Whiplash Injuries and the Use of Symptom Diaries

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

A research conducted from the University of Alberta demonstrated that�consistent recording of an individual�s pain and discomfort in a journal may actually slow down their recovery from whiplash-associated disorders.

The research involved 60 individuals diagnosed with acute whiplash injuries. Each individual was randomly designated to one of two separate groups: a symptom diary group or a control group.�The individuals from the symptom diary group were asked to manage a journal rating their overall levels of pain for each day. Additionally, individuals from both groups received physical therapy for their whiplash-type injuries. After three months of treatment, the individuals were evaluated for recovery.�Overall, 59% of the individuals within the symptom diary group reported recovery as compared to 86% of the individuals within the control group.�

The author of the study, Robert Ferrari, concluded that not only was using a pain diary unfavorable towards recovery but its use might actually be more harmful for the individual. Ferrari explained that keeping a pain diary could make an individual more aware of their symptoms, leading to incorrect perceptions of prognosis. Negative attitudes have before been linked to chronic pain symptoms in individuals with whiplash-type injuries and low back pain.

�While diaries may serve a useful purpose to facilitate practitioner-patient communication about symptoms and to track the course of symptoms, the benefits have not been demonstrated�, Ferrari wrote.

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Chiropractic Treatment for Neck Injury

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

When first visiting a chiropractor, its essential to provide the medical specialist with as much detail relating to your neck pain, including medical records and history that can outline the description and symptoms of any prior injuries or conditions. Explaining your symptoms in detail to a chiropractor can provide valuable information to best diagnose the root cause of an individual�s cervical spine complications.�

Spinal misalignments can be caused by numerous factors, such as an improper posture or a sport-related injury. The spine is surrounded by many complex tissues: muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. In the presence of a subluxation of the spine, the vertebra may stretch or compress any of these tissues, resulting in the well-known symptoms of pain and discomfort and depending on the location of the symptoms, neck or back pain may occur.

Chiropractic care consists of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to the spine to progressively re-align the vertebra to their natural state in order to improve functionality, reduce nerve irritation, and restore the spine�s range of motion. After treatment, a chiropractor may also recommend a series of stretches and/or exercises according to an individual�s level of pain and symptoms, to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected area.

It�s important to seek immediate medical attention and treatment for your neck complications to help alleviate an individual�s pain and discomfort and restore your well-being.

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Improving Posture to Relieve Text Neck

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

Text neck is a modern, cervical spine condition characterized by neck pain and discomfort as a result of constantly looking down at a technological device for extended periods of time.�

The symptoms include neck pain and soreness, upper back pain, shoulder pain and tightness, and occasionally, neurological symptoms�if a cervical nerve becomes pinched.

An improper posture is the source of the pain and other symptoms related to text neck. The common�slouching posture of text neck�can add extra pounds of unnecessary pressure on the cervical spine�which can begin causing degeneration and wear and tear of the structures surrounding the cervical spine. Text neck is much more common among young people.�Considering the impact of the accumulative hours of bad posture in the time span of a year, is the reason teenagers are at a higher risk of developing text neck and further cervical spine complications.�Furthermore, text neck in combination with a sedentary lifestyle can further aggravate the condition. Inactivity and an improper posture can cause other types of complications along the spine, such as back pain and muscle weakness, and if there�s a spinal misalignment, the nerves along the length of the spine may also become compressed.

Through chiropractic treatment, a chiropractor may use spinal adjustments and manual manipulations as well as recommend a specialized set of stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine. Spine health is important for anyone who wishes to maintain a healthy lifestyle and preventing injuries or complications to their health is the key to improving your well-being, most importantly during the growth of teenagers, in order to avoid text neck from developing.

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Healthy Weight and Auto Injury Recovery�

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

Research conducted by the University of North Carolina, Department of Anesthesiology has indicated that weight differences among individuals who�ve been involved in an automobile accident can ultimately affect the recovery rate of auto injuries. The research determined that losing weight may be a necessary means towards not only improving an individual�s overall health but also, reducing the risk of possible injuries during a future automobile accident.

The study involved 1,000 adults whom had checked into an emergency department within 24 hours after a car collision. Overall, 37% of individuals were characterized as normal weight, 32% of individuals were characterized as overweight, 18% of individuals were characterized as obese, and 13% of individuals were characterized as morbidly obese. Each individual rated their injury symptom levels on a scale of 0 to 10, mainly describing pain and discomfort on their neck, shoulders, and back. Individual assessments were conducted at the end of the study as well as six months and a year later.�The researchers at the Department of Anesthesiology of the University of North Carolina discovered that the more weight an individual carried, the more likely they were to report pain and other symptoms.�

Conclusively, maintaining a healthy weight and/or weight loss is fundamental for achieving overall health, fitness, and wellness, as well as to prevent complications and improve the recovery rate of injuries after an automobile accident.

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Foot Injury and its Causes

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

The feet are complex structures which function�to provide protection and support to the body in relation to the spine and head posture. The feet are essential towards balancing the body�s entire weight, allowing it to walk, run, stand, and, jump. Consequently, foot complications may cause severe issues throughout the spine, hips, knees, and ankles if left untreated.

Individuals who�ve suffered a prior injury or condition may often continue experiencing pain and other symptoms on the surrounding structures of the foot.�Bone fractures on the outside end of the ankle can occasionally occur but more often, the ligaments around the anterior and side of the ankle can tear and produce pain as well as visible swelling and bruising on the affected region. Generally, it can take 4-6 weeks to recover from a direct injury but, the ligaments can become full of scar tissue, which is non-elastic and stiff. This can increase the chance of damage or injury, often leading to further sprains. Repeated traumas can influence the mobility of the ankle and cause complications on the joint and other structures, such as the knee and spine.

Chiropractic care can be effective for treating injuries or conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and ankle sprains, among others. Foot health is essential towards establishing the body�s proper support and balance, together with a proper spinal posture. In the presence of foot complications, chiropractic treatment can be used to achieve long lasting health.

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The Cause and Effect of Heel Pain

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in many individuals. �Although most commonly diagnosed in runners, individuals who are overweight, women who are pregnant, and those who wear shoes with inadequate support, are at an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis. The condition is characterized by a sharp pain that generally occurs during the first steps an individual takes first thing in the morning. After the foot warms up, the pain of the condition may decrease, but it may return after extended periods of time standing or after getting up from a seated position.

�The pain and symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis can develop gradually, most frequently affecting a single foot although it can occur in both feet simultaneously.

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by a variety of reasons but certain factors can increase the risk of developing the condition.�Overuse with age frequently irritates the plantar fascia, resulting in the well-known symptoms of heel pain and discomfort. Plantar fasciitis is most common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60.�Because women who are pregnant can often experience plantar fascia complications due to their added weight, plantar fasciitis is statistically more likely to occur in women than men. Also, certain types of exercise or physical activities which place an increased amount of stress on the heel and attached tissue, can greatly contribute to the early development of plantar fasciitis.�Additionally, being flat-footed, having a high arch, or even having an abnormal pattern of walking or running can negatively affect the weight distribution within the body while standing, adding stress on the plantar fascia.�Occupations that require longer periods of time walking or standing while on hard surfaces can also aggravate the plantar fascia and result in plantar fasciitis. And last but not least, improper footwear can commonly cause plantar fasciitis.

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Similarities of Whiplash & Achilles Tendonosis

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

Research has discovered that individuals with whiplash-type injuries may share various characteristics of those with Achilles tendonosis, offering further insight into possible new treatment options for chronic whiplash symptoms. The study analyzed the tendons of individuals with whiplash-associated disorders and found signs of pathological neovascularization, or the development of blood vessels in abnormal tissues, comparable to what has been found in individuals with Achilles tendonosis.

The research conducted to examine the symptoms of chronic pain in the Achilles and patellar tendons demonstrated the presence of high blood flow in the more painful areas of the tendons. Additionally, later studies revealed that these particularly painful tendons showed the characteristic similarity of blood vessel growth in abnormal tissues. Through the study, researchers also determined that injections of anesthetics into these vessels could provide temporary symptom relief.

The researchers from Umea University in Sweden utilized the same imaging techniques used in the Achilles tendonosis studies to determine changes in the tendons of individuals who suffered from whiplash injuries during auto collisions. Individuals with whiplash showed more areas with high blood flow, and the blood flow was intensified at each examined region. Areas of high blood flow were evident where the tendons entered into the bone. In the study, women with whiplash were more likely to have more areas of high blood flow than men, evidence that may suggest why there�s higher rates of whiplash injuries in women.

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Sciatica Symptoms & Chiropractic Treatment

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

Sciatica is described as a group of symptoms most commonly characterized by a persistent pain along the sciatic nerve, which travels from the low back, down through the buttocks, and into the lower leg. The sciatic nerve is the longest and widest single nerve in the human body and its mainly in charge of controlling the muscles of the lower legs as well as providing sensation to the thighs, legs, and the base of the feet.

While the most common symptom of sciatica includes radiating pain along the length of the sciatic nerve, the symptoms of sciatica can vary according to the affected area of the nerve. For several individuals, the signs and symptoms include mild tingling and numbness sensations, a dull ache, a burning sensation typically on one side of the body, and a pins-and-needles sensation on the toes or foot.

Through chiropractic care, a chiropractor can provide non-invasive and drug-free treatment options for sciatica. The goal of chiropractic care is to restore the natural mobility of the spine as well as improving the normal function of the structures within the body while reducing pain and inflammation. Depending on the cause of sciatica, chiropractic treatment may use various treatment methods, including but not limited to spinal adjustments, ice/heat therapy, ultrasound, TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, and a series of rehabilitative stretches and exercises.

While efficient treatment options for sciatica exist, however, it�s possible to prevent sciatica from occurring in the first place by followed a few suggestions to protect your spine and promote spinal health. Consuming a healthy diet to maintain a proper weight, regular exercise, practicing a proper posture as well as avoiding prolonged inactivity or bed rest are all efficient ways to improve the well-being of your spine and help prevent symptoms of sciatica.

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Achieving Overall Health Naturally

by Dr Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP | Chiropractic

If you�re a person with a sedentary lifestyle, exercising more will bring many benefits for improving your health. Engaging in physical activity helps burn calories, preventing excess weight gain and supports weight loss. Exercise also stimulates several chemical reactions in the brain that can boost your mood as well as relieve stress, making you feel happier and more relaxed.

Following a balanced nutrition is also a great way to improve your health. Adding more quality food into your diet, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as reducing the amount of processed foods you consume will benefit your overall wellness. A proper diet together with an exercise routine can help maintain a healthy weight. Eating vitamin and mineral rich foods while avoiding fats, sugars, and salts can help avoid heart disease and hypertension from developing.

Hydration, along with a good diet and physical activity, is also very important for your health. Drinking the appropriate amount of water necessary for each individual has many benefits on the body. Most importantly, the body requires water for the majority of its functions and without proper hydration, the body may not function to its fullest capacity.

And last but not least, make sure you�re getting good quality rest. Sleeping should be a top priority when it comes to achieving your optimal health, fitness, and wellness goals as it has many benefits for the body. Getting proper rest improves your mood and can also assist in weight loss.

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