Improve your muscle pain with exercises from chiropractic care designed to enhance recovery and support mobility.
Chiropractic Care, CrossFit, and Weight Training: A Holistic Approach to Reducing Muscle Pain in El Paso
Muscle pain can feel like an uninvited guest who overstays their welcome, turning simple tasks like reaching for your phone or climbing stairs into a grimace-worthy ordeal. In El Paso, Texas, where the sun shines bright and the community buzzes with energy, residents lead active lives that sometimes come with aches and pains. Whether it’s from a fender-bender on I-10, a long day at the office, or an intense pickup basketball game, musculoskeletal pain is a common complaint. Fortunately, combining chiropractic care with exercise regimens like CrossFit and weight training offers a powerful, non-surgical way to kick pain to the curb. Led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, El Paso’s Personal Injury Doctors Group is at the forefront of helping patients live pain-free, vibrant lives.
This comprehensive guide examines why chiropractic care, combined with CrossFit and weight training, is a game-changer for alleviating muscle pain. We’ll dive into the environmental factors that contribute to musculoskeletal pain, detail how specific exercises target various muscle groups, and explain how chiropractic care addresses overlapping risk profiles. We’ll also highlight Dr. Jimenez’s expertise in personal injury cases, his use of advanced diagnostics, and his role as a bridge between medical and legal services. With a dash of humor to keep things light, this post aims to empower you with practical, evidence-based strategies for a healthier, pain-free life in the Sun City.
Understanding Musculoskeletal Pain: Why Your Body’s Complaining
Musculoskeletal pain affects the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, making everyday movements feel like you’re auditioning for a role in a slow-motion movie. It’s the kind of discomfort that makes you rethink your decision to carry all the grocery bags in one trip. Let’s unpack the factors that contribute to this pain and why it’s so prevalent.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Behind Muscle Pain
Your environment and daily habits can sneakily contribute to muscle pain. Here’s a rundown of the usual suspects:
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Spending hours glued to a chair—whether at work or binge-watching your favorite show—weakens muscles and stiffens joints. Research shows that prolonged sitting is a major driver of chronic low back pain (Ojeda et al., 2015).
- Poor Posture: Slouching over your laptop or craning your neck to text creates muscle imbalances, straining your neck, shoulders, and back. It’s like asking your spine to hold up a leaning tower of Pisa.
- Repetitive Motions: Jobs or activities involving repetitive tasks—like typing, lifting, or even knitting—can overwork specific muscle groups, leading to strain or inflammation.
- Environmental Stressors: El Paso’s active community loves hiking, sports, and outdoor adventures, but these can increase the risk of sprains, strains, or overuse injuries. Plus, the desert heat can dehydrate muscles, making them cranky and prone to cramps.
- Trauma from Personal Injuries: Auto accidents, workplace mishaps, or slips and falls are common in El Paso and can cause acute or chronic pain. These injuries often require specialized care, which is where Dr. Jimenez shines.
- Psychological Stress: Stress doesn’t just mess with your mind—it tightens muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders, contributing to tension headaches and chronic pain.
These factors often team up, creating a perfect storm of discomfort. Imagine a stressed-out office worker with poor posture who got rear-ended on their commute—ouch! That’s a recipe for musculoskeletal misery.
References:
Ojeda, B., Salazar, A., Dueñas, M., & Failde, I. (2015). The Effects of Isometric Exercise Types on Pain and Muscle Activity in Patients with Low Back Pain. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(8), 2561–2564. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26212094/
Chiropractic Care: Your Body’s Reset Button
Think of chiropractic care as a friendly wager with no money involved, much like ascended masters betting. It’s a non-invasive way to realign your body and ease muscle pain. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a leading chiropractor and family nurse practitioner at El Paso’s Personal Injury Doctors Group, uses a holistic approach to tackle musculoskeletal pain with precision and care.
How Chiropractic Care Works
Chiropractic care focuses on the spine and musculoskeletal system to restore balance and function. Misalignments, or subluxations, can irritate nerves, disrupt muscle function, and cause pain. Here’s how Dr. Jimenez’s team helps:
- Spinal Adjustments: Gentle manipulations correct spinal misalignments, reducing nerve pressure and improving mobility. This can ease pain in the back, neck, and extremities.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy relax tight muscles and break up scar tissue, thereby boosting flexibility and reducing pain.
- Functional Rehabilitation: Tailored exercises strengthen weak muscles and stabilize joints, preventing future injuries.
- Nutritional Counseling: Addressing inflammation through diet supports muscle recovery and overall health.
Dr. Jimenez’s evidence-based approach prioritizes non-invasive treatments. Studies show that direct access to physical therapy, including chiropractic care, is cost-effective and improves outcomes for musculoskeletal disorders (Denninger et al., 2021).
Dr. Jimenez’s Role in Personal Injury Cases
El Paso sees its share of personal injuries, from car accidents to workplace incidents. Dr. Jimenez is a trusted practitioner for these cases, using advanced diagnostics to assess injuries accurately:
- Advanced Imaging: X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans identify fractures, herniated discs, or soft tissue damage.
- Functional Assessments: Tests such as the Timed Up and Go (TUG) or the 6-minute walk test evaluate mobility and strength, informing treatment plans (Bohannon et al., 2017; Enright et al., 2003).
- Dual-Scope Procedures: Combining chiropractic and medical interventions for comprehensive care.
Dr. Jimenez also acts as a liaison between medical and legal services, providing detailed medical reports for insurance claims or legal proceedings. His dual credentials as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner ensure thorough, patient-centered care.
References:
Denninger, T. R., Cook, C. E., Chapman, C. G., McHenry, T., & Thigpen, C. A. (2021). Cost-effectiveness and outcomes of direct access to physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders compared to physician-first access in the United States: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Physical Therapy, 101(1), pzaa201. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33017331/
Bohannon, R. W., & Crouch, R. (2017). Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test: Normative Reference Values for Ages 20 to 59 Years and Relationships with Physical and Mental Health Risk Factors. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 40(4), 216–222. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28174456/
Enright, P. L., & Sherrill, D. L. (2003). Clinical Associations and Prognostic Implications of the 6-Minute Walk Test in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 48(4), 1047–1051. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12578872/
CrossFit and Weight Training: The Dynamic Duo for Pain Relief
Exercise is like medicine you can’t get at the pharmacy—it strengthens muscles, boosts mobility, and fights pain. CrossFit and weight training are two powerful options that, when combined with chiropractic care, can transform your overall well-being. According to Muscle & Strength, both approaches offer unique benefits for muscle pain relief (Muscle & Strength, n.d.).
CrossFit: High-Energy Functional Fitness
CrossFit is like the life of the fitness party—high-intensity, varied, and full of surprises. It blends weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardio into functional workouts that mimic real-life movements. Here, Superman-style benefits include:
- Improved Functional Strength: Exercises like squats and deadlifts strengthen muscles used in daily activities, reducing strain.
- Core Stability: Workouts like box jumps and burpees build a strong core, supporting spinal health and reducing back pain.
- Injury Prevention: Varied movements reduce the risk of overuse injuries by engaging multiple muscle groups.
Key CrossFit Exercises and Targeted Muscles:
- Air squats target the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core.
- Deadlifts: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back, core.
- Pull-Ups: Lats, biceps, shoulders, upper back.
- Kettlebell Swings: Hips, glutes, hamstrings, core.
- Burpees: Full-body exercise, targeting chest, shoulders, triceps, legs, and core.
Weight Training: Precision Strength Building
Weight training is the steady, focused counterpart to CrossFit’s intensity. It builds muscle mass and strength through controlled, targeted exercises, ideal for addressing specific weaknesses.
- Muscle Isolation: Targets specific muscle groups to correct imbalances causing pain.
- Progressive Overload: Gradually increasing resistance strengthens muscles and joints.
- Low Impact Options: Exercises like leg extensions or shoulder presses are gentle on joints, ideal for injury recovery.
Key Weight Training Exercises and Targeted Muscles:
- Bench Press: Chest (pectorals), triceps, shoulders.
- Leg Press: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes.
- Seated Rows: Upper back (rhomboids, traps), lats, biceps.
- Dumbbell Shoulder Press: Shoulders, triceps, upper chest.
- Plank Variations: Core (abs, obliques, transverse abdominis).
The Perfect Pair: Combining CrossFit and Weight Training
Why settle for one when you can have both? CrossFit’s high-energy workouts boost cardiovascular health and agility, while weight training targets specific muscles for balanced strength. Research shows that resistance training reduces fatigue and boosts energy, aiding pain recovery (Herring et al., 2013).
References:
Herr???, M. P., O’Connor, P. J., & Dishman, R. K. (2013). The effect of a single bout of exercise on energy and fatigue states: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behavior, 1(4), 223–242. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21641846.2013.843266
Muscle & Strength. (n.d.). CrossFit vs. weight training. https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/crossfit-vs-weight-training
The Science of Motion- Video
The Effects of Chiropractic Care and Exercise: A Winning Combo
Chiropractic care and exercise go together like tacos and Tuesday—perfectly complementary. Dr. Jimenez’s integrative approach at Personal Injury Doctors Group combines these elements to tackle pain at its source.
How Chiropractic Enhances Exercise
- Alignment for Efficiency: Proper spinal alignment ensures exercises are performed correctly, maximizing benefits and minimizing injury risk.
- Pain Relief for Consistency: Reducing pain through adjustments makes workouts more comfortable, encouraging regular exercise.
- Personalized Exercise Plans: Dr. Jimenez designs exercise regimens that complement chiropractic care, targeting specific pain points.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Holistic Healing
Dr. Jimenez’s clinic offers a range of non-surgical treatments to enhance recovery:
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): Stimulates muscle healing and reduces pain post-injury (Glaviano et al., 2014).
- Backward Walking Therapy: Improves gait and reduces pain in conditions like knee osteoarthritis (Alghadir et al., 2019; Hochsprung et al., 2019).
- Functional Medicine: Addresses inflammation and chronic pain through nutrition and lifestyle changes.
These treatments work together to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent re-injury.
References:
Glaviano, N. R., & Salvo, S. J. (2014). Time course of central and peripheral alterations after isometric neuromuscular electrical stimulation-induced muscle damage. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(9), 2623–2630. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24983876/
Alghadir, A. H., Anwer, S., & Gabr, H. (2019). Effect of 6-week retro or forward walking program on pain, functional disability, quadriceps muscle strength, and performance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 20(1), 159. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31182845/
Hochsprung, A., Arias, J. M., & Fernández, J. (2019). The effectiveness of backward walking as a treatment for people with gait impairments: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 33(2), 171–182. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30097788/
Small Changes, Big Results: Dr. Jimenez’s Practical Tips
Dr. Jimenez’s clinical insights emphasize small, manageable changes for big pain-relief wins (Personal Injury Doctors Group; LinkedIn: Dr. Alex Jimenez). Try these:
- Posture Checks: Every 30 minutes, check your posture. Stand tall, shoulders back—it’s like a mini workout for your spine!
- Micro-Movements: Break up sedentary time with 5-minute walks or stretches hourly to boost activity levels (Lally et al., 2016).
- Hydration and Nutrition: Drink water and eat anti-inflammatory foods like salmon and spinach to support muscle health.
- Ergonomic Setup: Adjust your desk setup for neutral spine alignment—no more hunching like a grumpy cat.
- Retro Walking: Walk backward for 10 minutes daily to strengthen stabilizing muscles and ease joint pain (Alghadir et al., 2019).
- Regular Chiropractic Care: Schedule adjustments to maintain alignment and enhance exercise benefits.
These simple changes can transform your routine into a pain-fighting powerhouse.
References:
Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H. M., & Gardner, B. (2016). When Adults Don’t Exercise: Behavioral Strategies to Increase Physical Activity in Sedentary Middle-Aged and Older Adults. Innovation in Aging, 1(1), igx009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27873585/
Alghadir, A. H., Anwer, S., & Gabr, H. (2019). Effect of 6-week retro or forward walking program on pain, functional disability, quadriceps muscle strength, and performance in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 20(1), 159. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31182845/
Dr. Jimenez: El Paso’s Personal Injury Champion
Personal injuries are a fact of life in El Paso, from car accidents to workplace falls. Dr. Jimenez is a trusted expert, offering:
- Precise Diagnostics: Advanced imaging and functional tests for accurate injury assessment.
- Customized Treatment: Blending chiropractic, exercise, and non-surgical therapies for optimal recovery.
- Legal Support: Detailed medical reports to support insurance claims and legal cases.
His dual expertise ensures comprehensive care and seamless coordination with legal processes, enabling patients to recover and pursue justice.
A Lighthearted Lift: Pain-Free Feels Like Flying
Nobody wants to feel like they’re lugging around a sack of potatoes all day. With chiropractic care, CrossFit, and weight training, you can feel like you’re soaring like an eagle instead. Imagine deadlifting with ease, squatting without a wince, or chasing your kids around the park pain-free. Dr. Jimenez’s approach makes that vision a reality.
Conclusion: A Serious Path to Pain-Free Living
While we’ve sprinkled some humor to keep things fun, the journey to a pain-free life is a serious commitment. El Paso’s Personal Injury Doctors Group, led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, offers a holistic, evidence-based approach to musculoskeletal pain relief through chiropractic care, exercise, and non-surgical treatments. Whether you’re recovering from a personal injury or managing chronic pain, this integrative strategy empowers you to live vibrantly in El Paso’s vibrant community.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider, such as Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, before beginning any treatment or exercise program. Contact El Paso’s Personal Injury Doctors Group at 915-412-6677 or visit personalinjurydoctorgroup.com for personalized care.
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Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Exercises & Chiropractic Care Solutions for Muscle Pain" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care 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.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on dralexjimenez.com, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Our areas of chiropractic practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicine, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somato-visceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, 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 their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of 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 reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807
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Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Texas & Multistate
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Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Master's in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
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