Whiplash commonly occurs as a result of a motor vehicle collision when (typically) there is a sudden stop or slow down that occurs so fast a person cannot adequately brace himself or herself, even when aware of the impending collision. This is because the “whiplash” effect is over in about second and we cannot voluntarily contract a muscle quicker. The injury effect is worsened by several other factors including: 1. Small target / large “bullet” vehicle; 2. Too much seat inclination; 3. Improper headrest position; 4. A “springy” seat back; 5. A tall slender neck (females > males); and 6. Head rotation at the time of impact. Suffice it to say, in many cases, there is little one can do to avoid injury. So, how do x-rays help?

Let’s use a classic “rear-end collision” as our example. The driver (female) is seat-belted, in a small compact car, and her car Quick read more or view full article is stopped in traffic. All of a sudden, the car is struck from behind by a ¾ ton pickup truck (“bullet vehicle”). Just before impact, the driver, startled by the squeal of the tires breaking suddenly, turns her head to look behind the car via the rear view mirror. Upon impact, the car is propelled forward and she feels her head accelerate back initially, ride over the headrest (because it was set too low) and then accelerate forwards, without striking the steering wheel. Her head returns back to an upright position and the she reports being “shaken up.

” She visits her chiropractor and an examination reveals neck pain at the endpoints of forward and backward bending, headaches, numbness into the left arm to the thumb side of the hand and weakness in certain arm and wrist muscles. The chiropractor orders a flexion-extension cervical spine x-ray as shown below:

The x-rays are explained to the patient as follows: “…The middle image shows a reversed cervical curve when bending forwards but notice how little the spine and head have moved forwards? It hurts because the ligaments that hold the bones together have either over stretched or tore, which is called a “sprain.” If the head and neck are forced far enough forwards, then something has got to give. Either bones will fracture or, ligaments will tear, or both. When ligaments tear, the bones separate or open up greater than the levels above and below (see the 2 arrows). This creates a rather acute angle, like someone broke a stick (see the 2 arrows). Looking closely on the x-ray, the vertebra above appears to be sliding forwards (C4 over 5), which again supports torn ligaments and loss of stability.”

The Real Pain in the Neck- Your Forward Head Posture

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When your head translates forward, it forces muscles in parts of your neck to stretch and get longer, and others to contract and stay shorter.  It forces muscles to work harder to compensate for this imbalance.  These increased forces on your spine can cause can accelerate degenerative spinal disease (arthritis) and it doesn't have to do with your age.  

Your body attempts to compensate for this imbalance by altering its center of gravity and by deepening your curves.  However, these exaggerated spinal curves invariably lead to neuro-musculoskeletal imbalances, which effect your internal organs, and can also cause long term chronic pain.  

The scary part of this, is that you can have all of this happening, you may not have any pain.  

So you can have it and not feel it! 

Maximize your healthy spine and nervous system with Chiropractic.

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Injured Workers get back to work fast with chiropractic care.

Many workers’ compensation studies have shown chiropractic care to be superior to medical care in the treatment of on the job back injuries. Chiropractors have been able to get their patients out of pain and back to work faster and with lower treatment costs. For employers, this means that increased use of chiropractic care can reduce premium costs for benefits and contribute to improved productivity.

Injury in the workplace, following an auto accident or at home can be a serious matter. For your health and well-being, do not assume that immediate freedom from back pain or neck pain after an accident means you are fine. Too often, auto accident victims suffer ongoing symptoms years after the auto accident injury and insurance claims have been settled.

What to Expect When You Visit a Minneapolis Chiropractor

To get the best care from your Chiropractor, you will first need to give a complete medical history.  This is accomplished with a health history form and by discussing any health issues with your chiropractor.  This will allow your chiropractor to know how they can best help you, as well as pinpoint problem areas to be addressed.  This initial consultation usually lasts about 30 minutes.  Your treatment will take about 15-20 minutes or longer if x-rays are needed.

If you have recent x-rays, you should bring them to your first appointment.  Your chiropractor will want to know about any pain you have, when it started and what triggers it.  You may be referred for an MRI scan or other diagnostic tests.  You may also be asked questions about your lifestyle and background.

Next a physical examination will be performed.  Your chiropractor will look at Quick read more or view full article your posture, joint movement, range of motion and check your spine for vertebral misalignments.  Your chiropractor will then discuss a treatment plan with you.

Your treatment plan may include:  spinal adjustments, ultrasound therapy, nutritional counselling, soft tissue work, cold laser treatment, massage therapy, mobilization therapy, exercise rehabilitation, accupuncture, and/or craniosacral work. 

You may feel nervous about visiting a chiropractor, but rest assured, treatments do not cause pain, although some people may experience mild discomfort.  People can expect to feel some pain relief right away, and their pain will continue to improve even after their treatments.  A typical patient can expect to feel better after 8-12 visits.  Often underlying conditions, like allergies, asthma and/or arthritis will improve as well.

Your chiropractor may recommend home stretches, exercises and dietary changes to keep you feeling better.  Some people may choose a regular maintenance plan to keep their body feeling optimal.

Arthritis and Chiropractic

Arthritis Definition:

Arthritis is defined as, “inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling and stiffness resulting from an autoimmune disease, infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes.”  It can occur at any age.  The two most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.  The most common complaint with arthritis is pain, and treatment focuses primarily on pain relief.  Increasingly, many arthritis sufferers are turning to alternative medicine, and specifically to chiropractic for their pain relief.

Arthritis Research:

As recorded in the journal, “Annals of Internal Medicine”, 63% of arthritis sufferers seek out some form of alternative medicine.  31% of these sufferers visited a chiropractor, making it the most popular treatment option.  73% of the people who tried chiropractic for their arthritis pain relief experienced improvement in their condition.

Pain Relief:

Chiropractors treat arthritis in a number of ways including:

*spinal adjustments        *soft tissue therapy        *exercise Quick read more or view full article rehab
*nutritional support           *electrical stimulation   *laser therapy
*massage therapy

The primary treatment is spinal adjustments or manipulations.  They help with arthritis pain relief by correcting subluxated joints.  Regular adjustments can also increase range of motion by keeping joints more mobile.