Common Sense Chiropractic Blog

Whiplash: The Symptoms You Need to Know

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:48:32 GMT

Whiplash: The Symptoms You Need to Know

Whiplash is an injury that occurs when your body is suddenly forced backward and forward.

It's the most common injury that happens during an automobile accident, and it's one of the leading causes of chronic neck and back pain.

While a fender bender may not seem like a big deal, new research has shown that even small accidents can result in significant injuries.

Why it Matters:

The violent forces that occur during an auto accident can cause damage to your spinal discs, ligaments, tendons, and bones - even at "low" speeds.
Most of these injuries happen because your head is whipped backward and forward very quickly. This rapid motion often results in torn ligaments and injured discs.
Symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, headaches, confusion, and even depression may indicate that you've suffered a whiplash injury.
You may not immediately notice any pain because of an adrenaline spike at the time of the accident. For many people, these symptoms develop over hours or even a few days and go unnoticed until the initial shock of the car accident has worn off.

To recap…

Whiplash is an acceleration-deceleration injury that can affect your ligaments, spinal discs, muscles, and joints.

Symptoms of whiplash may include neck or back pain, headaches, radiating pain, confusion, and difficulty sleeping.

There is often a period of little to no pain before the symptoms of whiplash injuries worsen.

Next Steps:

It's smart to get a complete evaluation after an auto accident to minimize your risk of long-term pain.

Getting the right care at the right time can make a big difference in your ability to heal quickly.

Remember, even small accidents can cause injuries, so if you've been involved in an auto accident, be sure to reach out to our office as soon as possible so we can help you get on the road to relief!

Science Source(s):

Biomechanics of Whiplash Injury. Chinese Journal of Traumatology. 2009.

Moving Your Way to Better Health in 2021

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 19:18:32 GMT

Moving Your Way to Better Health in 2021

You've heard it before: regular exercise is good for your physical and mental health.

Daily exercise can help you lose weight, lower your risk of future health challenges, reduce your stress,

and improve your mental outlook.

But, if you're like many people (over 80% to be exact!), you just aren't getting enough exercise each

week.

Why it Matters:

As chiropractors, a primary focus of ours is movement-based care.

Your overall health is influenced by three types of movement:

1. Segmental: how well your body's individual joints move.

2. Regional: how well your neck, low back, arms, and legs move.

3. Whole body: how well your whole body moves.

Here’s how...

Segmental Movement: Regular chiropractic adjustments can positively influence the function of your nervous system, help decrease aches and pains, and help relax your muscles
Regional Movement: Regular stretching can help to improve your range of motion and biomechanics and your energy levels.
Whole Body Movement: Daily exercise can help to improve your mood and your sleep and help to lower your risk of chronic disease.

Next Steps:

Millions of people make New Year’s resolutions to get more active each year… and each year, they seem

to come up short…but this year, you have the tools and resources to succeed!

By setting smart health goals and cultivating a positive mindset, you have the right foundation to begin

moving your body towards better health in 2021.

And if you notice you’re struggling to stay on track, or you’re sidelined by chronic aches and pains, let us

know. We're here to help you get healthy and stay healthy so you can stay active and reach your goals!

Science Source(s):

80% of American Don’t Get Enough Exercise. Cleveland Clinic. 2018.

The Use of Spinal Manipulation to Treat an Acute on Field Athletic Injury. JCCA. 2016.

How to Cultivate a Positive Mindset in 2021

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 19:12:28 GMT

How to Cultivate a Positive Mindset in 2021

Mindset is the #1 predictor of success.

The conversations that you have with yourself that play a major role in determining your growth.

And thinking that you can't do something can become a self-fulfilling prophecy that prevents you from

acting and making the decisions you need to live your best life.

The good news is that there is good news!

Why it Matters:

You can change your habits, beliefs, and transform the way you think.

When you do, you'll be able to look at the world with a new perspective, and that alone can empower you

to become the person you know you can be.

Pay attention this week to the thought loops that play in your head and try to be more conscientious about

what you tell yourself. This small change will help you cultivate a more positive mindset in 2021.

Did you know...

Negative emotions may weaken your immune response.
Positive thinking can help you more effectively manage stress and contribute to improving your overall health.
In fact, a positive outlook has been attributed to a 30% decrease in the likelihood of one day experiencing a cardiovascular event.

Next Steps:

Cultivating a positive mindset isn't just a lackadaisical, “granola” way to approach life.

New research on the mind-body connection has shown us that our mental health impacts much of our

physical health, and a positive mindset can lead to improvements in your overall health and well-being.

Speaking of that mind-body connection, if you have a health challenge or some other aches and pains

that are weighing on your mind, let us know. We’re here to help!

Science Source(s):

Positive thinking: Stop Negative Self-Talk to Reduce Stress. Mayo Clinic. 2020.

The Power of Positive Thinking. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2020.

Setting Smart Health Goals in 2021

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 19:01:01 GMT

Setting Smart Health Goals in 2021

Have you ever felt like you were working hard but weren't making any progress towards your goals?

You're not alone. Most people feel that way each year around this time.

They set goals, take a few action steps, but never seem to accomplish very much. Often the problem isn't

a lack of motivation... it's just that they haven't set smart goals.

Smart health goals make it easier for you to clarify your thoughts, focus your efforts, use your time to your

advantage, and increase your chances of not only achieving but surpassing your expectations!

Why it Matters:

Living a healthy life is more than just being free from pain.

Setting health goals, stretching your comfort zone, and celebrating small wins are important parts of a

fulfilling life.

As you plan your New Year's resolutions for a healthy 2021, plan SMART goals.

Specific: Make your goals specific for more effective planning.
Measurable: define how you are making progress.
Attainable: make them reasonable to accomplish.
Relevant: your goals should align with your values.
Time-Based: set a date of completion.

Next Steps:

There is no better time than right now to begin setting goals to improve your health this year.

Living a healthy life is a journey, so be sure to celebrate each step of your progress, no matter how

seemingly small.

And know that our practice is here to help guide you along the way! If you have a health challenge or an

ache or pain that's holding you back from reaching your goals, let us know. We'll be happy to help!

Science Source(s):

Smart Goals: How to Make Your Goals Achievable. MindTools. 2020.