Chiropractic Care for Whiplash and Auto Accident Patients

Too often people do not seek treatment after being involved in an accident because they do not feel pain or have any obvious symptoms. Unfortunately, even a minor accident can affect proper biomechanics of the joints and affect the function of the whole body. Many times symptoms take days or weeks show up. By the time symptoms have come to life the damage may have already been done. Getting checked by a chiropractor is crucial after any auto accident big or small to avoid long term or permanent damage.

Whiplash occurs from sudden movement of the head moving forward, backward or sideways. Although it is most commonly associated with car accidents, you may experience whiplash if you are an avid athlete, experience a trauma or fall or even turn your neck the wrong way. Whiplash affects the neck area and causes damage to the muscles, nerves, ligaments and discs.

 Typical symptoms of whiplash include 

• Neck pain
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Tenderness
• Arm pain
• Fatigue and sleep disturbance
• Anxiety
• Jaw tenderness
• Headaches

Treatment for whiplash by a chiropractor includes a thorough history and full examination, which may include an X-ray. A chiropractor performs specific adjustments to the neck and surrounding area to reduce pain and irritation and allow the joints to return to normal function and natural healing process. We also use electrical stimulation and laser therapy to control swelling and spasms and speed up the healing in the area. We may recommend specific rehabilitation exercises or the use of a neck brace as part of their treatment plan.

For auto accident patients, Dr. Akhavan has made it easier for patients to get the care they need quickly by joining the ICBC Pilot program. Here’s how it works:  Meet with your ICBC adjustor to discuss your injury claim.  Your adjuster can approve you for chiropractic treatments on the spot.  Call our office at 604-990-6676 to book an appointment and provide your ICBC claim information, we’ll take care of the rest!  You will not be responsible for any treatment fees and your treatments will continue without needing ongoing authorization from ICBC. 

If you have any questions about the program or have recently been in an accident, call our office today.

Holiday-Proof Your Body: Part 2

Many common seasonal activities can cause injuries, here are some tips to help you stay healthy during the holiday season.

Holiday Challenge #2: Forearm and Hand Pain

Causes:
• Stirring / mixing while cooking
• Wrapping gifts
• Carrying packages

Solutions:
The hands and wrists can become overworked with holiday errands.  To strengthen the muscles of the hands and wrists and to prevent forearm and elbow injuries use stress balls or tennis balls.  Squeeze and release 10 times on each hand.

Another great way to keep your wrists healthy is to stretch your wrist flexors and extensors.  These stretches are easy and can be done anywhere.  Just extend one forearm with the palm pointed down and with the other hand gently press into the back of the hand to feel a stretch in the top of the forearm.  Then reverse your position so your palm faces the ceiling and use your hand to gently pull your fingers back.  Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds, repeat 3 times on each arm.

10 Health Tips for Autumn Leaves Clean-Up:

You can ease the strain and pain of raking — fall’s most taxing task by taking the following precautions to minimize your risk of sustaining an injury:

1. Avoid twisting your body while raking. Use your legs to shift your weight rather than twisting your back. Throwing leaves over the shoulder or to the side while raking involves twisting movements that can overly strain the muscles in the back.
2. Use a properly-sized rake for your height and strength.
3. Wear gloves to help prevent blisters on the hands.
4. Bend at the knees, rather than the waist, to pick up items.
5. Do some form of light exercise for ten minutes to warm up the muscles prior to raking.
6. Try to vary your movements as much as you can to avoid overuse of muscle groups.
7. Wear shoes with skid-resistant soles to minimize the risk of falling. Sturdy shoes can also reduce the risk of injuries to your feet.
8. Don’t overdo. Raking is an aerobic activity - you may need to take frequent breaks or slow your pace if you are an infrequent exerciser. (It’s better to live with the leaves tomorrow than with a sore back!)
9. As with any form of exercise, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to combat dehydration.
10. When you’re done, gentle muscle stretching can help relieve tension in the muscles. A hot bath can relax muscles.

For more information on spinal health, visit us at www.grandechiro.com.

Pain Trigger: Driving

Many people set their car seats at the wrong angle. If the seat is reclined, you may slouch forward to grip the steering wheel. This pulls your head away from the headrest and can cause neck pain.

Solution: Put your car seat in an upright position that supports your head and lower back. The steering wheel should be within easy reach, so your arms are slightly flexed and relaxed.