Gentle chiropractic care is ideal for seniors, providing safe, effective relief for aging joints. As we age, our bodies go through natural changes that affect flexibility, balance, and joint health. Many seniors live with arthritis, osteoporosis, or chronic back and neck pain that interferes with everyday activities. The good news is, pain and stiffness don’t […]
Chiropractic Treatment for Disc Herniation
Chiropractic treatment is a non-surgical option for disc herniation. Chiropractic care is frequently the preferred first choice for treatment since it is non-invasive and avoids the use of medications or injections.
Your spine is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae). Between each bone is a rubbery disc that acts as a cushion. When the soft center of a rubbery disc is pushing through a crack in the tougher exterior casing, it’s called a disc herniation.
Unfortunately a herniated disc can irritate nearby nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.
With proper treatment, a herniated disc does not mean a lifetime of unbearable pain.
Is a herniated disc serious? Yes. Many herniated discs can be managed successfully with proper care and monitoring.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have:
- Loss of balance, bladder control or consciousness
- Vomiting
- Loss of sensation
- Symptoms are rapidly getting worse
A disc herniation falls into a broader category of disc derangement.
Disc derangement is a general term for when a disc has been damaged. This damage can be minor or major depending on age and type of trauma. The disc is made up of a gelatinous center called the nucleus pulposus surrounded by fibrocartilaginous material (annulus fibrosis). When the annulus fibrosus is torn due to stress, the gelatinous nucleus pulposus can ooze out.
How far that gelatinous nucleus pulposus oozes out is what determines what kind of disc derangement you have.
There are four stages of disc derangement:
- degeneration,
- prolapse,
- extrusion,
- and sequestration.
Degeneration
The first stage of disc derangement is when the nucleus pulposus begins oozing into the layers of annulus fibrosis.
Prolapse
Prolapse is when the nucleus pulposus pushes all the way out to the last layers of the annulus.
Extrusion
Extrusion is when nucleus pulposus has left the confinement of the annulus fibrosis. This is the state where nucleus pulposus can physically start interfering with surrounding structures.
Sequestration
Sequestration is the most severe. The nucleus pulposus has left the confinement of the annular fibrosis and has broken off into little pieces. These pieces can travel and cause interference with the surrounding structures.
Any stage of disc derangement can cause pain.
How much pain depends upon the individual and the location of the derangement. Extrusion and sequestration pose the most serious risk of the four. Anytime nucleus pulposus has left its confinement, it can cause impingement and pain.
In rare cases, disc derangement actually pinches a nerve, causing pain. Usually, the pain associated with disc derangement comes from the inflammatory response of the body to the change in structure. Inflammation occurs around the deranged disc, causing the nerve to become irritated. This in turn causes pain.
An MRI can show the location and what type of disc derangement is present.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Disc issues can manifest in various forms. Some individuals may have herniated discs yet experience no noticeable symptoms. The nature of the symptoms varies based upon where the herniated disc is located.
Cervical disc herniation symptoms:
- Pain in the arm or hand; this pain often feels like it is traveling down the arm or radiating
- Numbness and tingling
- Weakness in the arms
- In severe cases, reduced reflexes in the upper limbs with increased reflexes in the lower limbs
Lumbar disc herniation symptoms:
- Low back pain that travels down the buttocks, legs and feet
- Numbness and tingling
- Weakness in the legs
- Decreased reflexes
Risk factors for herniated disc:
- Overweight: excess weight puts extra stress and different weight loading on discs
- Physically demanding jobs
- Genetics: a family history of disc herniation
- Age: most likely to occur between 30 and 50
What causes a herniated disc?
Herniated discs can happen gradually with repeat stress. In other cases, trauma (like a car accident) can damage or displace one or more discs.
Common car accident injuries include
- bulging discs (when a disc shifts out of place and bulges into the spinal canal),
- annular tears,
- herniated discs.
How do you treat a herniated disc?
Treatments for a herniated disc include:
- Gentle chiropractic treatment with adjustments
- Acupuncture
- Medical massage therapy
- Cervical traction
- Physical therapy
- At-home exercises and stretches
- Postural correction
- Weight reduction
- OTC pain medications, muscle relaxers and prescription opioids.
- Surgery
An important thing to remember with a herniated disc is to avoid too much bed rest. Lying in bed waiting for the pain to go away is one of the worst things you can do. Taking it easy and not lifting heavy things is fine.
Gentle Chiropractic Treatment for Disc Herniation
Gentle chiropractic care has been demonstrated to effectively treat lumbar disc herniation. A gentle chiropractic care technique (activator method) has advantages over traditional chiropractic techniques when treating symptomatic lumbar disc herniation.1
We [the case study authors] speculate that the use of an AAI, combined with Activator methods, may provide definitive benefits over side-posture manipulation of the lumbar spine in treatment of resistive disc lesions, because of the lack of torsional stress imposed upon the disc during instrumental spinal adjustment.
In another case study, Activator-assisted spinal manipulative therapy had positive subjective and objective results for low back pain in a patient with degenerative disk disease.2
Yet another case study concluded:3
Conservative chiropractic treatment may provide an effective therapeutic intervention in selected cases of cervical disc protrusion.
This study specifically cited “instrument-delivered adjustments” (gentle chiropractic) as providing benefit in cases in which manual manipulation causes an exacerbation of the symptoms or is contraindicated altogether.
Other gentle chiropractic techniques, such as the flexion-distraction technique, the drop technique and pelvic blocking, have been shown to be helpful in treating disc herniations.3,4
Flexion-Distraction Technique
This spinal adjustment method utilizes a specialized table that allows the chiropractor to gently stretch your spine.
The photo above is of William sitting on our specialized table that gently stretches your spine.
This technique is gentle and typically painless, making it suitable for individuals experiencing significant discomfort. It can help reposition the herniated disc away from the nerve, providing symptom relief.
Pelvic blockage Treatments
This approach makes use of specially designed cushion wedges. During treatment, these wedges are placed beneath each side of your pelvis. This positioning helps to naturally shift the herniated disc away from the impacted nerve. In addition to addressing herniated discs, pelvic blocking can also be beneficial for other issues such as headaches and general body pain.
Acupuncture Treatment for Disc Herniation
Herniated discs can cause inflammation and pain, but acupuncture can reduce it. While it doesn’t address the root cause of degenerative disc disease, acupuncture can provide relief from symptoms and help slow the disease’s advancement.
Individuals undergoing acupuncture treatment could see a faster healing journey. Additionally, acupuncture aids in improving overall movement capabilities. When it comes to alleviating pain and enhancing mobility, acupuncture may offer more advantages compared to traditional physical therapy methods. After undergoing surgery for a lumbar disc issue, acupuncture might prove to be more beneficial than standard medical treatments for alleviating post-surgical discomfort.
Medical Massage Therapy Treatment for Disc Herniation
Medical massage therapy can be an effective treatment for a herniated disc. It can alleviate discomfort resulting from nerve compression and muscle tension. It also
- enhances blood flow to the affected region
- aids in regaining mobility in the joints,
- and provides support to the herniated area.
Medical massage therapy may boost the likelihood of natural healing for the disc, potentially facilitating the disc’s return to its proper position.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc or have been in a Florida car accident and fear you have a herniated disc, you should contact Advanced Wellness Solutions.
Chiropractic Treatment of Facet Syndrome
Chiropractic treatment of facet syndrome,1 along with exercise, is the most effective approach for addressing both acute and chronic pain in the facet joints. Surgical options are usually not necessary for the treatment of facet syndrome because conservative treatment (such as chiropractic care) often resolves the issue.
Chiropractors emphasize the importance of addressing the root neurological, mechanical, and muscular issues contributing to facet joint pain.
Facet syndrome is a degenerative joint disease of the facet joint that can mimic the symptoms of a herniated disc.
The facet joints play an important role in stabilizing the spine while allowing movement. When these joints become injured in some way, it can result in considerable pain and disability. Since there are facet joints throughout most of the spine, this is a condition that can affect the neck, upper back and lower back. Even though facet syndrome can occur in any facet joint, it appears most often in high-movement and weight-bearing areas such as the neck and low back.
While facet syndrome often presents in patients older than age 50, anyone suffering from repeated trauma such as whiplash or multiple car accidents can suffer from facet syndrome.
Chiropractic care specializes in treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system and can offer some of the most effective treatment options for facet syndrome.
Flexion distraction is a gentle chiropractic technique designed to alleviate discomfort and symptoms linked to facet syndrome. The technique involves gentle stretching and rhythmic motions aimed at decompressing the spine, which can lead to pain relief and improved mobility.
Advantages of flexion distraction include:
- Enlarging the spinal nerve passageway,
- Decreasing pressure on intervertebral discs,
- Relieving inflammation in spinal nerve roots,
- and restoring proper movement in spinal joints.
What causes facet syndrome?
The cause of facet syndrome is still unclear. There are several factors that can contribute to the presentation of facet syndrome.
These factors are:
- Age 50 or older
- Repeated trauma to the neck or low back
- Repetitive stressful movement
- Genetics
Degeneration of the facet joint due to age or trauma causes the inflammation that produces pain in facet syndrome. Inflammation irritates the small nerves located in the facet joint, causing pain.
What are the symptoms of facet syndrome?
The symptoms vary depending on the area that is involved.
In the cervical region, the symptoms that may present are:
- Headaches
- Inflammation
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Limited range of motion when turning the head and bending the neck
- Stiffness
In the lumbar region, the symptoms that may present are:
- Lower back pain
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Radiating pain down the buttocks or back of the thighs
- Pain when twisting or arching the lower back
How do you treat facet syndrome?
In both the cervical and lumbar regions, treatment usually starts conservative.
Conservative treatments include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Acupuncture
- Medical massage therapy
- Physical Therapy
- NSAIDs
- Hot/Cold therapy
- Range of motion exercises
- At home stretching
If conservative treatment fails, there are other options, such as:
- Intra-articular facet injections
- Median nerve block
- Radiofrequency neurotomy
- Cervical Fusion
Surgical options are usually not necessary because conservative treatment often resolves the issue. All surgical interventions should not be taken lightly and should only be considered if a great deal of conservative treatment has failed.
If you are experiencing symptoms of facet syndrome and wish to discuss your treatments options, contact us at 855-509-5400
Chiropractic Treatment: Thoracic T4 Syndrome
Thoracic T4 Syndrome symptoms include upper back discomfort and diffuse pain in the arms. Thoracic T4 Syndrome occurs when the T4 vertebrate in the spine is damaged and causes pain in the back and into the arms.
Your upper back hurts and your hands are swollen and feel heavy. As you read the symptoms of T4 syndrome, you realize that if you look at your hand long enough, you could swear they’re turning blue.
It’s understandable that you would look up these symptoms online before scheduling an appointment to see your health care provider. If you typed your symptoms into a search engine and saw a possible diagnosis of “T4 syndrome,” which led you here, STOP!
Schedule an appointment with your physician or chiropractor and allow them to make a diagnosis. Your health care professional needs to rule out any cardiac, respiratory or visceral issues before making a diagnosis of Thoracic T4 Syndrome.
It’s important to keep in mind when checking with “Dr. Google” and his associate “Dr. WebMd” that neither are trained and licensed health care professionals. Instead, their “higher calling” is to get you to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment with a trained and licensed health care professional such as a chiropractor. A chiropractor is able to diagnose and treat T4 syndrome.
If you live near Stuart, Florida, Advanced Wellness Solutions has two Martin County, Florida locations offering gentle chiropractic care.
What is T4 syndrome?
T4 syndrome symptoms include upper back discomfort and diffuse pain in the arms
When the nerves become at T4 damaged, the pain and discomfort caused is known as T4 Syndrome. T4 syndrome is rare yet deceptive issue that can present in many different ways.
T4 syndrome most often appears in people whose profession requires long hours in the same position. Working at a computer most of the work day would be a perfect example.
Check out our article 7 Tips to Creating an Ergonomic Home Office
T4 syndrome can be confused with carpal tunnel syndrome, myofascial pain syndromes, cervical spine degenerative conditions, thoracic outlet syndrome, cardiac pain and pain originating from the viscera.
It is crucial that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of T4 syndrome.
What causes T4 syndrome?
Symptoms may arise following a change in normal routine. A new job or hobby may require constant extreme postures which can lead to blood loss in multiple tissues contributing to symptoms.
Another possible cause for T4 syndrome is that the facet joints in the thoracic spine become damaged, either from poor posture or trauma. This causes inflammation to the nerve root at that level, leading to symptoms of T4 syndrome.
More often found in women than men, the reason for the sex discrepancy for T4 syndrome is unknown.
What are the symptoms of T4 syndrome?
The symptoms of T4 syndrome can vary and present as:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Upper limb pain (bilateral or unilateral)
- Pain around the T4 area
- Scapular pain
- Reduced hand dexterity
- Thoracic spine stiffness
- Tenderness on palpation of T4 vertebra
- An abnormal sensation tingling, pricking, chilling, burning, or numbness with no apparent physical cause in all five digits, or whole hand, or forearm-hand
- feeling heaviness in the upper extremities
- Hands feel hot or cold
- Hand may feel and/or appear swollen
- Non-dermatomal aches/pains in arm and/or forearm
- Pain often described as crushing or like a tight band
How do you treat T4 syndrome?
Treatment for T4 syndrome includes:
- Gentle chiropractic
- Acupuncture
- Medical massage therapy on the upper back and neck muscles
- Ultrasound
- TENS unit
- Postural exercises
- Stretching muscles of the chest
- Strengthening muscles of the upper back
- At home exercises to keep good posture
If you are experiencing symptoms of T4 syndrome and wish to discuss your treatments options, please call 855-509-5400 so schedule your appointment with Advanced Wellness Solutions.
Chiropractic Treatment of Poor Posture and Text Neck
Chiropractic treatment of poor posture and text neck is an effective approach for addressing both acute and chronic pain. 1
As the use of computers, long-distance driving, and mobile phone usage increases, maintaining proper posture becomes crucial. When individuals sustain poor posture over extended periods, they can develop postural syndrome, or postural dysfunction, leading to discomfort.
What is postural syndrome?
Postural syndrome is the result of prolonged time in poor posture. This posture includes head forward, shoulders slouched and the upper back arched for the upper body. For the lower body, poor posture is slouched forward while sitting or with the hips pushed forward when standing. This posture causes the muscles in the front of the body to become tight and the muscles in the back of the body to become stretched and weak. This poor posture can occur in many aspects of life, such as at the computer, gardening or cleaning.
If you are spending a large amount of your time with your arms stretched out in front of you (for example, holding your phone), then you are in a position that could lead to postural syndrome, a.k.a. text neck.
What are the symptoms of postural syndrome?
The symptoms of postural syndrome most often occur while the person is holding the problem position for extended periods of time. These symptoms are:
- Pain when the muscles of the upper back are pressed on
- Forward head carriage
- Muscle tightness
- Dull aching pain
- Burning pain in the upper back all the way up to the base of the head
- Headaches
- Muscle fatigue
How do you treat postural syndrome?
Chiropractic treatment of poor posture and text neck is an effective approach for addressing both acute and chronic pain.
- Gentle chiropractic
- Acupuncture
- Medical massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Postural Taping
- Postural Exercises
- At home strengthening exercises and stretches
- TENS unit
- Ergonomic corrections
A key with postural syndrome is being aware of one’s posture; this is where postural taping is helpful.
If you are experiencing poor posture or symptoms of postural syndrome and wish to discuss your treatment options, please schedule your appointment by calling 855-509-5400.
Chiropractic Treatment of Thoracic or mid-back pain
Chiropractic treatment of thoracic or mid-back pain is an effective approach for addressing both acute and chronic pain.
Thoracic or mid-back pain is most likely as common as cervical or lumbar pain but less often reported due to its mild pain presentation. The thoracic spine connects to the ribs and chest region. Sprains and fractures in this area are primarily caused by high-velocity auto accidents and may result in permanent nerve damage.
Where the neck is made for movement and the low back is made for power and flexibility, the mid-back (thoracic spine) is made for stability. With the rib cage attached to all levels of the thoracic spine (ribs 1-10 being attached to the sternum and ribs 11-12 floating or not attached to the sternum), this severely limits the motion of the thoracic spine. This limit in motion makes disc herniations and nerve root compression in the thoracic spine less common.
Accepting new patients. Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
We accept all major medical health insurance and Medicare.
There are two types of thoracic pain.
- Mechanical thoracic pain: caused by injury, trauma or overuse.
- Non-mechanical thoracic pain: caused by underlying pathology or disease.
Causes of mechanical thoracic pain are:
- sprain/strain
- compression fracture
- postural syndrome
Causes of non-mechanical thoracic pain are:
- osteoid osteoma
- Scheuermann’s Disease
- T4 Syndrome
- herpes zoster
- osteoporosis
- fibromyalgia
- metastasis (the development of secondary malignant growths at a distance from a primary site of cancer.)
- referred pain from viscera
What to expect at your appointment for a complaint of thoracic pain:
You should expect to provide a full medical history to your healthcare provider. An event such as a car accident or any physical complaint that you think is entirely unrelated to your thoracic back pain may provide essential information needed to make a correct diagnosis.
Your doctor will perform a full physical exam, including sensation and strength testing. Your doctor may order blood work, X-rays, CT or an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
Seek immediate care for thoracic pain.
Thoracic pain can be a symptom of cancer. Seek immediate medical attention for thoracic pain combined with:
- Fever
- History of cancer
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lower limb spasticity
- Progressive pain, worse at night
Chiropractic Treatment of Thoracic or mid-back pain
What can a Chiropractor do for thoracic pain?
-
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments
- Acupuncture 1
- Supervised medical massage
- Mid-back exercises and stretches
- Ergonomic training
- Electrical stimulation/TENS treatment
Thoracic back pain can have a multitude of causes and can be a symptom of cancer.
A chiropractor or doctor should always examine someone who is experiencing back pain.
If you live or work in Stuart, Florida and are experiencing back pain, call 855-509-5400 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Danielle Hurd, DC.
Chiropractic Treatment of Brachial Plexus Injury
Chiropractic treatment for brachial plexus injuries offers an innovative approach to managing this complex condition.
When the brachial plexus—a network of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand—is damaged, it can lead to excruciating pain and debilitating loss of function. Chiropractors employ a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and gentle mobilization techniques tailored specifically to release tension and realign the cervical spine. This not only alleviates pressure on affected nerves but also promotes overall nerve health by improving circulation in the area.
What is a brachial plexus injury?
A brachial plexus injury is commonly known as a burner/stinger. A brachial plexus injury is when the network of nerves going from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand becomes stretched, compressed and in some cases, torn.
What causes a brachial plexus injury?
This injury happens when your shoulder is pressed down forcefully and your head is pushed in the opposite direction of your shoulder. A direct hit to the upper part of the shoulder can also cause this injury.
Here are signs that warrant immediate medical attention:
- Weakness in the arm or hands
- Weakness following trauma
- If you have suffered multiple burners/stingers
- Neck pain
- Symptoms in both arms
What events can cause a brachial plexus injury?
- Contact sports such as football
- Non-contact sports such as golf.1
- Trauma such as a motor vehicle accident
- For children difficult births
- Inflammation
- Tumors
What are the symptoms of a brachial plexus injury?
The symptoms of a brachial plexus injury vary depending on the severity of the injury. However symptoms are most commonly on one side of the body.
Less severe symptoms are:
- Burning or stinging pain going down the arm
- Numbness and weakness in that arm
These less severe symptoms are often due to a stretch or compression of the plexus due to a contact sport or fall.
More severe symptoms are:
- Unable to move or feel the injured arm
- Severe pain
- Weakness in the muscles of the hand
These more severe symptoms are often due to a tear in the nerves of the plexus.
How long do symptoms last?
In less severe cases the symptoms last anywhere from a few seconds to several days. In more severe cases the injury can be permanent if not address immediately.
Chiropractic Treatment Brachial Plexus Injury: When to see a doctor
A brachial plexus injury should always be evaluated by a qualified medical professional such as a medical doctor or chiropractor.
In some cases a brachial plexus injury can lead to permanent damage and loss of function if not treated in a timely manner.
Here are signs that warrant immediate medical attention:
- Weakness in the arm or hands
- Weakness following trauma
- If you have suffered multiple burners/stingers
- Neck pain
- Symptoms in both arms
How do you treat a brachial plexus injury?
Treatment for brachial plexus injuries depends on the severity of the injury.
For less severe injury:
- Time, most minor injuries will correct itself over time
- Muscle strengthening and posture exercises: to maintain motion in the joint and to prevent further injury
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain control
For more severe injury:
- Surgery for nerve repair
- Physical therapy
The best treatment for brachial plexus injuries that do not tear a nerve is prevention of multiple injuries. Prevention comes from strengthening exercises for the surrounding muscles, range of motion exercises to keep the joints of the shoulder and arm moving, and recommendations for proper protective gear when playing contact sports.
If you are in or near Stuart, Fl and are experiencing symptoms of a brachial plexus injury, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Chiropractic Treatment of Neck pain: Cervical spondylosis
Chiropractic Treatment of Neck Pain: Cervical spondylosis is sometimes referred to as “arthritis of the neck.” Cervical spondylosis is an age-related cause of neck pain.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, then you may have cervical spondylosis.
- Are you over 65?
- Have you played a lot of sports throughout your life?
- Have you had a fair amount of physical trauma in your past, such as multiple motor vehicle accidents?
What is cervical spondylosis?
The medical term for the wear and tear of your cervical discs and joints is called cervical spondylosis. Cervical spondylosis occurs when trauma or age causes the discs to shrink, bone spurs to form, and other signs of osteoarthritis to appear.
What are your risk factors for cervical spondylosis?
- Age
- Multiple neck injuries
- Jobs that have strenuous physical demands
- Genetics
Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age. There are some suggestions that there is a genetic component to the severity of degeneration that will occur. This means that if someone in your family has serious arthritis symptoms in their neck, you may be more likely to develop more severe cervical spondylosis.
According to the Mayo Clinic,
“More than 90 percent of people older than age 65 have evidence of cervical spondylosis and osteoarthritis that can be seen on neck X-rays.”
What are the symptoms of cervical spondylosis?
Often, cervical spondylosis produces very few symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are often pain in stiffness located in the area of the neck.
However, symptoms can arise from the bone spurs and disc height loss associated with cervical spondylosis. Bone spurs and loss of disc height can narrow the space required by the spinal cord and nerve roots.
If this space is compromised, it can cause symptoms that present as:
- Numbness or tingling
- Loss of balance
- Loss of reflexes, decreased sensation and loss of muscle strength along one part of the arm
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
If you are experiencing sudden numbness, loss of strength or loss of bladder or bowel control, seek emergency medical help as soon as possible.
What causes cervical spondylosis?
There are many causes for cervical spondylosis, and all increase in severity with age. The most common causes of cervical spondylosis are:
- Dehydrated discs
- Herniated discs
- Bone spurs
- Stiff ligaments
Chiropractic Treatment of Neck pain: Cervical spondylosis
Treatments for cervical spondylosis are geared toward pain relief and motion preservation.
Chiropractic adjustments can help to reduce the loss of motion in cases not presenting with worsening neurological symptoms.
The treatments available for cervical spondylosis are:
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments (in cases not presenting with worsening neurological symptoms)
- Acupuncture 1
- Medical massage therapy
- Range of motion exercises
- Cervical stretches
- Cervical traction
- Pain medication
- Steroid injections
- And in cases of severe neurological symptoms, surgery
A word of caution to anyone experiencing cervical spondylosis/arthritis in the neck. Cervical traction should only be done under the direct supervision of a medical professional! Even at home units leave the potential for serious harm and should only be used under a professional’s guidance. The infomercials and online ads make it look easy to use, but please check with your healthcare provider to see if this treatment is right for you.
If you live in Martin County, Florida and are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with cervical spondylosis, please contact Advanced Wellness Solutions to schedule an appointment.
Neck Pain and Whiplash
Neck pain and whiplash are common complaints, especially if you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident.
Whiplash is a generic term used to describe a hyperextension and flexion injury to the neck. It is a soft tissue injury to the neck.
Accepting new patients. Call 855-509-5400 to schedule your appointment.
We accept all major medical health insurance and Medicare.
Did you know that whiplash injuries aren’t limited to car accidents? A fall, a sports injury, or anytime there’s a sudden jolt of the head can cause whiplash.
What is whiplash?
Whiplash describes a soft tissue injury to the neck. Whiplash is caused by a forceful back and forth movement of the neck. The force of the back and forth movement causes injury to the ligaments and muscles of the neck. Whiplash is technically a strain/sprain injury to the ligaments and the muscles of the neck.
What causes neck pain and whiplash?
Any large force that causes the head to “whip” back and forth can cause whiplash.
Such forces include:
- Car accidents: rear-end collisions.
- Physical abuse or violence
- Contact sports: football, soccer, and lacrosse, to name a few.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
Symptoms for whiplash usually develop within 24 hours of the accident. In rare cases, symptoms can take longer to appear. Symptoms of whiplash are:
- Neck pain
- Neck pain worse with movement
- Loss of range of motion or inability to move the neck
- Headaches
- Pain in the shoulders, arms and upper back
- Tingling and numbness in the arms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Other whiplash symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Irritability
- Inability to sleep
- Nausea
If you have been in any type of accident and experience any of the above symptoms, seek the advice of a qualified medical professional immediately.
Treating neck pain and whiplash?
It is important to remember to keep active after a whiplash injury.
After the first 24 hours, movement is vital.
Inactivity and foam cervical collars lead to the weakening of the cervical muscles. This can prolong your healing time.
It is highly recommended to seek professional medical care within 24 hours of your injury. Your doctor can make recommendations on bed rest and cervical collars based on your individual case.
Treatments for neck pain and whiplash include1:
- Gentle Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
- Medical Massage Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- At-home exercises
- TENS unit therapy
- Ice or heat therapy
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Prescription medication
If you are experiencing neck pain and live or work in the Stuart, FL area, feel free to schedule a consultation. Call 855-509-5400.
