All posts by Omnis Staff
Whiplash and Auto Accidents
Bottom Line
To understand the chiropractic treatment of whiplash injuries, it is important to briefly review the nature of this type of neck injury. Whiplash is characterized as an injury to the muscles of the neck from the traumatic rapid forward and backward motion of the neck during an accident.
The acute pain and restricted motion you experience after a whiplash injury is a product of injured tissue, and the protective response of the nervous system as it locks up spinal joints to protect you from possible injury to the spinal cord. Chiropractic care emphasizes mobilizing restricted spinal joints. Our Little Rock and North Little Rock chiropractors will address the disturbed mechanics and the neurological responses that allow for treating the cause of neck injury and return a full functioning to injured spinal joints.
Chiropractic Care and Whiplash
The goal of chiropractic care in treating whiplash injuries is to optimize motion in the spine, treat the spinal discs, reduce muscle spasm and improve muscular strength.
Chiropractors are specialists in spinal manipulation — an active, hands-on care that returns motion to the spine after a car wreck. The restricted motion and disturbed mechanics that characterize whiplash injuries are especially helped by spinal manipulation in patients who are considered good candidates for this approach.
How a Chiropractor Diagnoses Whiplash Injury
Even if you go to the chiropractor complaining of neck pain following an car accident, we will evaluate your spine as a whole. It’s important to examine the entire spine because even though it’s just your neck that hurts, other regions of the spine may be affected.
Our Little Rock and North Little Rock Chiropractors will determine areas of restricted joint motion, disc injury, muscle spasm, and ligament injury. Give us a call or go to our website to set up your consultation!!!
|
|
|
Headaches After a Car Accident
Headaches after a car accident in Little Rock or North Little Rock?
The onset of post-traumatic headaches are very common following a car accident. They are real and can be very debilitating. We hope you find the following information useful on your path to healing and recovery following a motor vehicle accident in Little Rock or North Little Rock.
Bottom Line:
Post-Traumatic Headaches Post-traumatic headaches are headaches that begin after a serious trauma such as a car accident. These headaches are very often quite painful and debilitating, and they can start immediately or very soon after a trauma. These types of headaches can also start days, weeks, or months after an auto accident. The severity of the accident often has little to do with the severity of the headaches, as even low-speed crashes (as low as 4 miles per hour) can result in quite painful post-traumatic headaches.
Why Do These Traumatic Headaches Occur?
There are two mechanisms of injury at play during a car accident that can cause post-traumatic headaches.
- First, a victim can suffer a blow to the head by striking her head against the window, steering wheel, or any other hard surface inside the vehicle. These blows to the head can cause a mild traumatic brain injury (a mild concussion) and/or post-traumatic headaches.
- Secondly, the mechanism known as the “acceleration-deceleration†injury occurs in many automotive crashes where the victim’s head whiplashes violently back and forth. The brain smashes around inside the skull, again causing a mild traumatic brain injury and/ or post-traumatic headaches.
What Are Some of the Different Kinds of Post-Traumatic Headaches?
Cervicogenic Headaches, Migraine Headaches, Tension Headaches, Cluster Headaches, Musculoskeletal Headaches, Vascular Headaches, Chronic Daily Headaches, Occipital Headaches, Chronic Facial, TMJ Headaches
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Post-traumatic Headaches?
After a motor vehicle accident, the victim may begin to notice his/her headaches are more frequent and/or more severe than ever before. The headaches can start immediately or begin weeks after an accident. The symptoms may include, but are not limited to: Painful tightness and/ or pressure about the forehead or on the sides and back of the skull A dull, achy head pain Loss of appetite Tenderness to the back of the head, scalp and neck muscles Any of these symptoms can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an entire week (or even up to a month)
What Are the Best Treatment Options for Post-Traumatic Headaches?
It is important for victims of motor vehicle accidents to be seen by a doctor within the first 14 days. Chiropractic physicians can evaluate your type of headache and refer to the necessary specialist for treatment. Most of the post-traumatic headaches experienced are vascular or nerve related, and can easily be treated without drugs by a chiropractor. Occipital, Cervicogenic, Migraine, Cluster, TMJ/Facial, Musculoskeletal, Tension, and Daily Chronic headaches have all shown positive results when subluxations (simple misalignments of the joints causing nerve pressure) are restored to normal.
Call On Us!
If you, a friend, or loved one is experiencing chronic or post-traumatic headaches; please have them come to one of our chiropractic offices for a complete and complimentary evaluation. Our Little Rock and North Little Rock chiropractors will determine the cause and explain the treatment plan for getting rid of these painful headaches once and for all. Please visit our homepage for our closest and most convenient location to you.
Little Rock: 501-313-2844
North Little Rock: 501-353-1781
3 Steps to Go from Exhausted to Energized
Bottom Line:
If you’re coming out of the holidays feeling a little sluggish and low on energy in Little Rock or North Little Rock, you’re not alone! Any changes to your regular sleep and exercise routine can impact your energy levels and leave your body struggling just a bit to keep up without that seemingly necessary caffeine fix. Not to worry! As we head into the new year, your Little Rock and North Little Rock Chiropractors have prepared a list of some simple steps you can take to enjoy a healthier, happier, and less exhausted, more energized 2022!
Why it Matters:
When you’re feeling exhausted, you might notice some obvious aches and pains. However, what you might not so easily notice is the impact that exhaustion is having on your brain and
immune system function. Those are just a couple of the reasons taking proactive steps to boost your energy is so important for your overall health and wellness. Without further ado, here are our top 3 go-to strategies to help get you from exhausted to energized….
1. Strive for Daily Exercise. Yes, exercising when you feel exhausted might seem like the quickest route to being more tired, but the opposite is true! Exercise and Chiropractic can actually increase your energy levels and brain activity and may even help support your immune system function.
2. Set Your Sleep Schedule. Your body runs on daily cycles called circadian rhythms, and these 24-hour cycles are part of your internal clock. Prioritizing your sleep and going to bed and getting up around the same time each day helps maintain those cycles.
3. Eat Right. Keeping your blood sugar balanced is key to supporting your overall energy levels. Sugary foods can provide a quick spike in energy… but very quickly leave you feeling wiped out.
Eating more whole foods and reducing your sugar intake can help keep your energy levels more consistent and balanced throughout the day.
Next Steps:
Taking proactive steps to boost your energy levels will positively impact both your body and your mood. If you can’t tackle all of them at once, we recommend you start by getting some exercise and moving your body. Tomorrow, take the next step, and then the next! And if you’re near Little Rock or North Little Rock and you’ve been living with some aches and pains that are impacting
your ability to exercise or sleep, be sure to schedule a visit with one of our Chiropractic offices today. Our Chiropractors will work side by side to create a wellness routine that can help you move better and feel less exhausted and more energized so you can enjoy a happy new year ahead!
Little Rock: 501-313-2844
North Little Rock: 501-353-1781
Science Source(s):
7 Tips to Live a Happier Life. Mayo Clinic. 2020.
Stenosis: How a Pinch in Your Neck Can Affect Your Whole Body
Bottom Line:
Have you been told that you have spinal stenosis? If so, you’re not alone in Little Rock or North Little Rock. Millions of people suffer from spinal stenosis each day, and it’s the number one reason people over 65 years old have spine surgery. Spinal stenosis describes the compression, or pinching, of your spinal cord, and it can occur due to a disc herniation, bone spur, or ligament overgrowth. The good news? Drugs and surgery are not the only way to find relief from stenosis in the neck in North Little Rock and Little Rock.
Why it Matters:
For many, the most significant challenge associated with spinal stenosis is the decreased ability to get up and move.
Severe pinching in your neck can cause issues with your arms and legs. One of the best ways to relieve the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis is to open up the spinal canal and take the pressure off the nerves and spinal cord.
Many chiropractic techniques focus on decreasing the pressure on your spinal cord, which can help to relieve the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis.
To recap:
- Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the
nerves that travel through it. - Spinal stenosis is most commonly caused by degenerative changes in the spine related to
osteoarthritis. - Relief can often be found through a combination of building strength in the muscles supporting
the spine and improving the flexibility and stability of the spine with chiropractic care.
Next Steps:
After beginning chiropractic care, many patients report an improvement in their overall quality of life. They notice a decrease in their symptoms and the ability to walk further without pain. If you have been slowed down by spinal stenosis, don’t hesitate to schedule an evaluation with us. Our expert team of Little Rock and North Little Rock Chiropractors are here to guide you towards the best treatment options so you can find relief.
Just give us a call to get started!
Little Rock: 501-313-2844
North Little Rock: 501-353-1781
Science Source(s):
Spinal Stenosis. The Mayo Clinic. 2020.
Neck Pain How to Find Relief
Bottom Line:
An episode of neck pain can quickly hamper your everyday activities. Whether you began experiencing pain due to injury, degenerative spinal changes, or poor posture, it can
be difficult to think about anything except the pain. It’s estimated that 70% of people experience neck pain in their life, but you should know there is a path towards neck pain relief with you Little
Rock and North Little Rock Chiropractors.
Why it Matters:
Neck pain can encompass anything from headaches to pain in your arms and hands to an actual pain in your neck. The most common reasons for neck pain are strained muscles and “stuck” spinal joints. Whatever the underlying issue, the one thing they have in common is that they can cause a lot of pain and may have you fearing that you have a more significant issue. Know that with a proper examination, our team of Little Rock and North Little Rock Chiropractors can pinpoint the root cause of your pain specifically.
Did you know:
- The facet joints are the small spinal joints located at the back of your spine that often become fixated or “stuck” which can lead to pain.
- Muscle strains can occur as a result of poor posture or even sleeping in an awkward position.
- Whatever the cause, proper motion can help to reduce irritation and inflammation and restore your range of motion.
Next Steps:
A small chiropractic adjustment today (literally!) can make big changes in your quality of life. Our expertly trained team of Little Rock and North Little Rock Chiropractors is focused on helping you feel and function better, and that often starts with improving your spinal motion. We also make sure to provide you with the stretches and exercises we know are essential so you to continue your improvement from the comfort of your own home.
So, if neck pain is getting in the way of you enjoying your life, give or Little Rock or North Little Rock Chiropractors a call. Our doors are open, and we’re here to help!
North Little Rock: 501-353-1781
West Little Rock: 501-313-2844
Science Source(s):
Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Exercise. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2012.
What Causes Inflammation?
Bottom Line:
Chronic inflammation is one of the most significant health issues many of us will face today. It’s been linked to everything from chronic pain to a wide range of other mild and serious medical conditions. It’s important not to mistake acute inflammation for chronic inflammation according to you Little Rock and North Little Rock Chiropractors. Acute inflammation describes your body’s natural defense mechanism against injuries or toxins. When your immune system is constantly stressed, it can then lead to chronic inflammation which in turn can lead to other conditions.
Why it Matters:
In 2014, it was estimated that over 50% of people had at least one chronic condition, and 40% had more than one. Chronic inflammatory diseases can include respiratory and heart disorders as well as diabetes. The majority of these disorders are linked directly to our lifestyle choices. Each day you have the option to either increase or decrease your state of inflammation. Here are some fundamental ways to start taking your life back from chronic inflammation:
- Eat right. Fruits and vegetables are high in natural antioxidants and may protect the body against inflammation.
- Get enough rest. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can reduce your physical and emotional stress levels, which has been linked to a lower risk of chronic inflammation.
- Stay active. Exercise can lower the amount of pro-inflammatory chemicals in your body and benefit your cardiovascular and mental health.
Next Steps:
Reducing your risk of chronic disease and inflammation begins with the choices you make each and every day, and we’re here to help you make the best decisions to help you live a full, active, and healthy life.
If you believe you’re not eating, sleeping, or moving as well as you would like, be sure you have an appointment scheduled with our Little Rock or North Little Rock Chiropractor. Together, we’ll analyze your habits and create a plan to get you and your well-being back on track!
West Little Rock: 501-313-2844
North Little Rock: 501-353-1781
Science Source(s):
Chronic Inflammation. StatPearls. 2021.
The Truth About Chiropractic
Bottom Line:
Little Rock and North Little Rock Chiropractors have been helping people perform their best for over 125 years. Many things have changed since the beginning with chiropractic, but the one thing that remains constant is our commitment to helping people find relief from pain and improve their quality of life without drugs or surgery.
Your body’s ability to heal is truly incredible, and at the center of this healing ability is a strong connection
between your brain and body.
Why it Matters:
Your brain and body are connected by a perfectly complex system of nerves that control and coordinate
everything that happens in your life. Physical, mental, and chemical stressors can all wreak havoc on your body’s ability to process information. Such disruptions can lead to pain, decreased functional abilities, and, in some cases, even chronic disease.
Did you know:
- Wellness is the act of practicing daily healthy habits, not merely the absence of pain.
- Lifestyle factors drive about 80% of chronic diseases.
- Chiropractors in Little Rock and North Little Rock have been trained to identify the lifestyle factors that may lead to health challenges and to help you address them proactively.
Next Steps:
You may think of chiropractors as the doctors who just adjust your back, but the truth is that chiropractic
care can offer you much more! Working with your chiropractor in our Little Rock or North Little Rock offices to find opportunities to be more proactive with your health will lead to better results, a higher quality of life, and a more positive approach to living. If you believe in the body’s incredible healing ability like we do, it’s time to get adjusted in more ways than one.
Give us a call today!
Little Rock: 501-313-2844
North Little Rock: 501-353-1781
Science Source(s):
5 Healthy Habits That Prevent Chronic Disease. Cleveland Clinic. 2020.
Is My Arm Pain Coming From My Neck?
Bottom Line:
Pain in your hand, wrist, or arm can be frustrating. You don’t realize how much you use your arms and hands until pain, numbness, or tingling gets in the way. Most of us don’t usually wonder “is my arm pain coming from my neck” right off the bat, but it’s actually very common for arm pain to be traced back to a nerve issue in the neck according to your Little Rock and North Little Rock Chiropractors.
Why it Matters:
We’ve seen time and time again how hand, wrist, and arm pain often start with a neck problem. For example, when a spinal disc in your neck irritates or presses on a nerve, it can result in arm pain. Just like the power lines that bring electricity to your house, your brain and spinal cord split into individual nerve roots that deliver information to every part of your body. And it just so happens that the nerves in your neck are specifically focused on providing strength and sensation to your head and arms.
Here’s what you should know:
-  A bulged or herniated disc in your neck can irritate or compress the nerves that travel to your hands, arms, and shoulders.
- Improving spinal mobility, decreasing inflammation, and improving your posture may help prevent future episodes of neck and arm pain.
- Over 86% of people who received chiropractic adjustments for the care of neck disc herniation showed improvement.
Next Steps:
Pain in the arm as a result of a pinched nerve in your neck very rarely requires surgery. Most people can find long-term relief with conservative options like the Little Rock and North Little Rock chiropractic care we provide in our practices. Adjustments are just one of the non-invasive tools we use to help reduce the irritation and inflammation in your neck so your body has time to heal. If you’ve been living with those nagging pains in your arms or neck day after day, give our Little Rock or North Little Rock Chiropractic offices a call.
Together, we’ll get to the root cause and design a complete plan to help you curb those symptoms and
get your life back.
Little Rock: 501-313-2844
North Little Rock: 501-353-1781
Science Source(s):
Cervical Nerve Root Injections or Spinal Manipulative Therapy. JMPT. 2016.
Why Does My Neck Hurt?
Bottom Line:
Your neck has a tough job. It has to hold, stabilize, and move the weight of your head… every day… for a lifetime. Holding up 11 pounds may not seem like a lot, but the 7 bones and 20 muscles of your neck have to work together in perfect harmony to balance that weight so you to move your head around free of pain. Postural changes, sudden injuries, and arthritis are just a few of the primary causes of neck pain, and that pain can often be traced to a problem with either the muscles, bones, discs, or nerves in your neck, according to you Little Rock and North Little Rock Chiropractors.
Why it Matters:
If you’ve ever wondered “why does my neck hurt†and been unable to turn your head for a day or two, you know how life-changing neck pain can be. The sharp muscle spasms that restrict your ability to move often happen when your body is trying to protect a spinal joint that isn’t moving correctly. Almost every bone in your neck has a pair of sliding joints towards the back called facet joints. If those joints become “stuck,” your body will try to compensate, but, over time, that compensation can cause a cascade of additional challenges.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Sudden injuries, arthritis, and postural issues can all contribute to neck pain.
- The small sliding joints of the neck can become “stuck,” leading to muscles spasms and pain.
- Gentle spinal adjustments combined with daily stretching can help restore proper motion in the joints of the neck and reduce pain.
Next Steps:
Pain in your neck is your body’s way of saying “pain attention”! Even if your neck pain often eases up by the end of the day, it’s a smart idea to have our chiropractic team evaluate how it’s moving. Movement assessments provide your Little Rock and North Little Rock Chiropractor with an incredible amount of information about your body. By taking a proactive approach to your health today, you may be able to prevent future episodes of neck pain and stiffness.
It all starts with a call. Our doors are open, and we’re here to help!
Little Rock: 501-313-2844
North Little Rock: 501-353-1781
Science Source(s):
Intervertebral Kinematics of the Cervical Spine. The Spine Journal. 2018
Healthy Spine For A Lifetime
Dr. Derek, your North Little Rock Chiropractor, teaches how to engage muscles that stabilize the pelvis and spine. This can help keep us pain free through whatever life throws at us.
https://youtu.be/WvaB5TnNeOM
West Little Rock: 501-313-2844
North Little Rock: 501-353-1781