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.
Terry Peoples, relies on her ability to perform her day to day tasks on a regular basis as a beauty adviser in El Paso, TX. However, when she endured a car incident injury, she had no choice but to rely upon others to execute her daily pursuits. That is when Terry Peoples obtained a recommendation to seek chiropractic treatment with Dr. Alex Jimenez. Terry Peoples makes sure to visit Dr. Alex Jimenez’s office as necessary, feeling better and refreshed each time.
Car Accident Chiropractic Pain Treatment
In accordance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than three million people are injured each year in car accidents across the country. The several injuries brought on by an auto accident can be as varied as the individual requirements of each episode, but some automobile accidents are more prevalent than the others. The indicators of some automobile collisions may resolve by themselves, but most accidents and/or conditions caused by the effect of a vehicle crash might call for immediate medical care, such as chiropractic treatment, to ultimately help improve the symptoms.
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to subscribe and recommend�us.
Jesus Rabelo makes a living as an 18 wheeler truck driver at El Paso, TX. After being involved in a crash, Mr. Rabelo suffered from back and shoulder pain that influenced his private life and function, forcing him to need to start all over again. In reference to a highly appreciated recommendation, Jesus Rabelo found Dr. Alex Jimenez, chiropractor in El Paso, TX. Mr. Rabelo describes receiving outstanding service from the team and he highly recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez himself.
18 Wheeler Accident Chiropractic Treatment
In 2013, 54 million individuals sustained injuries from traffic crashes. This led in 1.4 million deaths in 2013, up from 1.1 million deaths in 1990. Automobile accidents can be grouped into various kinds, such as head-on, rear-end, side accidents, and rollovers. Psychological issues may happen because of auto accidents. A variety of injuries and ailments could result in the blunt force injury brought on by a crash, such as whiplash and back pain, among others.
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to subscribe and recommend�us.
I got into a car accident, I was rear-ended on Valentine’s Day and things weren’t quite right in my body, the aches and pains started coming. So after I visited another chiropractor and talked to my client, they told me about this place and when I came I was like, okay, I’m not going back to the other place. And that’s how I head about him (Dr. Alex Jimenez) and I’m so grateful. – Terry Peoples
Based on information referenced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, approximately more than three million individuals are injured annually in automobile accidents throughout the United States alone. While the unique conditions of every car crash can ultimately result in a wide variety of injuries, some types of automobile accident injuries are more common than others.
Fortunately, a majority of automobile accident injuries may resolve on their own without the need for treatment, however, more significant health issues caused by the auto collision may require some amount of treatment and/or rehabilitation and others may unfortunately become permanent if left untreated. It’s fundamental for the victim of an automobile accident to seek immediate medical attention in order for them to receive a proper diagnosis for their motor vehicle injuries before proceeding with the most appropriate treatment option for them.
Prior to following any necessary medical procedure, understanding some of the most common automobile accident injuries can help you become aware of the steps you can take to ensure that you are getting the proper care for your health issues. Furthermore, the type and severity of motor vehicle accidents suffered by the victims involved in a car crash may largely depend on several variables, including:
Was the individual wearing a seat belt?
Did the person’s car get hit from the back, side or front?
Was the occupant facing straight ahead in the seat? Or was the person’s head or body turned in a particular direction?
Was the incident a low-speed collision or a high-speed crash?
Did the car have airbags?
There are two broad categories of automobile accident injuries: impact injuries and penetrating injuries. Impact injuries are generally characterized as those caused when a portion of the individual’s body hits some part of the interior of the car. Frequently, this can be a knee hitting a dashboard or the head hitting the seat rest or the side window during an auto collision. Penetrating injuries are generally characterized as open wounds, cuts and scrapes. Shattering glass or loose items flying inside the car on impact can often cause these types of automobile accident injuries. Below, we will discuss the most common automobile accident injuries and describe them in detail.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are some of the most common types of automobile accident injuries. A soft tissue injury is typically characterized as trauma, damage or injury to the body’s connective tissue, including tendons, ligaments and muscles. Soft tissue injuries can vary depending on the type of connective tissue it affects as well as on the grade and severity of the harm. Because soft tissue injuries do not involve open wounds, it may be challenging to diagnose these type of automobile accident injuries.
A whiplash-associated disorder, most frequently referred to as a whiplash injury to the neck and upper back, is a type of soft tissue injury. In this form of harm, the muscles, tendons and ligaments are stretched beyond their natural range due to the abrupt movements imposed on the neck and head from the force of the impact at the point of collision. These same mechanisms may additionally cause soft tissue injuries in other regions of the body, such as the back. Automobile accidents can also often cause mid-back and low-back muscle sprains, and at times, these may cause severe back injuries and even aggravate underlying conditions due to the sheer force from the impact on the spine.
Cuts and Scrapes from Automobile Accident Injuries
During an auto collision, any loose objects inside the car can immediately become projectiles which can be thrown about the vehicle’s interior. This includes cell phones, coffee glasses, eyeglasses, purses, books, dash-mounted GPS systems, etc.. If one of these objects strikes your body at the time of the incident, they can easily cause cuts and scrapes as well as cause additional trauma, damage or injuries.
Occasionally, these cuts and scrapes are relatively minor and require no immediate medical attention. More severe cases of these type of automobile accident injuries, however, could create a relatively large open wound and may require stitches to prevent blood loss. Cuts or scrapes can also occur when your airbag deploys from the auto collision.
Head Injuries
Head injuries in the form of automobile accident injuries can take a number of forms, where some can be considered comparatively minor and others can virtually be quite severe. The sudden stop or shift in direction by a motor vehicle during an car crash can cause an individual’s head and neck to jolt or jerk abruptly and unnaturally in any direction, overstretching the complex structures of the cervical spine beyond their normal range, leading to muscle strains and whiplash-associated disorders.
The head itself can also be injured during an auto accident. Impact with a side window or with the steering wheel may cause cuts, scrapes and bruises to the head, as well as even deeper lacerations. More severe collision impacts can cause a closed head injury. In that circumstance, the fluid and tissue inside the skull are damaged due to the abrupt movement or impact of the head. Less acute closed head injuries often result in concussions, while the most severe head injuries can cause brain damage.
Chest Injuries
Chest injuries are also common auto accident injuries. These type of injuries are usually identified as contusions or bruises, however, these can also take the form of much more severe injuries, like fractured ribs or internal injuries. Drivers often experience chest injuries due to their position behind the steering wheel, which offers very little space to move before the torso collides with the steering wheel. If an individual’s body is thrown forward during a motor vehicle collision, even if their chest doesn’t impact the steering wheel or dashboard, the torso will experience tremendously high amounts of force, specifically against the shoulder harness or seat belt, which may cause severe bruising.
Arm and Leg Injuries
The very same sheer forces which unexpectedly throw a person’s head and neck back-and-forth during a car crash can behave similarly on arms and legs. If your vehicle experiences a side impact, your arms and legs may be tossed hard against the door. In addition, if you’re a passenger, your legs typically have very little room to move. As a result, automobile accidents often cause an occupant’s knees to strike the dashboard or even chairs in front of them.
Based on the circumstance of the auto collision, automobile accident injuries to your arms and legs may include bruises, scrapes and cuts, however, sprains and even fractures in both the upper and lower extremities can happen. Keep in mind that some injuries aren’t apparent following a car accident. It may take days, weeks, or even months for symptoms to manifest. Therefore, if you’ve been involved in an automobile accident, it is best to seek immediate medical attention.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
After being involved in an auto accident, it may sometimes take days, weeks, even months for symptoms to manifest completely. For your own health and wellness, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention following the car crash. While many types of injuries can occur, there are several common automobile accident injuries which can develop due to the sheer force of the impact, such as whiplash-associated disorders. Whiplash is a prevalent auto accident injury which is characterized as a type of neck injury which happens when the complex structures surrounding the cervical spine are stretched far beyond their natural range of motion. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment option which can treat a variety of auto accident injuries.
Chiropractic Care After an Automobile Accident
Many healthcare professionals are qualified and experienced�in the treatment of a variety of automobile accident injuries, especially chiropractors. Chiropractic care is a well-known, alternative treatment option which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of numerous injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system. If you’ve been involved in an auto collision, chiropractic care can offer substantial benefits towards your current well-being, supporting your recovery process.
After a car collision, you may experience pain and discomfort, decreased range of motion, stiffness or soreness. Remember that these symptoms may not always manifest immediately after a motor vehicle accident. Through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, chiropractic care will help you manage painful symptoms, as well as help enhance flexibility, increase strength and improve mobility, promoting a faster recovery. In addition, it can prevent long-term symptoms from developing, such as migraines and chronic pain. The sooner you get chiropractic care after a car wreck, the more likely you are to recover fully.
By carefully restoring the original alignment of the spine, chiropractic care helps reduce pain and other painful symptoms. Furthermore, a chiropractor can recommend a series of exercises and physical activities to help pump oxygen, blood and nutrients to the injury site and enhance recovery. A doctor of chiropractic will develop a personalized treatment program targeted to your specific automobile accident injuries. Chiropractic care also makes it possible to avoid the need for surgical interventions. It strengthens ligaments, tendons and muscles, which shield the body’s structures. It’s also a far more cost-effective solution.
Chiropractic care can also restore function in patients with older vehicle collision injuries. You are still able to benefit from chiropractic care even if you had an accident years back. Employing spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, as well as rehabilitation techniques, it helps relieve old pain and improve function. Additionally, it is a non-invasive treatment option, and you won’t end up needing to rely on pain drugs and/or medications for relief of your symptoms.
Chiropractors can even treat vertigo resulting from a car crash. In as little as one treatment, they could fix a dysfunction in the vestibular system. Other types of chiropractic care treatment techniques include massage, ultrasound, ice and cold treatment, specific exercises and physical activities, and even nutritional advice. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment approach which can help treat automobile accident injuries without the need for drugs and/or medications as well as surgery.
If you suffered a car accident injury, don’t delay any longer. Contact a chiropractor and allow them to help you follow the best treatment path. Chiropractors can provide you a consultation to perform a comprehensive evaluation and make a treatment strategy targeted to your injuries.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Opioids and Prescription drug abuse and addiction is a significant problem in the United States. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has declared it an epidemic.
Researchers estimate that as many as 36 million people worldwide abuse opioids. Estimates in the U.S. alone reached 2.1 million people in 2012. In 2014, six out of ten drug overdose deaths involved an opioid � including prescription opioids for pain relief.
Every day, 78 Americans die from an opioid overdose. As the Opioid drug problem continues to spiral further out of control, claiming more lives, people are looking for safer, drug free ways to relieve their pain. Chiropractic offers such an option.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are prescription medications that are intended for pain relief. They work by diminishing the intensity level of pain signals as they reach the brain. They also affect the areas of the brain that control emotion thereby weakening the perception of the pain as well. There are several very popular medications that are classified as opioids:
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin)
Morphine (Avinza, Kadian)
Codeine
The most commonly prescribed opioids are hydrocodone products. They are used to treat pain from injuries, dental work, and typically moderate pain. Milder pain is often treated with codeine but it is also used to treat coughing as well as severe diarrhea. Overall, opioids are used to treat everything from cancer pain to post-op pain to osteoarthritis.
What Are The Dangers Of Opioids?
Opioids have a serious risk of abuse, addiction, and overdose. Even then they are taken as prescribed, opioids can have the following side effects:
Excessive sleepiness
Nausea
Dry mouth
Vomiting
Confusion
Dizziness
Depression
Constipation
Low energy
Sweating
Low testosterone levels that result in a diminished sex drive
Itching
Decreased strength
Increased pain sensitivity
Over time, the body can build up a tolerance to the drug which means that in order to achieve the same relief from pain they must take more of it. Physical dependence is also a concern, usually going hand in hand with tolerance. Once that point is reached the patient will experience symptoms of withdrawal if they stop taking the medication.
If Doctors Are Prescribing Opioids, How Are People becoming Addicted?
In 2013, doctors wrote almost a quarter of a billion prescriptions for opioids. To put that into perspective, that is enough for every adult in the U.S. to have their own bottle of the drug. Doctors prescribe opioids to their patients in an effort to treat pain, but most of the time it is just a band aid. Instead of seeking out the root of the problem and educating their patients on whole body wellness, they prescribe pills that numb the senses, cause unpleasant or even dangerous side effects, and create addictions.
As the patient develops a tolerance for the drug, the doctor increases the prescription. This cycle continues as the patient become more and more dependent upon the drug. They may even experience more pain as the drug increases their pain sensitivity. As patients become addicted, the number of prescription opioid overdose deaths is steadily increasing. The most common drugs involved in these overdose deaths include:
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Methadone
States are putting measures in place to monitor and regulate how doctors prescribe opiates, but when desperate, addicted patients will go to great lengths to obtain the drugs they are addicted to. They will go to different doctors to get additional prescriptions or even find ways to obtain the drug illegally. It is a heartbreaking problem that is completely preventable.
How Is Chiropractic A Safer Alternative To Opioids?
Chiropractic is a proven method for managing pain relief that is not only effective but safe and drug free. Numerous chiropractic studies confirm what chiropractic patients have been saying for decades: chiropractic care is an excellent pain management method. The spinal adjustments bring the body into balance but that is only the beginning of the benefits. Chiropractic focuses on whole body wellness so patients learn how to take proactive steps to treat their condition.
It also seeks to find the root of the problem and begin healing by treating the cause. Through exercise, diet, and lifestyle recommendations in addition to the chiropractic adjustments, patients can get relief from pain caused by injury, surgery, arthritis, and many other conditions. Chiropractic is so much more than a back pain treatment; it is a whole body, whole patient treatment.
Muscle Relaxants? Nearly everyone, more than 80 percent of the world�s population, will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. Just ask the 31 million Americans suffering from low back pain at any given time.
In fact, globally it is the leading cause of disability. It is the most common reason that people miss work and the second more common reason for doctor�s office visits. In the United States alone more than $50 billion is spent each year trying to relieve back pain, but even that figure is not complete, but only based on trackable, identifiable costs.
There have been studies published over the years that unequivocally show chiropractic as a viable and extremely effective treatment for back pain. Several of these studies plainly show that chiropractic is better than muscle relaxants.
Muscle Relaxants & Chiropractic Study
One study that is one of the most notable was conducted at Life University in Georgia. It has been cited in several journals and used as a catalyst for proving the efficacy of chiropractic treatment for back pain and its superiority to muscle relaxants.
Study Parameters
The study involved 192 subjects who had been experiencing lower back pain for a period of time ranging from two to six weeks. The subjects were separated into three groups:
Group One – Chiropractic adjustments combined with placebo medication
Group Two � Muscle relaxants combined with sham chiropractic adjustments
Group Three � Control Group � received both placebo medication and sham chiropractic adjustments
All groups were given the same length of care, four weeks, with an evaluation of progress at the two-week mark and the four-week mark. The pain was assessed using the Zung Self-Rating for Depression scale, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Upon admission into the study during the initial visit as well as at the two-week evaluation, Shober�s Test for Lumbar Flexibility was also administered.
The subjects in all three groups were also allowed to take acetaminophen for pain. This was an additional evaluative measure to assess the need for additional self-medication.
During the course of the study there was a two-week treatment period where the subjects in the chiropractic adjustment group received a total of seven adjustments. These adjustments were tailored to each patient�s specific needs and included pelvic adjustments, sacral (lower back), or lumbar and upper cervical (neck and back).
The sham treatments mimicked all aspects of an actual chiropractic adjustment including dialog, normal visit length, and procedures. However, no actual adjustments were performed.
Study Results
At the conclusion of the study, the subjects who received chiropractic treatment reported a significant decrease in pain and an increase in flexibility. Of the groups that did not receive chiropractic treatment there were no significant differences noted. There was a decrease in disability and depression across all three groups, indicating that muscle relaxants are effective in treating back pain, but overall chiropractic care is the more effective option for treating back pain and disability.
What Does This Mean For Patients With Back Pain?
Patients suffering from back pain can receive greater relief without the undesirable side effects of muscle relaxants by seeking chiropractic care. Patients who are using muscle relaxants to treat their back pain should talk to their chiropractor and doctor about incorporating chiropractic treatment into their patient care regimen. Patients experiencing back pain should pursue chiropractic care before resorting to more aggressive methods including muscle relaxants.
Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive treatment for back pain. It also facilitates healing, increases flexibility, and improves mobility. Patients who are looking for a healthy treatment option that focuses on overall wellness, Chiropractic could be the answer.
Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that affect brain function. Effects from these injuries are often temporary but can include headaches, problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination. Concussions are usually caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking of the head and upper body. Some concussions cause loss of consciousness, but most do not. And it is possible to have a concussion and not realize it. Concussions are common in contact sports, such as football. However, most people gain a full recovery after a concussion.
Can also happen due to excessive shaking of the head or acceleration/deceleration
Mild injuries (mTBI/concussions) are the most common type of brain injury
Glasgow Coma Scale
Common Causes Of Concussion
Motor vehicle collisions
Falls
Sports injuries
Assault
Accidental or intentional discharge of weapons
Impact with objects
Prevention
Prevention of concussive injuries can be paramount
Encourage Patients To Wear Helmets
Competitive sports, especially boxing, hokey, football and baseball
Horseback riding
Riding bicycles, motorcycles, ATVs, etc.
High elevation activates such as rock climbing, zip lining
Skiing, snowboarding
Encourage Patients To Wear Seatbelts
Discuss the importance of wearing seatbelts at all times in vehicles with all of your patients
Also encourage use of appropriate booster or car seats for children to ensure adequate fit and function of seat belts.
Driving Safely
Patients should never drive while under the influence of drugs, including certain medications or alcohol
Never text and drive
Make Spaces Safer For Children
Install baby gates and window latches in the home
May in areas with shock-absorbing material, such as hardwood mulch or sand
Supervise children carefully, especially when they�re near water
Prevent Falls
Clearing tripping hazards such as loose rugs, uneven flooring or walkway clutter
Using nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors, and installing grab bars next to the toilet, tub and shower
Ensure appropriate footwear
Installing handrails on both sides of stairways
Improving lighting throughout the home
Balance training exercises
Balance Training
Single leg balance
Bosu ball training
Core strengthening
Brain balancing exercises
Concussion Verbiage
Concussion vs. mTBI (mild traumatic brain injury)
mTBI is the term being used more commonly in medical settings, but concussion is a more largely recognized term in the community by sports coaches, etc.
The two terms describe the same basic thing, mTBI is a better term to use in your charting
Evaluating Concussion
Remember that there does not always have to be loss of consciousness for there to be a concussion
Post-Concussion Syndrome can occur without LOC as well
Symptoms of concussion may not be immediate and could take days to develop
Monitor for 48 post head injury watching for red flags
Blurred eyesight or other vision problems, such as dilated or uneven pupils
Confusion
Dizziness
Ringing in the ears
Nausea or vomiting
Slurred speech
Delayed response to questions
Memory loss
Fatigue
Trouble concentrating
Continued or persistent memory loss
Irritability and other personality changes
Sensitivity to light and noise
Sleep problems
Mood swings, stress, anxiety or depression
Disorders of taste and smell
Mental/Behavioral Changes
Verbal outbursts
Physical outbursts
Poor judgment
Impulsive behavior
Negativity
Intolerance
Apathy
Egocentricity
Rigidity and inflexibility
Risky behavior
Lack of empathy
Lack of motivation or initiative
Depression or anxiety
Symptoms In Children
Concussions can present differently in children
Excessive crying
Loss of appetite
Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities
Sleep issues
Vomiting
Irritability
Unsteadiness while standing
Amnesia
Memory loss and failure to form new memories
Retrograde Amnesia
Inability to remember things that happened before the injury
Due to failure in recall
Anterograde Amnesia
Inability to remember things that happened after the injury
Due to failure to formulate new memories
Even short memory losses can be predictive of outcome
Amnesia may be up to 4-10 times more predictive of symptoms and cognitive deficits following concussion than is LOC (less than 1 minute)
Return To Play Progression
Baseline: No Symptoms
As the baseline step of the Return to Play Progression, the athlete needs to have completed physical and cognitive rest and not be experiencing concussion symptoms for a minimum of 48 hours. Keep in mind, the younger the athlete, the more conservative the treatment.
Step 1: Light Aerobic Activity
The Goal: Only to increase an athlete�s heart rate.
The Time: 5 to 10 minutes.
The Activities: Exercise bike, walking, or light jogging.
Absolutely no weight lifting, jumping or hard running.
Step 2: Moderate activity
The Goal: Limited body and head movement.
The Time: Reduced from typical routine.
The Activities: Moderate jogging, brief running, moderate-intensity stationary biking, and moderate-intensity weightlifting
Step 3: Heavy, non-contact activity
The Goal: More intense but non-contact
The Time: Close to typical routine
The Activities: Running, high-intensity stationary biking, the player�s regular weightlifting routine, and non- contact sport-specific drills. This stage may add some cognitive component to practice in addition to the aerobic and movement components introduced in Steps 1 and 2.
Step 4: Practice & full contact
The Goal: Reintegrate in full contact practice.
Step 5: Competition
The Goal: Return to competition.
Microglial Priming
After head trauma microglial cells are primed and can become over active
To combat this, you must mediate the inflammation cascade
Prevent repeated head trauma
Due to priming of the foam cells, response to follow-up trauma may be far more severe and damaging
What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)?
Symptoms following head trauma or mild traumatic brain injury, that can last weeks, months or years after injury
Symptoms persist longer than expected after initial concussion
More common in women and persons of advanced age who suffer head trauma
Severity of PCS often does not correlate to severity of head injury
PCS Symptoms
Headaches
Dizziness
Fatigue
Irritability
Anxiety
Insomnia
Loss of concentration and memory
Ringing in the ears
Blurry vision
Noise and light sensitivity
Rarely, decreases in taste and smell
Concussion Associated Risk Factors
Early symptoms of headache after injury
Mental changes such as amnesia or fogginess
Fatigue
Prior history of headaches
Evaluation Of PCS
PCS is a diagnosis of exclusion
If patient presents with symptoms after head injury, and other possible causes have been ruled out => PCS
Use appropriate testing and imaging studies to rule out other causes of symptoms
Headaches In PCS
Often �tension� type headache
Treat as you would for tension headache
Reduce stress
Improve stress coping skills
MSK treatment of the cervical and thoracic regions
Constitutional hydrotherapy
Adrenal supportive/adaptogenic herbs
Can be migraine, especially in people who had pre-existing migraine conditions prior to injury
Reduce inflammatory load
Consider management with supplements and or medications
Reduce light and sound exposure if there is sensitivity
Dizziness In PCS
After head trauma, always assess for BPPV, as this is the most common type of vertigo after trauma
Dix-Hallpike maneuver to diagnose
Epley�s maneuver for treatment
Light & Sound Sensitivity
Hypersensitivity to light and sound is common in PCS and typically exacerbates other symptoms such as headache and anxiety
Management of excess mesencephalon stimulation is crucial in such cases
Sunglasses
Other light blocking glasses
Earplugs
Cotton in ears
Treatment Of PCS
Manage each symptom individually as you otherwise would
Manage CNS inflammation
Curcumin
Boswelia
Fish oil/Omega-3s � (***after r/o bleed)
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Mindfulness & relaxation training
Acupuncture
Brain balancing physical therapy exercises
Refer for psychological evaluation/treatment
Refer to mTBI specialist
mTBI Specialists
mTBI is difficult to treat and is an entire specialty both in the allopathic and complementary medicine
Primary objective is to recognize and refer for appropriate care
Pursue training in mTBI or plan to refer to TBI specialists
Sources
�A Head for the Future.� DVBIC, 4 Apr. 2017, dvbic.dcoe.mil/aheadforthefuture.
Alexander G. Reeves, A. & Swenson, R. Disorders of the Nervous System. Dartmouth, 2004.
�Heads Up to Health Care Providers.� Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 Feb. 2015, www.cdc.gov/headsup/providers/.
�Post-Concussion Syndrome.� Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 July 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post- concussion-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353352.
Injured: In 2014, there were 2.8 million occupational injuries. This crossed all industries, but 75 percent were in those that provided a service.
These injuries can lead to time lost at work, decrease in production, depression, and temporary (or permanent) disability. These injuries can be caused by slip and fall, vehicle collisions, electrocution, struck by hazards, and caught in or between accidents. However, work related injury can also be caused by sitting at a desk or hunched over a computer for extended periods of time. Chiropractic has been shown to help workers who have been injured on the job, so they can return to work faster.
Injured
Common Occupational Injuries
Occupational injuries are vast and varied with a host of causes and many different symptoms. They can range from minor annoyances to significant damage that can lead to temporary or permanent disability. Some may require surgery while others require extended physical therapy, braces, and intensive medical treatments.
Thoracic outlet syndrome � This injury is caused by flexing the shoulder, carrying loads on your shoulders, and extending your arms above shoulder height for a prolonged period of time. It is marked by swelling, pain, dull ache, weakness, or a burning sensation in the affected area.
Elbow tendonitis (Epicondylitis) � This injury is caused by forceful or repeated forearm rotation while simultaneously bending the wrist. It is marked by swelling, dull ache, pain, burning, and weakness in the affected area.
Carpal tunnel syndrome � This injury can be caused by several things including vibratory tools, repetitive motion, and secondary factors. It is marked by numbness, pain, tingling, wasting of muscles at the thumb base, and burning.
DeQuervain�s disease � This injury is caused by forceful gripping and repetitive hand twisting. It is marked by pain at the thumb base.
Tendonitis/tenosynovitis � This injury is caused by sustained hyperextension of the knee, repetitive motion, and prolonged load overuse. It is marked by numbness, pain, and swelling in the hands.
Back and neck pain � This injury can have a wide variety of causes from repetitive motion to accident to improper equipment. It is the most common work related injury.
Preventing Workplace Injuries
While a few work related injuries are unavoidable, many can be prevented with a little extra attention and care. The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following practices to reduce the risk of a workplace injury.
Get regular exercise. This helps prevent back injuries by keeping your body strong, fit, and flexible.
If you do desk work, get a chair that fits you. This means that there should be two inches between the backs of your knees and the front edge of the seat. Your knees should be level with your hips or slightly below, never higher.
When doing computer work, use a foot rest for support and keep your knees between a 90 degree and 120-degree angle.
If your job requires you to sit for extended periods of time, take breaks at least every two hours to walk and stretch.
When you lift something heavy or awkward, don�t bend over to do it. Bend at your knees and hips, squatting as you pick up the object and let your legs do the work and keeping the object close to your body while your back remains straight. Do not let your body twist while you are trying to lift.
Of course, you should also follow all recommended and required safety guidelines for your workstation and place of employment.
Chiropractic For Workplace Injuries
Chiropractic care can help speed your recovery, improve your posture, and restore your mobility and strength. Through various chiropractic techniques, many of the occupational injuries listed here can be effectively treated. Chiropractic is a proven method for managing pain for the back and neck, but it has also been proven to be very beneficial for conditions like carpal tunnel, elbow tendonitis, and knee injuries.
Chiropractic�s whole body approach helps injured workers not only manage their pain and help heal their injury through adjustments, it can also help with soft tissue rehabilitation and other noninvasive therapies that improve range of motion. In short, chiropractic can help workers get back to work faster so less time is lost from work and the financial impact is greatly decreased.
Injury Medical Clinic: Accident Treatment & Recovery
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
