​Bottom Line:
 
Pain in and around the shoulder is very common after a car accident or work injury. The shoulder is considered an unstable joint which means that it has a tremendous range of motion but not much stability. The combination of fantastic mobility and limited stability make it extremely susceptible to injuries as a result of impact.
 
Why it Matters:
 
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with 3 primary bones: the upper arm (humerus), collarbone (clavicle) and shoulder blade (scapula). These bones are held together with an intricate pattern of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. If your rotator cuff is injured, you may notice severe pain and limited range of motion. Left untreated, rotator cuff injuries can eventually result in a “frozen” shoulder and months worth of treatment to re-establish a full range of motion.
 

• Your shoulder is a mobile joint that is held together with a complex network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• The incidence of whiplash + shoulder injury after a crash is estimated to be nearly 22%.
• Holding onto the steering wheel during an accident can cause damage to the rotator cuff or initiate impingement syndromes, as can your seat belt.

 
Next Steps:
 
Shoulder injuries can sometimes mimic other injuries. Pain down into your arm due to nerve entrapment, or even referred pain up into your neck and head could be coming from your shoulder, as compression on the shoulder by a seat belt during an accident can injure the nerves that travel to your arm and hand. If your shoulder or arms feel restricted, sore, or painful after an accident, we recommend having it evaluated so you can get the proper care to start healing better, faster.
 
Science Source:
 
Injury mechanisms in supraclavicular stretch injuries of the brachial plexus. Hand Surgery and Rehabilitation. 2016. Whiplash injury of the shoulder: Is it a distinct clinical entity? 2005.

​Bottom Line:
 
The term whiplash is the term used to describe the injuries that result from a rapid back and forth motion of the neck. These injuries can occur during a car crash, sports accident, or during a slip and fall. The most common symptoms of a whiplash injury are neck pain, headaches, and radiating pain into the shoulders, arms, and hands.
 
Why it Matters:
 
Pain after whiplash happens when the delicate ligaments supporting your neck have been damaged, and new research indicates that even low-speed crashes can create the force necessary to cause pain and injury. Whiplash can also cause damage to your facet joints and spinal discs by stretching them beyond their normal range of motion. Depending on the type of accident, we may choose to take x-rays or an MRI of your neck to evaluate your injuries better.
 

• Over 1.5 million whiplash injuries occur each year, many from low impact collisions.
• Whiplash can cause neck pain and headaches due to injuries to the facet joints, spinal discs, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
• Chiropractic adjustments and massage have been recommended at effective treatment for the management of neck pain after whiplash.

 
 
Next Steps:
 
A stiff neck after an accident is a good clue that a whiplash injury may have occurred. Keep an eye out for swelling and bruising, which can take up to 24 hours to develop. In some cases, the partial tearing of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around your spine can take several months to heal. Remember that getting an evaluation, and the proper care early on can help you reduce your pain and heal better and faster. Know that we’re here to support you on your road to recovery.
 
Science Source:
 
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. December 2016. The Spine Journal. Neck Injury (Whiplash/Neck Sprain). National Health Service (UK). 2017. Human subject rear passenger symptom response to frontal car-to-car low-speed crash tests. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2011.

​Bottom Line:
 
Your body wasn't designed to deal with the forces that occur in a car accident. Even though modern cars have an array of safety features, the damage from an accident can range from small aches to life-changing injuries. The force that both your vehicle and body absorb while driving along the road is known as kinetic energy. Your vehicle has been carefully built to displace the (kinetic) energy that occurs during an accident. However, no matter what type of car you have, your body will still absorb some of the impact.
 
Why it Matters:
 
The powerful forces during impact can cause injuries to your body. A few of the most common injuries that occur after a crash include:
 

• Whiplash: when your car is rear-ended, your neck gets thrown back from the impact and then rebounds by flexing forward. Whiplash commonly injures the tendons and ligaments in your neck and can cause severe pain, and it’s estimated to occur in over 25% of auto accidents.
• Head Impact: your head may collide with the headrest (during whiplash) or even the steering wheel or airbag. Concussions, headaches, and other symptoms may show up after an accident.
• Shoulder and Knee Injuries: Bracing for an accident can often cause a shoulder injury. It’s also not uncommon for your knees to hit either the door or dashboard during an accident.

 
 
Next Steps:
 
If you've been in an automobile accident, the most crucial first step is to be evaluated by a medical professional. At the scene of the crash, your adrenaline is pumping, and you may not feel any pain or discomfort because of a state of shock. However, many people wake up the next day, experiencing the full brunt of their injuries. Call us today if you've experienced pain as a result of a crash. We would be happy to provide a full evaluation and help you take the first steps on the road to recovery.
 
 
Science Source:
 
Human subject rear passenger symptom response to frontal car-to-car low-speed crash tests. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. 2011.

​Bottom Line:
 
Your core is made up of the groups of muscles that provide stability in the abdominal and lower back regions. It includes your abs and the deep muscles that surround and support your spine. These muscles also coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and spine. Ideally, your core and low back work together in a balance of strength and flexibility. A lack of flexibility or strength in your core can contribute to low back pain.
 
Why it Matters:
 
Strengthening your core muscles can help your endurance, improve your posture, and take the pressure off your low back. Having strong core muscles makes it less likely that you will suffer back pain and can give you better balance. Everything you do in daily life or during a workout will be easier if you have a strong and flexible core. It's the centerpiece of all body movement.

• A strong and flexible core can help improve your posture, balance, and reduce your risk of experiencing back pain.
• When your core muscles contract, they stabilize your spine, pelvis, and shoulder girdle to create a solid foundation for movement.
• Weak core muscles can alter your posture and spinal curves which often leads to back pain.

 
 
Next Steps:
 
There are a million ways to work your core. So how can you decide what's best? Just ask us! We are happy to provide you with some of our favorite core strengthening exercises to fit your activity level and health goals. Some of the most efficient core exercises don't require any additional equipment, just the desire to improve your health with better strength and flexibility.
 
Science Source:
 
Core Stability Exercise Versus General Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain. Journal of Athletic Training. 2017

​Bottom Line:
 
Restrictions and limited mobility of your lower back may be causing your pain. If your low back doesn't have a full range of motion, then you are setting it up for future injuries. Bending forward and back (flexion/extension), side bending (lateral bend), and turning side to side (rotation) are the three movements that make up a full range of motion. You have to use it, or you'll lose it. Neglecting your lower back and not actively improving and maintaining a full range of motion can cause restrictions, reconditioning and increase your chance of injury.
 
Why it Matters:
 
The care given in our practice is specifically designed to address both aspects of improving your range of motion, segmental, and global. That means our chiropractic adjustments work the specific joints of your spine that are "stuck" or restricted. This begins the process of improving your range of motion and often provides quick relief from pain. The next steps are to improve the overall, or global, range of motion. This is where we may recommend at-home stretches, specific exercise, or even periodic adjustments to help continue your progress and hopefully keep you pain-free in the future.
 

• Limited range of motion in your low back can lead to a combination of shortened and weakened muscles that increase your risk of injury. 
• Chiropractic care provides relief by improving the motion of your facet joints and limiting the pain signals traveling through your central nervous system. 
• At-home stretching, daily exercise, and even periodic chiropractic adjustments are all ways you can take a proactive approach to stay pain-free.

 
 
Next Steps:
 
If your low back is de-conditioned and limited in its mobility, you likely have a combination of shortened and weakened core muscles that are over-stressed and causing pain. Our practice is focused on helping you decrease pain, improve your mobility, and live a healthier life. The first step is to give us a call and let us help you get back in motion.
 
Science Source:
 
Magnetic resonance imaging zygapophyseal joint space changes (gapping) in low back pain patients following spinal manipulation and side-posture positioning: a randomized controlled mechanisms trial with blinding. JMPT 2013

​Bottom Line:
 
It's been estimated that over 90% of us will deal with low back pain at some point in our life. So, you may be wondering why. What causes most of us to deal with lower back pain? How we move our body, previous injuries, and the habits we do (or don't do) each day can play a huge role in either increasing or decreasing your risk of an aching back.
 
Why it Matters:
 
Low back pain occurs when joints of your spine become overloaded beyond normal limits. This can happen in an instant (lifting heavy weight incorrectly) or can happen over a long period (poor posture, too much sitting). Most of us try to remember to use proper posture when lifting heavy items. But, did you know the risks associated with sitting? Researchers have recently discovered that long periods of sitting may be as harmful as smoking. Extended periods of sitting increase your risk of back pain by de-conditioning the muscles supporting your spine. Studies have also found that sitting can contribute to health concerns like increased blood pressure, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
 

• Low back pain can happen in an instant due to an injury, or it can creep in over a long period due to your daily habits.
• Extended periods of sitting are one of the top reasons for not only back pain but also health issues like obesity and heart disease.
• Taking a proactive approach with a daily exercise routine and stretching at work can help you reduce your risk of encountering low back pain

 
 
Next Steps:
 
Paying attention to how you move your body is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of back pain. Your job may require you to be at a computer all day, but that doesn't mean you can't take positive steps towards better health. Standing up every 30 minutes, stretching at lunch, and having a comfortable lumbar support are all ways to increase your energy level while decreasing the likelihood of experiencing back pain.
 
Science Source:
 
What are the risks of sitting too much? Mayo Clinic 2018

​Bottom Line:
 
Nearly everyone will have back pain at some point in their life, but with sciatica, you'll know something is different right away. Pain that begins in your back travels down to your buttocks, and shoots down your leg is a classic sign of sciatica. The shooting pain down your leg is caused by compression on one of the nerves exiting your spine. Even a small amount of pressure can cause a tremendous amount of pain, so getting rid of the inflammation and opening up space, the nerve is essential to find relief.
 
Why it Matters:
 
Pinching, or compression on a spinal nerve can occur because of an injury to one of your spinal discs (such as disc herniation) or the development of a bone spur. Either way, it's likely to cause pain and discomfort until you can decrease the inflammation, open up space for the nerve, or improve the movement of your spinal joints.
 

• Sciatica occurs when a spinal nerve gets pinched by a disc, bone spur, or ligament and can cause pain that travels down the buttocks and leg.
• Research has discovered that 60% of people with sciatica benefitted from chiropractic adjustments to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention (without any of the risks!).
• Exercise and rehab can help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and reduce the likelihood of a relapse.

 
Next Steps:
 
Pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs can be scary. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's best to consult with our office right away. Top research publications have shown that people struggling with sciatica can get fantastic results with chiropractic care. Reach out today to discover if the techniques we offer in our practice can help you get on the road to relief.
 
Science Source:
 
Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomized clinical study. JMPT 2010

​Supplements are everywhere. Vitamins, minerals, bone broths, and protein powders are no longer only available at the health food store, you can find them nearly everywhere you shop. For those of us with diet’s that aren’t exactly pitch-perfect, dietary supplements can provide an additional way to gain the essential daily nutrients. Not only are supplements a way to get what you’re missing from your regular diet, but they may also have the ability to help improve your overall health.
 
Why it Matters:
 
Researchers have been hard at work examining the potential health benefits of various supplements. For instance, a fascinating new study suggested multivitamins may be able to reduce overall cancer rates in men. Even with this exciting development, and a low risk of side effects, we recommend you consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning to take a new supplement.
 

• Supplements are often used to help maintain the daily recommended levels of many vitamins and minerals.
• Malnutrition from an insufficient diet is found in approximately 40% of people with chronic diseases.
• Researchers have found a statistically significant reduction in total cancer for men taking a daily multi-vitamin compared to those who did not.

 
Next Steps:
 
The best way to get your daily intake of nutrients is directly from the foods you eat. But, for many of us, it may feel impossible to reach the recommended daily levels. Dietary supplements can be a fantastic way to bridge the gap and meet your minimum daily requirements. As research continues to evolve, we may also discover additional health and performance-boosting benefits of dietary supplements.
 
Science Source:
 
Multivitamins in the Prevention of Cancer in Men: The Physicians’ Health Study II Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA 2013

​Bottom Line:
 
We’ve all heard about how exercise if good for you. But did you know how powerful that statement really is? Nearly every major risk factor for chronic disease can be lower with as little as 15 minutes of moderate exercise per day. As you age, the cells in your body can become damaged, your metabolism slows down, and you lose muscle strength. Daily exercise has been shown to actually slow down the typical aging process. The catch is that if you aren’t exercising consistently, you may be unknowingly accelerating the aging process and increasing your risk of chronic disease.
 
Why it Matters:
 
Even 15 minutes of exercise per day can lower your cardiovascular risk. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are great choices to start with. Being aware of your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure numbers are important. Keep in mind that many of those numbers can be improved without medication. Simply adding daily exercise into your life can make a tremendous impact on your overall health and well-being.
 

• Regular exercise can reduce the risk factors associated with many chronic diseases.
• Exercise benefits your mind and body by improving your mood and providing energy to get through the day.
• Even 10-15 minutes of exercise per day has been shown to provide significant long-term health benefits.

 
Next Steps:
 
Before you begin an exercise program, we recommend that you consult with your doctor. If you are looking for the right activities to include in your exercise program, ask. We would be happy to provide with you an easy to implement an exercise program based on your current activity level. Starting an exercise program today can improve your life from decades to come.
 
Science Source:
 
Exercise: 7 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity. Mayo Clinic 2019

​Bottom Line:
 
At a glance, spinal traction may look like a form of medieval torture. But, while at first, it may seem strange, the relief it can help provide is remarkable. Spinal traction offers relief from neck and back pain by reducing the pressure on spinal discs and nerves. Many people use spinal traction as a way to enhance the results they receive with their care in our practice.
 
Why it Matters:
 
Spinal traction is a form of decompression that is used to treat conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, pinched nerves, and degenerative disc disease. Traction devices typically use a small force (manual or mechanical) to draw two spinal bones, or vertebrae, away from each other. The increased space between the bones can reduce the pressure in the disc and on the spinal nerves. Traction usually takes less than 30 minutes and is an excellent way to provide relief from pinched nerves and many types of disc herniations.
 

• Spinal traction has been shown to be effective at reducing the pain associated with pinched nerves and herniated discs.
• Traction can help promote the movement of water, oxygen, and nutrients into the discs to assist with healing.
• New studies have shown improvements in range of motion, decreases in pain, and reductions in the size of disc herniations after traction.

 
Next Steps:
 
Not everyone is a good candidate for spinal traction. If you have osteoporosis or are pregnant, traction may not be the right choice for you. Call us today to learn more and discover if traction may benefit you on your road to relief.
 
Science Source:
 
Effects of segmental traction therapy on lumbar disc herniation in patients with acute low back pain measured by magnetic resonance imaging: A single arm clinical trial. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 2017