Let�s chat about chiropractic and pregnancy. For those of you that didn�t read my last post, What I Wish I Would�ve Known the First Time Around, I am the daughter of a chiropractor. My dad, Dr. Robert J. Natusch, Jr, DC, recently retired after near 40 years with offices in Northern New Jersey. My brother and sister-in-law are both licensed chiropractors at their family owned and operated practice, Upper Valley Chiropractic in Lebanon, New Hampshire (you can find them on Facebook).
Chiropractic � a Lifestyle of Health
My two siblings and I grew up vaccine-free, drug-free, and antibiotic-free. We never took over-the-counter pain meds or pills, even for headaches. If we had an issue, my dad would give us an adjustment and my mom gave us an herbal or holistic remedy and sent us on our way. To me, that was normal!
I was born at home. Those in attendance for my birth aside from my mom and dad? My older brother (21 months older) and my aunt, to tend to my brother while my mom and dad labored with me. I was mere minutes old when I received my first adjustment. It was our way of life and continues to be for my husband, our two sons, and I. It is our weekly preventative healthcare maintenance. Dr. John Tenpenny is our �primary� care doctor and if you�re in Florida, I highly recommend him.
Why the Two Go Together
Since you�re reading this, I�m guessing you�re curious how chiropractic care and pregnancy can be in the same sentence. Some feel those two are taboo and many were shocked when I told them I�d continue to see my chiropractor weekly through my 9 months of pregnancy. The gasps came when I told them my chiropractor adjusted me while I was in labor with my childrenand he came to my house again after my children were born to give them their first adjustments, too! I�m sure I�m a smidge biased, but thankfully, this has become much more mainstream. And personally, I feel moms and babes are all the better for it!
I don�t have many official references for this post, except what I�ve heard my dad repeat in his lectures my entire life.
�It is vital for moms to get adjusted through their pregnancy and beyond. Since you�re gradually adding weight to your abdomen, that causes lower back stress. Your whole posture and skeletal structure slowly alters for the duration of the pregnancy. This can amplify current misalignments.�
But, let�s get a little more in depth as to why this is important while you�re growing another human being inside you.
(Please remember, I am not a licensed chiropractor. This post is not intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any disease or health concern. This information is for educational purposes only.)
This image shows a few vertebrae within your spine. The vertebrae are your bones. The blue and red slivers are your sponge-like discs that cushion your vertebrae so your bones don�t rub on each other and cause pain. The yellow parts are the nerves nestled safely in between your vertebrae which send and receive signals to and from your brain to your organs. When that perfect structure is altered by things like bad posture, carrying your baby on your hip, sleeping on a pillow, crossing your legs, tripping, falling, carrying a purse on one shoulder, car accidents, sports, etc., etc. those messages are not able to be sent or received properly. It�s like a garden hose with the water on full blast, but there�s a kink in the line. The water won�t be at its fullest potential because there is a blockage.�
That�s the red nerve and disc within this picture. The organs which are connected to that nerve are not sending and receiving the complete message to and from the brain because the vertebra is putting pressure (a kink) in that nerve. That causes pain which may even be felt elsewhere in the body and not felt within the spine. You may treat the symptom of pain unsuccessfully until you get to the source which lies within the spine.
Just think for a moment, does that nerve have anything to do with the organ that helps grow your baby? Maybe it�s the one that represents your uterus. If left unadjusted, your body is not able to operate to its fullest potential and ability when growing your little one. Messages are not being sent or received fully. The consequences of not rectifying the issue may not reveal itself until delivery!
A simple adjustment (or series of adjustments depending on the severity and years of your life without chiropractic care) can aid in rectifying the issue and allowing your body to operate at its fullest potential and health while growing your baby.
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How The Pelvis Benefits From Chiropractic
Let�s take a moment to look at how God designed our birthing pelvis.
Our pelvis is designed with a cartilage substance to connect our pubic (pubis) bone. During pregnancy, labor, and birth, the body sends signals to control that cartilage. When it softens, it�s time for the baby to soon make his arrival! If there is a communication kink somewhere within the spine, those signals would not be clearly communicated. You�d be so much better off addressing the misalignment (know as a subluxation) now � well before delivery day � so your body can relax in its designed location.
When people ask me if it�s safe to be adjusted during pregnancy, the analogy of the kinked water hose comes to mind. Our female bodies are created and designed to grow and carry a baby. A chiropractor�s job is to keep my spine in the correct alignment so my body can function to its fullest potential. During the most spine-altering 9 months in my life, I would never think to neglect my weekly chiropractic adjustments! That�s like deciding to stay home from the grocery store when you need food.
Every parent can say they only want the best, optimal health for their child once they are born. Being under a chiropractor�s care allows you the ability to give your child the best, optimal health while they are in your womb.
Though the most visible kinesiology tape users might be professional athletes, Olympians, or weekend warriors � a much smaller clientele is also proving the advantages of this unique treatment. With a special line designed for sensitive skin and playful prints and colors that will speak to the sticker and Band-Aid loving child, it�s not surprising that kinesiology tape is quickly becoming more than an athlete�s aid.
While the uses and applications of kinesiology tape for pediatric treatment are growing daily, here is a quick run down of how kinesiology tape is being used in pediatric care today:
Pain &�Swelling Relief
� When kinesiology tape is applied to an injured or inflamed area, children can enjoy some relief without having to take pain medication or sit through icing and therapy treatments.
Orthopedic Treatment
� Children often don�t understand the purpose behind rehabilitation exercises, so kinesiology tape provides an additional or alternative treatment for children with orthopedic injuries, weak or underdeveloped muscles, gait abnormalities, paralysis � even poor posture.
Neuromuscular Disorders
� Kinesiology tape has proven effective to activate weak muscles and inhibit overactive muscles.� With a simple and safe taping application, children suffering from neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy could see improvements in symptoms and movement ability. It has also been shown to improve muscle tone in genetic disorders like Downs Syndrome and other conditions causing either spasticity, atrophy or poor muscle tone.
For children dealing with serious medical conditions, a colorful and painless treatment that can be worn for several days, even while playing and bathing, can make a big difference in their comfort level.
Interested in learning more about pediatric kinesiology taping? Dr. Kenzo Kaze, the creator of Kinesio Tape, provides step by step guidelines for taping infants and children in his manual, Kinesio Taping in Pediatrics available at Theratape.com.
For a list of successful case studies where kinesiology tape has provided improvement for children, check out Theratape�s research compilation as well as this case report (pdf) from Novel Physiotherapies. Hopefully, as more and more case studies document positive results, the use of kinesiology tape in pediatric care will continue to expand and increase.
Perhaps you bent the wrong way while lifting something heavy. Or you�re dealing with a degenerative condition like arthritis. Whatever the cause, once you have low back pain, it can be hard to shake. About one in four Americans say they�ve had a recent bout of low back pain. And almost everyone can expect to experience back pain at some point in their lives.
Sometimes, it�s clearly serious: You were injured, or you feel numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs. Call the doctor, of course. But for routine and mild low back pain, here are a few simple tips to try at home.
Chill It
Ice is best in the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury because it reduces inflammation, says E. Anne Reicherter, PhD, PT, DPT, associate professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. �Even though the warmth feels good because it helps cover up the pain and it does help relax the muscles, the heat actually inflames the inflammatory processes,� she says. After 48 hours, you can switch to heat if you prefer. Whether you use heat or ice � take it off after about 20 minutes to give your skin a rest. If pain persists, talk with a doctor.
Keep Moving
�Our spines are like the rest of our body � they�re meant to move,� says Reicherter. Keep doing your daily activities. Make the beds, go to work, walk the dog. Once you�re feeling better, regular aerobic exercises like swimming, bicycling, and walking can keep you � and your back � more mobile. Just don�t overdo it. There�s no need to run a marathon when your back is sore.
Stay Strong
Once your low back pain has receded, you can help avert future episodes of back pain by working the muscles that support your lower back, including the back extensor muscles. �They help you maintain the proper posture and alignment of your spine,� Reicherter says. Having strong hip, pelvic, and abdominal muscles also gives you more back support. Avoid abdominal crunches, because they can actually put more strain on your back.
Stretch
Don�t sit slumped in your desk chair all day. Get up every 20 minutes or so and stretch the other way. �Because most of us spend a lot of time bending forward in our jobs, it�s important to stand up and stretch backward throughout the day,� Reicherter says. Don�t forget to also stretch your legs. Some people find relief from their back pain by doing a regular stretching routine, like yoga.
Think Ergonomically
Design your workspace so you don�t have to hunch forward to see your computer monitor or reach way out for your mouse. Use a desk chair that supports your lower back and allows you to keep your feet planted firmly on the floor.
Watch Your Posture
Slumping makes it harder for your back to support your weight. Be especially careful of your posture when lifting heavy objects. Never bend over from the waist. Instead, bend and straighten from the knees.
Wear Low Heels
Exchange your four-inch pumps for flats or low heels (less than 1 inch). High heels may create a more unstable posture, and increase pressure on your lower spine.
These could be signs that you have a nerve problem or another underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.
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Are Functional Orthotics Part of Your Wellness Protocol?
Most Chiropractors advertise pain relief without drugs and care for injuries. Recently, some doctors and practices have begun labeling and promoting themselves as Wellness Centers. A wellness practice is focused on both maintaining a pre-existing level of musculoskeletal balance and postural health and preventing conditions that might alter this state of health. The challenge is, how can healthy patients be protected from problems that might arise in the future? The answer is simple: custom-made orthotics. Custom orthotics may be traditionally seen as a preventative measure, but so are most treatments of old. They are the perfect, foundational support your patients will never want to go without.
Wellness is a great concept�one of those �win-win� situations for doctor and patient. Orthotics are the perfect way to implement this concept and help establish a �preventative� approach, in addition to the traditional reactive ones, if need be. Let�s take at a look at the foundation of the body, and see just how useful they can be.
Look To The Feet
The feet are the foundation of the body. By age 40, nearly everyone has a foot condition of�some sort, many of which eventually contributing to health concerns farther up the Kinetic Chain (Figure 1). Therefore, it�s in the best interest of healthy patients to be offered a wellness program which stresses preventative care for normal, healthy feet, in order to prevent foot problems from occurring later in life.
�Pictured above, patient with severe bunions, or Hallux Valgus.
Figure 1. While 99% of all feet are normal at birth, 8% develop troubles by the first year of age, 41% at age 5, and 80% by age 20 (Fig. 1).�By age 40, nearly everyone has a foot condition of some sort.
How Can Orthotics Help?
Patients who participate in Chiropractic wellness programs can benefit from custom-made orthotics nearly as much as patients who seek Chiropractic care for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Foot Levelers� custom orthotics have been shown to effectively support the pedal foundation for both categories of patients, and can prevent problems well into the future with static and dynamic support.
Static support.Static support. A 1999 study using radiographic measurements found that custom-made, flexible orthotics can significantly improve the alignment of the arches when standing.2 In the wellness-practice concept of orthotic use, custom-made, flexible orthotics can be used to maintain a properly functioning arch alignment.
Dynamic support. During gait, the foot undergoes substantial changes and must permit a smooth transfer of the body�s center of mass over the leg in order to conserve energy and keep the work expenditure to a minimum.3 This requires a flexible, yet supportive orthotic that accommodates varying weights and forces and allows proper movement and function of the foot, while supporting all three arches�in order to prevent eventual arch collapse.
Postural benefits. Since the entire body structure is balanced on one foot at a time when walking and running, improving foot alignment can help maintain knee, hip, pelvic and even spinal postural alignment,4 and prevent joint degeneration (of the hip, knee, or spinal joints). A pelvic or spinal tilt or recurrent subluxations will often respond rapidly to orthotic support of the arches in the feet.
Orthotics For Everyone
Custom-made, flexible orthotics have long been recognized as a valid adjunct to Chiropractic care for many musculoskeletal conditions. In the wellness model of Chiropractic care, Foot Levelers� custom-made, flexible orthotics (Fig. 2) can be utilized as a preventative modality for the preservation of optimal arch support and the postponement or prevention of joint imbalances in later years. Therefore, orthotics are appropriate for virtually all Chiropractic patients.
After pulling out a tree root Muntathar experienced excruciating pain which forced him into a extreme hunched position. If he tried to stand up he would get terrible pain and numbness all down his leg. Despite being to emergency 9 times, he had found no help in the medical world. So as a last resort he decided to travel from America to Australia to see Dr. Ian. Watch as after 2 weeks of specific Gonstead Chiropractic care, Mun stands straight and tall once more and gets his life back. We hope you enjoy this very special case.
The video�(see at bottom of post) was posted on Reddit by user Duggerdean with the comment: �I used to be a skeptic about chiropractic care until I started watching this channel. His latest video is so amazing.�
The video they refer to is that of Dr Ian Watch, who practices at Gonstead Chiropractic in Victoria, Australia � and his teenage patient�Muntathar Altaii from the US.
Despite going to A&E nine times, he says no one was able to help him.
Day 1
Dr Ian X-rays Mun�s back and sees one of the joints isn�t functioning properly. The measurements are also quite a long way out which suggests the sacrum (the large triangular bone at the base of the spine) has rotated.
Mun Also Has No Feeling In His Right Leg
Dr Ian makes what he calls �a very small correction� at the first appointment. After just 10 minutes, he�s already got a small amount of feeling back in his leg.
Mun then confesses he hopes to be better by his graduation � on June 17. No pressure.
Day 2
Mun Reports He�s Slept Well For The First Time In Three Months
Dr Ian identifies a huge amount of upper cervical nerve pressure in his neck. His head sits higher on one side than the other. So, Dr Ian makes another �adjustment�.
Day 4
Mun has a lot more movement. He can move his leg easily, whereas before he would have to pick it up even to walk.
Day 7
After further manipulation of Mun�s spine (with assistance to keep it stable), Mun tells Dr Ian how desperate he�d become after his injury. �At first I didn�t want to even live anymore,� he says, �because I couldn�t walk anywhere.�
Day 10
‘Now he just walks like he�s been playing too much X-Box� jokes Dr Ian.
For The First Time, Mun�s Taller Than The Doctor
Transformation In Just 10 Days Is Pretty Incredible
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Photo Mun Sent Back To His Family That Night
Before & After
Mun�s High School Graduation Picture � He Got His Wish Last Week
Mun, Second From Left, With His Dad
Now Mun Wants To Be A Chiropractor When He�s Older, Of Course!
As a team physician for the St Louis Cardinals during their 2011 World Series Championship season, I learned a lot about the importance of players taking care of themselves firsthand. I would see players preparing themselves both mentally and physically for the game ahead. Kids look up to these players and emulate them. Major League Baseball (MLB) recognizes this and wants their youth players to be healthy and play as safely as possible. This is why MLB took time, energy, and resources, to determine what would be best for today�s young pitchers. Below is a snapshot of what the MLB and the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) found as risk factors for the young pitcher. It�s recommended that these guidelines be followed by coaches, parents, and players.
The MLB Pitch Smart guidelines provide practical, age-appropriate parameters to help parents, players, and coaches avoid overuse injuries and encourage longevity in the careers of young pitchers.
It was found that specific risk factors were seen as creating a higher incidence of injuries. According to the ASMI, youth pitchers that had elbow or shoulder surgery were 36 times more likely to regularly have pitched with arm fatigue. Coaches and parents are encouraged to watch for signs of pitching while fatigued during their game, in the overall season, and during the course of the entire year.
The ASMI also found that players that pitched more than 100 innings over the course of a year were 3.5 times more likely to be injured than those who did not exceed the 100 innings pitched mark. It�s important to note that every inning counts. Games and showcase events should count toward that total number of 100.
Rest is key. Overuse on a daily, weekly, and annual basis is the greatest risk to a young pitcher�s health. Numerous studies have shown that pitchers that throw a greater number of pitches per game, as well as those who don�t get enough rest between outings, are at a greater risk of injury. In fact, in little league baseball, pitch count programs have shown a reduction in shoulder injuries by as much as 50% (Little League, 2011). Setting limits for pitchers throughout the season is vitally important to their health and longevity in the game.
Pitching with injuries to other areas of the body will also affect a player�s biomechanics and change the way he delivers his pitch. An ankle, knee, hip, or spinal injury can cause changes in the biomechanics of how a player throws and will put more stress on his arm. Be cautious with these injuries, because at times the changes in the mechanics of the player can be very subtle; however, they can cause a significant amount of strain on a player�s pitching arm.
For best results for your youth baseball player�s longevity in the sport and keeping a healthy arm for seasons to come follow the MLB�s pitch count and required rest guide.
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3 Common Shoulder Sports Injuries
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which also makes it prone to injury. If you�re an athlete, taxing your shoulder over time with repetitive, overhead movements or participating in contact sports may put your shoulder at risk for injury.
There are several nonsurgical and surgical options available to treat labrum tears in the shoulder.
These are three common shoulder injuries caused by sports participation:
1. SLAP Tear
This is a tear to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that surrounds your shoulder’s socket. A SLAP tear tends to develop over time from repetitive, overhead motions, such as throwing a baseball, playing tennis or volleyball, or swimming.
Athletic performance decreases. You have less power in your shoulder, and your shoulder feels like it could �pop out.�
Certain movements cause pain. You notice that pain occurs with certain movements, like throwing a baseball or lifting an object overhead.
Range of motion decreases. You may not throw or lift an object overhead like you used to, as your range of motion decreases. You may also find reaching movements difficult.
Shoulder pain you can�t pinpoint. You have deep, achy pain in your shoulder, but you can’t pinpoint the exact location.
It�s common to experience shoulder instability if you�re an athlete. This injury can occur if you�re participating in contact sports, including football or hockey, or ones that require repetitive movements, like baseball.
Shoulder instability happens when your ligaments, muscles, and tendons no longer secure your shoulder joint. As a result, the round, top part of your upper arm bone (humeral head) dislocates (the bone pops out of the shoulder socket completely), or subluxates (the bone partially comes out of the socket).
Dislocation is characterized by severe, sudden onset of pain; subluxation (partial dislocation) may be accompanied by short bursts of pain. Other symptoms include arm weakness and lack of movement. Swelling and bruising on your arm are visible changes you may also notice.
This is another injury commonly seen in athletes participating in repetitive, overhead sports, including swimming and tennis. Rotator cuff injuries are typically characterized by weakness in the shoulder, reduced range of motion, and stiffness.
Being aware of these injuries and knowing their symptoms may encourage you to seek medical treatment sooner; early treatment intervention could result in a better outcome and earlier return to sports.
There�s nothing more frustrating for an athlete than sitting injured on the sidelines watching others compete. Although there�s not one foolproof way to stop shoulder pain from occurring, there are several tips that may help prevent it from starting or getting worse.
If you notice shoulder pain during certain activities, say while throwing a baseball or swimming, stop that activity for a period of time and find an alternative exercise, such as riding a stationary bike. Doing so can give your shoulder some time to rest and heal, while maintaining your cardiovascular fitness.
At the same time, don�t eliminate all shoulder movement. This is because you don�t want to develop a stiff shoulder from infrequent use. Consider doing some mild stretches to keep your arm moving.
2. Change Your Sleeping Position
If you notice pain in your right shoulder, don�t sleep on your right side. Try sleeping on your left side or back instead. If sleeping on your back irritates your shoulder, try propping your arm up with a pillow.
3. Warm Up
Exercising cold muscles is never a good idea. Before practicing your volleyball serve or baseball pitch, warm up your body with mild exercise. For example, start walking for a few minutes and gradually build up to a jog. Doing so raises your heart rate and body temperature and activates the synovial fluid (lubricant) in your joints.1 In other words, a mild warm up gets your body ready for the intense workout that follows.
4. Build Up Your Endurance
It�s a good idea to increase your endurance over time. If it�s been a few weeks or months since you�ve hit the tennis court, consider playing for a short period of time�maybe just 20 minutes to start�and build up to a longer period of playing time. Don�t fall into the trap of doing too much too soon, especially when your body is not used to it.
Strengthening your shoulder muscles can help provide support and stabilization to your shoulder joint. This, in turn, may prevent painful injuries like a shoulder dislocation, which is when the ball of your shoulder comes out of its socket.
Speak to your doctor before starting a strengthening program. They can suggest exercises to perform or may recommend working with a physical therapist.
6. Cross-Train
Some sports are particularly taxing on the shoulder due to repetitive, overhead movements. So you may want think about cross-training. If you�re a swimmer, for example, alternate some of your swimming workouts with a running or biking workout to reduce the stress on your shoulder, while still staying physically fit.
Alternatively, if you�re a painter or construction worker�two occupations commonly associated with repetitive, overhead movements�talk to your boss and ask if there are other non-repetitive tasks you can take on.
Above all, listen to your body and be proactive. You may need to make some adjustments to workout or daily routine to help prevent further damage down the road. It may also be worth getting your doctor�s input, even if you think you�ve got a minor injury. Catching injuries or discomfort early may help keep you in the game and prevent painful injuries down the road.
Being aware of sports�injuries and knowing their symptoms may encourage you to seek medical treatment sooner as early treatment intervention could result in a better outcome and earlier return to sports.�For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at
Does Neck Curvature Protect You In a Car Accident?
Does the curvature of your cervical spine play a determinant in the severity of injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident?
We asked Chiropractic Biophysics, Dr. Deed Harrison to comment on this subject matter.
Unfortunately, many people can relate to having been involved in a car crash or motor vehicle collision (MVC) at some point in their lives. Whether it was a major accident or a minor one, MVC�s are no fun and can cause a variety of minor to serious injuries to those persons in the vehicles. These injuries are commonly and collectively referred to as �Whiplash Injuries�. The financial implications of a MVC, as well as interruption of your daily routine due to whiplash are also other major detriments of car crashes that may take years to recover from.
With more distracted drivers texting and speaking on their phones, MVC�s are on the rise, making for much more dangerous roadways. While we cannot control other people�s behaviors, we can certainly drive more cautiously and defensively to hopefully avoid being in a car accident. Unfortunately, MVC�s do happen despite our best efforts, so being prepared and having a plan in mind is key to recovering quickly and getting back on our feet again.
More serious car accidents mean more serious injuries, ranging from cuts and bruise to broken bones, brain damage, and even death. At first, less serious MVC�s however, may not seem like a big deal, with victims often walking away without a scratch, believing they have escaped the crash unscathed. Others may only complain of a slight headache, neck pain, stiff or kinked neck while resorting to taking over the counter pain killers, or wearing a neck brace to assist with their recovery � something that is far from addressing the true cause of the injury.
What most lay people (and even many physicians) don�t realize is the extent to which the CERVICAL LORDOIS (curvature in your neck from the side) plays a role in both: 1) the extent of the initial injury to the occupant(s) and 2) the long term pain and suffering from whiplash injury to the occupants. Furthermore, the MVC itself will damage the cervical lordosis.
1. Concerning the extent of initial injury, researchers have found that having a well preserved cervical lordosis actually prevents neck tissue damage to the sensitive cervical spine ligaments.1 In the figure at the top, the right hand image demonstrates what a normal cervical curve looks like when viewed from the side and the person facing to the right. In contrast, the same researchers identified that straightened cervical curves and worse yet, reversed (kyphotic) cervical curves predisposed to more severe cervical spine tissue injuries due to more extreme forces acting on the neck during the exact same MVC circumstances. The x-rays above at the far left and the middle show abnormal neck curves where more severe injury to the person is likely to result should they be involved in an MVC.
Thus, if you already have an abnormal cervical curvature prior to any MVC, it is in your best interest to rehabilitate the shape and amount of your cervical lordosis. If you do not, you�re at a higher risk of having more serious injuries should you be involved in a MVC.
2. In terms of long term pain and suffering, several research studies have identified that the patients who experience long term whiplash injuries and suffering are in fact the ones that have abnormal cervical lordosis. Straightened, S-curves, and Reversed cervical curvatures have been found to pre-dispose to the following conditions after MVC.
� Neck pain and stiffness,
� Headaches,
� Arm pain,
� Thoracic outlet symptoms,
� Dizziness,
� Lack of concentration,
� Degenerative arthritis in the cervical spine,
� Disc herinations.
What many whiplash injured subjects don�t realize is that a slight headache or neck pain is a true sign of a much more serious injury to your cervical lordosis and underlying neck tissues. Spinal misalignments as a result of the sudden jolt of the MVC may manifest immediately, or not become evident at all for a long period of time. But this doesn�t mean the spine is healthy or that no injury was sustained.
The fact is that MVC�s statistically damage the shape of your cervical lordosis. Researchers from Chiropractic BioPhysics have identified that the average patient exposed to a MVC will lose 10 degrees of their cervical lordosis, develop a mid cervical kyphosis, and have increased forward head posture as a result of the MVC.
A misaligned cervical curvature as a result of a MVC is a serious health condition. Altered cervical curves will cause nerve interference � hindrance of critical nerve energy that is responsible for every function of our organs, and every movement of our limbs. Ignoring the cervical spinal misalignment can manifest into pain and discomfort, fatigue, sleep disorders, organ dysfunction, depression, and eventually disease.
If you have been in a minor or major car accident, please see a corrective care chiropractor immediately for a full assessment of the health of your spine, even if you don�t feel any discomfort whatsoever. A small misalignment can only get worse with time, so addressing this injury quickly can mean a faster recovery time and less health problems in the future.
Corrective methods using Chiropractic BioPhysics��or CBP� Technique extension traction procedures and devices are the only true evidence based methods that have been shown to statistically and clinically improve the amount of cervical lordosis without the use of surgery. This has been documented in several clinical trials and case reports.8-11 Other conservative methods may restore the cervical lordosis in selected cases, but these have never been proven in clinical trials and are thus, at best, hit and miss. If you are suffering from an altered cervical lordosis as a result of a MVC, use the procedures that are truly scientifically supported.
Chiropractic Treatments for Whiplash
Whiplash Video
Because each individual case of whiplash is different, it is not possible to generalize about the chiropractic whiplash treatment.
The appropriate chiropractic treatment is unique to each whiplash injury and is directed at the primary dysfunctions detected during the chiropractic exam.
However, chiropractors commonly employ different chiropractic treatments for whiplash, often including:
Manipulation
Muscle relaxation and/or stimulation
Various exercises
Ergonomic and lifestyle changes.
This article explains when, why and how chiropractors may employ these whiplash treatments for neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain and other related symptoms.
Chiropractic Manipulation for Whiplash
The primary whiplash treatment for joint dysfunction, spinal manipulation involves the chiropractor gently moving the involved joint into the direction in which it is restricted.
Also known as a chiropractic adjustment, spinal manipulation may involve the application of a short thrust in that direction. In many cases, instead of a thrust, a slow mobilizing movement is used by the chiropractor.
The chiropractor’s primary whiplash treatment for related muscle dysfunction, muscle relaxation and/or stimulation consist of gentle stretches to the muscle that has excessive tension or repeated contractions of the muscle that is inhibited.
If the muscle is very tight, a more vigorous stretch may be applied by the chiropractor. Gentle finger pressure techniques may be applied to trigger points to relieve the pain associated with the tight muscles.
McKenzie Exercises and Stabilization/Sensorimotor Activities
View Chiropractic Videos
Chiropractors may employ different types of exercises, including McKenzie exercisesand/or stabilization and sensorimotor exercises, to help treat patients with whiplash injuries.
McKenzie exercises are specifically designed to reduce disc derangement related to a whiplash injury. They consist of simple movements that are initially done in the office but make for an easy transition to self-care at home. McKenzie exercises also help the patient take an active role in his or her own recovery
Stabilization and sensorimotor exercise approaches are designed to correct faulty movement patterns in routine activities and everyday life. Such whiplash treatment trains the nervous system to better coordinate and control movement patterns, and improves the ability of the neck muscles to maintain stability of the neck.
These exercises are designed to help in a major trauma, such as a fall or whiplash during a motor vehicle accident, or in “micro trauma” from simple things such as being jostled in a crowd, playing sports or performing occupational or home jobs that require physical effort.
Chiropractic Advice on Ergonomic and Lifestyle Changes
These whiplash treatment suggestions stress improvements for performing everyday activities with minimal strain to the body. The chiropractic advice addresses factors in an individual�s work, home or recreational activities that perpetuate the dysfunctions that result from the whiplash accident.
Additionally, spine care professionals at the chiropractic clinic may teach the patient better “use of self” and, if necessary, stress reduction methods to help chiropractic problems.
Whiplash Treatment in Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic On Cervical Spine Video
The whiplash treatment plan developed by the chiropractor for each specific problem may include one or more of these approaches and may involve others as well.
See Chiropractic Manipulation for the Cervical Spine
In addition to his or her whiplash treatment plan, the doctor of chiropractic might give a referral to another health professional, such as a medical specialist, if it is deemed appropriate.
�WHIPLASH, A SOFT TISSUE INJURY TO THE NECK, is also called neck sprain or neck strain. It is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden extension and flexion,� according to the National Institutes of Health.1
Approximately two-thirds of people involved in motor vehicle accidents develop symptoms of whiplash. The symptoms usually do not develop until two to 48 hours after the injury. Whiplash can also occur from falls, sports injuries, work injuries and other incidents.
Patients with whiplash injury may complain of pain and stiffness in the neck, extending into the shoulders and arms, upper back and even the upper chest. Two-thirds of patients suffer with headaches, especially at the base of the skull. Patients may also experience dizziness, difficulty swallowing, nausea and even blurred vision after injury, but these symptoms tend to resolve quickly.
According to Marshall, 45 percent to 85 percent of people who suffer a whiplash injury have the symptoms five years after the accident, and 82 percent had a straightening or reversal of their cervical curvature.2 “Many authors regard a straightening or reversal of the normally lordotic curvature to be one of the most significant changes of a whiplash injury.� 3
�The initial injury is due to damage of cervical muscles, ligaments, disks, blood vessels and nerves. The actual injury to soft tissues happens so rapidly that normal protective muscle reflexes cannot respond in time to decrease or prevent the injury,� according to a 2006 case report in the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association.3
The Diagnosis
To diagnose whiplash, a DC must first take a thorough history of the injury and the patient�s previous medical history. Pre-existing conditions, such as arthritis, may increase the severity of the whiplash. The DC should give the patient an in-depth physical examination with concentration on the neuromusculoskeletal system.
Similar to asking about whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents, DCs should ask the patient questions that reveal the details of a sports-related incident. DCs must ask patients with vehicular accident injuries, �Where was the impact from? Were you moving at the time? Did you have a seatbelt on? What type of seatbelt? Were you braced for impact? Did you hit anything in the vehicle?� says Dr. Alan Sokoloff, team chiropractor for the Baltimore Ravens. �You have to do the same for sport-related neck injuries, too,� he says.
Dr. Sokoloff explains that he �encounters doctors that say, �I do not treat sports injuries,� but if you are treating injuries from auto accidents and really dig into the mechanism of the injury with all of its details, it�s pretty much the same.�
Advanced Imaging
In some cases, advanced imaging may be necessary to make a proper diagnosis. A cervical CT scan is ordered if a DC suspects cervical spine trauma, such as a vertebral fracture, if the patient complains of paresthesia of the hands, if the patient is unconscious or has severe pain together with neurological deficits, explains Jerrold Simon, DC, president of the ACA Rehab Council.
�A cervical MRI is ordered when the whiplash patient complains of neck pain with radicular symptoms, such as a tingling sensation radiating down the arms or if there is suspected cervical spine trauma and the clinical findings suggest ligamentous damage. A cervical MRI may be ordered as a follow-up to normal cervical CT scan if the above symptoms are present,� says Dr. Simon.
Treatment
In treating whiplash injury, patients should be reminded to stay active, unless immobilization is necessary due to serious injury. �A cervical foam collar may be needed during the first few days following the incident if the cervical trauma is severe. However, in general, cervical collars are not recommended,� says Dr. Simon.
Immediately after the whiplash injury, Dr. Simon applies an ice compress to the posterior para-cervical spine musculature for about 10 minutes on a periodic basis. Ice compresses are generally only used for the first 48 hours after an injury.4
�A nutritional intervention for pain should include d-Phenylalanine 250 mg/day, dl-Phenylalanine 750 mg/day, L-tryptophan 3 g/day, and instruct the patient to to avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages,� he says.
In addition, chiropractic care is beneficial. A retroactive study by Woodward et al. published in Injurydemonstrated that chiropractic treatment benefited 26 of 28 patients suffering from chronic whiplash syndrome.5 Chiropractic care in this study included spinal manipulation, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching and cryotherapy [ice-pack therapy].
A neck adjustment works to improve the mobility of the spine to increase range of motion, while also enhancing movement of the adjoining muscles. This will eventually eliminate pain, soreness and stiffness and allow a patient to painlessly turn and tilt the head. In addition to adjustments, a treatment plan of mobilization, massage or rehabilitative exercises may speed up the recovery process.
�Cervical rehabilitation procedures should be considered after the initial pain and inflammation have substantially subsided,� says Dr. Simon. �Then a functional capacity evaluation with focal attention to the cervical spine should be performed to assess the magnitude and degree of upper spinal functional deficiency.�
Following this test, a DC can decide if the patient should receive a treatment of isometric cervical flexion, extension and lateral flexion against resistance exercises, a proprioceptive rocker board, wobble board and/or gym ball exercises and vibration therapy.
�Every person is different, and everyone�s ability to heal is different, so how we treat patients is very individualized,� says Dr. Sokoloff. �We will use modalities initially, if indicated. We will use soft-tissue techniques, if indicated. We will usually use a chiropractic adjustment, if indicated. But the one procedure we always use is progressive rehabilitative exercises, in office and home recommendations.�
Home recommendations include proper computer and phone ergonomics, range-of-motion exercises and icing, to name a few.
�Treatment plans that do not hold the patient responsible for helping themselves cheat everyone,� says Dr. Sokoloff. �The more a patient is informed about home icing instructions, home exercise and activity of daily living modifications, the better the outcomes are for everyone.�
What many whiplash injured subjects don�t realize is that a slight headache or neck pain is a true sign of a much more serious injury to your cervical lordosis and underlying neck tissues.�Because each individual case of whiplash is different, it is not possible to generalize about the chiropractic whiplash treatment.�For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at�915-850-0900
7 Reasons Chiropractic is More Than About Back Pain
As Chiropractors we know the benefits of being under chiropractic care extends well beyond just back pain relief. In an article published by ChiroHosting they give 7 reasons why chiropractic is about your overall wellness.
The core concept of chiropractic is to restore the function of your nervous system so that it can do what�s it�s designed to do: keeping your body healthy and active. Chiropractic is truly about prevention. If you keep your nervous system working smoothly and without interference, many health issues become non-issues!
Don�t take our word for it, though. Over the last few years, there�s been a lot of scientific research that shows that chiropractic is good for much more than just aches and pains. Here�s a review of some of this literature.
1 � Chiropractic Boosts Immune Function
A 2010 study found that chiropractic adjustments actually boosted blood serum levels of some important natural antibodies in patients. The authors suggested that chiropractic adjustments might �prime� the immune system, making it easier to ward off infection and illness.
2 � Chiropractic Reduces Inflammation
Researchers in a 2011 study compared back pain patients to people with no pain and gave both groups chiropractic adjustments. The authors found that the back pain patients who received chiropractic care had dramatically lower levels of a key inflammatory cytokine, known as TNF-?. High levels of TNF-? have been linked to inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis.
3 � Chiropractic Reduces Blood Pressure
Hypertension is a huge public health issue in the US; it�s estimated that about 30% of adults suffer from this serious condition. A 2007 study in the Journal of Human Hypertension looked at a group of patients with high blood pressure. Half received received an adjustment of their atlas, and the other half received a sham adjustment.
The decrease in blood pressure was so dramatic in the patients who received real adjustments that the researchers wrote that it �is similar to that seen by giving two different anti-hypertensive agents simultaneously.� In fact, 85% of the study patients had improvement after just one adjustment!
4 � Chiropractic Reduces Stress
An interesting study by a team of Japanese researchers in 2011 gave chiropractic adjustments to 12 men and examined PET scan images and blood chemistry to examine the effect that chiropractic has on the autonomic nervous system.
After receiving a chiropractic neck adjustment, patients had altered brain activity in the parts of the brain responsible for pain processing and stress reactions. They also had significantly reduced cortisol levels, indicating decreased stress. Participants also reported lower pain scores and a better quality of life after treatment.
5 � Chiropractic Improves Balance
As we age, sometimes we start to lose some of our balance, strength, and flexibility that we had in our youth. Because of this, older folks are vulnerable to serious injuries from trips and falls. Chiropractic helps keep your body active by restoring the normal, healthy functioning of your spine. One of the important roles of your spine is balance, aided by nerves calledproprioceptors. These propriocepters relay information to your brain on the position of your body.
A small study from 2009 found that people who received chiropractic adjustments had reduced dizziness and improved balance. A 2015 review of the literature suggests that chiropractic care might be an effective, natural way to help prevent falls in elderly patients.
6 � Chiropractic Relieves Colic in Babies
In 2012, researchers studied 104 infants who were suffering from colic. One-third of the infants were treated with chiropractic adjustments and the parents were aware of the treatment; one-third were treated and the parents were unaware of the treatment; and one-third were untreated but the parents were unaware.
The authors found that the parents reported a significant decrease in infant crying in the treated babies, compared to the infants who didn�t receive treatment. The knowledge of the parent had no effect on the improvement.
7 � Chiropractic Relieves Asthma Symptoms
A 2013 study reported that chiropractic adjustments were effective at increasing lung functioning, and some recent research9shows that chiropractic care can help reduce the symptoms of asthma in some children.
The Beginner�s Guide to Chiropractic
Narration:
If you�re watching this video, you�re probably curious about chiropractic care and how it can help you and your family, so let�s explore what chiropractic is all about and how it works:
A Chiropractor is a health care professional who specializes in the health and function of the spine and nervous system, Because of this focus on the spine many people think that chiropractors can only help with problems such as back pain, neck pain and headaches and while it is true chiropractors can often help people with pain, there is so much more to chiropractic than just pain.
Chiropractic care is really about total health and well-being, it is about helping people to feel great and get the most out of life by functioning at their optimal potential.
To understand how this works it is important to consider the spines� role in the body. The spine is there to protect the spinal cord, which is part of the central nervous system, the spine is like a set or armour made up of segments so it can bend and move naturally with the body.
A spinal segment consists of two vertebrae and the joints that connect them; there is a disc in between each vertebra that acts as a cushion.
Underneath that armour a whole lot is happening, messages travel from around the body, up the spinal cord and into the brain, the brain processes those messages and sends replies back down the spinal cord to tell the body how to respond.
The central nervous system is one big information highway and it carries vital messages to every part of your body. Sometimes the wear and tear of everyday life can impact the spine and cause spinal segments to move in a way that is different to normal, in a dysfunctional way. That wear and tear can happen gradually, such as from bad posture or it can happen suddenly, which is common with sports injuries, and because of the close relationship between the spine and the nervous system, everyday strains can actually impact the flow of communication and information, between the brain and the body, messages may not be delivered to the brain, or they may be inaccurate.
When that miscommunication occurs due to abnormal movement in the spine, chiropractors call this a vertebral subluxation, you might hear that term again from your chiropractor, so now you�ll know what it means. By making fast and gentle adjustments to the spine chiropractors restore its� natural movement. If the central nervous system is like the engine of your body, a chiropractor acts like a mechanic, tuning the spine and central nervous system, so that your body can run like a race car.
Just keep in mind that as you�re adjusted, you may hear a popping sound that can seem a bit strange. In fact it is completely harmless; it�s just the release of gas from in between spinal segments and is no more significant, than any other release of gas from your body.
Are you ready to supercharge your engine?
Chiropractic Treatment Plan
First Chiropractic Exam Video
Most chiropractors begin treatment during the patient’s first visit, although some may wait until the next appointment at the chiropractic clinic.
Chiropractic treatment goals and recommendations may include some or all of the following:
Adjustments to key joint dysfunctions
Modalities to improve soft tissue healing and pain control, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and traction
Strengthening and/or stretching exercises to improve muscle balance, strength, and coordination
Patient education to improve posture and motor control, as well as possibly reduce anxiety
Other treatments such as massage, heat/cold application, and education on ergonomics and nutrition.
Goals of Chiropractic Care
View Chiropractic Videos
The chiropractor will establish specific goals for a patient’s individual plan for treatment:
Short-term goals typically include reducing pain and restoring normal joint function and muscle balance
Long-term goals include restoring functional independence and tolerance to normal activities of daily living.
To reach these goals, a specific number of chiropractic visits will be recommended.
For most types of lower back pain, a treatment recommendation of 1 to 3 chiropractic visits per week for 2 to 4 weeks will be prescribed, followed by a re-examination by the chiropractor.
At the re-evaluation, the chiropractic doctor will measure the response to treatment and determine whether to:
Continue chiropractic treatment, if appropriate
Release the patient from chiropractic care, if treatment goals have been met
Refer the patient to another health care specialist if treatment goals have not been fulfilled.
Chiropractic adjustment (also referred to as spinal manipulation) is a recognized and popular pain relief treatment for many types of lower back pain, sciatica, and neck pain. Knowing what to expect from the first chiropractic visit can help an individual receive the maximal benefit from chiropractic treatment.
Because this profession has an unusually large variety of practice philosophies and chiropractic techniques, individuals should feel comfortable asking all the questions necessary to understand the chiropractic examination, diagnosis, and treatment program.
The core concept of chiropractic is to restore the function of your nervous system so that it can do what�s it�s designed to do, keep your body healthy and active. Chiropractic is truly about prevention.�For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at
Arlington, Va.–People suffering from back pain should consider first trying chiropractic services and other non-drug therapies in light of a new research review that found common over-the-counter and prescription pain medications have limited effectiveness for back pain and raise the risk of side-effects, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
The review, published this month in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, examined 35 randomized, placebo-controlled trials, encompassing 6,000 patients, to determine the effectiveness and safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for spinal pain. The authors of the report found that NSAIDs provided �clinically unimportant effects� when compared with patients who received only a placebo. Meanwhile, those who used NSAIDs had a 2.5 times greater risk of experiencing gastrointestinal disorders.
�At present, there are no simple analgesics that provide clinically important effects for spinal pain over placebo,� the authors noted.
The news about NSAIDs follows reports last year that prescription opioids also have limited effectiveness for back pain�one of the most common causes of disability worldwide.
�The American Chiropractic Association urges people to try non-drug approaches to back pain relief first, before resorting to over the counter or prescription medications,� said ACA President David Herd, DC. �In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors can offer a range of non-drug therapies for back pain and recommend exercises and important lifestyle changes to help prevent future back pain and injury.�
According to a 2016 Gallup survey, more than 35 million people visit a chiropractor annually.
About the American Chiropractic Association
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care, contributing to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. Visit us at www.acatoday.org to find an ACA chiropractor near you.
NSAIDs: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Every day, an estimated 30 million people worldwide take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, or NSAID.
These versatile medications, available in over-the-counter and prescription strength, treat both pain and inflammation. Inflammation is a contributing factor in most back pain conditions, so reducing inflammation is important to alleviate the pain.
Mild or moderate back pain, tenderness, inflammation, and stiffness
Activity-related pain or discomfort (e.g. pain that follows sports or activities such as housework, shoveling snow, or other exertion)
Pain related to muscle strain in the low back and elsewhere
Neck stiffness related to muscle, ligament, or tendon strains or damage
Osteoarthritis joint pain
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
A number of other forms of arthritis pain
This article provides information on how non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can be helpful against back, neck, and other pain, as well as several potential risks and complications to be considered.
Most Common Types of NSAIDs:
NSAIDs comprise a large class of drugs that act by hampering body substances called prostaglandins, which trigger feelings of pain, giving NSAIDs fever-reducing, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties. There are many types of non-prescription (over-the-counter) and prescription NSAIDs. The four NSAIDs most often used to treat many types of back and neck pain are:
Aspirin (brand names include Bayer, Bufferin, and Ecotrin, St. Joseph)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox DS, Naprosyn)
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Other Forms of NSAIDs:
In addition to the above, NSAIDs come in forms other than those taken by mouth. For example:
Ketorolac can be given as an intravenous, intramuscular, or intranasal drug, making it useful after surgery or if the patient cannot eat.
Diclofenac is available topically as a gel (Voltaren), patch (Flector), or solution (Pennsaid). The medication is applied directly to the area of pain. Topical forms reduce gastrointestinal and other potential side effects of NSAIDs.
Taking NSAIDs continuously, rather than just at the onset of pain, helps build up the body�s anti-inflammatory blood level, resulting in a better healing environment in the affected area. The efficacy is markedly lower if NSAIDs are taken only when experiencing pain.
Checking with the doctor. Because NSAIDs have risks and complications, it is important to keep the doctor informed. People taking NSAIDs for long periods are advised to see the doctor regularly so any side effects can be monitored. In some cases, a change in medication may be required.
Using as little as possible. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises that the lowest effective dose of NSAIDs be used, and then for only as long as necessary.
Combining with acetaminophen. NSAIDs and the pain relief medication acetaminophen (e.g. brand name Tylenol) work differently, so sometimes doctors recommend taking both medications. This often offers better pain relief than taking one type of pain medication. Some people find it also helps lessen the pain as one dose wears off, alternating between the two�for example, taking a dose of ibuprofen, then 3 hours later taking a dose of acetaminophen.
Any adverse reactions from taking an NSAID, or any other medication, should be reported to the doctor without delay.
When NSAIDs Are Not Advised
People having a lumbar fusion surgery are typically advised not to take NSAIDs for at least 3 months after surgery due to concerns about the impact NSAIDs may have on bone healing.
Many doctors also tell patients to stop using NSAIDs prior to other types of surgery because the medication poses an increased risk of bleeding.
Low Vitamin D Linked to Increased Headache Risk
News Bite: Vitamin D may be a component factor in headache a new study demonstrates.
More research is adding to the literature of a link between vitamin D deficiency and headaches, at least for men living in colder climates.
Data from 2600 middle-aged men from Finland who participated in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease (KIHD) Risk Factor Study showed that those with the lowest levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) were more than twice as likely to report having chronic headaches as those who had the highest vitamin D levels. In addition, reports of chronic headache were significantly more frequent in months other than the summer months (June through September).
The investigators note that although past studies have examined the link between vitamin D and headaches, the results have been �inconclusive� because many included small sample populations. When the KIHD study originally started, men in this part of Finland had the highest prevalence of heart disease in the world, and it was looking at risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
During the baseline examinations, questionnaires asked the participants to report headache status during the previous 12 months. �Frequent headache� was defined as a daily or weekly occurrence � and was reported by 9.6% of the full group.
Also at baseline, fasting venous blood samples were collected during morning hours and 25(OH)D concentrations were measured.
Interestingly, the mean concentration of serum 25(OH)D for the study group was 43.4 nmol/L, which is below the 50-nmol/L threshold generally considered to be a marker of vitamin D deficiency. In fact, 67.9% of the group had levels that were less than 50 nmol/L.
Every day, an estimated 30 million people worldwide take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, or NSAID.
These versatile medications, available in over-the-counter and prescription strength, treat both pain and inflammation.��The American Chiropractic Association urges people to try non-drug approaches to back pain relief first, before resorting to over the counter or prescription medications.� For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at�915-850-0900
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