There�s a disease that�s often mistaken for another illness or disorder at first since it can cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, loss of appetite and other problems associated with different health concerns. But it�s much more serious than the flu. In fact, it�s a progressive, debilitating disease that affects about one in every 4,000 people. I�m talking about mitochondrial disease.
Mitochondrial disease is a disorder that�s caused by failure of the mitochondria, which results from�DNA mutations that affect�how someone�s genes are expressed. What do mitochondria do, and how does their failure impact someone�s health? Mitochondria are specialized �compartments� found within almost every single cell of the human body (all except red blood cells). They�re often nicknamed �the powerhouse� of cells because they help with the process of creating usable energy (ATP) within cells, but mitochondria also have numerous other roles too.
According to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90 percent of the energy needed to sustain the human body (plus the bodies of most other animals too), but what might surprise you is that about 75 percent of their job is dedicated to other important cellular processes besides energy production. (1,�2) Without proper mitochondrial functioning, we wouldn�t be able to grow and development from the time of infancy or have enough energy to carry out bodily functions as adults like digestion, cognitive processes and maintaining cardiovascular/heartbeat rhythms.
There�s still a lot to learn about how mitochondrial disease develops, what risk factors might make people susceptible, how it should be properly diagnosed and what the best treatment options are. Researchers believe that the�aging process itself is at least partially caused by deteriorating mitochondrial functions, and today we know of many different disorders that are tied to abnormal mitochondria processes (cancer, some forms of heart disease and Alzheimer�s, for example).
That being said, because there isn�t a cure for mitochondrial disease at this time, the goal is to help control symptoms and stop progression as much as possible through a healthy lifestyle and in some cases medications.
Natural Treatment for Mitochondrial Disease
1. See a Doctor for Early Treatment and Management
Early diagnoses and treatment of mitochondrial disease might be able to help stop cellular damage from worsening and causing permanent disabilities. Early interventions for young children can also help improve functions like talking, walking, eating and socializing.
It helps many patients manage their symptoms when they become educated on mitochondrial diseases and know what to expect.�Mitochondrial disease is unpredictable and can change shape day to day, so the more a patient understands his or her�own disease, the better that person�can prepare for symptoms. Symptoms can worsen and progress if they�re ignored so ongoing support and early recognition are key.
2. Get Plenty of Rest
People with mitochondrial disease often experience chronic fatigue, which makes it hard to go about life normally. Things like digestion, bathing, walking and working can be hard to keep up with, so getting plenty of sleep and not overexerting yourself is important.
Many people aren�t�be able to exercise, at least not vigorously, due to trouble breathing and low energy, and require more sleep than a healthy person would to manage symptoms and stay healthy. It�s also helpful to prevent fatigue by eating regularly and avoiding fasting, plus trying to stick to a normal sleep/wake cycle as much as possible.
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3. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Digesting the foods we eat is one of the hardest processes the body goes through, using a high percentage of our daily energy to metabolize nutrients, send them to our cells and discard of waste afterward. A lot of people with mitochondrial disease experience gut trouble, problems with appetite and eating regularly, and uncomfortable symptoms caused during digestion of foods, which is why a nutrient-dense diet that�s low-processed is most beneficial.
The more processed someone�s diet is (high in things like sugar, artificial ingredients, refined carbohydrates and hydrogenated fats), the harder the�organs have to work to extract nutrients and get rid of toxic waste that�s left over. It�s also important to consume plenty of nutrients to help prevent even more fatigue from developing, such as B vitamins, iron, electrolytes and trace minerals.
For some people with mild forms of mitochondrial disease, getting enough rest and eating a healing diet filled with anti-inflammatory foods is enough to help manage their symptoms and improve quality of life. Some helpful tips for improving mitochondrial disease symptoms with a healthy diet include:
Avoid fasting/going too long without eating, and avoid trying to lose too much weight (both can worsen fatigue). Eat small, frequent meals to help with digestion. Have a healthy snack before bedtime (especially one with a form of complex carbohydrates) and upon waking up. Healthy fats seem to be helpful for some people with mitochondrial diseases, so in some cases extra fat can be taken in the form of MCT oil. (3) Each person should test his or her�reaction to fats since some do better with a lower fat diet, while others must be careful about low-fat diet risks. Some people�need to reduce almost all fats and consume more carbohydrates to avoid excess free fatty acids and low-energy ADP production. Iron-rich foods should be limited and levels monitored since iron�can be�harmful if it�s overaccumulated. Avoid taking supplements with iron unless you�re being monitored by a doctor, and try to limit�vitamin C foods around a meal rich in iron, since this boosts iron absorption even more. (4) 4. Avoid High Amounts of Stress
Stress worsens inflammation and fatigue while also hindering immune function. Stressful situations should be avoided, and many patients find they feel better when purposefully reduce stress by incorporating stress relievers like meditation, journaling, relaxing outdoors, etc. Thermal regulation is also critical for people with mitochondrial disease, which means avoiding stressing situations like very cold or very hot temperatures.
5. Build Immunity to Prevent Infections
People with mitochondrial disease are more susceptible to infections and other illnesses, so it�s crucial to keep immunity up with a healthy lifestyle. Many different natural antiviral herbs might be able to help prevent frequent infections. Tips for�helping to improve immunity include:
conserving energy and pacing out�activities to avoid fatigue getting outdoors and maintaining a comfortable environment/temperature as much as possible Avoiding exposure to lots of germs, bacteria and viruses that trigger an illness (such as in childcare settings, schools or certain work environments) staying hydrated and eating a nutrient-dense diet taking high-quality supplements, including: omega-3 fatty acids, a multivitamin/B vitamin complex, and antioxidants like vitamin C or vitamin E. There�s also evidence that CoQ10,�a fat-soluble antioxidant used for energy production, can be helpful and is safe for most people with mitochondrial dysfunction. (5) Facts About Mitochondrial Disease
Mitochondria disease is actually a term used to group together hundreds of different disorders that all stem from dysfunctions of mitochondria, each one with its�own exact cause and symptoms. It�s estimated that about one in 4,000 people has a type of mitochondrial�disease, which is considered progressive in nature and currently without a cure. (6) When mitochondria stop working properly, the result is that less energy in the form of ATP is generated within cells, and therefore the whole body usually suffers. Cells can become damaged or die all together, sometimes leading to a complete failure of different organs and entire bodily systems. Damaged mitochondria can affect how the�brain, heart, liver, bones, muscles, lungs, kidneys and endocrine systems (hormones) work. (7) Children are more likely to have mitochondrial disease than adults are, although more cases of adult-onset mitochondrial disease are now being diagnosed. Infants and children might show signs of slow or abnormal development, trouble speaking or hearing, fatigue, and lack of coordination at a young age. Mitochondrial disease can develop at any age (although it shows up in children most often) and is often mistaken for another illness or disorder at first since it can cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, loss of appetite and other problems associated with different health concerns. Some people experience debilitating symptoms from mitochondrial disease, like not being able to talk or walk normally, but others live a mostly normal life as long as they take care of themselves carefully. Most patients� symptoms fluctuate over the course of their disease, from severe to being barely noticeable. However, some people develop mitochondrial disease at a young age that causes disabilities that last their whole lifetimes. Older people can develop diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction, including dementia and Alzheimer�s disease. (8) Mitochondrial disease runs in families to some extent, but it�s also caused by other factors. Family members with the same disorder can experience vastly different symptoms even if they have the same genetic mutations. How Mitochondria Work
It takes about 3,000 genes to make one mitochondria, and only about 3 percent of those genes (100 of the 3,000) are allocated for making ATP (energy) within cells. The remaining 95 percent of genes found within mitochondria are tied to cell formation and differentiation, functions of the metabolism, and various other�specialized roles.
Mitochondria are needed to:
build, break down and recycle the molecular �building blocks� of cells make new RNA/DNA within cells (from purines and pyrimidines) produce enzymes required to make hemoglobin help cleanse the liver and detoxify the body by boosting removal of substances like ammonia for cholesterol metabolism creating and balancing hormones (including estrogen and testosterone) carrying out various neurotransmitter functions protection against oxidative damage/free radical production breaking down fats, proteins and carbs from our diets to be turned into ATP (energy) As you can see, mitochondria are extremely important for development and overall health, since they help us grow from an embryo to an adult and form new tissues throughout our lives. All of the roles mitochondria have help slow down the effects of aging and defend us from disease development.
Symptoms of Mitochondrial Disease
Symptoms of mitochondrial disease can manifest in many different ways and vary in terms of intensity depending on the specific person and�which organs are affected. When a large enough number of cells in one organ are damaged, symptoms become noticeable. Some common mitochondrial disease symptoms�and signs include: (9)
fatigue loss of motor control, balance and coordination trouble walking or talking muscle aches, weakness and pains digestive problems and gastrointestinal disorders trouble eating and swallowing stalled growth and development cardiovascular problems and heart disease liver disease or dysfunction diabetes and other hormonal disorders respiratory issues like trouble breathing normally higher risk for strokes and seizures vision loss and other visual problems trouble hearing hormonal disorders including a lack of testosterone or estrogen higher susceptibility to infections It�s possible for mitochondrial disease to affect only one organ or group of tissues in some people, or to affect entire systems in others. Many people with a mutation of mtDNA display a cluster of symptoms that are then classified as a specific syndrome. Examples of these types of mitochondrial diseases include: (10)
Kearns-Sayre syndrome chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers neurogenic weakness with ataxia and retinitis pigmentosa many people also experience symptoms that cannot be easily classified, so they don�t fit into one particular category Whether they�re grouped together under a specific condition/syndrome or not, research suggests that people with mitochondrial dysfunctions experience higher rates of these symptoms and illnesses than people with mitochondrial diseases:
drooping of the eyelids (ptosis) autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto�s disease�and fluctuating encephalopathy disorders that affect the eyes, including external ophthalmoplegia,�optic atrophy, pigmentary retinopathy�and diabetes mellitus exercise intolerance irregular heartbeat rhythms and functions (cardiomyopathy) seizures dementia migraines stroke-like episodes autism � a�child with autism may or may not have a mitochondrial disease (11) mid- and late-pregnancy loss (miscarriages) The Causes of Mitochondrial Disease
Mitochondrial disease is the result of spontaneous mutations in mtDNA or nDNA. This leads to altered functions of either proteins or RNA molecules that live within mitochondria compartments of cells.�In some cases, mitochondrial disease only affects certain tissues during the time of development and growth, which are referred to as �tissue-specific isoforms� of mitochondrial dysfunction. Researchers don�t fully understand yet why people are affected so�differently by mitochondrial problems and what leads to experiencing symptoms within various organs/systems.
Because mitochondria perform hundreds of different functions in different tissues throughout the entire body, mitochondrial diseases produce a wide spectrum of problems, making proper diagnoses and treatment hard for doctors and patients. (12)
Even when researchers are able to identify that an identical mtDNA mutation occurred in two different people using genetic testing, both people still might not have identical symptoms (the term for diseases like this that are caused by the same mutation but cause different symptoms is �genocopy� diseases). Mutations in different mtDNA and nDNA can also cause the same symptoms (known as �phenocopy� diseases).
Risk Factors for Mitochondrial Diseases
The exact causes of mitochondrial disease aren�t entirely known at this time. Risk factors for mitochondrial disease and related illnesses, however, include: (13)
Having nuclear gene defects that are inherited in an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant manner (they�re transmitted by maternal inheritance more often but can be passed on from a parent). (14)�Mitochondrial disease has an approximate recurrence risk of one in 24 within the same family.�Parents can be genetic carriers of a mitochondrial disease and not show symptoms of their own but still pass the defective gene onto their children. High levels of inflammation. Inflammation has been linked to multiple degenerative diseases as well as the aging process itself, and mitochondrial alterations play a central role in these processes. (15) Other compounding medical conditions. For example, in adults many �diseases of aging� have been found to have defects of mitochondrial function, including type 2 diabetes, Parkinson�s disease, atherosclerotic heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer�s disease and cancer. In some cases, patients receiving immunizations show abnormal mitochondrial symptoms for the first time, or symptoms become worse. But it still isn�t totally clear if the immunizations can be blamed and how they�re involved. Some evidence suggests children should not receive vaccinations if they have underlying mitochondrial disorders that make them exponentially more vulnerable to vaccine damage. (16,�17) Some evidence shows that inflammation and �medical stress� � caused by an unhealthy lifestyle or conditions like fevers, infections, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and other illnesses � can activate the immune system, which worsens metabolic disorders and mitochondrial functions.
Mitochondrial Disease Takeaways
Mitochondria disease is actually a term used to group together hundreds of different disorders that all stem from dysfunctions of mitochondria, each one with its own exact cause and symptoms. Mitochondrial disease is often mistaken for another illness or disorder at first since it can cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, loss of appetite and other problems associated with different health concerns. It�s a progressive, debilitating disease that affects about one in every 4,000 people. Some people experience debilitating symptoms from mitochondrial disease, like not being able to talk or walk normally, but others live a mostly normal life as long as they take care of themselves carefully. To treat mitochondrial disease, see a doctor for early treatment and management, get plenty of rest, eat an anti-inflammatory diet, avoid high amounts of stress, and build immunity to prevent infections. Symptoms include fatigue; loss of motor control, balance and coordination; trouble walking or talking; muscle aches, weakness and pains; digestive problems and gastrointestinal disorders; trouble eating and swallowing; stalled growth and development; cardiovascular problems and heart disease; liver disease or dysfunction; diabetes and other hormonal disorders; respiratory issues like trouble breathing normally; higher risk for strokes and seizures; vision loss and other visual problems; trouble hearing; hormonal disorders including a lack of testosterone or estrogen; and higher susceptibility to infections. Risk factors include nuclear gene defects that are inherited in an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant manner, high levels of inflammation, and other compounding medical conditions. Some evidence shows that inflammation and �medical stress� � caused by an unhealthy lifestyle or conditions like fevers, infections, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and other illnesses � can activate the immune system, which worsens metabolic disorders and mitochondrial functions.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
The mitochondria is an amazing wonder. �It is an organelle of untold mystery. �Known as the power plant of the cell it is quickly getting to be know as the savior of the human state. �It amazing wonder and magical abilities continue to amaze all that look to it for answers. �Much science is now bearing weight on the search into its wonder. �
Transverse process fractures are an uncommon type of sport injury reported in athletes. It commonly develops after direct contact injuries and/or due to a strong forceful contraction of the quadratus lumborum muscle when the trunk is in a position of side flexion.�
The transverse processes can become fractured through direct trauma or injury from contact sports or due to direct impact from falls off heights or from motorcycles. Automobile accidents can also cause injury to these important structures. In addition, because damage to the transverse processes usually involve high velocity forces, surrounding organs may also be affected. Also, depending on the extent of trauma, multiple transverse processes can be fractured at the same time. Furthermore, a muscle avulsion where it pulls off the transverse process can occur during a muscle contraction while in a forward bend, rotating posture or with strong lateral flexion movements, for instance, during rugby, MMA and judo. Finally, repetitive microtrauma as a result of constant and repetitive motions in certain sports and physical activities may also cause fractures, for example, as with cricket fast bowlers.
The three most common mechanisms of injury recorded with professional elite level rugby athletes included: direct impact from a knee, which causes fractures to the L2 and L3 transverse processes found in the lumbar spine, without causing other forms of injury; a strong blow to the upper chest/arm area from the side, which generally causes a player to contract their muscles, including the quadratus lumborum, resulting in an avulsion to the L3 transverse processes of the lumbar spine; and last, an individual falling heavily onto their side and landing on another player, was described to cause fractures to the L2 transverse processes of the lumbar spine as well as the 11th and 12th ribs on the same side.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
It�s important for an athlete to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms and if the presence of a transverse process fracture is suspected. Various qualified healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors and physical therapists, are specially trained to diagnose and treat similar injuries. A chiropractor may help strengthen as well as improve the individual�s original mobility and flexibility. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
An automobile accident can be unpredictable and often inevitable, resulting in undesired injuries, aggravated conditions and property damages. After being involved in this type of circumstance, many people may be confused or upset, unable to take the proper action due to the stress and pain following the auto collision. The above mentioned resources have been made available to the public to help them take the necessary steps to claim their personal injury and accident compensation from their legal and medical settlement.
For more information, on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Approximately 17,000 alcohol related automobile accidents occur in the United States alone each year, meaning there�s an accident about every 31 minutes. Alcohol has been a factor in 39 percent of all severe auto collisions and in 7 percent of all crashes, according to a 2004 research study. In addition, about 248,000 people suffer injuries or conditions during an incident where police reported alcohol was involved, meaning one person is injured in a car wreck in the US about every 2 minutes. These statistics reveal why drunk driving related automobile accidents have become a major issue, affecting people�s health and wellness every year.
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Drunk Driving Car Accident Chiropractor in El Paso, Texas
Alcohol related car accidents aren�t the only culprit of injuries, driving under the influence of other types of drugs can also be a great risk for drivers in El Paso, Texas. DUI stands for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Often times, prescription drugs and medications can have side-effects or specific instructions where it�s not recommended for the individual to drive or lift heavy machinery after taking them. Any type of substance which impairs a person�s normal driving ability can be a cause for an auto collision resulting in damage, injury or the development of painful conditions. If an individual has been involved in an unfortunate automobile accident caused by a careless driver who was �under the influence� behind the wheel and they were harmed as a result of the incident, it�s fundamental for the involved parties to seek immediate medical attention. Unfortunately in many instances, the innocent party is the one who ends up with more severe injuries and conditions than the party at fault. This is largely in part to the relaxed state in which the inebriated driver is in at the very moment of the auto accident as opposed to the tensing up reflex caused before a known impending impact. Regardless of how severe the incident was or whether the individual has experienced symptoms following the car wreck, seeking medical attention as soon as possible can help prevent further complications. Early diagnosis can also help provide faster relief from your injuries caused after the sheer impact of the automobile collision.
Chiropractic care is one of the most common, alternative treatment options preferred by people who�ve been involved in an automobile accident. Chiropractic focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. Not everyone experiences symptoms immediately after the incident, in fact, a majority of injuries or conditions which develop due to the collision do not manifest in the form of open wounds or fractures. Whiplash associated injuries, for example, occur when the head or neck suddenly jerks back-and-forth in any direction due to a sheer impact. When this happens, the cervical spine and its surrounding structures are stretched beyond their limit, damaging or tearing the tissues.
Other injuries like whiplash may require further evaluations and tests to determine their presence. During the first visit, a chiropractor will perform a series of assessments to conclude a diagnosis before following up with treatment. The healthcare professional will prepare an appropriate treatment plan depending on the individual�s type and severity of their injury or condition. Although chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulations are the most common treatment methods and techniques to help a victim of an automobile accident recover, the spine specialist can also recommend a series of exercises and habit changes to promote a faster recovery.
Things to do at the Scene of the Accident before Medical Treatment
First and foremost, contact 911 to have an ambulance arrive at the scene for all the involved parties. Make sure they are informed of how many are injured and, to the extent you can, the severity of each person;
Make sure they send a police officer as well. If the party at fault appears to be under the influence, make sure the proper authorities are informed;
Try not to engage in contact with the driver to avoid further issues;
If the offending driver, attempts to leave the scene, �do not follow� them. Simply, attempt to get the make, model, color and tag number of their vehicle;
In case you are going to require the services of a legal representative, taking pictures of the damage of both cars can help during a personal injury case. Note: Not all automobile accidents make require the services of an attorney to gain compensation for an injury. Furthermore, make sure the officer gives you the Incident Number, so you can follow up with your case;
After being involved in an automobile accident, especially if you don�t know how hurt you are, it�s important to seek immediate medical attention. Before seeing a primary healthcare provider or following treatment with a chiropractor or physical therapist, you can go to the ER for an initial diagnosis and treatment. A short list of Emergency Rooms in El Paso, Texas has been provided at the bottom of this article;
Driving While Intoxicated, DWI, Car Accident Damages
Subsequently following an auto accident, many insurance companies try to rush the compensation process. The reason insurance company car accident adjusters try to quickly settle your DWI injury quickly is because they know Texas law allows for the recovery of punitive damages in a car accident where their insured was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. With proper guidance and patience, individuals can gain a proper settlement for their case to help them pay for their medical bills and property damages. Many El Paso Chiropractor offices can help individuals with their compensations from the insurance company, working alongside various attorneys or simply through years of knowledge and skill in the process.
24 Hour El Paso Emergency Room Treatment Locations for Car Accident Victims
Sierra Medical Center
1625 Medical Center Drive
El Paso, TX 79902
(915) 747-4000
www.sphn.com
Las Palmas Medical Center
1801 North Oregon Street
El Paso, TX 79902
(915) 521-1776
www.laspalmasdelsolhealthcare.com
If You Were the One Under the Influence
If you believe you may have a drinking problem, the first step is to acknowledge it and seek help. The Alcoholic Anonymous program has, over the years, proven itself to be the best opportunity to change the habit of drinking alcohol. For a list of Alcoholics Anonymous groups in El Paso, Texas see the list below.
List of El Paso, El Paso County, Texas AA Meeting Locations
Alcoholics Anonymous
3318 Douglas Avenue
El Paso, TX 79903
(915) 562-4081
New Beginnings
6044 Gateway Boulevard East
El Paso, TX
(915) 771-0990
Alternative Center for Behavioral Hlth
5001 Alabama Street
El Paso, TX
(915) 565-4800
Non Legal Provider Insights
Being involved in an automobile accident can cause moderate to severe injuries and conditions as well as property damages, however, those caused by a driver under the influence can lead to further complications. As people work hard to gain the compensation they deserve following the incident, seeking medical attention is essential to find relief from the injuries caused by the car wreck. A drunk driving auto accident chiropractor specializes on injuries caused during auto collisions, helping to treat and care for victims of a DUI auto accident.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Headache After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as head pain. Headaches are a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
Car accidents are, by far, the leading cause of transportation related injuries throughout the United States and locally in the El Paso area. Most Americans are completely dependent on using cars to perform each of our daily tasks, including driving to the store, work, school, shopping, doctors, and a variety of other commonplace tasks. The inevitable consequence is that, no matter how safe a driver you are, you will likely be involved in some sort of auto accident one day. This reality becomes even more likely in a city such as El Paso, Texas, which is an important West Texas center and due to the Air Force Base within the El Paso area.
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When Should You Hire an El Paso Car Accident Attorney?
Of course, not every car accident requires that you hire a car accident lawyer. Car accident lawyers only become necessary when an accident results in an injury serious enough to warrant medical attention, or one that detracts from your quality of life and daily routine. In these cases, retaining an El Paso, Texas automobile accident lawyer can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you and your family receive the advice and compensation you deserve.
You should contact an experienced El Paso auto accident attorney when your injuries are such that:
You have a severe injury that will cause you some significant lost time or wages from work; or
Where a car accident causes you to be disfigured; or
You are caused to suffer permanent pain; or
You have suffered a �loss of consortium� as a result of an automobile injury to your spouse. Please note that loss of consortium claims encompass all negative effects on the martial relationship, including loss of love, affection, support, companionship and sexual relations.
If you or a loved one has suffered a car accident or other type of injury from an El Paso auto, truck, van, or bus and any of the above factors are present, then you should retain an El Paso car accident attorney immediately.
Why Do You Need an El Paso Auto Accident Lawyer?
Every state, including Texas, requires car owners to purchase automobile accident insurance. However, car insurance companies are notorious for trying to get out of paying fair and just compensation to their customers, even when those customers have routinely made their insurance payments for years. Let�s face it, how do car insurance companies make money? Simply put: They love to take premiums and hate to pay claims.
El Paso car accident attorneys handle car accident cases, motorcycle accidents, and commercial truck accidents throughout the El Paso area and in all areas of El Paso County. Additionally, they represent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists who have suffered an injury in an El Paso, Texas traffic accident where another driver may have been at fault. The defense lawyer will try to place fault on the injured party to reduce their award. This �fault� is called comparative fault and this is a very important reason why you need an experienced El Paso accident attorney.
El Paso Uninsured Car Wreck Lawyer
Even though it is required in Texas, that if you drive in El Paso you have insurance, people do not always have insurance. When they hit your car and injure you, that is called and uninsured motorist’s claim. If this is happens, your uninsured auto accident lawyer in El Paso will try to successfully handle your El Paso car wreck against your car insurance company. Depending on how your insurance company treats you, it may also give rise to an El Paso bad faith insurance claim.
El Paso Car Accidents Involving Driver Charged with Driving While Intoxicated
Because of the unique set of laws in Texas having to do with drunk driving accidents, please visit our Driving While Intoxicated Car Accident page for a more complete understanding.
El Paso Wrongful Death Car Accident Lawyer
Fatal accidents due happen in El Paso, Texas. When they do, your family has a claim under the Texas Wrongful Death Statute. If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one and you believe that the other party was at fault, contact an experienced El Paso fatal car accident Lawyer right away.
Other reasons to retain an El Paso, TX Auto Accident lawyer or El Paso County, TX Auto Accident lawyer include:
In Texas, the statutory minimum of liability insurance is $25,000.00;
A trained El Paso, Texas car accident attorney will get you quality medical care;
An El Paso County car accident lawyer will preserve vital evidence and immediately retain experts, called accident reconstructionists, who recreate the accident for the purposes of trial and legal settlements;
If alcohol and/or drugs played a role in the cause of the accident punitive damages may be available;
A licensed El Paso car accident attorney will make sure that:
Your automobile�s property damage is fully paid;
Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is recovered; and
That all layers of insurance coverage, such as excess levels of coverage are placed on notice;
A persona injury attorney in El Paso will not let your statute of limitations is two (2) years from the date of the accident;
An El Paso injury trial lawyer will be completely familiar with:
The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure;
The laws governing where your lawsuit should be filed. These are called “Venue” laws.
If your El Paso car crash lawyer determines that your car injury lawsuit should be filed in one of the below El Paso County Civil Courts or El Paso County District Court, they will also have a thorough knowledge of the Texas Rules of Evidence.
If your El Paso injury litigator, chooses federal court, he or she will be completely familiar with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Federal Rules of Evidence.
For all these reasons, you should not hesitate to retain an experienced El Paso tractor trailer accident lawyer near you to help you pursue claims related to an accident in El Paso involving a commercial vehicle.
After being involved in an automobile accident, the legal and medical complications that follow can be frustrating. Dealing with the insurance companies to gain compensation for your property damages and injuries due to the incident can be a tedious task if you do not have the proper legal representation. A car accident injury attorney will fight to achieve the compensation you deserve. �When you are questioning weather to get and attorney, do contact the above legal providers. �They will clearly help you decide if your case warrants legal review.
The before mentioned article presentation was a legal snippet and not to be misunderstood as clinical advice from a Clinical provider or Chiropractor.
Clinical Provider Topics: Headache After Auto Injury
On the other side of the pictures is the clinical presentation after an accident. The facts show that after being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as head pain. Headaches are a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
A worker�s compensation lawyer from El Paso can can assist injured workers in various ways, engaging in pursuing compensation and settlement for victims under the proper statute and appropriate methods. For instance, an El Paso worker�s compensation attorney can help ensure that federal government employees who�ve been injured or have aggravated a previously existing condition on the job can recover under federal law.
The federal worker�s compensation program under federal law provides compensation to injured federal government workers, such as postal service workers, after they�ve suffered harm on the job while they are employed with the federal government and it is administered by the Department of Labor. The Department of Labor also administers the Longshore and Harbor Workers� Compensation Act, abbreviated as LHWCA, which provides compensation to longshoremen and other workers in the case that they�ve experienced an injury or developed a condition while on the job. If you are an El Paso County resident employed by the federal government and you have suffered a work setting injury, you should contact an El Paso work accident lawyer to discuss your rights today.
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The U.S. Department of Labor claims office serving the El Paso area is located at:
U.S. Department of Labor, OWCP
525 South Griffin Street, Room 407
Dallas, TX 75202
(972) 850-2409
Workforce Solutions
300 E Main Street
El Paso, TX 79901-1372
(915) 313-3000 [Ext. 3023]
What to do Without Worker�s Compensation Insurance?
Normally, Texas law doesn�t need employers to implement workers� compensation coverage. Those employers who withdraw from their respective state�s worker�s compensation system are referred to as non-subscribers. If such is the case, employers can be sued directly under what is known as a non- subscriber claim. A non-subscriber claim is commonly identified as a powerful type of injury claim because through this process, the employer gives up their right to assert any fault on the part of the injured employee, also referred to as the plaintiff, and can also be sued for the work-related injury. Employees in the El Paso area who work for non-subscriber employers may sue for personal injury, in court or through arbitration. Non-subscriber claims are conducted directly against the employer due to their negligence in the workplace, however, if you work for a non-subscriber, you have broader chances, in terms of your right, to receive proper medical care and compensation for lost wages and for any disabilities you may have suffered, in addition to your right to introduce a direct personal injury claim for employer negligence.
Contact an El Paso worker�s compensation lawyer or other El Paso County worker�s compensation attorney today for advice regarding an injury which may have occurred during the allotted time of employment with a non-subscriber employer.
Contacting an El Paso Worker�s Compensation Attorney
If a person has experienced an injury related to their current job, it�s important for the individual not to hesitate and contact a qualified El Paso work accident attorney who can help them begin the process of their claim and gain the proper compensation and settlement they deserve. People suffer job injuries on a daily basis, many times causing them to not only experience pain and discomfort, but also lost wages and often physical disability. The worker�s compensation lawyers in El Paso, Texas are initially accepted to practice before state and federal courts in the state, nonetheless, fundamentally, they are qualified and experienced handling a variety of worker�s compensation claims. A professional El Paso or El Paso County, Texas Worker�s Comp lawyer may be able to speed up the legal process and help you get your money faster and without further issues or confusion.
Work related injuries fall basically into two categories:
Injuries where there is, or should be, workmen’s compensation or worker�s compensation insurance; or
Injuries where there is no worker�s compensation (Maritime Injuries & FELA Railroad Injuries).
Worker�s compensation laws in the state of Texas offers injured workers several types of income and medical benefits in El Paso. Under state law, the employer�s insurance company is required to pay the affected individual for these medical benefits as well as for all required treatment to compensate them for any lost wages as a result of the injury at the job. Unfortunately, some insurance companies will commonly seek to deny hardworking individuals their worker�s compensation benefits. This is the well-known process that insurance companies turn to to gain profit: they collect insurance premiums while refusing to pay out benefits whenever possible. A qualified and experienced El Paso, Texas worker�s compensation attorney has the skills and knowledge to fight the insurance companies to get you the money you deserve.
Specifically, an El Paso Worker�s Comp lawyer can help individuals in the following ways:
They will aim to provide you with the highest monetary compensation under the law.
Are in charge of investigating the circumstance regarding the individual�s injury to determine whether it will be in their best interest to pursue any other course of action or claims aside from collecting worker�s compensation, for instance, if the individual should follow through and sue their employer for further damage or injury and pursue a third party claim against someone other than the employer or against coworkers the negligence in causing injury.
Ensure that you receive proper medical care and appropriately maintain records of your injuries and treatment.
Get a second opinion or help you determine whether a doctor is acting to benefit the insurance company instead of the individual�s benefits.
Help you increase the amount of your worker�s compensation checks in the case that the total has been incorrectly calculated by an insurance company.
Protect your job during the time of your disability so you don�t find yourself unemployed after your recovery.
They will help complete and file all worker�s compensation records needed by the Department of Worker�s Compensation, to begin receiving payments.
Serve as liaison between adjusters, employers, medical personnel/doctors, and government employees to speed up the time in which the individual receives their money.
Deadline to File for Worker�s Compensation Benefits
In Texas, injured employees have only one year to file their workers� compensation claims from the date on which the injury occurred. If the injury is an occupational disease, or one sustained over a period of time, then the one-year limitations period begins to run when the employee knew or should have known of the employment-related disease.
Because you only have one year to file a worker�s compensation claim, it is essential to contact a worker�s compensation attorney near you who can immediately help you begin the process
TEXAS DIVISION OF WORKERS� COMPENSATION CONTACT INFORMATION
El Paso Injured Employee Hotline:
(800) 252-7031
WorkersCompCustomerServices@tdi.state.tx.us
Designated Doctor Scheduling:
(512) 804-4380
DDScheduler@tdi.state.tx.us
Medical Fee Dispute Resolution
(512) 804-4812
In addition, if the individual would like to report a workplace safety violation discovered in connection with their injury, the following phone numbers and e-mail addresses may be useful:
El Paso Job Injury Attorneys Serve El Paso and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Western Texas, including Anthony, Belen, Borderland, Buena Vista, Buford, Butterfield, Canutillo, Chaparral, Clint, El Paso, Ft. Bliss, Horizon City, Loma Terrace, Prado Verde, Santa Martina, Socorro, Sparks, Vinton, Westway, and other communities in El Paso County.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Headache After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as head pain. Headaches are a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
Dedicated to ensure injured workers receive the proper compensation they deserve after suffering an on-the-job injury or occupational injury, the work accident lawyers in El Paso, Texas and in El Paso County, Texas, are qualified and experienced to help people with a variety of cases and situations. When an individual has experienced a work injury, the process of settlement can be frustrating. Seeking assistance from an El Paso work injury attorney can help provide people the financial support they need.
Every day, workers around El Paso, Tx and throughout El Paso County are injured while performing the daily tasks required to fuel large, wealthy corporations. A majority of workers are commonly injured at construction sites, industrial manufacturing plants, refineries or assembly plants. In addition to numerous other claims, Worker�s Comp, a state law providing compensation and settlement for workers, helps victims of work injuries and their families during these difficult times.
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When a Party-at-Fault is not Needed
With other general negligence claims, proving fault is often required to fulfill the victim�s settlement compensation, however, for those who�ve suffered an injury while on the job, the affected individual is able to receive their worker�s compensation payments and their medical bills paid regardless of who was at fault for the injury or how it was caused.
If you or a loved one have been injured on a workplace setting in the state of Texas, you or your family member could be eligible to be covered by worker�s compensation. Worker�s Comp was developed to reimburse and take care of injured employees, even if they were at fault for causing the harm. In other words, the employee is to receive compensation for their disability and medical care in the case that they are injured on the job, regardless of their role in the accident, even if the injury occurred entirely due to the employee�s own fault.
In Texas, worker�s compensations laws can be found under the Texas Worker�s Compensation Act, Title 5, Texas Labor Code, Chapters 401-506. Furthermore, up-to-date information on Texas worker�s compensation laws can be found at the website maintained by the Texas Department of Insurance, Worker�s Compensation Division.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a workplace injury, make sure to contact one of the qualified El Paso worker�s comp lawyers who serve injury victims throughout the El Paso and El Paso County areas.
Texas Workers� Compensation Field Offices for El Paso are located at:
El Paso Divisional Office
El Paso State Office Building
401 East Franklin Avenue, Street 330, El Paso, TX 79901-1250
(915) 834-7000
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Headache After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as head pain. Headaches are a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
With over 25 years of experience treating patients who’ve suffered injuries or aggravated a previous condition due to direct trauma from an accident, among other factors, Dr. Alex Jimenez is a qualified doctor of chiropractic who’s helped many individual’s recover their original health and wellness. Being injured at the job can be unfortunate and Dr. Jimenez, using the worker’s compensation plan, can help.
Work accident lawyers for El Paso, Texas, and El Paso County, Texas, work injuries dedicate themselves to making sure that injured workers receive the compensation they are entitled to after an on-the-job injury or occupational injury.
Workers around El Paso, TX and throughout El Paso County are injured every day as they perform the tasks necessary to fuel large, wealthy corporations. Workers are often injured at El Paso construction sites, industrial manufacturing plants, refineries, or assembly plants. In addition to a variety of other claims, state laws provide for workers� compensation, commonly known as �workers� comp,� to assist the victims of workplace injuries and their families in these times of hardship.
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Proving Fault Is Not Necessary
Unlike normal negligence claims where proving fault is necessary, if you suffer an injury while in the “course and scope of employment” at a workplace in El Paso, Texas, you should get your El Paso workers’ compensation payments (indemnity) and your medical bills paid regardless of who caused your work injury or how it was caused.
If you or a loved one have been injured on the job in the State of Texas, then you or your injured family member should be covered by workers� compensation. Workers� comp is a statutory scheme designed to compensate the injured employee even if he or she was 100% at fault for causing their injuries. That is, the employee receives compensation for their disability and medical care if they are injured on the job regardless of their role in the injury, and even if the injury occurred wholly due to the employee�s own fault.
In Texas, workers� compensation laws are found in the Texas Workers� Compensation Act – Title 5 – Texas Labor Code – Chapters 401-506. Additionally, you may find more helpful and up-to-date information on Texas workers� compensation laws at the website maintained by the Texas Department of Insurance, Workers� Compensation Division.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an El Paso, TX workplace injury, please contact one of the qualified El Paso workers� comp attorneys serving injury victims throughout the El Paso and El Paso County areas.
Texas Workers� Compensation Field Offices for El Paso are located at:
El Paso Divisional Office
El Paso State Office Building
401 East Franklin Avenue, Street 330, El Paso, TX 79901-1250
(915
Federal Worker’s Compensation Law – El Paso County Postal & Federal Workers
An El Paso workers� comp attorney can help you in many ways, and will work to make sure that you pursue compensation under the appropriate statute and through the appropriate methods. For example, your El Paso workers� comp attorney will make sure that federal government employees injured on the job seek recovery under federal law.
As under the state workers� compensation scheme, federal law provides injured federal government workers, such as postal service workers, compensation for injuries occurring on the job or as a result of their employment with the federal government. This federal workers� compensation program is administered by the Department of Labor. The Department of Labor also administers the Longshore and Harbor Workers� Compensation Act (LHWCA), which provides compensation to longshoremen and other such workers if they are injured on the job. If you are an El Paso County resident employed by the federal government and you have been injured on the job, you should contact El Paso work accident lawyers to discuss your rights today.
The U.S. Department of Labor claims office serving the El Paso area is located at:
Workforce Solutions
300 E Main Street
El Paso, TX 79901-1372
(915) 313-3000 [Ext. 3023]
What Can Lawyers Do If Your Employer Doesn�t Have Workers� Compensation Insurance?
Texas law generally does not require that an employer provide workers� compensation coverage. Employers who opt out of the state workers� compensation system are referred to as �non-subscribers.� These employers can be sued directly under what is called a �non- subscriber claim.� A non-subscriber claim is a very strong injury claim because the employer gives up their right to assert any fault on the part of the injured employee (plaintiff) and can also be sued for the work-related injury. Employees in the El Paso area who work for non-subscriber employers may sue for personal injury, in court or through arbitration. These claims are made directly against the employer for their negligence; however, if you work for a non-subscriber, you have wider possibilities in terms of your right to proper medical care, compensation for lost wages, and for any disabilities you have suffered, in addition to your right to initiate a direct personal injury claim for employer negligence.
Contact an El Paso workers� comp attorney or other El Paso County workers� comp attorney today for advice regarding an injury sustained during employment with a non-subscriber employer.
Why Should You Contact an El Paso Workers� Compensation Attorney?
If you are suffering from a work-related injury, you should not hesitate to contact a qualified El Paso work accident attorney who can help you process your claim. People are injured on the job every day, many times causing them to suffer pain as well as lost wages and physical disability. El Paso workers� comp attorneys are admitted to practice before state and federal courts in Texas, but, more importantly, they are experienced with handling workers� compensation claims like yours. An experienced El Paso or El Paso County, Texas workers� compensation attorney can expedite the process and help you get your money faster and without confusion or hassle.
Work related injuries fall basically into two categories:
Injuries where there is, or should be, workman�s compensation or worker�s compensation insurance; or
Injuries where there is no workers� compensation (Maritime Injuries & FELA Railroad Injuries).
Texas workers� compensation law provides injured workers in the El Paso area with certain types of income and medical benefits. Under state law, your employer�s insurance company is required to pay you these medical benefits for all necessary treatment as well as benefits to compensate you for your lost wages. However, insurance companies frequently seek to deny deserving, hardworking people their workers� compensation benefits. This is how the insurance companies turn a profit: they collect insurance premiums while refusing to pay out benefits whenever possible. An experienced El Paso, TX workers� comp attorney has the skills and know-how to fight the insurance companies to get you the money you deserve. Contact one of the El Paso workers� comp attorneys listed on this page for help in obtaining a settlement.
Specifically, an El Paso workers� comp lawyers can help you in the following ways:
Strive to get you the highest monetary compensation under the law.
Investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury to determine whether you should pursue any other courses of action or claims aside from collecting workers� comp�for example, whether you should sue your employer for further damages or pursue a third party claim against someone other than your employer, or against your coworkers for the role their negligence played in your injuries.
Ensure that you receive proper medical care and adequately maintain records of your injuries and treatment.
Get a second opinion or help you determine whether a doctor is acting in the best interests of the insurance company instead of in your best interest.
Help you increase your workers� comp checks if the amount has been incorrectly calculated by an insurance company.
Protect your job during the time of your disability so you don�t find yourself unemployed after your recovery.
Complete and file all workers� compensation records required by the Department of Workers� Compensation for you to begin receiving your checks.
Serve as liaison between adjusters, employers, medical personnel/doctors, and government employees to get you your money quickly and without hassle.
Is There A Deadline To File For Workers� Compensation Benefits In Texas?
In Texas, injured employees have only one (1) year to file their workers� compensation claims from the date on which the injury occurred. If the injury is an occupational disease, or one sustained over a period of time, then the one-year limitations period begins to run when the employee knew or should have known of the employment-related disease.
Because you only have one year to file your claims, it is in your best interest to contact an El Paso workers� comp attorney immediately to help you begin the process!
TEXAS DIVISION OF WORKERS� COMPENSATION CONTACT INFORMATION
El Paso Injured Employee Hotline:
(800) 252-7031
WorkersCompCustomerServices@tdi.state.tx.us
Designated Doctor Scheduling:
(512) 804-4380
DDScheduler@tdi.state.tx.us
Medical Fee Dispute Resolution
(512) 804-4812
Additionally, if you would like to report a workplace safety violation discovered in connection with your injury, the following phone numbers and e-mail addresses may be useful:
Many corporations and other work settings provide safe, labor environments for their workers, however, it’s not unheard of for individuals to suffer an accident which may cause injury. Every day, people can be at risk of experiencing work injuries, especially in construction sites. Fortunately, if an injury occurs, the affected individuals can utilize worker’s compensation to settle a personal injury claim. Many El Paso lawyers are qualified and experienced to help workers gain the compensation they need and deserve.
Additional Topics: Headache After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as head pain. Headaches are a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
If you have persistent neck or back pain, you might be considering chiropractic manipulation, or realigning the spine by pressing on its joints, a therapy often touted to relieve such chronic discomfort. Chiropractic care is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine. In 2012, one in 12 U.S. adults visited the chiropractor, according to an analysis of federal survey data published in January. And each year chiropractors (along with some osteopathic physicians and physical therapists) perform several million adjustments.
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Does It Work?
The founder of modern chiropractic care, a 19th-century Iowan, believed that chiropractic manipulation could cure all manner of maladies. And some chiropractors still offer services for conditions such as asthma and high blood pressure, even though there�s no strong evidence that chiropractic treatment helps for those. But most chiropractors focus on skeletal and muscular problems�especially low back, neck, and shoulder pain, and related headaches.
And some studies suggest that spinal manipulations (�adjustments�) can help diminish such pain. A 2011 review of 26 studies found that for chronic low back pain, manipulation reduced pain in the short term at least as much as exercise and even pain relievers. Chiropractic care also improved participants� short-term physical functions, such as their ability to climb stairs or bend over.
�The bad news is that for chronic, persistent back pain, even the best therapies result in only mild to moderate relief,� says Roger Chou, M.D., a professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University who studies back pain. �The key is finding the treatment that works for you and seeing a therapist who cares about function�not just pain relief�and who will help you get back to the activities that matter most in your life.�
When it comes to neck pain, a study of 181 people published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that getting regular chiropractic care (about once per week for 12 weeks) could lessen discomfort better than acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some research also suggests that chiropractic manipulation might work as well as medication for migraine headaches.
�For chronic backache or neck pain that is not accompanied by symptoms requiring medical attention�such as urinary or intestinal problems or weakness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg�considering chiropractic manipulation seems reasonable,� says Consumer Reports� chief medical adviser, Marvin M. Lipman, M.D. But it isn�t risk-free. �It can cause temporary headaches and, rarely, serious problems such as worsening the pain of a slipped disk,� he notes.
What to Know If You Go
All states require chiropractors to earn a four-year doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). Chiropractors are also required to pass an exam administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners to get licensed.
Treatments are often covered by insurance, including Medicare Part B, which pays 80 percent of the cost after your deductible.
Back pain is one of the most common symptoms reported among the general population. While a majority of cases resolve on their own, some instances of back pain may be due to further injury or an aggravated condition. If the symptoms are persistent, it might be time to seek medical attention immediately. Chiropractic care focuses on musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, helping to restore the original health of the spine.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: Headache After Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can cause damage or injury to the body, primarily to the structures surrounding the spine. Whiplash is a common result of an auto collision, affecting the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues around it, causing symptoms such as head pain. Headaches are a common symptom after an automobile accident, which may require immediate medical attention to determine its source and follow through with treatment.
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession which focuses on injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system as well as the effects of these on overall health. Chiropractic care is generally utilized to treat neuromusculoskeletal complications, including but not limited to: back pain, neck pain, joint pain and headaches.
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What is a Doctor of Chiropractic?
Doctors of Chiropractic, abbreviated as DCs, also commonly known as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians, practice a hands-on, drug-free alternative treatment approach to healthcare, performing patient assessments, determining a diagnosis and following with an appropriate treatment. Chiropractors possess a wide variety of diagnostic skills and are also qualified to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises to patients, providing them with nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling in the process.
Chiropractors commonly evaluate patients using clinical examinations, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic interventions to establish the most appropriate time to begin chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors may also readily refer patients to receive care from other healthcare providers when chiropractic treatment is not suitable to treat the patient�s condition or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other healthcare providers.
In many instances, such as with lower back pain, chiropractic treatment may be an individual�s primary form of treatment. In other cases where severe, complicated injuries or conditions are present, chiropractic may be utilized to complement or support medical treatment by healing the musculoskeletal issues associated with the existing injury or condition.
Similar to doctors of medicine, abbreviated as MDs, doctors of chiropractic are subject to the boundaries established in state practice acts and are regulated by state licensing boards. A DC�s education in four-year doctoral graduate school programs is nationally accredited through an agency which operates under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Education. After graduating, chiropractors are required to pass national board exams in order to acquire a license to practice, where they must then maintain their license annually by earning continuing education, or CE, credits through state-approved CE programs.
What is Spinal Manipulation?
A spinal manipulation, also referred to as a chiropractic adjustment, is one of the most recognized and common therapeutic procedures performed by chiropractors. Chiropractic adjustments help restore the mobility of the joints and other structures of the body by utilizing the application of manual and controlled force against the joints which have become restricted in their movement, or hypomobile, due to tissue damage or injury. Tissue injury can be the result of a single traumatic circumstance, such as through the improper lifting of a heavy object or through repetitive and constant stress from sitting in improper positions with poor posture for an extended period of time. In both cases, the affected structures of the body can become physically and chemically altered, resulting in pain, inflammation and limited function. A spinal manipulation of the affected joints and tissues can ultimately restore mobility, improving the symptoms of pain and muscle tightness, allowing the tissues to heal on their own.
Chiropractic adjustments infrequently cause discomfort. However, patients may occasionally report feeling mild soreness or aching following treatment, which generally resolve within 12 to 48 hours. In contrast to other common treatments for pain, such as over-the-counter and prescription pain medications, the conservative approach of chiropractic care offers individuals a safe and effective, alternative treatment option for their specific injuries or conditions.
Why Choose Chiropractic?
Annually, chiropractors care for more than 30 million Americans, adults and children alike. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed to practice in all 50 states, as well as in the District of Columbia, and in many nations around the world.
An increasing list of research studies and reviews has established that the treatment methods and techniques provided by chiropractic physicians are both safe and effective. The evidence strongly supports the natural, whole-body and cost-effective approach of chiropractic care for a variety of conditions.
Chiropractic treatment is included in most health insurance plans, including: major medical plans, worker�s compensation, Medicare, some Medicaid plans, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for federal employees, among others.
Chiropractic is used widely by young and professional athletes to help prevent and treat injuries and/or aggravated conditions as well as to aid them achieve optimal health and wellness. Also commonly utilized by the general population, chiropractic care can help restore an individual�s original well being, increasing their strength, flexibility and mobility as well as decreasing symptoms such as pain, inflammation and discomfort caused by spinal complications. Following up with the chiropractor�s treatment recommendations can also help speed up the individual�s recovery process, helping them return to their everyday lifestyles.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Many new patients are unsure about what to expect during their first appointment with a chiropractor. Foremost, a doctor of chiropractic will begin the consultation by taking a patient�s history and then performing a physical examination in order to develop a working diagnosis. Imaging or lab tests, including MRI, CT scans and/or X-rays, may be used to confirm a diagnosis.
The combination of the history, exam, and diagnostic study results will ultimately allow the chiropractor to determine a proper diagnosis for the individual�s injury or condition, which will then allow the healthcare professional to follow up with the best treatment procedures according to their overall health and wellness. If your chiropractor determines you would be more appropriately managed or co-managed by another healthcare professional, he or she will make the proper referral.
Through a process of shared decision-making, you and your chiropractic physician can establish which treatment methods and techniques will be right for you. As part of this process, the chiropractor will explain your injury and/or condition, recommend an appropriate treatment plan and finally, they will review the risks and benefits of all procedures with you.
As with all forms of treatment, time and patience is required to heal an injury or condition and visiting your chiropractor regularly can ensure the process is smooth and effective. Following the healthcare professional�s treatment plan accordingly is the best, most recommended decision you can take as an individual to achieve overall health and wellness.
Dr. Alex Jimenez is an El Paso Chiropractor who has been helping people recover from their specific injuries or conditions through the use of chiropractic adjustments and manipulations. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Jimenez can provide safe and effective care to those in need.
Chiropractic treatment is a popular, alternative treatment option which is generally used to treat spinal complications, including back pain and neck pain. Commonly utilizing spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to restore the natural health of the spine, chiropractors can also recommend a variety of exercises and lifestyle changes to promote healing and speed up the recovery process for overall health and wellness.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
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