by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
For those who�ve suffered a car accident, whiplash type injuries should be a very serious concern. Often times, the symptoms associated with a whiplash injury can develop several weeks or even months after the incident and it can be easy for an individual to believe there were no injuries as a result of the auto collision. Because of this, a majority of people don�t seek medical treatment following the car accident. Whiplash-associated injuries are among the most common neck injuries. Whiplash is caused by an abrupt movement of the head, either backward, forward, or sideways, which damages the supporting muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues in the neck and upper back.
The term whiplash was initially utilized in 1928 to identify an injury mechanism of sudden hyperextension followed by an immediate hyperflexion of the neck, resulting in damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments, most specifically, those supporting the head. Presently, we understand that this type of injury doesn�t necessarily occur as a result of extension and flexion beyond its natural range, instead, whiplash injuries are known to occur from an extremely rapid extension and flexion of the neck in any direction.
Because of their misunderstood, complex nature and the serious impact these could have on people�s lifestyles, only a limited amount of topics in the healthcare field have created as much controversy as whiplash injuries.�In order to help the individual better comprehend the nature of whiplash-associated injuries and how these should be properly treated, it is necessary to invest some time discussing the mechanics of how whiplash injuries occur.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
An abundance of studies has demonstrated that approximately half of all individuals with whiplash-associated injuries resulting after a car accident�may experience ongoing whiplash�symptoms if left untreated. Whiplash injuries are often misunderstood and, although the pain and discomfort of this type of injury may not always develop immediately, it’s essential for the individual to seek proper care from a chiropractor who specializes in soft tissue injuries. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
The neck is a complex structure composed of vertebral bones, joints, discs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. During an auto accident, the force from the impact will act against the body, frequently causing the head to jolt abruptly back-and-forth in any given direction, otherwise known as whiplash.
Individuals who were solely involved in rear-end impacts face up to a 50 percent chance of suffering from car accident whiplash injuries, and of those injured, there is also the risk they will develop further complications, such as chronic pain symptoms and/or degenerative conditions. Roughly half of all people with chronic neck pain can associate their issues to a prior car accident.
Whiplash can damage or injure the structures located around the cervical spine. The sudden motion of the neck stretches the surrounding tissues causing spinal misalignments, or subluxations, muscle, tendon and ligament strains and tears as well as pinched nerves and spinal degeneration over a period of time.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Millions of individuals experience whiplash-associated injuries in the United States alone due to the increasingly high number of car accidents, which unfortunately occur on a regular basis. A majority of these individuals may then develop symptoms of neck and back pain over time. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
When an unexpected automobile accident occurs, it�s essential to seek immediate medical attention from a recommended car accident doctor and specialist to receive a spinal evaluation and diagnose for any possible injuries or conditions, including if the individual didn�t experience any symptoms after the incident.
Because people are not readily prepared to deal with the legal processes involved during a car accident, many individuals settle their cases with the insurance companies before they�ve had a proper medical diagnosis from a healthcare professional trained in soft-tissue injuries. Moreover, once the individual has settled their case, they lose the right for care if indeed it was necessary. It�s in one�s best interest to get the attention they need to restore the original health of their body and ensure all its structures are functioning properly.
If a recent automobile accident left those involved feeling merely sore, it is still important to check the overall health of the individual as soon as possible. Whiplash, for example, is a common neck injury caused by a sudden back-and-forth jolt of the head due to an external force and its symptoms may develop 2 to 3 months after the initial injury. In addition, a large number of people whose injuries remain undetected after suffering an auto accident, may also experience neck or low back pain, numbness, muscle stiffness, headaches, fatigue and other complications over time including arthritis.
Not only are car accidents an inconvenience, many victims describe that they don�t feel like their normal selves following the events of the incident. The trauma from an injury or an aggravated condition may also cause irritability, memory loss, difficulty concentrating while awake and difficulty sleeping at night.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Many current modern day aspects of living can be stressful, however, after an individual has been involved in a car accident, dealing with the problems that follow the incident is reported to be one of the most upsetting situations people face today. More so yet, a high percentage of these can cause injuries or develop underlying conditions which can remain undetected for months and even years. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
A majority of people choose to ignore their symptoms after the car accident, hoping these will resolve on their own over time. Occasionally, the damage or injury from the incident may be so mild, the pains and aches may actually resolve on their own over a period of time, but when the discomfort begins to worsen, it�s time for them to seek immediate medical attention to properly determine the source of their symptoms and develop a proper treatment plan for each individual.
The sooner the individual receives a proper diagnosis and follows up with treatment, the sooner they will be able to return to their regular lifestyles without experiencing aches and pains as well as reduce the risk of future complications.
After visiting a healthcare provider due to symptoms from a car accident, the individual will have their injuries examined, documented and filed. Common automobile injuries such as whiplash, can present symptoms immediately after the accident, but sometimes, the symptoms can begin days, weeks and even months after the incident. Whiplash is a neck injury which occurs when the head moves abruptly back-and-forth due to the force of an impact, stretching and occasionally tearing the complex structures surrounding the cervical spine. Common whiplash symptoms can include; pain in the neck, arm, back and shoulders which is usually accompanied by headaches and muscle spasms as well as neck stiffness or tenderness, difficulty focusing and dizziness. Other symptoms include nerve injury along with a pins and needles sensation.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
When involved in a car accident, the individual�s concern will almost always focus on the state of their car first. Although the damage to a vehicle is important, however, many individuals frequently ignore the importance of one fragile and irreplaceable component which may also be injured during an auto accident, the human body. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
During jumping sports where great amounts of stress are suddenly placed on the lower extremities of the body, patellar tendinopathy, best known as jumper�s knee, can be a frequently reported type of injury. Patellar tendinopathy, or PT, ultimately alters an athlete�s overall performance, affecting their capacity to jump, land, run and change direction. While their decline in performance can lead to decreased training tolerance, the symptoms associated with the condition also often results in missed training days and competition for a majority of athletes.
For those individuals diagnosed with PT, managing the condition can be very challenging, especially for athletes during the competition phase of a season. Because increased amounts of force are constantly being placed against the tendon, patellar tendinopathy may commonly require many treatment sessions before it can truly begin to heal. It�s essential to be patient during the rehabilitation process to achieve a full recovery.
Taking this into consideration, several guidelines may be followed in order to properly formulate a rehabilitation program to restore the original state of the individual�s patella tendon and help athletes return to their regular training routines as soon as possible.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Patellar tendinopathy, best referred to as jumper’s knee, can be a challenging condition to manage for many athletes, especially during the phase of a competition season. Therefore, it�s important to take a thorough history check of the individual to understand the cause of the injury and begin treatment as soon as possible, reducing the symptoms. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
When it comes to making the proper health care decision nowadays, allopathic medicine and holistic medicine are two different forms of treatment that are widely considered by the general population. Finding the best, most appropriate healthcare option for any type of complication is essential, but many often question the expertise of these varying practitioners. While allopathic and holistic approaches can differ greatly from the other, both systems are frequently used to satisfy the main concerns involving the effectiveness and speed of eliminating painful symptoms. The two offer different benefits and approaches for treating the numerous injuries and conditions people are affected by.
Allopathic medicine refers to the system of medical practice which focuses on the use of pharmacologically active agents or physical interventions, such as the use of drugs or surgery, to treat and eliminate symptoms of injury, pathophysiologic processes of disease and conditions. Holistic medicine refers to the system of healthcare that emphasizes on naturally, treating the whole person to achieve optimal health and wellness, such as chiropractic treatment, rather than solely treating the single injury, condition and their symptoms.
Although many people commonly turn to more conventional, allopathic treatments for relief of their symptoms, holistic approaches, particularly chiropractic treatment, have progressively become more popular as an alternative, treatment option.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
After an individual develops symptoms due to direct trauma from an injury or an underlying condition, the first course of action should be to receive a proper diagnosis to determine the source of their pain and discomfort and follow up with the appropriate treatment option. Just as there are a wide variety of injuries and conditions, several medical approaches are available to provide comfort and relief to the affected individual. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Approximately, two-thirds of employees spend their work days sitting in front of a computer at a desk job. Hunching over a screen for extended periods of time while constantly using repetitive motions of the wrist when typing, is causing an excess amount of individuals to develop chronic conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition which leads to numbness and tingling sensations in the hand and arm as a result of a pinched nerve in the wrist, or other repetitive motion injuries.
Moreover, an unexpected accident at work like a slip-and-fall on a wet break room floor can lead to spinal injuries, such as a herniated disc, accompanied by symptoms of back pain.
A back injury is one of the most common work-related injuries affecting a majority of individuals. Poor posture is often the primary contributing factor of spinal issues among office workers. Sitting in an improper posture for prolonged hours strains the muscles and other complex tissues surrounding the spine, leading to pain, soreness and stiffness. Additionally, if the individual doesn�t correct their posture over time, the spine will begin to misalign or develop a subluxation, which can create further complications including sciatica. Once the individual has experienced symptoms of pain and discomfort, it�s essential for them to seek immediate medical attention for their injuries to avoid developing chronic symptoms.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Working in industrial or construction settings and lifting heavy objects can frequently lead to a variety of physical complications if the necessary precautions aren’t followed, but work-related issues don�t necessarily occur only in strenuous, physical jobs. In fact, many of the diagnosed workplace injuries treated by healthcare professionals occur in an office environment where the proper ergonomic techniques aren’t followed. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Each year, approximately 3.3 million individuals in the United States alone are injured on the job. Work injuries can take a tremendous toll on a person�s body, but not only can these be physically debilitating and impairing, they can ultimately prevent workers from actively engaging in both their personal and professional lifestyles.
Seeking immediate medical attention after experiencing a work injury can help improve the individual�s chances for a successful recovery. For those who choose to wait or delay their treatment, the risk of further pain, discomfort and injury is much greater than those who receive healthcare as soon as possible. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care and physical therapy are available and evidence has shown the effective, long lasting relief these conservative treatments offer for people after a work injury.
Numerous work injuries are diagnosed depending on the individual�s occupation, however, there are several common types of work injuries and symptoms which can frequently develop across the wide variety of jobs, including back and neck injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
After experiencing an injury at work, the symptoms can often challenge the individual’s physical and mental engagement in their professional lifestyles.�While several types of work injuries occur after an individual has been involved in an unexpected accident on the job, most work injuries are primarily caused by repetitive overuse and constant overexertion of specific areas of the body. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Cervical spondylosis, commonly known as arthritis of the neck, is the medical term used to describe these age-related, wear-and-tear changes that occur in the cervical spine over time. Neck arthritis occurs frequently among people over the age of 60 and its well-known symptoms can be debilitating and impairing for many while others may experience no noticeable symptoms. If diagnosed in time, cervical spondylosis can be treated effectively.
Cervical Spondylosis, or neck arthritis, generally develops naturally as a result of degenerative changes which deform the structures of the spine with age. These changes are normal and they occur in everyone, commonly without causing painful symptoms.
The spine consists of a variety of complex tissues that provide flexibility and mobility to the body. The vertebral discs, found between each adjacent vertebra, primarily function as a shock absorber to comfortably cushion the spinal bones when we move. Spinal discs also act as ligaments to hold the vertebrae of the spine together and as cartilaginous joints that allow slight mobility within the spine. Healthy discs are composed of two parts: a tough outer portion and a soft inner core, much like a jelly doughnut, which are designed to evenly distribute the stress and pressure that is placed on the spine.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Neck pain is a common issue affecting a majority of individuals. The symptom can be caused by a variety of complications, however, these can often be associated with age. As we age, the discs and joints found in the cervical spine, or neck, will gradually begin to degenerate, leading to further symptoms of pain and discomfort. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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