Back Clinic Personal Injury Chiropractic Team. Injuries from an accident can not only cause physical harm to you or a loved one, being involved in a personal injury case can often be a complicated and stressful situation to handle. These types of circumstances are unfortunately fairly common and when the individual is faced with pain and discomfort as a result of trauma from an accident or an underlying condition that has been aggravated by the injury, finding the right treatment for their specific issue can be another challenge on its own.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s compilation of personal injury articles highlights a variety of personal injury cases, including automobile accidents resulting in whiplash, while also summarizing various effective treatments, such as chiropractic care. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.
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
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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*
Sit-stand desks are coming around, especially with so many of us working from home. Sitting is not a bad thing, it is just that we do it too much. Whether at home or work, too much-sitting causes health problems, and musculoskeletal problems, which can lead to a chronic back pain condition.
Too much sitting has been compared to smoking, and sitting in front of a computer for hours and hours has led to 85% of workers reporting discomfort/pain/ health issues at work. Fortunately, there is hope for the modern-day office known as the sit-stand desk or a standing office desk. Individuals are rapidly discovering the benefits of this ergonomic tool. �
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� Sit-stand desks encourage workers not to sit as much and stand for a while. This generates a spectrum of spine health benefits that range from reducing pressure on the back to burning a few extra calories just from changing positions. Thinking of investing in an adjustable desk, here are some key things to consider.
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Get a new sit-stand desk or a unit that sits on top of my desk
This depends on the amount of space that is available. If there is plenty of space, specifically, to spread things out over a large desk area, then it can make sense to invest in a stand-alone sit-stand desk. If the current desk is right for you, then a sit-stand desk put on top of the current desk may be the better option.
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Height Adjustment
It�s important that the height of the desk can be adjusted. This has to do with different heights for different work tasks. For example, an individual could prefer one height for writing and another height when working/keyboarding on the computer.
If the desk is going to be used by others, then it�s essential that the height can be adjusted to meet the needs of those with different heights and work preferences. The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association recommends that the height range be 22.6? to 48.7?. Ultimately the range depends on those using the desk. �
Depth of the desk
Depth is the front-to-back tabletop distance when facing the desk. A good choice is a desk that has a minimum depth of 30?. This allows those who prefer more desk space the ability to spread out the work. However, smaller depths are available.
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Weight capacity
Sit-stand desks are built to handle the weight of the usual desktop items:
Computer
Monitor/s
Keyboard
Mouse
Speakers
Phone
With heavy items, it’s best to review the weight restrictions of the desk you will be using. Weight restrictions vary, but there are all kinds of desk models to fit your needs. �
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Desk budget
This depends on your budget, work purposes, and quality. Sit-stand desks can be found in a wide range of prices. Opting for the cheapest desk is not the wisest thing to do. Remember these desks are an investment in the spine and overall health. Consider the quality of the desk and how long it will last along with a warranty to protect you if the desk malfunctions.
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What to look for
Sit-stand desks come with all kinds of options, in terms of quality and convenience.
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Noise level:
If a quiet work environment is important, then look into desks that offer a quiet action/transition when switching from sitting to standing and vice versa.
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Speed:
Some desks can take a long time to switch. Be careful with these because the use of the full functionality can diminish because of the length of time it takes. Look for the quick adjustment type.
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Manual vs. electrical:
There are some desk models that operate using hand cranks, locking switches, etc. while others use electric/pneumatic lifts to raise and lower the desk with a power button. The method of movement chosen will have a distinct impact on the ease of use, speed, and noise level.
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Programmable:
Some desks can be programmed with height preferences so they can be set to the desired position and saved.
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Customization:
If the desk needs to be able to function around privacy screens or specialized office equipment, a one-size-fits-all desk may not be the best option. This is something to consider if the desk needs to fit perfectly in an established environment. �
Keeping the desk in the standing position
Some individuals may feel better standing all day. However, standing for long periods does as much damage to the spine as sitting all day. The best approach is to vary postures over a workday.
After sitting for an hour, get up and move around.
If you�ve been standing for a while, take a break and sit.
That is what sit-stand desks are made for. They are made to promote changing positions throughout the day, which is the best thing for the spine. Be prepared for a transition period. Standing at work can bring some unexpected fatigue if you’re used to sitting all day.
Getting into the flow of working while sitting then standing, then going back can be a bit daunting. The goal is to slowly build up the amount of time standing, switching to a sitting position, and getting comfortable doing it. Things that can help with the transition are to wear supportive shoes or get custom foot orthotics and use an ergonomic foot mat to make the transition more comfortable.
It will be a short-term adjustment period, but the long-term benefits are well worth it. Employers and employees along with their spines will be very thankful.
Physical therapy involves both passive and active treatments and�is an effective treatment for whiplash, especially combined with other treatments, like bracing and chiropractic. Whiplash causes the soft tissues in your neck to get damaged. A physical therapist can work with you to restore proper function and movement of those tissues.
Passive treatments help to relax tension in the muscle tissues brought on during the accident in the neck and body. It is considered a passive treatment because the patient does not actively participate. Fresh from the injury acute pain sets in, therefore passive treatment is usually the first type of therapy used as your body begins to heal and adjusts to the symptoms.
The primary goal of physical therapy is to get the patient actively participating in active treatment until they can do the exercises on their own. The therapeutic exercises that physical therapists teach to a patient are for strengthening your entire body to ensure that your spine is optimally supported.
Passive Treatment
Deep Tissue Massage
This technique focuses on tight muscle tension that develops from the injury. Direct pressure is applied and massaged to release the tension in the soft tissues like the:
Ligaments
Tendons
Muscles
This will help these tissues heal quicker and keep them loose.
Hot/Cold Therapy
Heat therapy is used by physical therapists to circulate more blood to the injured area. Increased blood flow allows more oxygen, and nutrients to the area. Blood also removes the waste products created by muscle spasms.
Cold therapy slows the blood’s circulation, which helps to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain. Physical therapists alternate between hot and cold therapy depending on the patient’s condition.
Whether in a car accident or other type of trauma hot and cold therapy can be used at home. Ice should be used first to bring down the inflammation. After 24 to 48 hours, switch between ice and heat. The heat helps relax tense muscles and increases blood circulation to the injured area. Never put ice or heat directly on the skin, wrap in a towel then apply.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound helps reduce muscle:
Cramping
Pain
Spasms
Stiffness
Swelling
Sound waves are sent deep into the muscle tissues and create a gentle heat that circulates the blood that optimizes the healing process.
Active Treatment
When the active part of the therapy begins, the therapist will teach/train you a variety of exercises to work on strength and range of motion or how the joints move with ease or not. Each physical therapy program is customized to each patient’s condition, health, and medical history.
Some exercises might not be appropriate for someone else with a whiplash injury as they could worsen their symptoms and exacerbate the injury. Learning how to correct your posture and utilizing ergonomics into your regular daily activities is part of the therapy program. Once recovered this posture work will continue to help because of the training/exercising you can prevent other forms of neck pain that develop from regular life.
Physical therapy for whiplash patients helps reduce muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, and promote healing of the neck tissues.
Spinal Bracing Another Treatment Option
Whiplash is very treatable, another option is using a cervical brace or cervical collar. The brace provides support to the neck while the soft tissues heal. The soft tissue’s job is to support your neck, but when they’re injured, they can’t do their job. That’s where the brace comes in.
Cervical devices limit the neck’s movement and support your head, which takes the weight off the neck.
This allows the muscles to rest while they heal. Your doctor will inform you of how long you need to wear the brace. Generally, it is worn for two to three weeks. The doctor will explain how to wear the collar, which means how long to weary it each day, caring for the collar, handling daily activities like showering, sitting, sleeping, etc. Symptoms usually subside in two to three weeks. However, if there is still pain, soreness, or other symptoms, you may have to try other treatments.
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After a car accident, you may notice neck pain.�It could be a�slight soreness that you think is nothing but take care more than likely you have whiplash.�And that�little soreness can turn into a lifetime of chronic neck pain�if only treated with pain meds and not�treated at the source.
Back/spine injuries now rank either second or third overall for workplace injury/s. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, every year there are over 900,000 cases of back injuries that account for 1 in 4 non-fatal job-related injuries that involve work days missed.�
Backcare & Standing Work
Back injuries can be painful, debilitating, and life-changing. 8 out of 10 people will experience a back/spine injury that can lead to chronic pain and health conditions. We all need to know, especially those of us that work standing up is firsthand knowledge of how important it is learning how to improve spine health and take steps to prevent back injury.
In order to prevent low back disorders means that there needs to be an understanding�of the spine when working along with knowledge of back injury risk factors.
Back/Spine Basics
The spine is a flexible structure that consists of 24 bones that move, shift, and contort, called vertebrae. There are:
7 in the neck
12 in the chest
5 in the low back
These are connected by ligaments and separated by pads of cartilage, called intervertebral discs. These are the shock absorbers that allow the flexible movement of the spine, specifically at the neck and the low back.
When we stand, the spine naturally curves inwards and outwards. The inward curve is called lordosis, and curves towards the front of the body at the lower back and neck area. The outward curve is called kyphosis, and curves towards the back of the body around the chest area. When we bend over the vertebrae of the lower back change position and shift from being in lordosis to kyphosis when completely bent over and then back again when upright. With this information, it is easy to see how much we move around, bend, stretch and reach during a regular day. The lower back gets used the most, which is why low back pain and injury/s and disorders are the most common.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health concluded: �muscle strain is the most common type of work or nonwork back pain� (Bernard, 1997). This is good news for chiropractors and ergonomists because it means that we can find ways to reduce/change the way we work and the effort involved to minimize injury risks.
Keeping the intervertebral discs healthy plays an extremely significant role in preventing back/spine injuries. If these discs get damaged and start to degenerate,�flexibility begins to fade away, stiffness and soreness sets in and the ability to absorb the daily pressure/forces that comes with standing, moving and working.
There is not a normal blood supply to the intervertebral discs. Instead, as the discs change shape when we move around, the nutrients that they need are absorbed into the discs as the waste products are pumped out. This is why moving the body and staying active is very important. Because as you move you are literally feeding your spine and expelling the bad stuff. Intermittently changing postures and positions helps change the force and weight on the discs so that not all one area is taking the brunt of the force. Remember to move around and keep your spine as healthy as possible.
Risk factors
Major risk factors for back injuries include:
Awkward postures
Bending
Twisting�
Heavy physical tasks
Lifting
Forceful movements
Whole-body vibration aka W.B.V.
Static or unmoving work postures
These risks can happen separately or could be a combination of them all, and if these risks are taking place at any one time the higher probability of an injury/s.
Standing Work
When we stand, the pressure on the�lower back discs is relatively low. Not that there is pressure but it is much lower than when seated with an unsupported backrest like bleachers for example. Standing up uses 20% more energy than sitting does. When we need to bend down to pick up objects or reach to get overhead objects there is an increase in the forces and pressure on the lower back, and this is when an injury is likely to happen.
Tips to Minimize Injury
Here are some tips to help minimize your risks of back/spine injury when you are doing standing work:
Moving around is important to keep the spine healthy. Moving will help improve circulation and reduce muscle fatigue.
Taking consistent short breaks will help reduce fatigue, discomfort and work other muscles.
Gentle stretching during some of these breaks helps to ease muscle tension and gets circulation pumping.
Pay attention to your posture and the way you stand as you work.
Lean on a solid support to help reduce fatigue when you are standing with a support that you can put your back up against, lean against sideways, lean forwards against and to hold on to will increase safety.
Keep your back strong and try to do exercises that will strengthen the back muscles. Activities, like Yoga, Crossfit, HITT or workouts focused on the spine for flexibility are the way to go.
Maintain a stable posture with your feet on a firm surface.
Avoid twisting the lower back around to reach for things.
Move your feet so that your whole body changes position.
Minimize bending, but when you have to, bend for objects in front of you and bend at the knees instead of the back. When bending for objects that are to the side of you change your stance so you are facing the object, and then bend down at the knees.
Don’t overreach but if you have to reach up to a high area to get something use a step-ladder.
Don’t reach over objects and move the obstruction or change your position before reaching for whatever it is.
Low Back Pain? Fix it with *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, Tx
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The one size fits all method just doesn�t cut it. A more focused approach for every individual leads to better results. Patients find that placing their bodies in certain positions and certain physical activities can:
Activate
Aggravate
Deactivate�their back pain.
Patients also find the pain being either better or worse. Understanding why sitting, standing, and walking can change the severity of low back pain can be helpful in diagnosis. These are important cues that help to diagnose and treat low back pain. People sit, stand, and walk all day. This is why so much research has been conducted on how these specific positions and activities contribute to low back pain.
In today’s workforce, many jobs place workers at a higher risk for a back injury. The list is pretty extensive and may surprise you! Individuals that have suffered a� neck or back injury at work know the cost goes beyond lost wages. The impact of these injuries on employees, employers, and the economy is staggering.
In a report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.8 million cases of non-fatal occupational injuries and in 2018.� Of these cases, more than 50% lost time from work, transferred to a different job, or restricted work activity. Not all of these cases were spine-related injuries. However, 880,000 cases were back pain-related injuries.
The World Health Organization’s International Labour Office says that the problem is global.
Musculoskeletal diseases are a very common part of 270 million non-fatal work/job accidents where employees missed at least 3 workdays.
Risky Jobs
Occupational safety experts gather all kinds of information that they factor. This includes job requirements, work environment, and work station set up. In compiling the list of risky occupations, here are some of the criteria:
Heavy physical work
Forceful lifting movements
Bending
Twisting
Awkward work postures
Whole-body vibration
Static work postures like standing/sitting but never changing position compounds the risks to workers.
Two occupations that lead the list of jobs placing workers at the highest risk are construction and nurses/nursing home workers. Workers in both of these jobs tend to share the under-reporting of work-related injuries. This happens as the employees fear they will lose their job and cannot afford to take any time off.
Construction Workers
Employees at a construction site are repeatedly lifting, bending, carrying, pulling, and tugging. These repetitive movements lead to overuse injuries and back strain/sprains are a common part of this. More than 30% of workers have to miss job time. Those that must climb ladders or work on scaffolds have a greater risk of falling. This is where some serious spinal injuries can occur, causing disability and sometimes being fatal.
Nurses/Nursing Workers
Nursing homes and employment opportunities are growing from elderly population growth. These workers are at high risk for back pain and spine injury. This comes from transferring patients’ from their beds, bathtub, and bathroom facilities. All these actions require lifting, carrying, holding, pulling, pushing, and turning. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports nearly all back and shoulder injuries are the result of moving patients.
Warehouse Workers
This is another job that requires lifting, along with using forceful movements, bending, twisting, carrying, and placing the body in awkward positions. Sometimes these workers have to drive a truck or an industrial vehicle that creates whole-body vibration. Continual exposure to vibration can cause backache and soreness that can lead to lost work time.
Dentists and Surgeons
Both of these professions involve prolonged standing, stooping, bending, and awkward body positioning. Not to mention the mental strain that diverts the doctor’s attention to proper posture and body mechanics that results in injury and pain.
Landscapers
The American Chiropractic Association puts landscapers in the top 10 list of jobs that cause back pain. This job puts these workers at a greater risk for cumulative trauma disorders. All the tasks that a landscaper has to do that include hedge trimming, tree pruning, and planting. These actions/movements involve lifting, reaching, bending, and stooping. This is a perfect set up for an overuse back injury.
Hand tools that get used over and over can cause painful conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome. Thoracic outlet syndrome is when the nerves and blood vessels become compressed between the neck and shoulder.
Store Cashier
Grocery and retail store cashiers require workers to stand in one place for a long time. This along with the repetitive motions of scanning, typing, opening, closing combined with bagging and lifting bags over and over can cause neck, shoulder, back, leg and foot pain. Over half of checkout workers complain of back pain.
We may not be able to instantly change our occupation, but there are steps to help prevent neck and back injuries. The key is workplace ergonomics and safety. Be proactive to help reduce workplace risk for neck and back injury and share what you learn with co-workers.
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Injuries that are caused by repetitive movements often develop gradually.�This is the time when the symptoms are mild and come and go, so the individual just works through it and doesn�t think about it. It�s�not until the symptoms get very painful and debilitating that the individual realizes that something is wrong, and then they seek medical attention. Don�t wait, as soon as you feel a tingle, slight pinch, or a little soreness�and you feel that it stems from your work�s repetitive movements, get in touch with a doctor or chiropractor before it becomes excruciating.
Certain jobs or�daily�activities require us to do the same action over and over again. It can be enjoyable but these repetitive movements can cause serious injury to the body. Most affected are the:
Hands
Wrists
Elbows
Shoulders
Neck
Back
These injuries are quite common in the United States and are referred to as Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs).
Repetitive Motion Disorders
Repetitive motion disorders are musculoskeletal conditions caused by movements/motions done over and over. RMDs can be caused by:
Muscle/ligament friction from unnatural or awkward motions like twisting the arm, wrist, hands or other areas of the body where repeated motions are used.
Incorrect posture/positioning when doing these movements.
Overdoing it, either trying to go faster or with added strength that really strains the muscles.
RMD’s cause symptoms because of muscle fatigue, inflammation, and swelling or compression of the nerve’s tissues. Examples include:
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the tunnel of bones and ligaments in the wrist begin to pinch the nerves in the fingers and the muscles around the thumb.
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa that’s between the tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone/s.
Tendonitis�is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon/s.
Epicondylitis (elbow pain) is inflammation, soreness, and pain on the outside of the upper arm around the elbow.
Ganglion cyst occurs when tissues surrounding specific joints get inflamed and swell up with fluid.
Tenosynovitis happens when the lining of the sheath that surrounds a tendon gets inflamed.
Trigger finger can be a painful or painless clicking, snapping, or locking of a finger/s.
All of the above conditions can be caused by other means and not repetitive movement/s.
RMD Work Risk
Jobs vary all over, but if repetitive movements are how the job gets done those individuals have a higher risk to get a repetitive motion disorder. There are professions and activities that increase the risk that include:
Assembly/factory linework
Carpentry
Computer work like typing, digital/graphic design where a digital pad/pen and mouse are the main tools that have to keep moving
Pain, soreness, pinching and stiffness in the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders, neck and back
Tingling or numbness.
Swelling or redness around the area.
Loss of flexibility and strength.
There could be no visible sign of injury or pain, but individuals find that the normal and easy tasks they’re used to become more and more difficult to do.
Injuries that are caused by repetitive movements often develop gradually. This is the time when the symptoms are mild and come and go, so the individual just works through it and doesn’t think about it. It’s not until the symptoms get very painful and debilitating that the individual realizes that something is wrong, and then they seek medical attention. Don’t wait, as soon as you feel a tingle, slight pinch, or a little soreness and you feel that it stems from your work’s repetitive movements, get in touch with a doctor or chiropractor before it becomes excruciating.
*BEST* Heel Spurs Treatment | El Paso, Tx (2020)
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Safely Operating Tools that Cause Whole-Body Vibration
There are power tools that vibrate no matter what and�transmit vibration into the operator�s arms and hands, legs, and feet.�Using a tool like this can cause a condition called white finger or�Raynaud�s Phenomenon�to present.
The symptoms include:
Aching in the wrists and muscles of the forearm
Tingling sensations
Numbness
Whiteness in the fingers from restricted circulation
This type of vibration from riveting tools, grinders, pneumatic hammers, drills, and chain saws will affect the whole body�s well being.
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