QuestionHello Doctor,
I am just home after hours in the emergency room at the hospital. I am sore. I had an auto accident here on Staten Island, and I know you are nearby.
I hurt my neck and back. I have never been to a chiropractor. Will insurance cover, should my pain get even worse, can I come to you from my Staten Island Auto Accident?
If it gets worse over the next couple days, I may call you.
Thank You,
Helen R.
AnswerStaten Island Auto Accident, Sore, Staten Island Neck Pain, hospital care, emergency department, airbag deployment, soft tissue injury, fracture, Staten Island MVA, Staten Island Motor Vehicle Accident, car crash, whiplash, sprain/strain, vertebral subluxation, Staten island Pinched Nerve,
Hello Helen,
I am sorry to hear of your Staten Island Car Crash! Thank You for your question. Unfortunately, with our potholes, congestion, antiquated infrastructure, Staten Island Auto Accident is VERY common. I live here, and I guess you do too, you KNOW how bad our traffic story is.
You say, ".....I am just home after hours in the emergency room at the hospital.....", again, I am sorry for you accident and that you are injured. The hospital may have taken Xrays, CT or MRI scans. The Medical Doctors (MDs) that cared for you may have prescribed some pain-killers, muscle relaxants, perhaps anti-inflammatories. I am sure they were thorough.
We complain about the time we WAIT in the emergency department here after our Staten Island Auto Accidents, but-- our Emergency Departments (E.D.s) in our hospitals are VERY, very busy. Patients are treated according to triage priority- I know, I have been an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) over 20 years, and I rode 911 ambulances for many years, so I know how the system works! There are (unfortunately) people with heart attacks, strokes, gunshots, stabs, etc., so although you had to wait- there probably were people in truly terrible (critical) shape ahead of you!
You were observed and examined, and probably have what is termed 'soft tissue injury'. The E.D. probably took Xrays, CT or MRI to rule out fractures, visceral damage, internal bleeding. The most critical or catastrophic injuries have probably been ruled out.
But,,,, now you are still left sore, and possibly in a fair amount of pain-- due to 'Soft Tissue Injury'. Soft tissue injury includes: 'whiplash', sprains and strains, contusions, abrasions, pinched nerves, even herniated discs(HNP) are considered soft tissue!
You may actually have some significant injuries, but they are not 'life threatening'. They are not 'life threatening' but over the next weeks, months or even a year-- you may be hurting like heck.
I know you are sore,,, and you may feel better tomorrow, but... you may actually progressively get worse over the next few days, even the next couple of weeks. Besides the damage you have received from the Staten Island Car Crash you describe, the trauma sets in motion the inflammatory process, and your pain may not peak for several days. Don't blame me, I am only the messenger.
With all of the tests the hospital may have run, depending upon your physical examination, you may STILL need even MORE Xrays, MRI or CT scans, you may need blood tests, you may need ultrasound testing, perhaps EMG/ncv testing. Depending upon how you present now, or how you progress, additional testing may be needed now, or perhaps in the future. Your Staten Island Chiropractor will order the same testing your MD would order. Referral to other specialties could happen, again- depending upon your hands on/ in person examination.
You state, "....I am sore...."; sometimes people do not understand........ you have had an auto accident, you are going to be sore!!! Today, tonight- the next few days- use the PRICE protocol:
protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation. SEE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr20Tlm5py4
For my Staten Island Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) patients, or my sports injury patients, I give this handout sheet on appropriate initial care of soft tissue injury:
P.R.I.C.E. =
P protection. R rest. I ice. C compression. E elevation.
Hurt yourself ?? injury/ trauma/ bruise/ not even sure - - a broken bone ??
You should certainly get to the Doctor or trained health professional to be examined if you think it is bad enough. BUT in the meantime, some simple steps may help.
PRICE.
The PRICE protocol will usually help just about any musculoskeletal injury.
P = Protection; protect the area from further injury- stop what you are doing, can you
pad or bandage the area ? Tape the area? Do something to protect the area !
R = Rest; rest the area as much as possible, if a part is damaged, give the body time to
repair the area
I = Ice; ice is a potent anti-inflammatory; it will slow swelling, help with pain control
(ice is analgesic), place ice over cloth over the injured area for 5, 10 minutes, off the
injured area for 30 minutes; then back on again ( please do NOT use heat, heat adds to edema->
heat feels good while it is on,,,, and often makes the condition WORSE after you take heat off )
C = Compression; to help prevent swelling compression may be helpful- for example
if it is an ankle, wrap the ankle with an ace bandage and ice the area. Many body
parts may not be applicable to compression.
E = Elevation; again to fight swelling and pain, raising the injured body part above the
heart may be helpful- ie raise an ankle or knee, you lay down, raise the injured part
PRICE may help : Sprains, Strains, musculo-skeletal injury, bruise, contusion
Sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a bump or bruise, sprain or strain. Sometimes also involved with the injury is a vertebral subluxation (or other joint subluxation) (subluxation is a mechanical problem- of any joint- and requires a mechanical correction). In the spine, a sprain/strain is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the joint, a stretch of the muscles, tendons and/ or ligaments:- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation. Sometimes symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months later!- Well after the actual trauma !!!
Spinal = Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation? ; ( subluxation COULD be any joint )
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms. Sprain/ strain/ bump/ bruise?= may result in subluxation of the nearby joint. CORRECT the subluxation !!!!
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I hope this helps for the next few weeks: PRICE !!! and of course, see an appropriate licensed healthcare provider- perhaps a Staten island Chiropractor ! There are many specialties in chiropractic, just as there are in medicine, for a description, SEE: ----> http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf .
You state: "....I hurt my neck and back......"; your neck and back includes your SPINE, muscles, nerves, bones, discs, ligaments. Of most importance is the nerves. Our nerves control everything. The nervous system is the MASTER system. You have probably sprained/ strained your neck and back, and this could result in 'pinched nerves'.
For my Staten Island Chiropractic Pinched Nerve patients, I give an information handout sheet- perhaps this could be of help to you:
揚inched Nerve?
( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis,
WHAT is causing the 憄inch?
Your Doctor of Chiropractic will examine and evaluate you to make sure you are not showing signs of neurological damage or disease, tumors, cancers, severe pathology, perhaps a Herniated Disc, or a Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Sometimes we can wake up with a 憄inched nerve? or a muscle spasm.... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a 憄inched nerve?
Very often - the true c a u s e of the pinched nerve, painor numbness in the: neck and/ or shoulder and/ or arm and/ or hand; pain in the back and/ or buttock/ hip/ leg/ knee/ foot - is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the neck or back - more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position and the resulting dysfunction(s).
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
For good health-
Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms.
揚inched Nerve? ( Also Known As- neuritis, neuralgia, brachial-neuritis, sciatica )
損inched nerve??is only ?a diagnosis, WHAT is causing the 憄inch? ?That 損inch?has to be taken care of FIRST!
As the 損inch??the MECHANICAL component of the problem, the CAUSE of the problem is being taken care of through Chiropractic treatment, perhaps additional help would speed your return to health:
Nerve Health Support:
-----B complex containing thiamine, folic acid, B-12 and niacin is highly suggested for nerve support. High dose
B-vitamins should only be taken at the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
-----B-6 is lower in patients with neuropathy. Vitamin B-6 reduces the glycosylation that can cause nerve damage. Amounts greater than 200mg/day can cause neuropathy symptoms.
-----Calcium and magnesium are important for nerve conduction and as muscle relaxants.
-----A multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is suggested for comprehensive support.
-----Essential fatty acids are necessary for nerve health. Essential fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flax oil) and omega-6 fatty acids (black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil).
-----Proteolytic enzymes may be beneficial in neuritis for the inflammation.
-----Lecithin aids in nerve support.
-----Natural herbal remedies including passion flower, valerian, chamomile, scullcap and white willow bark may be helpful.
-----Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that stimulate the nervous system such as caffeine, chocolate, refined sugars, soda pop and cigarettes.
-----Drink plenty of filtered water.
-----Chiropractic care is imperative to remove nerve irritation.
Joint Support:
-----Glucosamine sulfate helps strengthen joint integrity. Glucosamine is effective in relieving joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. Glucosamine's pain-relieving effects may be due to its cartilage-rebuilding properties. These disease-modifying effects are not seen with simple analgesics and are of particular benefit.
-----MSM is known for its pain-relieving properties in such conditions as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, back pain and muscle soreness. Not many clinical trials have been done using MSM, but clinical observations support the theory that MSM is beneficial in pain managment.
-----White willow is an antiinflammatory and analgesic agent. White willow was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce pain and fevers. The salicylates found in the white willow bark are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-fever effects. Acetylsalicylic acid, otherwise known as aspirin, is chemically similar to the salicylates.
-----Boswellia and turmeric (curcumin) are potent antiinflammatory herbs. Curcumin may have similar action to aspirin.
SEE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTNWoaaZNM0
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To often we become focused on the PAIN, and forget to find the CAUSE of the pain. Perhaps no testing or little treatment will get to the ROOT of the pain, or perhaps more testing or extensive treatment may be necessary to correct the CAUSE of your complaints. For my Staten Island Chiropractic Pain patients I give the following information:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
RED LIGHT = Trouble !!
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
Think you should listen??
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down, or
do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain, pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
Pain Killing medication??? = 16,000 deaths ( probably under-reported )
DEATH ! ? ! ? better watch out on those medications!!!
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468 Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001) Motrin, Advil = NSAIDS
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
http://rinf.com/alt-news/business-news/prescription-drugs-kill-300-percent-more-
= An analysis of 168,900 autopsies conducted in Florida in 2007 found that three times as many people were killed by legal drugs as by cocaine, heroin and all methamphetamines put together. BE CAREFUL WITH THAT MEDICATION !!!
It was reported in 2000, that 700,000 U.S. citizens die as a result from medical causes (iatrogenics). Of course, other records and statistics had the number above the one million mark. Whether 700,000 or one million people, that's a lot of innocent people dying from visiting a hospital and trusting a medical doctor.= http://www.dherbs.com/articles/iatrogenics-99.html
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine ; Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010 ; Chiropractor to the Championship NYPD Football Team, and the PSAL High School Football Champions (Curtis) ; Staten Island SPORTS Hall of Fame- Unsung Hero 2011 ; Selected to the Medical Staff of the 2011 Pan American Games, Guadalajara Mexico
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".....I have never been to a chiropractor......", Chiropractic is SAFE and EFFECTIVE. I know, I have been a chiropractic patient myself AND I have treated OLYMPIANS who are looking to improve health and performance! See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11VN2sGMdbI&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list= , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s68Yr38-lAQ&feature=related , http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxrMnxYQ6nI&feature=related .
"...........Will insurance cover, should my pain get even worse, can I come to you from my Staten Island Auto Accident?............", YES, your staten island auto accident insurance will cover chiropractic care. Most insurances now cover chiropractic.
".........If it gets worse over the next couple days, I may call you.........", I hope your pain does NOT get worse, but it probably will, unfortunately. Please use the PRICE protocol- see above; please use caution with pain meds- see above; get to the CAUSE of the problem, not just the symptoms.
I have given you a LOT of information, I hope this helps. If you need further information do not hesitate to REcontact me here at AllExperts.com @ http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
Your Staten Island Chiropractor expert who handles LOTS of Staten Island Motor Vehicle Accidents, wishing Good Health Naturally,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC,DACBSP
www.drvictordolan.net
Staten Island Chiropractor, Dr. Victor Dolan
