Month: June 2017

Whiplash

Whiplash for many can occur when involved in a car accident or by any number of knocks, falls or slips and sports injuries, and can be excruciatingly painful. Many people are shocked to realise that even mild cases of whiplash can happen just by simply turning your head too fast in one direction, being knocked down, falling or even being jostled around while riding a roller coaster or other type of fast moving ride.
In a rear end collision the neck is thrown into extension. What this means is that the personB is forced backwards into the car seat as the vehicle is thrust forward. This force is what causes the most damage to the soft tissue area of the neck.
After the head comes into contact with the head restraint of the car it rebounds forward forcing the neck into flexion. As the seatbelt tightens the head is inadvertently thrown forward until the chin hits the chest.
When this movement occurs many things happen in the body at once.

• The muscles and ligaments that support the spine can be stretched or torn
• The discs can bulge, tear or rupture if the damage is severe enough
• Vertebrae can lose their normal range of motion
• The spinal cord and nerve roots can become stretched and irritated.

 
This action of the head can lead to debilitating pain, including neck stiffness, headaches, blurred vision, nausea, vertigo or numbness and tingling. Symptoms in acute whiplash may not appear at their peak until after the body has coped with the shock of the accident, and pain sets in.
You should be examined as soon as possible after a whiplash accident, even if the symptoms do not seem too severe. This is because it can take days or weeks for symptoms to properly develop. Identifying and addressing problems early will limit pain and recovery time.
Chiropractors commonly employ different chiropractic treatments for whiplash, often including:

• Soft tissue techniques can be done through the use of dry needling, muscle stimulation, and soft tissue massage.
• Muscle strengthening and neurological rehabilitation, our aim is to recondition the musculature and neurological system of the neck in order to reduce the level of discomfort
• Gentle spinal manipulation. These manipulations, also known as adjustments, are characterised by specific thrusts on different areas of the vertebrae in order to provide proper alignment. These adjustments can provide the patient with more neck function and restore their normal movement.
• Ergonomic and lifestyle changes.

 
Each whiplash case is different. A chiropractor will evaluate the patient and determine the appropriate treatment on a case by case basis

Healthy Winter Tips- By CA Amie

I personally hate the cold, and unfortunately for me, the cold weather has returned with a vengeance this year! Each year just seems to get colder making it harder to maintain my health and my motivation! So this winter I’ve decided to fight back! No longer will my winters consist of the sniffles or gaining a few extra kilos from skipping the gym, NOPE! This time I’m going to use this season to get healthier than ever! And the way I’m going to do that is by setting one goal, that goal is …..BOOSTING MY IMMUNITY!
Sounds pretty simple right? Just one little goal? It might sound simple but boosting your immune system takes a lot more than just popping a few extra vitamins! So where to begin…
I am going to start with my diet 🙂 I am currently a Paleo Vegetarian. This simply means IB DO NOTB eat dairy, grains, processed foods or refined sugars and I also do not eat meat. B What I will being doing is adding extra immune boosting ingredients to my diet including; citrus, carrots, turmeric, garlic, ginger, broccoli, spinach, green tea and a few other bits and pieces. As well as this I will be taking a couple of GOOD QUALITY supplements, such as Vit C and Vit D.
Now what’s next?…Oh yes EXERCISE!! I already love to exercise, but I find in the colder months I tend to slack off a bit (actually a lot this year so far) A few things that are going to keep me motivated to maintain my exercise regime are: “JUST DO IT” you know that good old saying? I figure if I can “Just do” some cardio outside in 7 degree weather at 6am, I can “Just do” pretty much anything! So more outdoor exercise during winter is the plan, of course I’ll be putting on a few layers but I will warm up in time. Another motivating idea is to start an exercise class, indoor or out door I am not sure which one yet, have even considered water aerobics! (heated pools only) Getting some extra Vit D throughout winter is definitely a good idea so outdoor cardio or Bootcamp in the sun will ensure I am getting a good dose.
This sounds like a fun but cold journey already 🙂 There is one more thing I want to work on to reach my goal. STRESS LESS! Stress is a huge immune system downer! I don’t suffer from it all of the time, but if I have a big week of assignments due I tend to get a little stressed out! Everything I plan on doing already will help to relive stress, I just want to add one more prevention method to make sure I’ll be stress free during the winter and beyond. Some people meditate, I have chosen laughter…that’s right I am going to laugh more! Whether that means watching funny cat videos, or going to a comedy night, or being silly with friends, whatever it is I will make a point of getting a good dose of laughter in everyday 🙂
There you have it, my tips to a healthier winter! I would love for anyone out there to join me this winter and challenge yourself with this ONE GOAL! Challenge yourself to better your immunity and see the benefits with your health, body and mind.
I will be sure to keep you all updated!
Until then, stay warm and be healthy 🙂
 
Amie “JUST DO IT” Miller
Chiropractic Assistant