Back Clinic Treatments. There are various treatments for all types of injuries and conditions here at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic. The main goal is to correct any misalignments in the spine through manual manipulation and placing misaligned vertebrae back in their proper place. Patients will be given a series of treatments, which are based on the diagnosis. This can include spinal manipulation, as well as other supportive treatments. And as chiropractic treatment has developed, so have its methods and techniques.
Why do chiropractors use one method/technique over another?
A common method of spinal adjustment is the toggle drop method. With this method, a chiropractor crosses their hands and pressed down firmly on an area of the spine. They will then adjust the area with a quick and precise thrust. This method has been used for years and is often used to help increase a patient’s mobility.
Another popular method takes place on a special drop table. The table has different sections, which can be moved up or down based on the body’s position. Patients lie face down on their back or side while the chiropractor applies quick thrusts throughout the spinal area as the table section drops. Many prefer this table adjustment, as this method is lighter and does not include twisting motions used in other methods.
Chiropractors also use specialized tools to assist in their adjustments, i.e., the activator. A chiropractor uses this spring-loaded tool to perform the adjustment/s instead of their hands. Many consider the activator method to be the most gentle of all.
Whichever adjustment method a chiropractor uses, they all offer great benefits to the spine and overall health and wellness. If there is a certain method that is preferred, talk to a chiropractor about it. If they do not perform a certain technique, they may recommend a colleague that does.
Traditional medical treatment for sciatica can sometimes be not as effective or ineffective for individuals, but nerve flossing is an option that could help. Flossing is not something individuals expect to hear from a medical professional treating their sciatica. However, when sciatica does not respond to common treatment methods like light physical activity or medications, a physician, chiropractor, or physical therapist might suggest combining traditional treatment with nerve flossing to alleviate sciatic nerve pain.
Nerve Flossing
The nerves can get jammed/stuck between the tissues and are not able to move, flex as they should. Nerve flossing involves performing gentle exercises to mobilize and stretch the nerves that help reduce irritation, inflammation, and improve mobility, especially in the hips. Nerve flossing is also known as:
The exercises can be done at home with no equipment and simple instructions. When used in combination with other treatments, like chiropractic and physical therapy the effectiveness is increased. Consult with a doctor or doctor of chiropractic for an accurate diagnosis, because what is causing sciatica helps significantly to determine the best treatment plan.
Guidelines
These are simple exercises but they are still exercises that require following safety guidelines to prevent injury or pain. These include:
The body will need time to adjust to new exercises so individuals should start slow
Only a few repetitions should be done at a time
Gradually increase
Stop if pain presents with any of the exercises and report the pain to a doctor or chiropractic physical therapist to see if there is a problem with how the exercises are being performed or if the exercises should be done later on after further treatment.
Focus on staying relaxed, as tensing up the muscles decreases the effectiveness
Breathing properly is key. Individuals unknowingly stop breathing when doing exercises, which is not healthy. Breathe deep in and out.
Nerve Exercises
True nerve flossing is an active movement with motion otherwise, it is just stretching.
Mobilizing floss
Lie on the floor with both knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and with space at hip-width
A flat pillow can be used for the head if it makes it more comfortable
Tuck the chin in and be sure to keep the upper body relaxed throughout the exercise
Pull the right leg in towards the chest
Keep holding behind the right knee
Slowly straighten the leg until there is a comfortable stretch
Slowly return the knee to the starting position
Breathe deeply, slowly, and try not to press the lower back into the floor
Lower the leg back towards the chest then lower it back to the starting position
Perform with the left leg
Complete five repetitions on each side
Seated nerve floss
Sitting upright in a chair, knees spaced hip-width, feet flat on the floor, and face forward
Extend the left leg
Flex the foot toward the body
Extend the head up and back looking up at the ceiling
Gently lower head and leg down, tucking the chin into the chest while bending the leg slightly backward
Extend and lower head at the same time when extending and lowering the leg
Perform 10 repetitions
Switch legs and repeat the exercise
Perform exercise 2–3 times every day
Hamstring floss
Stand up straight, raise the right leg onto a step or other stable surface while keeping the leg straight and toes pointed up
Keeping the back straight, tilt the head and neck forward until there is a slight pull/stretch in the back
Point the toe and bring the chin to the chest
Flex the foot and return
Repeat five times
Return to starting position
Switch legs
Repeat three sets on each leg
Exercise for Piriformis Syndrome
The piriformis muscle joins the base of the spine to the upper leg. Because this muscle is so close to the sciatic nerve, any type of irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve can also cause piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome can cause radiating pain to the:
Hips
Buttocks
Hamstrings
Pain when sitting down or walking upstairs
Nerve flossing can also help relieve the symptoms increasing flexibility and range of motion.
Mobilizing stretch
Lie flat on the floor on the back
Extend both legs
Bend the right leg and bring it up
Hold the right knee and foot
While holding, gently pull the leg across the right side of the body and up toward the right shoulder
Return to the original position
Repeat five times
Gently lower the right leg
Switch legs
Complete five repetitions on each side two to three times a day
Risks
These exercises are not about pushing the body to its limits or in a way that causes pain. They are designed to rehabilitate, stretch, and strengthen the sciatic nerve making risks for further injury minimal. If there are still concerns about the safety of nerve flossing exercises, check with a doctor, doctor of chiropractic, or physical therapist. If there is severe nerve damage or undiagnosed acute pain, nerve flossing could worsen symptoms.Nerve flossing for acute cases of nerve irritation is not recommended as this can cause nerve root aggravation with the stretching/pulling.
There is a difference between being tired after a long day working, playing, etc, and being tired on a regular daily basis. This can be referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a clinical condition where fatigue lasts longer than 6 months. With acute, non-clinical fatigue, it is typical to experience many of the symptoms that hamper an individual’s ability to function. Symptoms can include:
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Anikwe EE, Tella BA, Aiyegbusi AI, Chukwu SC: Influence of Nerve Flossing Technique on acute sciatica and hip range of motion, International Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research, 4(2) May – August 2015, www.ijmbr.com
Jeong UC, Kim CY, Park YH, Hwang-Bo G, Nam CW. The effects of self-mobilization techniques for the sciatic nerves on physical functions and health of low back pain patients with lower limb radiating pain. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016;28(1):46-50. doi:10.1589/jpts.28.46
Motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, work injuries, and falls are a few causes of whiplash. It is a condition that affects over 1.5 million individuals. It can cause serious side effects that can last for months and sometimes years. If not treated, the symptoms can worsen and lead to chronic conditions and pain.
Mild Whiplash
Mild whiplash can last around three months. During this time individuals might notice other symptoms other than neck pain that includes:
In certain cases, these symptoms happen immediately or they can be delayed.
Severe Whiplash
Severe whiplash means symptoms last longer than three months. The side effects can progressively go away or may not disappear at all. Severe whiplash falls in the whiplash classification of three to four. This indicates that there is a:
Loss of motion
Neurological problems
Fracture/s
Taking time off work for a whiplash injury depends on how severe the condition is. For mild symptoms, individuals are recommended to take about a month off to fully recover. If the condition is extreme, it could take a few years. For some individuals, the injury prevents them from working, and they have to leave their job.
Tinnitus
After a whiplash injury, some individuals develop tinnitus. This is a condition that results from the jolted ligaments and can irritate the surrounding nerves. This can cause an irritating ringing noise in the ears. How long tinnitus lasts depends on the severity of the injury. It can present every so often or could remain for several months even years.
Recovery Time
For most individuals, it takes around 4-6 weeks for a full recovery. This could last longer if the injury is not healed properly.
Chronic whiplash can present shooting pain throughout the body and prevents individuals from living a normal life. For chronic conditions chiropractic and physical therapy are highly recommended. Treatment could be difficult at first, but improvements will follow as long as the individual stays consistent with the therapy to completely heal the injury.
Treatment Options
The first recommendation will be to rest the body. This gives the body time to recover and also prevents worsening the injury. Ice packs and heating pads can help reduce swelling and pain.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors are experts in the musculoskeletal system. They inspect the whole body looking and feeling for misalignments, knotted muscles, swollen tendons, and ligaments that were stretched/pulled beyond their normal range. Various types of adjustments can be used. The most common are flexion-distraction and instrument-assisted.
Flexion-Distraction adjusting requires the chiropractor’s hands. They feel around the problem area and press their hands to slide the joint back in place.
Instrument-Assisted – utilizes a special tool, like an activator. The device helps the chiropractor delve deeper into the area than their hands. This helps them locate problems that could be hidden.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Adding more anti-inflammatory foods to the diet will reduce and alleviate inflammation and swelling. Some of these foods include:
Avocados
Blueberries
Mushrooms
Olive oil
Salmon
Strawberries
Turmeric
Vitamins
A full recovery can take longer if the body lacks essential nutrients. These nutrients are what helps the body create enzymes that repair the damaged tissues, bones, tendons, etc. If the body does not have enough it will not heal properly. Essential vitamins to take for injuries include:
These can be taken in supplement form or through food sources.
Body Composition
The body loses muscle every minute of life. This is because the muscles, like the other tissues in the body they depend on cell turnover and protein synthesis. This means that the body continually breaks down the protein in the muscles and rebuilds them. This is how the body is supposed to function and part of what keeps it alive. Skeletal muscle can be grown and developed with proper nutrition. This includes eating sufficient protein to provide the necessary amino acids and regular physical activity.
The reverse is also true becoming less physically active and the individual’s diet no longer supports the development of increased muscle tissue the body enters a catabolic/tissue-reducing state known as muscle atrophy.Muscles that are partially used meaning using less than 20% of their maximum force begin to atrophy over time. Muscles that are completely unused, like when bedridden with very little movement, can degrade around 1/8th of strength per week.
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Motorcycle accidents are a lot different from automobile accidents. Specifically is how much the riders are exposed and unprotected during the collision impact compared to individuals in a motor vehicle. A recommendation that comes from attorneys, doctors, and chiropractors is for all motorcyclists to learn about common causes of accidents to help prevent and reduce the level of risk.When on a motorcycle, there is nothing between the individual and the impact to protect the body from injury. If something hits the motorcycle, the individual is going to get hit or hit something. The strength and stamina that it takes to ride a motorcycle, takes a definite toll on the body. It’s very common for the spine to get out of alignment and sustain soft tissue damage from regular riding. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help bring pain relief and rehabilitate the body’s musculoskeletal system from regular riding or after a motorcycle accident.
Head-On Collisions
Accidents and crashes that involve motorcycles and other vehicles account for over half of motorcycle accident deaths. In a majority of these accidents, the vehicle hits the motorcycle from the front more than 70% of the time. Automobiles hit motorcycles from behind only 5% of the time.
Vehicles Making Left-Hand Turns
When an automobile is making a left-hand turn is one of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists. These collisions account for almost half of all accidents involving a motorcycle and car. The turning car usually hits the motorcycle when the motorcycle:
Goes straight through an intersection
Is passing the automobile
Trying to overtake the automobile
These types of accidents are common with cars and trucks as well. However, the motorcycle’s smaller size makes it even less visible to turning vehicles.
Lane Splitting
Motorcycles that pass cars within the same lane are at an increased risk of getting hit. Car and truck drivers don’t expect the motorcyclist to pass and are often taken by surprise. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars, typically during high traffic time. It is a common cause of motorcycle accidents because:
The close proximity of the automobiles to the motorcycle
Reduced space that the motorcyclist has to maneuver around the other vehicles
Most drivers don’t see or anticipate a motorcycle passing them in slowed or stopped traffic
Road Hazards
Motorcyclists are at an increased risk from road hazards. Because of the smaller size and unstable nature of the motorcycle:
Potholes
Roadkill
Slick road conditions
Uneven height between lanes
Other unexpected objects in the road pose a serious threat.
Common Injuries
Hip/Pelvic Misalignment
The pelvis has three major joints:
The pubic joint on the front of the body
Two sacroiliac joints on each side of the back, that connect the pelvis to the spine.
It also connects to different muscles, including the hip and pelvic floor. When the body falls on the hip or sustains various forms of crash-related impact, the hip or pelvis can get shifted out of place. This type of misalignment is a leading cause of back pain and can be agonizing. It can keep an individual off the road, and unable to work. A chiropractor can adjust any pelvic misalignment using manipulative therapy. Physical therapy rehabilitation and home exercises/stretches will also be recommended.
Whiplash
This is a type of neck injury that happens from a forceful, back-and-forth motion, during the impact of a crash, or with a sudden stop. It is a soft tissue injury where the tendons and muscles of the neck are stretched and/or torn. Common symptoms include:
Pain
Tingling
Stiffness
Limited range of motion
A chiropractor can help with gentle adjustments to realign the neck, and muscle stretching to loosen the tense muscles.
Other Neck Injuries
Other injuries can include misalignment or fractures of the vertebrae in the neck from a different impact like a side hit. Chiropractic can help an individual recover from these types of injuries and restoring the range of motion. Gentle chiropractic manipulative, mobilization treatment, and intersegmental traction can help realign the neck.
Back Injury
The spine and its muscles are highly prone to injury. Common injuries include:
Fractures
Herniated/slipped discs
Spinal misalignment
Soft tissue injuries
A chiropractor can rehabilitate musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries through therapeutic massage.
Leg/Foot Injury
Injuries to the legs and feet are common in motorcycle accidents. Common injuries include:
Sprains
Strains
Road rash
Fractures
Biker’s Arm
Biker’s arm also known as rider’s arm, is specific to motorcyclists and sometimes bicyclists. It happens when a motorcyclist instinctively pulls in their arm/hand in front of them to try and lessen the impact when falling. This can lead to shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand injuries. The bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves can suffer damage and can be severe.
Treatment
Treatment of these injuries can range from a soft collar, chiropractic, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks, and physical therapy. Surgery could be necessary and combined with the aforementioned treatments. Motorcycle riders can increase their safety by being aware of the common causes of accidents, staying alert, and taking steps to reduce and avoid the risk.
Body Composition Overall Health
Phase Angle Inflammation Injury Tracking
Phase angle determines the status of an individual’s overall health. If an individual gets hurt and has a low phase angle then their ability to heal can be delayed. The extracellular water and water mass of the body are measured to assess how swollen an individual is after an accident. The individual is reassessed every two weeks to show water loss or inflammation loss. Body composition is important for understanding an individual’s fluid status and physiological makeup. This is used for guiding and developing treatments aimed at improving status, and decreasing the length of staying at a hospital. InBody is non-invasive and convenient, making it the ideal tool for patient assessments. In less than 60 seconds, the InBody test provides easy-to-understand, accurate, and objective measurements to evaluate a patient’s health and monitor progress throughout their treatment. Doctors use InBody to:
Identify fluid imbalances related to medical conditions, trauma, and/or organ failure
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.comphone: 915-850-0900Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Cherta Ballester, Oscar et al. “Analysis of trunk impact conditions in motorcycle road accidents based on epidemiological, accidentological data and multibody simulations.” Accident; analysis and prevention vol. 127 (2019): 223-230. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2019.03.006
Halbersberg, Dan, and Boaz Lerner. “Young driver fatal motorcycle accident analysis by jointly maximizing accuracy and information.” Accident; analysis and prevention vol. 129 (2019): 350-361. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2019.04.016
Spinal cord injury: Causes. Mayo Clinic Web site. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/basics/causes/con-20023837. Published October 8, 2014. Accessed August 30, 2017.
One area to consider is driving. When it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome pain most individuals think about keyboard typing, as the source of arm, wrist, and hand pain. This is true, but carpal tunnel can develop from:
Any repetitive motion
Gripping
Bending at the wrist
Vibrations going through the wrist
Long-distance truckers, those who drive for business or regular long pleasure trips on winding mountain roads can take a toll on the muscles, tendons, ligaments of the arms and hands. Combining a regular job, stacking, scanning, lifting, and typing away most of the day, then long commutes, and weekends driving around, an individual can begin to present with arm, hand, and finger pain.
Signs and Symptoms
Carpal tunnel can sneak up when least expected. Most individuals begin to feel a burning, tingling, or numbness in the thumb and first two fingers, and for some, the palm, as well. Discomfort or pain usually presents at night and in the morning. If the condition becomes worse, individuals often feel the need to shake out the hand or wrists, trying to bring relief from the pain and tightness. It can affect one hand or both hands. The pain can continue to increase and climb up the arm. Then normal tasks like pumping gas or writing with a pen become unbearable.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The median nerve controls the sensations to the palm, the thumb, and the four fingers of the hand. The nerve runs through a small passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Swelling or thickening of the tendons narrow the tight space and irritate the nerve.
Diagnosis
There are different ways to diagnose the condition. To avoid damaging the median nerve, it is important to get a diagnosis as early as possible.
They might perform a nerve conduction study, where small electrodes are placed on the wrists and fingers, then small amounts of electrical current are run through the electrodes.
The speed at which the nerves transmit the electric conduction is measured.
Treatment
The most common treatment is complete rest of the affected hand/s and wrist/s for fourteen to twenty-one days. Other treatments include:
Apply pain ointment/cream before driving and keep on hand
Chiropractic Help
A chiropractor is a highly trained specialist in the entire body’s musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment can help avoid developing chronic pain and surgery in the future. Correcting subluxations and restoring optimal blood and nerve energy flow in the arms, hands, and rest of the body is the objective. Chiropractic investigates and treats the compression of nerves anywhere in the body, including the forearm and wrist. Realigning the spine, shoulder, elbow, and wrist, blood circulation and nerve impulses will flow freely once again. A chiropractor could also recommend:
The treatment plan will depend on each individual’s unique case and circumstances. At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we care about each individual’s situation and are committed to doing whatever it takes to alleviate the pain and get the individual back to optimal health.
Body Composition
Soluble and Insoluble Fiber
All plant-based foods are generally a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and turns into a gel substance when it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. Foods high in soluble fiber include:
Apples
Beans
Blueberries
Lentils
Nuts
Oat products
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. The term roughage generally refers to this type. Roughage speeds up transition time in the digestive system. This is the basis for eating more insoluble fiber, to prevent constipation by helping food move through the system. Foods high in insoluble fiber include:
Brown rice
Carrots
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Wheat
Whole wheat bread
Whole-grain couscous
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Savage, Robert. �Re: Carpal Tunnel syndrome and work.��Journal of hand surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)�vol. 30,3 (2005): 331; author reply 331. doi:10.1016/j.jhsb.2005.02.007
Haas, DC et al. �Carpal tunnel syndrome following automobile collisions.� Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation�vol. 62,5 (1981): 204-6.
Car accidents, even minor ones, can cause musculoskeletal problems, especially in the neck and shoulder area. Depending on the severity, it can be dangerous. When whiplash symptoms do not present immediately, this is known as delayed whiplash. Delayed symptoms can appear anywhere from twenty-four hours to months after the accident. The body is masking the symptoms to react to a traumatic event. Symptoms like:
Pain
Stiffness
Headache
Anxiety
Present within 24 hours, but this is not always the case.
Delayed Symptoms
With delayed whiplash, symptoms typically don’t appear until 24 hours after the accident. But there are cases of symptoms being delayed up to six months. Whether immediate or delayed, symptoms include:
Medical treatment should be sought out immediately if any of the below symptoms are experienced:
Weakness in the arms
The neck pain spreads to the shoulders and arms
Unbearable pain
Loss of vision
Causes of Delayed Whiplash
The most common cause of whiplash is automobile accidents. Even a slow-speed tap can cause delayed whiplash symptoms if the head snaps quickly, and it is not only being hit from behind in automobile accidents that cause whiplash. Rear-end, front-end, and side collisions can cause whiplash and delayed whiplash symptoms. Any time the neck snaps in a quick fashion in any direction there is potential for a neck injury. Some less common causes include:
Specific types of falls where the head quickly snaps around
Cycling accidents
Skating/skateboarding accidents
Skiing/snowboarding accidents
Symptoms Can Get Worse With Time
Determining whether to seek medical attention if there is no pain or symptoms after the event can be difficult. However, symptoms can get worse over time and cause serious problems in the neck:
Small fractures
Ruptured discs
Pinched nerves
Untreated Whiplash
Whiplash can get worse with time when they are not treated. This is why seeking medical care after the event is significant. As a doctor, a chiropractor can diagnose if any serious issues are present and develop the best plan to deal with pain and symptoms. When left untreated chronic whiplash and neck pain can develop. Chronic whiplash is rare but does happen, even with injuries considered not severe. Medical professionals will use X-Rays, MRIs, or CT scans to examine the damage’s extent and prevent the symptoms from worsening.
Treatment Options
Wearing a neck brace immediately following a neck injury can be an option but there is evidence that some movement of the neck and head should be incorporated, as it is beneficial for the healing process. If the pain is unbearable, wearing a brace could be implemented into a treatment plan.
Ice and Heat
Ice and heat will help with stiffness and pain.
Ice will help relieve pain and should be used in 15-minute intervals.
Heat packs and ointments can help soothe the area, loosen up the muscles, and promote optimal healing.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Meds
Advil or Ibuprofen can be taken for pain and inflammation. These meds help the symptoms, but should not be the only pain reliever.
Ginger
Ginger tea can help those suffering from nausea and dizziness.
It contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Supplements include green tea, turmeric curcumin, fish oil, and sage.
CBD Oil and Ointment
CBD oil or ointments can help relieve pain and relax muscles.
Stretching
Gentle stretches can help the healing process and keep the neck muscles loose.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic can treat whiplash utilizing several different techniques. They will perform tests to diagnose the extent of the injuries and determine what type and the best treatment plan. The plan can include the following:
Inflammation reduction and Pain relief
Heat, ice, ultrasound, and laser therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Spinal Adjustments
Spinal adjustments will help relieve pain from pinched nerves, bulging discs, and strained muscles.
Massage
Massage is a common practice in whiplash cases. It helps to kickstart the healing process by:
Promoting proper blood and nerve energy circulation
Loosens the muscles
Flushes out the toxins
Stretches and Tips
A chiropractor will train the patient on specific stretches/exercises and pain-relief tips at home. These can include:
Physical therapists can help by focusing on the muscles in the affected area.
They will teach the individual stretches and exercises to stretch and strengthen the strained muscles.
They can also utilize heat and ice therapy, ultrasound, and laser therapy.
Body Composition
Hot Yoga and Metabolic Rate
Both internal and external temperatures influence the body’s metabolic rate. The body’s chemical reactions happen more quickly if the temperature is higher. This is because the body works harder to restore average temperature balance. Brief exposure to heat is not enough to increase metabolism. To raise BMR, more prolonged exposure to heat is necessary. This is where hot yoga comes in. Hot yoga involves performing a sequence in a studio that is 105 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity rate of 40%. It is an intense workout that involves sweating. The high heat:
Increases blood flow
Warms the muscles for deep stretching
Helps the lymphatic system release toxins
Raises the body’s Basal Metabolic Rate
References
Balla, J I. The late whiplash syndrome. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of surgery vol. 50,6 (1980): 610-4. doi:10.1111/j.1445-2197.1980.tb04207.x
Fitz-Ritson D. Phasic exercises for cervical rehabilitation after “whiplash” trauma. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1995 Jan;18(1):21-24.
Seferiadis, Aris, et al. A review of treatment interventions in whiplash-associated disorders. 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. 13,5 (2004): 387-97. doi:10.1007/s00586-004-0709-1
While bruising, soreness, and scrapes are common, whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries may not show for several days or weeks. While today’s vehicles are safer than ever, they can still only do so much when it comes to the body and musculoskeletal health. Being involved in an automobile accident, even a light tap can give a sudden jolt to the spine that although the individual might not have felt anything like discomfort or pain, it was enough to shift the disc/s out of place or set them up to shift out of place. No one wants to be involved in a car or motorcycle accident, but regardless of good driving habits, or how advanced the safety features on the vehicle might be, the average driver will be involved in three to four automobile accidents in their life.
Whiplash
Whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents. More than 3 million Americans will see a doctor and a chiropractor for automobile accidents and whiplash effects. It only takes a 2.5 mph hit to cause an injury. And whiplash doesn’t only happen when hit from behind, there are several ways an individual can be subjected to whiplash, including being T-boned, amusement park rides, and falling off a bicycle or a horse.
Symptoms
Most whiplash symptoms develop in the first twenty-four hours, but this is not always the case. Common symptoms include:
Most individuals realize they have whiplash a day or two after, but for others, it can take a few weeks or even months to present. Whiplash is classified by degree or grade:
Grade 0
The individual has no complaints and there are no symptoms/signs of physical injury.
Grade 1
There is neck pain but there are no physical signs of injury.
Grade 2
There are signs/symptoms of musculoskeletal damage and neck pain is presenting.
Grade 3
There are signs/symptoms of neurological damage and neck pain is presenting.
The average amount of time most individuals stay home from work is around 40 days. However, when whiplash pain lasts longer than a few weeks, it is deemed to be chronic whiplash.
Chronic Whiplash
Some individuals with whiplash experience painful symptoms for years. This is true of those that avoid or refuse medical attention and learn to live with it.
Treatment Options
There are very effective methods for treating whiplash and chronic whiplash injuries. Depending on the extent of the injury/s, developing the right treatment/rehabilitation plan requires individual consultation with a chiropractor to discuss options that can include:
Pain Relief
The pain can be excruciating. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen for temporary relief. However, the individual will need extended treatment to ensure it does not become chronic pain.
Neck Brace
Neck braces help limit the pain, but should not be worn for more than three or four days. If worn for too long the neck muscles are prevented from gaining the strength needed to support the head.
Don’t Sit For Too Long
Avoid keeping the head in any one position for too long. This includes sitting in bed, watching TV, or working at a desk. This places a large amount of pressure and stress on the neck, making the pain even more severe and longer-lasting.
Sleeping Properly and Comfortably
For many, it can be difficult to get into a comfortable position when sleeping. Sleeping on the back with the head turned to one side can worsen the pain. Try a high-quality ergonomic pillow that allows the individual to sleep on their side and takes the pressure off of the neck.
Spinal Alignment
Whiplash can cause the spine to shift out of alignment. This can lead to additional problems in the back or shoulders. It�s always a good idea to see a chiropractor that specializes in motor vehicle accident injuries to realign the spine and neck, as well as for rehabilitation to strengthen the muscles and prevent further injuries. See a chiropractor for an evaluation of the injuries and develop a customized treatment plan that works for the individual’s condition.
Everyone is different
Some individuals can be stiff and sore for a few days and then are okay with not much pain. Some individuals experience severe pain immediately after the wreck, while others have no pain for days or even weeks. Both scenarios are pretty common. Soft tissue injuries can be very deceiving. Some don�t experience any pain for months after the accident. Many don�t think they need to see a doctor or chiropractor because there is no pain or symptoms. However, underneath serious problems could be getting ready to present including:
Constant headaches
Numbness or pins and needles in the hands or arms
Pain between the shoulder blades
Poor posture
Chronic muscle tension
Painful spasms
Degeneration of the discs
Painful inflamed arthritis
The quick development of arthritis
Sore, tight, or inflexible muscles
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Dizziness
Body Composition
A decrease in physical activity
Physical inactivity is a primary factor in the progression of sarcopenia. Resistance exercise can help maintain muscle mass and help build muscular strength. Individuals that are more sedentary can exacerbate the effects of sarcopenia.
A decrease in motor neurons
Aging is accompanied by motor neuron loss resulting from cell death. This leads to a decrease in muscle fiber. This decrease in muscle fibers leads to:
Impaired performance
A reduction in functional capacity
A decreased ability to perform everyday tasks
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Sciatica is a very common and painful issue. Keeping it in check can be difficult especially with various causes that can generate flare-ups. Individuals managing sciatica need to pay attention and be vigilant of the negative activities/movements that could cause symptoms to reappear. A few common causes include:
Excessively tight-fitting pants
Improperly lifting heavy objects
Poor posture
Weight gain
Not stretching out
Wearing the wrong shoes
Knowing what not to do is just as effective for helping sciatica flare-ups as knowing what is best.
Sciatica Causes
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve. It comes out the spine through the pelvis, down the leg to the foot. There is one sciatic nerve on each side of the body, and either can become irritated, injured, and inflamed. However, it�s rare that both are irritated at the same time. The underlying causes can vary. Most of the time the cause is a herniated disc that presses against the nerve, causing the pain. Even though this happens in the lower back, an individual might only feel pain in the buttocks and the back of the leg. Other causes of sciatic nerve pain include:
What makes sciatica worse depends on the underlying cause. For most, this is a herniated or bulging disc that presses against the nerve. With this type of case, any increase in pressure on the discs can worsen the symptoms. Sitting down in fact puts more pressure on the spinal discs, worsening the pain. Lying down can also worsen symptoms. When the pain is peaking, lying down for a little while can help, but for too long can worsen symptoms. Standing with a neutral spine, and walking around a bit, can help with nerve pain relief and the healing process.
Improper/Poor Posture
Poor posture, especially the rounding of the lower back. This usually happens when sitting. The rounded low back becomes a bad habit that individuals think will help with the pain. This can cause a flare-up. The spine has a natural S-curve and the more an individual can maintain that natural curve, the better off they will be.
Weight Gain
Too much weight can cause flare-ups with added stress/pressure on the spine, especially the low back. Maintaining a healthy weight will help relieve the added pressure, however, many who experience sciatica have trouble exercising. This is where a physical therapist and chiropractor can assist an individual with customized exercise and diet programs to overcome this obstacle. Eating is a way that individuals deal with pain, anxiety, and depression. But weight gain and poor health can worsen sciatica. Individuals that are overweight tend to experience more inflammation throughout the body, making sciatica even worse.
Stretching
Not stretching, especially as the body gets older tightens the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. And stretching improperly can injure these areas. There are recommended and non-recommended stretches for individuals dealing/managing sciatica. Stretches that require bending the low back can place added pressure on the lumbar spine, causing sciatica flare-ups.
Lifting Heavy Things
Lifting and improperly lifting heavy objects can worsen sciatica. This has to do with the rounding of the low back. Any time the spine is taken out of its natural S-curve, there is undue pressure on the joints and discs. When lifting heavy objects in this position the problem is worsened. When possible avoid lifting anything heavy while dealing with sciatica. It�s healthy to stay active, but there is no need to do intense workouts at home or the gym, especially heavy lifting.
Tight Pants
Tight pants can contribute to sciatica. Whether shorts, jeans, or skirts, wearing overly-tight, form-fitting pants should be avoided until the sciatica is gone. And even after it is not recommended to wear overly tight-fitting clothing, as this can cause blood and nerve circulation problems.
Shoes
Like tight pants, the wrong shoes without adequate support can cause flare-ups. For example, high heels force weight distribution to the front of the feet. For the body to compensate, it�s normal to push the pelvis and hips forward. When the body is in this position for a long time it starts to place stress on the hamstrings, which will exacerbate sciatica. Shoes without adequate support place added stress on the feet, which gets transferred up the leg to the hamstrings. Customized shoe inserts designed especially for individuals with sciatica can help in preventing symptoms.
Improvement
Sciatica takes time to heal. Avoiding making it worse and taking all the steps to help it heal, can bring the body back to normal within 2 weeks. For most, it takes around 4 weeks for the pain to go away. This depends on various factors. For example, if sciatica develops during pregnancy, it could take longer to get rid of the pain. One sign that shows improvement is called centralization meaning the pain is moving out of the leg and into the spine. This is a good sign that the individual is on the right track.
Body Composition
Meal Planning
The convenience of food delivery is wonderful, but remember that frequently eating food prepared away from home increases the risk of weight gain and obesity. Restaurants tend to serve oversized portions and prepare meals with excessive calories, sodium, and sugar. The benefit of eating from home is that individuals have more control over the ingredients and cooking methods used to prepare the food. It helps to plan meals and snacks in advance to make sure they are balanced. Here are the types of foods that should be included in a balanced meal plan:
A variety of whole fruits
Non-starchy vegetables – leafy greens, red and orange veggies
Starchy vegetables – potatoes, green peas, legumes, winter squash
Grains, with the goal to make at least � from whole-grain sources
Low-fat or fat-free dairy milk, yogurt, cheese
Protein from various sources – lean meats, seafood, eggs, nuts & seeds, and soy products
Healthy cooking oils – olive oil or canola oil
Nuts and nut butter
Fresh or frozen fruits
Dried herbs and spices
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
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