Discover the essential role of chiropractic care in alleviating discomfort from chronic inflammation and promoting wellness.

Tackling Chronic Inflammation with Chiropractic and Integrative Care in El Paso, TX

Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body heal from injuries and infections, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to persistent pain and serious health conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and fibromyalgia. Unlike acute inflammation, which is a short-term response to harm, chronic inflammation persists and can silently damage tissues over time. In El Paso, Texas, Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, a board-certified chiropractor and nurse practitioner, combines chiropractic care, integrative therapies, and rehabilitation to address the root causes of chronic inflammation, particularly for patients recovering from injuries. This article explores the differences between acute and chronic inflammation, their roles in the body, environmental factors that fuel chronic inflammation, and how non-surgical treatments can reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and support the body’s natural healing processes for long-term wellness.

Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation: Understanding the Difference

Inflammation is the body’s defense mechanism against injury, infection, or harmful substances, involving immune cells, blood vessels, and chemical signals. Acute and chronic inflammation serve distinct purposes and have different impacts on health.

Acute Inflammation: The Body’s Rapid Response

Acute inflammation is an immediate reaction to a specific event, such as a cut, sprain, or infection. For example, when you twist your ankle, the area becomes red, swollen, and painful as immune cells like neutrophils rush to prevent infection and initiate healing (Germolec et al., 2018). Key features include:

• Short Duration: Lasts hours to days, resolving once the threat is addressed.
• Visible Symptoms: Redness, swelling, heat, and pain occur due to increased blood flow.
• Protective Role: Eliminates pathogens, repairs tissues, and restores normal function (Arulselvan et al., 2016).

For instance, a minor cut triggers acute inflammation to fight bacteria and promote healing.

Chronic Inflammation: A Silent Driver of Pain

Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, low-grade state that can persist for months or years, often without obvious symptoms initially. It can damage tissues and contribute to conditions like heart disease, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia, leading to chronic pain (Suzuki, 2019). Characteristics include:

• Persistent Nature: Continues due to ongoing stressors or immune dysfunction.
• Hidden Damage: Affects organs and tissues, causing diseases like diabetes or cancer.
• Increased Pain Sensitivity: Sensitizes pain pathways, worsening conditions like fibromyalgia (García-Domínguez, 2025).

For example, chronic inflammation in the spine can cause persistent back pain, limiting mobility and quality of life.

The Role of Inflammation in the Body

Inflammation is essential for survival, but can become harmful when chronic. Understanding its roles highlights the need to manage chronic inflammation to reduce pain and improve health.

Acute Inflammation’s Protective Functions

Acute inflammation supports the body by:

• Fighting Infections: Immune cells attack bacteria or viruses to prevent illness (Arulselvan et al., 2016).
• Repairing Tissues: Delivers nutrients and oxygen to injured areas for healing.
• Clearing Debris: Removes dead cells and pathogens, cleaning the injury site.

For example, swelling after a sports injury helps deliver healing resources to the affected area.

Chronic Inflammation’s Harmful Effects

Chronic inflammation can disrupt bodily functions and increase pain by:

• Damaging Tissues: Prolonged inflammation breaks down healthy tissues, contributing to conditions like atherosclerosis or joint degeneration (Suzuki, 2019).
• Disrupting Organ Function: Affects normal processes, leading to diseases like diabetes or depression (Chiropractic Scientist, n.d.).
• Worsening Pain: Sensitizes pain pathways, exacerbating conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic back pain (García-Domínguez, 2025).

This persistent state often stems from lifestyle or environmental factors, which we’ll explore next.

Environmental Factors Fueling Chronic Inflammation

Several lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to chronic inflammation, exacerbating pain and health issues. Addressing these through integrative care can reduce their impact.

Unhealthy Diet

Diet significantly influences inflammation. Consuming excessive refined sugars, flours, and processed oils—common in modern diets—spikes blood sugar and fat levels, promoting inflammation (Chiropractic Scientist, n.d.). Key triggers include:

• Excess Calories: Consuming processed foods in excess leads to obesity, a known inflammatory state (Suzuki, 2019).
• Low Nutrient Intake: Diets lacking fiber, antioxidants, or healthy fats are ineffective in combating inflammation (Strasser et al., 2021).
• Inflammatory Foods: Aspartame and monosodium glutamate may increase inflammation in some individuals (Kurapatti et al., 2023).

For example, frequent consumption of fast food can elevate inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), worsening pain.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of physical activity promotes inflammation by contributing to obesity and poor circulation. Regular movement, such as rehabilitation exercises, helps clear inflammatory mediators and supports immune balance (Metsios et al., 2020).

Chronic Stress

Ongoing stress releases cortisol, disrupting immune function and increasing inflammation. For instance, constant work pressure can elevate pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, contributing to pain (Suzuki, 2019).

Sleep Deprivation

Poor sleep impairs tissue repair and increases inflammatory markers, such as IL-6 and TNF-?, thereby exacerbating chronic pain and health issues (Chiropractic Scientist, n.d.).

Environmental Toxins

Exposure to pollutants like air pollution or cigarette smoke activates the immune system, causing low-grade inflammation that can worsen pain (Arulselvan et al., 2016).

Non-Surgical Treatments for Pain Relief and Recovery

At his El Paso, TX clinic, Dr. Alexander Jimenez combines chiropractic care, integrative therapies, and rehabilitation to manage chronic inflammation and pain, particularly for patients recovering from injuries. These non-surgical treatments support the body’s natural healing processes, reduce inflammation, and promote long-term wellness.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments correct spinal misalignments (subluxations) that contribute to inflammation and pain, particularly in conditions like sciatica, whiplash, or lower back pain. Dr. Jimenez uses gentle techniques to improve joint mobility and nerve function, offering benefits like:

• Enhanced Circulation: Adjustments improve blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing inflammatory waste (Chiropractic Scientist, n.d.).
• Pain Reduction: Reducing nerve irritation alleviates pain caused by inflammation.
• Advanced Diagnostics: Dr. Jimenez uses neuromusculoskeletal imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs, to tailor treatments to each patient’s needs (Jimenez, n.d.).

For example, a patient with chronic back pain from a motor vehicle accident (MVA) may receive adjustments to restore spinal alignment, reducing inflammation and improving mobility.

Integrative Therapies

Dr. Jimenez integrates complementary therapies to address inflammation and pain holistically:

• Acupuncture stimulates specific points to reduce inflammation and pain by lowering cytokines, such as IL-6 (Wickenheisser et al., 2019).
• Massage Therapy: Enhances circulation and lymphatic drainage, helping clear inflammatory mediators and reduce muscle tension (Metsios et al., 2020).
• Nutritional Counseling: Emphasizes anti-inflammatory diets, such as the Mediterranean or vegan diet, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids to combat inflammation (Kurapatti et al., 2023).

These therapies support the body’s detoxification systems, like the lymphatic system, to eliminate waste efficiently.

Rehabilitation and Targeted Exercise

Exercise is a cornerstone of inflammation and pain management, particularly in the context of injury recovery. Dr. Jimenez designs personalized rehabilitation plans, including:

• Low-Impact Aerobics: Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling increase blood flow and lower CRP levels (Suzuki, 2019).
• Strength Training: Builds muscle to regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation (Strasser et al., 2021).
• Stretching and Mobility Exercises: Improves flexibility, reduces muscle tension, and lowers stress hormones that fuel inflammation (Metsios et al., 2020).

For example, a patient recovering from a sports injury might follow a rehabilitation program with low-impact exercises to enhance circulation and reduce joint inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

Dr. Jimenez advises patients to adopt diets that combat inflammation:

• Avoid Refined Foods: Reduce sugar, flour, and processed oils to lower inflammation (Chiropractic Scientist, n.d.).
• Emphasize Plant-Based Foods: Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains provide antioxidants and fiber to reduce inflammation (Kurapatti et al., 2023).
• Incorporate Omega-3s: Foods like salmon or chia seeds reduce inflammatory cytokines (Strasser et al., 2021).

A Mediterranean diet, for instance, can lower inflammatory markers and improve symptoms in conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair by stimulating ATP production and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Wickenheisser et al., 2019; Rayegani et al., 2017). Dr. Jimenez may use LLLT for patients with musculoskeletal pain, such as those with fibromyalgia or post-injury inflammation, to complement chiropractic care and rehabilitation.

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Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s Expertise

Dr. Jimenez, a dual-licensed chiropractor and nurse practitioner, brings a comprehensive approach to managing inflammation and pain at his El Paso, TX clinic. His expertise includes:

Advanced Diagnostics

Using neuromusculoskeletal imaging (e.g., X-rays, MRIs) and medical assessments (e.g., blood tests for CRP or IL-6), Dr. Jimenez identifies the root causes of inflammation and pain. This dual-scope approach ensures precise, personalized treatment plans (Germolec et al., 2018; Jimenez, n.d.).

Treating Diverse Injuries and Conditions

The clinic specializes in treating injuries and chronic conditions from various sources:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs): Whiplash, herniated discs, or nerve compression are treated with adjustments, LLLT, and rehabilitation exercises to reduce inflammation and restore function (Chiropractic Scientist, n.d.).
• Work Injuries: Repetitive strain injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, are managed with chiropractic care, acupuncture, and ergonomic advice to prevent chronic inflammation.
• Sports Injuries: Sprains, tendonitis, or ACL tears are treated with targeted rehabilitation and massage to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Personal Injuries: Falls or minor traumas are addressed with integrative therapies to prevent long-term pain and complications.
• Chronic Conditions: Conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis are managed with nutrition, exercise, and integrative therapies to reduce inflammation and pain.

Medical and Legal Support

For injury cases, particularly MVAs or workplace injuries, Dr. Jimenez provides thorough medical care and legal documentation, ensuring accurate records for insurance claims or legal proceedings (Jimenez, n.d.). This documentation supports patients’ recovery and legal needs, addressing both physical and administrative aspects of care.

Synergistic Healing

Dr. Jimenez’s treatments work together to enhance the body’s natural healing processes:

• Circulation and Detoxification: Rehabilitation exercises and massage boost blood and lymph flow, clearing inflammatory waste (Metsios et al., 2020).
• Inflammation Reduction: Acupuncture and LLLT target inflammatory pathways, while nutrition neutralizes free radicals (Wickenheisser et al., 2019; Kurapatti et al., 2023).
• Pain Management: Adjustments and stretching reduce nerve irritation and muscle tension, alleviating pain (Chiropractic Scientist, n.d.).
• Prevention: Addressing root causes like poor diet or stress prevents chronic conditions and pain (García-Domínguez, 2025).

For example, a patient recovering from an MVA with whiplash might receive chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal alignment, acupuncture to reduce pain, a rehabilitation program with low-impact exercises to boost circulation, and nutritional counseling to adopt a Mediterranean diet, all working together to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

Addressing Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia, often linked to chronic inflammation, requires careful management. Dr. Jimenez uses lab tests to monitor markers like IL-6 and TNF-?, which are elevated in fibromyalgia (García-Domínguez, 2025). His integrative approach, which includes chiropractic care, acupuncture, targeted exercise, and nutrition, reduces these markers, thereby alleviating pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation can contribute to persistent pain and serious health issues, but Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s integrative approach in El Paso, TX, offers effective non-surgical solutions. By combining chiropractic care, integrative therapies like acupuncture and massage, targeted rehabilitation exercises, and anti-inflammatory nutrition, he addresses the root causes of inflammation, reduces pain, and supports the body’s natural healing processes. Whether recovering from an injury, managing fibromyalgia, or seeking overall wellness, patients benefit from personalized care that promotes long-term health and well-being. Contact the clinic at (915) 850-0900 or visit https://chiropracticscientist.com/ to start your journey to pain relief and better health.

References

• Arulselvan, P., Fard, M. T., Tan, W. S., Gothai, S., Fakurazi, S., Norhaizan, M. E., & Kumar, S. S. (2016). Role of antioxidants and natural products in inflammation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2016, 5276130. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/5276130
• Chiropractic Scientist. (n.d.). Chiropractic Scientists | 915-850-0900. https://chiropracticscientist.com/
• García-Domínguez, M. (2025). Fibromyalgia and inflammation: Unrevealing the connection. Cells, 14(4), 271. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14040271
• Germolec, D. R., Shipkowski, K. A., Frawley, R. P., & Evans, E. (2018). Markers of inflammation. Methods in Molecular Biology, 1803, 57–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-8549-4_5
• Jimenez, A. (n.d.). Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC. https://dralexjimenez.com/
• Jimenez, A. (n.d.). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/
• Kurapatti, M., Ratheesh, M., & Jose, R. (2023). Diet composition’s effect on chronic musculoskeletal pain: A narrative review. Pain Physician, 26(7), 527–534. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37976478/
• Metsios, G. S., Moe, R. H., & Kitas, G. D. (2020). Exercise and inflammation. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 34(2), 101504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2020.101504
• Paroli, M., Gioffrè, F. M., & Caccamo, V. (2024). Inflammation, autoimmunity, and infection in fibromyalgia: A narrative review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(11), 5922. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115922
• Rayegani, S. M., Raeissadat, S. A., Heidari, S., & Moradi-Joo, M. (2017). Safety and Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of lasers in medical sciences, 8(Suppl 1), S12–S19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29071029/
• Strasser, B., Wolters, M., Weyh, C., Krüger, K., & Ticinesi, A. (2021). The effects of lifestyle and diet on gut microbiota composition, inflammation, and muscle performance in our aging society. Nutrients, 13(6), 2045. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13062045
• Suzuki, K. (2019). Chronic inflammation as an immunological abnormality and effectiveness of exercise. Biomolecules, 9(6), 223. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom9060223
• Wickenheisser, V. A., Zywot, E. M., Rabjohns, E. M., Lee, H. H., Lawrence, D. S., & Tarrant, T. K. (2019). Laser light therapy in inflammatory, musculoskeletal, and autoimmune disease. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports, 19(8), 37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-019-0869-z