Many individuals enjoy riding all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs. It is a fun pastime and it gets individuals outdoors. However, when driving/riding any type of motor vehicle there is potential for crashes and accidents that can result in severe injuries. Unfortunately, many individuals get on an ATV without properly understanding how the vehicle operates, safety measures, and what to do in an emergency. Several facts about ATV accidents, provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
130,000+ individuals are injured every year from ATV accidents
Over 700 individuals are killed in these accidents every year
Around one-third of the individuals killed are under the age of 16.
Many of the accidents could have been prevented if proper safety protocols were followed
Many of these accidents are based on negligence or recklessness of the driver or other individual/s doing the same in close proximity. The causes range from:
Speeding recklessly
Steep hill-climbing
Rollovers
Drunk driving
Exceeding capacity
Many of these vehicles are designed to hold one passenger only. When a second or third passenger is on the vehicle, the accidents are usually of the secondary passengers falling or getting thrown off. In other cases, the passenger is not able to shift their weight with the driver, resulting in throwing the entire vehicle off-balance.
ATV
Today ATVs are used for various jobs including border patrol, construction, emergency medical response, snow plowing, and maintaining farmland. They can be fun, but they can also be extremely dangerous if not properly ridden. Every year faster, and more powerful ATVs arrive on the market for purchase. The first ATVs had around 7-horsepower, an 89 cc engine, and weighed about 200 pounds. Today, some have engines that are 600 ccs, with 50 horsepower, weigh over 400 pounds, and can go up to 100 miles per hour. These are powerful machines that can cause severe injuries.
Injuries typically happen to men around 18 to 30 years of age
80 percent of injuries impact the driver and not the passenger
The most common injury cause is associated with flips and/or rolls
When this happens, both the driver and passenger can get thrown and in some cases, pinned underneath.
Symptoms and Injuries
Common ATV injuries include:
All around body pain
Muscle stiffness
Fractures
Broken bones
Dislocation/s
Whiplash
Headaches
Migraines
Concussion
Neurologic injuries
Spinal cord damage
Chronic pain
Blurred Vision
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
Just like automobile accident injuries, there can be delayed symptoms that begin to present over days or weeks. Seeking the proper treatment as soon as possible is important to decrease inflammation and swelling before the injury/s worsens, or leads to other debilitating conditions. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help restore mobility and flexibility after an ATV accident. A combination of physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and massage will help with:
Keep a phone or other communication device in case of an emergency
Body Composition
Phase Angle values can determine what’s going on in the body
It can help identify health risks, address underlying health issues, and track the progress of lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. For many individuals phase angle analysis has helped them make data-driven health and wellness decisions. Many medical practices are using it to personalize a patient’s treatment plan. Lifestyle factors that are likely to impact phase angle include:
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Spine Trauma. The Anand Spine Group Web site. http://www.infospine.net/condition-spine-trauma.html. Accessed October 18, 2018.
Wilberger JE, Mao G. Spinal Trauma. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/spinal-trauma/spinal-trauma. Last reviewed November 2017. Accessed October 18, 2018.
Pelvic Fracture. Cedars-Sinai Web site. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/p/pelvic-fracture.html. Accessed October 18, 2018.
Motorcycle accidents are a lot different from automobile accidents. Specifically is how much the riders are exposed and unprotected during the collision impact compared to individuals in a motor vehicle. A recommendation that comes from attorneys, doctors, and chiropractors is for all motorcyclists to learn about common causes of accidents to help prevent and reduce the level of risk.When on a motorcycle, there is nothing between the individual and the impact to protect the body from injury. If something hits the motorcycle, the individual is going to get hit or hit something. The strength and stamina that it takes to ride a motorcycle, takes a definite toll on the body. It’s very common for the spine to get out of alignment and sustain soft tissue damage from regular riding. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help bring pain relief and rehabilitate the body’s musculoskeletal system from regular riding or after a motorcycle accident.
Head-On Collisions
Accidents and crashes that involve motorcycles and other vehicles account for over half of motorcycle accident deaths. In a majority of these accidents, the vehicle hits the motorcycle from the front more than 70% of the time. Automobiles hit motorcycles from behind only 5% of the time.
Vehicles Making Left-Hand Turns
When an automobile is making a left-hand turn is one of the most dangerous situations for motorcyclists. These collisions account for almost half of all accidents involving a motorcycle and car. The turning car usually hits the motorcycle when the motorcycle:
Goes straight through an intersection
Is passing the automobile
Trying to overtake the automobile
These types of accidents are common with cars and trucks as well. However, the motorcycle’s smaller size makes it even less visible to turning vehicles.
Lane Splitting
Motorcycles that pass cars within the same lane are at an increased risk of getting hit. Car and truck drivers don’t expect the motorcyclist to pass and are often taken by surprise. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars, typically during high traffic time. It is a common cause of motorcycle accidents because:
The close proximity of the automobiles to the motorcycle
Reduced space that the motorcyclist has to maneuver around the other vehicles
Most drivers don’t see or anticipate a motorcycle passing them in slowed or stopped traffic
Road Hazards
Motorcyclists are at an increased risk from road hazards. Because of the smaller size and unstable nature of the motorcycle:
Potholes
Roadkill
Slick road conditions
Uneven height between lanes
Other unexpected objects in the road pose a serious threat.
Common Injuries
Hip/Pelvic Misalignment
The pelvis has three major joints:
The pubic joint on the front of the body
Two sacroiliac joints on each side of the back, that connect the pelvis to the spine.
It also connects to different muscles, including the hip and pelvic floor. When the body falls on the hip or sustains various forms of crash-related impact, the hip or pelvis can get shifted out of place. This type of misalignment is a leading cause of back pain and can be agonizing. It can keep an individual off the road, and unable to work. A chiropractor can adjust any pelvic misalignment using manipulative therapy. Physical therapy rehabilitation and home exercises/stretches will also be recommended.
Whiplash
This is a type of neck injury that happens from a forceful, back-and-forth motion, during the impact of a crash, or with a sudden stop. It is a soft tissue injury where the tendons and muscles of the neck are stretched and/or torn. Common symptoms include:
Pain
Tingling
Stiffness
Limited range of motion
A chiropractor can help with gentle adjustments to realign the neck, and muscle stretching to loosen the tense muscles.
Other Neck Injuries
Other injuries can include misalignment or fractures of the vertebrae in the neck from a different impact like a side hit. Chiropractic can help an individual recover from these types of injuries and restoring the range of motion. Gentle chiropractic manipulative, mobilization treatment, and intersegmental traction can help realign the neck.
Back Injury
The spine and its muscles are highly prone to injury. Common injuries include:
Fractures
Herniated/slipped discs
Spinal misalignment
Soft tissue injuries
A chiropractor can rehabilitate musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries through therapeutic massage.
Leg/Foot Injury
Injuries to the legs and feet are common in motorcycle accidents. Common injuries include:
Sprains
Strains
Road rash
Fractures
Biker’s Arm
Biker’s arm also known as rider’s arm, is specific to motorcyclists and sometimes bicyclists. It happens when a motorcyclist instinctively pulls in their arm/hand in front of them to try and lessen the impact when falling. This can lead to shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand injuries. The bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves can suffer damage and can be severe.
Treatment
Treatment of these injuries can range from a soft collar, chiropractic, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks, and physical therapy. Surgery could be necessary and combined with the aforementioned treatments. Motorcycle riders can increase their safety by being aware of the common causes of accidents, staying alert, and taking steps to reduce and avoid the risk.
Body Composition Overall Health
Phase Angle Inflammation Injury Tracking
Phase angle determines the status of an individual’s overall health. If an individual gets hurt and has a low phase angle then their ability to heal can be delayed. The extracellular water and water mass of the body are measured to assess how swollen an individual is after an accident. The individual is reassessed every two weeks to show water loss or inflammation loss. Body composition is important for understanding an individual’s fluid status and physiological makeup. This is used for guiding and developing treatments aimed at improving status, and decreasing the length of staying at a hospital. InBody is non-invasive and convenient, making it the ideal tool for patient assessments. In less than 60 seconds, the InBody test provides easy-to-understand, accurate, and objective measurements to evaluate a patient’s health and monitor progress throughout their treatment. Doctors use InBody to:
Identify fluid imbalances related to medical conditions, trauma, and/or organ failure
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP, CIFM, CTG* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
References
Cherta Ballester, Oscar et al. “Analysis of trunk impact conditions in motorcycle road accidents based on epidemiological, accidentological data and multibody simulations.” Accident; analysis and prevention vol. 127 (2019): 223-230. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2019.03.006
Halbersberg, Dan, and Boaz Lerner. “Young driver fatal motorcycle accident analysis by jointly maximizing accuracy and information.” Accident; analysis and prevention vol. 129 (2019): 350-361. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2019.04.016
Spinal cord injury: Causes. Mayo Clinic Web site. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/basics/causes/con-20023837. Published October 8, 2014. Accessed August 30, 2017.
High-impact labor jobscan cause back pain, as well as jobs that require sitting all day. Nowadays, everyone is at risk of developing some form of back pain at their place of work. Here are a few tips for avoiding back injuries at work. It does not matter what an individual does for a living, or how it is done. Sitting, standing, lifting, bending, twisting, reaching, pulling, and pushing, all can have a negative impact on the spine’s health and the muscles in the back.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA,work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a common reason for missing work or restricting work time. Back pain and injury prevention/avoiding is the goal along with seeking the proper treatment as soon as possible.
The Risk for Back Pain
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders that affect the spine are a worldwide problem. The World Health Organization has stated in the United States that there is an estimated 149 million workdays lost every year because of back pain, with total costs estimated to be around 100-200 billion a year. And the World Health Organization identified low back pain as the leading cause of disability in the world. The National Institute for Occupations Safety and Health, which is a division of the CDC, listed five primary risk conditions for work-related musculoskeletal disorders:
Regularly lifting of objects
Regular exposure to whole-body vibration like using a jackhammer or driving a forklift
Regular reaching overhead work
Working with the spine in a chronic flexion position
Repetitive work/tasks
Office Back Pain
Individuals that stare at screens most of the day means their spines are at risk for cervical spinal flexion. This can lead to neck, shoulder, and upper back pain.And sitting for long bouts of time with poor posture adds tremendous pressure and weight on the low back. When the body is seated for a long time, the body is not utilizing its core abdominal muscles and back muscles that keep the body and foundation strong and flexible. The more these muscles are under-utilized the more the body begins to fall into the vicious cycle of slouching, slumping, poor posture, and increased stress on the back muscles.
Avoiding Back Injury
With advancements in medicine, there are solutions for relieving pain and getting an individual back to regular work activity. Basic ways for avoiding injuries and keeping the spine healthy.
Lifting with the legs and not the back
Maintaining healthy weight
Healthy diet
Stretching before physical activity and also during work will keep the muscles active and optimal circulation
Overall physical fitness like taking a walk
Knowing when to rest giving the body a break
Focus on recovery during off-hours
Working with Spine Specialists
If the pain is constant or there is a high possibility of an injury, see a medical professional. The correct diagnosis leads to the right treatment, which can include:
Rest
Physical therapy
Chiropractic
Pain management
Medication
Injections
Surgery
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual will have a personalized treatment plan. A multi-approach is recommended, and the most therapeutic for long-term benefits. One treatment option to be very cautious about is opioids. A review in BMJ suggests opioids do not help individuals get back to work faster, and pain control is only short-term. Back pain inflammation is better addressed through anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and exercise. If pain or a back problem currently exists, see a doctor, chiropractor, or spine specialist and find out about treatment options and avoiding back problems.
Body Composition
How Aging Affects the Body
The body’s muscles are constantly being broken down and repaired. When the muscles are used, microscopic tears happen from the regular wear and tear. This means rebuilding those tears with protein. However, as the body gets older, it stops rebuilding the muscles as efficiently. With time, there is a reduction in overall muscle mass and strength. That loss can come from a combination of factors including:
Hormone changes – for example, testosterone gradually decreases
Physical inactivity
Comorbid conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer
But this reduction in muscle mass doesn�t just happen to the elderly. Research has shown that strength and development in an individual’s 20s peaks and begins to plateau in their 30s. For many, decreased strength translates to being less active, and routine activities become more difficult to execute. Inactivity means fewer calories burned, muscle development decrease, and negative changes to body composition including muscle loss, and percent body fat increase.
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Whiplash is one of the most devastating cervical/neck spinal injuries. Rapid acceleration and deceleration can be so powerful that it bruises, tears the muscles, ligaments, soft tissue, and herniates the neck’s discs. Chiropractic relief can take care of initial and late-onset symptoms. As symptoms develop, they typically take the form of radiculopathy pain. Depending on the severity of the whiplash the types of symptoms that can occur include:
Swelling of the face
Neck pain
Shoulder and arms aching and pain
Hands can swell and ache
Loss of mobility
Numbness or complete loss of feeling
Symptoms can get worse indicating progressive nerve damage
If left untreated the individual can face long-term, chronic spine problems. Injury Medical Chiropractic Relief focuses on treating the whiplash, radiculopathy, and herniated discs at the source. After assessing the symptoms and the severity we can develop the most optimal treatment plan for the individual.
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy is the result of a pinched nerve. This sends pain signals throughout the entire length of the nerve. With the neck’s nerve bundles, this means the pain travels as far as the face and hands. Tracing the extent of the radiculopathy informs the chiropractor as to which specific vertebrae have been affected. For example, if the nerve bundle in C7, which is the lowest neck vertebrae gets pinched, it can present in the arms. Another example, if chronic and persistent headaches or cheek pain are presenting, then C3-C4 will be the focus. The key is to look past the site of the pain and find its point of origin. Tracing referred pain quickly will allow the chiropractor to get a handle on the symptoms, even after the accident.
Herniated discs
A major factor in radiculopathy is a herniated disc. Displaced discs are how nerve compression and signal disruption begins. Until the disc/s are realigned, corrected, and reset, the affected nerves will continue to suffer.
The Connection
Make mention of any vehicle accidents throughout life. This can help the chiropractor immensely in diagnosis. A severe case of whiplash can occur even if the airbag does not deploy. The rocking motion of the cervical spine is strong, meaning whiplash can happen at collisions as slow as 5 miles per hour. Whether a minor car accident, a roller coaster ride, or sports, the condition frequently presents long after the accident.
Chiropractic Relief and Realignment
A chiropractor must put together the clues of a condition to hypothesize the cause. If experiencing pain symptomatic with recent neck trauma, it is essential to get checked. Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic will address the condition before symptoms progress to a chronic condition.
Body Composition
The Function of Skeletal Muscle
Skeletal muscle is one of three major types of muscles in the body. The others are smooth and cardiac muscle. These muscles are attached to the bone by tendons. Skeletal muscles consist of nerves and blood vessels along with connective tissue to operate properly. These muscles consist of cells that come together and form bundles of skeletal muscle fibers.
Strength training stimulates the muscle fibers and combined with proper nutrition causes the muscles to grow. Muscles contract and shorten pulling on the bone and joints. This is what causes body movement. The nervous system sends signals to the nerves in the muscle and trigger contractions. Besides movement, skeletal muscle helps maintain posture, generate body heat, and stabilizes the bones and joints.
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Rodriquez, Arthur A et al. �Whiplash: pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.��Muscle & nerve�vol. 29,6 (2004): 768-81. doi:10.1002/mus.20060
As individuals advance in age, the risk of falling starts to become a regular concern. An average of one in four adults over 65 suffers from a fall every year. Around twenty percent of falling accidents result in serious injury. However, experiencing one fall increases the risk of future falls significantly. The most common injuries sustained include:
Hip fracture
Head injury
These injuries usually necessitate hospitalization. Therefore minimizing the risks is important for increasing/enhancing an individual’s quality of life and help minimize the financial burdens that can come with these types of accidents.
Risk Factors for Falling
Various factors can determine an increased risk of falling. If there are two or more at the same time, the risk goes up significantly. These factors include:
A physical therapist or chiropractor can assess the home for safety and possible tripping hazards
Regular vision check-ups at least every two years
Spinal Health
Restoring balance to the body will make the biggest difference in increasing overall health. However, pain, stiffness, and poor health can make getting started a difficult challenge. With the right chiropractic and physical therapy team, getting started does not have to be as challenging, with the transition being made as easily and as smooth as possible.
An essential building block for overall optimal health begins with spinal alignment. When the spine is misaligned it can lead to poor nerve circulation/energy. This slows down and interferes with the body’s functions. This is often manifested with poor balance, weakness, and pain. Chiropractic spinal alignment addresses whole-body health. A chiropractic practitioner is specialized in non-invasively and systematically restoring not only the alignment of the spine but the entire body.
Chiropractic Health
Find a chiropractor and talk to them about any health concerns, including falls. A customized chiropractic adjustment treatment plan will be developed along with a fitness and stretching regimen, and dietary adjustments will significantly optimize health and help prevent falls.
Sports Injuries Chiropractic Treatment
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Hawk, Cheryl et al. �Pilot study of the effect of a limited and extended course of chiropractic care on balance, chronic pain, and dizziness in older adults.��Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics�vol. 32,6 (2009): 438-47. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.06.008
The shoulder/s are the joints where the upper-arm bones known as the humerus, the shoulder blades or scapula, and the collarbone/clavicle come together. The upper-arm bone fits into the scapula socket and is held in place by muscles and tendons. This is the rotator cuff. It covers and protects the upper-arm and allows for raising and movement of the arm. Pain in the shoulder can have a variety of causes.
Injuries can occur in a slip and fall or automobile accident. A task like painting the house could cause a repetitive/overuse injury. The�soft tissues in the shoulder, muscles, tendons, and ligaments�can get injured from excessive strain, falls, and improper motion. Shoulder pain can come from certain conditions like arthritis. And it can present from problems or issues in other parts of the body. This is known as referred pain.
The shoulder takes on more than we realize. It is made up of an intricate network of ligaments and muscles, with the rotator cuff taking most of the load when moving. It is the most flexible joint in the human body, and one of the most unstable. It is�unstable because of its unique construction. Other joints like the ankle or elbow are limited in their range of motion. Shoulder injuries�are common, as the shoulder sustains more injuries than almost any other part of the body.
Injury Symptoms
Here are some questions to help figure out if there is a shoulder injury:
Does the arm move normally?
Is there extreme stiffness?
Is there pain and what type – throbbing, stinging, shooting
Does it feel like it could pop out of the socket?
Is it strong enough for normal activities?
Certain shoulder injuries can be treated at home for a few days with rest and ice. The shoulder can be bandaged with Kinesio tape to hold it in place if necessary. But serious injuries require professional medical help. Symptoms/signs that a medical professional is needed:
The shoulder joint looks deformed
The shoulder cannot be used at all
The pain is extreme and intense
The shoulder is swelling rapidly
The arm and/or hand is weak and/or numb
Common injuries
Dislocation
When the shoulder gets pulled back hard or rotated too far, the top of the arm can get popped out of the socket. This can cause pain, weakness, swelling, numbness, and bruising.
Separation
This is an injury affecting the joint where the collarbone and shoulder blade come together. It is the acromioclavicular or AC joint. An accident, fall, or traumatic impact can tear the ligaments holding it together. If the collarbone gets shifted out of place, a bump on top of the shoulder will appear.
Fracture
After a fall or a hard hit, the bones can break or become cracked. The most common breaks are to the collarbone and the arm bone that is the closest to the shoulder. Pain presents along with bruising can occur. If the collarbone is broken, the shoulder may sag and there will be no ability to lift the arm.
Cartilage tear
The cartilage or rubbery padding that runs around the rim of the shoulder joint can suffer injury and/or get torn. Repetitive motions and overuse can lead to a tear. It can also be injured in a fall, or anytime it absorbs the brunt of the force. Pain can be felt when reaching over the head, or the shoulder feels/seems to be weak. Sensations like catching, locking, or grinding may also be felt.
Rotator cuff tear
The rotator cuff belongs to a group of muscles and tendons that hold the arm in place and allow for lifting the arm up and overhead. It can suffer damage through overuse or in an accident. The rotator cuff begins to show wear and tear with age. It can hurt at night and when trying to lift objects. Individuals have also reported a crackling sound when moving.
Frozen shoulder
This is a condition that limits how much the joint moves. Bands of tissue or adhesions build up in the joint and keep the shoulder from moving freely. This is where the freeze happens. It comes from the pain, causing the individual to not use it, this allows the adhesions to build.
Impingement
This is when the tendons of the rotator cuff become pinched within the bones of the shoulder. It can cause swelling and pain. It is often set off when lifting the arms over the head repetitively.
Bursitis
This is when the fluid-filled sacs or bursa that cushion the joints get swollen and irritated. Usually, the onset occurs from repetitive motions. However, it can also be caused by a fall or other injury. The pain occurs most when moving the shoulder.
Other causes
Osteoarthritis
Also known as degenerative joint disease. It is the most common form of arthritis. It can affect any joint, including the shoulders. The cartilage between the bones breaks down and allowing them to rub against each other causing pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis
This is a disease that causes the immune system to attack the protective lining in the joints. It causes pain and stiffness in the shoulders.
Referred pain
There could be nothing wrong, yet pain or discomfort presents. This could be a sign of a condition involving the lungs, gallbladder, liver, nerves, etc.
Heart attack
Shoulder pain could be brought on from the tightness in the chest and trouble breathing. Get emergency medical help immediately.
Tendinitis
The tendons that make up the rotator cuff become inflamed. It can happen progressively over time or quickly from an accident, fall, or a direct hit to the shoulder.
Bone spurs
These are small, smooth pieces of bone that begin to rub up against the rotator cuff keeping the shoulder from proper movement. They can lead to tendonitis or a tear.
Diagnosis
A doctor or chiropractor will begin with a physical exam to check for structural problems to rule out anything involving the spine or neck. Next, is the range of motion exam to see how strong and flexible the shoulder is. This involves moving the arms in different ways, like:
Above the head
Across the body
Behind
Rotate 90 or 180 degrees
The doctor could recommend imaging tests to get a closer look:
X-rays
These can help find bone spurs, arthritis, and other bone-related causes of shoulder pain. The doctor could recommend an arthrogram. This involves using a dye to enhance the details allowing them to render more clearly.
MRI scan
Radio waves and a powerful magnet generate detailed images of the shoulder.
CT scan
This is a series of X-rays taken from various angles. When placed together, they allow for optimal views to be seen.
EMG
This measures electrical activity in the muscles to see if there are any problems with the nerves.
Arthroscopy
A surgical procedure that utilizes a tiny fiber-optic camera, allowing the doctor to see high-definition images. With certain cases, the doctor could be able to treat the problem during the procedure.
Treatment
Dislocations, separations, and fractures require medical attention. Getting the shoulder back to the right position followed by a sling to hold it in place while healing and in recovery. For less serious issues, the doctor could recommend rest, heat/ice, and medicine like ibuprofen or aspirin to help with the pain and swelling.
Chiropractic treatment for shoulder injury/s and pain. A Chiropractor can:
Relieve pain
Improve range of motion
Increase flexibility
Restore function to the joint
If the shoulder does not show improvement after the first steps, the doctor could recommend injecting an anti-inflammatory medication straight into the joint for the swelling and pain relief. There are times when cartilage tears, rotator cuff tears, and a frozen shoulder does not improve with rest, physical therapy, or medication. As a last resort, the doctor could recommend surgery. Any problem with the shoulder means that the treatment plan will probably include stretches and exercises to help strengthen the joint and improve the range of motion.
Prevention
Consider how often the shoulders are used at work and play. Then find ways to protect it:
If working at a desk, make sure the chair has proper back support and promotes proper posture.
Take several short breaks to move around at least once an hour.
If work requires heavy lifting, proper technique is essential.
First face the object being lifted
Keep the back straight
Bend the knees using the legs for power
When reaching for a heavy object overhead, use a step-ladder to get a better position.
Ask the doctor or chiropractor about a strength and conditioning regimen for the muscles around the shoulders, to keep them strong and flexible.
Chiropractic Treatment Shoulder Pain
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
Several conditions and factors can cause chronic pain. Usually, these are conditions that accompany normal aging, which affect bones and joints. The top three are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Other common causes are nerve damage and injuries that fail to heal properly.
Spinal Cord and the Nerves of the Corresponding Organs
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Fibromyalgia
Individuals with fibromyalgia experience unexplained pain in almost every part of their bodies. Doctors and scientists are still trying to figure out what causes fibromyalgia. Currently, scientists think a part of the condition comes from an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. They believe the imbalances play a critical role. Fibromyalgia can create:
Tender areas
Muscle pain
Headaches
Long-term back pain
Long-term neck pain
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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis causes severe sporadic or non-stop aches and pain in the knees, hips, spine, and feet. Associated symptoms include joint stiffness, swelling, and limited joint mobility. Individuals with osteoarthritis could have some pain throughout their lives. According to the CDC, around fifteen million adults with arthritis have severe pain in their joints. �
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritiscauses continual aching that affects multiple joints. The hands, wrists, and knees are the most affected joints. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis can present alternate symptoms, like joint stiffness, swelling, and fever.
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Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the brain and the spinal cord. What happens is the immune system targets and damages the protective covering of the nerves themselves. The brain can’t properly and effectively communicate with the body. Multiple sclerosis causes pain in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. Associated symptoms include burning, prickling, or stabbing pain just about every day. �
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Sciatica
Sciatica can cause mild to sharp, electrical burning pain that travels from the lower back through the buttocks to the back of the leg and even into the foot. Chronic sciatica lasts for three months or more. The condition is more common in adults age 40 and older.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain and numbness in the:
Around half of the cases involving chronic pain are linked to physical trauma and injury. Individuals hospitalized after a serious injury often report chronic pain symptoms within the first year. Scientists are still unsure of how injuries lead to chronic pain. They believe several factors increase the risk. These include:
Pre-injury depression
Anxiety
Alcohol use
Family history of chronic pain
Individuals that have sustained multiple injuries are at higher risk for chronic pain. �
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Spinal Injuries
One of the most common causes of chronic back pain. The lower back is the area likely to be affected. Certain types of chronic pain can have more than one cause. For example, general back pain could be caused by a single factor or a combination of factors like:
Poor posture
Improper lifting of heavy objects
Improper carrying of heavy objects
Being overweight places added strain on the back and knees
Abnormal curvature of the spine
Wearing high heels too often
Sleeping on a worn-out mattress
Degenerative disc changes
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Combat Injuries
More than half of combat-related injuries are the result of explosions, from landmines, and shrapnel. Nearly all injured soldiers have to deal with some type of pain and many have a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury can cause chronic headaches. Delayed treatment and repeated injuries in injured soldiers make up for most chronic pain cases. �
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Sports Injuries
Sports injuries and chronic pain is nothing new. Studies found that 1 in 2 football players deal with chronic pain in their retirement. This along with sleep problems and mild-severe depression. Both can contribute to chronic pain. Athletes are continuously exposed to high-risk injury situations. Having the pressure of performing optimally and winning can take a toll on an athlete’s health. �
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Weight
Obesity does not directly cause chronic pain, but it does raise the risk. Around 40% of individuals that are obese also experience mild to severe chronic pain. Plus, individuals that are severely overweight are more likely to develop a condition that can cause chronic pain like diabetes, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. �
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The source of chronic pain can be very complex. It can start with an injury or illness and develop slowly without the individual realizing it until it has become a full-blown chronic condition. This fact alone makes recommending a single course of treatment risky and is why health care providers recommend a number of different types of treatment options.
Chiropractic Care on Personal Injury
Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
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