Meet the Doctor

---

Studies show that motor vehicle accidents of as little as 5mph can induce cervical (neck) injury.  These types of injuries are called "whiplash", a term which was first coined in 1928.

The symptoms related to MVA's don't always present themselves immediately.  In fact, research and clinic experience demonstrate that a delay of symptom onset seems to be the normal, although it doesn't eliminate the possibility of severe injury.

Whiplash can cause neurological problems if the nerve root is affected. 

Left untreated, whiplash poses a greater risk for long term chronic pain with associated soreness to be experienced long after the accident occured.  Any over exertion can even make matters worse which could then affect you in normal tasks and regular movements.  

If you have been involved in a motor vehicule accident, or have experienced whiplash, you should ice the injured area and see your doctor as soon as possible. 

Chiropractors have the proper training to treat this type of injury.  Seeing your doctor immediately greatly improves your chances for proper pain management and a greater recovery.  

Do not leave whiplash untreated.  

Sports injuries can occur even in the most innocent game of kickball, when you least expect it.  Muscle strains and back injuries are everywhere.

In more intense sports with high impact and sudden movements involved you see a higher rate of tears, sprains and strains. 

 While the neck and lower back are the most susceptible to injury in sports activities; shoulders, knees and ankles, can be injured as well. 

Repetitive movements and improper form can add to the likelihood of an injury.  Not warming up properly then increases that likelihood even more.   

Although sports injuries are fairly common, they should not be neglected.  

Chiropractors are trained to inspect your posture and your spine for signs of injury.  When the body is injured you will notice some swelling or inflamation and may even have trouble with balance.  

Using the techniques of spinal manipulation or "adjustments" chiropractors are able to realign your muscle and your joints which releases the  pressure causing the pain and stiffness.  Here at American Spine and Joint, we also use accelerated vibration therapy (AVT) to strengthen your body without the wear and tear of traditional exercising.  

These methods combined with a proper rehabilitative plan are proven to result in a speedier recovery.

Headaches can be caused by problems located in the cervical spine.  

There are various types of headaches that can impose on your daily routines to the point that they become a social and economic burden.  

While scientists have identified over 300 causes for headaches, doctors of chiropractic successfully help thousands of individuals everyday obtain safe, effective, long-term relief from their headaches. This is because most headaches have a spinal, muscular, or habitual component which the chiropractor has been trained to identify and treat.  In fact, surveys show that 10-25% of patients initiate chiropractic care for the relief of headaches.

According to the latest research, 9% of men and 12% of women in the U.S. experience at least 1-2 headache episodes per month, and more than 4% of the U.S. population suffers from frequent headaches which occur at least 180 days a year.   With that said, here are some of the names and characteristics that define them:

Headaches with a very constant, strong, yet dull pain can be a cerivcogenic headache. This one is usually located around the eye. 

Muscle tension headaches are the most common representing about 60% of all headaches.  These can come about from poor posture, excessive emotional stress, prolonged sitting or driving and bad sleeping habits.

Post-traumatic headaches are very common in a whiplash-type injury or a blow to the head. It is important to seek treatment early for this type of injury in order to produce the most favorable outcomes.

Drug-induced headaches, caused by frequest use of medications, are usually dull, diffuse and non-throbbing affecting both sides of the head. These are frequently present first thing in the morning and persist throughout the day.  

Migrain headaches account for about 10% of all headaches.  While migraines follow a hereditary course, they often have coexisting muscle tension and cervicogenic factors which contribute to the frequency and intensity of migrain attacks.  These headaches are characterized by a "throbbing" pain and usually involves one side of the head initially. Migraine headaches are also generally accompanied by nausea and vomiting.  

Lastly, cluster headaches.  These are most common in middle-aged smokers and are the most painful headache of all.  These headaches last about 1 hour and happen frequently throughout the day over several days. 

 If you are experiencing any of these types of headaches, reach out to a chiropractor, you may be surprised with immediate relief, or at the very least a solution to your pain.