Chiropractic care may help alleviate discomfort associated with chronic inflammation and support your body’s natural healing processes.

Addressing Chronic Inflammation with Functional Medicine in El Paso, TX

Inflammation is a vital 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 lingers 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, employs a functional medicine approach, combined with chiropractic care and integrative therapies, to address the root causes of chronic inflammation. This article examines the distinctions between acute and chronic inflammation, their respective roles in the body, the environmental factors that contribute to chronic inflammation, and how non-surgical treatments can mitigate 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 scrape your knee, 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 burn 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 joints can cause persistent pain and stiffness, limiting mobility and quality of life.

The Role of Inflammation in the Body

Inflammation is essential for survival, but it can become harmful when it becomes 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 (EP Wellness & Functional Medicine Clinic, 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 functional medicine 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 (EP Wellness & Functional Medicine Clinic, 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 sugary snacks 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 functional 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-α, thereby exacerbating chronic pain and other health issues (EP Wellness & Functional Medicine Clinic, 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).

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Exploring Integrative Medicine- Video

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Non-Surgical Treatments for Pain Relief and Wellness

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

Functional Medicine Approach

Functional medicine focuses on the whole person, considering genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Dr. Jimenez uses detailed lab work to identify inflammatory markers like CRP, glucose, or hemoglobin A1c, providing insights into underlying issues (Germolec et al., 2018). Benefits include:

• Personalized Care: Treatments are tailored to each patient’s unique health profile based on lab results and history.
• Root Cause Focus: Identifies triggers, such as diet or stress, to prevent chronic inflammation.
• Natural Healing: Emphasizes non-prescription, all-natural treatments to restore organ function (EP Wellness & Functional Medicine Clinic, n.d.).

For example, a patient with chronic fatigue may undergo laboratory testing to detect inflammation, followed by a customized nutrition and exercise plan to alleviate symptoms.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments correct spinal misalignments (subluxations) that contribute to inflammation and pain, particularly in conditions like sciatica 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 (EP Wellness & Functional Medicine Clinic, 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 (Jimenez, n.d.).

For instance, a patient with chronic lower back pain 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.

Functional Exercise and Rehabilitation

Exercise is a cornerstone of inflammation and pain management. 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).
• Yoga and stretching improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and lower stress hormones that fuel inflammation (Metsios et al., 2020).

For example, a patient recovering from a sports injury might follow a yoga routine 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 (EP Wellness & Functional Medicine Clinic, 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 flaxseeds 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, to complement chiropractic care and functional medicine.

Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s Expertise

Dr. Jimenez, a dual-licensed chiropractor and nurse practitioner, brings a comprehensive functional medicine approach to 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 Conditions and Injuries

The clinic addresses chronic conditions and injuries from various sources:

• Chronic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes or fibromyalgia are managed with nutrition, exercise, and integrative therapies to reduce inflammation (EP Wellness & Functional Medicine Clinic, n.d.).
• Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs): Whiplash, herniated discs, or other injuries are treated with adjustments, LLLT, and rehabilitation exercises to reduce inflammation and restore function.
• Work Injuries: Repetitive strain injuries are managed with chiropractic care, acupuncture, and ergonomic advice to prevent chronic inflammation.
• Sports Injuries: Sprains or tendonitis are treated with functional exercises 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.

Medical and Legal Support

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

Synergistic Healing

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

• Circulation and Detoxification: Exercise 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 (EP Wellness & Functional Medicine Clinic, n.d.).
• Prevention: Addressing root causes like poor diet or stress prevents chronic conditions and pain (García-Domínguez, 2025).

For example, a patient with fibromyalgia might receive chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal alignment, acupuncture to reduce pain, a tailored exercise plan 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-α, which are elevated in fibromyalgia (García-Domínguez, 2025). His integrative approach, including chiropractic care, functional exercise, acupuncture, and nutrition, reduces these markers, alleviating pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

Conclusion

Chronic inflammation can contribute to persistent pain and serious health issues, but Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s functional medicine approach in El Paso, TX, offers effective non-surgical solutions. By combining chiropractic care, integrative therapies like acupuncture and massage, functional exercise, and anti-inflammatory nutrition, he addresses the root causes of inflammation, reduces pain, and supports the body’s natural healing processes. Whether managing fibromyalgia, recovering from an injury, or seeking overall wellness, patients benefit from personalized care that promotes long-term health. Contact the clinic at (915) 850-0900 or visit https://wellnessdoctorrx.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
• EP Wellness & Functional Medicine Clinic. (n.d.). Homepage – EP Wellness & Functional Medicine Clinic. https://wellnessdoctorrx.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