Saturday, August 18, 2012
Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil may protect bone
Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil may protect bone: Consumption of a Mediterranean diet enriched with olive oil for two years is associated with increased serum osteocalcin concentrations, suggesting a protective effect on bone.
New toilet developed: Needs no connection to water supply
New toilet developed: Needs no connection to water supply: There are 2.6 billion people in the world who have no access to a decent toilet. A new toilet model will provide a sanitary solution that ensures human dignity and hygiene, while also being environment-friendly and economically feasible. All for less than five cents per day and person.
High potency and synthetic marijuana pose real dangers in first weeks of pregnancy
High potency and synthetic marijuana pose real dangers in first weeks of pregnancy: Experts say the argument that marijuana is a harmless drug is no longer valid due to the emergence of "high potency" marijuana and synthetic marijuana which pose a potential real threat for pregnant women and their unborn children.
Karate black belts' white matter shows how a powerful punch comes from the brain
Karate black belts' white matter shows how a powerful punch comes from the brain: Brain scans have revealed distinctive features in the brain structure of karate experts, which could be linked to their ability to punch powerfully from close range. Researchers found that differences in the structure of white matter -- the connections between brain regions -- were correlated with how black belts and novices performed in a test of punching ability.
Tripping the switches on brain growth to treat depression
Tripping the switches on brain growth to treat depression: Depression takes a substantial toll on brain health. Brain imaging and post-mortem studies provide evidence that the wealth of connections in the brain are reduced in individuals with depression, with the result of impaired functional connections between key brain centers involved in mood regulation. Researchers now report that a relatively novel growth factor named fibroblast growth factor-2, or FGF2, can increase the number of glial cells and block the decrease caused by chronic stress exposure by promoting the generation of new glial cells.
Babies may not have a 'moral compass' after all
Babies may not have a 'moral compass' after all: New research is casting doubt on a landmark US study that suggested infants as young as six months old possess an innate moral compass that allows them to evaluate individuals as "good" or "bad."
Doing the math to fight childhood obesity
Doing the math to fight childhood obesity: Dieters often use online calorie calculators to stay true to their weight-loss plan. Translating the concept to the population health arena, researchers have created the Caloric Calculator to help policymakers, school district administrators, and others assess the potential impact of health policy choices on childhood obesity.
A pack of walnuts a day keeps the fertility specialist away?
A pack of walnuts a day keeps the fertility specialist away?: After eating 75 grams of walnuts every day for 12 weeks, healthy young men aged 21 to 35 saw increased sperm vitality, motility, and morphology, researchers report.
Previously unknown cleaning system in brain: Newer imaging technique brings 'glymphatic system' to light
Previously unknown cleaning system in brain: Newer imaging technique brings 'glymphatic system' to light: A previously unrecognized system that drains waste from the brain at a rapid clip has been discovered by neuroscientists. The highly organized system acts like a series of pipes that piggyback on the brain's blood vessels, sort of a shadow plumbing system that seems to serve much the same function in the brain as the lymph system does in the rest of the body -- to drain away waste products.
Noise down, neuron signals up
Noise down, neuron signals up: A new model of background noise present in the nervous system could help better understand neuronal signalling delay in response to a stimulus.
Children’s self-control is associated with their body mass index as adults
Children’s self-control is associated with their body mass index as adults: As adults, we know that self-control and delaying gratification are important for making healthful eating choices, portion control, and maintaining a healthy weight. However, exhibiting these skills at a young age actually may affect weight later in life. A new study finds that delaying gratification longer at 4 years of age is associated with having a lower body mass index (BMI) 30 years later.
Gut bacteria linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome identified
Gut bacteria linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome identified: Researchers have identified 26 species of bacteria in the human gut microbiota that appear to be linked to obesity and related metabolic complications. These include insulin resistance, high blood sugar levels, increased blood pressure and high cholesterol, known collectively as "the metabolic syndrome," which significantly increases an individual's risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Exploring the two-way linkages between binge drinking and unemployment
Exploring the two-way linkages between binge drinking and unemployment: Many studies have found that problem drinking is related to subsequent unemployment; However, the reverse association is unclear. Some studies have found that unemployment can increase total drinking, alcohol disorders, and/or problem drinking while others have found that unemployment can decrease drinking or have no effect at all. An analysis of binge drinking as either a predictor or outcome of unemployment has found that binge drinking among women seems to have a significant association with long-term unemployment.
BPA link to narrowing of the arteries
BPA link to narrowing of the arteries: Scientists have for the first time established a link between high levels of urinary bisphenol-A and severe coronary artery stenosis (narrowing of the arteries).
Lip augmentation 'enhances the natural smile'
Lip augmentation 'enhances the natural smile': Dermatologists are using injectable hyaluronic acid fillers to not only add volume to the lips, but also to reduce the fine lines and common signs of aging around the mouth, enhancing the natural smile.
High rates of sleep apnea in women
High rates of sleep apnea in women: New research has found high rates of sleep apnea in women, despite the condition usually being regarded as a disorder predominantly of males.
Multi-dimensional brain measurements can assess child’s age
Multi-dimensional brain measurements can assess child’s age: Scientists have developed a multidimensional set of brain measurements that, when taken together, can accurately assess a child’s age with 92 percent accuracy.
Brain scans don't lie about age
Brain scans don't lie about age: It isn't uncommon for people to pass for ages much older or younger than their years, but researchers have now found that this feature doesn't apply to our brains. The findings show that sophisticated brain scans can be used to accurately predict age, give or take a year.
Resistance to dementia may run in the family
Resistance to dementia may run in the family: People who are free of dementia and have high levels of a protein that indicates the presence of inflammation have relatives who are more likely to avoid the disease as well, according to a new study.
Is too much brain activity connected to Alzheimer's disease?
Is too much brain activity connected to Alzheimer's disease?: High baseline levels of neuronal activity in the best connected parts of the brain may play an important role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Secrets of 'SuperAger' brains: Elderly super-agers have brains that look and act decades younger than their age
Secrets of 'SuperAger' brains: Elderly super-agers have brains that look and act decades younger than their age: Scientists for the first time have identified an elite group of elderly people age 80 and older whose memories are as sharp as people 20 to 30 years younger than them. And on 3-D MRI scans, the brains of these "SuperAgers" appear as young -- and one brain region was even bigger -- than the brains of the middle-aged participants. The SuperAger's cortex was astoundingly vital and resembled the cortex of people ages 50 to 65.
Smoking in pregnancy increases asthma risk in preschool
Smoking in pregnancy increases asthma risk in preschool: Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with wheeze and asthma in preschool children, even among children who were not exposed to maternal smoking late in pregnancy or after birth, according to a new study.
West Nile on the rise again after a quiet decade
West Nile on the rise again after a quiet decade: A University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey expert describes symptoms and ways to protect yourself from the West Nile virus.
Tracking the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure through to nine years of age
Tracking the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure through to nine years of age: Although studies of alcohol's effects on fetal growth have consistently demonstrated deficits that persist through infancy, the data on long-term postnatal growth from human studies have been inconsistent. A new study of the effects of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure on growth and body composition throughout childhood has found growth restrictions that persist through to nine years of age, as well as a delay in weight gain during infancy, both of which were exacerbated by iron deficiency.
Brain's mysterious switchboard operator revealed
Brain's mysterious switchboard operator revealed: Researchers report that a mysterious region deep in the human brain could be where we sort through the onslaught of stimuli from the outside world and focus on the information most important to our behavior and survival.
Both early alcohol use and early intoxication can herald trouble for college students
Both early alcohol use and early intoxication can herald trouble for college students: Research shows that the earlier one drinks, the greater the chances of later alcohol-related problems. Researchers examined age at first drink (AFD) as well as drinking to intoxication among college students. Findings showed that both an early AFD and a quick progression to drinking to intoxication can lead to heavy drinking and problems during the years from high school through to college.
FACTORS INFLUENCING INJURY TOLERANCE
A number of factors influence the extent and severity of injuries experienced by victims of motor vehicle accidents. The following list contains many of the most important factors influencing injury severity and prognosis:
Findings from a recent Canadian study, published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, indicate that the following patient and crash characteristics lead to a poorer prognosis:
The prognosis for recovery was poor if:
- how long after the accident treatment was initiated
- the type of treatment received
- patient compliance to the treatment plan
- the nature of the accident (frontal, rear, side impact collision or a combination)
- severity of accident (i.e. automobile speeds)
- the size and speed of your vehicle and other vehicles involved
- whether or not seat belts were worn
- whether you were aware of the impending accident
- the height of the head rest
- the age of the individual (elderly and children more susceptible to the forces involved in MVA's)
- the size and strength of the individual - more specifically, their spinal musculature
- the presence of preexisting spinal conditions
Findings from a recent Canadian study, published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, indicate that the following patient and crash characteristics lead to a poorer prognosis:
The prognosis for recovery was poor if:
- there were additional injuries besides whiplash,
- the patient was female, elderly or had dependents,
- the crash was severe, involved a truck or bus,
- the injured party was not wearing a seat belt.
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
The Texas Department of Insurance requires automobile insurance carriers in our state to issue all automobile policies it writes at least $2500 worth of coverage and you have this coverage unless you reject it in writing. Most people are unaware of this coverage or even know what it is and therefore very few people use it. You end up paying for coverage that they don’t inform you about and you’re entitled to.
Why? Insurance is not understood and most people rely on their agent and claims adjusters to advise them on what to do after an accident. Insurance is a multi-billion dollar industry and are in business to make money. They keep their costs down, less payout, more profits and bonuses at the end of the year. Good for them and not for you.
What is PIP?
PIP is no fault coverage similar to health insurance but on your auto policy for your injuries and your passengers injuries. This coverage is available regardless who is at fault. Yes, you can be the cause of the accident and you will still be covered. There’s no deductible and no co-payment. There is other separate coverage that will cover the other party if you were at fault. If you do not have PIP then you could still be covered if you were in an accident in another state besides Texas. You may also be covered if you were hit in a crosswalk by a car or on a bicycle or borrowing someone else’s car.
What will a claim do to my insurance rates and policy renewal?
Under section 5.7016 of the Texas insurance code, automobile insurance carriers cannot non-renew you for filing one PIP claim in a 12 month period. Also, it is unlikely that they would raise your rates for a sole PIP claim.
Why doesn’t the other guy’s insurance pay for my medical expenses and why should I use my insurance?
Medical treatment is expensive and you are liable for the costs. There is a chance that the other party may never pay for your medical expenses leaving you a financial burden. PIP gives you peace of mind that your medical bills are covered. If you use your health insurance, you may have to pay a deductible and co-pays to your doctor and if the health insurance finds out that you were in an accident they could request to be reimbursed. Some people get referred to a medical provider by their attorney and the medical provider agrees to be paid months or even years later. Since there are a limited number of medical providers who agree to this arrangement, your choice and quality of healthcare may be limited. The answer is to use your PIP coverage so you will not have to pay for medical expenses out of your pocket and get the best possible healthcare treatment available for you and your family’s injuries caused by the accident.
WHAT IF I WAS IN AN AUTO/CAR ACCIDENT ?
Unfortunately, studies show that most of us will be in an auto accident at some point in our lives. The only question remaining, is how bad will it be?
The following are important things to remember if you are involved in an auto accident:
1. Seek treatment as soon as possible.
If there is a chance you may be seriously hurt, you should go to the Emergency room at your local hospital. There they can rule out fractures and life threatening injuries.
2. If you are still experiencing pain and discomfort a few days to a couple weeks later, than you should come to our office to find out if you have any structural damage.
NOTE: The longer you wait after an accident to come to our office, typically the longer it takes to get you better.
3. Most auto insurance companies have what is called Med Pay. This means that your bills will be paid up to 100% up to a certain limit. Our office can check that for you.
4. If the accident was not your fault. The other party's auto insurance should cover your health care expenses in our office. We do all of the paperwork for you.
5. At the accident scene, get as much information on the other driver or drivers as possible. An accident report by Police is always helpful, but not required to have a case.
6. You should never settle with an insurance company before you have had us evaluate your injury for you. If you settle before your injury is fully resolved, you will be completely on your own and will have to pay out of pocket for your care.
7. Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult after an auto accident. We have a number of reputable and highly qualified Attorneys who we can refer you to for a complimentary consultation. Hiring a reputable Attorney essentially takes you out of the direct bargaining process with the insurance company and all the paperwork and phone calls associated with that and lets you concentrate on healing.
8. Injuries sustained after a car-accident if left untreated can lead to spinal degeneration and a host of other problems for years to come.
FINAL NOTE: We find that many people involved in an auto accident that WAS THEIR FAULT never get treatment.
This tends to be due to the fear that their insurance will go up after a claim is filed.
Your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) is why you have auto insurance in the first place.
Many insurance companies will not raise your rates after 1 or even 2 accidents in the same year.
THE INJURIES SUSTAINED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CAN CAUSE A HOST OF PROBLEMS FOR YEARS TO COME, OR EVEN THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO COME IN AND GET CHECKED.
The following are important things to remember if you are involved in an auto accident:
1. Seek treatment as soon as possible.
If there is a chance you may be seriously hurt, you should go to the Emergency room at your local hospital. There they can rule out fractures and life threatening injuries.
2. If you are still experiencing pain and discomfort a few days to a couple weeks later, than you should come to our office to find out if you have any structural damage.
NOTE: The longer you wait after an accident to come to our office, typically the longer it takes to get you better.
3. Most auto insurance companies have what is called Med Pay. This means that your bills will be paid up to 100% up to a certain limit. Our office can check that for you.
4. If the accident was not your fault. The other party's auto insurance should cover your health care expenses in our office. We do all of the paperwork for you.
5. At the accident scene, get as much information on the other driver or drivers as possible. An accident report by Police is always helpful, but not required to have a case.
6. You should never settle with an insurance company before you have had us evaluate your injury for you. If you settle before your injury is fully resolved, you will be completely on your own and will have to pay out of pocket for your care.
7. Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult after an auto accident. We have a number of reputable and highly qualified Attorneys who we can refer you to for a complimentary consultation. Hiring a reputable Attorney essentially takes you out of the direct bargaining process with the insurance company and all the paperwork and phone calls associated with that and lets you concentrate on healing.
8. Injuries sustained after a car-accident if left untreated can lead to spinal degeneration and a host of other problems for years to come.
FINAL NOTE: We find that many people involved in an auto accident that WAS THEIR FAULT never get treatment.
This tends to be due to the fear that their insurance will go up after a claim is filed.
Your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) is why you have auto insurance in the first place.
Many insurance companies will not raise your rates after 1 or even 2 accidents in the same year.
THE INJURIES SUSTAINED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT CAN CAUSE A HOST OF PROBLEMS FOR YEARS TO COME, OR EVEN THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.
YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO COME IN AND GET CHECKED.
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
The Texas Department of Insurance requires automobile insurance carriers in our state to issue all automobile policies it writes at least $2500 worth of coverage and you have this coverage unless you reject it in writing. Most people are unaware of this coverage or even know what it is and therefore very few people use it. You end up paying for coverage that they don’t inform you about and you’re entitled to.
Why? Insurance is not understood and most people rely on their agent and claims adjusters to advise them on what to do after an accident. Insurance is a multi-billion dollar industry and are in business to make money. They keep their costs down, less payout, more profits and bonuses at the end of the year. Good for them and not for you.
What is PIP?
PIP is no fault coverage similar to health insurance but on your auto policy for your injuries and your passengers injuries. This coverage is available regardless who is at fault. Yes, you can be the cause of the accident and you will still be covered. There’s no deductible and no co-payment. There is other separate coverage that will cover the other party if you were at fault. If you do not have PIP then you could still be covered if you were in an accident in another state besides Texas. You may also be covered if you were hit in a crosswalk by a car or on a bicycle or borrowing someone else’s car.
What will a claim do to my insurance rates and policy renewal?
Under section 5.7016 of the Texas insurance code, automobile insurance carriers cannot non-renew you for filing one PIP claim in a 12 month period. Also, it is unlikely that they would raise your rates for a sole PIP claim.
Why doesn’t the other guy’s insurance pay for my medical expenses and why should I use my insurance?
Medical treatment is expensive and you are liable for the costs. There is a chance that the other party may never pay for your medical expenses leaving you a financial burden. PIP gives you peace of mind that your medical bills are covered. If you use your health insurance, you may have to pay a deductible and co-pays to your doctor and if the health insurance finds out that you were in an accident they could request to be reimbursed. Some people get referred to a medical provider by their attorney and the medical provider agrees to be paid months or even years later. Since there are a limited number of medical providers who agree to this arrangement, your choice and quality of healthcare may be limited. The answer is to use your PIP coverage so you will not have to pay for medical expenses out of your pocket and get the best possible healthcare treatment available for you and your family’s injuries caused by the accident.
Why should i get an attorney after an Auto/Car accident for my injuries?
An attorney helps with all aspects of an auto/car accident claim or injury. They keep an individual from spending countless hours on the phone with insurance adjusters that really don't care about your well being. It also helps to keep stress levels down and allow you to concentrate on recovery and getting well. Our office only works with the best attorneys/lawyers in Dallas/Fort Worth. We have learned through trial and error, who best takes care of our patients. They also make sure that all your medical bills are settled. This allows you to be additionally stress and medical bill free at the end. We also help those who are not able to treat in our office, who are in need of an attorney. We are here to help!!! So don't hesitate in calling and making an appointment to get examined and also ask about scheduling a free consultation with a reputable attorney. You only have one body, so you need to take care of it. Call Today!!!(972)215-7720
What to Do If Injured in an Accident and Suffer From Whiplash
The term "whiplash" was first used in 1928 to define an injury mechanism of sudden hyperextension followed by an immediate hyperflexion of the neck that results in damage to the muscles, ligaments and tendons – especially those that support the head. Today, we know that whiplash injuries frequently do not result from hyperextension or hyperflexion (extension and flexion beyond normal physiological limits), but rather an extremely rapid extension and flexion that causes injuries.
Due to their complicated nature and profound impact on peoples lives, few topics in health care generate as much controversy as whiplash injuries. Unlike a broken bone where a simple x-ray can validate the presence of the fracture and standards of care can direct a health care professional as to the best way in which to handle the injury, whiplash injuries involve an unpredictable combination of nervous system, muscles joints and connective tissue disruption that is not simple to diagnose and can be even more of a challenge to treat. In order to help you understand the nature of whiplash injuries and how they should be treated, it is necessary to spend a bit of time discussing the mechanics of how whiplash injuries occur.
The Four Phases of a Whiplash Injury
During a rear-end automobile collision, your body goes through an extremely rapid and intense acceleration and deceleration. In fact, all four phases of a whiplash injury occur in less than one-half of a second! At each phase, there is a different force acting on the body that contributes to the overall injury, and with such a sudden and forceful movement, damage to the vertebrae, nerves, discs, muscles, and ligaments of your neck and spine can be substantial.
Phase 1
During this first phase, your car begins to be pushed out from under you, causing your mid-back to be flattened against the back of your seat. This results in an upward force in your cervical spine, compressing your discs and joints. As your seat back begins to accelerate your torso forward, your head moves backward, creating a shearing force in your neck. If your head restraint is properly adjusted, the distance your head travels backward is limited. However, most of the damage to the spine will occur before your head reaches your head restraint. Studies have shown that head restraints only reduce the risk of injury by 11-20%.
Phase 2
During phase two, your torso has reached peak acceleration - 1.5 to 2 times that of your vehicle itself - but your head has not yet begun to accelerate forward and continues to move rearward. An abnormal S-curve develops in your cervical spine as your seat back recoils forward, much like a springboard, adding to the forward acceleration of the torso. Unfortunately, this forward seat back recoil occurs while your head is still moving backward, resulting in a shearing force in the neck that is one of the more damaging aspects of a whiplash injury. Many of the bone, joint, nerve, disc and TMJ injuries that I see clinically occur during this phase.
Phase 3
During the third phase, your torso is now descending back down in your seat and your head and neck are at their peak forward acceleration. At the same time, your car is slowing down. If you released the pressure on your brake pedal during the first phases of the collision, it will likely be reapplied during this phase. Reapplication of the brake causes your car to slow down even quicker and increases the severity of the flexion injury of your neck. As you move forward in your seat, any slack in your seat belt and shoulder harness is taken up.
Phase 4
This is probably the most damaging phase of the whiplash phenomenon. In this fourth phase, your torso is stopped by your seat belt and shoulder restraint and your head is free to move forward unimpeded. This results in a violent forward-bending motion of your neck, straining the muscles and ligaments, tearing fibers in the spinal discs, and forcing vertebrae out of their normal position. Your spinal cord and nerve roots get stretched and irritated, and your brain can strike the inside of your skull causing a mild to moderate brain injury. If you are not properly restrained by your seat harness, you may suffer a concussion, or more severe brain injury, from striking the steering wheel or windshield.
Injuries Resulting from Whiplash Trauma
As we discussed briefly in the introduction, whiplash injuries can manifest in a wide variety of ways, including neck pain, headaches, fatigue, upper back and shoulder pain, cognitive changes and low back pain. Due to the fact that numerous factors play into the overall whiplash trauma, such as direction of impact, speed of the vehicles involved, as well as sex, age and physical condition, it is impossible to predict the pattern of symptoms that each individual will suffer. Additionally, whiplash symptoms commonly have a delayed onset, often taking weeks or months to present. There are, however, a number of conditions that are very common among those who have suffered from whiplash trauma.
Neck pain
It is the single most common complaint in whiplash trauma, being reported by over 90% of patients. Often this pain radiates across the shoulders, up into the head, and down between the shoulder blades. Whiplash injuries tend to affect all of the tissues in the neck, including the facet joints and discs between the vertebrae, as well as all of the muscles, ligaments and nerves.
Facet joint pain is the most common cause of neck pain following a car accident. Facet joint pain is usually felt on the back of the neck, just to the right or left of center, and is usually tender to the touch. Facet joint pain cannot be visualized on x-rays or MRIs. It can only be diagnosed by physical palpation of the area.
Disc injury is also a common cause of neck pain; especially chronic pain. The outer wall of the disc (called the anulus) is made up of bundles of fibers that can be torn during a whiplash trauma. These tears, then, can lead to disc degeneration or herniation, resulting in irritation or compression of the nerves running through the area. This compression or irritation commonly leads to radiating pain into the arms, shoulders and upper back, and may result in muscle weakness.
Damage to the muscles and ligaments in the neck and upper back are the major cause of the pain experienced in the first few weeks following a whiplash injury, and is the main reason why you experience stiffness and restricted range of motion. But as the muscles have a chance to heal, they typically don’t cause as much actual pain as they contribute to abnormal movement. Damage to the ligaments often results in abnormal movement and instability.
Headaches
After neck pain, headaches are the most prevalent complaint among those suffering from whiplash injury, affecting more than 80% of all people. While some headaches are actually the result of direct brain injury, most are related to injury of the muscles, ligaments and facet joints of the cervical spine, which refer pain to the head. Because of this, it is important to treat the supporting structures of your neck in order to help alleviate your headaches.
TMJ problems
A less common, but very debilitating disorder that results from whiplash is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). TMJ usually begins as pain, clicking and popping noises in the jaw during movement. If not properly evaluated and treated, TMJ problems can continue to worsen and lead to headaches, facial pain, ear pain and difficulty eating. Many chiropractors are specially trained to treat TMJ problems, or can refer you to a TMJ specialist.
Brain injury
Believe it or not, mild to moderate brain injury is common following a whiplash injury, due to the forces on the brain during the four phases mentioned earlier. The human brain is a very soft structure, suspended in a watery fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. When the brain is forced forward and backward in the skull, the brain bounces off the inside of the skull, leading to bruising or bleeding in the brain itself. In some cases, patients temporarily lose consciousness and have symptoms of a mild concussion. More often, there is no loss of consciousness, but patients complain of mild confusion or disorientation just after the crash. The long-term consequences of a mild brain injury can include mild confusion, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, irritability, forgetfulness, loss of sex drive, depression and emotional instability. Although less common, the nerves responsible for your sense of smell, taste and even your vision may be affected as well, resulting in a muted sense of taste, changes in your sensation of smell and visual disturbances.
Dizziness
Dizziness following a whiplash injury usually results from injury to the facet joints of the cervical spine, although in some cases injury to the brain or brain stem may be a factor as well. Typically, this dizziness is very temporary improves significantly with chiropractic treatment.
Low back pain
Although most people consider whiplash to be an injury of the neck, the low back is also commonly injured as well. In fact, low back pain is found in more than half of rear impact-collisions in which injury was reported, and almost three-quarters of all side-impact crashes. This is mostly due to the fact that the low back still experiences a tremendous compression during the first two phases of a whiplash injury, even though it does not have the degree of flexion-extension injury experienced in the neck.
Recovery from Whiplash
With proper care, many mild whiplash injuries heal within six to nine months. However, more than 20% of those who suffer from whiplash injuries continue to suffer from pain, weakness or restricted movement two years after their accident. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these people will continue to suffer from some level of disability or pain for many years after that, if not for the rest of their lives.
Whiplash is a unique condition that requires the expertise of a skilled health professional specially trained to work with these types of injuries. The most effective treatment for whiplash injuries is a combination of chiropractic care, rehabilitation of the soft tissues and taking care of yourself at home.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care utilizes manual manipulation of the spine to restore the normal movement and position of the spinal vertebrae. It is by far the single-most effective treatment for minimizing the long-term impact of whiplash injuries, especially when coupled with massage therapy, trigger point therapy, exercise rehabilitation and other soft tissue rehabilitation modalities.
Soft Tissue Rehabilitation
The term ‘soft tissue’ simply refers to anything that is not bone, such as your muscles, ligaments, tendons, nervous system, spinal discs and internal organs. During a whiplash injury, the tissues that are affected most are the soft tissues, the muscles, ligaments and discs in particular. In order to minimize permanent impairment and disability, it is important to use therapies that stimulate the soft tissues to heal correctly. These include massage therapy, electro-stimulation, trigger point therapy, stretching and specific strength and range of motion exercises.
Home Care
The most effective chiropractic care and soft tissue rehabilitation will be limited in its benefit if what you do at home or at work stresses or re-injures you on a daily basis. For this reason, it is important that your plan of care extend into the hours and days between your clinic visits to help speed your recovery. Some of the more common home care therapies are the application of ice packs, limitations on work or daily activities, specific stretches and exercises, taking nutritional supplements and getting plenty of rest.
Medical Intervention
In some severe cases of whiplash, it may be necessary to have some medical care as part of your overall treatment plan. The most common medical treatments include the use of anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, trigger point injections and, in some cases, epidural spinal injections. These therapies should be used for short-term relief of pain, if necessary, and not be the focus of treatment. After all, a drug cannot restore normal joint movement and stimulate healthy muscle repair. Fortunately, surgery is only needed in some cases of herniated discs, when the disc is pressing on the spinal cord, and in some cases of spine fractures.
Due to their complicated nature and profound impact on peoples lives, few topics in health care generate as much controversy as whiplash injuries. Unlike a broken bone where a simple x-ray can validate the presence of the fracture and standards of care can direct a health care professional as to the best way in which to handle the injury, whiplash injuries involve an unpredictable combination of nervous system, muscles joints and connective tissue disruption that is not simple to diagnose and can be even more of a challenge to treat. In order to help you understand the nature of whiplash injuries and how they should be treated, it is necessary to spend a bit of time discussing the mechanics of how whiplash injuries occur.
The Four Phases of a Whiplash Injury
During a rear-end automobile collision, your body goes through an extremely rapid and intense acceleration and deceleration. In fact, all four phases of a whiplash injury occur in less than one-half of a second! At each phase, there is a different force acting on the body that contributes to the overall injury, and with such a sudden and forceful movement, damage to the vertebrae, nerves, discs, muscles, and ligaments of your neck and spine can be substantial.
Phase 1
During this first phase, your car begins to be pushed out from under you, causing your mid-back to be flattened against the back of your seat. This results in an upward force in your cervical spine, compressing your discs and joints. As your seat back begins to accelerate your torso forward, your head moves backward, creating a shearing force in your neck. If your head restraint is properly adjusted, the distance your head travels backward is limited. However, most of the damage to the spine will occur before your head reaches your head restraint. Studies have shown that head restraints only reduce the risk of injury by 11-20%.
Phase 2
During phase two, your torso has reached peak acceleration - 1.5 to 2 times that of your vehicle itself - but your head has not yet begun to accelerate forward and continues to move rearward. An abnormal S-curve develops in your cervical spine as your seat back recoils forward, much like a springboard, adding to the forward acceleration of the torso. Unfortunately, this forward seat back recoil occurs while your head is still moving backward, resulting in a shearing force in the neck that is one of the more damaging aspects of a whiplash injury. Many of the bone, joint, nerve, disc and TMJ injuries that I see clinically occur during this phase.
Phase 3
During the third phase, your torso is now descending back down in your seat and your head and neck are at their peak forward acceleration. At the same time, your car is slowing down. If you released the pressure on your brake pedal during the first phases of the collision, it will likely be reapplied during this phase. Reapplication of the brake causes your car to slow down even quicker and increases the severity of the flexion injury of your neck. As you move forward in your seat, any slack in your seat belt and shoulder harness is taken up.
Phase 4
This is probably the most damaging phase of the whiplash phenomenon. In this fourth phase, your torso is stopped by your seat belt and shoulder restraint and your head is free to move forward unimpeded. This results in a violent forward-bending motion of your neck, straining the muscles and ligaments, tearing fibers in the spinal discs, and forcing vertebrae out of their normal position. Your spinal cord and nerve roots get stretched and irritated, and your brain can strike the inside of your skull causing a mild to moderate brain injury. If you are not properly restrained by your seat harness, you may suffer a concussion, or more severe brain injury, from striking the steering wheel or windshield.
Injuries Resulting from Whiplash Trauma
As we discussed briefly in the introduction, whiplash injuries can manifest in a wide variety of ways, including neck pain, headaches, fatigue, upper back and shoulder pain, cognitive changes and low back pain. Due to the fact that numerous factors play into the overall whiplash trauma, such as direction of impact, speed of the vehicles involved, as well as sex, age and physical condition, it is impossible to predict the pattern of symptoms that each individual will suffer. Additionally, whiplash symptoms commonly have a delayed onset, often taking weeks or months to present. There are, however, a number of conditions that are very common among those who have suffered from whiplash trauma.
Neck pain
It is the single most common complaint in whiplash trauma, being reported by over 90% of patients. Often this pain radiates across the shoulders, up into the head, and down between the shoulder blades. Whiplash injuries tend to affect all of the tissues in the neck, including the facet joints and discs between the vertebrae, as well as all of the muscles, ligaments and nerves.
Facet joint pain is the most common cause of neck pain following a car accident. Facet joint pain is usually felt on the back of the neck, just to the right or left of center, and is usually tender to the touch. Facet joint pain cannot be visualized on x-rays or MRIs. It can only be diagnosed by physical palpation of the area.
Disc injury is also a common cause of neck pain; especially chronic pain. The outer wall of the disc (called the anulus) is made up of bundles of fibers that can be torn during a whiplash trauma. These tears, then, can lead to disc degeneration or herniation, resulting in irritation or compression of the nerves running through the area. This compression or irritation commonly leads to radiating pain into the arms, shoulders and upper back, and may result in muscle weakness.
Damage to the muscles and ligaments in the neck and upper back are the major cause of the pain experienced in the first few weeks following a whiplash injury, and is the main reason why you experience stiffness and restricted range of motion. But as the muscles have a chance to heal, they typically don’t cause as much actual pain as they contribute to abnormal movement. Damage to the ligaments often results in abnormal movement and instability.
Headaches
After neck pain, headaches are the most prevalent complaint among those suffering from whiplash injury, affecting more than 80% of all people. While some headaches are actually the result of direct brain injury, most are related to injury of the muscles, ligaments and facet joints of the cervical spine, which refer pain to the head. Because of this, it is important to treat the supporting structures of your neck in order to help alleviate your headaches.
TMJ problems
A less common, but very debilitating disorder that results from whiplash is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). TMJ usually begins as pain, clicking and popping noises in the jaw during movement. If not properly evaluated and treated, TMJ problems can continue to worsen and lead to headaches, facial pain, ear pain and difficulty eating. Many chiropractors are specially trained to treat TMJ problems, or can refer you to a TMJ specialist.
Brain injury
Believe it or not, mild to moderate brain injury is common following a whiplash injury, due to the forces on the brain during the four phases mentioned earlier. The human brain is a very soft structure, suspended in a watery fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. When the brain is forced forward and backward in the skull, the brain bounces off the inside of the skull, leading to bruising or bleeding in the brain itself. In some cases, patients temporarily lose consciousness and have symptoms of a mild concussion. More often, there is no loss of consciousness, but patients complain of mild confusion or disorientation just after the crash. The long-term consequences of a mild brain injury can include mild confusion, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, irritability, forgetfulness, loss of sex drive, depression and emotional instability. Although less common, the nerves responsible for your sense of smell, taste and even your vision may be affected as well, resulting in a muted sense of taste, changes in your sensation of smell and visual disturbances.
Dizziness
Dizziness following a whiplash injury usually results from injury to the facet joints of the cervical spine, although in some cases injury to the brain or brain stem may be a factor as well. Typically, this dizziness is very temporary improves significantly with chiropractic treatment.
Low back pain
Although most people consider whiplash to be an injury of the neck, the low back is also commonly injured as well. In fact, low back pain is found in more than half of rear impact-collisions in which injury was reported, and almost three-quarters of all side-impact crashes. This is mostly due to the fact that the low back still experiences a tremendous compression during the first two phases of a whiplash injury, even though it does not have the degree of flexion-extension injury experienced in the neck.
Recovery from Whiplash
With proper care, many mild whiplash injuries heal within six to nine months. However, more than 20% of those who suffer from whiplash injuries continue to suffer from pain, weakness or restricted movement two years after their accident. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these people will continue to suffer from some level of disability or pain for many years after that, if not for the rest of their lives.
Whiplash is a unique condition that requires the expertise of a skilled health professional specially trained to work with these types of injuries. The most effective treatment for whiplash injuries is a combination of chiropractic care, rehabilitation of the soft tissues and taking care of yourself at home.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care utilizes manual manipulation of the spine to restore the normal movement and position of the spinal vertebrae. It is by far the single-most effective treatment for minimizing the long-term impact of whiplash injuries, especially when coupled with massage therapy, trigger point therapy, exercise rehabilitation and other soft tissue rehabilitation modalities.
Soft Tissue Rehabilitation
The term ‘soft tissue’ simply refers to anything that is not bone, such as your muscles, ligaments, tendons, nervous system, spinal discs and internal organs. During a whiplash injury, the tissues that are affected most are the soft tissues, the muscles, ligaments and discs in particular. In order to minimize permanent impairment and disability, it is important to use therapies that stimulate the soft tissues to heal correctly. These include massage therapy, electro-stimulation, trigger point therapy, stretching and specific strength and range of motion exercises.
Home Care
The most effective chiropractic care and soft tissue rehabilitation will be limited in its benefit if what you do at home or at work stresses or re-injures you on a daily basis. For this reason, it is important that your plan of care extend into the hours and days between your clinic visits to help speed your recovery. Some of the more common home care therapies are the application of ice packs, limitations on work or daily activities, specific stretches and exercises, taking nutritional supplements and getting plenty of rest.
Medical Intervention
In some severe cases of whiplash, it may be necessary to have some medical care as part of your overall treatment plan. The most common medical treatments include the use of anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, trigger point injections and, in some cases, epidural spinal injections. These therapies should be used for short-term relief of pain, if necessary, and not be the focus of treatment. After all, a drug cannot restore normal joint movement and stimulate healthy muscle repair. Fortunately, surgery is only needed in some cases of herniated discs, when the disc is pressing on the spinal cord, and in some cases of spine fractures.
WHIPLASH
Whiplash is the most common injury sequelae following motor vehicle accidents. Speeds of as little as 5 mph have been documented to result in whiplash injuries. And although whiplash is prevalent in today's society with hundreds of studies on the topic, it is not yet fully understood.
What is whiplash?
The term "whiplash" was coined by Dr. Harold Crowe back in 1928. It is used to refer to:
- the hyperextension/hyperflexion injury of the neck, and
- the resulting symptoms of this injury - sustained from a motor vehicle accident.
What symptoms are associated with whiplash?
Symptoms following a "whiplash" accident include:
- neck pain, tenderness, achiness and stiffness
- cervical muscle spasms
- tenderness and nodules in superficial cervical musculature
- cervical reduced range of motion
- post-traumatic headaches (including migraine and muscle-tension headaches)
- shoulder and interscapular pain
- hand and finger pain, numbness and tingling
- blurred vision
- difficulty swallowing/feeling of lump in throat
- dizziness and balance problems
- lightheadedness
- post-traumatic depression and cognitive problems
What structures are damaged in whiplash injuries?
Whiplash injuries can damage just a few structures or many, depending on the severity of the accident and direction of the injurious forces, to name a few.
Some of the more common pain-sensitive structures that are damaged include:
- outer layers of the intervertebral discs
- intervertebral ligaments
- capsule of the facet joints
- anterior longitudinal ligament (runs down the front of the vertebral bodies-prevents excessive extension)
- posterior longitudinal ligament (runs down the back of the vertebral bodies-prevents excessive flexion)
- nerve root dura
- extensor spinal musculature
- flexor spinal musculature: the colli and scalene muscles
Damage to any of these structures results in tissue inflammation, tissue edema, microscopic hemorrhage, and the release of noxious chemicals such as histamine, prostaglandins, substance P, and kinins which further hypersensitize already painful and injured tissues.
How is whiplash treated?
The most important aspect of a successful treatment program involves active patient participation and patient compliance to the agreed upon program. When treatments focus solely on pain-relief and not tissue rehabilitation or when patients fail to comply with the prescribed treatment plan, the chronicity of problems becomes highly likely.
The chiropractic approach to treating whiplash injuries is highly successful compared with other health care professionals because chiropractors focus on rehabilitating the injured tissues and restoring optimal function. This is reflected in the high patient satisfaction scores that chiropractors have received in "patient satisfaction surveys" performed on MVA patients.
Chiropractic care is a safe, natural, noninvasive, and addresses the cause of the symptoms. Our treatments also include active patient participation, and in some cases, lifestyle modifications. While we do focus on eliminating pain early on, we realize that in addition to pain - optimal tissue healing, restoration of normal function, and prevention of future recurrences and reinjuries - are equally important.
Our treatments are highlighted by our use of many gentle and highly effective spinal adjustive techniques. When used properly, these techniques allow us to safely and effectively reduce pain levels, reduce muscles spasms, eliminate inflammation, restore normal joint motion and biomechanics, prevent or minimize degenerative processes, and minimize the likelihood of future recurrences.
We also incorporate many natural and safe adjunctive therapies into our treatment plan to further assist in the healing process. Some common adjunctive therapies include ice therapy, heat therapy, physical therapies like therapeutic ultrasound and muscle stimulation, spinal traction, soft tissue mobilization, spinal exercises and stretches, and nutritional supplementation.
How long do whiplash treatments take?
As with any other injury, there are a number of factors which influence the treatment length of whiplash injuries:
- the severity of the injury
- when treatment was initiated
- patient compliance to the treatment plan
- the nature of the accident
- the size and speed of your vehicle and other vehicles involved
- whether or not seat belts were worn
- whether you were aware of the impending accident
- the height of the head rest
- the age of the individual
- the size and strength of the cervical musculature
- the presence of preexisting spinal conditions
Will I have future problems from my whiplash injury?
Numerous studies show that many whiplash victims have a relatively poor outcome without immediate and appropriate treatment. One such study found that 75% of patients with whiplash still suffer from symptoms 6 months after the accident. Experts agree that individuals with any degree of neck complaints following a motor vehicle accident dramatically improve their prognosis if they seek immediate evaluation and appropriate treatment within hours of the accident.
Interesting whiplash statistics.
- whiplash symptoms last more than 6 months in 75% of patients
- symptoms of whiplash commonly do not appear until weeks or months after the accident
- whiplash victims lose an average of 8 weeks of work
- whiplash is 5 times more common in women than in men
- whiplash occurs most commonly in those aged 30 to 50 years
- rear-end collisions typically cause more cervical spine damage than do frontal or side collisions
HEAD INJURIES and ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS
Half of the approximate 7 million non-major head injuries occurring annually in the US are estimated to be caused by motor vehicle accidents (MVA's). These head injuries, although mostly mild, give rise to an assortment of symptoms and events and frequently affect higher levels of cognition and personality. Symptoms include:
- headache
- scalp pain and hypersensitivity
- blurred vision
- balance and coordination impairments
- memory impairment
- language and task handling difficulties
- slowed reaction times
- ringing of in the ears
- reduced attention span and patience
- earlier fatigue and mental stamina
- sleep disturbances
Unfortunately, symptoms continue to persist in some victims leading to a condition known as "Chronic Postconcussion Syndrome". (note: a concussion is a loss of consciousness or lessening of mental processes following a direct or indirect head trauma)
Another interesting point to note is the paradoxicalness of headaches following head trauma. Recent evidence suggests that relatively minor head injuries seem to result in more severe headaches than the more severe head injuries. For more on headaches, see "Headaches".
About Auto Injuries
According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 1/3 of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVA's) seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic. This is an impressive number given that the National Safety Council (NSC) has determined there to be more than 12 million MVA's annually involving more than 20 million vehicles.
The reason individuals like yourself choose chiropractic care for treatment of injuries sustained in MVA's is simple - chiropractic care is superior in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, especially of the spine. Since the most common injuries associated with MVA's are sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and ligaments, it's only natural that chiropractic be the treatment of choice.
Many studies have also found individuals injured in MVA's prefer chiropractic care for the treatment of their injuries. One such study evaluated 190 whiplash injury victims and found those who received chiropractic care reported treatment satisfaction of 100%.
(Balla JI, Iansek R. Headaches arising from disorders of the cervical spine. In: Hopkins A, ed. Headache: Problems in Diagnosis and Management. London: WB Saunders; 1988.)
The reason individuals like yourself choose chiropractic care for treatment of injuries sustained in MVA's is simple - chiropractic care is superior in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, especially of the spine. Since the most common injuries associated with MVA's are sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and ligaments, it's only natural that chiropractic be the treatment of choice.
Many studies have also found individuals injured in MVA's prefer chiropractic care for the treatment of their injuries. One such study evaluated 190 whiplash injury victims and found those who received chiropractic care reported treatment satisfaction of 100%.
(Balla JI, Iansek R. Headaches arising from disorders of the cervical spine. In: Hopkins A, ed. Headache: Problems in Diagnosis and Management. London: WB Saunders; 1988.)
Time for Symptoms to Present
Symptoms arising from injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents were once thought to present immediately following the accident. However, research and clinic experience now demonstrate that a delay of symptom onset seems to be the norm. Also, delay of symptom onset does not eliminate the possibility of severe injury.
Number of Disabilities from Automobile Accidents
Most experts have found that 10 percent of all motor vehicle accident victims become disabled.
Symptom Resolution Statistics
Many studies have found a significant number of individuals to be symptomatic for many months and even years after a motor vehicle accident. In one such study, 75 percent of individuals remained symptomatic 6 months after the accident.
Another study, published in the European Spine Journal, found that during the period of time between the first and second years following a motor vehicle accident over 20 percent actually had their symptoms worsen.
Number of Annual Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to the National Safety Council (NSA), there are more than 12 million motor vehicle accidents annually including more than 20 million vehicles. This results in over 5 million nonfatal accidents annually of which approximately 2 million are disabling injuries including approximately 1 million work-related auto disabling injuries.
Injury Severity in Motor Vehicle Accidents
A 1990 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study reported found that about 28 percent of occupants in motor vehicle accidents incur minor to moderate injury while 6 percent incur severe to fatal injuries.
Likelihood of being Involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident
The US Department of Transportation estimates that the typical driver will have a near automobile accident one to two times per month and all will be in a collision of some type on average of every 6 years.
Annual Costs of Motor Vehicle Accidents
According to a report released back in 1993, the total costs for motor vehicle accidents in the US was over $333 billion in 1988.
Who Pays for Injuries Sustained in Motor Vehicle Accidents?
According to the Insurance Research Council,
- 63 percent of injuries are paid by the injured individuals own automobile insurance company
- 55 percent of injuries are paid by the auto insurance company of another vehicle
- 36 percent of injuries are paid by health insurance
- 20 percent of injuries are paid by government programs
- 19 percent of injuries are paid workers' compensation insurance
WHAT TO DO POST-ACCIDENT
Schedule An Appointment If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident you will need to make an appointment for a brief, but thorough, examination. Often, individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents experience minimal or no symptoms for the first few weeks and even months. It's important to not only receive immediate and appropriate treatment for any injuries sustained, but also to document the extent of the injuries, if present.
Failure to obtain a timely evaluation or appropriate treatment for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident may negate your ability to receive monetary compensation for any future medical bills resulting from the accident, negate your ability to receive pain and suffering settlements, and negate compensation for work loss.
We Will Determine...
When you come in, we will determine:
Don't Delay, Call Today!
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, call (or have them call) our office immediately. The quicker you receive the care you need, the quicker your injuries will heal and the faster you can get on with your life. Don't delay, call today!
(972)215-7720 |
Low Back Pain
Low back pain is the cause of many patients who limp, hobble or even crawl in to our office. It’s not surprising to learn that Low back pain results in millions of dollars of lost work and untold suffering every day.
Low back pain usually falls in to one of the following categories:
1. Patients have experienced chronic long term pain or discomfort with multiple episodes of increased pain which come and go.
Many of these people either cover the pain with OTC or prescription medications, or decide to just live with it. The problem is that all medications have both short and long term side effects. Only in rare cases should this be considered as a long term treatment option to this typically correctable problem.
Low back pain usually falls in to one of the following categories:
1. Patients have experienced chronic long term pain or discomfort with multiple episodes of increased pain which come and go.
Many of these people either cover the pain with OTC or prescription medications, or decide to just live with it. The problem is that all medications have both short and long term side effects. Only in rare cases should this be considered as a long term treatment option to this typically correctable problem.
As far as just living with the pain, two areas must be considered.
First, pain is NOT normal, so there IS something wrong. Ignoring it or just dealing with it allows the condition to progress undiagnosed and untreated. Lastly, why live with it and the effects it can have on your QUALITY of life, if you don't have to.
2. These patients are the limpers, hobblers and crawlers. Their pain started all at once and hit hard and fast. We typically hear something like "I just reached down to pick up a book and my back went out." Another common statement goes something like "I have never had low back pain before."
This type of condition can stop even the most determined and tough individual in their tracks and literally bring them to their knees. This can be a very scary time for those who have never experienced this before.
Typically our spinal examination reveals long time trauma or misalignment of the Lumbar vertebrae, the sacrum or the hips. The body has gotten to a point where it is overcome by these conditions and literally stops functioning properly.
NOTE: There are a number of causes of low back pain. Most who seek out our office fall into the category of Chiropractic care to fix the CAUSE of the problem. We have great success with these patients. Occasionally, we find that the problem is not musculo-skeletal related and in these cases, they are referred to to another type of Doctor who specializes in their particular condition.
First, pain is NOT normal, so there IS something wrong. Ignoring it or just dealing with it allows the condition to progress undiagnosed and untreated. Lastly, why live with it and the effects it can have on your QUALITY of life, if you don't have to.
2. These patients are the limpers, hobblers and crawlers. Their pain started all at once and hit hard and fast. We typically hear something like "I just reached down to pick up a book and my back went out." Another common statement goes something like "I have never had low back pain before."
This type of condition can stop even the most determined and tough individual in their tracks and literally bring them to their knees. This can be a very scary time for those who have never experienced this before.
Typically our spinal examination reveals long time trauma or misalignment of the Lumbar vertebrae, the sacrum or the hips. The body has gotten to a point where it is overcome by these conditions and literally stops functioning properly.
NOTE: There are a number of causes of low back pain. Most who seek out our office fall into the category of Chiropractic care to fix the CAUSE of the problem. We have great success with these patients. Occasionally, we find that the problem is not musculo-skeletal related and in these cases, they are referred to to another type of Doctor who specializes in their particular condition.
Auto Accidents could cause many troubles to the parties involved.
Auto Accidents could cause many troubles to the parties involved. Even cautious drivers can be involved in automobile accidents caused by negligence of other drivers.
Factors Contributing to Auto Accident
Several factors could contribute to auto accidents. Here are some of them:
• Intoxicated Driver - Drivers that cause auto accidents are often found to be intoxicated at the time of the accident. A person driving under the influence of alcohol or of dangerous drugs often makes poor decisions and their visions are affected.
Because of the risk involved in driving of an intoxicated person, there are laws in each state, which prohibits driving of a person under the influence of any harmful substance.
• Poor Vision - people with disabilities should be extra careful in driving for they are putting not only their lives at risk but also of people around them.
• Weather condition - Some roads are extra slippery when wet and so extra caution should be taken by drivers to avoid any accident.
• Defects of Automobiles - Parts of cars like brakes, clutches, and tires should always be maintained to ensure that you will not be involved in any accident.
• Lack of Traffic Lights and Signs - Proper signage that would announce the road’s condition is important to avoid accidents.
There are other causes of accidents on roads. Most of them are caused by negligent drivers while others are caused by unforeseeable occurrence.
Results of Car Accidents
There are three common categories of the possible outcome of an auto accident. They are:
• Damage of Property - These include properties such as the other person’s car or vehicle, monuments, pavements, gutters, or private properties that are damaged because of the accident.
• Injury - Injuries could be either mild or severe. There are severe injuries in which a victim may not recover from and there are those that need minimal medical treatment.
• Death - Death is the most devastating result of an accident. The offending party is obliged to give the family financial compensation for the damages that he had caused.
Ways to Avoid Auto Accidents
There could be long-term effects of an auto accident to a person. Some even result to casualties. However, there are ways to prevent an Auto Accident;
• Maintenance of the vehicle
• Alertness
• Observe Traffic Lights and Signs
• Avoid Speeding
• Be cautious of vehicles and people near you
• Maintain a considerable amount of distance from other vehicles
• Avoid swerving
Prevention is always better than cure. It is important to keep in mind these reminders to prevent any vehicular accident.
We can Help Victims of Automobile Accidents
Contact US Today!!
Factors Contributing to Auto Accident
Several factors could contribute to auto accidents. Here are some of them:
• Intoxicated Driver - Drivers that cause auto accidents are often found to be intoxicated at the time of the accident. A person driving under the influence of alcohol or of dangerous drugs often makes poor decisions and their visions are affected.
Because of the risk involved in driving of an intoxicated person, there are laws in each state, which prohibits driving of a person under the influence of any harmful substance.
• Poor Vision - people with disabilities should be extra careful in driving for they are putting not only their lives at risk but also of people around them.
• Weather condition - Some roads are extra slippery when wet and so extra caution should be taken by drivers to avoid any accident.
• Defects of Automobiles - Parts of cars like brakes, clutches, and tires should always be maintained to ensure that you will not be involved in any accident.
• Lack of Traffic Lights and Signs - Proper signage that would announce the road’s condition is important to avoid accidents.
There are other causes of accidents on roads. Most of them are caused by negligent drivers while others are caused by unforeseeable occurrence.
Results of Car Accidents
There are three common categories of the possible outcome of an auto accident. They are:
• Damage of Property - These include properties such as the other person’s car or vehicle, monuments, pavements, gutters, or private properties that are damaged because of the accident.
• Injury - Injuries could be either mild or severe. There are severe injuries in which a victim may not recover from and there are those that need minimal medical treatment.
• Death - Death is the most devastating result of an accident. The offending party is obliged to give the family financial compensation for the damages that he had caused.
Ways to Avoid Auto Accidents
There could be long-term effects of an auto accident to a person. Some even result to casualties. However, there are ways to prevent an Auto Accident;
• Maintenance of the vehicle
• Alertness
• Observe Traffic Lights and Signs
• Avoid Speeding
• Be cautious of vehicles and people near you
• Maintain a considerable amount of distance from other vehicles
• Avoid swerving
Prevention is always better than cure. It is important to keep in mind these reminders to prevent any vehicular accident.
We can Help Victims of Automobile Accidents
Contact US Today!!
Get Examined after a Car/Auto Accident!!
Untreated, many people suffer with headaches, back, and neck pain for years after an accident. Chiropractic patient care has been shown to provide effective relief from the sprain and strain resulting from motor vehicle accident injuries.
Whiplash injury is the effect of sprain and strain in the neck, and results from injury to joints, nerves, ligaments and muscles of the cervical spine.
When there is an impact to the vehicle, most often from the rear, and the neck is "whipped" back and forth, this is technically termed hyperextension and hyperflexion of the cervical spine. Nerves are often injured during this process and can cause a radiation of pain to the arms or legs, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision or other symptoms.
skull neck bonesWhen viewing a x-ray of the neck after a whiplash injury, there is most often a loss of the natural curvature, or lordosis. Medical radiologists will note this condition when reading a patient's x-rays, disregarding whiplash as they do not consider it momentous, and some ignore whiplash altogether if it does not present itself in an X ray. Conditions can present themselves after a patient has been released and made a settlement without an attorney. This means that they have to take care of all the medical bills themselves if not covered.
Unfortunately, if this condition is left untreated after the swelling goes down, whiplash injury can contribute to many different symptoms and health problems that can lead to arthritis in the spine that could have been prevented.
Specialized Chiropractic care provides relief of pain, removes pressure or "pinching" that can cause damage to nerves, and prevents the proliferation of spinal arthritis by normalizing the movement of individual segments of the spine, thereby resolving the "wear and tear" that otherwise occurs.
Chiropractic treatment truly rehabilitates the areas of injury, by helping to restore the natural curves of the spine, along with exercises and other positive treatment. It is rare that in this type of treatment you will hear a Chiropractor say to you, "you have to learn to live with it."
Most vehicle insurance companies will cover the fees for Chiropractic treatment applied for in full for injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, either through third party or State or medical pay type insurance, or both.
Look for a Chiropractic office that can provide service to verify insurance coverage and to directly bill the carriers involved as a courtesy to their patients. You need to be able to pursue the care you need without the stress of handling insurance and related concerns. You can choose to handle the financial aspect of care on your own or in whatever ways you choose.
Motor vehicle accidents can cause injury and pain in other areas of the spine and body. Patients often complain of associated shoulder pain, upper back pain, lower back pain, and pain to the hips and legs. When multiple areas of the spine are involved, the condition is more complex. Treatment may need to be over a period of weeks, usually resulting in the patient getting full movement and full recovery.
Make An Appointment Today! @ Ndallaschiropractic.com
Whiplash injury is the effect of sprain and strain in the neck, and results from injury to joints, nerves, ligaments and muscles of the cervical spine.
When there is an impact to the vehicle, most often from the rear, and the neck is "whipped" back and forth, this is technically termed hyperextension and hyperflexion of the cervical spine. Nerves are often injured during this process and can cause a radiation of pain to the arms or legs, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision or other symptoms.
skull neck bonesWhen viewing a x-ray of the neck after a whiplash injury, there is most often a loss of the natural curvature, or lordosis. Medical radiologists will note this condition when reading a patient's x-rays, disregarding whiplash as they do not consider it momentous, and some ignore whiplash altogether if it does not present itself in an X ray. Conditions can present themselves after a patient has been released and made a settlement without an attorney. This means that they have to take care of all the medical bills themselves if not covered.
Unfortunately, if this condition is left untreated after the swelling goes down, whiplash injury can contribute to many different symptoms and health problems that can lead to arthritis in the spine that could have been prevented.
Specialized Chiropractic care provides relief of pain, removes pressure or "pinching" that can cause damage to nerves, and prevents the proliferation of spinal arthritis by normalizing the movement of individual segments of the spine, thereby resolving the "wear and tear" that otherwise occurs.
Chiropractic treatment truly rehabilitates the areas of injury, by helping to restore the natural curves of the spine, along with exercises and other positive treatment. It is rare that in this type of treatment you will hear a Chiropractor say to you, "you have to learn to live with it."
Most vehicle insurance companies will cover the fees for Chiropractic treatment applied for in full for injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents, either through third party or State or medical pay type insurance, or both.
Look for a Chiropractic office that can provide service to verify insurance coverage and to directly bill the carriers involved as a courtesy to their patients. You need to be able to pursue the care you need without the stress of handling insurance and related concerns. You can choose to handle the financial aspect of care on your own or in whatever ways you choose.
Motor vehicle accidents can cause injury and pain in other areas of the spine and body. Patients often complain of associated shoulder pain, upper back pain, lower back pain, and pain to the hips and legs. When multiple areas of the spine are involved, the condition is more complex. Treatment may need to be over a period of weeks, usually resulting in the patient getting full movement and full recovery.
Make An Appointment Today! @ Ndallaschiropractic.com
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