'Tis the season for Whiplash Injuries

Injuries to the neck caused by a rapid movement of the head backward, forward, or side to side, is referred to as "Whiplash." Whether the result of a car accident, slip and fall accident, sports injury or work injury, whiplash or other neck injuries need a thorough chiropractic exam.
At San Diego Chiropractic Group, we have seen hundreds of whiplash type neck injuries over the past decade. We use physical therapy modalities, rehabilitation and chiropractic treatments to provide neck pain and back pain relief.
In the past, a typical whiplash injury where no bones were broken was hard to diagnose. Whiplash injuries do not always show up on x-ray and symptoms can start days after the accident or injury. The muscles tighten in an effort to support the head, limiting neck movement.
Those suffering from whiplash and neck pain often complain of headaches. These headaches, like the neck pain, are often the result of tightened, tensed muscles and are often felt at the base of the head or behind the eyes.
Bulging discs or herniated disks may cause pain or a numb feeling into the arms, hands, and fingers, which are sometimes relieved by holding your hand over your head. This may be a sign that you need pinched nerve treatment at our office.
Old or chronic whiplash injuries are difficult to treat. Chiropractic treatment is one of the only proven effective forms of treatment of "old" whiplash related injuries. In a 1996 study by Woodward et. Al., published in the journal "Injury," chiropractic treatment was able to help relieve the pain for 93% of patients with chronic injuries.

Shoulder Problems?

What causes Shoulder Pain?

Shoulders are the third most common area of the body that chiropractors treat. Like most structural complaints of the body, shoulder pains come from muscle imbalances. These imbalances build up over time as your body compensates, until the effort of compensation becomes just too much, or the wear and tear factor overwhelms the local tissues, and the pain begins.


Common Conditions

The most common problems in the shoulder are bursitis, tendinitis, improper movement of the shoulder blade on the thoracic wall, rib misalignment or a torn rotator cuff.


Treatment

Careful examination and correct diagnosis of shoulder dysfunction is first. Next, if this is a chiropractic related problem, treatment would be necessary. Treatment may include realignment of thoracic vertebrae, the humeral head or other bones that are associated with the shoulder. Ancillary treatment of muscles and other soft tissue are also essential for a full recovery. Finally, rehab with exercises is a key part of long term recovery....

Dr. T

A Few Tips on Personal Injury

If you are the victim of a personal injury, there are several things you can do to help yourself.

First of all, make sure that you seek proper medical attention and follow up with the proper authorities. Also be sure to call your own insurance company. If you believe your injury was caused by the carelessness or intentional act of another, you may want to contact an attorney to discuss this. You should call as soon as it is convenient to do so and avoid discussing the matter with strangers and/or insurance representatives who are not from your own insurance company. You should be cooperative with the police, your own treating physicians and your own insurance company. Most personal injury cases are covered by a statute of limitations, which means that you only have a certain period of time in which you can file a lawsuit.

If you get in a motor vehicle accident and would like to be evaluated at our office, please give us a call at (858)560-5022. We accept med pay claims and also work with attorneys on personal injury cases. If you don't have an attorney and need one, I would be happy to refer.

Dr. T

Tips for a Healthy Back

There are things you can do as a parent to help insure that your child grows up with a strong and healthy spine. Here are a few recommendations to keep in mind:

1. Make sure car seats support the head and neck properly.

2. When lifting an infant, provide support for the head and keep the spine in alignment.

3. Discourage others from throwing your child up in the air.

This can cause whip-lash type injuries. Besides they are not a football, their your kid.

4. Provide a firm, but comfortable mattress for sleep support.

5. Teach proper posture when sitting or standing.

6. Avoid Heavy Backpacks!!!!

~Dr. T

Chiropractic Works!

Here is a testimonial from one of my pregnant patients:

"I am very fortunate to have found Dr. Ehlers. For over ten years, I have suffered lower back pain and sciatica from an old high school track and field injury. My condition was aggravated and almost unbearable during my first trimester of my second pregnancy. The pain was so overwhelming at night and in the morning; it took me 10 minutes just to get myself out of bed. The shooting pain frightened me and made me wonder if I would be able to continue work or even be able to care for my two-year old daughter. A good friend of mine referred me to Dr. Ehlers and within five visits, I regained full range of motion, obtained flexibility and the constant pain disappeared. The stretches and strengthening exercises, as well as the prenatal yoga suggested by Dr. Ehlers has allowed me to continue work and have fun with my family again. I came to him, just in time!" - Judith D.

Whiplash Injuries....

Who Suffers from Whiplash?

Anyone can be subjected to whiplash, even in a low-force car crash at speeds as low as 5 mph. Whiplash can also result from other mishaps in which the head is pushed or jerked beyond its normal range of motion. Whiplash most commonly causes serious and lingering neck pain, but there may also be back pain, headaches and dizziness. In some cases, patients experience blurred vision, ringing in the ears, nausea and numbness and tingling in the extremities. If you are ever in an automobile accident, you should consult with your chiropractor. The long standing effects on your spine from not treating these injures, could cause major health problems in the future....

Dr. T

TMJ pain!!!!

Did you know that chiropractors can treat TMJ problems? First of all, what is the TMJ? The temporomandibular joint is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. The joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move smoothly up and down and side to side. This enables you to talk, chew and yawn. Muscles attached to an surrounding the this joint control the position and movement of the jaw.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder? Symptoms may include pain in the face or jaw, headaches, limited ability to open the mouth, clicking or popping of the jaw to one side while opening the mouth.

How do I get a TMJ disorder? These problems can commonly occur due to whiplash injuries, improper alignment, excessive gum chewing and stress!