Can Whiplash Affect My Memory?
Houston Chiropractor Comments on MTBI:
This is a common complaint we hear as a Houston chiropractor occurring as a result of a whiplash injury, but it’s not commonly known, leaving those who are suffering wondering, “…what’s wrong with me?” Whiplash is an injury that classically occurs as a result of a car crash at any speed, even at low speed! This is because at low speed, there is little to no damage to the car, and the forces from the crash are not absorbed by the crushing metal. As a result, those forces are transferred to the contents inside the car – that is, the passengers. This sometimes results in a significantly greater injury compared to crashes that occur at twice the speed because the latter results in crushing metal. The actual injury that occurs in whiplash is caused by the sudden, rapid movement of the head resulting in varying degrees of injury to the neck, as well as to the contents inside the skull – that is, the brain. The brain literally “bangs” into the inside walls of the skull when the head is rapidly accelerated during a car crash. The resulting injury is a concussion. What’s interesting is that most patients injured in a car crash often don’t mention a concussion nor is it usually asked about at the doctor’s office as other, more obvious injuries are dwelt with. The condition is usually referred to by one of two names: post-concussive syndrome or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).
Suffering From Whiplash and MTBI
This can be very embarrassing, frustrating, and scary for patients suffering with MTBI. Other symptoms associated with this include difficulty in focusing (blurred vision), headaches, having difficulty in pronouncing certain words (“tongue twisted”), having difficulty in understanding what was said, difficulty remembering numbers or groups of numbers like phone numbers, addresses, birthdates, and so on. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be very disruptive, making work and everyday tasks challenging.
How long does it last? MTBI can completely clear up in 2 to 6 months without problems or, it can hang on for 2 years or longer, and may even become a permanent residual from the car crash. In one study, continued problems after a 2 year time frame were reported in close to 20% of those injured 2 years earlier. This study suggests that about 1 out of 5 may continue to suffer with MTBI and the associated brain-related problems for at least 2 years following a car crash. However, another study reported the long term “higher cognitive function” (such as the ability to communicate through written or spoken language) is usually not affected by whiplash injuries. However, they preface that with by reporting that a more commonly injured group with more mild brain problems was found.
As chiropractors, we are trained to do a thorough history, orthopedic and neurological examination, and ask specific questions about mild traumatic brain injury. It is important to discuss this information with those suffering from whiplash injuries as frequently, MTBI patients think something is “…seriously wrong” and harbor unnecessary anxiety.
We realize that you have a choice in where you choose for your healthcare services. If you, a friend or family member requires care for MTBI whiplash, chiropractic rehabilitation & care is a logical first choice and we would be honored to offer our services to you.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
Chiropractic and Opioid Prescriptions
More doctors of chiropractic (DCs) could mean fewer opioid prescriptions for younger Medicare beneficiaries.
Higher number of DCs per capita is strongly correlated with a lower proportion of Medicare patients who fill opioid prescriptions. If you currently have back pain, neck pain, or need a chiropractic care in Houston, please consult with your local Houston chiropractor – Dr. Beecher. Natural solutions can be had like chiropractic for opioid prescriptions.
Pain Between Your Shoulders?
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Houston Area Chiropractor Comments: Patients come into the office complaining of burning pain in their upper back or stabbing pain between their shoulders. Pain in the upper and/or mid back is less common than lower back pain or neck pain in Houston. The upper back is the area between the cervical spine (neck) and the low back (lumbar spine). The upper back is called the thoracic spine, and it is the most stable part of the spine. The range of motion in the upper back is limited because of the spine’s attachments to the ribs (rib cage). This stability plays an important role in holding the body upright and providing protection for the vital organs in the chest.
The primary causes of thoracic pain are muscular problems, joint dysfunction, herniated or degenerative discs, arthritis, vertebral fractures, kyphosis (hunchback) or scoliosis. Muscular problems are the most common and are typically related to poor posture or being in the same posture for prolonged periods of time (ie. on a computer or having large breasts). Joint dysfunction is typically related to spinal subluxations or irritation where the ribs attach to the spine. Degenerated or herniated discs in the thoracic spine are not as common as the cervical or lumbar spine, but can cause pain also. Arthritic changes increase as the person ages. The arthritis can cause aggravation of the joints or irritation of the nerves. Vertebral fractures can either come from compression fractures in people with osteoporosis or from accidents or injuries. Kyphosis (hunchback) can be due to Scheuermann’s kyphosis, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or simply poor posture. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine.
Thoracic pain can also be due to secondary causes. Some of the secondary causes of mid back pain are bone cancer, shingles, stomach ulcers, problems affecting the lung (including a Pancoast tumor), stomach, liver, gallbladder and pancreas problems can all cause referred pain in the thoracic spine area.
The key to getting pain free is a proper history and exam so that the correct diagnosis is made. Here at Beecher Chiropractic we have seen hundreds of cases of mid back pain over the last 26 years. We will be able to determine if you simply need to modify your workstation, do you need chiropractic care and/or rehabilitative exercises or do you need to be referred to another provider. Your health is our primary concern.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
