Why You Should Immediately See a Chiropractor after a Car Accident
July 30, 2010
A car accident can happen so suddenly.
In just the space of thirty seconds, that left turn you were about to make quickly becomes a major fender bender. Or maybe you were sitting patiently at a stop light, when all of a sudden you felt a major jolt in the back of your car.
Regardless of how your car accident happened, your next step is a vital one: even the most “minor” car accidents can cause the kind of neck, back and shoulder injuries that can cause persistent pain for the rest of your life. And in some severe causes, minor fender-benders have even led to permanent disability, thanks to whiplash, sprains and other spinal injuries.
Many people often think that treatment should only be sought when injuries are visible; in fact, a recent online survey found that one in three drivers reported feeling too embarrassed to seek medical treatment if no injuries were visible. However, some of the most debilitating injuries experienced during a car accident are the ones we can’t immediately see or feel.
Immediate treatment from a chiropractor after an auto accident should be everyone’s first line of response. Because chiropractors are trained to spot the “invisible” injuries, like whiplash, neck strain, bruises and other soft tissue injuries, your chiropractor can prevent potential injuries from turning into serious medical issues.
Additionally, by utilizing the skills and expertise of a chiropractor after an auto accident, you could save thousands of dollars on out-of-pocket hospital bills and other medical expenses. Since chiropractors treat a wide variety of common injuries caused by car accidents – including whiplash, shoulder pains, muscle fatigue, and other symptoms – you won’t have to resort to expensive hospital treatments to alleviate these minor injuries. And because many chiropractors specialize in injuries caused by auto accidents, they can show you exactly what exercises you can perform to help your nerves, muscles and spinal cord to gently and effectively heal.
Don’t let a car accident turn your life upside down – seek immediate treatment from an experienced chiropractor and stop those injuries before they start!
When considering treatment for injuries resulting from a car accident, our physical therapy clinics in Bayonne and Scotch Plains NJ come highly recommended by numerous physicians in Hudson and Union Counties. Feel free to contact us for a Free, In-Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location, call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $145 value).
How Physical Therapy Helps Arthritis Pain
July 23, 2010
Growing older often means that you have time for the activities that you enjoy. From gardening and painting to playing your favorite sport, you don’t want anything to get in the way of the things that you enjoy the most.
However, if you suffer from arthritis, then that usually isn’t an option.
For arthritis sufferers, living with this all-too-common ailment typically means reducing the amount of time spent on enjoyable activities. Additionally, because arthritis – which means the inflammation of the joints – causes a great deal of aches, pain, swelling and even limited motion, many sufferers often have trouble carrying out even the simplest tasks, like typing on a keyboard, cooking and even reading a book.
Fortunately, there is a way for arthritis sufferers to fight back against their pain: physical therapy.
After being diagnosed by a medical expert, arthritis sufferers can choose to seek physical therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment, which may also include prescribed medication. Physical therapists and chiropractors who specialize in treating injured joints can teach clients simple yet effective exercises that will gently strengthen the joints, thus reducing the pain and inflammation commonly associated with arthritis. Physical therapists and chiropractors can also provide sufferers with splints that will immobilize the hand or wrist, which can work wonders for patients who experience sharp pain whenever they use their hands.
Physical therapy for arthritis pain can also provide you with vital information on how to combat your arthritis at home. For example:
- You’ll learn about the types of food that can strengthen your joints and muscles by providing much-needed vitamins and minerals.
- For sufferers with severe knee pain, your physical therapist or chiropractor will show you the kind of footwear which will alleviate pain and reduce the amount of pressure you place on your joints.
- You’ll discover the kind of at-home exercises that will alleviate any sudden pains that you may experience while enjoying your favorite activities. Additionally, your physical therapist or chiropractor will show you activity modifications that you can do should your arthritis pain become too severe.
Don’t let arthritis stop you from enjoying your life – discover how physical therapy can help your arthritis pain today!
When considering treatment for arthritis pain and inflammation, our physical therapy clinics in Bayonne and Scotch Plains NJ come highly recommended by numerous physicians in Hudson and Union Counties. Feel free to contact us for a Free, In-Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location, call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $145 value).
How to Avoid Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
July 21, 2010
It’s a fear that resonates with any person who relies on their hands for work: carpal tunnel syndrome.
Even if you’ve never experienced the sharp and frustrating pain of carpal tunnel syndrome, the symptoms are instantly recognizable. Because carpal tunnel affects the nerves and ligaments that connect the hands to the wrists, complaints from sufferers range from a persistent dull ache to a sharp pain that strikes whenever the wrist is moved. And for sufferers whose very careers reside on the ability to use their hands (for example, writers, IT programmers, computer programmers, etc.), carpal tunnel syndrome can derail productivity and even result in serious amounts of sick leave.
So how can you avoid carpal tunnel syndrome? The following techniques are surprisingly simple – just a few quick tweaks here and there, and your hands and wrists will remain pain-free!
- Because carpal tunnel syndrome often strikes those who use keyboards frequently (and inefficiently!), it’s important to ensure that your keyboard and computer are properly set up to promote your health and wellness. Your computer’s keyboard should be positioned at elbow level, and your hands, wrists and forearms should always be in a parallel line to the floor while you work.
Additionally, use a wrist pad with your keyboard, which is a cushion that is placed directly under your wrists while you type. This takes the stress off of your wrists while you work, thus minimizing your chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. - Exercise will strengthen the muscles that run adjacent to your nerves; however, some forms of exercise can exacerbate wrist strain and even lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’re strength training (for example, you’re frequently using dumbbells or utilizing rowing machines), be sure to learn the proper methods for each piece of equipment. If you’re unsure, seek the advice of a professional who can show you proper posture and form during exercise.
- Be sure to take plenty of breaks at work, especially if you’ve been doing repetitive work such as typing on a keyboard. Take a walk around your office, shake out your hands and breathe in deeply as you stretch your arms. Keeping your muscles stretched out and warm will keep your nerves limber, which greatly reduces your chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Correct posture plays a prominent role in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. When working at a computer, always sit with your back straight and feet firmly planted on the floor. And always tap your keys lightly – experts cite heavy typing as one of the biggest causes of carpal tunnel syndrome among office workers.
When considering treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, our physical therapy clinics in Bayonne and Scotch Plains NJ come highly recommended by numerous physicians in Hudson and Union Counties. Feel free to contact us for a Free, In-Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location, call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $145 value).
How Posture Can Improve Athletic Performance
July 15, 2010
As an athlete, your regimen probably consists of the usual exercises: cardiovascular endurance, strength training, aerobic conditioning, etc. But while these workouts may aid in improving your overall performance, a new study has shown that athletes are overlooking a vital component of a successful training regimen: maintaining excellent posture.
A 2004 study conducted by the American Medical Athletic Association (AMAA; www.amaasportsmed.org) concluded that athletes who want to optimize their performance should focus on their posture. The study reported that “postural repositioning exercises, breathing exercises, gluteal, hamstring and abdominal/oblique exercises alone can provide for improved…performance as a result of improved posture.” The study also concluded that improved posture can alleviate aches and pains, as well as prevent common sports injuries.
So why does good posture play such an important role in how well you’ll run during the big marathon or at your next tennis match? Simple: it’s because improper application of pressure on your spine, joints, muscles and nerves can all contribute to a less-than-stellar athletic performance.
Think about it in terms of a car. No matter how much top-notch oil you pour into it, or how powerful the engine is, if the fundamental mechanics of the car aren’t properly aligned or working, you won’t get the maximum performance out of the car. The human body functions in the same way: even if your diet and exercise routines are highly optimized for an Olympic outcome, you won’t get the expected results if your body has been strained by poor posture.
So what exercises can you do to improve your posture?
Experts recommend that all athletes include yoga and meditative practices in their training regimen as a way of strengthening key muscles and joints. While yoga teaches how to find and maintain excellent posture, meditative sessions can reinforce proper breathing techniques, which can also relieve strain on muscles and joints. Try this simple exercise, known as “belly breathing”: breathe in through the nose and into the diaphragm for a count of five, and then exhale by “sighing” for a count of seven. By using this breathing technique, athletes will not only relieve stress to the ribs, shoulders and backs – this type of breathing also requires less energy to use. And as any athlete knows, less energy expelled on breathing means better performances.
Many athletes may require more assistance with corrective posture to enhance their athletic performance, which is where physical therapy or a combination of physical therapy and chiropractic services can help. At an initial consultation, the athlete’s overall balance, structure and tension will be assessed to determine the root cause of poor posture. Once the mechanical or structural problem has been identified, a custom program will be developed to help the athlete correct the imbalance and regain full range of athletic ability and performance.
When considering treatment for correcting posture related problems and enhancing athletic performance, our physical therapy and chiropractic clinics in Bayonne and Scotch Plains NJ come highly recommended by numerous physicians in Hudson and Union Counties. Feel free to contact us for a Free, In-Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location, call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $145 value).
Whiplash – Can This Affect My Memory?
July 14, 2010
“Doctor, is it normal for people after a whiplash injury to notice problems with memory. I can’t seem to remember things I just recently did since my car accident?”
This is a common complaint occurring as a result of a whiplash injury, but it’s not commonly known, leaving those who are suffering wondering, “…what’s wrong with me?” Whiplash is an injury that classically occurs as a result of a car crash at any speed, even at low speed! This is because at low speed, there is little to no damage to the car, and the forces from the crash are not absorbed by the crushing metal. As a result, those forces are transferred to the contents inside the car – that is, the passengers. This sometimes results in a significantly greater injury compared to crashes that occur at twice the speed because the latter results in crushing metal. The actual injury that occurs in whiplash is caused by the sudden, rapid movement of the head resulting in varying degrees of injury to the neck, as well as to the contents inside the skull – that is, the brain. The brain literally “bangs” into the inside walls of the skull when the head is rapidly accelerated during a car crash. The resulting injury is a concussion. What’s interesting is that most patients injured in a car crash often don’t mention a concussion nor is it usually asked about at the doctor’s office as other, more obvious injuries are dwelt with. The condition is usually referred to by one of two names: post-concussive syndrome or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).
“Doctor, when I’m reading a book or magazine, sometimes I have to re-read the passage several times before it sinks in. It’s as though I lose my concentration and I can’t focus on what I just read. The other day, I was talking to a group of co-workers and I lost my place in the middle of the discussion and had to ask, ‘…now where was I?’ I notice this is happening a lot since the car accident.”
This can be very embarrassing, frustrating, and scary for patients suffering with MTBI. Other symptoms associated with this include difficulty in focusing (blurred vision), headaches, having difficulty in pronouncing certain words (”tongue twisted”), having difficulty in understanding what was said, difficulty remembering numbers or groups of numbers like phone numbers, addresses, birthdates, and so on. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be very disruptive, making work and everyday tasks challenging.
How long does it last? MTBI can completely clear up in 2 to 6 months without problems or, it can hang on for 2 years or longer, and may even become a permanent residual from the car crash. In one study, continued problems after a 2 year time frame were reported in close to 20% of those injured 2 years earlier. This study suggests that about 1 out of 5 may continue to suffer with MTBI and the associated brain-related problems for at least 2 years following a car crash. However, another study reported the long term “higher cognitive function” (such as the ability to communicate through written or spoken language) is usually not affected by whiplash injuries. However, they preface that with by reporting that a more commonly injured group with more mild brain problems was found.
As chiropractors, we are trained to do a thorough history, orthopedic and neurological examination, and ask specific questions about mild traumatic brain injury. It is important to discuss this information with those suffering from whiplash injuries as frequently, MTBI patients think something is “…seriously wrong” and harbor unnecessary anxiety.
We realize that you have a choice in where you choose for your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for whiplash, chiropractic care is a logical first choice and we would be honored to offer our services to you
This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
Dr. Chludzinski has been treating neuropathic conditions for the past 5 years. He is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia, graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services all of Union and Hudson counties, including Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison, Kearny, Newark, Elizabeth, Westfield, Clark, Fanwood, Plainfield, Watchung, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights and South Plainfield.
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Light Therapy for Restless Leg Syndrome
July 1, 2010
Sufferers from Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) – the inability to sit or lay down without experiencing the incontrollable urge to move one’s legs – have often been at a loss for effective treatment of this frustrating condition.
After all, RLS sufferers experience difficulty accomplishing ordinary activities, such as sitting still at work and car and airplane travel, as they feel that they must continually move their legs. Additionally, this powerful urge is so prevalent, it can even prevent a sufferer from falling asleep, leading to secondary conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea and chronic fatigue.
In short, RLS doesn’t just affect the legs – it can affect every aspect of a sufferer’s life.
So what exactly causes RLS? While the jury is still out on a definitive cause, many experts agree that there’s a distinct relationship between RLS and venous reflux; in other words, RLS sufferers experience an abnormal blood flow that contributes to the feelings of having restless legs. Healthy blood flow will travel through the legs and back up to the heart to be re-oxygenated. But experts have discovered that RLS sufferers experience a weak blood flow in the legs, which then causes the blood in the legs to flow “backwards” due to gravity’s pull. This blood collects and floods the leg veins, causing that familiar and painful cramping sensation that characterizes RLS.
Luckily, many adult sufferers have a new option in the fight against RLS: low-level light therapy, otherwise known as LLLT.
Health experts have discovered that low-level light therapy can stimulate cellular function, thus reducing the pain and discomfort often associated with RLS. Additionally, it also helps to increase blood flow in the legs helping to reduce and even in some cases eliminate RLS. With LLLT, a small pad containing a set of lights releases specific laser wavelengths on the affected area for a predetermined amount of time. After a few treatments, most RLS sufferers report a significant amount of relief from their RLS due to this innovative and non-invasive treatment. What’s more, many insurance companies are now covering the treatment, which requires no hospitalization and minimal recovery time.
It’s finally a viable treatment option for exasperated RLS sufferers everywhere!
When considering treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), our physical therapy clinics in Bayonne and Scotch Plains NJ come highly recommended by numerous physicians in Hudson and Union Counties. Feel free to contact us for a Free, In-Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location, call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 value).
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