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.
Massage guns can help relieve aching muscles and prevent soreness when used before and after physical activity, work, school, and exercise. They provide massage therapy benefits by targeting muscles with rapid burst pulses. Massage guns can be percussive or vibration-based. Percussive therapy helps increase blood flow to a targeted area, which reduces inflammation and muscle tension, and breaks up knots/trigger points that may have formed in the tissues from added stress or intense physical activity. One of the benefits is that they come with interchangeable massage gun head attachments that target different muscle groups and provide different types of massage. There are many types of interchangeable massage heads, we go over the most common to give a general idea of how they work. If experiencing joint pain, injury, acute muscle pain, or other musculoskeletal disorders, make sure to get clearance from a doctor before using a massage gun.
Massage Gun Head Attachments
The variations of attachments/heads are designed and shaped differently to effectively apply the right amount of pressure to rejuvenate the body’s pressure points, soothe tissues, and release tight and sore muscles. The different heads are designed with a distinctive purpose based on the muscle groups targeted. This maximizes effectiveness and ensures maximum comfort and safety.
Ball Head
The ball attachment is for overall muscle recovery.
It provides a broad surface area and mimics the hands of a skilled massage therapist, delivering a soothing kneading sensation.
Made of durable material, the ball massage head can reach deep into the muscles.
Its round shape makes it more flexible to use anywhere, especially the large muscle groups like the quads and glutes.
U/Fork Shaped Head
A plastic, dual-pronged head also known as a fork head.
The attachment provides relief to areas like the shoulders, spine, neck, calves, and Achilles tendon.
Bullet Head
The plastic head is named as such because of its pointed shape.
This is recommended for tightness and discomfort in the joints, deep tissues, trigger points, and/or small muscle areas like the feet and wrist.
Flat Head
The multipurpose flat head is for full-body general massage.
It helps relieve stiffness and pain for total body muscle relaxation, including muscle groups closer to bone joints.
Shovel-Shaped Head
The shovel-shaped head is for the abdominal muscles and lower back.
The attachment provides stimulation to release stiff muscles.
Using The Right Head
Which head to use depends on the individual’s specific needs and preferences. Consider the following factors when selecting a massage gun head:
Targeted Areas
Identify the body areas requiring the most attention.
If muscle tightness or soreness is occurring in larger muscle groups, like the back or legs, the ball attachment is recommended.
For more precise areas like trigger points, the bullet head is recommended.
Heads can be used in conjunction – for example, a large surface area head is used to relax and loosen and relax a general area, then a more precise head is used to focus the massage on the actual tight spot or trigger point.
Massage Intensity
Massage intensity levels can be varied from a light massage to full force.
For a softer touch on sensitive muscles, flat head or forkhead attachments are recommended.
For deep muscle penetration and consistent pressure, the bullet head or shovel head attachments are recommended.
Specific Conditions
Consider any specific conditions or injuries previous and current.
For individuals recovering from an injury or with sensitive areas, it’s important to choose a massage gun head that provides the necessary relief without causing discomfort or worsening an injury.
Try Out Different Heads and Settings
Experiment with different massage head attachments and speeds to find the one that works best for the intended purpose.
Explore each to discover personal preferences.
Start with the lowest setting and gradually increase, based on comfort level.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns before using a massage gun.
Choosing The Right Massage Head Attachment
References
Bergh, Anna, et al. “A Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine in Sport and Companion Animals: Soft Tissue Mobilization.” Animals: an open access journal from MDPI vol. 12,11 1440. 2 Jun. 2022, doi:10.3390/ani12111440
Imtiyaz, Shagufta, et al. “To Compare the Effect of Vibration Therapy and Massage in Prevention of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).” Journal of Clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR vol. 8,1 (2014): 133-6. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/7294.3971
Konrad, Andreas, et al. “The Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment with a Hypervolt Device on Plantar Flexor Muscles’ Range of Motion and Performance.” Journal of sports science & medicine vol. 19,4 690-694. 19 Nov. 2020
Leabeater, Alana et al. “Under the Gun: The effect of percussive massage therapy on physical and perceptual recovery in active adults.” Journal of athletic training, 10.4085/1062-6050-0041.23. 26 May. 2023, doi:10.4085/1062-6050-0041.23
Lupowitz, Lewis. “Vibration Therapy – A Clinical Commentary.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 17,6 984-987. 1 Aug. 2022, doi:10.26603/001c.36964
Yin, Yikun, et al. “The effect of vibration training on delayed muscle soreness: A meta-analysis.” Medicine vol. 101,42 (2022): e31259. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000031259
Overexertion and repetitive stress injuries make up a fourth of all work injuries. Repetitive pulling, lifting, punching in numbers, typing, pushing, holding, carrying, and scanning are the most common causes of job-related injuries. These types of injuries are the most common that cause missed days at work. Overexertion can lead to lasting physical chronic conditions, ranging from chronic back pain to chronic joint pain caused by the advanced wearing and tearing of the various musculoskeletal tissues. Chiropractic medicine takes a comprehensive and whole-body approach to treating neuromusculoskeletal injuries. Chiropractic relieves tight or damaged muscles, increases nerve energy flow, and properly aligns the joints through adjustments, spinal traction, decompression, and various forms of manual manipulation.
Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries
Overexertion and repetitive stress injuries typically occur over time/years of engaging in the same strenuous activity regularly. However, an overexertion injury can occur with one sudden or extreme movement. A worker can injure muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments. Overexertion can lead to musculoskeletal disorders with symptoms including:
Inflammation
Swelling
Numbness
Stiffness
Chronic pain
Limited or total loss of mobility in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
Types
A few of the most common examples of overexertion injuries include:
Soft-Tissue
Injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.
Back
Pulled, strained back muscles.
Herniated discs.
Compressed nerve roots.
Fractured vertebrae.
Dehydration and Heat Stroke
Most common among workers doing outdoor manual labor.
Repetitive and Overuse
Injuries range from carpal tunnel syndrome to stress fractures.
Often the result of weeks, months, or years of repeated movements
In many cases, two or more injuries can happen simultaneously.
For example, a worker is more likely to sustain an injury if they are dehydrated or they are performing dual tasks.
Causes
Certain movements and activities are more likely to cause overexertion injuries. Some of the most common include:
Daily lifting of objects, light and heavy.
Performing awkward movements that cause the body to be in unhealthy positions.
Standing and/or sitting or for long periods.
Using excessive force to perform tasks.
Operating heavy machinery.
Working in hot and/or humid conditions.
High-Rate Injury Industries
Industries in which overexertion injuries are most common include:
Education.
Health services.
Manufacturing.
Construction.
Warehouse work.
Transportation.
Wholesale trade.
Retail stores.
Chiropractic Treatment
These injuries can lead to missed work, debilitating pain, and medical bills. Depending on the severity of the injury, chiropractic care will use massage techniques, spinal manipulation, traction, and decompression therapies, to increase flexibility and mobility to reduce the chances of a recurring injury. The benefits of chiropractic include:
Prevents the risk of worsening or future injuries.
Expedites recovery to help individuals rehabilitate and get back to work sooner.
Improves physical and mental well-being.
Provide recommendations on how to properly stretch and strengthen muscles.
Nutritional anti-inflammatory recommendations.
By learning how to avoid overexertion injuries, workers can be more productive, enjoy work, and improve their quality of life.
From Injury To Recovery
References
Anderson, Vern Putz, et al. “Occupational fatalities, injuries, illnesses, and related economic loss in the wholesale and retail trade sector.” American Journal of industrial medicine vol. 53,7 (2010): 673-85. doi:10.1002/ajim.20813
Choi, Hyun-Woo, et al. “Characteristics of occupational musculoskeletal disorders of five sectors in the service industry between 2004 and 2013.” Annals of Occupational and environmental medicine vol. 29 41. 19 Sep. 2017, doi:10.1186/s40557-017-0198-4
Friedenberg, Rivi, et al. “Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries among emergency medical technicians and paramedics: A comprehensive narrative review.” Archives of Environmental & occupational health vol. 77,1 (2022): 9-17. doi:10.1080/19338244.2020.1832038
Galinsky, T et al. “Overexertion injuries in home health care workers and the need for ergonomics.” Home health care services quarterly vol. 20,3 (2001): 57-73. doi:10.1300/J027v20n03_04
González Fuentes, Aroa, et al. “Work-related overexertion injuries in cleaning occupations: An exploration of the factors to predict the days of absence by means of machine learning methodologies.” Applied ergonomics, vol. 105 103847. 30 Jul. 2022, doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103847
Schoenfisch, Ashley L et al. “Declining rates of work-related overexertion back injuries among union drywall installers in Washington State, 1989-2008: Improved work safety or shifting of care?.” American Journal of industrial medicine vol. 57,2 (2014): 184-94. doi:10.1002/ajim.22240
Williams, J M et al. “Work-related injuries in a rural emergency department population.” Academic emergency medicine: official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine vol. 4,4 (1997): 277-81. doi:10.1111/j.1553-2712.1997.tb03548.x
As one of the most load-bearing joints in the body, the hips nearly affect every movement. If the hip joint is involved in a vehicle crash, the space in the joint/hip capsule can fill with fluid, causing joint effusion or swelling, inflammation, dull-immobilizing pain, and stiffness. Hip pain is a common injury symptom reported after a vehicle crash. This pain can range from mild to severe and may be short-term or last for months. No matter the level of pain being experienced, action must be taken quickly to avoid long-term damage. Individuals need high-quality, patient-focused care from experienced specialists as soon as possible to get on the road to recovery.
Vehicle Crash Hip Injury
The hip joints must be healthy and work as effectively as possible to stay active. Arthritis, hip fractures, bursitis, tendonitis, injuries from falls, and automobile collisions are the most common causes of chronic hip pain. Depending upon the type of injury, individuals may experience pain symptoms in the thigh, groin, inside of the hip joint, or buttocks.
Associated Injuries
The most common injuries that cause pain in the hip after a collision include:
A hip ligament sprain or strain is caused by overstretched or torn ligaments.
These tissues attach bones to other bones and provide stability to the joints.
These injuries may only require rest and ice to heal, depending on the severity.
Chiropractic, decompression, and physical massage therapies may be necessary for realignment and to keep muscles flexible and relaxed.
Bursitis
Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, or the fluid-filled sac providing cushioning/material between bones and muscles.
It is one of the main causes of hip pain after an automobile collision and requires immediate medical attention.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a type of injury that affects soft tissues like tendons and ligaments, as opposed to bone and muscle.
Tendonitis can result in chronic pain and various discomfort symptoms in and around the hip area if left untreated.
Hip Labral Tear
A hip labral tear is a type of joint damage in which the soft tissue/labrum that covers the hip’s socket gets torn.
The tissue ensures that the thighbone head moves smoothly within the joint.
Damage to the labrum can lead to severe pain symptoms and affect mobility.
Hip Dislocation
A hip dislocation means the femur ball has popped out of the socket, causing the upper leg bone to slide out of place.
Hip dislocations can cause avascular necrosis, which is the death of bone tissue from a blockage in the blood supply.
Hip Fractures
The hip bones can be broken down into three parts:
Ilium
Pubis
Ischium
A hip fracture, or broken hip, occurs whenever a break, crack, or crush happens to any one of these parts of the hip.
Acetabular Fracture
An acetabular fracture is a break or a crack outside the hip socket that holds the hip and thigh bones together.
A fracture to this body part is not as common because of the location.
Significant force and impact are often necessary to cause this type of fracture.
Symptoms
If any of the following symptoms after a vehicle crash are experienced, it could be a hip injury and should be examined by a medical professional. These include:
Soreness or tenderness at the site of injury.
Bruising.
Swelling.
Difficulty moving the hip/s.
Intense pain when walking.
Limping.
Loss of muscle strength.
Abdominal pain.
Knee pain.
Groin pain.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
A doctor or specialist should always evaluate hip problems and pain symptoms. With the help of a physical examination and diagnostics like X-rays, CT Scans, or an MRI, a physician can diagnose and recommend treatment options. Treatment after a vehicle crash depends on the severity of the damage. For example, hip fractures often require immediate surgery, while other injuries may only necessitate medication, rest, and rehabilitation. Possible treatment plans include:
Rest
Pain, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medication.
Surgery – after surgery, a physical therapist can help stretch and work on muscles around the hip to gain mobility and flexibility for a complete recovery.
Total hip replacement
Our team collaborates with the necessary specialists to provide the complete care needed to experience full recovery and healing for long-term relief. The team will work together to form a comprehensive treatment plan to strengthen the hip muscles for better support and increased range of motion.
Movement as Medicine
References
Cooper, Joseph, et al. “Hip dislocations and concurrent injuries in motor vehicle collisions.” Injury vol. 49,7 (2018): 1297-1301. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2018.04.023
Fadl, Shaimaa A, and Claire K Sandstrom. “Pattern Recognition: A Mechanism-based Approach to Injury Detection after Motor Vehicle Collisions.” Radiographics: a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc vol. 39,3 (2019): 857-876. doi:10.1148/rg.2019180063
Frank, C J et al. “Acetabular fractures.” The Nebraska medical journal vol. 80,5 (1995): 118-23.
Masiewicz, Spencer, et al. “Posterior Hip Dislocation.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 22 April 2023.
Monma, H, and T Sugita. “Is the mechanism of traumatic posterior dislocation of the hip a brake pedal injury rather than a dashboard injury?.” Injury vol. 32,3 (2001): 221-2. doi:10.1016/s0020-1383(00)00183-2
Patel, Vijal, et al. “The association between knee airbag deployment and knee-thigh-hip fracture injury risk in motor vehicle collisions: A matched cohort study.” Accident; Analysis and Prevention vol. 50 (2013): 964-7. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2012.07.023
The function of the arm is to allow for movement of the wrist and hand. Various muscles initiate the arm’s actions, large muscles flex and extend, pronate and supinate, and the more sensitive muscles allow fine motor control. Lifting capacity and grip strength come from the arm muscles, making them essential for all types of activities. Because of the many functions and jobs the hands and arms do, added stress is placed on them. Arm discomfort symptoms, radiating pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling are common conditions. Chiropractic care can relieve injury symptoms and restore mobility and function.
Arm Discomfort Symptoms
The muscles of the upper arm, the biceps, and the triceps, control the movement and positioning of the elbow joint, and the muscles of the forearm control the wrist and hand. There are 30 bones from the top of the arm to the tip of the finger that include:
The humerus in the upper arm.
Ulna and radius in the forearm.
Carpal bones in the wrist.
Metacarpals and phalanges make up the hand and fingers.
The joints allow movement between the bones and are stabilized by ligaments and joint capsules.
Symptoms
Discomfort or Radiation
Symptoms vary based on the severity of the injury but commonly include.
Numbness and tingling in the elbow, forearm, or hand can develop.
Pain sensations often radiate to other areas.
Causes
Individuals that work with their hands related to work, home tasks, sports, or hobby activities, such as construction workers, hair stylists, store cashiers, graphic artists, automotive technicians, carpenters, painters, butchers, and more, have an increased risk of injury and developing chronic conditions. Work that involves manually cutting, writing, typing, gripping, operating motorized tools, hair clippers, working with animals, etc., makes the arms susceptible to injury from the constant stress on the ligaments. Common overuse injuries affecting the upper extremity include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
These conditions involve the nerves of the forearm.
Prolonged or repetitive bending or flexing of the wrist or elbow can generate swelling pressure that compresses the nerve/s.
Symptoms include numbness, coldness, tingling, and/or weakness in the hand and fingers.
Tennis, Golfer, and Pitcher Elbow
These conditions involve the inflammation of the tendon structures surrounding the elbow joint.
Repeating the same motion over and over causes damage.
This leads to tenderness and pain inside and surrounding the elbow.
De Quervain’s syndrome affects tendon structure in the wrist.
Swelling near the base of the thumb.
Individuals have difficulty grasping objects.
This is common for landscapers, gardeners, and sports where constant gripping is involved.
Tendonitis
Tendons attach muscles and bones
The condition causes tendon inflammation, presenting pain in the area around single or multiple joints.
Common types include wrist tendonitis, pitcher’s shoulder, and swimmer’s shoulder.
Tendon Tears
Overuse and frequent stress from continuous motion can wear tendons to the point of partial or complete tearing.
Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder are often caused by overuse wearing down.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic and massage therapy can rehabilitate arm injuries, restore function and reduce arm discomfort symptoms. Treatment includes:
Ice or heat treatment.
Manual therapy – soft tissue massage and trigger point alleviation.
Joint mobilization.
Taping or bracing support.
Rehabilitation targeted exercises.
Work and sports modification training.
Training on upper extremity overuse, practicing caution, and knowing when to seek professional medical help.
Shoulder Pain Rehabilitation
References
Bass, Evelyn. “Tendinopathy: why the difference between tendinitis and tendinosis matters.” International Journal of therapeutic massage & Bodywork vol. 5,1 (2012): 14-7. doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v5i1.153
Cutts, S et al. “Tennis elbow: A clinical review article.” Journal of Orthopaedics vol. 17 203-207. 10 Aug. 2019, doi:10.1016/j.jor.2019.08.005
Hoe, Victor C W, et al. “Ergonomic design and training for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb and neck in adults.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 2012,8 CD008570. 15 Aug. 2012, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008570.pub2
Konijnenberg, H S et al. “Conservative treatment for repetitive strain injury.” Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health vol. 27,5 (2001): 299-310. doi:10.5271/sjweh.618
Luger, Tessy, et al. “Work-break schedules for preventing musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders in healthy workers.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 7,7 CD012886. 23 Jul. 2019, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012886.pub2
Pitzer, Michael E et al. “Elbow tendinopathy.” The Medical Clinics of North America vol. 98,4 (2014): 833-49, xiii. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2014.04.002
Verhagen, Arianne P et al. “Conservative interventions for treating work-related complaints of the arm, neck or shoulder in adults.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 2013,12 CD008742. 12 Dec. 2013, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008742.pub2
Zaremski, Jason L et al. “Sport Specialization and Overuse Injuries in Adolescent Throwing Athletes: A Narrative Review.” Journal of athletic training vol. 54,10 (2019): 1030-1039. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-333-18
Many individuals are constantly in their vehicles and driving from one place to another in the quickest amount of time. When auto accidents occur, numerous effects can affect many individuals, especially their bodies and mentality. The emotional impact of an auto accident can change a person’s quality of life and take a toll on the person as they become miserable. Then there is the physical side, where the body lunges forward rapidly, causing excruciating pain in the upper and lower portions. The muscles, ligaments, and tissues become overstretched beyond their capacity causing pain-like symptoms to develop and overlap other risk profiles. Today’s article discusses the effects of an auto accident occurs on the body, the symptoms associated with auto accidents, and how treatment like chiropractic care utilizes techniques like the MET technique to assess the body. We provide information about our patients to certified medical providers that offer available therapy techniques like MET (muscle energy techniques) for individuals dealing with back and neck pain associated with auto accidents. We encourage each patient appropriately by referring them to our associated medical providers based on their diagnosis results. We accept that education is a spectacular way when asking our providers the most crucial questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., assesses this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
The Effects Of An Auto Accident On The Body
Have you been dealing with excruciating pain in your neck or back after an automobile collision? Have you noticed any of your muscles feeling stiffed or strained? Or have you been dealing with unwanted pain-like symptoms affecting your daily life? When a person has been through an auto accident, the spine, neck, and back along with their associated muscle groups, are affected by pain. When it comes to the effects of an auto accident on the body, we have to look at how the body reacts when the vehicles collide. Research studies have revealed neck pain is a common complaint to many adults involved in an auto accident. When a person collides with another car, their necks are lunged forward rapidly, causing a whiplash effect on the neck and shoulder muscles. Not only the neck is being affected, but also the back. Additional studies have mentioned that low back pain associated with vehicle collisions can cause the lumbar back muscles to be overstretched and develop non-fatal physical injuries over time, either during or the day after the accident. To that point, it can lead to unwanted symptoms associated with auto accidents and correlate with overlap risk profiles.
Symptoms Associated With Auto Accidents
The symptoms associated with auto accidents affecting neck and back muscles vary depending on the collision’s severity. According to “Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques,” Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., stated that when someone suffers from an auto accident, the traumatic forces affect not only the cervical or temporomandibular muscles but also the lumbar muscles. This causes the muscle tissue fibers to be torn and damaged, which causes muscle pain. The book also mentioned that a person injured in a collision could develop nociceptive modulated neck, shoulders, and back muscle dysfunction. To that point, the flexor and extensor muscles are hyperextended, shortened, and strained, which is the result of causing muscle stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion to the neck, shoulder, and back.
Unlocking Pain Relief: How We Assess Motion To Alleviate Pain-Video
Have you been experiencing a limited range of motion to your shoulders, neck, and back? What about feeling muscle stiffness when stretching? Or do you feel muscle tenderness in certain body areas after an auto accident? Many of these pain-like symptoms are associated with auto accidents affecting the neck, shoulders, and back. This causes constant body pain, and many issues develop over time in the various muscle groups. Luckily there are ways to reduce the pain and help restore the body to function. The video above explains how chiropractic care is used to assess the body through spinal manipulation. Chiropractic care uses various techniques to help with spinal subluxation and loosen up stiff, tight muscles to help relax and restore each muscle group while relieving unwanted pain from the muscle tissues and ligaments.
Chiropractic Care & The MET Technique Assessing The Body
Studies reveal that auto accidents are a major cause of spinal and muscle injuries treated by chiropractic care. When a person suffers after an auto accident, they will experience pain all over their bodies and try to find ways to relieve the pain affecting their daily lives through treatment. One of the treatments that can help reduce pain and restore the body is chiropractic care. When chiropractors are treating the body to reduce pain, they use various techniques like the MET technique (muscle energy technique) to stretch and strengthen soft tissue and use manual manipulation to realign the spine, work out the tight muscles, nerves, and ligaments to prevent further damage on the body while getting the affected individuals back to shape. Chiropractic care also has a close relationship with other treatments like physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles in the body and help many people be aware of how their bodies function.
Conclusion
Overall, when a person has experience pain in their back, neck, and shoulder muscles from an auto accident, it can affect their emotional and physical well-being. The effects of an auto accident cause unwanted pain symptoms to develop and correlate with nociceptive modulated dysfunction. To that point, it can cause issues like muscle stiffness and tenderness in the affected areas. Fortunately, treatments like chiropractic care allow the body to be restored through manual manipulation and the MET technique to gently stretch the soft tissues and muscles and realign the body back to functioning. Incorporating chiropractic care with the MET technique, the body will experience relief, and the host can be pain-free.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
Dies, Stephen, and J Walter Strapp. “Chiropractic Treatment of Patients in Motor Vehicle Accidents: A Statistical Analysis.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 1992, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2484939/.
Fewster, Kayla M, et al. “Low-Velocity Motor Vehicle Collision Characteristics Associated with Claimed Low Back Pain.” Traffic Injury Prevention, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 May 2019, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31074647/.
Vos, Cees J, et al. “Impact of Motor Vehicle Accidents on Neck Pain and Disability in General Practice.” The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2529200/.
Automobile collisions, work, sports, and personal accidents can cause neck injuries that can affect other areas, leading to long-term health problems. Neck injuries involving soft tissue damage frequently persist after the incident. One of the injuries includes vocal cord damage caused by impact to the larynx. The larynx, or voicebox, is an organ that is behind the Adam’s apple. A neck injury impacting the larynx can affect the ability to speak and breathe and cause vocal cord paralysis. Treatment can involve surgery, voice therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic.
Vocal Cord Injury
The vocal cords are two flexible bands of muscle tissue at the entrance of the trachea. The vocal cords are normally in a relaxed open position to allow breathing. When talking, the bands combine and vibrate to make a sound. Surgery, viral infections, certain cancers, and neck trauma can cause vocal cord paralysis. In this condition, nerve damage blocks or inhibits impulses from transmitting to the voice box. The muscles, usually one of them, become paralyzed, preventing swallowing and ingesting saliva through the windpipe/trachea. In rare cases, both muscles are unable to move.
Trauma to the neck or chest can injure the voice box nerves.
Infections
Infections like Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes can cause inflammation and nerve damage.
Tumors
Tumors, cancerous and noncancerous, can grow inside or around the muscles, cartilage, and nerves.
Neurological
Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can lead to vocal cord paralysis.
Surgical Injury
Surgical procedure mistakes or complications on or near the neck or upper chest can result in damage to the voice box nerves.
Surgeries to the thyroid or parathyroid glands, esophagus, neck, and chest have an increased risk.
Stroke
A stroke chokes blood flow to the brain and can damage the region of the brain that transmits messages to the voice box.
Treatment
Treatment is determined by a doctor based on the individual medical condition and diagnostic tests. Treatment can involve:
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is recommended as the laryngeal muscles are strengthened through various exercises, improving breathing function. A speech therapist will begin working with the individual on exercises targeting the weakened vocal folds by enhancing airflow and blood circulation.
Physical Therapy and Chiropractic
Treatment involves performing gentle exercises that work on the vocal cords gradually and progressively but does not stress them. Chiropractors work with the physical therapist performing high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation targeted at the lower neck and upper thoracic area, the C3/T1 vertebrae. A treatment plan will also use massage, non-surgical decompression, instrument/tool-assisted soft-tissue mobilization, low laser or ultrasound, and at-home stretches and exercises.
Surgery
Surgery could be necessary for individuals experiencing no improvement despite doing the prescribed speech and physical therapy exercises. Different types of procedures are based on the degree and extent of the paralysis:
Injections – Collagen and fillers are injected into the vocal cords to reposition the affected muscles closer to the larynx.
Phonosurgery – The vocal cords are repositioned through restructuring.
Tracheotomy – If the vocal folds are closing, a surgeon may make an incision in the neck at the opening of the windpipe and insert a breathing tube. This bypasses the air blockage caused by the vocal folds and promotes proper air circulation.
Cervical Spine Instability
References
Chen, Ching-Chang, et al. “Long-term result of vocal cord paralysis after anterior cervical discectomy.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 23,3 (2014): 622-6. doi:10.1007/s00586-013-3084-y
Dankbaar JW, et al. Vocal cord paralysis: Anatomy, imaging, and pathology. Insights in Imaging. 2014; doi:10.1007/s13244-014-0364-y.
Fitzpatrick, P C, and R H Miller. “Vocal cord paralysis.” The Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society: official organ of the Louisiana State Medical Society vol. 150,8 (1998): 340-3.
Kriskovich, M D et al. “Vocal fold paralysis after anterior cervical spine surgery: incidence, mechanism, and prevention of injury.” The Laryngoscope vol. 110,9 (2000): 1467-73. doi:10.1097/00005537-200009000-00011
Waddell, Roger K. “Chiropractic care for a patient with spasmodic dysphonia associated with cervical spine trauma.” Journal of chiropractic medicine vol. 4,1 (2005): 19-24. doi:10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60108-6
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of workplace/job injuries and can happen anywhere. Work areas can have all kinds of slipping or tripping hazards, including uneven or cracked floors, equipment, furniture, cords, wet floors, and clutter from debris. Individuals involved in a slip-and-fall accident can sustain injuries that vary in severity. The key is to see a doctor or chiropractor immediately to document the slipping and falling injuries and develop a personalized treatment and rehabilitation plan. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help.
The type of injury and degree of severity depends on physical and biological factors present during the slipping and falling. These include:
Physical Condition
An individual’s age, size, gender, and health can influence the type of injury sustained.
Height and Location of the Fall
Slipping, tripping, stumbling, or tumbling injuries could be minimal to severe, depending on the force, height, and location.
Surface Impact
The acceleration during the fall and how the body impacts the surface play an important role in the severity of the injury.
Body Position
Protective reflexes, such as outstretched arms, to break the fall or whether or not the body hit the ground directly determine the injury and to what extent.
Symptoms
Muscle pain and tension are the most common symptoms after slipping and falling.
The muscle fibers overstretch, causing inflammation and swelling to develop.
The pain can often start immediately after or a few days later, known as delayed injury symptoms.
If the nerves sustain injury or irritation, they begin to swell, and the body responds to protect the damaged areas.
The contact inflammation and irritation can cause tightness and spasms.
Continuing ongoing discomfort and pain.
Stomach discomfort and pain.
Significant bruising.
Limitations in movement.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractors are experts in slip-and-fall injuries and will use adjustments and various therapy protocols to realign the body and restore function. The objective is to relieve symptoms, rehabilitate the injured area/s, and regain mobility. Physical therapy and strength-building exercises under a specialist’s supervision and at home are implemented to get back the use of the injured body part.
Inflammation
References
Li, Jie, et al. “Slip and Fall Incidents at Work: A Visual Analytics Analysis of the Research Domain.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 16,24 4972. 6 Dec. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijerph16244972
Pant, Puspa Raj et al. “Home-related and work-related injuries in Makwanpur district, Nepal: a household survey.” Injury prevention: journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention vol. 27,5 (2021): 450-455. doi:10.1136/injuryprev-2020-043986
Shigemura, Tomonori, et al. “Characteristics of stepladder fall injuries: a retrospective study.” European journal of trauma and emergency surgery: official publication of the European Trauma Society vol. 47,6 (2021): 1867-1871. doi:10.1007/s00068-020-01339-8
Smith, Caroline K, and Jena Williams. “Work-related injuries in Washington State’s Trucking Industry, by industry sector and occupation.” Accident; analysis and prevention vol. 65 (2014): 63-71. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2013.12.012
Son, Hyung Min, et al. “Occupational fall injuries presenting to the emergency department.” Emergency medicine Australasia: EMA vol. 26,2 (2014): 188-93. doi:10.1111/1742-6723.12166
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