Fort Myers Chiropractor.com

An injury caused by a rapid forward movement and subsequent backward movement of the cervical spine (neck) is commonly known as “whiplash.” A severe fall or auto accident are typical examples of conditions under which whiplash occurs. In an auto accident, an impact from behind snaps the head backwards and then trusts the head forward by the cars deceleration.

Common reactions to such an injury are stiffness, headaches, shoulder, neck or arm pain, dizziness, visual problems, nausea, vomiting, chest pain or blood pressure irregularities, to name a few. But many of these symptoms may be delayed.

The symptoms of a whiplash injury may not be felt for several hours and in some cases years after the accident. Typically, however, the detection of irregularities is recognized 12 to 24 hours after the accident.

Further compounding the problem of whiplash detection is that the symptoms can show up in many different parts of the body. To the unaware victim they can appear unrelated to the neck.

*Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine (1999): Study concluded that Chiropractic treatment is the only proven effective treatment for chronic whiplash

The science of chiropractic is specifically directed towards the structural balance of the spine and a nervous system. Since our expertise is in this area, a chiropractic examination should be sought following any injury that involves a cervical spine. Chiropractors properly aligned and improve the mobility of the spine and are trained to take direct action in cases of trauma injuries such as whiplash.

Immediate attention can deter the development of many problems later on. When the muscles and ligaments that hold the neck vertebrae in place are strained or torn, spinal derangement usually occurs. When left untreated, the eventual result is serious degeneration.

If you are involved in an accident or a fall in which you suspect that your spine (especially your neck) may have been strained, call a chiropractor immediately.

The Benefit of X-rays in the Diagnosis of Whiplash Symptoms

X-rays of the spine serve a dual purpose: to analyze the position of the vertebra in order to locate misalignments that cause pressure or irritation to the nerves within the spine, and to make certain that no complications exist, such as fractures, dislocations or malformations that could further delay the patients recovery. For this reason, when visiting a chiropractic clinic for injuries such as whiplash, x-rays will most likely be given as a routine part of the examination and diagnostic process.

Because whiplash symptoms are often delayed a minimal of 12 to 24 hours, patients having visited the hospital or MD may not have been properly treated.

Even if whiplash symptoms were detected, a chiropractic examination would still be in order because of our specialized training in recognizing and treating spinal irregularities.

In either case, x-rays may have been taken at the hospital. These x-rays are often released when requested. However, new x-rays may be ordered. The hospital technician may not be aware of the precise area a chiropractor must view or how important it is to have the spine in the correct position to notice some of the more subtle irregularities.

X-rays taken in a chiropractor’s office are administered by or directly supervised by a doctor who will make sure that the patient’s neck and back are in the proper position for optimal x-rays.

Because the x-ray is one of the doctors most important diagnostic tools in detecting the symptoms of whiplash, it is imperative that they are taken properly. In any trauma injury such as whiplash, expect a thorough chiropractic examination that includes x-rays.

Whiplash a Case History:

There are hundreds of case histories that demonstrate how effective chiropractors are at treating whiplash victims.

One such case involved a young housewife whose car was struck from behind while waiting at the traffic light. There was very minor damage and no one seemed hurt. Later that day, she had a noticeable headache.

The next morning she felt even worse. She contacted her insurance company and was sent to a doctor for an examination. She was told the stiffness and headache was temporary and would go away in a couple of days. It was implied that she was looking for sympathy or a settlement.

After several days the pain did not go away. Her father suggested that she see a chiropractor. She and her husband agreed.

A preliminary c

In the United States, about 20 million people have been diagnosed with asthma; nearly 9 million of them are children. The most common treatment for Asthma has been the use of corticosteriod inhalers.

A new study found that breathing techniques can cut the use of asthma reliever inhalers by more than 80% and halve the dose of preventer inhaler required in mild asthma, research finds. The new study, published in the journal Thorax, compared the impact of two breathing techniques on symptoms, lung function, use of medication and quality of life among 57 adults with mild asthma.

One technique focused on shallow, nasal breathing with slow exhalations, and the second technique used general upper body exercises, accompanied by relaxation.

The participants, who used a preventer inhaler and required reliever inhaler at least four times a week, were randomly assigned to one or other breathing technique. Participants practiced their breathing exercises twice a day for around 25 minutes over a period of 30 weeks. They were also encouraged to use a shorter version of their exercises in place of reliever inhaler, and to use reliever if the exercises did not work.

Researcher Professor Christine Jenkins, of the the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, found that the use of reliever medication fell by 86% in both exercise groups, a process which began within weeks of starting the exercises, and was maintained over eight months. She writes: “Breathing techniques may be useful in the management of patients with mild asthma symptoms who use a reliever frequently.”

By the end of the study, the participants dropped from using around three puffs of their reliever inhaler each day to approximately one puff every third day. Preventer dose requirements were also cut in half.

In addition to breathing exercises, other things that you can do to reduce asthma symptoms are:

• Use air filters to help clean air in your home.
• Cover mattresses and pillows with dust covers and use hypoallergenic bed clothing to reduce exposure to dust mites.
• Choose a more vegetarian-type diet. Animal proteins found in meat include arachidonic acid—a precursor for inflammation.
• Include foods with omega-3 fatty acids in the diet—such as fish or fish oil.
• Supplement with vitamin C, which helps reduce allergic reactions and wheezing symptoms.
• To reduce stress in your children, spend quality time with them and limit their exposure to TV programs that include violence.
• Get regular chiropractic wellness checkups.

Your’s in Health

Dr. Rob Watkins

Spinal discs -  not disks.

Spinal discs are shock absorbers of the spine and they can bulge, herniate, degenerate and tear, but they don’t “slip.”There are 3 curves in the spine. One in your, one in your middle back and also in the lower back. The spinal discs and these 3 curves serve as the “shock absorbers” of your body. Separating each vertebra, they create space for the spinal nerves to exit the spinal cord. These nerves go to the organs and tissues of your body. The bulk of the discs contain rings of fibrous tissue called the annulus and the center of the disc is more of a soft jelly consistency.

We generally see two types of disc problems:

1. A bulging disc is defined as a weakened area of the annulus that can allow the softer center of the disc to bulge out like a balloon. Similar to a tire that bulges at a weak point when under pressure. This can put pressure on nearby nerves. Bulging discs respond well to Chiropractic care. You see when spinal vertebrae misalign, it puts the disc under a torque which can cause it to bulge. Aligning the spinal vertebrae can relieve the pressure and torque allowing the disc to return to normal. With improved spinal function we’ve seen many cases in which surgery was threatened, resolve nicely.

2. Herniated Disc: A herniated or ruptured disc is more serious. It can occur anywhere in the spine, but seems most common in the lower back due to increased stress on the lower region of the spine. This is when part of the soft center pushes out through a weakened area due to trauma or degeneration, putting pressure on the spinal cord.

Stretching techniques, simple exercises, such as walking, increased water intake and improved nutrition offer a natural, non-surgical resolution for many disc problems.

Many Chiropractors are offering disc decompression procedures that are very effective and the changes can be seen comparing pre and post MRI studies.

Keep your spine in line so you can feel fine!
If you need a chiropractor in SW Florida, visit SWFLSpinalCare.com.

How to pick a good Chiropractor Fort Myers, Estero or LaBelle

I find the best way to find any professional, is to ask someone you trust for a recommendation. Often your family and friends can point you to the best chiropractor, doctor, attorney or whichever professional that you are looking for. They recommend them because they have had a positive personal experience.

Other methods can be to review comments posted online or information provided on various websites. Many doctors that want to be open to prospective new patients will post resourceful information about their practice techniques, education and case studies for you to review.

Things to consider when picking a good Ft. Myers Chiropractor:

1. Did they graduate from a school that teaches a variety of techniques? – Different types of cases require different techniques for treatment. There is not “one technique” that will be best for all patients and all cases, so check to make sure the doctor you are looking into is not “locked into” one technique.
2. Are they involved in supporting their profession? – A doctor that is involved in the success and support of their profession is more likely to be on the leading edge of techniques and procedural knowledge to best serve your needs.
3. Are they involved in their church or community? – This is a strong indicator of their personal character traits. This will say volumes about how caring your prospective doctor is.
4. Are their recommendations based on a case by case criterion or do they treat everyone the same? X-rays for everyone, no matter if there has been an auto accident injury or just a strain? Long term treatment plans, no matter the details of the condition? – Your condition is specific for you and the history of your past. It would be irresponsible to try to “cookie cut” a treatment plan to fit everyone, including you.
5. Is the doctor’s staff courteous and considerate of you? – Believe it or not, most people will discontinue with care regardless of how much they like their doctor, if they don’t like the doctor’s staff… You may want to consider how helpful and courteous the doctor’s staff is before investing your time with a doctor’s office.

I hope this short article will help you in your search for a Fort Myers Chiropractor. Remember a chiropractic physician has a medical education similar to that of a medical physician with a primary difference of diagnosing and treating your condition without drugs and surgery. According to the American Medical Association, chiropractic physicians receive more hours of anatomy, physiology, neurology, x-ray and orthopedics than medical doctors receive. Those classes are the ones that pertain to your back pain, are they not?

Yours in Health,

Dr. Rob

Fort Myers Chiropractor

We are proud to announce the first post on our Blog “Fort Myers Chiropractor.”

Future posts will include helpful articles about health conditions like back pain, headaches and nerve pain.

There are many topics to cover and many facts that few know about conservative effective ways to treat them.

Yours in Health,

Dr Rob

Fort Myers Chiropractor