Accidents and Injuries

Common Types of vehicle/automobile crashes and accidents. Most accidents and crashes are caused by driving errors, recklessness, distraction, or disregard of traffic laws. Some accidents are caused by safety system failure or defective parts on the vehicle. Individuals can suffer severe and/or permanent injuries, even death. 

Types of Accident/Crashes 

Single Vehicle Accident

This type of road, highway traffic accident where only one vehicle is involved. Most of these types of crashes are:

• Run-off-road collisions
• Collisions with fallen debris
• Rollovers
• Collisions with animals

Side Impact/T-bone Collision 

These accidents, also known as broadside or T-bone collisions, impact the side of one or more vehicles. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, these crashes and accidents often happen at:

• Busy intersections
• Parking lots
• When a vehicle runs a red light, and a driver that has the green light gets slammed.
• These types of collisions account for a quarter of passenger vehicle occupant deaths.
• Injuries from a side-impact collision can be severe but vary depending on where the vehicle was struck.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions account for around a fourth of all collisions. These accidents and crashes happen because of:

• Driver inattention
• Distraction - Driver distraction has become a common factor in many rear-end crashes.
• Tailgating - When a driver tailgates, they reduce the reaction time to come to a safe stop.
• Panic stops
• Reduced wheel traction because of damaged roads/highways or dangerous road conditions caused by weather.

Head-on Collision

Head-on collisions are often fatal road and highway accidents and crashes. This can be caused by drivers not seeing or paying attention to:

• Wrong-way signs
• New construction
• Construction detour directions
• Street conditions
• Staying in the proper lane
• Impaired driving and going the wrong way have become common factors in head-on collisions.

Vehicle Rollover

These types of accidents and crashes can be complex and violent. Rollovers happen from:

• Drivers speeding, making sharp turns, cutting across lanes to exit
• Road conditions
• Construction
• Vehicle dysfunctions like an accelerator that gets stuck, loss of brakes,
• Weather and environmental factors
• Impaired driving
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, research shows that around 85% of rollover-related fatalities result from a single-vehicle accident or crash.

When involved in a car crash or accident, the force of the collision can shift the spine and body's joints out of alignment causing all types of injuries. Adjustments and realignment can help alleviate the pain and help heal the injury/s. Chiropractic treatment following a crash or accident is an important step that can benefit the body's health.

Body Composition

Benefits of Dairy Intake

Packed Nutrient Profile

Dairy foods have an impressive nutrition label, and dairy is considered a healthy source of many essential nutrients.

• A cup of cow's milk provides close to 8 grams of protein. This exceeds the protein content of most non-dairy milk alternatives.
• There are also essential micronutrients.
• Increasing dairy consumption can significantly improve under-consumed nutrients like:
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D

Bone Health

A glass of milk has seven of the eight nutrients considered essential for bone maintenance. This includes:

• Protein
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Vitamin K
• Studies have found that milk and dairy intake increases bone formation and bone mineral content during childhood and adolescence.
• This means that the bones are stronger and are at less risk of fractures.

General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

Christ, Daniel. "Simulating the relative influence of tire, vehicle and driver factors on forward collision accident rates." Journal of safety research vol. 73 (2020): 253-262. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2020.03.009

Texas DOT: 2017 Crash Statistics

Texas DOT: Total and DUI Fatal and Injury Crashes Comparison

Thorning, Tanja Kongerslev et al. "Milk and dairy products: good or bad for human health? An assessment of the totality of scientific evidence." Food & nutrition research vol. 60 32527. 22 Nov. 2016, doi:10.3402/fnr.v60.32527

An individual may need to wear a neck brace or cervical collar after cervical spine surgery, or after experiencing a traumatic injury to the neck, from an automobile accident, sports, work, or personal injury. Neck braces are some of the most common spinal braces. A doctor might call these orthoses or orthotics. There are different types of neck braces also called cervical collars, and function for different purposes.

• They can be utilized in stabilizing the neck after cervical/neck surgery.
• They can provide non-surgical relief after experiencing trauma or injury to the neck

Neck braces or collars are used to limit movement, support the head, and take the load off the neck. This gives the muscles time to rest, recover, and heal properly and thoroughly.

• Soft and Hard Collars
• Philadelphia Collar
• Sterno-occipital-mandibular Immobilization Device
• Halo brace 

Soft and Hard Neck Braces

Soft braces are made to be flexible and are made of a polyurethane foam rubber. They easily wrap around the neck and are secured with Velcro.

Soft collars are usually worn for a minor injury that just needs to be worn for a short time or to transition from wearing a hard brace from a more serious injury or surgery. Soft braces are worn typically at the end or completion of the healing process. The main purpose is to help with the gradual transition to remove the brace.

Hard neck braces look sort of like soft braces. The difference is that they are made of hard polyethylene and are rigid/stiff to really keep the neck from moving. These braces provide support and pain relief for spinal conditions like cervical spondylosis and acute neck pain.

Philadelphia

A Philadelphia brace is made of stiff foam and is made in two pieces that attach with Velcro. The upper portion supports the lower jaw with the lower brace extending down to cover the upper back.

This brace is made to protect more of the neck area than a soft or hard brace. However, it does place a higher restriction on the neck and body's range of motion. Because of its effectiveness for limiting movement, it is usually prescribed after cervical surgery for a healthy recovery. The Philadelphia neck brace is also used for stabilization of minor cervical fractures and to reduce pain brought on from neck muscle strain.

Sterno-Occipital-Mandibular Immobilization

The Sternooccipital mandibular immobilization brace is a highly rigid brace used to position the neck in straight alignment with the spine. This brace immobilizes the neck completely by preventing the head and neck from moving at all. This allows the injured/damaged structures to heal correctly and quickly. Sterno comes from the sternum. The brace has a front chest plate, and bars that go over the shoulder.

It is secured with straps that attach to the front chest plate. It also has a removable chin piece where the mandibular comes from, which is the lower jawbone. And there is an optional headpiece for added protection and support. Occipital is referring to the occipital bone at the back of the head. This type of brace is used for the treatment of severe neck injury/s or cervical pain caused by a chronic condition, like arthritis. It can also aid in recovery after cervical spine surgery.

Halo

The halo brace is the most rigid of the neck braces. It completely immobilizes the head and neck from moving. Sometimes it is necessary to immobilize the spine after a major neck procedure or for stabilizing fractures in the neck or middle back area. Halo bracing is considered a form of spinal traction. Traction pulls the spine in 2 different directions.

The tension reduces the abnormal curvature associated with spinal conditions, like scoliosis. A halo brace has a metal ring secured to the head using pins. The ring is connected to bars that are attached to a properly weighted vest. The weight of a halo brace is different depending on the individual wearing it. A halo brace is worn at all times until completely healed and recovered.

Effectiveness

Neck braces are the most effective when they are used as directed by a doctor, chiropractor, or spine specialist. Working with an orthotist, or a specialist that designs and custom fits spinal braces can be extremely beneficial. Any questions about how to wear and care for a spinal brace should be brought up with a doctor or orthotist. They will help ensure a full understanding of how to get the most benefit from the treatment.

Chiropractic Neck Pain Treatment

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

Using a neck brace or collar can be part of a treatment option for individuals dealing with a neck injury, pain, and recovery. Cervical-neck spinal conditions can go from mild to debilitating if left untreated and could progress to chronic pain. Whiplash and abnormal cervical lordosis, which is an unnatural curvature of the spine, can happen from looking down at a phone too long, known as text-neck. These are common but different neck disorders that can be helped with a neck brace.

Being prescribed a neck brace depends on the severity of the pain symptoms. Does it present with or without upper back pain, radiate into the shoulders, cause headaches/migraine? These details will help a doctor or chiropractor figure out the best treatment option. If the patient can benefit then a neck brace, also called a cervical collar or cervical orthosis could be used.

Neck Brace

Fortunately, spinal surgery is rarely necessary. There are plenty of non-surgical treatment options that can help manage and reduce neck pain. A neck brace or collar could be part of a treatment plan that includes:

• Chiropractic
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Medications - over-the-counter and prescription if necessary

The treatment plan will be based on the outcome of:

• Physical examination
• Neurological examination
• X-rays
• Other imaging tests
• Severity of symptoms

These combined will confirm a diagnosis with the treatment focusing on:

• Neck stabilization
• Pain management
• Advanced healing
• Early mobilization

Brace Basics

There are a variety of soft and rigid neck braces available to help manage different cervical spine conditions. The type of brace prescribed is based on the diagnosis and treatment plan. Soft neck braces are flexible and offer the greatest range of motion. Rigid collars are for stricter immobilization/stabilization.

Stabilization refers to immobilizing the head and neck. Limiting or preventing motion helps to support the head while reducing weight from the cervical spine. Two of the most common neck pain disorders are whiplash and poor posture.

Soft Collar

Whiplash is a hyperflexion and hyperextension neck injury. It is caused when the neck quickly, forcefully and swiftly whips forward and backward. Whiplash injuries most commonly happen from auto accidents, work, personal, and sports injuries.

Whiplash symptoms are considered sprains and strains. This is when ligaments, in this case, those of the neck, and the muscles are stretched or torn. These include:

• Neck pain
• Stiffness
• Muscle spasms
• Headaches that start in the neck

However, all of the symptoms can radiate into the head and upper back. This is where a doctor could recommend a soft cervical collar as part of a treatment plan. This could be in conjunction with muscle relaxants and physical therapy. Soft collars provide neck support to help reduce soft tissue inflammation and the pain forty-eight to seventy-two hours after the injury.

Soft neck braces are usually made of foam and covered with cotton or other easily washable, comfortable wearable material. The brace wraps around the neck and is secured with Velcro straps. Be aware that over-using a neck brace can happen. A doctor will explain further and will prescribe/encourage performing daily motion exercises, and stretching exercises, as soon as the patient is able after a whiplash injury.

Rigid Collar

Lordosis means the normal forward curve in the neck. However, the normal curve can change negatively with time when the head regularly bends forward past the shoulders. An example is looking down at your phone. Most of us spend hours a day looking down at a phone pad, etc. This causes significant strain on the neck. The human head weighs around 12 pounds. This weight increases to about 60 pounds when the head and neck are extended forward and bent down.

A constantly increased load on the spine can lead to massive stress to the bones, ligaments, and muscles with the potential change in the normal curve and chronic neck pain. Text neck is another spinal disorder that a neck brace can help treat. Depending on the severity of the pain and injury a rigid neck brace or collar could be used.

All neck braces offer some degree of head and neck support. Another type of rigid neck brace has adjustable features that were developed to treat forward head posture caused by poor posture. This brace is called the Cervigard Forward Head Posture Neck Collar. It supports while correcting the alignment of the head and neck. Regular use can gradually restore the normal curvature by correcting head and neck posture.

Doctors recommend the brace be worn for 20 minutes a day or several hours, depending on the severity of pain and injury. The process of correcting the deformation can be compared to straightening teeth with braces, aligners, etc. This retrains the muscles and corrects the abnormal soft tissue tightness that develops from the condition.

Instructions

If a doctor prescribes a brace, follow their instructions for how to wear the neck brace. This will ensure the pain reduces and alleviates, while at the same time reducing the risk of the negative effects of overuse. Ask the doctor or chiropractor how to care for the brace.

Chiropractic Care Neck Pain Treatment

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*