Words From Your Woolston Chiropractor

I recently started on a PI case where the patient, not knowing any better, went to physical therapy after her crash and had a 50% improvement after 60 days. She’s happy but knows she is still hurt and something is not right.

In those 60 days, she has had no imaging. No x-rays, MRI, or CT. No referral to any other medical specialist. As a chiropractic professional from Woolston Wellness Center, P.C. I am shocked but not surprised as I assume a lot of car crash victims go to their MD or a PT after a crash. A surefire way to mess up a case and allow the insurance company to get off-paying minimums.

She feels confident that the insurance company will handle her case responsibly and she will be compensated accordingly. She is not interested in legal representation. I often have to identify all of the patient’s injuries before they consider an attorney.

After a thorough consultation, examination and x-rays. We do in-house spinal ligament assessments with flexion/extension films and I find a ligament tear that corresponds with her symptoms and my neurological exam. I proceed to explain that I fully expect to see a bulge or herniation at the level of the tear or above or below it. 

I explained that we use the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment software for my x-ray analysis and stressed the importance of documenting all her injuries to make sure she is made whole again physically.

We have done thousands of these assessments. According to the AMA’s Guides, a spinal ligament tear, spinal ligament instability, or AOMSI(Alteration of Motion Segment Integrity) is equal in whole-person impairment as a fracture and a herniated disc. 

I will be able to connect her mechanism of injury with the specific level and extent of the spinal injury. We will document concomitant muscle and nerve injury patterns through ICD-10 S codes, not M codes. Then proceed to refer to the appropriate medical specialist.

Whereas the normal notes and codes I get from Emergency Departments, General Practitioners, and Physical Therapists are as if the patient is a Medicare patient, not a patient that just suffered trauma.

I wonder how many people like this patient see the wrong people for her medical care and don’t get an attorney? 

Attorneys, is this something you see? Where a patient goes to their MD or PT and this is sufficient for the case? 

Attorneys, would you take this case? No real gap in care, just poor judgment on who to trust with her care.

Bottom line if she came to me first, or any qualified Chiropractor in personal injury, she would have known the extent of her injury immediately and not just try to exercise her undocumented injuries to health.

Sports Therapy

Sports injuries can be debilitating and have a significant impact on an athlete’s performance and overall well-being. However, with proper precautions and proactive measures, many sports injuries can be prevented. Athletes should follow these essential tips to stay in top condition and avoid common injuries. 

Avoid common injuries

Warm-Up and Stretching:

Warm-ups should never be skipped before an exercise. Before engaging in any physical activity, it’s essential to warm up the body by engaging in light aerobic exercises, such as jogging or jumping jacks, for approximately 5-10 minutes. This increases blood flow to the muscles, preparing them for the upcoming activity. Additionally, incorporating dynamic stretching exercises that mimic the movements of the sport helps to further warm up the muscles, increase flexibility, and reduce the risk of strains and sprains.

Proper Technique and Form:

To prevent sports injuries, athletes should always be mindful about their form during workouts, as a  sports therapist like one from LeMoine Physical Therapy can tell you. Whether it’s throwing a ball, jumping, or lifting weights, mastering the proper technique is crucial. Seek guidance from a qualified coach or instructor to ensure that you are executing movements correctly. Incorrect form not only diminishes performance but also places unnecessary stress on joints, muscles, and tendons, leading to overuse injuries. Regular feedback and practice sessions focused on technique improvement can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and optimize athletic performance.

Gradual Progression and Rest:

Getting enough rest is key to optimize performance and health. It’s essential to gradually increase the intensity, duration, and frequency of training sessions. Rapidly advancing without allowing the body enough time to adapt and recover can lead to overuse injuries, stress fractures, and muscle strains. Incorporating rest days into your training schedule allows the body to repair and rebuild, reducing the risk of injury. Remember, rest is an integral part of the training process and should be treated with as much importance as the workouts themselves.

Protective Gear and Equipment:

Athletes should know which type of equipment and gear they should use for each training session or workout. Whether it’s a helmet, mouthguard, shin guards, or proper footwear, investing in quality gear that fits well and provides adequate protection is essential. For example, helmets protect against head injuries in sports like cycling, football, or hockey, while supportive footwear with proper traction reduces the risk of ankle sprains in activities such as basketball or soccer. Regularly inspect and maintain your equipment to ensure it remains in good condition and replace worn-out gear promptly.

Cross-Training and Conditioning:

Conditioning exercises can help you prevent many injuries. Cross-training involves participating in different types of physical activities, which helps to develop overall fitness, strengthens different muscle groups, and prevents overuse injuries. Conditioning exercises, such as strength training, core stability workouts, and flexibility exercises, improve muscle strength and endurance, enhance joint stability, and promote better overall performance. 

Preventing sports injuries requires a proactive approach that includes warm-up routines, proper technique, gradual progression, rest, protective gear, and cross-training. By implementing these five essential tips, athletes can significantly reduce the risk of sports-related injuries and ensure their long-term health and success in their chosen sports. If you want to learn more about ways you can prevent injuries as an athlete, meet with a sports therapist right away and schedule an appointment. 

Chiropractor

If you are dealing with chronic pain, whether it is from an accident or poor posture, you may want to consider seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractors treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system through non-invasive methods, like spinal adjustments and exercise. If you’ve never seen a chiropractor before, you might not know what to look for.

Here are a few signs that you have a good chiropractor.

Your Chiropractor Performs a Proper Health Assessment

Just like doctors, chiropractors should give their patients a thorough health assessment before recommending a treatment. After all, they can’t truly know what is wrong without a proper assessment. A good chiropractor will ask you many questions about your medical history, take x-rays and perform various tests, like muscle testing and reflexes. He or she should never rush through the health assessment.

Your Chiropractor Communicates Well

For you to get the most out of your chiropractic treatment, there must be good communication. Your chiropractor should take the time to explain all of your treatments and answer all of your questions. You should feel comfortable talking with your chiropractor. 

Your Chiropractor Personalizes Your Treatment Plan

When it comes to chiropractic care, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. A treatment plan that worked for the last patient may not be ideal for you. A good chiropractor will personalize your care and provide multiple types of treatments. For example, he or she may decide to perform adjustments, teach various exercises and use ice and heat therapies.

Your Chiropractor Is Compassionate

Getting chiropractic care for the first time can be quite nerve-wracking. You do not know what to expect and may be afraid of possible discomfort. That is why it is important to choose a chiropractor who is compassionate. He or she should take the time to listen to your concerns and make you feel reassured. Your chiropractor should be able to sense when you feel discomfort and ask you if you’re okay.

Your Chiropractor Is Honest

It is also important to choose a chiropractor who is completely honest with you. He or she should not just tell you what you want to hear. For example, if you sustained a serious back injury in a car accident, you may not want to work with a chiropractor who tells you that you will be cured after a couple of sessions. He or she should be truthful about how long your treatment will last and not sugarcoat anything.

Your Chiropractor is Passionate

Ideally, you want to pick a chiropractor who truly has a passion for his or her career. He or she should not just be going through the motions. If your chiropractor has a lot of passion, he or she is more likely to put a lot of effort into your care.

Schedule an appointment with a qualified chiropractor today to talk about your treatment options.

Dr. Larissa and I have been trained in Personal Injury by the best in the business. We have almost 700 hours of continuing education in the medical/legal arena.

Dr. Arthur Croft not only wrote the books on chiropractic and motor vehicle collisions,but he performed human crash studies that proved that property damage is not linked to injury.

In this crash Vc is the bullet vehicle traveling at 8.6mph. Delta V is the speed in which the car that is hit from the rear is traveling after the collision, 6.7mph. The head acceleration is the speed in which the occupants head is thrown relative to gravity = g forces of 15.

Now we all are subject to 1 g of forces. Our head weighs between 8 and 10 lbs. So in this example the crash occupants head undergoes stress of 120-150lbs of force for about 1/2-1/3 of a second as it is whipped first back then forward.

As the forces move thru the vehicle our body’s first undergo compressive forces down then quickly elongate into tensile forces as the head is put into bending forces. Sheer forces on the arms can cause hand, arm and shoulder injury.

Our spine can elongate up to 4 inches so watch your head clearance and your head rest should be high to mitigate damages.
Then your body is thrown forward against the seat belt and shoulder harness. As the head whips forward it causes bending forces, sheer forces, and tensile forces on the spine.

The brain can become concussed with these whip like forces as the brain and the skull move independently because of their different densities. This phenomenon is called coup-contrecoup, where the brain bounces inside of the skull.

All of this happens in an instant and your car is designed to withstand these forces of less than 10mph and show little to no damage.

The lesson I want you to learn from this is, if you or a loved one is ever in a crash get yourself checked out. You have 1 chance to be made whole after a motor vehicle collision and if you fail to get the right care or timely care research shows you will likely face a lifetime of chronic pain and disability.

In the evening hours of October 9th 2022, a collision occurred near the area of Gilbert Road and Main Street that resulted in two being transported to the hospital with minor injuries. At approximately 8:45 emergency rescue personnel arrived at the scene of the collision to address a two vehicle collision, one of which was a Mesa Police patrol car. The officer was transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for minor injuries. The driver of the second vehicle was also transported to the hospital to address minor arm injuries, and a child passenger of vehicle two was also taken to be evaluated as a medical precaution. The cause of the crash was not immediately evident, but officers were able to obtain statements from witnesses during their on-scene investigation.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash

We’ve all probably heard of whiplash being a notoriously common injury sustained in car accidents. As a Scottsdale, AZ car accident chiropractor explains, whiplash can be extremely painful and its symptoms can be particularly debilitating for those who have sustained this injury to the cervical spine, or neck. This injury is especially prevalent in rear-end collisions but can happen in any collision, regardless of the level of severity. If you were recently in a car accident and sustained a whiplash injury, you may benefit from chiropractic treatments, such as those offered by Woolston Wellness Center, P.C.

Causes of Whiplash 

Whiplash happens as a result of sudden, forceful motion, causing the structure of the neck to rapidly move back and forth beyond a normal range of motion, which ultimately contributes to the painful symptoms associated with this injury. Whiplash commonly happens in car car accidents due to the powerful forces of motion involved. Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae that make up the structure of the spine. Whiplash can also cause damage to these.

Whiplash Symptoms

Symptoms may be evident immediately following a car accident, but also may appear in the days following the crash, up to several days after. After being in a car accident, it is critical to seek medical attention, even if you feel as if you are fine. 

Common symptoms of whiplash:

• Pain in the neck, back, shoulders, arms
• Headaches near the base of the skull
• Fatigue
• Loss of range of motion in the neck or back
• Dizziness
• Sleep issues
• Blurred vision
• Amnesia or memory issues
• Hearing issues
• Concentration issues
• Numbness in arms & upper body

Whiplash Severity

The severity can vary widely from person to person. Generally, whiplash is considered to be a serious injury, requiring immediate medical attention, although some cases are less severe but lead to painful long-term symptoms.

Chiropractic For Whiplash Symptoms

After seeking medical treatment for whiplash, victims may experience painful symptoms that persist long after the accident. Chiropractic treatments are a viable option for relieving chronic symptoms that are a result of your whiplash. Many patients choose chiropractic to help with their symptoms because it is minimally invasive and in some cases can provide immediate relief from pain and discomfort.

If you suffered whiplash or other spine injuries in a car accident, and are struggling with painful symptoms, chiropractic may be a viable option for you. Consider consulting with a reputable chiropractor in your area to learn what treatments are appropriate for your symptoms. 

Neck pain can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from accidents and past injuries, to chronic health conditions such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc diseases. Throughout the day and night we rely on the cervical spine, for more than we realize and due to the wide range of motion, the neck is more susceptible to pain when injured. Chiropractic treatment techniques are a minimally invasive option for anyone who needs relief from their neck pain. 

Below we will answer questions frequently asked by those who are researching chiropractic treatment for their neck pain related issues.

What are the most common causes of neck pain?

• Aging – over time, parts of your cervical spine can wear, deteriorate, or degenerate. Degenerative conditions such as Osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis are commonly associated with aging and can cause neck pain.

• Strain – Repetitive motion, overuse and strenuous activity can lead to someone experiencing neck pain. Additionally, bad posture, weak muscular structure can contribute to painful neck conditions.

• Injury – Damage to the cervical spine or surrounding muscles can lead to long term pain and. Whiplash is a painful neck injury commonly sustained by those who are in car accidents.

• Health conditions – Meningitis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer may also come with symptoms such as neck pain.

What chiropractic treatments are commonly used for neck pain?

• Cervical spinal manipulation – a rapid therapeutic movement intended to provide relief from neck pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.
• Cervical spinal mobilization – Therapeutic movement that involves gently moving the neck joints within a shorter, more tolerable range of motion.
• Cervical traction – A gentle decompression of the cervical spine that is intended to provide relief by creating more space between vertebrae of the neck.
• Manual traction – Similar to cervical traction, your chiropractor will gently move your head away from your cervical spine and may be combined with gentle lateral movements.
• Mechanical traction – Using a head harness while laying flat to slowly pull your head away from the cervical spine to decompress vertebrae. 

When should I visit a chiropractor?

When you are experiencing neck pain, chiropractic should be one of your first considerations. Patients find that chiropractic care is a suitable minimally invasive alternative to surgery and medication. If you have neck pain, area residents should schedule a consultation with a Scottsdale, AZ neck pain chiropractor to learn more about neck pain specific treatment options.  

Will an adjustment help me?

Chiropractic care uses manual methods to adjust the spine and various body joints. Adjustments can often help manage pain due to various conditions. The goal is to enhance movement and reduce discomfort. After receiving this therapy, many people feel a greater sense of ease and a general improvement in their physical health.

How do I find the right chiropractor for me?

Look for a chiropractor that is near to where you reside. After committing to a chiropractic treatment regimen, you will likely need to visit for regularly scheduled sessions over a set period of time. Seeing a local chiropractor will help make visiting your chiropractor easier to stick with and save you travel time.

Thanks to Woolston Wellness Center, P.C. for their expertise in chiropractic care for neck pain. 

Your chiropractor is trained to perform non-invasive treatments and other manual adjustments that can alleviate pain and discomfort you may be experiencing from an injury or condition. It is good practice to arrive at your first appointment with questions for your chiropractic team. Your chiropractor will be able to answer any questions you have about your care plan. These are some of the most common questions folks have prior to receiving chiropractic treatment. 

What do manual chiropractic adjustments feel like?

For many, manual chiropractic adjustments provide an incredible feeling of relief by helping to release tension from the joints of the spine. The popping and cracking sounds that are a result of manual adjustments are commonly associated with pain but they are not painful. You may feel pressure while you are being adjusted, and mild soreness shortly after, but you should not experience pain. 

Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Chiropractors are professionally trained and licensed to provide care that is safe for their patients. Chiropractic treatment is generally considered to pose less risks to patients than surgery or medication-based treatments. Chiropractic care leverages manual adjustments, and non-invasive treatments that do not have a risk of harmful side effects.

What conditions can chiropractic care treat?

The most common condition chiropractic care addresses is back pain. Other painful conditions that chiropractic can relieve include neck pain, headaches, allergies, sciatica pain, pregnancy discomfort. If you have any uncertainties regarding the practicality of chiropractic treatments for your back pain or other condition, reach out to a Scottsdale, AZ back pain chiropractor from Woolston Wellness Center, P.C. with your questions.

How much do chiropractic treatments cost?

Chiropractic treatments are significantly less costly than surgery and are now more commonly recognized as a viable treatment in modern insurance plans. Check with your insurance provider to see if chiropractic care is covered in your plan. For specific information regarding pricing, speak with a chiropractor. They will be able to help you better understand the costs for treatment, which varies based on the condition you are experiencing.

How frequently and how long will I have to visit?

The frequency and duration of your treatment program will depend on the severity and type of condition you are experiencing. It is recommended that you consult with a chiropractor in your area to understand what your regimen would look like. After your initial evaluation, your chiropractor will be able to provide you with an estimated number of sessions your condition will require.

What ages can benefit?

Chiropractors can treat people of all ages, even children. Chiropractic treatments can help provide relief to kids with sleeping issues, digestive problems, behavior issues, and immune disorders. It is best to speak with your chiropractor to learn whether or not chiropractic treatment is appropriate for your young one. 

If you are enduring a painful back injury or condition, chiropractic may be a viable option for relief and healing without having to go through invasive treatments or prescription drugs. Speak with a chiropractor in your area to learn more about potential treatment options.

Back Pain Chiropractor

If you are thinking of getting a massage, it’s good to know that massage therapy in conjunction with chiropractic care, can offer a vast range of benefits. Read more to find out about the benefits of massage therapy. If you do not already see a chiropractor for your back pain, you may want to consider making a consultation appointment with one to see how they can help.

While it is no surprise that receiving a massage can be highly relaxing, it can also help manage other ailments and chronic conditions. A trained massage therapist can offer several massages depending on a person’s specific needs. Some options a prospective client may consider include:

• Deep Tissue Massage
• Sports Therapy
• Swedish Massage
• Prenatal Massage
• Cranial Sacral
• Hot Stone Massage
• Lymphatic Massage
• +More

Massage is more than just a spa treatment, and as our team from Lotus Wellness Center will share, there are several benefits to regular massage treatments. The following are some of the top benefits of massage therapy:

#1. Assistance With Managing Chronic Pain

People may sometimes experience chronic pain from medical conditions or other ailments. While others may be struggling with diagnosed conditions like diabetes, cancer, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and more, it’s possible to access massage therapy to help manage symptoms associated with these conditions. Massage can help by reducing stress levels, allowing the body to relax while also improving circulation by manually manipulating the muscles and tissues, focusing on problem areas to improve pain management.   

#2. Help Manage Depression

Depression can be a crippling illness that can impact nearly all aspects of a person’s life. However, when massage therapy is incorporated within a wellness plan, it may be possible to manage depression, anxiety, and stress that people often experience. Depression can cause physical pain, and the feeling associated with the illness can be crippling. Massage not only provides physical benefits but emotional ones as well. By taking the time to participate in massage, patients can experience stress reduction, allowing them to experience better mental clarity while improving their overall mood. 

#3. Improve Physical Performance

Physically active people may be looking to improve their physical performance. Whether they are recovering from injuries or looking to achieve peak performance levels, massage therapy can help by stretching the muscles and improving flexibility and range of motion. Athletes and physically active people are constantly putting stress on their bodies, and massage therapy can help clients to experience benefits that manage muscle fatigue, injury prevention, and injury recovery. Massage therapy can help to improve blood flow and circulation to the impacted joints and muscles. Because of this, massage should be highly considered by any person who regularly engages in physical activity. 

#4. Injury Recovery

Whether you are recovering from an injury or have recently endured a surgical procedure, massage can allow for several added benefits in addition to other recommended forms of treatment. No matter how they have been sustained, injuries can be physically debilitating, and clients will want to recover as quickly as possible while also achieving the best results possible. Massage after an injury can reduce recovery times, improve pain management, and prevent future recovery time. 

#5. Improved Sleep

Many people experience sleep issues, and while these issues may seem benign, they can be severely impactful. Massage can help to improve sleep by optimizing relaxation and ultimately helping with sleep. With massage, patients may experience a reduction in fatigue, ultimately resulting in better sleep. 

To learn more about Palatine, IL massage therapy and how you can incorporate it into your wellness routine, contact the Lotus Wellness Center. 

Poor posture can affect your health in many negative ways. In fact, studies have linked it to depression, constipation and sluggish circulation in the lower extremities. Poor posture can even have an impact on your day-to-day work life as slouching in an ill-fitting chair can slow down productivity and predispose you to repetitive injuries. To counter poor posture, you need to strengthen your core. The following exercises have been shown to provide the greatest positive impact in building up the postural muscles in your core and lower back.

Cat / Camel

Cross / Crawl

Plank

Side Bridge

Proper posture at work, or in a home office, is a fundamental part for a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Many people are active and healthy in their personal lives, but pay little attention to their health while at work. Desk jobs and our constant use of technology are pulling us forward – but not in a good way. Sitting for prolonged periods causes us to assume a forward head posture and rounded shoulders, referred to as postural kyphosis. In addition to affecting how we look, this can also cause a decreased range of motion in the neck and shoulders, along with numbness, low-back pain, and neck pain. Consequences of poor posture and unsatisfactory ergonomics often lead to the following:

SPINAL DEGENERATION: Simply put, the body is designed to move, not sit. When you are in a seated position you increase the pressure in the lower back by about 1.7 times your body weight. And this is when you sit properly, if you have improper posture the pressure on the spine increases further. The spine is generally strong enough to tolerate bad posture for about 20 minutes before the vertebral discs start to absorb the pressure.

LOWERED METABOLIC RATE: Sitting is the structural equivalent of metabolic syndrome. Prolonged sitting with poor posture has many negative health consequences; it is a modern-day epidemic contributing to the onset of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. While seated, your metabolic rate is likely to plummet, while your cholesterol levels rise.

IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE: Our bodies are not designed for a sedentary lifestyle; in fact, we need movement throughout the day to stay stimulated and function properly.  Sedentary lifestyle leading to poor posture is causing millions of people to suffer from chronic low back pain and neck pain, which over time could lead to disability.  Even when people go to the gym and work out for an hour a day, they still suffer irreversible damage to their spine and health if they are sedentary at work.

RESPIRATORY DYSFUNCTION: When people are hunched over, their chest and abdomen become constricted leading to decreased lung volume and resulting in shallower, less efficient breathing.

POSTURAL AGING: The greatest consequence of poor posture is pain and mortality. Research indicates that people who present with an increased curve of their thoracic spine have a higher  level of mortality. A kypohotic spine is commonly associated with elderly people, however, due to greater levels of inactivity among the younger population thanks to sedentary lifestyles and our addiction to electronic devices, this postural distortion is becoming more prevalent in the younger generations.  Poor ergonomic design of your workspace is literally taking years off of your life and accelerating postural aging. As daily levels of activity continue to decline, research suggests that musculoskeletal pain is more common today than it was forty years ago. Consequently, this decrease in physical activity coupled with poor ergonomics and inadequate postural hygiene is a major contributor to the rise in chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and musculoskeletal pain.

Here are 5 things to consider when setting up a healthy and productive workspace:

1. KEYBOARD should be placed at elbow height. Utilize a keyboard cushion to support your wrist. Keep wrists in a neutral position and avoid excessive flexion of the wrist. Keep wrist in a neutral position while using the mouse.
2. COMPUTER SCREEN should be high enough allowing you to look straight ahead. Avoid looking up or down for prolonged periods of time.
3. TELEPHONE HEADSET or SPEAKERPHONE will save your neck.
4. POSTURE BREAKS taken every 30 minutes for about 20 seconds to stretch and open your arms and chest allowing your head to fall back as well.  If possible take another 30 seconds to get up and walk a few feet before sitting down again.
5. STANDING DESK, TREADMILL WORKSTATION or ERGONOMIC CHAIR, no matter which one you use, the ear and shoulder should be in alignment, and the shoulders should be pulled back and not rounded. The shoulders should be aligned over the hips, and the hips should be vertically aligned over the knees and ankles. If you are sitting down, knees and toes should both be pointing forward and you should not cross your legs.