Dr. Alex Jimenez, El Paso's Chiropractor
I hope you have enjoyed our blog posts on various health, nutritional and injury related topics. Please don't hesitate in calling us or myself if you have questions when the need to seek care arises. Call the office or myself. Office 915-850-0900 - Cell 915-540-8444 Great Regards. Dr. J

Pain Brain: Neuroinflammation and Fibromyalgia

The classification criteria for fibromyalgia have changed over time, affecting its definition from a “peripheral pain-defined disease” to a “systemic symptom-based disease.” Indeed, the ACR-2010 established a widespread pain index, replacing the previous 18 specified tender points. In addition, the new criteria assess the severity of three significant extra-pain symptoms of fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairments. These critical factors, along with symptoms like diffuse stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, memory issues, brain fog, numbness, depression, dizziness, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, overlap, and link with autoimmune disease and neuroinflammation. Consequently, the environmental causes of autoimmune reactions lead to neuroinflammation resulting in worsening symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Autoimmunity, Infection, and fibromyalgia

Studies show a connection between trauma and infection as triggers of fibromyalgia flare-up. Furthermore, this creates an association between autoimmunity and FM pathogenesis. Specifically, pathogens like Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes simplex virus, hepatitis virus C, and Borrelia burgdorferi directly associate with FM symptomatology. Furthermore, other common situations related to FM are silicon implants, vaccination, and mineral oil injection. 

Research shows a higher prevalence of FM on those patients with B58, DR5, and DR8 HLA alleles regarding genetic associations. However, these genetic variants have an overlapping link with autoimmune disease leading to rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, Sjogren’s syndrome, vasculitis, polymyositis, spondylarthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, and diabetes mellitus type 1. 

Additionally, the activation of the adaptive immune system is affected directly by the patient’s immune cell profile. Indeed, the increase of all B lymphocyte subsets, CD4+CD25 low, activates lymphocytes and NK cells are crucial in the onset of FM.

Furthermore, a common finding is elevated levels of autoantibodies in the sera of FM patients. The autoantibodies commonly found in the sera of females FM patients are anti-smooth muscle AAb and anti-strained muscle AAb. 

Neuroinflammation

Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in linking the inflammatory mechanisms to FM’s chronic pain condition, probably triggering central sensitization.

Furthermore, the measurement and analysis of several inflammatory proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) and plasma are significantly associated with neuroinflammation and chronic systemic inflammation. Indeed, fractalkine, also known as CX3CL1, is a chemokine serving as a signal of neuropathic pain elevated in CFS and plasma. 

Recent studies on mice have shown that the use of Morpholinurea-leucine-homophenylalanine-vinyl sulfone-phenyl (LHVS) inhibits cathepsin S and stops the increase of fractalkine. Also, the treatment of mice with LHVS has significantly attenuated autoimmune encephalitis and multiple sclerosis.

Adding to these benefits, LHVS therapy has been shown to reverse pain behavior in collagen-induced arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis in animal-based models. Furthermore, mechanical pressure hypersensitivity, autoimmune myositis in animal models show significant reduction with LHVS therapy.

Consistent with these results, several inflammatory cytokines have shown a reduction after LHVS therapy. Indeed, a decrease of IFNy, IL-3, IL-5, and IL-13 cytokines

  • Microglia activation:

Positron emission tomography in the cortex of patients previously diagnosed with FM has evidenced the presence of activated microglia, specifically in the medial and lateral walls of the frontal and parietal lobes.

In addition, subjective reports of fatigue are associated directly with higher microglial activation in the anterior and posterior cortices.

Neuroinflammation is a critical factor in fibromyalgia onset condition, which is associated with stress and pain. Nevertheless, secondary factors such as small bacterial intestine overgrowth, vitamin D deficiency, and mitochondrial dysfunction overlap with this condition aggravating the disease. Consequently, these factors contribute to their associated or triggered diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Fibromyalgia and Gastrointestinal issues:

Fibromyalgia’s nutritional treatment should focus on reducing gastrointestinal inflammation and supplementing vitamins. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the gastrointestinal tract is crucial. In El Paso Functional Medicine, we use integrative medicine tests to evaluate the patient’s condition.

 

As neuroinflammation and autoimmune disorders overlap within the diagnosis of FM, chiropractic and medical-nutritional therapy have to be part of this disease’s treatment. Indeed, as the diagnosis of FM, IBS, SIBO, and IBD are more frequent in females than in males, the nutritional component has to be managed by careful assessment of food sensitivities and followed with a low FODMAP or elimination diet. Furthermore, both of these treatments need to be reassessed for food reintroduction.- Ana Paola Rodriguez Arciniega, MS

Bibliography

Ryabkova, Varvara A et al. “Neuroimmunology: What Role for Autoimmunity, Neuroinflammation, and Small Fiber Neuropathy in Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Adverse Events after Human Papillomavirus Vaccination?.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 20,20 5164. 18 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijms20205164

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

 

Online Appointments or Consultations: bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment

Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History 

Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed

 

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Pain Brain: Neuroinflammation and Fibromyalgia" 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

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or 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 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 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, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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Our Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive, cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, practical strength training, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries.

We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training, and Rehabilitation Systems for all ages.

As an extension to effective rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises, and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the cities premier doctors, therapists, and trainers to provide high-level competitive athletes the possibilities to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities.

We’ve been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last three decades allowing us to restore our patients’ health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs.

Our programs are natural and use the body’s ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, unwanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living.

With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age or disability.

Join us in improving your health for you and your family.

It’s all about: LIVING, LOVING & MATTERING!

Welcome & God Bless

EL PASO LOCATIONS

East Side: Main Clinic*
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste 128
Phone: 915-412-6677

Central: Rehabilitation Center
6440 Gateway East, Ste B
Phone: 915-850-0900

North East Rehabilitation Center
7100 Airport Blvd, Ste. C
Phone: 915-412-6677

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
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Clinic Location 1

Address: 11860 Vista Del Sol Dr Suite 128
El Paso, TX 79936
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Address: 6440 Gateway East, Building B
El Paso, TX 79905
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Clinic Location 3

Address: 1700 N Zaragoza Rd # 117
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Address: 7100 Airport Blvd, Suite C
El Paso, TX 79906
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Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

  1. Online Appointments or Consultations:  bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment
  2. Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form:  bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History
  3. Online Functional Medicine Assessment:  bit.ly/functionmed

Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of 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 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 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 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.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

phone: 915-850-0900

Licensed in Texas & New Mexico *

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Prunes for Better Heart Health: A New Look at the Data" 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

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or 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 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 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, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card