8 Treatment Options Following a Fall

A slip and fall can be a terrifying sensation and is something that most people will experience at least once in their lives, especially during the winter season in adverse weather conditions. In addition to any injuries you may have incurred from the fall, you may become disoriented and dazed for some time after falling. Pain will begin to kick in once you've regained your composure. At that point, you question, "What should I do now?" We strongly advise you to get slip and fall injury treatment as soon as possible. We've compiled a list of treatment choices for you at Atlas Total Health Chiropractic. After a fall, you should always get checked out right away so that you can receive the best full-body chiropractic adjustment and treatment plan to get you back to optimal health as soon as possible. Contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule your consultation.

1. Determine Injuries

Injuries such as cuts and abrasions will manifest almost immediately after a fall. However, if you have an injury beneath the surface, you may not know it until significant pain sets in, which might take up to 24 hours. The following are examples of common fall injuries:

  • Broken and fractured bones
  • Cuts, abrasions, and wounds
  • Sprains and rips are examples of soft tissue injuries.
  • Injuries to the head
  • Injuries to the spinal cord
  • Whiplash

Atlas Total Health Chiropractic may order X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to figure out what's wrong with you. It is important to find out what kind of injuries you have before you start treatment. This way, we can make sure that the therapies you choose will help your whole body feel better and heal.

2. Electrical Stimulation Therapy (EST)

E-stim, or Electric Stimulation Therapy, is a good way to treat a wide range of injuries. For e-stim therapy to work, tiny electrodes are placed on the skin above the damaged area. After that, these electrodes will be used to send low-level electrical impulses to the muscle or tendon that is hurt. The impulses will make the muscle contract and relax, which will eventually make the muscle tired. Though exhaustion may appear to be a negative trait, it is actually quite the reverse when it comes to tense muscles. This level of weariness will ease the ongoing state of stress and agony that those who have been left with muscular spasms or tightness in their muscles after a fall are feeling.

3. Cold and Heat Therapy

Heat and cold therapy have been shown to be effective in relieving pain and encouraging healing in injured patients. In addition, heat therapy can assist relax tense muscles and relieve discomfort, as well as reduce muscle spasms caused by their injuries.

4. Soft Tissue Manual Therapy with Instruments

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manual Therapy, abbreviated IASTM, is beneficial in reorganizing soft tissue after it has been altered by trauma. This is something to think about if you have sprains, tears, or other problems with your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. IASTM is also highly effective in the case of whiplash, which is common if you fall from a considerable height or while riding a bike, horseback riding, or on a stairwell. We use the Graston Technique at Atlas Total Health Chiropractic because it is an evidence-based treatment that promotes better and faster healing. In addition, the Graston Technique allows our chiropractors to avoid excessive pressure on the spine while still treating injured tissue, resulting in pain relief.

5. Physiotherapy

Falls can be extremely damaging to your body. For example, if you've had a broken or fractured bone, you may have been warned not to put pressure on the region while mobile. While this is great advice, your posture is likely to suffer as a result of altered movement patterns. Posture issues can further aggravate existing ailments. A qualified chiropractor can help you retrain your body to move in a way that does not harm your injury or your posture. Similarly, adequate exercise of wounded areas during and after healing is essential for optimal recovery.

6. Massage Therapy

A fall can be a painful and distressing experience. Massage therapy can relieve muscle tension while also stretching the joints and increasing the range of motion. Massage therapy can treat patients who have suffered whiplash, spinal injury, soft tissue injuries, or fractured bones by strengthening muscles, improving posture, and realigning any spinal damage.

7. Chiropractic Corrections

Chiropractic adjustments are obviously good for much more than just your back. However, we will underline that following a fall, an adjustment is a must-have treatment to speed recovery and relieve discomfort. Subtle manipulations can help to restore normal movement, correct impacted posture, and decompress the spine to relieve discomfort in the back, neck, shoulders, and other affected areas of the body.

8. Continued Home Care

After a fall, your therapy should not end once you leave the Atlas Total Health Chiropractic clinic. There are many types of therapy that you can do at home to help you heal and feel better.

  • Take a warm Epsom salt bath. This will relax the muscles and reduce inflammation.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Apply ice to the affected region or a cool towel. Never apply the cold substance directly to your skin. Wrap ice with a washcloth instead. This procedure will keep the pain and swelling at bay.
  • Apply pressure on swollen areas.
  • Take pain medications as directed. Pain medications with anti-inflammatory qualities, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve pain safely and without the use of opioids.
  • Rest as much as possible because your body requires time to mend.

Prioritizing your health when learning to recover from a fall is critical. Go to Atlas Total Health Chiropractic right away to make sure that any injuries you have are treated right. If you are suffering from pain, contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.

These 9 Tips Will Help You Deal with Sudden Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most commonly experienced medical ailments in the United States. Back pain affects around 31 million Americans at any given time, making completion of normal day-to-day duties difficult for many. From the occasional 'twinge' to severe or debilitating discomfort, you should never try to tough out back pain. If you suddenly feel back pain, you should act quickly to relieve it before it worsens. In this article, we'll go through nine techniques to deal with sudden back discomfort to get you back to optimal health. We're confident that if you try one or more of these tips, you'll be free of back pain and back to living an active life in no time.

How to Deal with Back Pain on a Daily Basis

There are numerous options for dealing with unexpected back pain. Because some people respond better to particular therapies, it's always a good idea to have an open mind and explore more than one remedy. If you do nothing, you risk developing chronic back discomfort and possibly degenerative disc disease. Whether you have a pinched nerve or herniated discs, alleviating pain and pursuing answers should be your top priorities. Here are nine of the most popular and efficient methods for dealing with unexpected back pain:

1.  Workout

Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for acute back pain. But, more importantly, regular exercise will aid in the prevention of future back discomfort. Exercising your back lowers stiffness, keeps tendons and connective fibers supple and reduces the amount of stress on your spine. However, you must know which workouts are ideal for the type of pain you are suffering. You don't want to aggravate your problem by causing further muscular tension or nerve compression. A chiropractor or doctor can recommend the ideal exercises for you.

2.  Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractors are experts in non-surgical musculoskeletal and nervous system treatment. They often employ physical manipulation techniques to locate and treat the source of the pain. They specialize in back and neck problems and will also analyze your whole physical and emotional well-being. It's an excellent solution if you can't or don't know how to deal with your discomfort on your own. Chiropractors will also utilize many of the other procedures on this list, so it's a smart way to cover all of your bases.

3.  Alter Your Diet

Some meals are highly inflammatory and might result in back pain. Foods high in trans fats and processed sugars are typically the worst offenders. Some people are sensitive to alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and even some fruits. It's essential to speak with a doctor who specializes in this area because it can be difficult to pinpoint which meals are causing the problem. Begin by eating foods that have anti-inflammatory characteristics, such as water and turmeric. It's also an excellent time to assess your overall lifestyle and dietary habits. Maintaining a healthy weight might also aid with back pain relief by alleviating pressure on your spine.

4.   Yoga

Yoga is one of the most effective techniques to relieve back pain, notably lower back discomfort. Many yoga poses stretch and strengthen the muscles that support your back and spine. If you've ever taken a class, you've probably heard the instructor mention stretching the spinal cord or improving blood flow to a specific area of the body. Yoga can also assist you in determining the root of your pain, allowing you to work on those areas and restore equilibrium. A word of caution: yoga can result in back injury if not done correctly. Always seek out a professional yoga instructor and describe your problem points.

5.   Swimming

Swimming is an excellent kind of exercise for back discomfort. It's a low-impact kind of exercise, and the buoyancy of the water helps support your weight, relieving pressure on your spine. Stretching and spending time in the water is still beneficial if swimming is too uncomfortable or difficult.

6.  Massage Therapy

According to data released by the American Massage Treatment Association, massage therapy can help with back pain in a variety of ways. Massages increase blood circulation, hastening recovery from muscle injuries and discomfort. It also improves flexibility and range of motion while promoting the release of feel-good hormones such as endorphins.

7.  Laser Therapy

While laser therapy is not a frequent treatment for back pain, there is a lot of scientific evidence that it can provide fast pain relief. Laser therapy reduces the sensitivity of your back's nerves, resulting in less pain. It also boosts your body's production of endorphins, similar to massage therapy. It's as simple as a technician using a handheld laser to target the spot where you're experiencing discomfort.

8.  Physical Rehabilitation

Physical therapy is one of the greatest ways to learn why you have back pain and what you can do to treat it. A physical therapist will show you how to maintain good posture, move in ways that will reduce your back pain, and demonstrate some exercises that will help with your unique type of pain. Speaking with a specialist and describing their back pain is a tremendous relief for many folks since they know they're on the right route.

9.  Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for over 2,500 years. It entails putting microscopic needles into various locations on the body. According to Chinese medicine, acupuncture is used to establish a route of free-flowing energy known as "Qi" around the body. Science shows that the needles cause chemicals to be released and activate the central nervous system. Studies have shown acupuncture to be helpful in treating back pain, so it's an alternative medicine option to investigate.

Conclusion

As you can see, numerous options for dealing with unexpected back pain exist. You should be able to discover a method that works best for you. If you are suffering from back pain, contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.

What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in the muscles and joints that doesn't go away. It can also make people tired, sleepy, forgetful, and vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Though the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, experts believe that fibromyalgia might make the way pain is experienced in the body worse by changing the way the brain handles pain signals. Before a person with fibromyalgia can be diagnosed, they usually have to have had widespread, constant pain for at least three months.

How Can Someone Tell Whether They Have Fibromyalgia?

Because there is no laboratory or imaging test for fibromyalgia, diagnosing the condition can be difficult. Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, the symptoms usually get worse over time, even if there wasn't a specific event that started it. Fibromyalgia can be caused by a number of things, such as a physical injury, a lot of emotional stress, surgery, or an infection. A doctor will examine all of the patient's present symptoms in order to come to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia and Body Pain

Pain from fibromyalgia can show up in many different places on the body, such as the muscles, the stomach, the back, and the neck. The musculoskeletal system is made up of the skeleton's bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, cartilage, and joints, as well as other connective tissues that hold organs and tissues together and support, all of which can be affected by fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain throughout the body that can vary greatly in severity and may become worsened by stress or “flare ups”. When diagnosing fibromyalgia, a doctor will focus on what is known as the "18 points" of pain, despite the fact that the condition can cause a wide variety of painful feelings. When pressed, each of these nine pairs of pressure points not only causes discomfort locally but also has the potential to refer to pain in other parts of the body. People who do not have fibromyalgia do not experience the same levels of pain in these locations as people who do have the ailment. The following are some of the points:

  • The back of one's head and neck
  • Elbows
  • Hips
  • Upper back
  • Back of the knees
  • Knees
  • Shoulders
  • Chest

In addition to these specific pain areas, people with fibromyalgia may also feel a wide variety of different types of pain throughout their bodies. Pain that is constant, pain that changes throughout the day, sharp pain, or pain that is very severe are all signs of this disease.

Fibromyalgia Is a Condition That Affects the Body

In addition to having constant pain, people with fibromyalgia often have a wide range of other symptoms all over their bodies. This condition usually causes malaise, fatigue, and a general feeling of being tired all the time. In addition, many folks complain about having headaches and having tight joints. One of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia is cramping in the muscles. Furthermore, people living with fibromyalgia are often prone to experiencing involuntary muscle contractions that can strike at any time without warning and frequently result in a painful level of distress.

Issues with the Senses

Patients who have fibromyalgia frequently experience issues with their senses. For example, those who are afflicted with the condition may experience an enhanced sensitivity to pain as well as to cold. Similarly, many people complain of a prickling or tingling sensation in their limbs, particularly in their hands and feet. Tingling sensations that come and go in the foot are common symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Problems Falling Asleep and Mood Swings Associated with Fibromyalgia

Unfortunately, for those who have fibromyalgia, mood changes and poor sleep quality are typically connected to more severe symptoms of the illness. Along with irritability, depression is a common sign of fibromyalgia that affects many people. One of the most common signs of fibromyalgia is having trouble falling asleep and waking up more often during the night. One of the most common sleep issues that are related to fibromyalgia is a condition called restless leg syndrome (RLS). It is yet unknown what causes the neurological condition known as RLS. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) causes the legs to feel like they are crawling or creeping, as well as pulling or burning. These sensations could start off very light, but they can quickly become excruciating. People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) have a strong need to move their legs to get rid of their symptoms. Sensations frequently begin after the individual has reached a state of relaxation. They are most common when the individual is attempting to sleep or is really asleep. This results in the affected individual losing hours of sleep, which leaves them feeling exhausted and forces them to confront their myriad of other health problems the following morning on an empty tank.

Issues with Cognitive Functioning and Fibromyalgia

Some instances of these challenges are forgetfulness and an inability to concentrate properly. One of the signs of the illness that is often called "fibro-fog" is the inability to focus, pay attention, and concentrate on mental tasks. Because of this, the person has a hard time remembering things and is always confused. Depression and anxiety are also common symptoms of fibromyalgia. They can be caused by a number of things, such as constant pain, trouble sleeping, or trouble paying attention.

Seeking Medical Care for One's Symptoms

If you have been experiencing the majority of these symptoms, you may have fibromyalgia that has not yet been identified. You should make an appointment at Atlas Total Health Chiropractic as soon as possible to start talking about fibromyalgia treatments that will help you feel more like your best self again. If you are suffering from pain, contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.

Why It May Be Best to Avoid Back Surgery If Possible

If you've been having back pain for more than a few weeks, you've likely seen a doctor to find out what's wrong and what exactly is going on with your body. In many cases, patients who experience persistent back pain may be advised to seek surgical treatment for their back pain. If this is your situation, it is strongly suggested that you make every effort to reserve back surgery as a last resort, after exhausting all other alternatives. Because some individuals have chosen to put off having back surgery for as long as they can, many individuals have found effective alternative therapies to having the surgery. If you are thinking about getting surgery, it will be much simpler for you to make a decision that is in your best interest if you are familiar with the alternative treatments that can be performed on you and the results that you can anticipate from each one.

Back Procedures

It is predicted that every year in the United States, 600,000 people will require back surgery. Back pain is a leading cause of work-related disability. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most common types of surgery are spinal decompression treatments, spinal fusions, and the implantation of prosthetic vertebral discs. The number of back pain patients electing to receive surgery has been on the rise in recent years. For example, the number of people who have had spinal fusion procedures performed on them has increased by more than 70% since 2001.

Surgical Error

Back surgery is done to treat back problems and long-term pain that individuals have been experiencing. However, the patient's prognosis, on the other hand, is not guaranteed to get better after any procedure. It's possible that after having surgery on your back, you won't feel any better, and it's also possible that you'll feel considerably worse, which could cause you to have another surgery. In the event that your back surgery is not successful, you may not see any improvement in your symptoms at all. Researchers looked into the health records of 1,450 workers who had been diagnosed with radiculopathy, disc degeneration, or herniated discs. The researchers put the results of the study into a report, which they then sent to the journal Spine, which agreed to publish it. According to the study's findings, spinal fusion surgery was performed on fifty percent of the patients who participated in the research. Only 26% of people who had surgery have gone back to their previous occupational capacity. During this time, patients who had surgery also took 41% more painkillers. If the back surgery doesn't fix the problem, the patient may be diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome. It is not a syndrome; rather, it is a name that symbolizes the circumstances and the suffering that individuals go through after having unsuccessful back surgery. But if a back surgery goes wrong, it could leave some people with back spasms, numbness, severe stabbing pain, and, in some cases, mental health problems, paralysis, or even death, especially in cases concerning medical malpractice.

Why Back Surgery Might Be Required

Not all back operations are preventable. For instance, if your spinal cord is being encroached upon by a tumor, mass, or blood clot. These may crush the nerve and cause severe problems. A change in your ability to control your bowel and bladder as well as foot drop are further red flags. These signs point to a more severe back problem, which may require surgery. However, medical necessity aside, there are many other options available to treat back pain.

When To Refrain from Back Surgery

When you are experiencing severe back pain, it may be difficult to think about forgoing back surgery. When compared to the risks we talked about above, a conservative method has little to no risk, and surgery is always an option as a back-up. For diseases including bulging discs, herniations, sciatica, stenosis, and others, a conservative approach should be used first. The most frequent back issues that can necessitate surgery are those listed above. Many people think that by getting a second opinion, they can avoid having unneeded surgery. It's simple to understand why this is a typical practice. It's similar to asking two different mechanics to examine your car when you're having automotive problems. Which mechanic is being more truthful with you is what you're attempting to ascertain. However, a second opinion from someone who is not in the surgical field may be more valuable when it concerns your quality of life and mobility in the future. It's about pain reduction in the early stages of addressing your back pain. But keep in mind that your symptoms can reappear if you only seek pain treatment. You must identify the source of all your suffering if you want real, long-lasting answers. This could be caused by anything from the way you stand or sit to how you lift objects, or it could be a result of a previous injury you sustained in the past. The best thing to do in this situation is to work with a qualified professional who can help you figure out what's going on and come up with a plan to fix it. Again, a chiropractor is frequently the ideal candidate for this position.

Why Should You Get Started by Making an Appointment to See a Chiropractor Right Away?

Our chiropractors have a lot of experience working with musculoskeletal problems, and because of this, they can help you feel less pain through the services they offer. Most people with back pain will, at some point in their lives, look into non-invasive treatment options such as chiropractic care as their first line of defense against the condition. It's possible that chiropractic care and other non-invasive treatments, like non-steroidal drugs available over-the-counter, will be enough for some patients to put off back surgery until later in life. Other patients may be able to make a full recovery without the need for risky surgeries. If you are suffering from back pain, contact Atlas Total Health Chiropractic by calling (866) 668-0108 or contacting us online to schedule your consultation. Discover what we can do for you to assist you with feeling better and restore you to optimal health.

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