Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most aggravating types of pain experienced. We often take pain-free movement for granted and do not realize how frequently we tilt, turn, or move our neck on a near constant basis. Car accidents, even at low speeds, are a leading cause of neck pain as are other factors such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and poor posture.

Following an accident, such simple movements taken for granted can be agonizingly painful that often lead to long-term, chronic issues if not cared for correctly especially during the initial and intermediary stages of healing. Surprisingly, some people may not experience any symptoms after an accident, however, we strongly encourage everyone to get checked thoroughly to ensure that nothing seriously is occurring at a structural or biomechanical level.

A primary reason to get checked even if there is no neck pain is due to the fact that the natural "lordotic" curve is often lost after an accident as a result of soft tissue changes caused by structural imbalances. Unfortunately, some individuals never regain the natural curvature in their neck which leads to premature "wear and tear" resulting in conditions such as degenerative joint disease over time. So get checked at the very least because "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" as the saying goes.

Many of our patients who suffer with neck pain often experience additional symptoms such as headaches, upper back and shoulder pain, and pain, numbness, and tingling into the arms and hands. With the chiropractic care and adjunct physiotherapies that we offer our patients, living life at a peak performance is what we strive for in every person who we take care of in our office.

If you have been suffering with neck pain or any other ailment due to a car accident or injury, call us today at 702-201-9368 to begin your chiropractic care.

Whiplash

When you're in a car accident, whiplash injuries occur in an instant. During high-impact trauma, the muscles and soft tissues in your neck, upper back, and shoulders may be stretched beyond their physical limit, causing temporary or permanent damage via strain and sprain mechanisms. This is common among front- or rear-collision auto accident victims as well as results from sport-related injuries or other forms of trauma.

When your head thrusts violently backward and forward without warning, damages to the muscles and soft tissues in your cervical spine may occur. Sufferers of whiplash often complain of sharp pain and restricted movement in their neck and upper back. Auto accidents are a common cause of such injuries. Whether you rear-end another car or are struck from behind, you are vulnerable to unnatural movements that can impact your spine. Whiplash may occur at any speed of travel and in any type of accident.

In addition to pain, symptoms of whiplash may include:

If you have been suffering with whiplash or any of its associated symptoms due to an accident, call us at 702-201-9368 to schedule an appointment.

Headaches

Headaches are among the most frequent complaints following automobile accidents. Even if a driver or passenger does not hit his or her head during the crash, headache symptoms may arise. Some people suffer frequent headaches; others only get them occasionally. Some headaches are throbbing, while others are sharp and debilitating. But you no doubt understand the anguish and discomfort that comes along with such a condition.

Headaches come in many forms. Regardless of the style of headache you suffer, it is important to seek chiropractic care right away. In fact, we recommend calling us whether you have symptoms or not because headaches may be delayed and it may be beneficial to seek chiropractic care immediately. We see firsthand that proactive chiropractic care can help limit the impact and effects of your headaches.

Some of the common varieties that we can help with include:

• Muscle Contraction Headaches - Otherwise known as tension or spasm headaches, these are the result of soft tissue injuries that cause strains or spasms in your muscles.
• Post-Traumatic Headaches - This type typically does not appear for days or weeks following an accident and may be caused by a concussion or "pinched" nerve.
• Migraine Headaches - These headaches are associated with concussions and may be accompanied by nausea or light sensitivity.

Suffering with headaches is a headache, so stop living in discomfort and call us at 702-201-9368 to begin your chiropractic care today.

Back Pain

Back pain is not something that you want to merely manage or tolerate on your own. Any time you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, its violent nature may cause significant back pain resulting in the loss of life's enjoyment. Back pain may also be a result of vertebrae being out of alignment, strains/sprains, poor posture, improper lifting, and a lack of regular exercise.

Additional causes of back pain may be due to conditions such as degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, disc herniations, facet syndrome, stress/compression fractures, and spinal stenosis.

Regardless of the nature or severity of your auto accident, you may experience pain, discomfort, or uneasiness along your spine and in your middle and lower back. Sudden changes in direction as the result of an automobile striking another car or object accompanied by safety restraints can damage a wide range of structures and tissues in your back.

Common symptoms associated with back pain may include:

• →  Muscle spasms and irregular muscle contractions
• →  Difficulty when sitting, standing, walking, and sleeping
• →  Numbness, weakness, and pain into your buttocks, legs, and feet
• →  Irregular urinary and bowel habits

Living with back pain is one of the worst things that can happen to your health. Call us today at 702-201-9368 to schedule an appointment for chiropractic care.

Shoulder Pain

Your shoulder's full range of motion is necessary for many daily activities. If you want to play catch with your kids, reach for a plate on the top shelf, or complete yard work, it is essential to have pain-free movement in your shoulders. Unfortunately, following an automobile accident or injury, that may not be the case. Violent car crashes can significantly impact your shoulder joints and cause pain or discomfort with even the slightest of movements. Whether your car was rear-ended or you misjudged how long it would take to brake to avoid the vehicle in front of you, the result could be long-lasting shoulder pain.

The shoulder complex contains many muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, bones, and joint structures. The shoulder ties into the neck and back, and the ball and socket complex (glenohumeral joint) of the shoulder in conjunction with the acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and scapulothoracic joints is very susceptible to injuries sustained in accidents. Shoulder pain can occur either immediately following a car accident or it may present itself a number of days after the accident has occurred.

Shoulder injuries are often seen in auto accidents, and several types could occur, such as:

• Shoulder Sprains - Also known as a separated shoulder, this results from stabilizing ligaments being stretched or torn, thus dislocating or separating the acromioclavicular (AC) joint.
• SLAP Tears - A Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) tear is an injury to one's labrum. This injury affects the area where the bicep tendon meets the labrum.
• Rotator Cuff Tears - Another common injury during an auto accident is a rotator cuff tear. This can happen to any of the muscles or tendons that connect your upper arm to your shoulder blade. It is most common in a rear-end collision, and it inhibits your ability to rotate your shoulder.

Shoulder pain and limited ranges of motion can have a drastic effect upon your well-being. Call us at 702-201-9368 today and schedule an appointment to have your shoulder examined.

Arm Pain

It would be difficult to count how many times a day you lift your arms. Whether you are putting on a shirt, picking up your child, or reaching for a glass on the shelf, you rely extensively on arm mobility and strength. Unfortunately, many people quickly notice the necessity of arm mobility and strength if it is impacted following an auto accident. Car crash victims often experience limb weakness in the aftermath of their accidents that can be debilitating and a cause of frustration.

Arm pain after a car accident is typically caused by direct trauma to the upper arm, elbow, forearm, or shoulder. Many accident victims are surprised to learn how common elbow and arm pain is after a car crash. Whether you tightly grip your steering wheel to brace for impact or ricochet against your car window, several elements of a traumatic accident can severely damage the structures in your arm.

Violent collisions can cause arm pain for a variety of reasons related to the muscles and ligaments in your arm, as well as those in your spine and neck. In addition to head and neck injuries, limb pain is among the most common complaints from those who have been involved in an auto accident. The severity of the accident does not always determine the extent of your injuries. Even minor fender benders can cause extreme arm pain.

Symptoms may be apparent immediately or appear several days following an accident once tension subsides. The three most common causes of arm pain following a car crash are:

• Direct Force - Direct force to your arms, neck, or shoulders can lead to pain in these areas immediately following an accident.
• Neck Injury - Nearly 2 million Americans suffer neck injuries in car crashes every year. When your head or neck is thrust in several different directions quickly, you may stretch ligaments that support your neck. This can lead to problems in your arms and shoulders.
• Tension from Whiplash - If you anticipate an accident and tense your muscles as a result, counterforces may lead to injuries. This pain may not develop for weeks or months after your crash.

If you have been experiencing arm pain, weakness, or numbness/tingling/burning in your arm or hand, it's essential that you be checked as soon as possible. Call us at 702-201-9368 today so that we may be able to assess your condition and then let you know if we are able to help you.

Leg Pain & Sciatica

We commonly refer to our lower extremity as the “leg” when in fact it consists of structures such as the thigh, knee, leg, and foot. Our lower extremities contain a complex network of nerves, muscles, connective tissue, and joints that are often injured during an accident and it is common for one or more regions to sustain an injury during a car crash.

Your body can be impacted by car accidents in many different ways and you could be experiencing pain in this region for a number of reasons. The types of leg injuries sustained in a car accident depend upon a number of factors: the severity of the wreck at hand, where you were located in the vehicle, if your legs hit the dashboard suddenly, if you were wearing a seatbelt, and the side of the vehicle impacted by the collision in relation to where you were seated and positioned.

In addition, injuries to your spine, pelvis, or hips may damage or irritate the soft tissues in your body that may cause undue pressure on relevant nerves such as the sciatic nerve. The sudden impact of a car crash can immediately “pinch” a nerve, or injuries sustained in the accident can put stress on a nerve over time.

As people experience pain differently, their symptoms can range from mild discomfort to shooting or throbbing pain, making everyday tasks feel impossible to complete. After a car accident, common leg injury symptoms may include:

• →  Sharp pain
• →  Burning pain
• →  Numbness
• →  Pins and needles
• →  Restricted movement
• →  Joint popping/clicking
• →  Instability and/or weakness in the leg

If you have been suffering with leg pain or neurological sensations such as numbness, tingling, or burning, then call us today at 702-201-9368 to schedule a consultation and assessment to find out if we are able to help you.

Knee Pain

We rely upon our knees for practically every daily activity. Walking around your home or office, running in the park with your children, or participating in your daily exercise are all credited to the function of healthy knees.

After an auto accident, knee pain is a common complaint resulting in many difficulties when performing routine tasks. Your knee can sustain injuries in a wide variety of situations such as when involved in a car accident. Whether you are driving or riding in a car, you are vulnerable to knee injuries during the impact of a collision. The knees can twist or hyperextend, or they can be injured from forceful contact with the dashboard, side panel, or even the airbag.

In the process, many things can happen such as ligaments or tendons being strained or torn, the meniscus (the soft cartilage-like substance that provides cushioning) tearing, or even the kneecap being broken. As a result, uncomfortable positions, muscle tension, and joint problems can all contribute to your knee pain. Suffering through daily discomfort that forces you to live a sedentary lifestyle is something that no one should experience.

Other causes of knee injuries include sports injuries, physically-demanding jobs, and repetitive strain. Regardless of the reason for your knee pain, areas of concern may be:

• →  Pain during movement
• →  Crunching or popping sounds
• →  Pain when the back or side of your knee is touched
• →  Restricted ranges of motion
• →  Swelling or redness around your knee
• →  Weakness or loss of stability

We understand how important it is to maintain healthy knees and hobbling around on a bad knee is never fun. Reach us at 702-201-9368 so that you can have your knees, hips, and back examined today. Aside from a direct injury, surprisingly, many knee issues stem from the back and hips so having these areas checked may identify and isolate the source.