Posts Tagged "Numbness"

Chiropractic After an Accident

Posted by Dr. Heuser on Sep 16, 2011 in Auto Accident, Blog, Personal Injury | 1 comment

Some injuries sustained in an auto accident are hidden and can remain undetected for months or even years.  Even a minor accident can have major effects later.  If you are experiencing soreness and stiffness after an accident you should consider a thorough chiropractic exam.  Without proper treatment, later you may experience issues such as numbness and tingling, headaches, muscle stiffness or pain, or even arthritis.

No matter how small the impact of the accident seemed, your body may have absorbed significant force to shift the spine and restrict the normal function of the nervous system.  Most people do not know this, but speeds as low as 5 miles per hour can create enough force to cause spinal injuries.  Because many individuals in low impact collisions do not notice pain right away they do not seek treatment until pain begins.  There are injuries to the soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, and discs) that cannot be seen externally or felt at the time of the accident.  These injuries can heel with scar tissue causing aches and pains and decreased health weeks or even months later.

Visiting a chiropractor after an accident is an essential step in diagnosing any potential trauma.  Chiropractors can effectively treat whiplash and other neck injuries as well as back pain and soft tissue injuries.  Chiropractic treatments can loosen stiff muscles and pain associated with the accident.  Chiropractors can determine the amount of damage sustained in the accident and recommend a proper treatment plan that is necessary for a full recovery.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Posted by Dr. Heuser on Jul 6, 2011 in Blog | 2 comments

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common repetitive stress injury. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most expensive common workplace injuries; estimates say that the average person suffering from CTS will lose $30,000 to medical expenses and lost time at work over the course of a lifetime.

CTS is usually caused by repetitive or forceful movements in the wrist. There are eight carpal bones in the wrist that form a tunnel through which the median nerve and several tendons pass. Stressing the wrist can cause swelling in the tendons, which in turn pinch the median nerve. Common symptoms of CTS include numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand (especially in the thumb, middle, and index fingers).

There are some things that you can do to prevent CTS. Try to avoid repetitive actions. Stop frequently to stretch and flex your arms and fingers. Maintaining a healthy diet, especially one high in antioxidants, can help to reduce inflammation and prevent development of CTS.

If you do experience symptoms of CTS, you should visit your chiropractor right away. Early treatment is the best way to ensure fast and complete recovery. A chiropractor will usually first perform a physical examination to determine whether or not CTS is actually causing the symptoms (nerve compression in the neck can cause very similar symptoms, but a chiropractor can help with that as well). If you do have CTS, there are several common treatment options. You may have to rest the affected hand and wrist or apply ice to help reduce swelling.  A chiropractor may also use physical therapy or manipulation of the wrist, elbow, and upper spine to treat CTS.  Additionally, a chiropractor may treat CTS with ultrasound therapy. This technique uses sound waves outside of the human hearing range to relax muscles and alleviate inflammation. Your chiropractor can determine what treatment option is best for you and can advise you on how to avoid development of or recurrence of CTS.

Symptoms of Spinal Injury Following an Auto Accident

Posted by fseblog on Jul 4, 2011 in Auto Accident, Blog, Drug Free Treatment, Free Exam, Free Treatment, Insurance, Personal Injury | 0 comments

Were you recently in a car accident? Are you unsure if you should seek further treatment?  Are you wondering what the long term effects of your accident may have on your spine and body?  Are you wondering what a chiropractor may be able to do to help?    If so here are a few things that may help you answer these questions and speed your recovery from any injuries you may have suffered.