Condition of the Week - Whiplash

Whiplash        

A hyperextension injury to the neck due to trauma involving rapid acceleration and deceleration.  It is often a result of being struck from behind by a fast moving vehicle.  The neck is damaged causing soft tissue injury to the muscles and ligaments.  

Whiplash is more common in females than males and is one of the most common injuries seeking legal counsel.  Pain usually develops hours to days following the incident.  Symptoms may present as a headache at the base of the skull, a stiff neck with decreased range of motion, TMJ dysfunction, or difficulty swallowing.  There may be neurological symptoms including loss of strength or sensation in the arms.  

When diagnosing, X-rays are used to assess the level of damage and to rule out any fractures or dislocations.  Whiplash injuries can be very successfully treated with chiropractic adjustments and therapy along with rehab and soft collar bracing. 

Submitted by Ronald Martin, DC

Condition of the Week...Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)...aka Osteoarthritis (OA) or Degenerative Arthritis


DJD is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time. It breaks down the cartilage that surrounds your joints, while at the same time increases the density of the bones that make up the joint. Recent studies have suggested that DJD is a genetic condition that some people are predisposed to, but it is widely thought that it is the result of repetitive injury to a joint (microtrauma).


Its most common locations are in weight bearing joints: knees, hips, low back, and neck. These are classified as mono-arthritis because they only affect one joint and are asymmetrical in the body.  DJD classically presents as morning stiffness that improves with activity. Overuse or over-exercise of the joint can produce increased symptoms of pain. In small joints such as the knuckles of the fingers it visibly enlarges the joints, other joint enlargement can be viewed with x-ray study. Diagnosis of DJD is done with x-ray study; no lab testing of blood or urine can be used to determine if you have the condition.


Treatment options include: chiropractic adjustments to keep the joints mobile, non-weight bearing exercise, and weight loss. Even though DJD is not an inflammatory condition, anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed for pain reduction. Moist heat on larger joints also seems to help encourage pain free motion. Low impact exercises, regular chiropractic adjustments, and anti-inflammatory diets are the best preventative measures to reduce the occurrence of DJD.


Submitted by Ronald Martin, DC