Spine Health & Spinal Hygiene

The spinal muscles and ligaments work in conjunction to help support the spine, maintain an upright posture, and control movements during activity and rest. The muscles are named based on shape, location, or a combination. Further categorization factors include muscle functions like flexion, extension, or rotation. Skeletal muscle is a form of striated muscle tissue that is voluntarily controlled by the somatic nervous system. Striated means it is striped in appearance. Most skeletal muscles are attached to bones by collagen fibers known as tendons.

It has the fastest contraction rate of all muscles. Before muscle/s contract, a nerve impulse starts in the brain and runs through the spinal cord to the muscle. For the muscles to contract and work properly they need energy/fuel. Mitochondria produce Adenosine triphosphate chemical cells that are needed for energy. Adenosine triphosphate is made as the mitochondria burn glucose or sugar. The blood vessels deliver the oxygen and nutrients that the mitochondria need to maintain a steady supply of adenosine triphosphate.

The Posterior Cervical and Upper Thoracic Spinal Muscles

1. Semispinalis Capitus - controls the head rotation and backward pulls
2. Iliocostalis Cervicis - extends the cervical vertebrae
3. The Longissimus Cervicus - extends the cervical vertebrae
4. Longissimus Capitus - controls the head's rotation and backward pulls
5. Longissimus Thoracis - controls the extension/lateral flexion of the vertebral column and rib rotation
6. Iliocostalis Thoracis - controls the extension/lateral flexion of the vertebral column and rib rotation
7. Semispinalis Thoracis - extends and rotates the vertebral column

Muscles of the Spinal Column 

Cervical muscles

Thoracic Muscles

Lumbar muscles

Muscle Fascia Fibrous Tissue

• Fascia is the thickened connective tissue that surrounds a muscle or muscle group. Superficial fascia is directly under the skin.
• Epimysium surrounds the skeletal muscle.
• Perimysium is the sheath that groups the muscle fibers into bundles.
• Endomysium is another type of connective tissue that sheaths each muscle fiber.

The cause of back pain and spinal muscle spasm/s can be caused by overuse, automobile accident, personal, work, or sports injury. The root cause of muscle spasm/s is usually a consequence of an injury to a structure within the lumbar spine. If there have been one or more episodes of muscle spasm in the low back, chances are it will re-occur. The muscles in the low back work together with the abdominal muscles. The spinal muscles add stability by maintaining an erect spine and maintain balance.

Back Pain Specialist

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

Essential oils for back pain could be a treatment option as long as they are used correctly. Although their popularity has grown, people are still divided when it comes to their effectiveness. The common questions that arise are, do these plant-based oils have the power to alleviate pain, or are they just a placebo? 

Oils

They are essentially chemicals extracted from various plants. They are aromatic, and as far as chemical compounds go they can easily enter the air allowing for inhalation. Doctors have been asked for their opinions on essential oils. And they agree that they can be effective. However, it is something that is difficult to prove scientifically. Currently, there is not a great deal of research to turn to prove that they work. One reason is that it’s difficult to do this type of study.

But there are some reliable studies. An example is a study found that using essential oils as aromatherapy can significantly reduce pain. Another study found orange oil specifically to relieve pain. There is more developing research that suggests certain oils applied as a topical agent to the low back, like wintergreen or peppermint, they act as an alternative pain reducer to traditional meds that cause side effects.

Definitely, more research needs to be done to become a standard form of care. And they can be it just depends on what it's for. For example, can they cure cancer? No. Can they help with the symptoms? Yes. Certain oils have anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties. Patients have reported aromatherapy and oils applied topically has helped them with their pain. But, just like anything, it is different for everybody.

When to use

Back pain/conditions that are appropriate for essential oils would be chronic, low-level pain. With any type of numbness, weakness, bowel/bladder dysfunction, or severe, incapacitating pain, go to the hospital, emergency clinic, etc. If pain symptoms do not improve within three to five days, make an appointment with a doctor, chiropractor, or spine specialist.

Always check with a healthcare physician before starting an essential oil regimen. This is to make sure there are no adverse effects or complications. It is essential to see a doctor or spine specialist making sure a serious condition is not the cause of the back pain. Severe conditions should not be treated with only essential oils. Oils are considered to be a small part of a larger integrative treatment plan. This includes:

• Allopathic therapies
• Physical therapy
• Mind-body
• Exercises
• Sleep
• Anti-inflammatory diet

Use for back pain

Once a doctor clears an individual to use essential oils, adding them to a back-care treatment plan can be done in two ways.

• Aromatherapy, with the use of a diffuser to release into the air, allowing for inhalation.
• Topical agent in the form of a salve, lotion, or cream, and massaged into the pain area

There are combined aromatic salves and lotions that appeal to patients. An example is an aromatherapy combined with calming lavender oil. Oils that are used to alleviate back pain:

• Lavender is an excellent choice as an aromatherapy
• Orange

For a topical agent:

• Ginger
• Camphor
• Menthol
• Rosemary
• Wintergreen
• Mint

What to Know

Choosing the topical option means the oil needs to be diluted as undiluted oil can cause a rash or other reaction. They can be diluted with a carrier. This can be almond, avocado, or coconut. Never ingest essential oil. They can be extremely toxic if ingested and should not be used for small children. Used correctly they could help out with back pain issues, ask your doctor or chiropractor if they could be an option.

Lower Back Pain Chiropractic Treatment

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*