as other types of pain is chiropractic.
This form of alternat
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Nov 10, 2017 | Chiropractic Examination, Functional Medicine, Professionals
Hypothyroidism is evaluated and diagnosed by a physician, your primary care doctor or an endocrinologist. Many factors, signs, and symptoms are taken into consideration when hypothyroidism is diagnosed.
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
A diagnosis is reached after a thorough review of the patient’s symptoms, family and medical history, risk factors, physical examination, and effectively, a blood test. There are many types of blood tests, which the most authoritative one is known as the TSH test (thyroid-stimulating hormone). However, in some cases, healthcare professionals may refer patients to receive a total T4 or T4, free T4 index, or even thyroxine to aid in the diagnosis.
Why Hypothyroidism is not Diagnosed on Symptoms Alone
Lots of the signs of hypothyroidism are fairly frequent complaints found in people with a normally functioning thyroid gland, so it can be tough to decipher if the symptoms are linked to the thyroid
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Oct 18, 2017 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination, Chiropractic News, Chronic Back Pain, El Paso Chiropractic News
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders through the use of adjustments and manipulations of the spine.
What are a chiropractor’s treatment goals and beliefs?
Chiropractors seek to reduce pain and enhance the performance of patients as well as to instruct them on how they can account for their health via ergonomics, exercise and other therapies to deal with their pain. Chiropractic is usually categorized as alternative medicine or complementary medicine.
Fundamental Chiropractor Beliefs and Goals
Chiropractors focus on the intimate relationship between the nervous system and the spine, to provide overall health and wellness to the human body. They also hold accurate the following beliefs:
- Biomechanical and structural derangement of the spine can affect the nervous system
-
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Sep 20, 2017 | Chiropractic Examination, Imaging & Diagnostics
Dr. Alex Jimenez collaborates with top rated diagnosticians and imaging specialists. We are blessed to have in our association, imaging specialists that provide fast, courteous & premiere board certified specialists. In collaboration with our offices we can...
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Sep 19, 2017 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination, Chronic Back Pain, Physical Rehabilitation
Many Americans in the United States will visit a healthcare professional’s office reporting some type of pain. While most cases of pain are considered acute, or temporary, resolving after the injury or condition causing the symptoms has healed, a large percentage of individuals will still report pain long after the source has disappeared. This is known as chronic pain. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment methods which can also help ease these symptoms.
Are injections used to treat chronic pain?
From physical therapy and chiropractic care, to drugs and medications, numerous types of treatment methods and therapies can be used to treat chronic pain, each more beneficial to certain people than others. Epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections are some of the most common types of injections utilized to ease chronic pain symptoms. For some individuals, injections may be more useful than other forms of treatment. As with any medical proce
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Sep 18, 2017 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination, Chronic Back Pain, Fibromyalgia
When affected by chronic pain, an individuals initial concern often involves what type of treatment they should seek for their particular issue. While many doctors are qualified and experienced in treating a variety of injuries and conditions, only some specialists can be classified as pain experts: pain management specialists.
What is a pain management specialist?
Pain medicine or pain management specialists provide varied treatments, including medications, action modification, therapeutic injections, physical therapy, and alternative kinds of care like acupuncture, manipulation, and music or art therapy for chronic pain. Multidisciplinary pain medicine joins two or more treatments to maximize pain management.
Concerning Pain Management Specialists
A pain management specialist is a physician or osteopathic physician who treats pain. Although called interventional pain management specialists or pain medicine specialist, a nu
by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Sep 12, 2017 | Chiropractic, Chiropractic Examination
Pain is defined as a physical discomfort caused by illness or injury. Most cases of pain are temporary, or they disappear once the source of the symptom is treated or healed, however, what happens when the pain becomes persistent?
How can you diagnose chronic pain?
Diagnosing chronic pain can be a long procedure. Because there are lots of possible causes behind the painful symptoms, the health care provider may need to conduct a variety of examinations and tests to attempt to find the source of your own pain. Below are a few of the methods the physician may try to diagnose chronic pain.
Medical History
Your doctor will take a comprehensive health history, going over any injuries, illnesses, and medical problems that run in your family. It is essential to be thorough so that the doctor can take a look at the full assortment of causes because chronic pain can generally be a result after injury or illness.
You’ll a
