Automobile Injury
Neck Pain/Whiplash

Injuries to the neck caused by the sudden movement of the head backward, forward or sideways, is referred to as "whiplash". It is often the tragic result of front or rear-end collisions. Many whiplash injuries occur when a car is stopped and occupants are unaware that they are about to be hit from behind. Even though the car may have received little damage, occupants can suffer serious spinal injury.
Consider for a moment that the average head weighs between 7 and 11 pounds and sits on the most flexible and fragile part of the spine: the neck (link to neck page). Although the neck is relatively short, it contains 32 joints and is easily stretched and injured if it's thrown in any direction.

Whiplash is commonly received during even a minor car accident. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine and head can be stressed or torn. The discs between the spinal bones can bulge, tear or rupture. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal position, reducing range of motion. The spinal cord and nerve roots in the neck can be stretched and irritated. Although the car only sustains minor injury, the passengers may incur considerable soft tissue injury.

The resulting instability of the spine and soft tissues can result in headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the shoulder, arms and hands, reduced ability to turn and bend, and low back problems. As the body attempts to adapt, symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months.
If caught early enough, inflammation can be reduced and scar tissue can often be minimized.

Consult a Chiropractor and avoid those constant headaches, addictive pain medication, or surgery!

DID YOU KNOW? Worn too long, a cervical collar can further weaken supportive muscles and actually lengthen recovery time!

Neck Pain

We've all heard the expression "you give me a pain in the neck!" meaning that stress can affect us in a painful way, especially if there is weakness in that most delicate and most easily injured part of the spine - the neck.

The neck is comprised of 7 separate bones that are loosely connected together by ligaments and muscles. The laxity allows for great mobility but also predisposes it to injury. Poor posture, occupation, falling asleep in a chair, falls, twists and strain take their toll on the neck.

Some of the common symptoms of irritation or pinched nerves in the neck are headache, sinusitis, dizziness, painful ear and face, shoulder and arm pain and/or tingling, hand and finger numbness and tingling, difficult breathing and chest pain, throat discomfort.

In fact, tension headaches most commonly occur when tightening muscles further restrict and irritate nerves that go to the head or control blood vessels that supply the head.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome(CTS)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other repetitive strain disorders have become common work related injuries. Dr. Gun currently assists in teaching follow students and practicing doctors on the diagnosis and treatment of CTS and other cumulative trauma disorders for korean at the Life University Chiropractic Collage in Marietta, Georgia.

Can I avoid Surgery?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is becoming one of the most widespread of occupational hazards. It can be painful and debilitating. Early treatment can lead to a quicker and easier recovery. Chiropractic adjustment is proven to be one of the most effective methods of treatment. Regardless of the treatment, full recovery will only come about by avoiding stressful situations and changing work habits. Your chiropractor can advise you best, and it is wise to seek a doctor's advice as soon as possible. Remember, consult your chiropractor prior to surgery.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)?

CTS is most often caused by pressure on the median nerve just above the wrist. The Carpal Tunnel is named for the area of your wrist containing the carpal bones, the transverse carpal ligament (connecting two outside carpals together), the median nerve and the tendons controlling finger and hand movement.

Pressure on the median nerve may occur due to injury (for example, a sudden bending back of the wrist), or sustained pressure from activities like typing/keypunching, chopping, hammering or pushing.

CTS Symptoms

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and related strain injuries have a range of similar symptoms. Some warning signs are pain (which can be severe), numbness, a tingling or burning sensation, weakness or loss of grip strength, and loss of sleep due to discomfort.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should consult your chiropractor as soon as possible. The earlier CTS is treated, the easier and quicker the recovery.

Am I at Risk?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has become one of the most significant medical problems affecting workers at the turn of this century. The U. S. Department of Labor reports that carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion disorders now account for over 60 per cent of all workplace injuries. Computer operators have joined assembly line workers, meat packers, building tradesmen, cashiers and others as victims of repetitive strain injuries causing these disorders to be dubbed "the Number One occupational hazard of the 1990's".

Treatment

There are many ways to treat CTS depending on the individual severity and other considerations. In most cases, however, chiropractic manipulation of the affected wrist area (and perhaps spinal adjustment) can be very effective. Usually your doctor will X-ray the wrist area to determine the extent of the injury.

Some physicians might prescribe medication and/or inject cortico-steroids which may temporarily alleviate pain and swelling, but does not often treat the actual problem-symptoms may return. Or, your doctor might recommend surgery, especially in extreme cases. However, surgery may lead to scarring of the transverse ligament. The scars can further irritate the median nerve causing the symptoms to reoccur. Surgery may also weaken the ligament and should only be considered if conservative treatment fails to correct the problem.

Headaches and Chiropractic

There are many types of Headaches:

A frequent cause of headaches is the malfunction of spinal bones in the neck and upper back.
When bones of the spine lose their normal position or motion, sensitive nerves and blood vessels to the head can be affected. When spinal nerves and related tissues are stretched or irritated they can produce throbbing headaches. Aspirin and medications may cover up these warning signs, but do not correct the underlying structural cause.

Many people find relief and correction with chiropractic care.

A chiropractor will look at your total spinal health, and conduct a thorough examination. If the examination reveals reduced range of motion, loss of normal spinal curves, or mechanical restrictions, chiropractic care will likely be recommended. After a complete explanation, you'll receive a care program uniquely designed for your own spinal condition.

Some patients report headache relief quickly, while others find that the correction of their problem takes longer because their spinal problem has existed undetected for many years.

Enjoy the drug-free results millions have enjoyed by consulting a chiropractic doctor.