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Healing Low Back Injuries After an Auto Accident: The Role of Chiropractic Care Backed by Research

3/15/2024

Introduction: Auto accidents can result in a variety of injuries, with low back pain being one of the most common and debilitating. Whether it's due to the impact of the collision or the sudden jolt to the body, low back injuries can significantly impact a person's mobility and quality of life. While conventional treatments like pain medications and surgery may offer temporary relief, chiropractic care provides a holistic approach that targets the underlying causes of low back pain. In this blog, we'll delve into the effectiveness of chiropractic care for low back injuries sustained in auto accidents, supported by research articles.

Understanding Low Back Injuries: The low back, or lumbar region, is particularly vulnerable to injury during auto accidents due to the forceful impact and sudden movements involved. Common low back injuries sustained in auto accidents include muscle strains, ligament sprains, herniated discs, and vertebral misalignments. These injuries can lead to pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and even radiating symptoms like sciatica.

Chiropractic Care for Low Back Injuries: Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment and function to the spine, which can alleviate pain and promote healing in low back injuries. Here's how chiropractic care can benefit individuals recovering from low back injuries after an auto accident:

Spinal Manipulation/Adjustment: Chiropractors use spinal adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation, to improve mobility of the vertebrae in the lumbar spine. Research suggests that spinal manipulation can effectively reduce low back pain and improve function by restoring mobility and reducing inflammation (Paige et al., 2017).
Soft Tissue Therapy: In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may employ soft tissue therapy techniques such as massage, myofascial release, and stretching to relieve muscle tension and promote tissue healing in the low back (Bishop et al., 2015).
Rehabilitation Exercises: Chiropractors may prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the low back and improve flexibility and range of motion. Rehabilitation exercises can help prevent future injuries and support long-term recovery (Maiers et al., 2019).

Research Supporting Chiropractic Care: Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of chiropractic care for low back pain, including injuries sustained in auto accidents:

A systematic review published in JAMA Network Open found that spinal manipulation, when performed by a chiropractor, was associated with moderate improvements in low back pain intensity and function compared to other interventions (Paige et al., 2017).
Another study published in Spine Journal compared the effectiveness of chiropractic care, physical therapy, and medical care for treating acute low back pain. The results showed that chiropractic care led to greater improvements in pain and disability scores compared to the other treatments (Bishop et al., 2015).

Conclusion: Low back injuries sustained in auto accidents can have a significant impact on one's daily life and overall well-being. While conventional treatments may offer short-term relief, chiropractic care provides a holistic approach to addressing the underlying causes of low back pain and promoting long-term recovery. Backed by research evidence, chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation exercises can play a vital role in alleviating pain, restoring function, and improving quality of life for individuals recovering from low back injuries after an auto accident.

References:

Paige, N. M., Miake-Lye, I. M., Booth, M. S., Beroes, J. M., Mardian, A. S., Dougherty, P., ... & Shekelle, P. G. (2017). Association of spinal manipulative therapy with clinical benefit and harm for acute low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 317(14), 1451-1460. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28399251/
Bishop, P. B., Quon, J. A., Fisher, C. G., Dvorak, M. F., & Kawchuk, G. N. (2015). The chiropractic hospital-based interventions research outcomes (CHIRO) study: a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of clinical practice guidelines in the medical and chiropractic management of patients with acute mechanical low back pain. The Spine Journal, 15(4), 201-209. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20889389/
Maiers, M., Hartvigsen, J., Schulz, C., Schulz, K., Evans, R., & Bronfort, G. (2019). Chiropractic and exercise for seniors with low back pain or neck pain: the design of two randomized clinical trials. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 20(1), 1-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2048958/

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Whiplash Treatment with Chiropractic Care: A Scientific Approach to Recovery

2/28/2024

Introduction: Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the neck is forcefully jerked backward and then forward, often as a result of car accidents. This sudden movement can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, headaches, and other symptoms. While whiplash can be debilitating, chiropractic care has emerged as a promising treatment option for alleviating pain and promoting healing. In this blog, we'll delve into the scientific evidence supporting chiropractic treatment for whiplash.

Understanding Whiplash: Before delving into treatment options, it's essential to understand the nature of whiplash injuries. Whiplash typically involves damage to the soft tissues of the neck, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This can result in inflammation, reduced range of motion, and chronic pain if left untreated.

Chiropractic Care for Whiplash: Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat musculoskeletal injuries, making them well-suited for addressing whiplash. Chiropractic treatment for whiplash often involves a combination of manual adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and other modalities aimed at restoring proper motion and function to the spine.

Treatments for Whiplash Could Include:

Spinal Manipulation: A systematic review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation, a key component of chiropractic care, was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with whiplash-associated disorders.
Manual Therapy: Research published in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine demonstrated that manual therapy techniques commonly used by chiropractors, such as mobilization and manipulation, were effective in reducing pain and disability in individuals with whiplash injuries.
Exercise Rehabilitation: A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that exercise rehabilitation, often prescribed by chiropractors, was beneficial for improving neck muscle strength, range of motion, and functional outcomes in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders.
Multimodal Treatment Approach: An article published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics highlighted the importance of a multimodal treatment approach, combining chiropractic care with other therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and patient education, for optimal outcomes in whiplash patients.

Conclusion: Chiropractic care offers a safe, non-invasive, and evidence-based approach to treating whiplash injuries. By addressing the underlying musculoskeletal imbalances and promoting natural healing processes, chiropractors can help patients recover from whiplash more effectively and regain function and quality of life. If you've recently experienced a whiplash injury, consider consulting with a chiropractor at Portland Chiropractic to explore your treatment options and take the first step towards recovery.

Natural Remedies to Reduce Inflammation: Backed by Science

2/24/2024

Introduction: Inflammation is a natural response by the body to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can contribute to various health problems, including heart disease, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. While medication can help manage inflammation, many people seek natural remedies to complement their treatment. In this blog, we'll explore scientifically-backed methods to decrease inflammation naturally.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet: One of the most effective ways to reduce inflammation is through diet. Research suggests that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats into your diet can help lower levels of inflammatory markers in the body.

Scientific Article: "Dietary patterns and levels of inflammatory markers among adolescents from the Healthy Hearts Longitudinal Study" (Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases, 2020)

Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate inflammation, so it's essential to incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and tai chi have been shown to lower levels of stress hormones and reduce inflammation in the body.

Scientific Article: "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Chronic Pain Conditions: Variation in Treatment Outcomes and Role of Home Meditation Practice" (Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 2017)

Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for overall health and plays a significant role in regulating inflammation. Research indicates that insufficient or poor-quality sleep can lead to increased inflammation markers in the body. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to promote optimal immune function and reduce inflammation.

Scientific Article: "Sleep and inflammation: psychoneuroimmunology meets somnology" (Archives of Immunology and Therapeutic Experimental, 2018)

Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs and spices have been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric, in particular, contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to inhibit inflammation by blocking inflammatory pathways in the body. Other herbs like ginger, green tea, and cinnamon also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and can be incorporated into your diet or taken as supplements.

Scientific Article:"The anti-inflammatory potential of turmeric and curcumin: a review of preclinical and clinical evidence" (Phytotherapy Research, 2020)

Regular Exercise: Physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also reduces inflammation in the body. Exercise has been shown to decrease levels of inflammatory markers while promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week to reap the anti-inflammatory benefits.

Scientific Article: "The effect of exercise on systemic inflammation in physically active and sedentary adults" (Journal of Applied Physiology, 2007)

Conclusion: Reducing inflammation naturally is not only possible but also beneficial for overall health and well-being. By incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, herbs, regular exercise, stress management techniques, and adequate sleep into your lifestyle, you can help combat inflammation and lower your risk of chronic diseases. Remember to consult with a chiropractoric professional before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Finding Relief: How Chiropractic Care Can Help Auto Injury Recovery

2/20/2024

Introduction: Auto accidents can be jarring experiences, leaving individuals with a range of injuries from minor strains to more severe trauma. Among the various treatment options available, chiropractic care has emerged as a popular choice for many seeking relief and recovery from auto injuries. In this blog, we'll explore how chiropractic care can play a crucial role in the healing process following auto accidents.

Understanding Auto Injuries: Auto accidents can cause a multitude of injuries, with some of the most common being whiplash, soft tissue injuries, joint restrictions, and muscle strains. These injuries often result from the sudden impact and force exerted on the body during a collision, leading to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and other symptoms.

The Role of Portland Chiropractic: Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, making it well-suited for addressing auto injuries. Portland Chiropractic employs various techniques, which could include, joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, rehabilitation exercises and much more. These treatments aim to alleviate pain, restore proper movement, increase strength, and promote natural healing processes within the body.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Auto Injuries:

Pain Relief: Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with auto injuries by reducing inflammation, releasing muscle tension, and restoring proper movement.
Restoring Mobility: Through targeted adjustments and therapeutic exercises, chiropractors can improve range of motion and flexibility, allowing patients to regain mobility more quickly.
Non-Invasive Treatment: Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery or medication, making it a preferred choice for individuals seeking natural healing methods.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Each patient receives a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and injury severity, ensuring that care is comprehensive and effective

The Chiropractic Experience: Visiting Portland Chiropractic for auto injury recovery typically involves an initial consultation, during which the chiropractor will assess the extent of the injuries and develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, rehabilitative exercises, and lifestyle recommendations aimed at supporting healing and preventing future injuries.

Conclusion: If you've been involved in an auto accident and are experiencing pain or discomfort, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to recovery. By addressing the underlying musculoskeletal issues, chiropractors can help you find relief, restore mobility, and support your journey back to optimal health. Don't let auto injuries hold you back—schedule an appointment with chiropractor at Portland Chiropractic today and take the first step towards healing and recovery.

Thoracic (Upper and Mid-Back) Mobility

2/27/2018

Quick anatomy lesson!

The thoracic spine refers to your upper and middle back. It falls below your neck (cervical spine) to about 5 inches below your shoulder blades, where it connects to your lumbar spine (low back).

Of the spine’s 70 joints, over two-thirds are located in the thoracic spine. If you factor in the additional 20 specialty joints (called the costotransverse joints) that help your ribs articulate and move, you’ll quickly understand that your thoracic spine is a workhorse responsible for two-thirds of the movement in your torso. As you can tell, if you can't move the area then it's easy for something to go wrong.

Thoracic spine mobility is an extremely important, and often times overlooked, and can be the component to a variety of dysfunctions. Poor thoracic mobility can affect the shoulder, neck, low back, and hip very easily. We have touched on this before in our #survivingdeskwork post about how in our daily habits (sitting, computer work, driving, etc.) make us all very prone to poor thoracic spine mobility.

There are many variations of thoracic spine mobility exercises and drills out there. Here are a couple of thoracic spine mobility exercises that you can try at home, at the gym, or even work.

Thoracic extension with a foam roller

Thoracic extension with a foam roller is a great way to increase thoracic mobility, if done correctly! Unfortunately it’s commonly done incorrectly and therefore ineffective. .

Most people we see are just rolling forward and back, never actually getting any mobility in their thoracic spine. The key is relaxing your spine over the roller in several different segments along the thoracic spine.

✅Put the foam roller under your mid-back.

✅Keep your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.

✅Cross your hands over your chest and keep your core engaged. Keeping your ribcage locked down

✅Slowly extend the spine over the roller, one segment at a time. It's a small movement.
See below how it should be done!

❌Avoid❌

❌Flaring your rib cage

❌Arching your low back

❌Moving too quickly.

❌Holding your breath
See the video below to see what NOT to do!

Open Book Exercise

The open book exercise is one of the first mobility exercises we show our patients with a tight upper back and poor thoracic mobility. Try to perform this exercise twice a day and don't forget to do both sides 10 times each.

✅Lie on your side with your knees bent and together and keep them together throughout the entire motion.
✅With your arms extended, slide out the top hand as far as you can.
✅Open the top arm like a book (get it? Open book).
✅Try to get your top arm to the floor on the other side and hold for 5 seconds.

❌Avoid❌
❌Letting legs come apart
❌The pelvis opening up with arms
❌Holding your breath
❌Moving too rapidly

This blog is meant to inform and instruct with descriptions and videos only. It is NOT medical advice. If you have pain, please come and see one of our licensed practitioners.

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