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Steady Growth In Use of Chiropractic Care by Department of Veterans Affairs

Steady Growth In Use of Chiropractic Care by Department of Veterans Affairs

Chiropractic Care & The Department of Veterans Affairs

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) notes that for more than 10 years, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has included chiropractic services as part of the standard medical benefits package offered to all enrolled veterans. According to a new study conducted by researchers from the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, the use of chiropractic services and the chiropractic workforce in VA has grown substantially since their introduction over a decade ago. The annual number of chiropractic visits has increased by nearly 700 percent, thus demonstrating more veterans have access to chiropractic care than ever before.

�Our work shows that VA has steadily and substantially increased its use of chiropractic services each year following their implementation in late 2004,� states lead author of the study Anthony J. Lisi, DC, Director of the VA Chiropractic Program, and Chiropractic Section Chief at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. He adds, �VA chiropractic care includes evidence-based, patient-centered treatment options that are in demand by veterans and referring providers. VA continues its efforts to ensure appropriate access to chiropractic care across the whole system, but as this paper shows, the progress to date has been remarkable.�

Military Healthcare/Chiropractic

Among the multitude of findings during an 11 year period, the study showed that:

? The annual number of patients seen in VA chiropractic clinics increased by 821 percent.

? The annual number of chiropractic visits grew by 693 percent.

? The total number of VA chiropractic clinics climbed 9 percent annually, and the number of chiropractor employees increased by 21 percent annually.

? The average VA chiropractic patient is male, between the ages of 45 and 64, is seen for low back and/or neck conditions, and receives examination, chiropractic spinal manipulation and other health care services.

Co-Author Cynthia A. Brandt, MD, MPH, Health Services Researcher at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and Professor at Yale University School of Medicine states, �Chiropractic care is an important component in the treatment of veterans with spinal pain conditions. The trends we identified provide a foundation for further research to examine the optimal models of care delivery for patients.�

The study notes: �Our results indicate that VA chiropractic clinics saw a greater percentage of female and younger patients compared with the national VA outpatient population. This demographic tendency is consistent with the cohort of veterans from the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is known to have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions.�

blog picture of veteran receiving chiropractic treatment

An Army report recommended the use of alternatives to pain drugs, including chiropractic care, massage and acupuncture. Here, Dr. Frank Lawler gives Spc. David Ash chiropractic treatment, January 7, 2011, in Tacoma, Washington. (Mark Harrison/Seattle Times/MCT)

Veterans With Back Pain

�The growing utilization of chiropractic services among veterans for pain management and other health concerns, particularly those in the Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and older adult populations, showcases the clear-cut demand for chiropractic care and is a direct reflection of the improved clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction scores that have been documented previously,� says Sherry McAllister, DC, executive vice president, F4CP. �We commend VA for its participation in ongoing chiropractic research to help further improve the health and well-being of our respected and valued veterans.�

The authors also state that the growth in VA chiropractic use has occurred without additional laws mandating expansion. This suggests an increasing recognition of the value of chiropractic care in VA. In a recent editorial, VA Under Secretary for Health, David J. Shulkin, MD, cited VA�s chiropractic program as one example of the important health care expertise provided to veterans.

Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) � who receive a minimum of seven years of higher level education � provide non-operative management of conditions such as headaches, back pain, neck pain, or pain in joints, via a comprehensive approach including manual techniques and active rehabilitation. Chiropractic services are integrated with primary care, specialty clinics and rehabilitation, and provide a non-pharmacologic option for pain management, as well as general health and wellness concerns.

blog picture of WWII veteran and his trust of chiropractic care

About Foundation for Chiropractic Progress:
A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) informs and educates the general public about the value of chiropractic care. Visit www.f4cp.com or call 866-901-F4CP (3427). Social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160620005430/en/

Sourced through Scoop.it from: Dr. Alex Jimenez

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Substantial Growth in the Use of Chiropractic Care by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) notes that for more than 10 years, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has included chiropractic services as part of the standard medical benefits package offered to all enrolled veterans.

Chiropractic Treatment For Thoracic Disc Herniation

Chiropractic Treatment For Thoracic Disc Herniation

The goals of the chiropractic treatment of a thoracic disc herniation are to reduce pain and dysfunction while the body heals itself.

 

Since most disc extrusions naturally regress in a few months, chiropractors will attempt to reduce the pain and pressure caused by the disc herniation. Chiropractic treatment of a thoracic disc herniation may include one or a combination of the following:

  • Adjustments
  • Distraction or traction
  • Ergonomic training
  • Physical modalities (cold laser, heat, ice, electrical stimulation)
  • Specific exercises

Some chiropractors will recommend nutritional support, such as proteolytic enzymes, to reduce the pain and swelling associated with a disc herniation.

More Chiropractic Treatments for Upper Back Problems

In addition to joint dysfunction, myofascial pain syndrome, and thoracic herniated disc, which have already been reviewed in this article, chiropractic care may be a treatment option for additional upper back problems, such as thoracic joint dysfunction, thoracic outlet syndrome, and shoulder dysfunction related to the upper spine.

Will your back pain become chronic?

Joint dysfunction

The thoracic spine is a marvel of joint interaction and complex motion patterns. Composed of a total of 220 separate joints,1 it makes up the lion�s share of the 313 total joints in the entire spine. With this many interactive articulations it is easy to see that maintaining normal joint function, motion, and position is important. Chiropractors treat thoracic joint dysfunction with chiropractic adjustments.

There are a variety of chiropractic-adjustment techniques that can be used to adjust a dysfunctional joint:

Most chiropractors employ manual adjusting techniques that utilize precise thrusting adjustments to help normalize joint function.
Chiropractors can also use softer directional adjusting techniques or adjusting instruments to accommodate the needs of the patient.

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a disorder in which the nerves of the brachial plexus and blood vessels are compressed. This compression can cause great pain and altered sensations such as a �pins and needles� sensation in the hands.

Treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome can include stretching, manual trigger-point therapy, and myofascial anchor-and-stretch release techniques to the affected muscles. Chiropractors may also include adjustments and postural instruction.

blog picture of illustration of human raising arms

Thoracic/shoulder dysfunction

The function of the shoulder and the upper back are interrelated. Studies have shown that thrusting manipulations applied to the thoracic spine and ribs have reduced shoulder pain and dysfunction. Chiropractic adjustments to the thoracic region can be beneficial to certain types of shoulder dysfunction.

There are many causes and treatment options for thoracic spine disorders. Chiropractors have a wide range of treatment options for treating these conditions. Chiropractors are increasingly joining collaborative spinal care teams as a drug-free option for treating spinal and musculoskeletal conditions.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: Dr. Alex Jimenez

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

The thoracic spine is a marvel of joint interaction and complex motion patterns. Composed of a total of 220 separate joints, it makes up the lion�s share of the 313 total joints in the entire spine. �It’s easy to see that maintaining normal joint function, motion, and position is important. Chiropractors treat thoracic joint dysfunction with chiropractic adjustments.

Choosing a Chiropractor For You

Choosing a Chiropractor For You

How to Choose a Chiropractor

 

Chiropractic is the third largest healing profession in the country. Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are well-trained health care professionals. They are experts in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes your muscles and bones. Above all, these doctors are experts in the structure and function of the spine (backbone).

Selecting a chiropractic doctor is a personal choice. You may want to ask a few friends or loved ones if they know a chiropractor they like. You may also want to ask your family doctor or other health care providers for names of chiropractors or centers that offer high quality chiropractic services.

Asking questions can help you make an informed choice. You may want to meet with more than one chiropractor before you make your choice.

Questions You Can Ask

What training, licensure, and experience do you have?

Before you ask any questions, make sure that the chiropractor is licensed to practice in your state. Then find out if the DC chiropractor has an area of specialty and what that is. Also ask the chiropractor how many years of experience he or she has.

What is treatment like for people with a health problem like my own?
How often would I come in for treatment?
How long should I expect treatment to last?

Chiropractors will outline a course of treatment and goals for your health problem. The chiropractor will talk to you about how long it should take for treatment to work for you. Your chiropractor will change your treatment as needed to help you reach your treatment goals.

What treatment would you suggest for my health problem or health goals?

Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs. They do not perform surgery either. Most chiropractors will suggest an adjustment/manipulative treatment. This treatment is used to:

  • Bring back normal joint function
  • Decrease pain and nerve irritation
  • Increase blood flow
  • Reduce muscle spasms
  • Improve range of motion

Chiropractors may also use other treatments, such as:

  • Exercise therapy
  • Massage and other soft tissue methods
  • Ultrasound
  • Electrical muscle stimulation
  • Appliances (such as lower back supports)

Whichever treatment the chiropractor suggests, he or she should also tell you about the benefits and risks.

What if I need treatment beyond your scope of care?
Will you refer me to one of your contacts if needed?

You may need to get non-chiropractic treatment for your health problem. In this case, you will want your doctor to be able to refer you to other health care professionals.

Chiropractic Cuts Costs

Will I need to have an X-ray taken?

An X-ray is not always needed to start treatment. After going through your health history and an exam, the doctor may take an X-ray to confirm or rule out a larger health problem. An X-ray can check for conditions, such as:

  • Bone disease
  • Fracture
  • Dislocation

Will you suggest exercises or other steps I can take to help my health problem?

It�s key that you take an active part in your treatment and healing process. You should expect your chiropractor to give you guidelines and training. This training may include an overview of proper exercises needed to take care of your health problem. Your chiropractor may suggest that you use other home-based treatments as well. This might include putting ice or heat on a certain part of your body.

Other Points to Consider

You should expect the chiropractor�s office staff to treat you with courtesy. When you call, are they prompt and professional? Do they answer all your questions? Do they help schedule future appointments? Be sure to pay attention to how the office staff treats you. Will you be comfortable working with the chiropractor and their staff?

After asking the questions listed above and meeting the chiropractor and office staff, think about the answers you were given. Does the chiropractor�s personality and approach seem like they will work for you? If so, you should feel comfortable that you have made an informed choice.

Your Checklist

Look for a Doctor of Chiropractic that:

  • Is licensed in your state
  • Treats you with respect and professionalism
  • Listens to your health concerns
  • Answers your questions in a way that you can understand
  • Makes every effort to help you improve your health
  • Gives you advice about exercise, body mechanics, stretching, and posture to help avoid future problems
  • Takes X-rays only when needed and explains why they are being taken
  • Refers you to specialists or back to your primary doctor as needed

As you can see, there are plenty of things to think about when choosing a chiropractor. You deserve the best care possible. So do some research. And be sure to talk to different doctors. Most of all, take the time you need to make a choice you feel good about.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: Dr. Alex Jimenez

[prisna-wp-translate-show-hide behavior=”hide”][/prisna-wp-translate-show-hide]By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Chiropractic is the third largest healing profession in the country. Selecting a chiropractor can be a bit daunting, and discouraging. But there’s no need�to be scared. Here are some tips on choosing a chiropractor for you.

The Best Way to Prevent Back Pain

Energy, Action, & Chiropractic

Energy, Action, & Chiropractic

We Honor Your Feelings

Chiropractic Adds Vitality to Life! It is safe and gentle with a stellar track record of successful outcomes for newborns, moms-to-be, athletes, parents, aging seniors and children of every age.

Despite its successful history, we understand that sometimes practice members have some anxiety before their first treatment due to fear of the unknown. We promise to make sure that you�re comfortable and relaxed before your first adjustment.

It�s important to us that you have a positive and enjoyable experience as you work toward achieving optimum health. We put that focus into action hundreds of times a week with our practice members.

We can assure you that after your first adjustment, you�ll experience one of three things:

1. Many will feel an immediate shift to feeling looser with less tension.
2. Some will take longer to notice a difference if the problem has been there for a long time.
3. A little bit of soreness or stiffness the following day for some people. However this will subside, and almost all practice members experience an array of unexpected benefits as they continue with their care plan, including better sleep, calmer digestion, improved alertness and enhanced immune system function.

Chiropractic & Pregnancy

Chiropractic & Athletes

Chiropractic & Seniors

Chiropractic Care

Through the use of our specific, gentle adjusting techniques, we�re able to effectively correct spinal alignment patterns, helping to create comfort and stability as it relates to spinal mechanics and function. We also offer custom-made orthotics.blog picture of chiropractor using machine to do an adjustment on lady's back

Here are some of our more common adjusting styles that can be tailored to the individual preferences of each practice member

Activator Methods�: Through the use of a handheld instrument, this technique delivers a light, low-force adjustment to the spine. We use this method primarily for those patients who are more delicate or sensitive, along with a similar instrument device called The Impulse.

Diversified: This is a classic chiropractic technique that uses hands-on, manual adjusting.
Thompson Drop Table:�This is an effective technique for those practice members that prefer a light-force style of adjusting. The specialized table features neck, chest and pelvic pieces that have the capacity to drop during the adjustment.

One of Our Favorite Success Stories

Dr. Don has a favorite story about one of the longtime members of the practice. As he walked into the room to adjust her for the first time, the woman glanced up at him and burst into tears. Her fear was palpable.

After Dr. Don gently reassured her, she received her first adjustment. Her response? �Wow, that wasn�t bad at all!�

These words are familiar to us, and this particular woman has been a part of our South Side Chiropractic�family now for almost a decade, returning to an active life that she believed was lost to her.

We work hard to obtain your trust, and nothing makes us happier than to partner with you in achieving your health goals.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: Dr. Alex Jimenez

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Chosen One of 3 Best Rated Chiropractors In El Paso, TX.

Chosen One of 3 Best Rated Chiropractors In El Paso, TX.

Since 2013 Proudly Voted Top Chiropractor in El Paso

It is with utmost respect and great humility for our community that we received this amazing chiropractic award. I thank God, our patients, staff, family, friends, colleagues and many others for this. We feel very bless in being considered. It is an award that we did not expect to receive, nevertheless humbly appreciate and accept.  All of us at the office and rehab center share in this commendation.  Being considered with these fine peer doctors gives all of us here a great sense of highly respected accomplishment.  We will alway remain steadfast and ready to take care of all our patients no matter the complexity of their musculoskeletal issues.  For over 25 years we have devoted ourselves to improve the lives of every loving soul walking through our doors.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  God Bless… Dr. Alexander D. Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T

The following was published on Public Register.
Congratulations!  You are now listed as one of the Top 3 Chiropractors in El Paso, TX. We want to Thank You for providing consistent high quality in your area of business. Our review team either approved or updated your business listing after checking customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost, and general excellence.

You can view your business at The 3 Best Rated Chiropractors El Paso, TX.

Best Chiropractors in El Paso
Dr. Alexander Jimenez DC
11860 Vista Del Sol, Suite 128
El Paso, TX 79936

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC
6440 Gateway East Building B,
El Paso, TX 79905

Businesses DO NOT pay us to list them ever. You DO NOT pay us for the listing any time. We believe that local businesses provide better and personal services locally. Local businesses know your city better since they live there too. Our policy is free to list because if you can pay to list, is it really the best business?

It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with you.

Sincerely,

blog picture of signature

 

President, ThreeBestRated.com

[email protected]

 

Original Commendation Letter for

The “Three Best Rated Doctors in El Paso”

blog picture of three best rated el paso chiropractors

Voted Since: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

Best Chiropractors in El Paso
Best Chiropractors in El Paso
Best Chiropractors in El Paso
Best Chiropractors in El Paso
 

Understanding Proper Posture: Awareness & Correction

Understanding Proper Posture: Awareness & Correction


It�s obvious that Posture has become the new buzzword surrounding physical health and wellbeing over the past few years. We don�t have to look very far to understand why. Though there are many potential causes for poor posture, there�s no doubt the most widespread cause of our current posture dilemma is a direct result of our obsession with and our dependence on mobile devices. Tablets, smartphones and other technologies are not only a luxury but a necessity in our day-to-day lives.

It�s nearly impossible to avoid the onslaught of news articles and video segments cautioning the public of the harmful effects of long-term mobile device use on spinal health. As a result, our patients (and potential patients) are becoming increasingly aware of this issue as well.

This is great awareness, right?

The media is doing the hard work for us by effectively and efficiently reaching millions of people currently affected �by this epidemic. Arming them with information and questions they need to ask their healthcare providers in order to work towards finding a solution to their problem.

Perfect. That�s us, right?

Now, all we have to do is deliver the correct treatment regimen and the patient walks out of our office with perfect posture, a smile and the quality of life they�ve always dreamed of. Well� Not so fast�

Where do I go from here? Spinal function or spinal structure?

Unfortunately, like most of you are probably thinking at this very moment, it�s not that simple. But, why not? Shouldn�t it be? At one point in our careers, likely as na�ve chiropractic students in our first few trimesters, fixing spines was the ideal we were all hoping to achieve when we became doctors. Then, something changed.

Let�s reflect for a moment on the core principle our great profession is built upon;

bone(s) out of place ? nerve interference ? dis-ease and dys-function

From a global spinal perspective, it looks like this;

cervical curve loss & forward head posture ? nerve interference

? dis-ease and dys-function

As a young student this principle offered our analytical minds an objective means of measuring our success as a future spine care specialist;

correct the abnormal structure ? improve nerve function ? maximize health potential

blog picture of teenage girls at a carnival looking down at their phones

Unfortunately, we were never taught how to correct abnormal structure and as we continued through the �clinical� trimesters in school we heard less and less about the importance of spinal structure and the overwhelming focus began to land on spinal function. Confused, conflicted, yet anxiously awaiting our release into the real world, we then began to put less and less importance on spinal structure as well and we carried that philosophy with us to our clinical practices. Likely thinking, structural spinal correction was merely for theoretical discussion and not practical application in a clinical setting.

Herein lies a major conflict. The very principle we were taught as the foundation of our careers is now something most of us have been encouraged to disregard because it�s too difficult to achieve, it�s too time consuming, it�s not possible, etc., etc.

Putting more focus towards structural spinal correction is the way forward.

Fortunately for our patients and ourselves, the structure dictates function principle is still very alive and well within us and I believe the latest advancements in traction technology will allow us to incorporate this principle with each of our patients like never before.

Throughout the next 10 months I, along with a few special guest contributors, will be engaging and challenging doctors around the world to take the lead in their communities to begin changing people�s lives by integrating cervical curve remodeling and posture correction into their existing treatment protocols.

blog picture of three x-rays of neck in pre treatment to post treatment

We will be using a variety of information disseminating platforms such as blogs, infographics and ebooks to share case studies. Also, treatment protocols and latest advancements in cervical spine remodeling devices will be put in place to demonstrate how quickly and easily cervical curve remodeling and posture correction can be integrated into your existing clinic(s).

We care about posture. We care about quality of life.

Our goal is to create a collaborative, productive discussion. We are taking the lead and fighting this posture epidemic in the communities we serve. I encourage you to reach out and share your questions and ideas with us.

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

blog picture of infographic of posture and tech neck from using various computer devices

Doctors of Chiropractic Offer Tips for Good Posture

Sourced through Scoop.it from: Dr. Alex Jimenez

Proper Posture has become a passing thing that is�no longer paid attention to. However, through proper posture people would not be in�pain or in some form of disablement. The time has come to bring proper posture awareness.

Chiropractic Treatment & Its Benefits Towards Whiplash Recovery

Chiropractic Treatment & Its Benefits Towards Whiplash Recovery

While automobile accidents are the most common cause of whiplash, it must be noted, that these aren�t the only possible incidents behind the well-known injury. Any type of accelerated motion which thrusts the head forward and then backwards with extreme force from the entire body can lead to whiplash. Accidents from sports can also cause whiplash-associated injuries but auto accidents are the most prevalent.

The unexpected jolt of the head can damage the complex structures of the cervical spine, leaving the tendons and ligaments within the neck intensely irritated and inflamed. Furthermore, the tendons and ligaments as well as other tissues of the neck may become overly stretched and torn.

A whiplash type injury may be suspected if the individual involved in an automobile accident experiences the following symptoms: neck pain and stiffness; worsening pain with movement; loss of range of motion in the neck; headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull; tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back or arms; tingling or numbness in the arms, fatigue and dizziness. Other individual�s may experience: blurred vision; ringing in the ears; sleep disturbances; irritability; difficulty concentrating; memory problems; and even depression. While these are some of the most common symptoms of whiplash, they may also suggest the presence of another type of injury or condition resulting from the automobile accident.

Thus, it�s essential to visit a qualified healthcare professional who can properly identify a whiplash injury and offer the required treatment to eliminate the resulting pain and symptoms.

Apart from assessing the doctor�s experience and qualifications, the victim of an automobile accident must primarily consider their geographical location and the type of insurance they are covered by when deciding on the type of doctor to visit following a whiplash type injury. Other factors that should influence the affected individual�s decision include whether they are represented by an attorney and whether they are living in a state where PIP, or personal injury protection, is mandatory.

Whiplash Diagram - El Paso Chiropractor

Whiplash Specialists

A large number of people who�ve suffered injuries from auto accidents fail to receive the kind of medical care they require, occurring more frequently in the case of whiplash victims. It has been previously determined that the outcome of the patient�s rehabilitation depends on the type of doctor they receive care from.

Many individuals who�ve been involved in an automobile accident, regardless of the severity of the collision, will generally visit the emergency room, or ER, to have their injuries evaluated. The majority of ERs are designed to take patients out of life threatening situations. First, they immediately assess any visible injuries, such as open wounds and broken bones, treating them effectively on the spot. They may even prescribe medications to temporarily relieve the painful symptoms following a traffic collision. However, many victims are not treated for their whiplash injuries. The trained specialists from the ER, provide first-aid, X-rays and medications to remove individuals from life-threatening situations but they don�t readily treat soft-tissue injuries like whiplash. From there, patients are sent to see their primary care physician, or PCP, to assess the rest of their injuries, yet, they may still face hardships to finally receive the proper care they deserve for their injuries.

Primary Care Physicians and Whiplash

Unfortunately, many primary care physicians are not specifically qualified to treat automobile accident injuries and many of these may even deny patients treatment. For many years, whiplash-associated disorders have been misunderstood in the medical field. Many doctors believe whiplash is not a legitimate injury, however, those whom are suffering from whiplash can account for how painful it could really be.

Other doctors refuse treatment to whiplash patients because they may not accept any kind of 3rd party billing, a paying method where the doctor seeing the car accident victim has to bill the party at fault�s insurance company or utilize PIP or med pay to receive compensation.�This is a commonly well-known reason for denial of treatment as a large number of primary care physicians, or PCPs, still don�t have the required authorizations to accept 3rd party billing.

Besides primary care physicians, medical doctors, orthopedics, chiropractors and physical therapists are several types of qualified healthcare professionals that specialize on treating automobile accident injuries such as whiplash. Among these, chiropractic treatment is the most popular, alternative treatment option for treating various soft tissue injuries or conditions.

Chiropractic Care for Whiplash

A wide number of people belonging to the legal and medical industry will disregard the idea of visiting a chiropractor to treat auto injuries. However, the fact is that a chiropractors are some of the only doctors who offer therapeutic treatments to accident victims. Treatment offered by medical doctors might include the use of drugs, although in many cases, they may also recommend physical therapy. This automatically highlights the importance of chiropractic care for whiplash victims because chiropractic care and physical therapy are very similar forms of treatment.

Whenever an individual who�s been involved in an automobile accident visits a chiropractor and complains of pain in the neck, the medical specialist will carry out a series of tests to determine whether the patient has suffered whiplash. Instead of focusing solely on the specific injury, chiropractors are trained to inspect the affected individual�s entire spine. Aside from soft tissue injuries like whiplash, chiropractic doctors may also check for: disc trauma or injury, tightness or tenderness, restricted mobility, muscle spasms, joint injuries, ligament injuries, posture and spinal alignment. They may also analyze the patient�s gait.

Besides checking for the above, chiropractors might also request X-rays and MRI of the patient�s spine in order to find out whether the spine features any degenerative changes which might have developed before the accident. To offer the best possible treatment, it is extremely important to determine which problems existed prior to the accident and which ones resulted from the accident. In most cases, insurance companies may argue that every single injury in the victim�s body is preexisting. This makes the role of the chiropractor considerably important as they will make sure to document all the previous and new injuries separately to ensure the insurance company pays for the patient�s treatment. In addition, the evaluation performed by the chiropractor also allows them to create the most effective treatment plan for each individual whiplash victim.

Stages of Treatment

The primary concern for chiropractors treating individuals who�ve experienced whiplash-associated disorders involves alleviating the inflammation in the neck, one of the main sources of pain for victims. Chiropractors often recommend ice therapy, or the application of ice pack against the affected area, multiple times a day. This remedy is capable of reducing both pain and inflammation. Once the inflammation subsides, they often carry out a variety of manual therapeutic techniques to restore and increase the individual�s strength, flexibility and mobility.

The kind of chiropractic treatment the individual will require depends largely on the severity of the whiplash encountered. However, it has been previously determined that the majority of individual�s with whiplash find spinal manipulations useful. The most common chiropractic treatment techniques involve, spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, to carefully re-align the structures of the spine and help reduce symptoms. The following spinal techniques are also used to treat whiplash injuries:

Instrument-assisted, this treatment involves the use of handheld instruments to provide a gentle massage by applying force onto the spine without utilizing any kind of thrust. Instrument-assisted chiropractic therapy is used mostly to treat older patients with degenerative joints; flexion-distraction, this technique involves the use of a non-thrusting motions, best described as a slow pumping action; specific spinal manipulation, this therapy involves the use of a mild thrusting technique and is mostly used for restoring motion to the affected joints. Specific spinal manipulation helps stretch the soft tissues, which makes the job of restoring motion to the affected areas of the spine easier; instrument-assisted chiropractic therapy, also known as the Graston Technique, is used during this form of chiropractic therapy to perform repetitive strokes on the injured body part; therapeutic massage, performed to ease muscle tension and stress in the injured region; interferential electrical stimulation, where a patient undergoing this type of therapy will see the chiropractor passing electrical current at a very low frequency through their body. This low frequency current helps stimulate the muscles and reduces inflammation; trigger point therapies, as the name suggests, involves the application of direct pressure onto specific points to alleviating muscle tension; and finally ultrasound therapy, capable of decreasing stiffness, pain, and muscle spasms in the affected areas. When ultrasound is passed through the patient�s muscle tissues, it warms up the treated region and increases blood circulation.

Neck Pain and Auto Injury

Chiropractic Recovery

Ultimately, chiropractors can help victims of whiplash in many ways. These health care providers can ensure that an individual� whiplash and its associated symptoms may subside completely. They always make sure to create a patient-specific treatment plan to make the process of recovery simpler for every individual.

Other than recommending immediate treatment for reducing the acute pain and inflammation, the chiropractor might additionally recommend a series of stretches and exercises, to help speed up the rehabilitation process as well as help increase the individual�s strength, flexibility and mobility.

Whiplash injuries, when left untreated, can cause severe complications. If you or a loved one have been involved in an automobile accident, visit a chiropractor immediately. By being prompt, you can even reduce your recovery time significantly. That�s not all; the chiropractor will also provide the required assistance to your lawyer, proving that the injury resulting from the accident wasn�t a preexisting injury or condition.

When you are injured in a car accident, you must get acquainted with your rights as soon as possible to receive the proper compensation and treatment for your specific situation. There is no such thing as a simple car crash.

Certain injuries or conditions which may have developed following an automobile accident may become chronic or permanent if left untreated. If an individual is experiencing neck stiffness or headaches after a traffic collision, it�s absolutely wrong to assume that this will subside in a few days. A minor discomfort could turn out to be a more serious complication. Often, people injured in auto accidents develop scar tissue that remains with them throughout the rest of their lives and without the necessary treatments or exercises, these can become stiff and greatly limit an individual�s ability to move properly. The above issues generating from a car accident show how important it is for people to seek immediate legal and medical help. Chiropractors are known for their expertise in managing soft tissue injuries and the resulting chronic and traumatic pain; as a result, they are often considered to be the best healthcare professionals to consultFeatured Provider - Wellness.com after a car accident.

Sourced Through Dr. Alex Jimenez

Driving Safety: Quick Tips

For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

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