Virtual Office Tour: Davis Family Chiropractic, PLLC

For those of you who haven't yet been into our office, here is the new virtual office tour that is posted on our website. 

We look forward to assisting you on your path of wellness,
and be sure to check our website for current internet offers!

Best in health, naturally,

Dr. Marc

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Hidden Injuries From Automobile Collisions: Why You Always Need a Chiropractic Checkup Following a Motor Vehicle Accident

Some Injuries – like burns, bruises and cuts – are easy to spot.  Others, however, may only be detected during an examination of chiropractic.

Many of these “hidden injuries” stem from automobile accidents.  And although elusive, these injuries are far from minor.  Immediate diagnosis of auto-related injuries like whiplash, hairline fracture and misaligned spinal bones (vertebrae) is critical.  That’s why Dr. Davis examines accident victims’ entire musculoskeletal system to detect hidden injuries.

Dr. Davis doesn’t limit this approach to just those involved in high-speed, high impact accidents.  Even low-impact collisions, where there are no skid marks and minor to no visible vehicle damage, can injure occupants.  “Crash tests indicate that a change of vehicle velocity of 4 km/hr (2.5pmh) may produce occupant symptoms.  Vehicle damage may not occur until 14-15 km/hr (8.7 mph).” (J Manupulative Physiol Ther 1998;21:629-39.)

Regardless of the speed or circumstances involved, early chiropractic intervention is vital.  Left undiagnosed, veiled auto injuries can lead to a lifetime of pain and agony.

Read on to learn about some of the most common auto injuries and how chiropractic care can help.

Back Injury

Motor vehicle accidents – specifically rear-end collisions, striking nonmoving objects or getting broadsided by another vehicle – are a leading cause of back injury: particularly low-back pain (LBP).
The force of impact can instigate trauma to the spine.

When vertebrae (spinal bones) become misaligned, it results in a condition known as vertebral subluxation.  This is a common finding in patients with back pain. 

Dr. Davis corrects vertebral subluxations with safe and gentle maneuvers known as chiropractic adjustments. 

Scientific research shows that chiropractic adjustments restore proper spinal alignment and effectively relieve LBP.

In a study of 681 patients with LBP, researchers noted that those who received chiropractic and physical therapy were “much more likely to perceive improvement in their low-back symptoms” than patients who received only medical care (Spine 2006;31:611-21).

More than 43 randomized trials of spinal manipulation for LBP were published in peer-reviewed medical journals.  Of that number, 30 trials showed that chiropractic care provided more improvement than the comparison treatments.  “Other studies have shown that chiropractic care compared with medical care is safer, costs no more and often costs much less and has consistently greater patient satisfaction for treatment of similar conditions.

“Consequently, there is now better public and professional opinion of chiropractic with coverage by insurance companies and government agencies.  That trend is likely to continue.” (Clin Ortho Rel Res 2006;444:243-9.)

Whiplash

Dr. Davis notes that patients who assume they are fine after an accident – and aren’t thoroughly examined – may not begin suffering the debilitating effects of whiplash for months or even years after the original trauma.  Researchers have termed this phenomenon delayed onset whiplash associated disorder, or DOWAD.


Whiplash can spark misalignment and serious injury to the joints, vertebrae, discs, muscles, nerves and ligaments of the neck.  Fortunately, chiropractic care can help.

Other Neck Injuries

Automobile accidents may be particularly traumatic to the head and neck.  That’s why the doctor takes great care to properly X-ray the spine of the neck (cervical spine).

In one case, a hospital emergency department missed a cervical spine fracture-dislocation in a 77-year old man involved in a car accident.  “The patient visited a chiropractic clinic six days later, where X-ray films were again obtained, finding that the patient sustained fractures of C5 and C6.”  The patient also suffered dislocation of the same vertebrae (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2002;25:263-69).

Another study details the case of a 17-year-old girl who endured a motor-vehicle collision.  In addition to pain in her neck and shoulder, the patient’s symptoms included vertigo (dizziness), tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and confusion.  The patient sought chiropractic care.

“During ten weeks of care and 22 office visits all symptoms subsided.” In addition, all vertebrae instability was completely resolved (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000;23:279-87).

Headaches

Headaches often accompany neck injuries and are also associated with cervical vertebral subluxations, which may spark muscular dysfunction and nerve interference.

According to one scientific report, a 21-year-old woman with neck pain reported suffering from headaches following a motor vehicle collision.  She also demonstrated moderate range-of-motion restrictions in her neck.

After a year of soft-tissue treatment that produced ineffective results, the woman began receiving chiropractic care.  “The patient described greater and more immediate relief [with chiropractic] and longer pain free periods than could be achieved by soft tissue treatment alone.” (J Manupulative Physiol Ther 2001;24:520-5.)

Chest and Rib Injury

The skeletal structure of the midback includes 12 pairs of ribs and 12 vertebrae.  Each of the vertebrae is attached to a corresponding pair of ribs.  In an auto accident, however, these bones can become misaligned, fractured or both.

One study revealed that seat-belted drivers in older cars without air bags have a higher incidence of chest and rib injury than those whose cars feature both safely devices.  Out of 42,055 accidents, the steering column (39 percent) and steering wheel (36 percent) were the primary instigators of injury (Ann Thorac Surg 2006;82:444-50).

During a chiropractic adjustment, the doctor slowly moves misaligned vertebrae and ribs back into place.  This process relaxes the connecting muscles: a vital step in reducing patients’ midback pain and improving mobility.

Everyone is Different

It’s important to remember that no two accidents are exactly alike.  And no two people will have exactly identical injuries.  “The same collision may cause injury to some individuals and leave others unaffected,” say researchers (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000;23:420-7).

Variables include the following:

ü  Posture of the occupants

ü  Ligament strength

ü  Body positions in the vehicle

ü  Amount of muscle activation (i.e. did the person see the impending collision and tense up?)

ü  Health of the nervous system

ü  Overall Health

Because so many factors come into play, schedule an immediate chiropractic appointment after any auto accident – no matter how minor.

And remember: You have the right to choose your own health-care professionals.  Don’t be pressured into interventions without first requesting a second opinion from a doctor of chiropractic.

Optimal Health University™ is a professional service of PreventiCare Publishing®. The information and recommendations are appropriate in most instances. They are not, however, a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider such as Dr. Davis. Copyright, 2012.

Dr. Marc Davis adjusts patients at Davis Family Chiropractic, a thriving wellness-oriented office located next to Fred Meyer in Fisher’s Landing. For FREE monthly tips and community events subscribe to Dr. Davis’ blog “Health Naturally” by going to www.davisfamilychiro.com and clicking on “Blog”.  To schedule a time to meet with Dr. Davis call (360) 823-2225. Mention “LacamasLife” and “Free Scan” to get a free computerized Back and Neck Scan (regularly $210).

DAVIS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC, PLLC
“For a Lifetime of Standing Tall!”
2415 SE 165^TH Avenue, Suite 103
Vancouver, WA 98683
(360) 823-2225

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Be Prepared For Inclement Weather

Though the snow has melted and the roads have cleared here in the greater metropolitan area of southwest Washington, I believe in being prepared for future inclement weather and/or emergencies.

How many of you keep an emergency kit in your car? 

I started keeping a kit in my car many years ago, and I rest easier knowing I'm better prepared to help others or myself if I was ever caught in the midst of a storm or an emergency.

According to Washington State Department of Transportation (WADOT), you should consider these things while driving in the elements this winter:

Prepare your vehicle: 

• Tune up
• Check breaks
• Battery
• Lights
• Wipers
• Antifreeze 
• Heater/defrost
• Belts/ hoses
• Filter/oil change 

Pack your car with winter trip necessities:

Basic gear:

• Tire chains
• Snow brush
• Ice scraper
• Jumper cables
• Small shovel
• Tow chain

Break-down kit:

• Cellphone
• Blanket
• Gloves
• Flashlight
• Food i.e. granola/protein bars or trail mix are suggestions
• Water
• First aid kit
• Road flares
• Cash

Some tips for driving in ice and snow:

• Drive for the conditions--slower speed and slower movements i.e. turns, lane changes.
• Use your headlights.
• Don't use cruise control.
• Four and all-wheel drive vehicles will not stop or steer better on icy roads than two-wheel drive vehicles. 

You can read more safe winter driving tips and information on traction and studded tires and chains on the WADOT website.

Be prepared this winter!

Best in health,

Dr. Marc

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