by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Tendons are sturdy bands of connective tissue that function by connecting muscles to bones. These channel the force created by each individual muscle to move the bone. Because of this, they must be sufficiently powerful to endure the force which is conducted through them yet sufficiently flexible to act as pulleys around bony prominences.
Athletes who frequently overuse their muscles or as a result of direct trauma can develop a tendon injury. Of the 32 million musculoskeletal injuries documented in the United States annually, 45% of them are injuries to tendons, ligaments, or joint capsules. The most commonly injured tendons include the tendons of the rotator cuff of the shoulder, the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, and the elbow extensor tendon. Several factors can place additional strain on the tendon and contribute to injuries caused by overuse, including: abnormal direction of pull due to skeletal misalignment; differences in limb lengths; muscle weakness or imbalances; hypermobile joints;?inflexible muscles;?training errors; and faulty or improperly fitted equipment and/or footwear.
Tendon injuries are believed to be difficult to treat as they were once historically thought of as an inflammatory condition, referred before to as tendonitis. Its treatment was therefore focused on reducing the inflammation through traditional anti-inflammatory medications and modalities and was extensively unsuccessful.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
For athletes and the general population who participate in physical activity, overuse and overexertion of the muscles can cause several complications, most commonly, tendon injury or tendinopathy. Several symptoms can debilitate an individual with this type of injury but sufficient rest and proper health care can help relieve tendon complications and restore normal function. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic, Whiplash
A headache is a symptom of pain felt in any region of the head or neck. From a mild and irritating discomfort to a severe and throbbing pain, headaches can be caused by a variety of factors and they may occur temporarily or they can last throughout the day. In a majority of cases, individuals report headaches and other similar symptoms after being involved in an automobile accident, most commonly, if they�ve been diagnosed with whiplash.
Any type of auto collision can lead to whiplash and other injuries, however, whiplash occurs most frequently during rear-end impacts in a car. Whiplash occurs when the head suddenly moves back-and-forth in any given direction as a result of a powerful force, extending the neck beyond its normal range of motion. This type of injury can also be caused by trauma from a sports injury or other type of accident. The neck is a complex structure consisting of joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels and other tissues. When the structures of the neck are subjected to an extreme force, such as that from a car crash, the tissues within the neck can become irritated and inflamed, causing injuries that results in pain, whiplash headaches and other symptoms.
The symptoms of whiplash generally develop immediately after the automobile accident, although occasionally, the pain and discomfort can take up to several days, weeks, or even months to manifest. The pain is often in the form of whiplash headaches.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T�s insight:
In the case of an automobile accident, not many people are prepared for the�effects that follow the situation. An auto accident is an unexpected situation that often results in property damage, but most importantly, the impact from the collision can lead to numerous injuries and symptoms, affecting�an individual much more than expected. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Auto accidents aren�t necessarily the only cause behind whiplash, but they do occur more frequently during these incidents. Whiplash can result from any motion in which the head is abruptly jolted forward and then backwards at an increased speed. The accelerated movement often leads to the irritation and inflammation of the ligaments and tendons found in the neck, occasionally causing a tear within these complex tissues.
A doctor who specializes in auto accident injuries can properly identify the presence of whiplash and follow up with the most appropriate treatment program to decrease and eliminate the pain and other symptoms associated with the injury as well as restore the individual�s flexibility. A medical doctor, an orthopedic, physical therapist, primary care physician and a chiropractor, are several different types of healthcare specialists who focus on different complications and can treat automobile accident injuries and conditions.
Many individuals who�ve been involved in a car accident, don�t receive the proper health care they need and deserve for their whiplash injuries. Ultimately, the type of doctor an auto accident victim receives treatment from can determine their outcome for recovery. It�s important to be well-informed of the training and expertise of a whiplash doctor before accepting treatment because not all of the above mentioned healthcare specialists will treat whiplash injuries.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Whiplash is a common type of neck injury, frequently resulting from a variety of auto accidents, the wide majority caused by rear-end auto collisions. For those individuals who�ve sustained a whiplash-related injury after being involved in an automobile accident, the kind of doctor they should seek to proceed with treatment must specialize in automobile injuries for the best recovery results. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
It�s not always safe to assume the individual was left unharmed from an auto accident simply because there were no visible wounds or injuries. It�s crucial to seek immediate medical attention following a traumatic accident to properly diagnose any possible injuries or aggravated conditions which may have developed from the unexpected automobile accident.
All too frequently, many automobile accident victims may be at risk of experiencing further injury as a result of not being alert of their surroundings. A sudden auto collision can cause confusion and disorientation, leaving those involved feeling unaware of the events happening around them. In this state, it is easy for another accident to occur. Further injury can take place from carelessly walking around the scene of the accident or during the unfortunate case where another vehicle crashes into the existing accident scene.
It�s very important to seek immediate medical care after experiencing damage or injury from an auto collision in order to begin the healing process as soon as possible. The more an individual delays treatment for their injuries, the more challenging it can be for the body to heal itself naturally.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
After an individual has been involved in a car accident, it�s absolutely essential for the driver and any passengers to determine if they experienced any injuries from the incident. Various types of injuries can result from an auto collision and�there are types of injuries which may not be noticeable immediately and other others may be necessary to take. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Crime Victims, Protective Services
One of the most troubling concerns facing our community is domestic violence. In Texas, 1 in 3 adult women has been a victim of domestic violence. Over the past year and a half, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times has done an excellent job of putting domestic violence at the forefront by covering its effects and exploring solutions to reduce the deadly trend. These stories and statistics should motivate all of us to work to better protect victims.
Since the 1980s, the prevention of domestic violence in Texas has been a top priority and much of my legislation supports programs that aim to overcome domestic violence. When I was chairman of the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, we held public hearings that discussed the serious problem of women serving prison time for defending themselves against a violent partner. As a result, several members carried legislation to change the laws to help protect victims of family violence.
In 2009, committee Chairman Abel Herrero and I authored Mary’s Law, which allows for GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders. And most recently, in 2015, I sponsored House Bill 2645, which allows juries to hear more information about family violence and increases accountability for offenders monitored by GPS as part of a protective order. This bill now allows law enforcement to arrest the violator in real time for a violation of a protective order, thereby increasing victim safety and offender accountability.
Funding to help prevent family violence is critical. As vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, I secured a $1 million increase in funding for the Battery Intervention Prevention Program, in which offenders are held accountable for past abusive behavior and taught the fundamentals of leading healthy, nonviolent relationships. The increase in funds allows services to expand and adds innovative approaches to current practice. Additionally, the 2016-2017 budget included $53.9 million for core services provided by family violence programs and $3 million to address unmet needs such as housing and childcare. We will continue to work with advocates to address funding shortfalls for organizations that provide assistance to victims and offenders.
While the Texas Legislature has strengthened laws against abusers to give district attorneys and our communities more tools to protect family violence victims and provide funds for family violence programs, much work remains to be done. In order to end the cycle of violence, our community needs to focus on prevention by raising public awareness while also effectively implementing and enforcing laws.
Implementation is key to protecting victims. It was alarming to learn that the family violence center in our community was closed on weekends. However, through the Coastal Bend Community Coordinated Response Coalition forums, victims and advocates called for change. As a result, Corpus Christi Police Chief Mike Markle implemented changes so that family violence detectives are rotated for weekends and after-hours duty. This is a step in the right direction so that victims of abuse do not live in fear simply because it is a weekend.
One solution to addressing domestic violence is to adopt components from the city of El Paso’s 24-Hour Contact Domestic Violence Initiative. The program takes a proactive and aggressive approach by moving domestic violence cases through the criminal justice system more effectively and focuses on victim outreach. Victim advocates seek face-to-face contact with victims of a domestic violence crimes for which an offender has been arrested within the past 24 hours. We need to collaborate among relevant agencies and discuss how we can improve and adopt El Paso’s model.
It will take more than one person, one agency, or one government entity to curb domestic violence. It will take work from legislators, law enforcement, the probation department, our local family violence shelter, public officials, parents, students and residents throughout our community to ensure we protect victims and hold their abusers accountable. Together, and only together, can we make our community a safer place.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
The crime victims program continues to help so many in need here in our very own El Paso. As a practicing Chiropractor, I have seen more than my share of domestic dispute violence drama and the physical toll on individuals and families. We touch these individuals and work on their bodies after the ordeals they undergo at the physical and emotional levels. It is this proximity to our patients that allows us to see firsthand the true effects. Logically, the impact of the unseen consequences may not always be physical in nature; the program’s outreach covers the unseen concomitant emotional damage caused by the crimes. The attorney general and district attorney have pledged continued support of this outstanding program. This continues to be great news in our growing city.
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is an effective, alternative treatment option for a variety of injuries or conditions surrounding the spine and its many structures and it can be used to relieve symptoms induced by whiplash as well as treat injuries to the extremities. When an individual has suffered an injury as a result of an automobile accident, a personal injury chiropractor can positively influence the proper progress of their rehabilitation, helping the individual obtain the fair compensation they need and deserve for their auto injuries. An experienced and well-trained personal injury chiropractor can provide quality treatment as well as support patients throughout their injury claim procedures. There are many qualified providers in the El Paso, Texas area, however, several important factors should be individually considered before choosing a personal injury chiropractor to make sure you�re choosing the most appropriate healthcare provider for your specific type of injuries and claims.
Foremost, when seeking medical care from a specialized chiropractor after suffering an auto injury, it�s crucial to verify whether the professional has had previous experience with automobile accident and personal injury claims. It may also be important if the personal injury chiropractor the individual has considered getting treatment from has attended post graduate training in accident injury evaluation and treatment which can guarantee a much more effective diagnosis and care from them.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
As an individual who�s been involved in an unexpected car accident, one of the first priorities should be to seek immediate medical treatment. The second concern includes ensuring those medical bills are paid accordingly. If the individual decides to seek chiropractic care for their injuries, choosing the right chiropractor can make a huge difference in the outcome of a personal injury claim. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
For those who�ve suffered a car accident, whiplash type injuries should be a very serious concern. Often times, the symptoms associated with a whiplash injury can develop several weeks or even months after the incident and it can be easy for an individual to believe there were no injuries as a result of the auto collision. Because of this, a majority of people don�t seek medical treatment following the car accident. Whiplash-associated injuries are among the most common neck injuries. Whiplash is caused by an abrupt movement of the head, either backward, forward, or sideways, which damages the supporting muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues in the neck and upper back.
The term whiplash was initially utilized in 1928 to identify an injury mechanism of sudden hyperextension followed by an immediate hyperflexion of the neck, resulting in damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments, most specifically, those supporting the head. Presently, we understand that this type of injury doesn�t necessarily occur as a result of extension and flexion beyond its natural range, instead, whiplash injuries are known to occur from an extremely rapid extension and flexion of the neck in any direction.
Because of their misunderstood, complex nature and the serious impact these could have on people�s lifestyles, only a limited amount of topics in the healthcare field have created as much controversy as whiplash injuries.�In order to help the individual better comprehend the nature of whiplash-associated injuries and how these should be properly treated, it is necessary to invest some time discussing the mechanics of how whiplash injuries occur.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
An abundance of studies has demonstrated that approximately half of all individuals with whiplash-associated injuries resulting after a car accident�may experience ongoing whiplash�symptoms if left untreated. Whiplash injuries are often misunderstood and, although the pain and discomfort of this type of injury may not always develop immediately, it’s essential for the individual to seek proper care from a chiropractor who specializes in soft tissue injuries. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
The neck is a complex structure composed of vertebral bones, joints, discs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. During an auto accident, the force from the impact will act against the body, frequently causing the head to jolt abruptly back-and-forth in any given direction, otherwise known as whiplash.
Individuals who were solely involved in rear-end impacts face up to a 50 percent chance of suffering from car accident whiplash injuries, and of those injured, there is also the risk they will develop further complications, such as chronic pain symptoms and/or degenerative conditions. Roughly half of all people with chronic neck pain can associate their issues to a prior car accident.
Whiplash can damage or injure the structures located around the cervical spine. The sudden motion of the neck stretches the surrounding tissues causing spinal misalignments, or subluxations, muscle, tendon and ligament strains and tears as well as pinched nerves and spinal degeneration over a period of time.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Millions of individuals experience whiplash-associated injuries in the United States alone due to the increasingly high number of car accidents, which unfortunately occur on a regular basis. A majority of these individuals may then develop symptoms of neck and back pain over time. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
When an unexpected automobile accident occurs, it�s essential to seek immediate medical attention from a recommended car accident doctor and specialist to receive a spinal evaluation and diagnose for any possible injuries or conditions, including if the individual didn�t experience any symptoms after the incident.
Because people are not readily prepared to deal with the legal processes involved during a car accident, many individuals settle their cases with the insurance companies before they�ve had a proper medical diagnosis from a healthcare professional trained in soft-tissue injuries. Moreover, once the individual has settled their case, they lose the right for care if indeed it was necessary. It�s in one�s best interest to get the attention they need to restore the original health of their body and ensure all its structures are functioning properly.
If a recent automobile accident left those involved feeling merely sore, it is still important to check the overall health of the individual as soon as possible. Whiplash, for example, is a common neck injury caused by a sudden back-and-forth jolt of the head due to an external force and its symptoms may develop 2 to 3 months after the initial injury. In addition, a large number of people whose injuries remain undetected after suffering an auto accident, may also experience neck or low back pain, numbness, muscle stiffness, headaches, fatigue and other complications over time including arthritis.
Not only are car accidents an inconvenience, many victims describe that they don�t feel like their normal selves following the events of the incident. The trauma from an injury or an aggravated condition may also cause irritability, memory loss, difficulty concentrating while awake and difficulty sleeping at night.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
Many current modern day aspects of living can be stressful, however, after an individual has been involved in a car accident, dealing with the problems that follow the incident is reported to be one of the most upsetting situations people face today. More so yet, a high percentage of these can cause injuries or develop underlying conditions which can remain undetected for months and even years. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.�
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by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic
A majority of people choose to ignore their symptoms after the car accident, hoping these will resolve on their own over time. Occasionally, the damage or injury from the incident may be so mild, the pains and aches may actually resolve on their own over a period of time, but when the discomfort begins to worsen, it�s time for them to seek immediate medical attention to properly determine the source of their symptoms and develop a proper treatment plan for each individual.
The sooner the individual receives a proper diagnosis and follows up with treatment, the sooner they will be able to return to their regular lifestyles without experiencing aches and pains as well as reduce the risk of future complications.
After visiting a healthcare provider due to symptoms from a car accident, the individual will have their injuries examined, documented and filed. Common automobile injuries such as whiplash, can present symptoms immediately after the accident, but sometimes, the symptoms can begin days, weeks and even months after the incident. Whiplash is a neck injury which occurs when the head moves abruptly back-and-forth due to the force of an impact, stretching and occasionally tearing the complex structures surrounding the cervical spine. Common whiplash symptoms can include; pain in the neck, arm, back and shoulders which is usually accompanied by headaches and muscle spasms as well as neck stiffness or tenderness, difficulty focusing and dizziness. Other symptoms include nerve injury along with a pins and needles sensation.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T’s insight:
When involved in a car accident, the individual�s concern will almost always focus on the state of their car first. Although the damage to a vehicle is important, however, many individuals frequently ignore the importance of one fragile and irreplaceable component which may also be injured during an auto accident, the human body. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.
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