A career as a commercial driver can be rewarding in a number of ways, but a love of the open road isn’t the only requirement. Today’s CDL drivers must be mentally and physically up to the task. While most CDL drivers have all experienced DOT physicals at some point in their careers, since the formation of the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners in May of 2014, drivers must visit a certified medical examiner belonging to the registry for their DOT/CDL exams. Dr. Atkinson is proud to be an Arizona Chiropractor and FMCA Certified Medical Examiner with years of experience performing DOT medical exams for interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers. Located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, contact the office or schedule your DOT medical exam appointment online.

Each state is responsible for managing the CDL application and testing process, but the Federal Motor Carrier Association mandates that CDL drivers who operate motor vehicles of a certain class, weight, or passenger capacity must undergo regular physical exams and carry a valid medical certificate issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. According to federal guidelines, in order to hold a commercial driver's license, you must maintain a good driving record and undergo a physical exam every other year. You must also carry a copy of the medical certificate whenever you get behind the wheel. Beyond the standard vision test required of all drivers, CDL drivers must also pass hearing tests and can be held up for hypertension, damage to a limb, epilepsy, and so on. You can also expect to answer questions regarding any alcohol and substance abuse. Rest assured, Dr. Atkinson has performed hundreds of DOT physical exams and will treat you with the respect and discreetness you deserve.

For the exam, please allow approximately 45 minutes and bring with you the following:


• Current driver’s license.

• Any documents pertaining to any health issues you may suffer from.
  • Insulin MCSA 5870
  • CPAP report
  • Cardiology clearance letter

• A list of all medications you are currently taking.

The FMCA requires CDL drivers to meet a certain number of health standards. For example, as far as vision is concerned, each eye must be 20/40 correctable vision or better. Glasses and contact lenses are perfectly fine. Blood sugar levels must also be under 200 and your blood pressure must be 140-159/90-99 for a one-year medical certificate or 160-179/100-109 for a three-month certificate. If your blood pressure exceeds 180/110, you will, unfortunately, be disqualified. However, blood pressure medications are allowed.No current diagnosis of cardiac congestive failure, collapse, or any type of cardiac insufficiency or disease is allowed. If you have suffered from previous cardiac issues, you must perform an annual stress test and have a physician sign a release stating you are capable of safely operating a commercial motor vehicle. If you are diabetic, insulin injections are now allowed for CDL drivers (Drivers must have their Primary Care Provider complete a DOT MCSA-5870 medical form  ). The condition must be controllable only through diet and/or oral medication. Applicants must also pass a drug test and be clear of any narcotics, amphetamines, and Schedule 1 drugs. While insurance companies do not cover the cost of the exam, Dr. Atkinson only charges a $95.00 fee for this service. Once cleared, you’ll have your mandatory medical certification in hand and be able to log some miles.

Back pain is an acute or chronic condition that affects a person’s everyday living. It deters an individual from going about his daily routines or doing his job. Back pains are caused by problems with the spinal muscles, bones, discs, tendons, and nerves. If not addressed immediately, they may lead to health issues that affect other parts of the body. Consult with an Arizona back pain chiropractor to provide you with a specialized type of back pain treatment and restore the quality of your life.



Common Types of Back Pain



Upper Back Pain

While upper back pain is not a common disorder, it can cause extreme discomfort as well. It is usually caused by joint dysfunction and muscular irritation.

Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain is normally caused by irritated or strained muscles, injured discs, and fractured vertebrae. It may also be brought about by diseases like osteoporosis, scoliosis, and spondylitis. Aging is also a risk factor for middle back pains.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is the most common type suffered by many. As a matter of fact, everyone will experience it at one point in his or her life. It is caused by extreme physical exertion, repeated bending or crouching, lifting heavy objects, and falling.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a type of nerve pain caused by the irritation of the largest nerve of the body, the sciatic nerve. This type of back pain is felt from the lower back up to behind the thigh. The pain radiates down the knee as well.

Advanced Chiropractic Treatments for Back Pain

Chiropractic treatments are alternative methods of addressing back pain. It can be referred to as the non-obtrusive treatment of the disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Many studies can prove that a manual chiropractic therapy can help treat health issues like lower back pain, lumbar herniated disc, neck pain, and more.Chiropractors help reduce back pains through the manual adjustment or manipulation of the spine. They also help mobilize the muscles and joints through low-velocity movement and stretching. There is a special chiropractic treatment plan for every type of back pain. It is best that you consult with an expert to know more about your condition and get the proper treatment for it.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Advanced Chiropractic care has dozens of health benefits everyone can enjoy. Furthermore, it has been customary for chiropractors to utilize other drugless therapeutics to further improve a patient’s health. A chiropractor may use over a hundred adjustment techniques to address back pain. As a result, many other health issues are treated in the process. Aside from providing almost immediate relief from back pain, a chiropractic session may also offer:

• Relief from arthritis, joint discomfort, and chronic injuries
• Improved nerve communication
• Better joint motion
• Increased physical function
• Stress release
• Better posture

Chiropractic adjustments may also provide relief for common diseases such as headaches, ear infections, asthma, and high blood pressure. The process can also be used to prevent surgery and increase organ functions. This preventive function of chiropractic care is very beneficial for patients. That is just one of the many reasons why people should immediately consult with a chiropractor at the onset of back pains.

Chiropractic Back Pain Treatment

When a patient consults with a chiropractor for back pain, the first thing a practitioner does is to take his or her medical history. A physical examination will ensue, and laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging may be required. It is important for a chiropractor to know if the back pain treatment is appropriate for the patient’s case. Once determined as helpful, a treatment plan will be developed. Part of the treatment is the manual adjustment of the joints using a controlled, sudden force. It will target the area’s range of motion. A series of sessions may be required to fully restore the function of the joints, nerves, and muscles. Adequate care will also be provided to prevent further injury arising from the back pain. Chiropractors are highly trained in the manual adjustment of bones and joints as well. This fact shows how and why chiropractic care for back pains works.

Neck pain is a medical condition that results from neck muscle injury, bad posture, and backbone injury. Neck pain can also be caused by health disorders like arthritis which attacks the spine and normal aging. Other causes of the problem include injury, exercises that involve repetitive neck motion and whiplash.If left unmanaged, neck pain can affect the functionality of other body parts like the head and the limbs. This medical issue presents like an acute disorder that lasts a few days or weeks or a chronic condition that can last for a month or more. In this article, we discuss the various types of neck pain and where to find a medical solution.

Types of neck pain

Neck pain is defined as any pain, stiffness, or soreness around the neck region and other body parts like the shoulders, hands, and head. The problem often presents with symptoms like;

• Headache
• Weak arms
• Pain in muscles around the neck
• Fever-like symptoms
• Stiffness
• Difficulty lifting weights
• Numbness in the neck, shoulder, hands, and fingers

In some cases, neck pain can disappear within some days or hours. However, people who experience symptoms like weight loss, chills, numbness in the legs or hands, difficulty maintaining balance, and inability to control bowels or bladders need to see an Arizona Neck Pain Chiropractor for immediate health attention. Depending on the cause, the part affected and the severity of the symptoms, neck pain can be classified into different types like; Axial neck pain
Axial neck pain refers to the pain in the neck’s soft tissues. This kind of neck pain may result from Whiplash or an infection. It may also result from strenuous activities which engage your neck’s muscles, ligaments, and joints. Patients with this type of neck pain present with headaches, pain in the posterior neck muscles, and neck stiffness.
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy is neck pain that is felt in the neck, legs, and arms. Radiculopathy presents with symptoms like pain in the arms, weak arms, numb arms, and difficulty lifting weights. Similar symptoms may be witnessed at the legs. The neck problem results when a nerve in the spine is compressed. People who undertake substantial duties and athletes involved in contact sports are the most at-risk people.
Myelopathy
Myelopathy is a type of neck pain that is accompanied by symptoms like neck pain, weak legs, and hands, difficulty maintaining balance and difficulty lifting weights. The problem results from trauma, inflammation, and disorders like arthritis. The three types of pain are either classified as acute, sub-acute or chronic. Acute neck pain lasts from a few days up to one month, and it results from injury or strenuous activity that stresses the neck. Sub-acute neck pain results for one –three months while chronic neck pain results for more than three months. Both chronic and sub-acute neck pain may result from infections.
How can one manage neck pain?
Neck pain is a manageable condition as long as you find a qualified chiropractor to help you. Minor issues of neck pain like those resulting from a wrong sleeping position can be treated at home. However, traumatic neck pain issues are best dealt with by an experienced chiropractor. A chiropractor has the experience in identifying the cause and formulating a treatment plan to restore the health of your neck.
When should you visit a Chiropractor?
You should visit a chiropractor if:

• Your neck pain fails to improve within a week.
• You experience severe neck pain when you turn your neck sideways.
• You have been relying on painkillers to manage neck pain.
• Your neck pain has affected other body parts like hands, legs, and shoulders.
• Your neck pain results from an accident.

Despite the fact that a chiropractor can help you improve your neck pain, you need to pick a reputable service provider who can tailor a treatment plan that suits your medical need, has a wealth of knowledge in treating all types of neck pain, and has a good sense of health. If you are in Arizona, then Advanced Chiropractic is the service provider you should contact for a solution to any kind of neck pain. Below are some of the reasons you would love to let an Arizona Chiropractor from Advanced Chiropractic help you.

1. This healthcare provider is among the few chiropractic service providers that offer preventive services. Besides treating neck pain, this healthcare provider helps clients to improve their health as one way of preventing many neck and spine issues. If you want to stay away from neck pain, then this health provider would help you meet your fitness goals.
2. They use the state of the art chiropractic equipment to treat neck pain another factor that places this Arizona Neck Pain Chiropractor ahead of the competition is the state. The modern equipment is safe and comfortable and it helps the Arizona Chiropractor to provide a long-term solution to your medical issue.
3. The chiropractic service provider works under an experienced chiropractorThe lead chiropractor in this service provider is Dr. Jim Atkinson who has a wealth of experience in training and helping clients recover from various types of neck pain and spine problems. As such, the doctor has the appropriate skills and approaches required to treat your unique case.
4. Patients receive continuous health care to help prevent future neck pain issues after your neck pain issue is managed, your Arizona Chiropractor will provide extra support to help you avoid the problem from recurring. The continuous care is in the form of exercises that strengthens neck muscles and those that correct issues like posture that might be causing neck pain.

Besides exercise, this chiropractor also offers nutritional advice that helps you to maintain optimal health. The chiropractor will also provide health information that will help you avoid activities that can harm your neck and spine health. Advanced Chiropractic serves Phoenix through its office located in Central Phoenix. Book an appointment online today to receive a sustainable solution to your neck pain.

Arizona Car Accident Chiropractor

Arizona traffic moves at a rapid pace, making car accidents an everyday occurrence. While many accidents do not lead to serious injury, those that do can leave accident victims with injuries that last for months or even years. According to the Arizona Department Of Transportation, 36,139 people were injured in car accidents in the year 2015 alone. Fortunately, many people find relief by seeing a chiropractor after a car accident. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, it may benefit you to seek treatment from an Arizona chiropractor.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is the treatment of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Most people seek treatment from a chiropractor for back pain, joint discomfort, neck injuries, and headaches after a car accident or other type of injury. Many people see a chiropractor after a car accident to reduce acute pain and help them manage pain over the long term.
What Is A Chiropractor?
A doctor of chiropractic is also known as a DC and is trained to deliver care to patients. A chiropractor may use manual techniques to relieve pain and also teach patients exercises and lifestyle changes to help them move forward after treatment has ended. The experts at Advanced Chiropractic specialize in helping car accident victims manage their pain during the acute phase, during recovery, and when maintaining their condition.
Types Of Accident Injuries Treated At Advanced Chiropractic
While there are many different types of injuries that can occur after a car accident, there are some that your Arizona car accident chiropractor sees more often than others. The most common auto accident injuries seen by chiropractors include:

• Whiplash
• Herniated Discs
• Generalized Back Pain
• Neck Discomfort
• Headaches That Linger After An Accident
• Sciatica Due To Pressure On The Sciatic Nerve
• Pain That Radiates Down One Or Both Arms Due To Injury To The Cervical Spine

Treatments For Neck Pain

It is impossible to determine exactly what kind of treatments accident victims need without an evaluation, but the following treatments are often used by chiropractors to treat pain: 
Cervical Traction
Manual cervical traction may be used by chiropractors to relieve neck pain. This is a very gentle technique performed by gently stretching the cervical spine. 
Physical medicine massage
Physical medicine massage techniques may be used to help reduce the pain and stiffness in the neck after an auto accident. 
Mobilization Of The Cervical Spine
This technique is done by placing the patient on their back while the chiropractor moves the patient’s head in different directions.

Back Pain Treatments

Back pain is a common complaint of car accident victims. Some of the treatments used to treat and relieve back pain are: 
Spinal Manipulation
Manual manipulation can also be used to treat back pain as well as neck pain. This is performed by the chiropractor at the patient’s tolerance.
Mobilization
Mobilization techniques may also be used to reduce lower back pain. 
Lumbar Traction
Traction to the lumbar spine may be used to help reduce back pain associated with injuries to the mid-to-lower back. This type of treatment is often used to reduce sciatic pain. 
Whiplash Treatment
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident-related injuries in people of all ages. This type of injury occurs when the head is forcefully moved in an unnatural direction due to the force of impact. Whiplash can cause severe stiffness of the neck, blurred vision, and pain that radiates down the arms to the hands. Some things chiropractors may do to reduce the pain associated with this condition may include: 
Spinal Adjustments
Adjustments made manually by the doctor of chiropractic medicine can help restore movement. Because whiplash can be very painful, adjustments are performed according to the patient’s tolerance. 
Range-Of-Motion Exercises
Range-of-motion exercises are gentle and can help patients loosen up stiff neck muscles after being injured in an automobile accident. 
Lifestyle Changes To Reduce Pain
Chiropractors may also help patients learn ways to manage and reduce their pain by changing some things in their lifestyle that may exacerbate pain and stiffness. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact an Arizona car accident chiropractor. The experts at Advanced Chiropractic & Wellness Center will evaluate your condition and let you know the best way to move forward to reduce pain and help you manage your condition as time goes on. Making the decision to seek chiropractic treatment can help you just as it has thousands of Arizona residents are hurt in automobile accidents each week. If you are in pain due to an accident, do not delay in seeking chiropractic treatment so you can look forward to a bright and pain-free future.

Advanced Chiropractic was founded in 2003 with the primary aim of improving health through individualized chiropractic care. Since the period it was established, it has been serving its clients who are mainly accident victims. One of the reasons that rank this chiropractor on top of other service providers in Arizona is the fact that you can receive immediate chiropractic care with no out-of-pocket cost, using medical liens. If you are looking forward to understanding how Advanced Chiropractic and Attorney/ Medical Liens work, then this article would be a good guideline.

What Is a Medical Lien?

Sometimes an accident can happen while you are not prepared financially. In this event, you are exposed to a desperate need for funds to nurse your immediate injuries and to cater for extensive or long-term care. If you are in such a situation, a medical lien would be an option to consider. A lien will help you secure a medical service using your property as financial security. A patient is allowed to use this lien if he or she sustains injuries caused by a third party and he or she hasn’t received full compensation. Some of the third-party injuries include accidents happening in the workplace, and auto accidents.

Why choose Dr. Atkinson Chiropractic Clinic?

Not all chiropractic service providers in Arizona will accept medical liens. For this reason, if you want to receive a healthcare service using your property as security, you have to seek medical services from a vendor who is willing to accept medical liens. Dr. Jim Atkinson’s chiropractic clinic is one of the service providers that you might want to consider in this case. 
Some other reasons why you would choose this chiropractic service provider are;
1. They formulate a unique treatment plan for each. Dr. Jim understands that each person presents with different health issues. For this reason, he will design a unique treatment plan that meets your special healthcare needs.
2. They offer referrals when they ascertain that your pain does not need chiropractic care.  Unlike most health care provider who wants to make a profit rather than help you recover, Dr. Jim, a chiropractic service provider, evaluates your medical case to ascertain if chiropractic care is suitable for you. If chiropractic care is not appropriate, Dr Jim will refer you to a medical specialist who can give you a medical solution that can last.
3. You will receive quick service
This chiropractic service provider in Arizona will always attend to your chiropractic issue quickly and more efficiently. As such, you will not have to wait for long before you receive a service. Once you visit the facility in search of an attorney lien service, an experienced chiropractor will perform a medical examination at no out-of-pocket cost Afterward, they will formulate a treatment plan that will help you recover from any pain.
4. Great office personality
Another reason why you would choose this chiropractor is Dr. Jim’s stellar customer care services. Clients say that Dr. Jim is a friendly and personable professional who listens to your medical concerns to help him formulate a medical solution that aligns perfectly with your medical concerns.
5. Dr. Jim Atkinson is an experienced and licensed chiropractor
Dr. Jim Atkinson is a licensed chiropractor who has been serving his clients since 1999. His practice focuses on providing pain relief resulting from injuries, spinal correction, and sports injuries. Furthermore, Dr. Jim Atkinson offers DOT CDL medical exams. 
What Kind Of Services Are Offered by Dr. Jim Atkinson’s Chiropractic Clinic
Any accident can lead to injuries like broken bones, fractures, concussions, and many more health issues that can reduce your quality of life. Despite the fact that most of these health issues can be managed in an emergency care facility, some injuries may require extensive care. Chiropractic care is one such comprehensive service that can help you return to your normal life after an accident. Some of the services provided under this care include:

1. Neck pain chiropractic care
Neck pain results from neck muscle injury and or backbone injury. Neck pain can lead to disability, persistent headaches, difficulty lifting weights, reduced ability to coordinate your head and limbs, and other health issues. Dr. Jim Atkinson uses the state of the art chiropractic equipment to diagnose and manage all types of neck pain using the cervical traction method or massage therapy.
2. Back pain chiropractic care
Back pain is another health problem that is commonly associated with accidents. It results from an injury to your spine muscles, bones, and muscles. In most cases, the pain can disappear within a week. However, if the back pain prevents you from your regular activities or it worsens with time, you need to talk to your chiropractor for a solution. Depending on your unique case, a chiropractor will perform a physical examination or use diagnostic imaging to identify the possible cause of your problem. Afterward, he will try to correct the problem by manually adjusting the spine joints, or managing the pain through physical medicine, lumbar traction, and many more treatment options.

Pain is an everyday occurrence that can result for any number of reasons. You can even start to experience pain in your back or neck without having any clue as to why this is the case. While prescription pain medications and surgery are definitely options available to you for the treatment of this pain, both of these options carry a wide range or risks, which is why it’s recommended that you consider chiropractic pain management. This type of treatment is a natural method of healing the body that you should consider for your pain.



What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a type of treatment that’s oftentimes used in the care of disorders involving either the nervous system or the musculoskeletal system. Disorders and injuries situated in these areas of the body typically result in pain and other problems that can adversely affect your health and your general movement, which is why it’s so important to make use of chiropractic care at Advanced Chiropractic if suffering from pain in the back, neck, arms or similar areas around the spinal cord. Additional types of pain that can be treated with chiropractic care include pain within the joints of your legs and arms as well as headaches. Chiropractic care is a natural form of treatment that’s used in order to avoid more serious forms of treatment like surgery. The pain treated by a chiropractor typically derives from a sports injury, accident, or general strain on the muscles. The main method of treatment provided during chiropractic care is hands-on spinal manipulation. These hand movements can work wonders in reducing your pain and moving any affected joints and muscles back into their proper position. When proper alignment is achieved in areas along the musculoskeletal structure, the healing capabilities of your body are strengthened, allowing you to heal without the usage of medications or surgery. Spinal manipulation also assists with the restoration of mobility to any damaged joints. While chiropractic care typically treats muscles, bones, and joints, it can also remedy any issues found within connecting tissues such as tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. When you first seek a chiropractor for pain management, the chiropractor in question will ask you about your detailed medical history before moving on to a physical examination. This exam is designed to ascertain the exact reasons why you’re experiencing pain. Once the chiropractor has identified what these reasons are, additional diagnostic imaging and lab tests may be administered in order to nail down the best course of treatment. Before the treatment begins in full, a comprehensive treatment plan will be crafted so as to ensure that the treatment is as effective as possible. By utilizing a specific plan for your treatment, the methods used throughout the course of treatment are personalized to your specific needs. Manual manipulation of the affected joints, muscles, and bones is always going to be the main form of treatment, but additional options that may be included in your plan extend to gentle exercises and nutritional counseling. You may also be asked to make a selection of small lifestyle changes. All of these treatment options are designed to facilitate a speedy recovery.

How a Chiropractor Can Benefit You with Pain Management

In the event that you select chiropractic care as your treatment of choice for whatever type of pain you’re currently going through, you’ll receive plenty of benefits that simply aren’t available with other types of treatment. For instance, spinal manipulation is a safe and risk-free treatment option, which cannot be said for any other options at your disposal. While chiropractic care is typically sought for sports injuries, it can also benefit a wide array of other issues. Bad posture can be greatly improved with regular chiropractic care, as can basic joint motion and coordination. While this type of care is commonly used in the ongoing treatment of back and neck pain, it can also act as a treatment for

• Leg and knee pain
• Wrist and shoulder pain
• Joint discomfort
• Stress and tension disorders
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• A wide range of chronic injuries

Depending on the condition or disorder that you’re suffering from, it’s important to understand that the issues won’t always be healed entirely. However, a drastic reduction and relief of pain are common. In general, the relief of your pain will help to introduce you to a more healthy and active lifestyle, which will assist in keeping your body free of pain now and in the future. Even when your pain has fully dissipated, routine chiropractic care will still help to improve your overall health and general well-being. This form of care is also highly beneficial for pregnant women, as there are plenty of changes that the body goes through during pregnancy. Since there are no risks involved with this treatment when compared to other treatments available to you, there’s no reason not to inquire about it, especially if you suffer from an injury or disorder within the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Why You Should Choose Advanced Chiropractic?

There are a variety of reasons why you should choose Advanced Chiropractic for your chiropractic needs. For one, we make sure to treat everyone as an individual, as we understand that no two people are the same. The treatment plans provided to two individuals with the same condition may be entirely different. Each body is different, which means that the best path to recovery won’t always be the same. We also make sure that your visit is both quick and effective with little to no wait times. The chiropractors we have on hand are all highly trained, compassionate, and professional. Contact us today if you want to schedule your initial consultation.

Arizona Whiplash ChiropractorThe topic of whiplash injury is often considered controversial, partly because the diagnosis depends entirely on a patient’s symptoms and a physical assessment. The condition cannot be proven through X-rays or other imaging studies nor by a lab test. However, for those who have suffered this injury, the condition is very real and can be debilitating. Here’s what you need to know about this problem and whiplash treatment, courtesy of Advanced Chiropractic and Wellness Center, your Arizona whiplash chiropractor.
The Definition
This condition was first described in 1928, as doctors struggled to describe the combination of mechanisms involved. Injury to the spinal column – especially the neck – typically results from a sudden hyperextension and then an immediate hyperflexion. When a joint is extended, it is completely straight; hyperextension occurs when the joint is straightened beyond its normal range. Flexion is the opposite, as it occurs when the joint bends; hyperflexion is a bend beyond the normal range. The combination of the sudden movement plus excessive flexion and extension is what causes damage to the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the neck, which is why treatment requires the service of an Arizona whiplash chiropractor.

The Neck is Vulnerable
Although hyperextension and flexion of any joint are possible, the neck is particularly susceptible because of its anatomical structure and the weight of the head. The adult head weighs about 11 pounds. Unlike other parts of the spine, which are connected to the ribs, pelvis, and other parts of the skeleton, the neck is connected only at the top and bottom, with no support in the middle. When the body is suddenly thrown forward and back, the heavy head acts like a pendulum, stressing the neck. 
Causes of Whiplash
Anything that makes the head suddenly whip back and forth is a potential cause of injury. Car accidents in which the car is rear-ended are the classic cause as this is the perfect set-up to make the head suddenly whip back and forth on the neck. Any abrupt deceleration in a moving vehicle – car, train, plane, or even a bicycle – may have a similar effect. Roller coasters and carnival rides are other potential sources of injury. In all cases, the mechanism is the same: a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head that hyperextends and then hyperflexes the neck. It seems to be the suddenness of the neck movements as well as the actual movements themselves that cause the damage. The Phases of Injury
A neck injury typically occurs in less than a second. Each phase of the injury has specific forces that act on the spine, including the vertebrae (bones), discs (cartilage cushions), nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Phase 1: The car seat is pushed out from under you, forcing the 
mid-back against the seat, which results in an upward force on the cervical spine (neck). The head moves backward. Even if your seat has a headrest, by the time the head comes into contact with the headrest, most of the damage has already been done.


Phase 2: Your torso is still moving forward at one to two times the rate of your vehicle speed, but the head is still moving to the rear. An S-curve develops in the cervical spine (which is highly abnormal) and the opposing forces cause a shearing effect in the neck. This is the source of most of the physical damage involved in a whiplash injury.

Phase 3: The torso is now dropping back into the seat, while the head and neck are moving forward. The car is slowing down. Many drivers apply the brake during this phase, which makes the car slow even faster and increases the flexion in the neck. The lap belt and shoulder harness contribute to the sudden deceleration as your body slams against the restraints.

Phase 4: Now your torso has been stopped by the seat belt and shoulder harness, but the head is free to move forward without any kind of restraint or support. The neck bends forward suddenly and violently – probably the most damaging aspect of the four phases of injury. 

What Kind of Damage Occurs?
The mechanics of these injuries strain muscles and ligaments, stretching them beyond the normal. This results in micro-tears in the muscle fibers. Fibers in the spinal discs may also tear. The vertebrae can be forced out of their normal alignment. The spinal cord – which runs through the center of the vertebrae – is excessively stretched and becomes irritated. The brain is soft and lies suspended in a cushion of fluid inside the skull. As the head moves forward and back, the brain also moves, hitting first the back and then the front of the skull. The impact of this injury, which is called a contrecoup, can cause damage and even bleeding inside the brain tissue. Symptoms
Whiplash injuries may present with a wide variety of symptoms. Even with very similar mechanisms of injury patients may have very different symptoms. Many factors play into this, such as the speed of the accident, the direction of the impact, the age, physical condition, and even the gender of the victim and whether the seat belt and harness are properly fitted or even used. Symptoms often appear weeks or even months later. Certain symptoms are common in those who have suffered this injury.


Neck pain is the most common symptom, and the great majority of patients present with this complaint. The pain may be localized to the neck or radiate across the shoulders, upward to the head, or downward between the shoulder blades. Facet joints (the small bony knobs on the back of the spine) are often the source of this pain. Facet joint pain is typically felt on the back of the neck, slightly off-center. The area is usually tender to the touch.

Headaches are the next most common symptom after neck pain. The pain may be from the direct brain injury sustained during the contrecoup movements. What is most likely, however, is that the pain is referred (originates in one area but is felt in another) from the muscles, ligaments, or facet joints in the neck.

Disc injury often causes chronic pain. Each vertebra is separated from the next by a thick cushion of cartilage called a disc, which prevents the bones from rubbing together. Fibers in the outer wall of the disc (the annulus) can be torn during the accident. The tears may allow the interior contents of the disc to bulge outward, irritating or compressing the nerves in the spine. The pain may radiate into the shoulders, arms, or upper back and the patient may have weakness or numbness in one or both arms.

Muscle and ligament damage is most likely to cause the pain that occurs in the first few weeks after a neck injury. Many people report stiffness and limited range of motion in addition to the pain. The muscles are often the first of the damaged body structures to heal and don’t usually cause pain after the first weeks, but they may contribute to abnormal movement if they become tense or weak. Ligament injuries often cause abnormal movement as well and may cause instability in the joints.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction or syndrome (usually just called TMJ) is due to a misalignment in the joint, which acts like a sliding hinge and connects the jawbone to the skull. Headaches, facial pain, clicking or popping noises in the jaw, difficulty eating, and ear pain may all be signs of TMJ problems.

Brain injury that results from contrecoup can cause a variety of subtle symptoms. Some people may actually lose consciousness briefly and initially have symptoms of a mild concussion, while others have no obvious symptoms. Several weeks or months later, however, patients may complain of confusion, difficulty concentrating, or forgetfulness. Other symptoms of mild brain injury include sleep disturbances, diminished sex drive, or emotional issues like instability, irritability, or depression. Some patients have less common symptoms, like visual changes or problems with taste and smell.

Dizziness may occur after a brain injury but may also occur with neck injuries alone. This symptom can be caused by injury to the facet joints. It is usually temporary and resolves once the precipitating cause is resolved.
One of the symptoms that doesn’t really seem to be related to the neck injury is lower back pain. This symptom occurs in about half of all rear-impact crashes and about three-quarters of side-impact crashes. The pain is a result of lower spine compression in the first two phases of a neck injury (see above).

Recovery
Spinal injuries often take months to heal – and that is assuming that patients receive whiplash treatment promptly from experts like those at Advanced Chiropractic, your Arizona whiplash chiropractor. Six to nine months is not unusual for full healing. About one in five people who suffer this injury will still have pain and disability such as weakness or restricted movement up to two years after the accident. The majority of this group will continue to have symptoms for years and sometimes the rest of their lives. However, proper treatment can help decrease pain and promote better function. 

Whiplash Treatment
Treatment for neck injuries includes four basic categories of care: chiropractic care from experts like those at Advanced Chiropractic, soft tissue rehabilitation, medical care, and self-care.
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring the proper alignment in the spine. Spinal manipulation helps restore normal movement and position in the spinal vertebrae. A chiropractor may use the traditional methods of manipulation or the newer Activator technique, as well as trigger point therapy and massage. In addition, the chiropractor can advise you on correct posture, exercise, and nutrition to support your healing.
Soft tissue rehabilitation targets the supporting structures of the musculoskeletal symptoms that are not bone – tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Therapies in this phase help stimulate the soft tissues to heal correctly. They include trigger point therapy, massage, electro-stimulation of muscles, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as a range of motion exercises. One of the most important parts of this treatment is to keep the soft tissues flexible, strong, and balanced.
Medical care may be necessary, especially in the acute phase following an injury. Anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, and muscle relaxants may be helpful. Other possible medical care techniques include trigger point injections and epidural spinal injections with cortisone and local anesthetic. These should be used in the acute phase and for the short-term relief of pain. The primary goal of treatment should be to restore normal joint movement and to promote healthy tissue repair rather than just to manage symptoms with medications and injections. In rare cases, surgery may be required for spinal fractures or if a disc is pressing on the spinal cord.
Self-care is very important in the rehabilitation process, as patients can easily stress or re-injure themselves. Practicing correct posture and following all exercise recommendations makes a big difference in healing. Other self-care modalities include ice packs and/or the application of heat, nutritional supplements and adequate sleep. Many people need to limit certain activities at home or work, especially in the early phases of healing. Whiplash treatment can be successful, especially if implemented early. At Advanced Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we offer chiropractic care, corrective exercise, lifestyle advice, and BioFreeze pain relief therapy for the relief of soft tissue pain. Think of us as your Arizona whiplash chiropractor; please contact us today for an assessment.