West Coast Wellness Blogs

For those who have been injured in a car accident or suffer from chronic pain, the spine is the key to overall health and wellness. While chiropractors have been treating many types of illness and injury naturally and holistically for years, the general public still understands very little about the role of the spine in seemingly unrelated conditions.

In this blog we will take a look at the anatomy of the spine, in an effort to better understand why chiropractic care and spinal manipulation is so important.

The spine, also known as the backbone, runs from the pelvis to the base of the skull, and is instrumental in supporting an individual’s body weight, as well as protecting the spinal cord within. The spine does have natural curves which allow for an even distribution of body weight, and give it the ability to withstand significant amounts of stress.

The spine is made up of a series of discs and bones stacked on top of each other. Discs, made up of very strong tissue and a gel-like interior,  are located in between each bone to reduce friction and act as shock absorbers.

The spinal cord runs through the spinal column. It is a network of nerve fibers arranged into 31 nerve roots which are responsible for transmitting messages to all parts of the body. Without this network, movement and even organ function is not possible. This is why a spinal injury can cause a host of other issues such as organ failure, sinus issues or headaches.

Spinal Cord Arrangement

These bones are divided into three regions:

Neck: Also known as the cervical region, the neck contains 7 vertebrae, numbered C1 through C7. Vertebrae C1 is located between the base of the skull and the rest of the spine, and together with C2 it allows for the free and pain-free movement of the neck when healthy. A slight curve, bending inward, is located in the area of the cervical spine.

Thoracic: The thoracic spine is located in the chest region, and is connected to the rib cage. Vertebrae T1 through T12 reside in the thoracic region, which is where the second natural curvature of the spine is located.

Lumbar: The lumbar legion is your lower back, and contains vertebrae L1 through L5. Lumbar vertebrae are the largest and strongest, as they bear the bulk of the body’s weight. The lumbar spine connects the spinal cord with the pelvis.

Did You Know? Vertebrae are made up of bones and joints, the latter allowing for movement, stability and strength. Facet joints connect the vertebrae and allow them to move against one another without damage. Without these joints we would not be able to twist, bend over, or move from side to side. In the middle of each single vertebrae is a hole which allows the spinal column and nerves to pass through.

Other Definitions to Know:

Sacrum: The sacrum are several vertebrae which fuse together in the womb, forming the bottom of the spine and the back of the pelvis.

Coccyx: Also known as the tailbone, the coccyx is also formed by the fusion of bones in utero. It is located directly below the sacrum.

When a vertebrae, joint, disc or nerve bundle is misaligned, proper bodily function is compromised. That is why seeking the expertise of a chiropractor can bring such relief. By gently manipulating the spine to bring it back into alignment, it relieves the pressures,pinches and rubbing of spinal bones and discs which are not meant to touch.

For more information on how your spine affects your health, and to discuss how we can help get you back to feeling great – call West Coast Wellness today.

Welcome to West Coast Wellness we offer services such as Auto Injury, Neuropathy, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Whiplash, Pinched Nerve, Ringing in Ears, Why Chiropractic Care?, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Spinal Disc Restoration, Electromedicine, Herniated Disc Treatment, Degenerative Disc Disease

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You’ve heard it since you were a child – “stand up straight, and don’t slouch!” It turns out that Mom was not only worried about how you presented yourself, but that good posture is really essential to your overall health. Bad posture can cause issues beyond neck and back pain, including breathing and digestive problems.

Posture refers to the position we hold our body during all of our daily activities – sitting, laying down, standing, and while in motion. Poor posture is often a result of improper spinal alignment, and therefore, is something a chiropractor can help to remedy.

Misalignment can occur when a patient spends a lot of time in the same position, such as sitting at a desk 50 hours per week. However, it can also occur after a traumatic event such as a car accident. While there are many ways for you to exercise and stretch at home, your chiropractor is an important ally.

Here are some of the disorders which can be caused by poor posture, which may be alleviated by addressing your posture and spinal alignment.

Headaches: Cervicogenic headaches originate in the neck, and can travel to the head or face. The pain radiates and can either cause an inability to move the neck or intensify with neck movement. These types of headaches are caused by a forward head posture, which results in undue stress on the joints and muscles in your neck. One of the most common causes of these headaches is extended time in front of a computer. Experts recommend that your monitor be placed at eye level to help alleviate these problems.

Joint Pain: While poor posture is most often associated with neck and back pain, it can also contribute to pain in other joints such as your hips, knees, or ankles. Because all extremities are connected to the spinal column, imbalances and misalignments can cause strain on these joints even while sitting. Balance chairs or balance cushions can help to alleviate the stress on these joints.

Arthritis: It only stands to reason that if the stress on the joints is detrimental in the short term, over a period of time it can result in a chronic condition. Poor posture can eventually lead to joint degeneration, arthritis, and other scenarios of limited mobility, which can then morph into ‘fixed’ poor posture – a long term issue.

Proper posture can help in other surprising ways as well. Patients who have their alignment corrected often report a reduction in stress, an increase in self-esteem, improved sleep patterns, and even fewer digestive issues.

How Chiropractic Care Helps

Whatever the cause of your spinal misalignment, be it poor posture or a car accident, chiropractic care offers significant relief.

Chiropractors utilize spinal and joint manipulation to improve posture and optimize mobility in the joints. While exercise and physical therapy techniques may be able to correct a patient’s posture issues, over time, a chiropractic adjustment may be necessary to realign the spine properly.

A chiropractor will evaluate your posture and determine where you are having issues. Your chiropractor will likely perform tests on your body alignment, joint mobility, and strength. They will also record and take into account your sleep habits, work habits, and exercise habits. All of these data points will help to pinpoint the source of your problems and more accurately address your pain and discomfort.

Posture – whether good or bad – affects your daily life in many ways. Ignoring poor posture for too long can cause serious long term health issues.

If you are experiencing neck, back, or joint issues, call West Coast Wellness to correct the spinal misalignment as soon as possible. Spinal alignment will not only improve your quality of life in the short term, but set you up for better health and wellness down the road.

Filed Under:  Accident Doctor

Welcome to West Coast Wellness we offer services such as Auto Injury, Neuropathy, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Whiplash, Pinched Nerve, Ringing in Ears, Why Chiropractic Care?, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Spinal Disc Restoration, Electromedicine, Herniated Disc Treatment, Degenerative Disc Disease

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Immediately following a car accident, you may not realize that you have been injured. Whether you are in shock or your injury has not manifested yet – symptoms may not appear for hours or even days.

If you were in a car accident but went home feeling fine, you should still be aware of the common post-car accident conditions that may develop. By associating these symptoms with your accident, you should be able to get the necessary chiropractic care to alleviate your pain.

While these are not the only possible injuries to keep an eye out for, these issues are often associated with spinal injuries, which can be treated with chiropractic care.

Headaches

Some of the most commonly occurring car accident symptoms are headaches, which may show up the next morning or weeks later. These headaches have a variety of possible causes.

• Tension headaches may be caused by anxiety, frustration, or stress – all of which are often present after a car accident. From dealing with insurance companies to covering expenses, tension headaches are given ample opportunities to appear.
• A concussion should be checked out by a medical professional. In addition to headaches, a concussion may cause vision problems, nausea, light sensitivity, or mood, and appetite changes.
• Whiplash may present with similar symptoms as a concussion. A sudden forceful impact can strain the muscles and tendons in your neck, although there are other possible injuries, including ligaments, joints, nerves, and discs. When whiplash appears, the pain can be significant, and make normal mobility impossible. Other symptoms of whiplash include dizziness, fatigue, pain in shoulder or neck, headaches and blurred vision, or muscular soreness and stiffness.

Neck or Shoulder Pain

Pain in the neck or shoulders may be caused by tension or anxiety, but can also be the result of nerve or tissue damage, or muscle and joint injuries. Whiplash and concussion may be accompanied by pain in these areas, so be sure to seek care as soon as these symptoms appear.

Back Pain

Back injury can show up after a car accident as an achy feeling, muscle tightness, or general discomfort. Unfortunately, it can also be excruciating and debilitating.

• Shooting pain down the spine or extremities may indicate a pinched nerve
• Pain in the lower back and radiating down the leg is likely sciatica. Sciatic pain may be a constant ache or a shooting pain.

Numbness or Tingling Sensation

Numbness or tingling in your neck, shoulder, back, or any extremities may indicate nerve or tissue damage.

Changes in Vision or Hearing

Whether they appear hours later or after several weeks, vision and hearing problems may be associated with your car accident. Double vision, blurred vision, and dizziness could be the result of a concussion, whiplash, or even post-traumatic stress. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may also be a result of car accident injuries, but most often will need to run its course, as there are few effective treatments for the problems.

You don’t need to suffer from pain, numbness, tingling sensations, or limited mobility.

The experienced chiropractic professionals at West Coast Wellness are ready to help you find relief and healing. If you or a family member have been in a car accident and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call today.

We can help to alleviate many of the injuries associated with car accidents or point you to a medical doctor if you need additional treatment.

Filed Under:  Main

Welcome to West Coast Wellness we offer services such as Auto Injury, Neuropathy, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Whiplash, Pinched Nerve, Ringing in Ears, Why Chiropractic Care?, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Spinal Disc Restoration, Electromedicine, Herniated Disc Treatment, Degenerative Disc Disease

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After a car accident, you may not feel that you have any injuries worth of medical treatment. In fact, you may feel fine at first, with seemingly no adverse effects at all. Unfortunately, your neck or back can begin to cause pain or discomfort weeks or even months later.

If you are like many people, you may live with nagging symptoms for years, assuming that they aren’t that serious or that treatment won’t help. You may not even associate your specific symptoms with the accident. But when the discomfort begins to interfere with daily life, it is time to do something about it. You’ve likely heard that chiropractic care is the right solution for your neck and back pain, but how exactly does chiropractic work?

Here is an explanation of how the nervous system works and how chiropractors treat nerve dysfunction, including that which is the result of a car accident.

Nervous System Explained

There are three parts to the nervous system.

The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord and is considered to be the primary processing function of the nervous system. The spinal cord transmits information to the brain for processing via multiple pathways, then returns relevant data to the extremities. A simple example of the central nervous system at work is walking. Our brain tells our legs to move, and our legs move accordingly, while keeping your balance. The sensory-motor pathways are vital for completing everyday tasks, even as we are not aware of their activity.

The peripheral nervous system is made up of a similar “two-way street” system. Information is sent from feet, hands, arms, legs, fingers, and toes to the spinal cord, transmitting information back and forth.

The autonomic nervous system is in charge of our organ functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion, among others.

All three systems are in constant communication with one another to keep our body functioning normally. However, many conditions can disrupt that communication, including spinal cord trauma and nerve or brain damage.

Subluxation Complex

The “subluxation complex”  describes a compromised nerve transmission, which can be the result of a compressed or irritated nerve. This nerve damage is typically due to an incorrect bone or joint position somewhere along the nerve’s course. Minimizing or eliminating nerve compression will facilitate the restoration of information transmission over the pathways, subsequently restoring function.

For instance, a patient may be experiencing numbness in their hand and fingers. A chiropractor determines that the patient has a herniated disk in their neck, and by alleviating the pinched nerve, he can relieve the numbness.  Chiropractors may utilize spinal manipulation, mobilization, or exercises to treat the situation. Depending on your provider, they may also employ lasers, electric stimulation, or pulsed magnetic field technologies. These treatments achieve the desired results with minimal side effects or risk to the patient. Because of these benefits, many people choose to try chiropractic before any more invasive forms of treatment.

At West Coast Wellness, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with us immediately following an accident. By doing so, we can align the spine and avoid the emergence of uncomfortable symptoms at all. However, if you are experiencing any strange numbness, tingling, pain, or loss of mobility, it is not too late to give us a call. We will work with you to naturally heal your body and return your nervous system to peak operating condition.

Welcome to West Coast Wellness we offer services such as Auto Injury, Neuropathy, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Whiplash, Pinched Nerve, Ringing in Ears, Why Chiropractic Care?, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Spinal Disc Restoration, Electromedicine, Herniated Disc Treatment, Degenerative Disc Disease

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A chiropractor will align your spine, relieve stress and pressure, and fix the source of your pain and inflammation rather than mask the symptoms.

But as you regain strength and health through chiropractic treatments, your body is benefitting in many other ways you may not realize. A properly functioning nervous system is necessary for true holistic health – not only to relieve pain and discomfort but to live your best life. Here are some of the many ways that you can expect your body to react to chiropractic treatment positively.

Stress Relief

Ongoing stress results in muscle tension, but chronic stress can do severe damage to your nervous system. A malfunctioning nervous system will significantly affect muscles, causing the body to begin to break down. Mental conditions may even manifest.

Chiropractic adjustments will restore your body to a balanced state, reduce tension, and encourage relaxation. The enhanced state of relaxation will positively influence the brain and increase your ability to manage stress.

Restoring Posture

Sitting incorrectly and for long periods exerts significant pressure on the spine. This pressure will begin to curve or tilt the spine and cause undue stress on the neck. Chiropractic adjustments can restore correct posture and eliminate pain. Interestingly, it does not matter if you are old, young, or anywhere in between. Everyone can benefit from the realignment of the spine to relieve pressure and restore good posture.

Improved Immune System

During this COVID-19 crisis, the need to build up individual immunity has been in the spotlight. You may not realize the chiropractic adjustments can actually improve and support your immune system.

Misaligned vertebrae cause more medical problems than you can even imagine. They block the effective performance of the nervous system, which is essential for relaying messages from the brain to every other part of the body – including immune cells. When the body cannot send information effectively, it begins to malfunction and get sick. A healthy nervous system – by virtue of a properly aligned spine – results in vastly better health overall.

Better Sleep

Quality sleep is one of the most critical components of a healthy lifestyle. However, many people suffer from lack of sleep due to stress, insomnia, or too much work. Many of these people also experience serious aches, pains, and sore muscles. While patients can visit a physician for a pharmaceutical solution, the results are fake and temporary. A chiropractor can offer long-lasting solutions, which will result in deep, restful sleep, relieving tense muscles, and putting the body back to right. Once restful sleep is restored, this positively affects all other aspects of life.

Stay Chemically Balanced

Our hectic lives can cause our bodies to be out of whack – lack of sleep, poor diet, and excessive stress can wreak havoc on the body’s chemical balance. The body operates most efficiently at a precise balance, and when the balance is upended. The body reacts. People who suffer from chemical imbalances may experience chronic fatigue and mood swings, which can ultimately disrupt one’s life. When the spine is aligned correctly, and the brain and body are effectively communicating, balance is restored across the entire system. This is why people with ADD and depression see significant positive results in chiropractic treatments.

Clearly, chiropractic treatments offer benefits beyond fixing a sore back. It is not uncommon for a patient who comes in for treatment after a car accident will continue long after the back is realigned – because they feel so healthy and robust in every area of life.

If you have recently suffered a car accident or are looking for a chiropractor to help with chronic pain and suffering, call West Coast Wellness. We will be happy to discuss your treatment options and further explain the broad range of benefits available to you through chiropractic care.

Filed Under:  Accident Clinic

Welcome to West Coast Wellness we offer services such as Auto Injury, Neuropathy, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Whiplash, Pinched Nerve, Ringing in Ears, Why Chiropractic Care?, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Spinal Disc Restoration, Electromedicine, Herniated Disc Treatment, Degenerative Disc Disease

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Inflammation is not harmful in and of itself. It is the typical response of a body trying to protect itself from irritants and pathogens and begin to heal.

However, chronic inflammation can result in severe consequences. It occurs when more inflammation is created in the body as a response to the inflammation which already exists. The body traps itself in a very unhealthy cycle, whereby the inflammatory response never stops, and the body starts to attack healthy tissue. Chronic inflammation is a hot topic in the health industry, as it is the culprit behind some of our most dangerous health conditions.

The immune system develops in response to exposure to the surrounding environment. The more stressors which the immune system conquers, the stronger it becomes. When we take too many antibiotics to battle allergens and irritants, our immunity loses its ability to fight for itself.

Chronic inflammation is caused by an imbalance in a weakened or compromised immune system. There are foods and lifestyle choices that will maximize the risk of chronic inflammation, such as not getting enough sleep, experiencing constant or excessive stress, or eating a carbohydrate-rich diet.

Chronic inflammation can also occur when the sub-par immune system mistakes healthy tissue for unhealthy pathogens.

People are rarely diagnosed with “chronic inflammation.” Instead, they may learn that they have rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. Other conditions that are associated with chronic inflammation include allergies and asthma, congestion, high blood pressure, indigestion, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, pain and stiffness in the joints, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight gain.

To the average observer, chiropractic care would have very little to do with treating these conditions. What does the immune system have to do with your chiropractor?

Your chiropractor is a powerful ally in the battle against chronic inflammation. As with most illness and injury, a chiropractor takes a very different approach when healing chronic inflammation than a medical physician. Instead of masking symptoms and easing pain with painkillers, a chiropractor allows the body to perform at optimum levels in the way it was designed to operate.

Experts agree that adjustments assist in minimizing the production of two inflammatory substances, thus reducing inflammation throughout the entire body. In addition to the positive effects of spinal adjustments, lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on reducing the inflammation naturally.

Your chiropractor will not prescribe medications but instead looks at holistic solutions to your pain. They will provide recommendations regarding a nutritious diet, as well as supplements such as Vitamin D and magnesium, which will help provide relief. When the body gets healthier, over time, it begins to build the immune system and will develop the ability to fight back.

If you have been living a life dealing with pain and inflammation – and are tired of drugs which allow you to maintain and survive, but not thrive – call West Coast Wellness today. We will consult with you as to the best course of treatment to get your inflammation under control and your body back to wellness.  

Filed Under:  Accident Clinic>

Welcome to West Coast Wellness we offer services such as Auto Injury, Neuropathy, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Whiplash, Pinched Nerve, Ringing in Ears, Why Chiropractic Care?, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Spinal Disc Restoration, Electromedicine, Herniated Disc Treatment, Degenerative Disc Disease

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After a car accident, individuals often suffer many aches and pains. These may range in intensity or severity and can affect the joints, muscles, or head. Many people immediately reach for NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for relief. This class of medications includes aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen – or more commonly, Excedrin, Motrin, Advil, and Aleve. Prescription-strength versions of these drugs are also available through a physician.

NSAID’s are so accepted because by blocking chemical production in the body, they relieve both pain and inflammation. Many people assume that because a drug is sold over the counter, it is safe and without side effects. But even taking these drugs as directed for too long a period can cause side effects which are at best uncomfortable, but at worse, they can be dangerous. In fact, during the COVID-19 crisis, we hear reports that NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can aggravate the virus and make it worse. This news is alarming, given that people often take ibuprofen for the fever which can accompany this virus.

NSAIDs are utilized for many of the types of injuries that are effectively treated through chiropractic care. Not only is chiropractic treatment natural and holistic, but it also avoids the following side effects of NSAIDs.

• NSAIDs increase the possibility of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart conditions which result in death. Prescription NSAIDs seem to be the most dangerous in this regard, while naproxen (Aleve) represents the least amount of risk. Especially troubling is that the risk of heart problems increases over time. This class of drugs is often taken daily over long periods of time to deal with chronic pain.
• Ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding have been observed in many who use NSAIDs regularly, especially if they take two or more of these drugs. Even if the more severe symptoms do not manifest, upset stomach and abdominal pain are often very common.
• Those who take NSAIDs can experience decreased blood flow to the kidneys, which interrupts the organ’s ability to filter blood.
• Men who take NSAIDs regularly are likely to experience reduced testosterone production, even to the point of affecting sterility and reproductive capability.

Given the problems that NSAIDs can cause with your stomach, kidneys, heart, and gastrointestinal tract, finding a more natural alternative is worth your time. Chiropractic treatments will alleviate much of your aches and pains without putting the rest of your health at risk.

If you suffer from neck or back pain due to a car accident, you may think that your only relief will come out of a pill bottle. But you do have an excellent alternative to NSAIDs. Chiropractic care has been proven to be more effective at pain relief than these drugs. While the medication will temporarily relieve the symptoms a patient is experiencing, they do not address the underlying cause of the pain. This explains how people can take painkilling drugs for years and years without permanent relief – the source of the pain is never eliminated.

In contrast, chiropractic treatment will directly treat the source of the pain by aligning the spinal cord and taking pressure off discs and vertebrae. Instead of treating the symptom, it addresses the cause of the problem. In this way, you can be cured of your chronic pain – you don’t have to live with it.

South Floridians are quickly waking up to the knowledge that there is a better way to treat everyday aches and pains. In fact, regular chiropractic adjustments are likely to not only relieve pain but to improve your overall well-being and quality of life.

If you have been in a car accident, or if you suffer from neck or back pain that doesn’t seem to get better, don’t go to the medicine cabinet. Call West Coast Wellness today.

Filed Under:  Accident Doctor>

Welcome to West Coast Wellness we offer services such as Auto Injury, Neuropathy, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Whiplash, Pinched Nerve, Ringing in Ears, Why Chiropractic Care?, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Spinal Disc Restoration, Electromedicine, Herniated Disc Treatment, Degenerative Disc Disease

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In the state of Florida, traffic accidents comprise the largest grouping of personal injury claims every year.  The 2019 Sarasota County traffic statistics show a relatively steady trend. There were 12,371 reported car crashes in 2019, which is only 150 accidents shy of the 2018 number. Traffic fatalities are relatively scarce, with 46 deaths recorded related to the total number of crashes.

Because West Coast Wellness is the premier chiropractic practice treating car accident victims in North Port, we thought we would share some other interesting car accident statistics.

• 95% of all vehicles involved in accidents are passenger cars and light trucks such as SUVs.
• More than half the car accidents represent the 15-44 age group.
• Teenagers between the ages of 15-19 suffer over 233,000 injuries annually
• As a result of 6 million annual car accidents, over 2.2 million people suffer permanent injuries; approximately 245,000 of these individuals live in Florida.
• Seat belts cut the risk of death by 45% and serious injury by 50%, however thousands of people still suffer injury due to seatbelts.

Seat belts keep a driver’s or passenger’s head from hitting the windshield or steering wheel. But although the body is kept in place, the head typically thrusts forward and can cause significant damage to the neck or spine. Seat belts will save your life, but could cause a range of injuries, including:

• Concussions and other brain injuries
• Joint dislocation
• Herniated discs
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Whiplash

Each of these statistics represent real individuals who were injured by an accident. That indicates thousands of Sarasota and North Port area residents dealing with lingering aches, pains and trauma that are often the result of a car accident.

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important that you seek medical help, no matter how you feel. Many injuries do not begin to show symptoms for days, weeks or even months. It is especially important for you to set up an appointment of a chiropractor who can determine if your neck, back or spine has been injured. While a physician can tell you if you have a broken bone, a skilled chiropractor can help to holistically treat the trauma you have experienced so that it does not manifest as a chronic problem down the road. .

Additionally, if you are seen by a Florida chiropractor within 14 days of your accident, your PIP car insurance will cover chiropractic care, and your chiropractor will help you to aggregate the documents and diagnoses that you will need to prove an injury.

Early intervention from a chiropractor can reduce long-term or ongoing medical bills, minimize loss of wages, and improve quality of life going forward.

If you have been in a car accident in the North Port area, make an appointment as soon as is practicable. Even if you have a clean bill of health from the hospital, it’s important to make sure that there is no swelling or inflammation around your vertebrae or discs. Chiropractic adjustments can quickly relieve pressure and put you back into alignment, greatly reducing your chances of developing pain if the trauma goes untreated for too long.

Don’t become a chronic pain statistic. Call West Coast Wellness to discuss how we can put you on the road to total health. 

Filed Under:  Main

Welcome to West Coast Wellness we offer services such as Auto Injury, Neuropathy, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Whiplash, Pinched Nerve, Ringing in Ears, Why Chiropractic Care?, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Spinal Disc Restoration, Electromedicine, Herniated Disc Treatment, Degenerative Disc Disease

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Immediately following a car accident, you may not feel any pain. The adrenaline which kicks in “tricks” the body, which is why many people refuse medical assistance on the scene. However, it is not uncommon for those involved in an accident to feel stiffness and sore muscles in the days following the incident. These uncomfortable symptoms should not be ignored, as they are a signal from your body that it has suffered some trauma. In addition to calling a chiropractor to assess the health of your spine, you may wish to consider heat therapy.

Thermotherapy utilizes heat to increase blood flow, which will help to alleviate the pain and discomfort you are experiencing. 

One of the pervasive effects of a car accident is feeling “sore all over.” Because the adrenaline initially blocks the feelings of tenseness and exertion on your muscles, once the adrenaline subsides, your body lets you know how it feels. Heat therapy encourages your tense muscles to relax and to ease muscle spasms if they exist. Many people who are looking for pain relief without utilizing pharmaceuticals are likely to find this an effective treatment method.

When areas of the body have been injured from an auto accident, the increased blood flow from thermotherapy is directed to body parts that need to be healed. Not only will it relieve symptoms temporarily, but it will accelerate overall healing.

One of the best analogies to how you feel after an auto accident may be the way you feel after an intense workout. The achiness and soreness can be significant, and the stiffness you feel may adversely affect your daily life. Even though heat therapy can provide comfort,  any lack of mobility should not be dismissed lightly. Immediately call a chiropractor to rule out any traumatic injuries to your spine, neck, back, or nervous system.

There are many moist heat packs available on the market to treat pain and discomfort. Heat gel packs and plug-in heating pads are also easily accessed. These products relax tense muscles, reduce soreness, speed up the healing process, and alleviate feelings of stiffness.

Heat vs. Ice

At this point, you may be wondering about the usage of cold press treatments versus heat therapy.

When the body is injured, swelling and inflammation is the initial response. Applying ice within the first hours of an acute injury will result in the contraction of blood vessels, which will, in turn, reduce swelling. Once the inflammation has calmed down, apply heat to the injured area. The increase in blood flow provides nutrition and oxygen to the area, as well as providing muscle relaxation.

Why Does Chiropractic Care Work?

Chiropractors focus on the musculoskeletal system. By manipulating the spine, they can relieve tension and help muscles to relax – which will, in turn, alleviate pain and bring down inflammation.

Each individual is unique. The best way to understand your injury and to relieve pain is to schedule an appointment with your chiropractor. He or she can help to identify any injuries which your body may have suffered. Chiropractors treat the injury not with drugs that mask the symptoms, but with treatment that heals the body.

West Coast Wellness believes in the power of non-pharmaceutical, holistic treatments to achieve the best results for our patients. If you have been in a recent car accident and are experiencing soreness, stiffness or pain, you may wish to apply heat therapy. But don’t delay in giving us a call for professional assessment and treatment. 

Filed Under:  Accident Doctor

Welcome to West Coast Wellness we offer services such as Auto Injury, Neuropathy, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Whiplash, Pinched Nerve, Ringing in Ears, Why Chiropractic Care?, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Spinal Disc Restoration, Electromedicine, Herniated Disc Treatment, Degenerative Disc Disease

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According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2019, an average of 130 Americans per day were dying of an opioid overdose. In fact, the opioid epidemic has caused an unprecedented crisis for everyday Americans who trusted their doctors to prescribe safe medication.

In the 1990’s, physicians were assured that the new class of opioid drugs were not addictive and could be safely prescribed to those suffering pain, such as after a car accident. This led to hundreds of thousands of citizens being given opioids to combat their pain, to devastating results. By 2017 an average of 47,000 Americans were dying from the usage of these medications; and  1.7 million were dealing with crippling addictions.

How could this happen? There are several reasons that opioids became so prolific. As stated above, the pharmaceutical industry told doctors that the drugs were safe to prescribe, and they did so freely.

A second societal reason for the rapid acceptance of opioids may be the legality of drug advertising  to the direct consumer. The United States is one of only a handful of countries which allows this type of advertising, and the drug companies take advantage of it. Consumers are inundated with information regarding pharmaceutical drugs – whether over TV, radio, or in print. Over time, many consumers believe that the only answer to their pain is a painkiller, and insist on this type of remedy.

No one blames the unsuspecting patient, who is simply in pain and looking for relief. For years, the data showing the addiction rate was not available, and many well meaning doctors prescribed these medications. But these statistics are now available, and may be shocking.

• Up to 29% of patients prescribed opioids for pain will misuse them
• Up to 12% develop addiction
• Between 4-6% transition to heroin
• 80% of heroin users began on prescription opioids
• In just 14 months (July 2016 to September 2017) overdoses increased 30%.
• Overdoses increased 54% in large cities and over 70% in the Midwest during the same period.  Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse.

The Healthcare Dilemma

The healthcare system in the United States currently does not encourage people to seek out healthcare which will work best for them. Rather, they are incented to choose the options which are covered by insurance. Therefore many are forced to choose pharmaceutical solutions because they are advertised to them and prescribed, versus holistic solutions which are exposed in a meaningful way.

Yet the opioid crisis only accentuates the fact that many drugs prescribed by the medical community do not solve health problems – they simply mask symptoms. In many cases, such as described above, the drugs can make things exponentially worse.

Chiropractic care, by comparison, treats the source of the illness or injury, safely and naturally. It is impossible to overdose on chiropractic care. And while you may “get addicted” to your chiropractic treatments, you will only get healthier and stronger.

Take Control of Your Care 

If you are experiencing chronic pain due to a car accident or any other reason, contact an experienced chiropractor today for a consultation.

Staying healthy, and healing without the introduction of dangerous and addictive drugs, is crucial to your long-term health. Call West Coast Wellness today to discuss treatment options and affordable payment plans.

Filed Under:  Accident Clinic

Welcome to West Coast Wellness we offer services such as Auto Injury, Neuropathy, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Whiplash, Pinched Nerve, Ringing in Ears, Why Chiropractic Care?, Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Spinal Disc Restoration, Electromedicine, Herniated Disc Treatment, Degenerative Disc Disease

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