Chiropractic & Integrative Relief for Iliac Crest Pain

Unlocking Iliac Crest Pain: A Functional & Integrative Recovery Guide

1. Introduction: Beyond Ordinary Back Pain

Chronic low back pain often hides less obvious causes. One such condition is iliac crest pain syndrome (ICPS), a persistent discomfort along the top of the pelvis linked to injury of the iliolumbar ligament—the connective tissue binding the lumbar spine to the pelvic bone (Dąbrowski & Ciszek, 2023) (dralexjimenez.com). Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP‑BC, IFMCP, blends chiropractic, functional medicine, and nurse practitioner skills to uncover and treat these hidden sources of pain, helping patients heal holistically at his El Paso clinic (a4m.com).

---

2. The Anatomy of Illusive Pain

The iliac crest is the curved top edge of the pelvis. Attached to it is the iliolumbar ligament, which links the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae with the ilium. When this ligament is torn—through repetitive bending, twisting, or trauma—it can cause direct pain in the pelvic region and refer pain to nearby areas (dralexjimenez.com). Clearly understanding this anatomy informs precise, effective treatment.

---

3. Common Triggers of ICPS

The causes of iliac crest pain syndrome can include:

• Repetitive stress or overuse, especially bending and twisting movements
• Direct trauma or falls, even from auto accidents
• Muscle spasms or trigger points, especially in the quadratus lumborum or iliopsoas, that pull on pelvic structures (e.g., iliopsoas trigger points causing referred groin or thigh pain) (dralexjimenez.com, dralexjimenez.com)
  These factors can perpetuate instability in the lower back, prolonging symptoms.

---

4. When Surrounding Muscles Misbehave

Muscle spasms are not just painful—they contribute to tissue stress. In ICPS, spasms of the quadratus lumborum (a core stabilizer) or iliopsoas (a hip flexor) add uneven tension to the pelvis, worsening ligament strain and promoting a cycle of pain and dysfunction. Release techniques, stretching, and targeted therapy are key to breaking this cycle (Trigger point reference) (dralexjimenez.com).

---

5. Dr. Jimenez’s Functional & Integrative Approach

Dr. Jimenez stands out by using a functional health model that integrates chiropractic adjustments, advanced diagnostics, and patient-centered care (nutrition, movement, lifestyle) (dralexjimenez.com). He is board-certified as both a chiropractor and nurse practitioner (FNP‑BC), offering a dual-scope approach that addresses both biomechanical and systemic factors in injury recovery (a4m.com).

---

6. Precision Diagnosis & Evaluation

At the Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, no two cases are treated alike. Dr. Jimenez offers a complete evaluation to uncover root causes—including ligament injury, muscle imbalance, and functional deficiencies—before crafting a tailored plan (a4m.com).

---

7. Spinal Alignment: The First Step to Recovery

Chiropractic adjustment restores proper alignment between the spine and pelvis, easing strain on ligaments like the iliolumbar. This correction not only relieves immediate pain but also supports long-term stability.

---

8. Restoring Movement through Functional Strength

Dr. Jimenez builds on alignment by prescribing functional strengthening for the core, glutes, and posterior chain. This helps stabilize the pelvis and prevent recurrent stress. His clinic supports this with fitness integration and functional conditioning tools such as the PUSH System and CrossFit-based rehabilitation (dralexjimenez.com).

---

9. Supporting Healing with Soft Tissue Therapy

Managing muscular tension is critical. Soft tissue work—like massage, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy—relieves tightness in muscles like the iliopsoas and tensor fasciae latae, which can refer pain to the pelvis and back (dralexjimenez.com).

---

10. Managing SI Joint Stress & Referred Pain

Inflammation or dysfunction in the sacroiliac (SI) joint can mimic iliac crest pain. At Dr. Jimenez’s clinic, SI joint issues are evaluated and treated carefully to restore pelvic balance and reduce referred pain (dralexjimenez.com).

---

11. Personalized Plans That Don’t Depend on Insurance

Dr. Jimenez’s practice offers affordable, flexible care plans that avoid insurance hassles like copays or denials, enabling patients to focus on healing without red tape (dralexjimenez.com).

---

12. Whole-Body Healing: Functional Medicine Integration

Beyond back care, Dr. Jimenez addresses nutritional, lifestyle, and systemic factors that influence recovery—like inflammation, stress, or immunity—embodying a true integrative, patient-centered model (dralexjimenez.com).

---

13. Plugging into Community Trust & Recognition

Dr. Jimenez is recognized among El Paso reviewers and clinicians as a top chiropractic and wellness provider, known for compassion and effective holistic care. He’s committed to referring out when needed to ensure optimal outcomes (dralexjimenez.com).

---

14. Summary: Healing Root Causes, Not Just Symptoms

Iliac crest pain syndrome isn’t just about pain at the upper pelvis—it stems from ligament injury, muscle imbalance, and pelvic instability. Treating it well means:

• Diagnosing with precision
• Aligning the spine and pelvis
• Releasing muscle tension
• Strengthening core stability
• Addressing systemic healing through integrative medicine
  Dr. Jimenez’s dual credentials and functional rehabilitation method provide a comprehensive path to recovery.

---

15. Call to Action: Begin Your Recovery Journey

If you’re dealing with iliac crest pain or chronic lower back issues, Dr. Jimenez’s functional, chiropractic-integrative clinic in El Paso offers the rooted, personalized care you need. Reach out at:

• Address: 11860 Vista Del Sol Dr, Suite 128, El Paso, TX 79936 (dralexjimenez.com, dralexjimenez.com, dralexjimenez.com)
• Phone: (915) 412‑6677 (or additional locations listed) (dralexjimenez.com)

Take the first step toward lasting relief and functional recovery.

---

References

• Dąbrowski, K., & Ciszek, B. (2023). [Iliac crest pain syndrome overview]. dralexjimenez.com. (dralexjimenez.com)
• Dr. Alex Jimenez. (n.d.). Why choose Dr. Alex Jimenez? dralexjimenez.com. (dralexjimenez.com)
• Dr. Alex Jimenez. (n.d.). Health, wellness, and chiropractic. dralexjimenez.com. (dralexjimenez.com)
• A4M. (n.d.). Alex Jimenez, DC, Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, El Paso, TX. a4m.com. (a4m.com)
• Dr. Alex Jimenez. (n.d.). Chiropractic plans & pricing. dralexjimenez.com. (dralexjimenez.com)
• Dr. Alex Jimenez. (n.d.). Thigh & low back pain caused by trigger points. dralexjimenez.com. (dralexjimenez.com)
• Dr. Alex Jimenez. (n.d.). Myofascial pain syndrome on the tensor fasciae latae. dralexjimenez.com. (dralexjimenez.com)
• Dr. Alex Jimenez. (n.d.). Sacroiliac joint surgery. dralexjimenez.com. (dralexjimenez.com)
• Dr. Alex Jimenez. (n.d.). Contact Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C. dralexjimenez.com. (dralexjimenez.com)
• Yelp. (n.d.). Alex Jimenez, DC – Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic. yelp.com. (Yelp)