I Was in a Car Accident, Now What?

We've been seeing a lot of new patients who have been involved in recent car accidents.  Here are a few things to consider if you become one of the unlucky ones and get hit:  

Some of the most common injuries we see with car accidents involve the neck and upper back.  Probably the most prevalent is whiplash.  The Mayo Clinic defines whiplash as "a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip."  This doesn't only occur with car accidents, but when it does it is usually the result of a rear-end collision.  Whiplash causes straightening of the cervical spine which can lead to pain and stiffness in the mid back.  It also stretches muscles which can cause them to tighten up.  

Whiplash is dangerous because the symptoms can sometimes take a while to show up.  It may be weeks or even months sometimes before you really see the effects.  That is why it is very important to get checked out immediately after an accident.  You wouldn't want to settle the auto claim and then realize you have chronic neck pain and degeneration from the accident after its over.   

If you are in an accident, make sure you come see us at Nashville Chiropractic.  Through a detailed history, examination, and X-rays (if needed) we can treat your current complaints and assess your risk of future issues.  

What Causes Achilles Tendinitis, And What Can You Do About It?

Achilles tendinopathy is usually a gradual-onset injury most often caused by overuse.  It is a common injury for runners, soccer players, basketball players, and any other athlete that spends a lot of time in forward motion.  Overuse occurs when the Achilles tendon undergoes excessive stresses without enough time to adjust to those stress levels between occurrences.  Excessive stress can be the result of poor foot mechanics, increased conditioning sessions, improper playing or running surfaces, improper footwear, muscle weakness, inflexibility, or a combination of all of the above.  

Let's focus on poor foot mechanics and footwear.  Excessive pronation (leaning of your foot towards your big toe) when running increases stress to the Achilles tendon.  The Achilles tendon naturally has a spiral formation; thus, when the foot is pronated it adds extra stress and tightness to the tendon.  This, coupled with then tendon's poor blood supply, can lead to injury that can be a real "pain" to get over.  

So what can be done to treat Achilles tendinitis?  First and foremost, a gait analysis should be performed to see if the athlete is a pronator.  If so, proper footwear and taping techniques can help limit the amount of pronation while running and ultimately decrease the stress on the Achilles tendon.  Further, a qualified healthcare provider can provide myofascial release to help break up any adhesions found in the tendon.  Stretching of the whole leg region can help increase achilles flexibility, i.e. calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, and glutes.  Your healthcare provider can then prescribe exercises to help control and strengthen the area.  

It is best to seek help sooner rather than later regarding Achilles issues.  The longer one goes trying to fight it on their own without treatment or rest, the more likely more damage may occur.  If you or someone you know are having these issues then we would be happy to help you here at Nashville Chiropractic!

Music City Distance Carnival

Nashville Chiropractic will be on site at the Music City Distance Carnival (MCDC) on June 6th.  The MCDC is a distance-centered elite track meet held at Vanderbilt University's track.  Over the years this meet has seen 19 sub-4 minute miles, 23 countries represented, and 13 olympians compete.  We are very excited to be teaming up with the MCDC this year.  We'll be on site providing stretching and muscle work for the athletes.  The meet will be held Saturday night, June 6th, and will surely be a blast.  Come check it out and stop by to say hey.  

What is Listeria, and Why Can't I Have Jeni's Ice Cream?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that is the causative agent for the disease listeriosis.  Although rare, listeriosis can be very problematic primarily for pregnant women, newborns, adults with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.  At a fatality rate of 20%, listeriosis should not be taken lightly.  Listeria infections are usually contacted from eating contaminated food and most often cause sepsis and meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.)  

Jeni's Ice Cream recently found listeria colonies in some of their ice cream.  Unfortunately for them it wasn't just one batch, and they have had difficulty narrowing down the exact cause.  So, to prevent potentially infecting their customers with a deadly pathogen they decided to close shop until they can effectively eliminate the source.  

Although it's starting to get warm out and everyone wants their favorite boutique ice cream, we should be thanking Jeni for avoiding the risk.  Also, I hear Jeni's is still paying their employees although they are closed.  That's pretty cool of them.  

HOW SANTA CAN PROTECT HIS BACK THIS CHRISTMAS

Dear Santa,

Does your back hurt from Ho Ho Hauling all those toys around?  Have all the milk and cookies made you a little top heavy?  Well, I think I can help.  I’ve been watching plenty of Christmas movies and I’ve noticed that you don’t quite have the best lifting form.  I have a few recommendations that might help lessen your après-noel backache.

First off, put a dang strap on that bag of yours.  I mean come on man, its 2014.  Don’t you think the elven technology is advanced enough to sew on a couple backpack straps, or how about an Osprey backpack with a built in frame?  And Santa, try switching it up a bit.  I know you’re right handed, but maybe you should sling that heavy sack over your left shoulder every once in a while.

Secondly, when delivering the goods, try to practice proper lifting and squatting technique.  I’ve stayed up late and have seen how you rush to put those heavy presents under the tree.  Take a little time Santa, you’re magic and you have all night.

Here are a few pointers:

• The first act of squatting should be tilting your hips forward and sticking your jolly ‘ole butt backwards.  This puts the spine in a better position to hold your body weight plus the weight of that Xbox One (hint hint).
• Your weight should be centered over your heels, not your toes.  This maintains your balance and allows you to keep a safer center of gravity.
• Get low.  Drop your butt down to at least knee level.
• Before you pick that toy-pack up and zip out the chimney, look up.  Looking up before lifting something heavy will help prevent rounding of your back and allow you to safely stand up with all that weight.

Last but not least, maybe pass on some of the cookies.  You’re supposed to be jolly, we get it, but a little core work and a few less sweets can take away some of that anterior weight you’ve been toting around.  The more your body weight pulls you forward, the harder it is to have proper lifting technique.  Also, I know how much you like Property Brothers on HGTV.  So you know the new trend is to be minimalist.  Not everyone has chimneys, and if they do, they don’t always have a huge traditional one for you to shimmy down.  And what about gas fireplaces?  You might have to squeeze through a window sometimes.  Just remember, a slender Santa is an efficient Santa.

So there you go, Big Guy.  I hope this helps.  You’ve got a busy, stressful night ahead of you.  Follow these steps and maybe you won’t need all of those 364 days to recover.