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Top 3 Reasons To Visit Your Chiropractor After A Car Accident

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We can all agree that motor vehicle accidents (MVA’s) are scary and you are often left with a mile long to-do list to get yourself back on the road soon after. We realize that it is important to get yourself back on the road soon after but we also want you to think about how incredibly important it is to pay attention to your own body’s needs following a MVA. According to Yale University, it only takes 8.2 mph to cause lasting damage to your musculoskeletal system following a motor vehicle accident, in everyday terms… a fender bender with little to no damage to your vehicle could cause lasting damage to your body! A chiropractic visit to Lifetime Health and Wellness should be at the very top of your to-do list following an MVA for this very reason, more specifically within the first 72 hours following an MVA.

WHAT ARE THE 3 MOST IMPORTANT REASONS TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR FOLLOWING AN MVA?

1. Whiplash is not always obvious: While broken bones and bruises are easy to spot, whiplash is not always apparent in the immediate aftermath of an accident. If you are involved in an accident, your adrenaline levels will spike, which could disguise symptoms of pain and inflammation until your body calms down. It may take a few days for obvious whiplash symptoms like neck pain/stiffness, headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness to occur. Dr Schening and Dr Moore use techniques such as spinal adjustment and special exercises to control damage, minimize pain, and reduce swelling. By seeing this specialist immediately after an accident, you can avoid weeks of pain and discomfort and start the recovery process right away.

2. Acute Injuries lead to Chronic Injuries if not treated:  Ignoring the pain associated with a car accident could lead to long-term damage. Symptoms of whiplash can continue for years if you do not seek treatment, and this chronic condition can lead to emotional anguish to match the physical pain. Another example is if you suffer a minor injury to a joint or bone, you could cause substantial damage in another accident such as a trip and fall incident because your body is in a weakened state already. This weakened state can also lead to early degeneration, especially in weight-bearing joints such as ankles, knees, hips, and the many joints within the spinal column. Seeking chiropractic treatment immediately after a car accident can boost your chances of a full and speedy recovery.

3. Proof for an insurance claim: Although filing a claim is most likely one of the last things you will be thinking about in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, the reality is you may find yourself making one in the short weeks after. Unfortunately, the longer you wait to receive a diagnosis and treatment for your injuries, the harder it is to prove that the injuries stem from the motor vehicle accident. If you visit a chiropractor for treatment relating to the injuries sustained in your accident, it is easier to link those injuries to the incident in the claim.

 

Seeing a chiropractor within 72 hours following a motor vehicle accident is incredibly important for diagnosing and treating possible musculoskeletal injuries such as whiplash. Chiropractors are trained and educated in diagnosing these acute injuries and can offer relief of pain and symptoms in addition to saving their patients lots of pain and discomfort in the future. Chiropractic care is also beneficial for proving injury by diagnosis and treatment early after the car accident occurs which can help with future insurance claims. Remember, just because your car is not seriously damaged does not mean your body is not injured, it only takes 8 mph to cause damage to your body!

 

Benefits Of Chiropractic Care

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One of the reasons for the continued rise and growth of chiropractic care in the medical field is due to the wide array of benefits

that can be derived from it. Plus, many recommend this particular treatment method due to the non-invasive approach and its

insistence on awakening the body’s natural ability to heal.

Common Chiropractic Benefits

Dysfunction in your muscoskeletal system does not exclude anyone. Therefore, anyone will benefit from the healing ability of

chiropractic care to provide relief from any form of discomfort that one undergoes when they have misaligned spine, back, or

neck. But for individuals who are required to remain active, the presence of such dysfunction disables them from performing well

and limit their motor capacity. This is due to the fact that any form of movement on the traumatized area of the body can result

to pain or discomfort.

Regardless of the cause of your initial discomfort, among the benefits you can enjoy are as follows:

• Improved circulation
• Reduction or elimination of lactic acid
• Smoother travel of oxygen and nutrients in the body
• More flexibility
• Elimination of any pain or soreness
• Faster recovery time
• Reduced muscle spasm
• Prevention of future injury
• More relaxed feeling

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Combination Treatments

To enhance the results, you must try to develop a routine that incorporates the following physical activities:

• Keep your body properly hydrated.

• Follow a healthy nutritional plan.

• Do some stretching exercises or develop a healthy exercise routine.

Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Several people have misconceptions about chiropractic care. One of them being that it is not a valid form of treatment and is

used only for mild cases of back pain, headaches, and the like. However, this form of treatment method offer adjustment benefits

even to those suffering from extreme cases of spinal or vertebral misalignment. But the benefits extend beyond muscoskeletal

and different people who suffer from these illnesses experience varying results as well:

• For pregnant women, they are able to deliver much easier.

• For babies, they have improved developmental abilities and prevent the possibility of acquiring scoliosis.

• For kids, it helps prevent asthma, ear infection, bedwetting, among other things.

• For adults, they are able to generate more energy and increase productivity.

• For senior individuals, they attain better balance and prevent injury caused by falling off.

Meanwhile, overall results and benefits reported from patients who’ve undergone chiropractic care includes the following:

• Boost in the functions of the immune and nervous system.

• Patients attain improved vitality.

• Breathing becomes easier.

• Better digestive function.

• Sharper vision.

• Improved overall health.

When Do Results Become Evident?

Following chiropractic treatment, your body will start to realign and relieve yourself from any pressure that is causing pain in

your joints. In mild cases, a patient will immediately experience relief soon after undergoing chiropractic care. Hence, this is one

of the advantages of opting for chiropractic care over surgical or medical procedures that often require a long recovery period.

In other cases, there might be a slight feeling of soreness or aching that can be felt with chiropractic treatment. The reason for

this is that your body has to readjust to the realignment done after being misaligned for a while.

However, it shouldn’t take long either before your body can regain its normal function and mobility.

Joint Pain Relief with Amniotic Membrane in Elgin

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Human amniotic membrane is comprised of the innermost layer of the placenta and lines the amniotic cavity. The membrane is composed of multiple layers including a single layer of epithelial cells, a basement membrane and an avascular connective tissue matrix. The tissues of the placenta present a very complex interrelationship of materials that possess numerous physiologic characteristics, that can in turn change in importance with the appropriate stage of gestation.  During pregnancy, the placenta permits the passage of nutrients, metabolites and metabolic gases, and provides physical and immunological protection to the developing fetus.  In addition, it produces a variety of steroids and important metabolic hormones.

Amniotic membrane is a unique material and its composition contains collagen types I, III, IV, V, and VII.  Amniotic membrane is composed of structural extracellular matrix (ECM), that also contains specialized proteins fibronectin, laminins, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. In addition, amniotic membrane contains essential, active, healing growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF).8 Amniotic tissues have shown little to no HLA-A, B, C antigens and β2 microglobulin.3

References:

  1. Niknejad H; Peirovi H; Jorjani M; Ahmadiani A; Ghanavi J; Seifalian AM “Properties of the amniotic  membrane for potential use in tissue engineering.” Eur Cell Mater. (15). 01-JAN-2008. pp 88 – 99.
  2. Rahman I; Said DG; Maharajan VS; Dua HS “Amniotic membrane in ophthalmology: indications and  limitations.” Eye. (23)10. 2009. pp 1954–1961.
  3. Baradaran-Rafii A; Aghayan H; Arjmand B; and Javadi M. “Amniotic Membrane Transplantation.” Iran J Ophthalmic Res. (2)1. 2007. pp 58-75.
  4. John, T. “Human amniotic membrane transplantation: Past, present, and future..” Ophthal Clin N Am. (16). 2003. pp 43-65.
  5. Adly OA; Moghazy AM; Abbas AH; Ellabban AM; Ali OS; Mohamed BA “Assessment of amniotic and polyurethane membrane dressings in the treatment of burns.” Burns – 01-AUG-2010; 36(5): 703-10.
  6. Huiren Tao & Hongbin Fan “Implantation of amniotic membrane to reduce postlaminectomy epidural adhesions.” Eur Spine J – 01-AUG-2009; 18(8): 1202-12. (). 2009.
  7. Arora R; Mehta D; Jain V “Amniotic membrane transplantation in acute chemical burns.” Eye (Lond). (19)3. 01-MAR-2005. pp 273-8.
  8. Kay H; Nelson D; Wang Y. “The Placenta: From Development to Disease.” Wiley-Blackwell. 2011.

 

Low Back Pain and The Feet

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If you want to build any structure, a strong foundation is one of the key components. The human body is no different. Alignment of the bones in the feet can influence the functional stability of the rest of the body! Each foot contains 26 bones. It takes 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles and numerous tendons to hold the bones in place and to allow for proper movement. As a musculoskeletal specialist, your South Elgin chiropractor Dr Tim Schening, is well-aware of the amount of brain-body coordination needed to keep these structures working properly.

Syndromes Related to Your Feet The following is a list of common conditions that are related to your feet, plus recommended solutions from your chiropractor.

Plantar Fasciitis – a painful conditioninvolving inflammation of the soft tissue in the arch of the foot. This condition is usually related to overuse or fallingarches.Icing and rest help to decrease pain, and muscle or joint manipulation can help restore proper function. Orthotic shoe inserts may also help provide structural support and reduce strain.1

Shin Pain – often caused by strain of the posterior and anterior tibialis muscles. These two muscles help give the arch of your foot mechanical support during walking or running. With increased stress due to repetitive use or falling arches, strain on the tendons of these muscles can cause the muscles to pull away from their bony attachments on the shin. This can cause periostitis, better known as shin splints. Improper footwear, combined with increased physical activity, is often the culprit. Rest, ice, muscle manipulation and orthotic inserts can help with this condition.2

Iliotibial Tract Syndrome (IT band syndrome) – pain located on the lateral side of the knee, thigh and hip, related to an inflammation of the tendon of the TFL muscle as it crosses the knee. This is one of the most common leg/hip syndromes found in runners, and it can be related to instability of the foot or pelvic misalignment. It is very often related to over-pronation of the foot, whereby the ankle joint turns inward – usually associated with falling arches. Chiropractic adjustments for the pelvis, foot and knee joints may help, as well as muscle manipulation, reduced exercise, and orthotic inserts to correct for the over-pronation.

Stress fractures – represent incomplete fractures (cracks) in any bone that is under an increased mechanical load. This condition is usually related to a structural imbalance, which creates an abnormal distribution of stress and strain. Rest is often the only treatment that helps mend this problem. Your chiropractor should also check the movement and alignmentof the feet and/or pelvis to help identify potential causes for the abnormal stress patterns.

Nerve Pain/Sciatica – radiating pain from nerve irritation/inflammation can be felt in the feet. Numbness, tingling, burning or aching pain can be a sign of lumbar nerve irritation. Disc herniation is a common cause of nerve root irritation. Chiropractic adjustments are often used to help balance the mechanical causes of disc herniations.

Pelvic Conditions – with respect to the kinetic chain, imbalances in foot bio-mechanics can lead to imbalances in pelvic mechanics. Restrictions or instability in the joints of the feet can lead to recurring symptoms in your pelvis and lower back.3 Common painful syndromes in the pelvis may include SI joint dysfunction, piriformis syndrome, and lumbar facet joint irritation. If your chiropractic adjustments are not holding as long as you’d like, you should have your chiropractor check your feet. Bouts of low back and pelvic pain that follow increased periods of walking, running or climbing may be pointing to the mechanical instability of your body’s foundation.

How to Take Care of Your Feet There are several things you can do to keep your feet healthy.Avoid activities that cause recurring pain in your feet, knees or hips.Wear appropriate, properly-fitting athletic shoes when you exercise. It is recommended you replace your athletic shoes at least once per year if you exercise at least once a week. Orthotic inserts, when required, can provide customized support for your feet in every shoe that you wear. Be sure to have Dr Schening check the mechanical movement patterns of your feet, knees and hips when walking or running. A routine gait analysis can pick up minor imbalances before they create major problems.Active lifestyles are also recommended to stay healthy. The best form of general exercise is walking. A gentle weight-bearing exercise like walking is known to help improve circulation, contribute to weight control and promote overall well being. Be sure to have your feet checked by  chiropractor on a regular basis to ensure that they continue to take you where you want to go in a pain-free way.

References and Sources:1. Karl B. Landorf, Anne-Maree Keenan, and Robert D. Herbert Effectiveness of Different Types of Foot Orthoses for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2004 94: 542-549.2. Nawoczenski DA, Ludewig PM: Electromyographic effects of foot orthotics on selected lower extremity muscles during running. Arch Phys Med Rehab, 80:540-544, 1999.3. Dananberg HJ, Guiliano M: Chronic low-back pain and its response to custom-made foot orthoses.Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association 1999; 89(3): 109-117.

S. Elgin Chiro says backpacks may equal pain

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As parents, we are focused on providing the very best for our children. As we send them off to school, our intention is no different.

We are often told that carrying a bag of books on one shoulder is bad for posture. So, we confidently turn to the 2-strap backpack thinking we are taking stress off the little ones’ backs.

However, contrary to popular belief, these backpacks can be just as bad for the health of your children’s spines. When worn improperly or packed too heavily, even the 2-strap backpack can negatively affect the neck, shoulders, upper back and lower back.1

In a 2003 article published in SpineJournal, researchers revealed that out of 1122 backpack users, 74.4% suffered back pain. When compared with adolescents who had no back pain, adolescents with back pain carried significantly heavier backpacks compared to their body weights. These facts led the researchers to conclude “the use of backpacks, and especially the backpacks carrying heavier loads, was independently related to the incidence of back pain in adolescent students.”2

In another study, researchers found backpack weight was effective in predicting back pain in a sample of 3,498 students in California. They also found that girls and students who walk to and from school were more likely to report back pain. When the severity of pain was taken into account, older age, walking to and from school, and method of wear were all statistically significant.3

Knowing the harmful effects of a backpack on a child’s musculoskeletal health, what can parents do?

According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), the idea is to “Pack it Light, and Wear it Right.” Both the CCA and the ACA agree on the following recommendations regarding the choice, packing, and carrying of backpacks.4,5

1. Choosing a Backpack

An important factor is the size of the backpack relative to the size of the child. The top of the backpack should not extend higher than the top of the shoulder, and the bottom should not fall below the top of the hipbone.

The backpack ought to be as light as possible – made from materials such as nylon or vinyl instead of leather.

The shoulder straps should be at least two inches wide, adjustable and padded. The straps themselves must leave ample room for movement of the arms. The back portion of the backpack should also be padded for protection and comfort.

Backpacks should always include a hip strap or waist belt. This redistributes as much as 50 to 70 percent of the backpack weight to the pelvis, which decreases the load on the upper back, neck and shoulders.

Choosing a backpack with several individual pockets instead of one large compartment makes it easier to prop-erly distribute the weight. Another option is to use a backpack-style carrier with wheels and a pull handle for easy rolling.

2. Packing a Backpack

The total weight of the backpack plus its contents should never exceed 15 per cent of a person’s body weight (e.g., a 90-pound child should not carry more than 14 pounds in a backpack). For elementary-aged children, reduce this number to below 10 percent of their body weight.

Pack contents so the weight is evenly distributed in the backpack. Place heavier items closer to the body. This reduces the pulling effect on the shoulder straps. It also makes it easier for the child to maintain balance without leaning forward.

To help stay under the recommended load, only pack items needed for that day. Load odd-shaped items on the outside to prevent them from digging into your child’s back.

3. Carrying a Backpack

Both shoulder straps should be adjusted so the pack fits snugly to the body but not too tight. A parent’s hand should be able to slide between the backpack and the child’s back. Always fasten hip straps.

If you’re still not sure what to do, ask  chiropractor Dr Schening for advice. In addition to helping fix spinal misalignments caused by an improperly fitting back-pack, Chiropractor Dr. Schening of Life Time Health and Wellness can help prevent these problems from happening in the first place.

References and Sources:

1. Whittfield J, Legg SJ, HedderleyDI. Schoolbag weight and musculo-skeletal symptoms in New Zealand secondary schools – Applied Ergonomics2005: 36(2): 193-8.2. Sheir-Neiss GI, Kruse RW, RahmanT, Jacobson LP & Pelli JA. The Association of Backpack Use and Back Pain in Adolescents – Spine Journal 2003; 28(9): 922-930.3. Siambanes D, Martinez JW, ButlerEW & Haider T. Influence of School Backpacks on Adolescent Back Pain. – J Pediatr Orthop 2004;24(2): 211-217.4. Pack It Light, Wear It Right – Canadian Chiropractic Association publication.5. Backpack Misuse Leads to Chronic Back Pain, Doctors of Chiropractic Say – AmericanChiropractic Association.

Back Pain and Headache Help in S. Elgin

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Can Back Pain Really
Be“All In Our Heads”?
Researchers analyzed a survey
distributed to college students to find
out the prevalence of back pain in this
population. The survey revealed up to
38% of the students reported having
significant back pain within the previous
school year.
Of the students with back pain,
researchers found that only psychosocial
factors remained statistically
significant as being associated with the
symptoms. In the end, it appeared that
chronic fatigue or emotionally-abusive
relationships were the most strongly
associated with their back pain.3
Dr Schening your South Elgin  chiropractor knows that
life-stress can be a significant cause of
muscle tension and subluxations.
Chiropractic adjustments help relieve
tension throughout the body and reduce
fatigue associated with it.

The “Pop” and Pain
Relief
Researchers wanted to know whether
the pop heard during the chiropractic
adjustment really makes any difference
to the level of pain relief perceived by
the patient versus when no noise was
heard during the adjustment.
The researchers enlisted 40
asymptomatic patients and first tested
them for thermal pain sensitivity on
their legs and lower backs to create
baseline values. Then, the patients
underwent a lumbar adjustment. For
some, the audible pop was associated
with the movement and for others it
was not. All subjects were then
re-tested for thermal sensitivity.

The results may surprise you.
Researchers found that there was a
significant reduction in thermal pain
sensitivity after the lumbar adjustment,
whether or not a sound was heard
during the maneuver!4 So, you don’t
need to hear a pop to know that the
chiropractic adjustment is helping you.

References and Sources:

2. Weber Hellstenius, SA.
Recurrent Neck Pain and
Headaches in Preadolescents
Associated with Mechanical
Dysfunction of the Cervical Spine:
A Cross-Sectional Observational
Study With 131 Students. JMPT
2009 (Oct.); 32(8): 625-634.
3. Gilkey DP, Keefe TJ, Peel JL,
Kassab OM & Kennedy CA. Risk
Factors Associated With Back
Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study of
963 College Students. JMPT 2010
(Feb.); 33(2): 88-95.
4. Bialosky JE, Bishop MD,
Robinson ME & George SZ. The
Relationship of the Audible Pop to
Hypoalgesia Associated With
High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude
Thrust Manipulation: A Secondary
Analysis of an Experimental Study
in Pain-Free Participants. JMPT
2010; 33: 117-124.