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Auto Accident Injuries

Back Clinic Auto Accident Injuries Chiropractic Physical Therapy Team. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries. Over 30,000 were fatal and another 1.6 million involved other injuries. The damage they cause can be immense. The economic cost of car accidents is estimated to be $277 billion each year or about $897 for every person living in the United States.

Many automobile accidents occur throughout the world every year, affecting individuals both mentally and physically. From neck and back pain to bone fractures, auto injuries can challenge the daily lives of those who are affected. Automobile accidents occur throughout the world every year, affecting a wide number of individuals, both physically and mentally.

From neck and back pain to bone fractures and whiplash, auto accident injuries and their associated symptoms can challenge the daily lives of those who experienced unexpected circumstances. Dr. Alex Jimenez’s collection of articles discusses auto accident injuries caused by trauma, including which specific symptoms affect the body and the particular treatment options available for each injury or condition resulting from an auto accident.

Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can not only lead to injuries but they can be full of confusion and frustrations. It is very important to have a qualified provider specializing in these matters completely assess the circumstances surrounding any injury. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.


Knee and Ankle Automobile Collision Injuries: EP Back Clinic

Knee and Ankle Automobile Collision Injuries: EP Back Clinic

Automobile accidents and collisions can cause knee and ankle injuries in various ways. Automobile crashes are considered high-energy collisions versus slip and fall traumas which are generally low-energy. However, a 30mph or under-collision can have serious and detrimental effects on the knees and ankles. The sudden forces can cause the knees to collide with the dashboard or push the feet and legs into the body, generating intense pressure and compressing the bones, muscles, and ligaments damaging soft tissues and bone structures from the impact. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Team can rehabilitate, realign, strengthen, and restore function to individuals with minor to severe auto collision injuries.

Knee and Ankle Automobile Collision Injuries: EP Chiropractic Team

Knee and Ankle Injuries

Musculoskeletal motor vehicle crash/collision injuries affect the body’s movement. The impact can pull, tear, crush, and smash bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, and nerves. These injuries restrict the range of motion and can cause pain and sensation symptoms. The National Accident Sampling System reports 33% of injuries sustained during vehicle collisions are to the lower extremities.

  • Despite the knees and ankles having soft tissues that absorb and distribute the energy’s impact, the forces from the collision often happen instantly and unexpectedly, causing the individual to tense up, which overwhelms the structures.
  • Even panic stepping on the brake pedal can cause injury to the ankle and foot.
  • A passenger’s reflex of trying to resist forces can experience foot, ankle, and knee injuries from bracing off the vehicle’s floorboard.
  • Automobile collisions can cause strains, sprains, fractures, and dislocations.

Torn, Strained, or Sprained Knee

  • If the foot becomes planted on the floorboard while the body continues to move forward or sideways, the force can travel into the knee, causing twisting or shearing.
  • Depending on the injury type, the impact strength can damage different ligaments.
  • The ligaments resist forces that push the knee inwards/medially and outwards/laterally and slightly resist rotational forces.
  • When any of these ligaments are damaged, swelling, pain, and limited ranges of motion can result.
  • Putting weight on the affected leg can be difficult.
  • In some cases, the ligaments tear completely, necessitating surgical repair.
  • Once the individual can engage in mild activity, they can begin a rehabilitation program to restore function.
  • Recovery times vary based on the location and severity of the injury.

Fractured Knee or Ankle

  • When a fracture occurs in a joint, like the knees or ankles, surgical procedures may be necessary to repair the broken bone/s.
  • Broken bones can result in simultaneous damage and/or inflammation of the connective tissues that can cause the muscles to contract/tighten or atrophy during the recovery and healing phases.
  • Joints and bones are kept healthy with moderate movement and weight-bearing.
  • Fractures require immobilization of the affected area.
  • A physical therapy rehabilitation program can begin when the brace or cast comes off.
  • Targeted exercises and resistance will strengthen and stretch the joint to improve flexibility and promote healing through improved circulation.

Torn Meniscus

  • The meniscus is a C-shaped area of cartilage that rests between the thigh and shin bones.
  • It acts as a shock absorber.
  • The meniscus can become torn, resulting in pain, stiffness, and loss of motion.
  • This injury can heal independently with the right rest and therapeutic exercises.
  • A chiropractic auto collision specialist can diagnose the severity of the tear and provide the recommendations needed to rehabilitate and strengthen the knee.
  • If the tear is severe enough, surgery may be required.

Strained or Sprained Ankle

  • Strained tendons and sprained ligaments can result from the ankle being subject to tremendous force.
  • Strains and sprains vary in severity.
  • Both indicate that the connective tissue has been damaged or stretched beyond normal limits.
  • They can present with pain, inflammation, and problems moving the affected area.
  • With proper medical attention and rehabilitation, recovery is possible.

Torn Achilles Tendon

  • The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel and is necessary for walking, running, physical activity, and bearing weight.
  • If the tendon gets torn, surgery will be required to reattach the muscle and tendon.
  • After recovery, the individual can begin physical therapy to work the tendon and muscle, slowly building strength and range of motion.
  • It is critical to do this with the supervision of an expert in musculoskeletal rehabilitation to avoid re-injury or developing new injuries.

Chiropractic Treatment

Any musculoskeletal motor vehicle injuries can result in intense pain that worsens with activity, inflammation, swelling, redness, and/or heat in the affected area. This is why correctly diagnosing the injury is essential if the condition is to be properly and thoroughly treated. A physical examination will vary based on the individual’s state and can include:

  • Strength assessment
  • Range of motion
  • Reflexes
  • Other variables to determine the underlying issues.
  • Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can help identify and clarify injuries’ extent, nature, and location and rule out problems.

A qualified healthcare professional will combine the data with medical history to develop an accurate diagnosis. Our ability to effectively treat accident individuals is based on applying clinical expertise in musculoskeletal diagnosis and care. Our medical team takes a practical approach to help individuals quickly heal from musculoskeletal injuries using the latest treatments possible. When you meet with one of our professionals, you will feel relaxed and confident that you have come to the right place.


From Injury To Recovery


References

Dischinger, P C et al. “Consequences and costs of lower extremity injuries.” Annual proceedings. Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine vol. 48 (2004): 339-53.

Fildes, B et al. “Lower limb injuries to passenger car occupants.” Accident; analysis and prevention vol. 29,6 (1997): 785-91. doi:10.1016/s0001-4575(97)00047-x

Gane, Elise M et al. “The impact of musculoskeletal injuries sustained in road traffic crashes on work-related outcomes: a protocol for a systematic review.” Systematic reviews vol. 7,1 202. 20 Nov. 2018, doi:10.1186/s13643-018-0869-4

Hardin, E C et al. “Foot and ankle forces during an automobile collision: the influence of muscles.” Journal of biomechanics vol. 37,5 (2004): 637-44. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2003.09.030

Li, Wen-Wei, and Cheng-Chang Lu. “Knee deformity following a motor vehicle accident.” Emergency medicine journal: EMJ vol. 38,6 (2021): 449-473. doi:10.1136/emermed-2020-210054

M, Asgari, and Keyvanian Sh S. “Crash Injury Analysis of Knee Joint Considering Pedestrian Safety.” Journal of biomedical physics & Engineering vol. 9,5 569-578. 1 Oct. 2019, doi:10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.424

Torry, Michael R et al. “Relationship of knee shear force and extensor moment on knee translations in females performing drop landings: a biplane fluoroscopy study.” Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) vol. 26,10 (2011): 1019-24. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2011.06.010

Invisible Injuries – Auto Accidents: El Paso Back Clinic

Invisible Injuries – Auto Accidents: El Paso Back Clinic

Automobile accidents are emotionally and physically traumatic events. After an accident, individuals assume that they are okay if they don’t have any broken bones or gashing cuts. However, even minor accidents can lead to significant damage, but the individual doesn’t know it. An invisible/delayed injury is any injury that is not immediately obvious or is not experienced by the individual until hours, days, or weeks later. The most common are soft tissue injuries, back injuries, whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding. This is why it is imperative to see a doctor or chiropractic accident specialist as soon as possible after an accident.

Invisible Injuries - Auto Accidents: EP's Chiropractic Specialists

Invisible Injuries Auto Accidents

The body goes into a fight or flight mode in a vehicle accident. That means a massive adrenaline surge makes anything happening to the body go unnoticed and unfelt. The individual does not feel pain and discomfort symptoms until later or much later.

Soft Tissue

  • A soft tissue injury affects muscles, tendons, ligaments, and body parts other than bone.
  • Even at low speeds, accidents, and collisions generate a significant force on the body.
  • Drivers and passengers often come to a sudden stop along with the vehicle or get thrown around.
  • This places intense stress on joints and other areas of the body.

Whiplash

The most common invisible soft-tissue injury is whiplash.

  • Where the neck muscles are suddenly and forcefully thrown forward and then back, causing the muscles and ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range of motion.
  • The injury typically results in pain, swelling, reduced mobility, and headaches.
  • Symptoms may not present right away.
  • Left untreated, whiplash can lead to long-term chronic pain.

Head Injuries

  • Head injuries are another common invisible injury.
  • Even if the head did not hit/impact anything, the force and momentum can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.
  • This can lead to a concussion or even more serious brain injuries.

Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury. Individuals can have a concussion without losing consciousness, depending on the accident’s severity. Symptoms may be delayed or not experienced, but delayed treatment can lead to a longer recovery. Symptoms can include:

  • Fatigue.
  • Headache.
  • Confusion.
  • Inability to remember the accident.
  • Nausea.
  • Ringing in the ears.
  • Dizziness.

Back Muscles or Spine Injuries

Back muscles and spinal cord injuries are invisible injuries that can happen after an automobile accident. Signs of a back injury include:

  • The back muscles can be strained due to the impact and tension build-up.
  • Sore muscles or pain may not present until a day or two later.
  • Body stiffness.
  • Reduced mobility.
  • Muscle spasms.
  • Trouble walking, standing, or sitting.
  • Headaches.
  • Numbness and tingling.

Injuries to the spine, even serious ones, may not be apparent immediately.

  • The impact can cause the spine to shift out of alignment profoundly.
  • Swelling and bleeding in or around the spinal cord can cause numbness or paralysis that can gradually progress.
  • This invisible injury can have long-term consequences, including paralysis.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic is an effective treatment for neuromusculoskeletal injuries. The chiropractor will assess the damage and its severity to determine the best treatment for the individual. It relieves pain and discomfort symptoms, loosens and relaxes the muscles, and restores alignment, mobility, and a full range of motion. Chiropractic uses several tools and techniques to restore the spine and body balance. Results include:

  • Pain relieved.
  • Improved circulation.
  • Restored alignment.
  • Released compressed/pinched nerves.
  • Improved posture and balance.
  • Improved flexibility.
  • Restored mobility.

Don’t Ignore Post-Accident Pain


References

“Automobile-related injuries.” JAMA vol. 249,23 (1983): 3216-22. doi:10.1001/jama.1983.03330470056034

Barach, P, and E Richter. “Injury prevention.” The New England Journal of Medicine vol. 338,2 (1998): 132-3; author reply 133. doi:10.1056/NEJM199801083380215

Binder, Allan I. “Neck pain.” BMJ clinical evidence vol. 2008 1103. 4 Aug. 2008

Duncan, G J, and R Meals. “One hundred years of automobile-induced orthopedic injuries.” Orthopedics vol. 18,2 (1995): 165-70. doi:10.3928/0147-7447-19950201-15

“Motor Vehicle Safety.” Annals of emergency medicine vol. 68,1 (2016): 146-7. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.04.045

Sims, J K et al. “Automobile accident occupant injuries.” JACEP vol. 5,10 (1976): 796-808. doi:10.1016/s0361-1124(76)80313-9

Vassiliou, Timon, et al. “Physical therapy and active exercises–an adequate treatment for prevention of late whiplash syndrome? Randomized controlled trial in 200 patients.” Pain vol. 124,1-2 (2006): 69-76. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2006.03.017

Motorcycle Crash Injury Rehab: El Paso Back Clinic

Motorcycle Crash Injury Rehab: El Paso Back Clinic

Injuries after a motorcycle crash include contusions, skin abrasions, soft tissue injuries to tendons, ligaments, and muscles, sprains, strains and tears, facial and jaw fractures, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, misalignment, neck and back injuries, and biker’s arm. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Team can develop a comprehensive view of the sustained injuries to create a personalized treatment plan to reduce inflammation, increase flexibility, correct misalignments, rehabilitate the body, relax, stretch, and strengthen the musculoskeletal system, and restore mobility and function.

Motorcycle Crash Injury Rehab: EP's Chiropractic Team

Motorcycle Crash Injuries

Motorcycle crash injuries are not easy to recover from. Acute soft tissue injuries caused by sudden trauma are common, as well as herniated discs, pelvis, and spinal misalignments that can have a cascading effect on the rest of the body.

Pelvic Misalignment

  • The pelvis comprises the pubic joint in the front and two sacroiliac joints in the back.
  • The sacroiliac joints work to connect the pelvis to the spine.
  • The pelvis also connects various muscles, including the pelvic floor and hip.

When the hip sustains a crash/collision impact or the impact causes the individual to fall on their hip, the hip or pelvis can become misaligned. Pelvic misalignment is one of the leading causes of severe back problems and pain. To realign the pelvis, a chiropractor will develop a physical therapy program that will include the following:

  • Therapeutic massage to relax the muscles and increase blood circulation.
  • Directed stretching of tight and overactive muscles.
  • Strengthening or reactivating weak and inhibited muscles.
  • Exercises to train proper pelvis positioning awareness.

Neck Injuries

In addition to whiplash, spinal misalignment to the vertebrae in the neck can occur. A chiropractor can help restore the range of motion. The treatment team will develop a therapy program in addition to chiropractic. The primary focus is to improve the flexibility and strength of the neck. The common types of physical therapy include:

  • Massage.
  • Neck stretches.
  • Back strengthening.
  • Core strengthening.

Leg and Foot Injuries

Extremity injuries frequently occur, particularly to the feet and legs, and include:

  • Sprains.
  • Strains.
  • Muscle tears.
  • Road Rash.
  • Bone fractures.

The therapy team will build a treatment plan that works through each system up the foot, knee, and hip. This plan will help heal soft tissue injuries by applying techniques like massage therapy and at-home exercises.

Rider’s Arm

Motorcyclists may extend their hands out to protect themselves from the impact when falling. This position can lead to injuries that affect the shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands. The physical therapy team can help heal soft tissue injuries and increase mobility using mobilization. Chiropractic can restrengthen damaged shoulder muscles, support torn ligaments, and treat tissue damage.

  • This hands-on technique involves easing a joint or muscle through normal movement patterns to release and relax stiffness and increase mobility.
  • Manual adjustments, deep tissue massage, exercise, and hot/cold therapy help restore health and mobility and expedite recovery.

Injury Rehabilitation


References

Dischinger, Patricia C et al. “Injury patterns and severity among hospitalized motorcyclists: a comparison of younger and older riders.” Annual proceedings. Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine vol. 50 (2006): 237-49.

Mirza, M A, and K E Korber. “Isolated rupture of the anterior tibialis tendon associated with a fracture of the tibial shaft: a case report.” Orthopedics vol. 7,8 (1984): 1329-32. doi:10.3928/0147-7447-19840801-16

Petit, Logan, et al. “A review of common motorcycle collision mechanisms of injury.” EFORT open reviews vol. 5,9 544-548. 30 Sep. 2020, doi:10.1302/2058-5241.5.190090

Sander, A L et al. “Mediokarpale Instabilitäten der Handwurzel” [Mediocarpal instability of the wrist]. Der Unfallchirurg vol. 121,5 (2018): 365-372. doi:10.1007/s00113-018-0476-9

Tyler, Timothy F et al. “Rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries of the hip and pelvis.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 9,6 (2014): 785-97.

Vera Ching, Claudia, et al. “Traumatic tracheal injury after a motorcycle accident.” BMJ case reports vol. 13,9 e238895. 14 Sep. 2020, doi:10.1136/bcr-2020-238895

Auto Accidents & The MET Technique

Auto Accidents & The MET Technique

Introduction

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/.

Disclaimer

Studies Demonstrate Effectiveness of Chiropractic for Whiplash

Studies Demonstrate Effectiveness of Chiropractic for Whiplash

Studies on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for patients afflicted with pain secondary to whiplash injury are emerging. In 1996, Woodward et al. published a study on the efficacy of chiropractic treatment of whiplash injuries.

 

In 1994, Gargan and Bannister published a paper on the recovery rate of patients and found that when patients were still symptomatic after three months, there was almost a 90% chance they would remain injured. The study’s authors were from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery in Bristol, England. No conventional treatment was shown to be effective in these based chronic whiplash injury patients. However, high success rates have been found by whiplash injury patients through chiropractic care in recovering these types of patients.

 

Whiplash Treatment Study Results

 

In the Woodward study, 93 percent of the 28 patients studied retrospectively were found to have a statistically significant improvement following chiropractic care. Chiropractic care in this study consisted of PNF, spinal manipulation, and cryotherapy. Most of the 28 patients had prior therapy with NSAIDs collars and physiotherapy. The average length of time before when the patients began chiropractic care was 15.5 months post-MVA (range of 3-44 months).

 

This study documented what most DCs experience in clinical practice: chiropractic care is effective for individuals hurt in a motor vehicle accident. Symptoms ranging from headaches to back pain, neck pain, interscapular pain, and extremity pain related to paresthesias all responded to quality chiropractic care.

 

Normal & Whiplash X-Rays

 

Whiplash MRI Findings

 

Whiplash MRI Findings - El Paso Chiropractor

 

Neck Damage in MRI - El Paso Chiropractor

 

The literature has also suggested cervical disc injuries aren’t uncommon after a whiplash injury. In a study published on chiropractic care for disk herniations, it was demonstrated that patients improve clinically and that repeated MRI imaging often shows decreased size or resolution of the disk herniation. Of the 28 patients studied and followed, many had disc herniations that reacted well to chiropractic care.

Whiplash Improvement X-Rays - El Paso Chiropractor

 

In a recent retrospective study by Khan et al., published in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine, on whiplash-injured patients concerning cervical pain and dysfunction, patients were stratified into groups based on levels of a good outcome to chiropractic care:

  • Group I: Patients with neck pain only and restricted neck ROM. Patients had a “coat hangar” distribution of pain with no neurologic deficits; 72 percent had a fantastic outcome.
  • Group II: Patients with neurological symptoms or signs and limited spinal ROM. Patients had numbness, tingling, and paresthesias in the extremity.
  • Group III: Patients had severe neck pain with full neck ROM and bizarre pain distributions from the extremities. These patients often described chest pain, nausea, vomiting, blackouts, and dysfunction.

The results of the study showed that in class I, 36/50 patients (72%) reacted well to chiropractic care: in group II, 30/32 patients (94 percent) responded well to chiropractic care; and in group III, only 3/11 instances (27%) responded well to chiropractic care. There was a significant difference in outcomes between the three groups.

This study provides new evidence that chiropractic care is effective for whiplash-injured patients. However, the study didn’t consider patients with back injuries, extremity injuries, and TMJ injuries. It did not identify which patients had disc injuries, radiculopathy, and concussive brain injury (most likely group III patients). These types of patients respond better to a model of chiropractic care in combination with multidisciplinary providers.

These studies show what most DCs have already experienced, that the doctor of chiropractic should be the principal care provider in these cases. It’s a common opinion that in cases like group III patients, care should be multidisciplinary to achieve the best possible outcome in difficult scenarios.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.Green-Call-Now-Button-24H-150x150-2.pngBy Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries

 

Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, is frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine and the rest of the spine. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.

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TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7 Fitness Center

 

 

Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

After a car accident, you may notice neck pain. It could be a slight soreness you think is nothing but take care of. 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.

Whiplash trauma, aka neck sprain or neck strain, is an injury to the soft tissues around the neck.

Whiplash can be described as a sudden extension or backward movement of the neck and flexion or forward movement of the neck.

This injury usually comes from a rear-end car accident.

Severe whiplash can also include injury to the following:

  • Intervertebral joints
  • Discs
  • Ligaments
  • Cervical muscles
  • Nerve roots

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

 

Symptoms of Whiplash

Most people experience neck pain either immediately after the injury or several days later.

Other symptoms of whiplash trauma can include:

  • Neck stiffness
  • Injuries to the muscles and ligaments around the neck
  • Headache and dizziness
  • Symptoms & possible concussion
  • Difficulty swallowing and chewing
  • Hoarseness (possible injury to the esophagus and larynx)
  • The sensation of burning or prickling
  • Shoulder pain
  • Back pain

 

Diagnosis of Whiplash Trauma

Whiplash trauma usually causes damage to the soft tissues; a doctor will take x-rays of the cervical spine in case of delayed symptoms and rule out other problems or injuries.

 

Treatment

Fortunately, whiplash is treatable, and most symptoms resolve completely.

Most often, whiplash is treated with a soft cervical collar.

This collar may need to be worn for 2 to 3 weeks.

Other treatments for individuals with whiplash may include the following:

  • Heat treatment for relaxing muscle tension and pain
  • Pain meds such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Motion exercises
  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic

 

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

 

The symptoms of whiplash typically begin to decline in 2 to 4 weeks.

Those with symptoms during treatment may need to keep the neck immobilized with a halter at work or home.

This is called cervical traction.

Local anesthetic injections can help when necessary.

Continuing or worsening symptoms after 6 to 8 weeks may require more x-rays and diagnostic testing to see if there is a more severe injury.

Severe extension injuries like whiplash can damage the intervertebral discs. If this happens, then surgery may be necessary.


 

Whiplash Massage Therapy El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

 

Some people will tell you that whiplash is a made-up injury that people use to get more money in a settlement stemming from an accident. They do not believe it is possible in a low-speed rear-end accident and see it as a legitimate injury claim, mainly because there are no visible marks.

Some insurance experts claim that about a third of whiplash cases are fraudulent, leaving two-thirds of the cases legitimate. Much research also supports the claim that low-speed accidents can indeed cause whiplash, which is very real. Some patients suffer from pain and immobility for the rest of their lives.


 

NCBI Resources

Chiropractors will use different techniques to relieve the pain of whiplash and help with healing.

  • Chiropractic Adjustment The chiropractor performs spinal manipulation to move the joints into alignment gently. This will help to align the body to relieve pain and encourage healing.
  • Muscle Stimulation and Relaxation This involves stretching the affected muscles, relieving tension, and helping them relax. Finger pressure techniques may also be combined with trying to alleviate pain.
  • McKenzie Exercises These exercises help with disc derangement that whiplash causes. They are first performed in the chiropractor’s office, but the patient can be taught how to do them at home. This helps the patient have some degree of control over their healing.

Each whiplash case is different. A chiropractor will evaluate the patient and determine the appropriate treatment case-by-case basis. The chiropractor will determine the best course of treatment that will relieve your pain and restore your mobility and flexibility.

Back Injuries From Vehicle Collisions Chiropractic Back Clinic

Back Injuries From Vehicle Collisions Chiropractic Back Clinic

Back injuries from vehicle collisions vary from person to person. Common injuries may include strains, sprains, herniated discs, and fractures, and individuals dealing with certain spinal conditions like spinal stenosis may cause the medical condition to accelerate. Still, the force and physical impact the body absorbs during a crash, no matter how minor the accident or how safe the car is, will cause bodily aches and pains with the potential for other spinal conditions. Chiropractic care, massage, decompression, and traction therapy can relieve symptoms and restore mobility and function.

Back Injuries From Vehicle Collisions Chiropractor

Back Injuries From Vehicle Collisions

Depending on how the impact affects the spine, problems can present in various areas of the back. The violent motion can sprain, strain, and fracture spinal components. Even minor incidents can impact mobility. Symptoms can stem from inflammation, compressed nerves, or fractures. Any damage can have long-lasting effects on the vertebrae, nerve roots, and back muscles. A vehicle collision can affect the following:

  • Lumbar vertebrae – lower back
  • Thoracic vertebrae – middle/upper back
  • Cervical vertebrae – neck

Each area consists of bones, tissues, muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments extending from the neck to the pelvis.

  • The most common back injuries are to the neck and lower back, where the most movement and shifting occurs, often causing nerve damage.
  • The central placement and rigid structure make middle back injuries less common.
  • Upper back injuries that connect the rib and chest region can affect breathing.
  • Soft tissue injuries might not show up immediately.

Symptoms

After a vehicle collision, it’s common to feel sore all over. The symptoms can range from manageable discomfort to complete immobility. Individuals may experience the following:

Muscle spasms

  • The muscle may repeatedly twitch, feel like hard knots, and feel tender to the touch.
  • Muscle spasms can vary in pain levels from mild to debilitating.

Stiffness

  • Individuals may not feel as flexible because of the muscle tension that activated during the crash to protect the body.
  • Stiffness can go away after light stretching or continue throughout the day.

Burning or Shooting Pain

  • A burning or shooting pain may travel down the back and buttocks through the back of one or both legs.
  • It can be mild, dull aches and pains that go away quickly or last for days.
  • Changing positions, such as sitting up after waking up or standing up after sitting, can cause sharp acute pain.
  • Facet disease may cause neck or shoulder pain.

Discomfort When Walking or Standing

  • Certain physical activities can cause a throbbing sensation or mild pain when attempting to perform various tasks.

Tingling and/or Numbness

  • Tense muscles can pinch nerves leading to sensations of tingling or numbness in the legs, feet, arms, or hands.

Head Issues

  • Headaches, dizziness, or disorientation can present.

Spinal Disorders

Back injuries from vehicle collisions can result in a degenerative disc disorder months or years later. It can also speed up health issues individuals didn’t know they had before the crash. As the body ages, previous damage combined with degeneration can result in:

  • Pinched nerves
  • Sciatica
  • Bulging discs
  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Foraminal stenosis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spinal osteoarthritis
  • Bone spurs
  • Degenerative scoliosis

Discogenic pain

  • Damage to spinal discs causes discogenic pain, often sharp impulses or shooting sensations.
  • Individuals can experience symptoms in different ways:
  • Some individuals feel better when standing, sitting, or lying down, while the positions or motions worsen the symptoms for others.

Chiropractic Care and Therapies

Chiropractic treatment can rule out critical issues and expedite recovery time. Benefits include:

Pain Symptom Relief

  • Chiropractic relieves pain in the affected areas and throughout the body.
  • Massaging and decompression release endorphins.

Inflammation Alleviation

  • Micro-tears within the muscles and ligaments are common and cannot be found through a standard x-ray.
  • Spinal adjustments can bring the spine back into alignment, producing natural anti-inflammatory properties to assist with discomfort and heal the tears.

Scar Tissue Breakdown

  • Muscles can get scarred, causing stiffness and soreness.
  • Chiropractic massage targets these areas and breaks down the build-up quicker than if it was left to heal on its own.
  • Less scar tissue means faster recovery.

Range of Motion and Mobility Restored

  • Back injuries can result in restricted mobility.
  • It may be difficult to turn or move when the muscles are inflamed.
  • Mobilizing the spine through adjustments restores the proper range of motion.

Decreased Medication Use

  • Prescription pain medications can turn into dependency.
  • Chiropractic adjustments can ensure that the injury is healed and the pain is not just masked.

Long-Term Benefits

  • Receiving chiropractic care can help prevent minor injuries from worsening into serious and chronic conditions.

Post Whiplash Symptoms


References

Erbulut, Deniz U. “Biomechanics of neck injuries resulting from rear-end vehicle collisions.” Turkish neurosurgery vol. 24,4 (2014): 466-70. doi:10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.9218-13.1

National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. (2020) “Spinal Cord Injury: Facts and Figures at a Glance.” www.nspine injurysc.uab.edu/Public/Facts%20and%20Figures%202020.pdf

Rao, Raj D et al. “Occupant and Crash Characteristics of Elderly Subjects With Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Injuries After Motor Vehicle Collisions.” Spine vol. 41,1 (2016): 32-8. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000001079

Rao, Raj D et al. “Occupant and crash characteristics in thoracic and lumbar spine injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions.” The spine journal: official journal of the North American Spine Society vol. 14,10 (2014): 2355-65. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2014.01.038