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A Chiropractor’s Approach to Auto Accident Neck Injuries

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Despite being remarkably strong and flexible, the neck is surprisingly delicate. This part of your spine, known as the cervical spine, contains the seven smallest vertebrae in your spinal column. Your spinal cord, which acts as the information highway between your brain and the rest of your body, passes through the cervical spine, making it a particularly sensitive spot when it comes to traumatic injuries.

Automobile accidents are among the worst culprits when it comes to neck injuries. There are so many different kinds, and they can all affect your body’s ability to function at full capacity. That said, chiropractic care is the ideal treatment for identifying and correcting neck injuries after an accident. See below for some of the most common cases and associated symptoms, and learn how chiropractic can help.

•       Herniated Disc. The shock-absorbing discs that sit between your vertebrae are filled with a gel-like substance which helps cushion your spine. A traumatic injury can cause the tough outer edge of the disc to burst, allowing the spongy center to push its way out.

•       Radiculopathy. More simply defined as pinched nerves in the neck, radiculopathy can have far-reaching effects. You might feel pain or numbness in your extremities, all the way to your arms and legs.

•       Facet Joint Injury. Facet joints are what connect the vertebrae and give your spine its flexibility. Cervical facet joints are particularly susceptible to injury, and symptoms include soreness and stiffness.

•       Whiplash. Due to the high forces at play in a car accident, the sensitive muscles, tendons, and ligaments that hold your neck in place can suffer moderate to severe trauma. Symptoms of whiplash include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Chiropractors have a number of tools and techniques at their disposal when approaching auto accident neck injuries. Here are just a few examples:

•       Cervical Adjustment. More generally known as spinal manipulation, this hands-on technique allows the chiropractor to correct any misalignments in the neck directly.

•       Spinal Decompression Therapy. With the help of a specialized traction table, a gentle stretch of the spine can alleviate any pressure that’s been placed on the discs in your cervical spine.

•       Therapeutic Massage. Massage therapy will assist in preventing muscle spasms, increasing blood flow, and releasing built-up tension and stiffness in the neck area.

Automobile accidents can be particularly tough on your neck, shoulders, and back. But don’t let that stop you from experiencing wellness. Visit us here at Chiropractic Health Charlotte, and you’ll see that relief and recovery are possible. Contact us to schedule an appointment and start feeling better today!

How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Physical Labor-Intensive Jobs

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Not all people in the workforce have desk jobs. In fact, according to data presented by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only just under 30% of civilian workers occupied sedentary positions. The other 70% occupied roles that required frequent standing, walking, or lifting of significant weight. While sedentary work can lead to its own set of issues in the back and neck over time, labor-intensive jobs are obviously more likely to cause direct damage to the spine and surrounding muscles.

Because your body is constantly in use, you need to take care of it. Fortunately, chiropractic care is well-equipped to support you and help mitigate the long-term effects of physically taxing jobs. First, let’s take a look at some of the most common conditions that plague workers today:

•      Back & Neck Pain. Labor-intensive jobs can be tough on your spine and the muscles that control it. Repetitive motion or improper lifting technique may gradually lead to chronic pain in your back, neck, and shoulders.

•      Muscular Strain. Overextension occurs when you push your body beyond its physical capabilities. You might pull a muscle by stretching it too far or working it too hard. The same can be said for damage to tendons and ligaments, which leads to sprains or tearing.

•      Stress Tension. Perhaps you’ve heard that people store stress in the body. Among the most common locations to store stress are the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. This can cause pain and discomfort.

•      Misalignment & Imbalance. People who spend most of the day on their feet need to have the proper support. Without quality footwear, a worker may throw their spine out of alignment, causing further issues with strength and balance.

With that in mind, here are four quick tips from a chiropractor that will help prevent injury and promote healthy function:

1.     Stay Hydrated. Keep a refillable water bottle with you at all times so you can get plenty of fluids throughout the day.

2.     Take Care of Your Body. Warm-ups and proper lifting technique will go a long way in protecting yourself from injury.

3.     Rest & Recharge. Take breaks as needed, and don’t push yourself beyond your physical capacity.

4.     Get a Chiropractic Adjustment! The best thing you can do to improve your daily performance and minimize the wear-and-tear of a physically demanding job is to visit a chiropractor. Spinal adjustments and other holistic therapies can help realign your skeleton, reduce stress and strain, and ease painful symptoms in your back and neck.

Everyone can benefit from chiropractic care, so don’t hesitate. We invite you to join us at one of Chiropractic Health Charlotte’s two locations for a professional consultation and personalized treatment. Request an appointment on our website to get started today!

 

How To Set Up Your First Chiropractic Appointment & What to Prepare

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Like any other medical office, most chiropractors make an effort to streamline the process of scheduling an appointment so it’s as easy as possible for patients in need. For most people, an initial consultation will be a crucial first step in the process. Chiropractors typically offer this as a way to introduce the practice and get to know you a bit better, oftentimes performing a preliminary physical exam that tests range of motion, posture, and muscular strength. This is the perfect time for you to ask any questions you may have regarding treatment methods and timeline, as well as schedule your first adjustment.

Booking a consultation is often as easy as contacting the chiropractic office by phone, email, or web form. The exact method will vary between practices, but today’s digital landscape makes it easier than ever to find what you need via search engines and web pages. Here at Chiropractic Health Charlotte, you can request an appointment directly on our website. Simply use the provided form to send us your name, email, and phone number, as well as what type of appointment you’d like to make. If you’d rather contact us directly, use the phone numbers on our website to call one of our two locations in Matthews or Dilworth.

After your initial consultation, you’ll typically be asked to schedule a follow-up adjustment with the administrative team. Chiropractic care is preventative as well as responsive, meaning that consistent maintenance through regular visits is just as important as addressing immediate symptoms. You may be asked to come a few times a week at the start of your treatment, but the frequency may lessen to once or twice per month over time. Follow your chiropractor’s recommendations, and always be sure to keep your appointments.

Now that you’re on the schedule, here are some things you can do to prepare:

•      Wear comfortable clothing. Chiropractic is a very tactile practice. Be sure to wear flexible, breathable clothing that allows for unrestricted movement.

•      Make a list of symptoms and problem areas. There’s nothing worse than having your mind go blank at the most inopportune moment. Making a list will help you remember, and it will give your chiropractor a better idea of what needs work.

•      Arrive before your scheduled time slot. Just like at the doctor or the dentist, be sure to arrive early in case you need to fill out any paperwork.

Ready to get started? Request an appointment with Chiropractic Health Charlotte today. We look forward to working with you!