Many individuals enjoy riding all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs. It is a fun pastime and it gets individuals outdoors. However, when driving/riding any type of motor vehicle there is potential for crashes and accidents that can result in severe injuries. Unfortunately, many individuals get on an ATV without properly understanding how the vehicle operates, safety measures, and what to do in an emergency. Several facts about ATV accidents, provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
130,000+ individuals are injured every year from ATV accidents
Over 700 individuals are killed in these accidents every year
Around one-third of the individuals killed are under the age of 16.
Many of the accidents could have been prevented if proper safety protocols were followed
Many of these accidents are based on negligence or recklessness of the driver or other individual/s doing the same in close proximity. The causes range from:
Speeding recklessly
Steep hill-climbing
Rollovers
Drunk driving
Exceeding capacity
Many of these vehicles are designed to hold one passenger only. When a second or third passenger is on the vehicle, the accidents are usually of the secondary passengers falling or getting thrown off. In other cases, the passenger is not able to shift their weight with the driver, resulting in throwing the entire vehicle off-balance.
ATV
Today ATVs are used for various jobs including border patrol, construction, emergency medical response, snow plowing, and maintaining farmland. They can be fun, but they can also be extremely dangerous if not properly ridden. Every year faster, and more powerful ATVs arrive on the market for purchase. The first ATVs had around 7-horsepower, an 89 cc engine, and weighed about 200 pounds. Today, some have engines that are 600 ccs, with 50 horsepower, weigh over 400 pounds, and can go up to 100 miles per hour. These are powerful machines that can cause severe injuries.
Injuries typically happen to men around 18 to 30 years of age
80 percent of injuries impact the driver and not the passenger
The most common injury cause is associated with flips and/or rolls
When this happens, both the driver and passenger can get thrown and in some cases, pinned underneath.
Symptoms and Injuries
Common ATV injuries include:
All around body pain
Muscle stiffness
Fractures
Broken bones
Dislocation/s
Whiplash
Headaches
Migraines
Concussion
Neurologic injuries
Spinal cord damage
Chronic pain
Blurred Vision
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
Just like automobile accident injuries, there can be delayed symptoms that begin to present over days or weeks. Seeking the proper treatment as soon as possible is important to decrease inflammation and swelling before the injury/s worsens, or leads to other debilitating conditions. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help restore mobility and flexibility after an ATV accident. A combination of physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and massage will help with:
Keep a phone or other communication device in case of an emergency
Body Composition
Phase Angle values can determine what’s going on in the body
It can help identify health risks, address underlying health issues, and track the progress of lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. For many individuals phase angle analysis has helped them make data-driven health and wellness decisions. Many medical practices are using it to personalize a patient’s treatment plan. Lifestyle factors that are likely to impact phase angle include:
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 musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. 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, CTG* email: [email protected] phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Spine Trauma. The Anand Spine Group Web site. http://www.infospine.net/condition-spine-trauma.html. Accessed October 18, 2018.
Wilberger JE, Mao G. Spinal Trauma. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/spinal-trauma/spinal-trauma. Last reviewed November 2017. Accessed October 18, 2018.
Pelvic Fracture. Cedars-Sinai Web site. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/p/pelvic-fracture.html. Accessed October 18, 2018.
While bruising, soreness, and scrapes are common, whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries may not show for several days or weeks. While today’s vehicles are safer than ever, they can still only do so much when it comes to the body and musculoskeletal health. Being involved in an automobile accident, even a light tap can give a sudden jolt to the spine that although the individual might not have felt anything like discomfort or pain, it was enough to shift the disc/s out of place or set them up to shift out of place. No one wants to be involved in a car or motorcycle accident, but regardless of good driving habits, or how advanced the safety features on the vehicle might be, the average driver will be involved in three to four automobile accidents in their life.
Whiplash
Whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents. More than 3 million Americans will see a doctor and a chiropractor for automobile accidents and whiplash effects. It only takes a 2.5 mph hit to cause an injury. And whiplash doesn’t only happen when hit from behind, there are several ways an individual can be subjected to whiplash, including being T-boned, amusement park rides, and falling off a bicycle or a horse.
Symptoms
Most whiplash symptoms develop in the first twenty-four hours, but this is not always the case. Common symptoms include:
Most individuals realize they have whiplash a day or two after, but for others, it can take a few weeks or even months to present. Whiplash is classified by degree or grade:
Grade 0
The individual has no complaints and there are no symptoms/signs of physical injury.
Grade 1
There is neck pain but there are no physical signs of injury.
Grade 2
There are signs/symptoms of musculoskeletal damage and neck pain is presenting.
Grade 3
There are signs/symptoms of neurological damage and neck pain is presenting.
The average amount of time most individuals stay home from work is around 40 days. However, when whiplash pain lasts longer than a few weeks, it is deemed to be chronic whiplash.
Chronic Whiplash
Some individuals with whiplash experience painful symptoms for years. This is true of those that avoid or refuse medical attention and learn to live with it.
Treatment Options
There are very effective methods for treating whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries. Depending on the extent of the injury/s, developing the right treatment/rehabilitation plan requires individual consultation with a chiropractor to discuss options that can include:
Pain Relief
The pain can be excruciating. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for temporary relief. However, the individual will need extended treatment to ensure it does not become chronic pain.
Neck Brace
Neck braces help limit the pain, but should not be worn for more than three or four days. If worn for too long the neck muscles are prevented from gaining the strength needed to support the head.
Don’t Sit For Too Long
Avoid keeping the head in any one position for too long. This includes sitting in bed, watching TV, or working at a desk. This places a large amount of pressure and stress on the neck, making the pain even more severe and longer-lasting.
Sleeping Properly and Comfortably
For many, it can be difficult to get into a comfortable position when sleeping. Sleeping on the back with the head turned to one side can worsen the pain. Try a high-quality ergonomic pillow that allows the individual to sleep on their side and takes the pressure off of the neck.
Spinal Alignment
Whiplash can cause the spine to shift out of alignment. This can lead to additional problems in the back or shoulders. It�s always a good idea to see a chiropractor that specializes in motor vehicle accident injuries to realign the spine and neck, as well as for rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles and prevent further injuries. See a chiropractor for an evaluation of the injuries and develop a customized treatment plan that works for the individual’s condition.
Everyone is different
Some individuals can be stiff and sore for a few days and then are okay with not much pain. Some individuals experience severe pain immediately after the wreck, while others have no pain for days or even weeks. Both scenarios are pretty common. Soft tissue injuries can be very deceiving. Some don�t experience any pain for months after the accident. Many don�t think they need to see a doctor or chiropractor because there is no pain or symptoms. However, underneath serious problems could be getting ready to present including:
Constant headaches
Numbness or pins and needles in the hands or arms
Pain between the shoulder blades
Poor posture
Chronic muscle tension
Painful spasms
Degeneration of the discs
Painful inflamed arthritis
The quick development of arthritis
Sore, tight, or inflexible muscles
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Dizziness
Body Composition
A decrease in physical activity
Physical inactivity is a primary factor in the progression of sarcopenia. Resistance exercise can help maintain muscle mass and help build muscular strength. Individuals that are more sedentary can exacerbate the effects of sarcopenia.
A decrease in motor neurons
Aging is accompanied by motor neuron loss resulting from cell death. This leads to a decrease in muscle fiber. This decrease in muscle fibers leads to:
Impaired performance
A reduction in functional capacity
A decreased ability to perform everyday tasks
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Driving with back pain can make trips a nightmare. Here are some driving tips to save your back when on the move. There is nothing like the freedom of hitting the open road. Family, friends, or solo, the destination along with new sights breezing by, refreshes the mind. With the COVID pandemic, many have turned to trucks, cars, SUVs, and RVs for a comfortable, safe mode of transportation.
Back pain from driving can become a serious issue. Studies have shown how low back pain, and spending a significant amount of time driving are interconnected. And other studies have also shown living a sedentary lifestyle like sitting for a long time will lead to some form of back pain that can become exacerbated by elongated driving. Road trips and regular commuting can both impact an individual’s spine. It depends on the length of time drivers are behind the wheel as well as any present spinal conditions.
Long commutes and road trips can take a toll on the body that can continue to increase in its severity. Individuals live most of their lives in a flexed/flexing posture. Meaning that there is the ability to shift positions and move around. This could be like Sleeping curled up, then on the back, sitting at a desk/workstation, then standing, stretching out, twisting, and bending.
Driving creates a whole different type of spinal stress because of the physical mechanics involved. Automobiles generate different types of forces on the back. Factors such as accelerating, decelerating, swaying side to side, and vibrations all can contribute to back pain. To elaborate the feet and legs control the vehicle, and so are not able to help stabilize the spine, and vibration from uneven/loose gravel roads can cause issues with the spinal discs.
Discomfort and pain can occur for the driver and passenger/s. Individuals with diagnosed back condition/s can experience a worsening of symptoms and an increase in pain. This could be a postural imbalance, sciatica, or arthritis. Here are some driving tips to show how to prevent back pain before, during, and after the trip.
Before Driving
Prevention is the best way to decrease back pain when driving. The following precautions are recommended:
Think about getting helpful sitting aids/lumbar support cushions, like memory foam and air-filled seat cushions.
If specifically dealing with tailbone pain, a support with a tailbone cutout is recommended.
Optimize the seat by placing the back a little beyond fully upright. From 100 to 105-110 degrees, so the individual maintains proper posture. Inclining more can lead to a forward-head posture that can cause neck pain.
The seat should be close enough to the steering wheel to provide a relaxed upper body posture. However, make sure that the legs are not too close to the steering wheel and there is room to maneuver. The seat should be level around 5 degrees upward to provide support to the legs.
If unable to provide lumbar support rolling up a towel/thick sweater etc can be placed in the small of the back providing a quick fix.
The Drive
Eyes on the road and hands at 10 and 2 but don�t take the focus off the spine.
If driving for more than 20 minutes, it is recommended to make adjustments/changes in the seated position. Just a slight tweak can reduce the driving forces on the spine.
Driving for longer than an hour then short breaks are necessary. Pit stops are spine savers. Just like work breaks that involve standing, walking around, and stretching out, bending forward and leaning backward will keep the spine flexible, uncompressed with optimal blood flow.
Heated seats can help soothetight back muscles. It acts as a heating pad.
Remove items from pockets, especially wallets or similar objects in the back pocket. This can lead to an asymmetrical position that leads to shifting weight/stress loads to one side creating an added strain on the spine and awkward postures.
Stopping
After driving for an extended period, resting is vital to spine health. Utilize time out of the vehicle to continue prevention.
Sitting right after driving is not recommended.
Right after driving the body needs to move after being in the static driving/passenger position for some time.
Standing, walking, and doing some gentle stretches are recommended. Back extensions and side bending are examples.
Core exercises can help and should also be incorporated into a regular physical exercise regimen.
However, exercises after long or strenuous drives when the body is fatigued are not recommended, as intense exercise can lead to injury or worsening of back pain.
Pain Continues After
If there was a small/low amount of pain or if it was a pain-free experience then perhaps the driving tips helped. If the pain continues and there was no help with these driving tips, it might be time to see a doctor or chiropractor. Minor aches and pains can be expected, but if there is pain lasting longer than a few days or limits function, then seeking out medical advice is recommended.
Car Accident Chiropractic Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Truide has been working for the past 20 years in claims resolutions. She works hand in hand with patients and is available to resolve dispute resolutions. She also works as the patient liaison for clinical and legal matters.
Truide Torres Jimenez (Brief Bio & Her Personal Message) Driven by the passion of doing what is in the patient’s best interest, I wake up every morning with the drive to help those in need. The claims process for health care is full of pits, valleys, and difficult obstacles designed to strike fear in those in need. My duty is to do what is within the confines of the law, “whatever it takes,” to get those involved to pay attention to those who need help. That is what I am honored to do for our patients.
My Purpose: In finding my purpose, I find the bigger “Why” behind my business. This is essential in the challenges I have seen in these times. Each day, I search for God’s message in my purpose, which I pray takes me to another level. At the end of the day, I, too, do not want to work for the sake of working. As humans and God-fearing individuals, we like to know we’re aligned with what we feel we are called to do. So getting with my purpose and my “why” has always so important to me. I love people, and I want to help them, especially when they are in need.
My Commitment As defined, commitment is “the state or quality of being dedicated to cause activity, etc.” Without commitment, it is difficult, if not impossible, to push through challenges to reach our goals. My commitment is to serve my fellow person in their clinical needs and find the right solution for them.
My Dedication: “The quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose is what I strive daily for every day.” I have always told my children that you commit to it once you have a purpose, and you see it through. I, too, try to live my life by those words. Yes, it’s work, and there is no substitute other than to dig in and get it done. There is no substitute for practice and preparation. Our success with our patients has always been dependent on the level of effort we as a team have been able to focus on with our independent and prioritized tasks mutually. I commit to being dedicated to our God-directed purpose.
Perseverance I believe that to persevere, you must show continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failures, or oppositions. With our patients and those we assist, we face many challenges and need and pray for the ability to push through and pick ourselves up when down. I can only imagine how my clients feel. For that reason, I push harder to help them. Simply put, each challenge we as a team overcomes, the closer we can help our patients and those in need. So we stay the course and overcome the fear and struggles our patients have and help them clinically persevere.
Personally, I have seen great injustices transpire on those that do NOT have a voice in today’s world. Whether a language barrier or just not knowing the rules. My job is to find out how I can help. If I personally can not help, I will find the right sources to open the possibilities. Then, I get the job done.
As a wife and mother of 2 children, 2 dogs and 3 cats, my passion is for God, Family, and the mission of serving my fellow man.
Call me if you need help with clinical matters:
Office 915-850-0900 / Cell: 915-252-6149
Truide Torres – Jimenez Patient Advocate: Injury Medical Clinic PA
Part 2 delayed braking reaction time caused by sciatica, we continue with the spinal cord, nerves, and how they communicate with the brain. A herniated disc can cause sciatica, which is a compressing of the nerve/s in and around the spinal cord. This compression causes a pinching of the nerve/s like bending a water hose cuts off the flow and damages the hose, is what happens to the spinal nerve/s cutting proper blood flow, and proper synapse/signal flow.
This occurs from the damage to the nerve/s and could delay braking signals for a split second. But that is all that is needed for an auto accident to happen. A delay in braking time has been found in individuals with herniated/bulging/ruptured/slipped discs. Fortunately, through chiropractic and physical therapy, the nerves can be re-stimulated and brought back to optimal function.
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Communication
The spinal cord is about one inch across at its widest and around eighteen inches long. The spinal cord is a type of tube that is filled with nerves and cerebrospinal fluid. This protects and nourishes the cord. Spinal cord added protection includes:
There are three types of membranes surrounding the spinal cord referred to as meninges. The outer membrane is known as the dura mater, the middle membrane is the arachnoid mater and the innermost membrane is the pia mater. �
� These membranes can become inflamed and damaged by disease or trauma. Arachnoiditis is caused by inflammation of the arachnoid lining that results in intense stinging and burning pain. This can happen post-surgery and can cause the scarring of nerve/s.
The nerves exit the spinal column and branch out to the rest of the body. All parts of the body are controlled by specific spinal nerves. The nerves are placed in and around the area they control. Like the nerves in the neck area branch out into the arms. This is why a neck ache/pain issue can lead to pain spreading into the arms and hands.
Thoracic spine controls the middle of the body,
The lumbar spine extends into the outer legs controlling that area
Sacral nerves control the middle of the legs and organ functions of the pelvis
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The brain
Two major types of nerves: sensory and motor. Sensory nerves send information like:
Touch
Temperature
Pain
These get sent to the brain via the spinal cord. Motor nerves relay signals from the brain back to the muscles making them contract voluntarily or reflexively. Peripheral nervous system – the PNS has nerves that extend down the spinal canal and branch out at openings in the vertebrae called foramina. �
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Signals/messages get sent to and from the brain aka the central nervous system. It sends all types of signals including pain and initiates movement. For example, the nerves reflexively make the spine twist and turn when driving to keep balance when turning and braking. The peripheral nervous system is a collection of millions of nerves throughout the torso and limbs. This system conveys messages to the central nervous system.
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Referred pain
When a health problem/issue/condition takes place in one part of the body with pain being felt in another or several areas, pain specialists call it referred pain.
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Nerves
Nerves exiting the spinal cord is done in pairs with one being a sensory nerve, and the other a motor nerve. Motor nerves initiate movement and bodily function. Damage to a motor nerve could cause a weakness in a muscle or loss of function. For example, a prick in the foot that is not felt could mean there is some sensational loss, indicating a problem with the sensory nerves and or possible nerve damage. These are the nerves that control pain, temperature, etc. Sensory nerve issues can feel like shooting electrical pain Continuing with activities could exacerbate the nerve damage.
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Cauda Equina
� The spinal cord ends at the lumbar low back, where the nerves extend in a bundle of strands called cauda equina, called this because it looks like a horsetail. These nerves provide motor and sensory function to the:
Legs
Intestines
Genitals
Bladder
Therefore, based on this knowledge there is adequate information displaying how sciatica could cause a delayed braking reaction time based on the nerves’ dysfunctional signal firing. Chiropractic treatment could be an option to help an individual realign their spine, work out tight muscles, nerves, ligaments preventing any further damage, and getting the individual back in top form.
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Chiropractors & Sciatica Syndrome Expose
NCBI Resources
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Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Research has found that individuals with disc herniation/s can have a delayed braking time when driving. After undergoing surgery these individuals showed significant improvement in braking time.
Based on this information Dr. Jimenez looks at how individuals with functional sciatica, (often caused by a herniated disc) meaning they can move and operate a vehicle to a certain point without generating pain, however they often put themselves in extreme/awkward positions just to operate, could also have a delay in brake reaction time. �
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Sciatic Nerve
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that travels from the lower back down both of the legs and into the feet.�Sciatica begins in the low back. The nerve roots in the lower spine come together and turn into the sciatic nerve. Sciatica happens when these nerves get pinched/compressed. This usually occurs from a herniated disc or when the spinal canal narrows called stenosis.
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Symptoms
Typically, sciatica causes:
Pain in the leg/s
Shooting pain that goes down from the low back, through the leg, calf and sometimes into the foot
Electrical pain running/shooting down the leg
Burning pain
Pain from slight movement
Numbness
Weakness
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A car accident can cause sciatica, but now it seems that sciatica can cause an automobile accident because of delayed braking reaction time. People with sciatica that is present without pain often say there is a constant non-painful tingling, numbness, or numbing sensation along the leg that lets them know the sciatica is still there.
This could be insufficient blood flow from wherever the impingement is happening. Keep in mind that there could be multiple areas of impingement. Just like the slow blood flow, they may find when they drive the impingement slows the motor-sensory signal and braking time to depress the brake pedal fast enough to avoid a collision.
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Nerve Treatment
Sciatica can be treated non-surgically with:
Chiropractic
Physical therapy
24 to 48 hours of rest
Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Muscle spasms can be treated with heat or ice
� Patients with sciatica feel better with time, usually a few weeks. However, if pain continues, other forms of treatment can be discussed.�A doctor or chiropractor may advise�light exercise and therapeutic stretching. As recovery progresses they may give you exercises to strengthen the back and core.
With new automobiles implementing automatic braking systems has helped significantly reduce accidents, however, there are still bugs to sort out. This is normal with these computerized systems. Reliance upon these systems, especially those with sciatica, herniated, or bulging disc/s, could be a dangerous combination, specifically when it comes to braking reaction time.
Sciatica Pain* Treatment Relief
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Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate 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 make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require added explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
A burst fracture describes an injury to the spine where the vertebrae get compressed severely. These types of injuries occur from severe trauma, like an automobile accident or a serious fall, sports injury, work injury. These injuries entail a great deal of force into the spine, so much so that a vertebra can get crushed.
When crushed in the front of the spine, a wedge-shaped fracture occurs and is known as a compression fracture.
But if the vertebral body gets crushed in all directions this is known as a burst fracture.
The term burst means that the vertebral body spreads out in all directions.
Severe Injury
This is a much more severe injury than a compression fracture. With the bones crushed and possible rough jagged edges, if they spread out the spinal cord has a high probability of being injured. The fragments can bruise the spinal cord causing paralysis or partial neurologic injury. The spine becomes far less stable than from a compression fracture.
Nerve Injury
Neurologic injuries from a burst fracture can range from no injury to paralysis. This depends on the amount of force present at the time of the injury and how much the spinal canal is compromised.
A greater amount of force equals more bony fragments that can be forced into the spinal canal and cause higher loss of spinal cord function.
This can cause loss of:
Strength
Sensation
Reflexes below the injury
With an incomplete spinal cord injury, partial paralysis or partial reflex loss occurs.
With a mild burst fracture, only short-term symptoms could be present and no neurologic injury.
Intense Pain
Burst fractures can cause intense pain and the pain is right where the trauma took place.
But pain can also present in the legs and feet depending on how the spinal nerves were affected, shifted or pinched. Patients complain of an electric tingling or shooting type sensation in their legs with spinal cord compression. With a burst fracture, individuals are unable to walk right after the trauma. But the pain percentage present is severe enough that they know not to try and walk.
Diagnosis
If at the sight of the accident the patient says that they have severe back pain should not be in a seated flexed position. They need to be kept lying flat and transported in a flat position.
If they stand or sit with a burst fracture, it can increase the possibility of a neurologic injury.
Burst fractures require immediate medical attention from an orthopedic or neurosurgeon. The patient is taken to an emergency room and x-rays, CT scans are gathered.
The diagnosis of a burst fracture is typically made with x-rays and a CT scan.
Sometimes, an MRI will be ordered to assess the amount of:
Soft tissue trauma
Bleeding
Ligament injury
The CT scan and x-rays allow the doctor to determine the level of the fracture, and if it is a:
Compression fracture
Burst fracture
Fracture-dislocation
This will determine how much the spinal canal has been compromised and if its angulation or angle has taken an abnormal bend or curve. These factors all contribute to the development of an optimal treatment plan.
The physical exam will document:
Spinal deformity and Angulation of the spine
Tenderness of the spine where the fracture is located
Neurologic exam
Neurologic exam should include testing:
Muscle strength
Sensation
Reflexes of the lower extremities
Testing of bowel and bladder control
Treatment & Recovery
A stable burst fracture can be treated without surgery.
A stable burst fracture falls into these parameters:
There is no neurologic injury
The angulation is less than 20 degrees
The amount of spinal canal compromise is less than 50%
With this type of treatment, a brace along with physical therapy/chiropractic can have excellent results.
A turtle or clamshell brace TLSO�(Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis) is a body cast used in the treatment of a burst fracture.
The brace is worn for eight to twelve weeks for adequate and optimal healing.
There are times when a fracture thought stable and treated can start to angulate. This may require surgery. However, all burst fractures require some form of treatment.
Recovery
Nonsurgical treatment patients stay in the hospital for one or two days while their brace is fit.
X-rays are done in the standing position to make sure the spine stays stable.
Pain medications are prescribed for three to four weeks
Non-narcotic medications can begin after the final week
When the brace is removed, physical therapy and chiropractic are instituted to help return strength to the core and lower extremities.
Surgical patients will remain in the hospital for three to five days.
They will be fitted with a brace after the incisions present less pain and are recovered from the surgery.
They can walk within one or two days with the help of a physical therapist.
X-rays are taken to follow the position of the spine and see how the healing is progressing.
Chiropractic/Physical therapy is implemented to help with core strength and lower extremity strength.
Recovery time depends on the severity of the neurologic injury.
Patients that don’t have a neurologic injury can make a full recovery with return to most activities.
Patients with partial neurological injuries can also expect to fully recover.
Unfortunately, with permanent neurologic injury, recovery can be limited.
But treatment for burst fractures today is superior to what they were years ago, especially with spine specialists and specific spinal procedures.
Chiropractic Rehab
Chiropractic is not a treatment for fractures but is a treatment for subluxations and rehabilitation with these types of fractures. Once a fracture has stabilized and healed properly, a chiropractic evaluation can rule out any lingering subluxation, herniation, and joint restriction. The adjustments are safe and effective in establishing optimal function to a subluxated joint.
Chiropractic Treatment For Car Accident Injuries El Paso, Texas
We focus on what works for you. We also strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total wellness programs. These programs are natural and use the body�s own ability to achieve goals of improvement.
NCBI Resources
Chiropractors can help alleviate some of the long-term and immediate concerns associated with bone fractures. A chiropractor can help with compression techniques which are beneficial in maintaining the bone in place for healing. A chiropractor may also advocate wellness techniques, such as a healthy diet that will optimize the body�s ability to restore its original health and wellness. Chiropractors may also educate a patient on a variety of exercises and stretches to reduce the likelihood of complications and which, if done properly and at fixed intervals, will promote quicker recovery.
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