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Personal Injury

Back Clinic Personal Injury Chiropractic Team. Injuries from an accident can not only cause physical harm to you or a loved one, being involved in a personal injury case can often be a complicated and stressful situation to handle. These types of circumstances are unfortunately fairly common and when the individual is faced with pain and discomfort as a result of trauma from an accident or an underlying condition that has been aggravated by the injury, finding the right treatment for their specific issue can be another challenge on its own.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s compilation of personal injury articles highlights a variety of personal injury cases, including automobile accidents resulting in whiplash, while also summarizing various effective treatments, such as chiropractic care. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.


Whiplash Injuries: El Paso Neck Chiropractor

Whiplash Injuries: El Paso Neck Chiropractor

Whiplash is a neck injury where, because loads and displacements develop in the neck, they have become the main interest in the study of whiplash injury mechanisms. Human subject studies, however, have only reported the peak speed of the head relative to a fixed reference frame.

 

Since head acceleration is often the result of the head-restraint impact, these peak values might be conducive to whiplash injury and do not reflect loads developed in the tissues of the neck. The kinematics of the head have been computed relative to the axis between the C7-T1 vertebra to supply a better indication of the dynamics. The first peak in the acceleration trace results from the torso’s acceleration relative to the still-stationary head.

 

This peak is the larger and later acceleration peak, governed by the impact between the head restraint and the head. When head acceleration is measured, a result that highlights the importance of quantifying the head’s relative rather than absolute dynamics, the first negative peak isn’t observed.

 

Cause of Whiplash Injuries

Cadaveric, animal and human subject experiments have led investigators to propose various anatomical sites for whiplash injury, including the cervical facet joints, facet capsular ligaments, vertebral arteries, dorsal root ganglia, craniovertebral junction, and cervical muscles. Muscle injury could be responsible for some symptoms in patients; however, of the anatomical sites listed above, only the facet joints have been linked to chronic whiplash pain. The facet joints have become the focus of research directed at understanding the mechanical basis for chronic whiplash injuries.

 

In a study conducted by researchers and colleagues (1996), chronic whiplash pain was relieved in about 60% of whiplash patients by anesthetizing medial branches of the cervical dorsal rami. Articular branches from these nerves run through the capsular tissues and presumably originate in the capsular tissue from mechanoreceptors and nociceptors. Possible injury sites inside the facet joints include fractures of the bony elements, bruising of the rectal folds (menisci), or ruptures or tears of the capsular ligament. Skeletal fractures and aspect hemarthroses are not commonly observed in whiplash patients and are therefore related to loading. Bruising of the folds is common after fatal chest or head injury, and motions of the cervical vertebra consistent with this type of injury have been documented during the severe loading associated with whiplash injury in human subjects.

 

 

Cineradiography used to inspect the intervertebral motion of subjects exposed to simulated influences has shown that the C5 vertebra rotates about a stage than during voluntary expansion moves. This movement pattern resulted in compression of the facet joints posteriorly through impact-induced motion during activity and increased distraction of the vertebral bodies anteriorly. These researchers proposed that the posterior synovial fold might be pinched by rear compression of the facet joints though this altered motion was detected in only four of six subjects. This proposed mechanism of injury is promising. Follow-up research that quantifies the loads applied to the meniscus during whiplash exposures and the loads necessary to injure the meniscus is needed to confirm whether this proposed injury mechanism occurs at the loads generated during collisions that produce a whiplash injury.

 

Before and After Whiplash - El Paso Chiropractor

 

Chronic Whiplash Image - El Paso Chiropractor

 

The facet joint capsules contain fine, unmyelinated nerves that likely have a nociceptive function. Distending these ligaments by injection of contrast media has generated whiplash-like pain patterns in normal individuals. Tears or ruptures to the cervical facet joint capsular ligaments have also been observed under severe loading conditions. Excess capsular ligament strain was proposed as a mechanism for whiplash injury under minor- to moderate-loading requirements. With subsequent loading to failure, the technology strain in the capsular ligaments under both whiplash-like heaps and cadaveric motion sections has recently been quantified. Maximum strains in the facet joint capsular ligaments under loads were, on average, half. In two of the 13 specimens, the top songs observed in the ligament under whiplash-like heaps were larger than those detected in their initial failure.

 

Doctor Neck Injury Evaluation - El Paso Chiropractor

 

This finding suggested that the neck loads developed during an automobile accident could injure some individuals’ facet capsular ligaments. Further work is needed to determine if these ruptures generate pain and whether the subcatastrophic failures identified with breaks inside the capsular ligaments in the response of the tissues correlate.

 

Whiplash injury has proved difficult to research because its pathoanatomy has remained poorly understood. The facet joints have been isolated as a site of chronic pain in many populations.

 

A better understanding of the etiology of whiplash injury will lead to improved care and injury prevention methods. Human subject testing has provided the essential kinematic and kinetic response information needed to conduct tests of those cells, and tissue evaluations have led to a possible mechanical explanation for whiplash injury. Additional research is required to complete the connection between the whiplash symptoms experienced by some people and an automobile accident.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.Green-Call-Now-Button-24H-150x150-2.png

 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries

 

Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, is frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine and the rest of the spine. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.

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Studies Demonstrate Effectiveness of Chiropractic for Whiplash

Studies Demonstrate Effectiveness of Chiropractic for Whiplash

Studies on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for patients afflicted with pain secondary to whiplash injury are emerging. In 1996, Woodward et al. published a study on the efficacy of chiropractic treatment of whiplash injuries.

 

In 1994, Gargan and Bannister published a paper on the recovery rate of patients and found that when patients were still symptomatic after three months, there was almost a 90% chance they would remain injured. The study’s authors were from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery in Bristol, England. No conventional treatment was shown to be effective in these based chronic whiplash injury patients. However, high success rates have been found by whiplash injury patients through chiropractic care in recovering these types of patients.

 

Whiplash Treatment Study Results

 

In the Woodward study, 93 percent of the 28 patients studied retrospectively were found to have a statistically significant improvement following chiropractic care. Chiropractic care in this study consisted of PNF, spinal manipulation, and cryotherapy. Most of the 28 patients had prior therapy with NSAIDs collars and physiotherapy. The average length of time before when the patients began chiropractic care was 15.5 months post-MVA (range of 3-44 months).

 

This study documented what most DCs experience in clinical practice: chiropractic care is effective for individuals hurt in a motor vehicle accident. Symptoms ranging from headaches to back pain, neck pain, interscapular pain, and extremity pain related to paresthesias all responded to quality chiropractic care.

 

Normal & Whiplash X-Rays

 

Whiplash MRI Findings

 

Whiplash MRI Findings - El Paso Chiropractor

 

Neck Damage in MRI - El Paso Chiropractor

 

The literature has also suggested cervical disc injuries aren’t uncommon after a whiplash injury. In a study published on chiropractic care for disk herniations, it was demonstrated that patients improve clinically and that repeated MRI imaging often shows decreased size or resolution of the disk herniation. Of the 28 patients studied and followed, many had disc herniations that reacted well to chiropractic care.

Whiplash Improvement X-Rays - El Paso Chiropractor

 

In a recent retrospective study by Khan et al., published in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine, on whiplash-injured patients concerning cervical pain and dysfunction, patients were stratified into groups based on levels of a good outcome to chiropractic care:

  • Group I: Patients with neck pain only and restricted neck ROM. Patients had a “coat hangar” distribution of pain with no neurologic deficits; 72 percent had a fantastic outcome.
  • Group II: Patients with neurological symptoms or signs and limited spinal ROM. Patients had numbness, tingling, and paresthesias in the extremity.
  • Group III: Patients had severe neck pain with full neck ROM and bizarre pain distributions from the extremities. These patients often described chest pain, nausea, vomiting, blackouts, and dysfunction.

The results of the study showed that in class I, 36/50 patients (72%) reacted well to chiropractic care: in group II, 30/32 patients (94 percent) responded well to chiropractic care; and in group III, only 3/11 instances (27%) responded well to chiropractic care. There was a significant difference in outcomes between the three groups.

This study provides new evidence that chiropractic care is effective for whiplash-injured patients. However, the study didn’t consider patients with back injuries, extremity injuries, and TMJ injuries. It did not identify which patients had disc injuries, radiculopathy, and concussive brain injury (most likely group III patients). These types of patients respond better to a model of chiropractic care in combination with multidisciplinary providers.

These studies show what most DCs have already experienced, that the doctor of chiropractic should be the principal care provider in these cases. It’s a common opinion that in cases like group III patients, care should be multidisciplinary to achieve the best possible outcome in difficult scenarios.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.Green-Call-Now-Button-24H-150x150-2.pngBy Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries

 

Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, is frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine and the rest of the spine. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7 Fitness Center

 

 

Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

After a car accident, you may notice neck pain. It could be a slight soreness you think is nothing but take care of. More than likely, you have whiplash. And that little soreness can turn into a lifetime of chronic neck pain if only treated with pain meds and not treated at the source.

Whiplash trauma, aka neck sprain or neck strain, is an injury to the soft tissues around the neck.

Whiplash can be described as a sudden extension or backward movement of the neck and flexion or forward movement of the neck.

This injury usually comes from a rear-end car accident.

Severe whiplash can also include injury to the following:

  • Intervertebral joints
  • Discs
  • Ligaments
  • Cervical muscles
  • Nerve roots

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

 

Symptoms of Whiplash

Most people experience neck pain either immediately after the injury or several days later.

Other symptoms of whiplash trauma can include:

  • Neck stiffness
  • Injuries to the muscles and ligaments around the neck
  • Headache and dizziness
  • Symptoms & possible concussion
  • Difficulty swallowing and chewing
  • Hoarseness (possible injury to the esophagus and larynx)
  • The sensation of burning or prickling
  • Shoulder pain
  • Back pain

 

Diagnosis of Whiplash Trauma

Whiplash trauma usually causes damage to the soft tissues; a doctor will take x-rays of the cervical spine in case of delayed symptoms and rule out other problems or injuries.

 

Treatment

Fortunately, whiplash is treatable, and most symptoms resolve completely.

Most often, whiplash is treated with a soft cervical collar.

This collar may need to be worn for 2 to 3 weeks.

Other treatments for individuals with whiplash may include the following:

  • Heat treatment for relaxing muscle tension and pain
  • Pain meds such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Motion exercises
  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic

 

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

 

The symptoms of whiplash typically begin to decline in 2 to 4 weeks.

Those with symptoms during treatment may need to keep the neck immobilized with a halter at work or home.

This is called cervical traction.

Local anesthetic injections can help when necessary.

Continuing or worsening symptoms after 6 to 8 weeks may require more x-rays and diagnostic testing to see if there is a more severe injury.

Severe extension injuries like whiplash can damage the intervertebral discs. If this happens, then surgery may be necessary.


 

Whiplash Massage Therapy El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

 

Some people will tell you that whiplash is a made-up injury that people use to get more money in a settlement stemming from an accident. They do not believe it is possible in a low-speed rear-end accident and see it as a legitimate injury claim, mainly because there are no visible marks.

Some insurance experts claim that about a third of whiplash cases are fraudulent, leaving two-thirds of the cases legitimate. Much research also supports the claim that low-speed accidents can indeed cause whiplash, which is very real. Some patients suffer from pain and immobility for the rest of their lives.


 

NCBI Resources

Chiropractors will use different techniques to relieve the pain of whiplash and help with healing.

  • Chiropractic Adjustment The chiropractor performs spinal manipulation to move the joints into alignment gently. This will help to align the body to relieve pain and encourage healing.
  • Muscle Stimulation and Relaxation This involves stretching the affected muscles, relieving tension, and helping them relax. Finger pressure techniques may also be combined with trying to alleviate pain.
  • McKenzie Exercises These exercises help with disc derangement that whiplash causes. They are first performed in the chiropractor’s office, but the patient can be taught how to do them at home. This helps the patient have some degree of control over their healing.

Each whiplash case is different. A chiropractor will evaluate the patient and determine the appropriate treatment case-by-case basis. The chiropractor will determine the best course of treatment that will relieve your pain and restore your mobility and flexibility.

WAD Whiplash Associated Disorders: El Paso Back Clinic

WAD Whiplash Associated Disorders: El Paso Back Clinic

Whiplash-associated disorders, or WAD, describe injuries sustained from sudden acceleration/deceleration movements. It is a common outcome after a motor vehicle collision but can also be caused by sports injuries, falls, or assaults. Whiplash refers to the mechanism of the injury, while WAD refers to the presence of symptoms like pain, stiffness, muscle spasm, and headaches. A WAD prognosis is unpredictable, with some cases remaining acute with a full recovery, while others progress to chronic conditions with long-term symptoms and disability. Early intervention recommendations include rest, chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation, massaging and stretching exercises, and an anti-inflammatory diet.WAD Whiplash Associated Disorders: Injury Medical Chiropractic

Whiplash Associated Disorders

Cervical hyperextension injuries happen to drivers and passengers of moving, slow-moving (less than 14 miles per hour), and stationary vehicles when struck from behind.

  • The individual’s body is thrown forward, but the head does not follow the body and instead whips forward, resulting in hyperflexion or extreme forward movement of the neck.
  • The chin limits forward flexion, but the momentum can be sufficient to cause cervical distraction and neurological injuries.
  • When the head and neck have reached maximum flexion, the neck snaps back, resulting in hyperextension or extreme backward movement of the neck.

Pathology

Most WADs are considered soft tissue-based injuries with no fractures.

Stages

The injury goes through stages:

Stage 1

  • The upper and lower spine experiences flexion in stage one.

Stage 2

  • The spine takes on an S-shape while extending and eventually straightens, causing lordosis.

Stage 3

  • The entire spine is hyperextending with an intense force that causes the facet joint capsules to compress.

Symptoms

Whiplash-associated disorders can be classified through grades by the severity of symptoms, including neck pain, stiffness, occipital headache, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar back pain, upper-limb pain, and paraesthesia.

Grade 0

  • No complaints or physical symptoms.

Grade 1

  • Neck complaints but no physical symptoms.

Grade 2

  • Neck complaints and musculoskeletal symptoms.

Grade 3

  • Neck complaints and neurological symptoms.

Grade 4

  • Neck complaints and fracture and/or dislocation.
  • Most cervical fractures occur predominantly at C2 or C6, or C7.
  • Most fatal cervical spine injuries occur at the craniocervical junction C1 or C2.

Affected Spinal Structures

Some symptoms are thought to be caused by injury to the following structures:

Causes of pain can be from any of these tissues, with the strain of the injury causing secondary edema, hemorrhage, and inflammation.

Joints

  • Zygapophyseal joints
  • Atlanto-axial joint
  • Atlanto-occipital joint
  • Intervertebral discs
  • Cartilaginous endplates

Adjacent Joints

Spinal Muscles

Ligaments

  • Alar ligament
  • Anterior atlanto-axial ligament
  • Anterior atlanto-occipital ligament
  • Apical ligament
  • Anterior longitudinal ligament
  • Transverse ligament of the atlas

Bones

  • Atlas
  • Axis
  • Vertebrae C3-C7

Nervous Systems Structures

  • Nerve roots
  • Spinal cord
  • Brain
  • Sympathetic nervous system

Vascular System Structures

  • Internal carotid artery
  • Vertebral artery

Peripheral Vestibular System

Chiropractic Care

A chiropractor will identify areas of restricted joint motion, muscle tension, muscle spasm, intervertebral disc injury, and ligament injury.

  • They will analyze posture, and spinal alignment, check for tenderness, tightness, and how well the spinal joints move.
  • This will allow the chiropractic physical therapy team to understand the injured body mechanics and how the spine is operating to make a thorough diagnosis.
  • The doctor will order imaging tests like an x-ray or an MRI to evaluate any degenerative changes that may have existed before the whiplash injury.
  • Once the injury has been accurately diagnosed, the chiropractor will design a personalized treatment plan.

Spinal Adjustments

  • Spinal manipulation is applied to areas of the spine that are out of alignment to realign the spine and activate the healing process.
  • Flexion-distraction technique is a gentle technique that uses slower, less intense pushing motions on the discs used to treat disc herniations that often occur after a whiplash injury.
  • Instrument-assisted manipulation utilizes special instruments to apply various forces or massage settings to the area.
  • Targeted spinal manipulation targets specific areas to rework, release, and rebuild the structures.
  • Massage Therapy stimulates the affected muscles to relax them from their tense state.
  • A treatment plan may utilize:
  • Instrument-assisted therapy
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Resistance-based stretches to rehabilitate soft tissue damage.

Our chiropractic team is ready to help you feel your best so you can return to normal activities and get on with your life.


Automobile Injuries and Chiropractic


References

Pastakia, Khushnum, and Saravana Kumar. “Acute whiplash associated disorders (WAD).” Open access emergency medicine: OAEM vol. 3 29-32. 27 Apr. 2011, doi:10.2147/OAEM.S17853

Ritchie, C., Ehrlich, C. & Sterling, M. Living with ongoing whiplash-associated disorders: a qualitative study of individual perceptions and experiences. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 18, 531 (2017). doi.org/10.1186/s12891-017-1882-9

www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/whiplash-associated-disorder

Sterling, Michele. “Whiplash-associated disorder: musculoskeletal pain and related clinical findings.” The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy vol. 19,4 (2011): 194-200. doi:10.1179/106698111X13129729551949

Wong, Jessica J et al. “Are manual therapies, passive physical modalities, or acupuncture effective for the management of patients with whiplash-associated disorders or neck pain and associated disorders? An update of the Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders by the OPTIMa collaboration.” The spine journal: official Journal of the North American Spine Society vol. 16,12 (2016): 1598-1630. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2015.08.024

Woodward, M N et al. “Chiropractic treatment of chronic ‘whiplash’ injuries.” Injury vol. 27,9 (1996): 643-5. doi:10.1016/s0020-1383(96)00096-4

Forklift and Lift Truck Accidents and Injuries Back Clinic

Forklift and Lift Truck Accidents and Injuries Back Clinic

Forklifts, also known as lift trucks, are used for loading, unloading, and transporting various goods and materials in construction, shipping, and retail industries. They are heavy-duty equipment and require extensive training to operate safely. Forklifts are involved in many serious workplace accidents causing thousands of injuries annually. Chiropractors specialize in injury care and rehabilitation from vehicle accidents and collisions. They can help restore optimal musculoskeletal function and health through adjustments, massage, decompression, and traction therapies.Forklift and Lift Truck Accidents and Injuries Chiropractor

Forklift Operation

The forklift is one of the most widely used pieces of equipment to raise, lower, or remove pallets, boxes, crates, or other containers and transport and stock goods and materials. There are a variety of lift trucks that include:

Operation

The weight, speed, and operation difficulty increase the risk of an accident, increasing the risk of injuries. Other factors include:

  • They can reach up to 20 miles per hour or more.
  • They have front braking systems making it harder to stop.
  • The weight distribution is in the back.
  • The rear wheels turn instead of the front, causing tip-overs.
  • Most carry their loads in front and can obstruct an operator’s view.
  • Lifting too heavy a load can destabilize a forklift and cause it to turn over.

Accident and Injury Causes

Federal work safety regulations require individuals to complete a training program to operate a forklift safely. The most common causes of accidents include:

  • Lack of training and experience.
  • Lack of safety equipment – helmets, seatbelts, grab handles, roll cages, cage guards, warning lights, and sirens.
  • Lack of maintenance – bent forks, no load backrest, unbalanced wheels, etc.
  • Improper loading – off center, damaged goods, loose loads.
  • Lifting, moving or tilting the mast too fast.
  • Riding with a raised load.
  • Speeding.
  • Improper backing-up techniques.
  • Poor communication.
  • Horseplay.
  • Giving rides.
  • Failing to immobilize the machine when the operator leaves.
  • Failing to pay attention to the position of the forks.
  • Failing to yield to pedestrians.
  • Traveling up or down unsafe inclines.
  • Driving off the side of a ramp.
  • Design or manufacturing defects.

Common Accidents

The most common type of accidents involve:

  • Tip-overs and Rollovers.
  • Falling off the lift.
  • Getting struck by falling materials or objects.
  • Pedestrian injuries like getting hit by the vehicle or tripping over the forks.
  • Getting caught in or compressed/crushed by the vehicle or objects.

Injuries

The most common injuries that result from lift accidents include:

  • Contusions
  • Sprains
  • Muscle tears
  • Back pain disorders
  • Crush injuries
  • Fractures

Chiropractic Therapy and Rehabilitation

Chiropractic therapy can help heal and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries. A chiropractic team will relieve pain symptoms and restore the body’s alignment and function. Treatment includes:

Adjustments

  • To gently realign joints.
  • Decrease pain.
  • Increase range of motion.
  • Improves posture.

Soft-tissue massage

  • To relax tight muscles.
  • Relieve spasms.
  • Release tension in the connective tissue surrounding the muscles.
  • Reduces pain.
  • Improves the range of motion of the spine and joints.

Exercises and stretches

  • To restore and maintain flexibility, joint stability, and mobility.

Joint bracing and taping

  • To support sprained joints or muscles during healing.

Health Coaching

  • Guides diet and nutrition to reduce inflammation and promote healthy eating to manage weight.

Forklift Fails


References

Bage, T et al. “Forklift-related lower limb injuries: a retrospective case series study with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).” Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England vol. 103,10 (2021): 730-733. doi:10.1308/rcsann.2020.7124

Born, C T et al. “Patterns of injury and disability caused by forklift trucks.” The Journal of trauma vol. 40,4 (1996): 636-9. doi:10.1097/00005373-199604000-00020

Hong, Choon Chiet, et al. “Forklift-Related Crush Injuries of the Foot and Ankle.” Foot & ankle international vol. 36,7 (2015): 806-11. doi:10.1177/1071100715576486

Ull, Christopher et al. “Injuries after Forklift Trucks Accidents – Injury Patterns, Therapy and Outcome in the Context of the Statutory Accident Insurance.” “Gabelstaplerunfälle – Verletzungsmuster, Therapie und Outcome im berufsgenossenschaftlichen Kontext.” Zeitschrift fur Orthopadie und Unfallchirurgie, 10.1055/a-1402-1649. 19 Apr. 2021, doi:10.1055/a-1402-1649

Waters, Thomas et al. “Lower back disorders among forklift operators: an emerging occupational health problem?.” American journal of industrial medicine vol. 47,4 (2005): 333-40. doi:10.1002/ajim.20146

Healthy Driving Posture: Back Clinic Chiropractic

Healthy Driving Posture: Back Clinic Chiropractic

The body is designed to move. For individuals who spend a significant amount of time driving each day, whether for a living or a long commute, over time can lead to headaches, neck and back pain, sciatica, and increases the risk for serious injury. Chiropractic can retrain individuals to practice healthy driving posture. This is accomplished through decompression and massage therapy combined with recommended stretches/exercises, and an anti-inflammatory diet will bring pain relief and help prevent injury.

Healthy Driving Posture Chiropractor

Healthy Driving Posture

Two main reasons driving impacts the back are poor posture and being in a fixed position for an extended period. Individuals who regularly drive for more than 4 hours a day are more at risk. An unhealthy driving posture can lead to an increased risk of discomfort/pain in the:

  • Neck
  • Shoulders
  • Arms
  • Wrists
  • Fingers
  • Back
  • Legs
  • Feet
  • Over time these issues can become chronic, making the body vulnerable to various injuries.

Back Pain Symptoms

Sometimes back pain needs immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms present:

  • Inflammation in the back.
  • Swelling on the back.
  • Constant pain does not go away or ease up after resting or movement.
  • Pain in the upper back that radiates to the chest.
  • A high temperature.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control.
  • Numbness or tingling around the buttocks or groin area.

Driving Recommendations

Spine Support

  • Slide the tailbone as close to the back of the seat as possible.
  • Leave a gap between the back of the knees and the front of the seat.
  • If the vehicle doesn’t allow for the proper position, a back support cushion can help.

Raise The Hips

  • If possible, adjust the area you sit on, so the thighs are supported along their entire length.
  • The knees should be slightly lower than the hips.
  • This will increase circulation to the back muscles while opening up the hips.

Sitting Too Close

  • An individual should be able to comfortably reach the pedals and depress them through their full range with the entire foot.
  • A safety study found that drivers whose chests were closer to the wheel were significantly more likely to suffer head, neck, and chest injuries in front and rear-end collisions.

Proper Height

  • Ensure the seat raises the eye level a few inches above the steering wheel to allow sufficient clearance between the head and roof.

Seat Angle

  • The angle of the back of the seat should go a little beyond 90 degrees to 100-110 degrees places minimal pressure on the back.
  • Leaning too far back forces the individual to raise/push their head and neck forward, which can cause neck pain, shoulder pain, and tingling in the fingers.

Headrest Height

  • The top of the headrest should be between the top of the ears and the top of the head.
  • It should slightly touch the back of the head when sitting with a healthy driving posture.
  • The headrest is vital in reducing whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.

Mirror Adjustments

  • Ensure the rear-view and side mirrors are correctly adjusted will prevent straining the neck.
  • Individuals should be able to see the traffic behind them without having to crane their necks.

Be Sure To Take Breaks

  • Even with a healthy driving posture, fatigue can and will set in.
  • Listen to your body and take breaks.
  • Park in a safe place at a rest stop or designated area to get out of the vehicle, move around, and stretch.

Driving Posture Exercises

The following exercises can help improve driving posture and prevent pain while making deliveries or transporting people.

Shoulder Blade Squeeze

This exercise helps reduce pressure on the neck and shoulders.

  • Bring the shoulder blades back and up with the hands on the steering wheel.
  • Squeeze your shoulder blades together in the middle of the back.
  • Hold for 3 seconds, then release.
  • Repeat ten times.

Seated Pelvic Tilt

This exercise activates the abdominal and external oblique muscles.

  • Press the lower back into the car seat.
  • Inhale and tilt the pelvis forward to create an arch in the lower back.
  • Hold for 3 seconds, then release.
  • Repeat ten times.

Posture is more than just how one carries themselves. The effects of unhealthy posture can carry over into an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether it’s caused by injury, stress, work, or sports, a professional chiropractor will help you get back to optimal health.


Driving Position


References

Cvetkovic, Marko M et al. “Assessing Post-Driving Discomfort and Its Influence on Gait Patterns.” Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 21,24 8492. 20 Dec. 2021, doi:10.3390/s21248492

Pope, Malcolm H et al. “Spine ergonomics.” Annual review of biomedical engineering vol. 4 (2002): 49-68. doi:10.1146/annurev.bioeng.4.092101.122107

Tinitali, Sarah, et al. “Sitting Posture During Occupational Driving Causes Low Back Pain; Evidence-Based Position or Dogma? A Systematic Review.” Human factors vol. 63,1 (2021): 111-123. doi:10.1177/0018720819871730

van Veen, Sigrid, and Peter Vink. “Posture variation in a car within the restrictions of the driving task.” Work (Reading, Mass.) vol. 54,4 (2016): 887-94. doi:10.3233/WOR-162359

Internal Organ Damage Chiropractic Back Clinic

Internal Organ Damage Chiropractic Back Clinic

Internal injuries occur under the skin and muscle tissues. Internal organ damage occurs when an organ’s structure becomes altered or begins to malfunction and can be brought on by trauma or disease. Sympathetic nerves send and receive messages, including pain signals, from the brain through the spinal cord. Chiropractors understand the spine and internal organ connection. For example, the splanchnic nerves connect to the stomach, originating between thoracic vertebra six and ten.

Internal Organ Damage Chiropractic Rehabilitation

Internal Organ Damage

Blunt Trauma

  • Blunt trauma/Non-penetrating trauma happens when a forceful impact strikes the body.
  • A car accident, hard fall, or getting hit by a dull object qualifies as blunt trauma.
  • Blunt trauma can rupture the blood vessels and organs.
  • Organs most likely to experience damage include the spleen and liver.

Penetrating Trauma

  • Penetrating trauma happens when an object enters the body.
  • The object can bruise, slice, and pierce organs.
  • Internal bleeding can occur if blood vessels are torn or cut.

Organs fall into two categories:

Solid Organs

The solid organs contain organ tissue throughout and include the following:

  • Liver
  • Spleen
  • Kidneys
  • Pancreas
  • When solid organs go through trauma, they can rupture and/or develop hematomas.
  • A hematoma is when blood vessels rupture and blood collects inside the organ.

Hollow Organs

The hollow organs have an organ wall that surrounds an empty/hollow space that includes:

  • Stomach
  • Intestines
  • Colon
  • Bladder
  • Ureters
  • Hollow organs that experience trauma can tear the walls and allow material to leak out.
  • This leakage can cause peritonitis and sepsis.
  • Individuals can also develop hematomas with blood collecting in the organ wall.

Thoracic Spine

The thoracic spine is the most interconnected with the internal organs and includes:

  • T2 – the chest, heart, and blood vessels.
  • T4 – the gallbladder, tendons, and ligaments.
  • T6 – the stomach and pancreas.
  • T10 – the kidneys.

Lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine is connected to the lower organs.

  • L1 is connected to the large intestine.
  • Issues with L1 might be indicated by constipation or diarrhea.
  • L3 Is connected to the bladder, uterus in women, and prostate in men.
  • Painful menstruation or impotence could indicate problems.

Organ Damage Effects

 Internal bleeding is the most immediate issue arising from internal organ damage.

  • Bleeding can lead to shock as blood volume drops.
  • It can also form hematomas in the organs.
  • Internal bleeding can also occur after less severe trauma and/or be delayed for hours or days.
  • After the individual is stabilized, localized symptoms can appear.
  • Damaged organs can become inflamed and swell, causing abdominal compartment syndrome.
  • Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling restricts blood circulation to and from the organ to the circulatory and nervous systems, causing pain and further damage to the organ tissues.
  • If circulation is not restored, the organs may fail.
  • Severe swelling of the organs can cause heart and lung problems, as the swollen organs leave no room for the lungs to expand or for the heart to pump blood.

Emergency Treatment and Rehabilitation

Blunt force injuries that produce significant organ impact, bleeding, and penetrating injuries may require surgery to repair or remove damaged organs. Doctors may keep the injured individual under observation for minor internal bleeding to see if surgery is needed. Minor internal bleeding often heals on its own without surgery. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic offer rehabilitation after surgery as a thorough way to expedite healing and recovery.

  • Chiropractic manages pain without medications that can interfere with the ability to perform simple tasks.
  • The body’s functions and biochemical responses from the trauma and surgery are addressed.
  • Inflammation and swelling are alleviated, and prevention is done through adjustments, massage, diet, and health coaching.

Severe Back Pain Chiropractic


References

Iheozor-Ejiofor, Zipporah, et al. “Negative pressure wound therapy for open traumatic wounds.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 7,7 CD012522. 3 Jul. 2018, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012522.pub2

McCausland C, Sajjad H. Anatomy, Back, Splanchnic Nerve. [Updated 2021 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549856/

Newman RK, Dayal N, Dominique E. Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. [Updated 2022 Apr 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430932/

Risselada, Marije. “Perforating Cervical, Thoracic, and Abdominal Wounds.” The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice vol. 47,6 (2017): 1135-1148. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.06.002

Shaheen, Aisha W et al. “Abdominal compartment syndrome in trauma patients: New insights for predicting outcomes.” Journal of emergencies, trauma, and shock vol. 9,2 (2016): 53-7. doi:10.4103/0974-2700.179452

Sikka, Rishi. “Unsuspected internal organ traumatic injuries.” Emergency medicine clinics of North America vol. 22,4 (2004): 1067-80. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2004.05.006