Author: Impact Medical Group

Is Spinal Decompression a Permanent Fix?

If you’ve been battling chronic back pain, you’ve likely come across the term “spinal decompression” in your search for relief. It sounds amazing, doesn’t it? The idea of gently stretching your spine to reduce pressure and pain certainly sounds appealing. But let’s cut to the chase: is spinal decompression a permanent fix for back problems?

The short answer? It’s complicated. Here’s what you need to know.

How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

Spinal decompression therapy can be a lifeline for many people suffering from herniated discs, sciatica, or general back pain. It works by slowly and carefully stretching the spine, changing its force and position. It can take pressure off spinal discs (those little cushions between your vertebrae) and promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the discs to encourage healing.

Sounds great, right? It often is. Many patients report significant pain relief and improved mobility after a series of treatments. But here’s where we need to manage expectations: while the effects can be long-lasting, calling it a “perfect fix” might be a stretch (pun intended).

Does Spinal Decompression Provide Permanent Relief?

Think of your spine like a car. Regular maintenance can keep it running smoothly and prevent major issues, but it doesn’t make your car run forever. Similarly, spinal decompression can provide substantial relief and promote healing, but it’s not a one-and-done solution. Several factors come into play:

1. The nature and severity of your condition
2. Your overall health and lifestyle
3. How well you follow post-treatment care instructions

For some, the effects of spinal decompression can last for months or even years. Others might need periodic “tune-ups” to maintain the benefits. And let’s be real—if you go back to poor posture habits or a sedentary lifestyle, you’re likely to find yourself back where you started.

Is Spinal Decompression for Me?

So, what’s the takeaway? Spinal decompression can be an extremely effective treatment for many back issues, potentially providing long-term relief. But it’s most effective when viewed as part of a comprehensive approach to spinal health that could include:

• Exercises to strengthen core and back muscles
• Improvements in posture and body mechanics
• Lifestyle modifications (like ergonomic workstations or weight loss if needed)
• Other complementary treatments like physical therapy or chiropractic care

Your spine has been supporting you your entire life. Treating it well is ongoing, not a one-time event. Spinal decompression can be a powerful tool in your back-care “toolkit,” but it works best when combined with everyday spine-friendly habits.

Unlock the Secret to Back Pain Relief—Schedule Your Free Evaluation Today

If you’re considering spinal decompression therapy, talk to the caring medical team at Impact Medical Group of St. Petersburg about whether it’s right for you. We’ll help you understand what to expect and how to maximize the long-term benefits of the treatment.

Trust us, your back will thank you for the effort—even if it can’t quite promise to behave perfectly forever. Call us today at (727) 722-8103 to schedule your free medical evaluation and discover the secret to back pain relief!

How Chiropractors Can Help Shoulder Impingement After An Accident

Dealing with a shoulder impingement after an accident can feel like a real burden. You won’t be able to reach, grab, or point as you did before without either stunted flexibility or a bit of sharp, shooting pain. This injury can get in the way of you carrying out your day per usual, but what can you do? Learn more about how chiropractors like the ones at Impact Medical Tarpon Springs can help shoulder impingement after an accident so you can stop holding back from living your life!

The Way Shoulder Impingements Occur After An Accident

If you’ve never heard of a shoulder impingement before, we’ll give you the details. This injury is also known as rotator cuff tendinitis, and it often happens when the shoulder blade moves in a way that pinches the muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff. Shoulder impingement is common during car crashes since the body moves in unnatural ways upon impact. These impacts can tense up your muscles and cause impingement to occur. This occurrence can also affect the nerves located in the shoulder area adding to the injury.

The Clear Signs of Shoulder Impingement

How do you know you have shoulder impingement? There are multiple signs, much of them having to do with pain in the shoulder area when moving your arms or lying on the injured side. Most people don’t realize just how much movement they practice in their arm and shoulder until they sustain a shoulder impingement, really putting things into perspective. Even the slightest movement in the wrong direction can result in unbearable pain, making it a challenge to perform everyday tasks.

Other symptoms of shoulder impingement include weakness, tenderness, swelling, and limited movement. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek chiropractic care immediately to loosen up the joints and nerves through targeted adjustments.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Shoulder Impingement? Recover times may vary depending on the severity of the shoulder impingement, but the general timeframe for treating this injury and making a full recovery is roughly 3-6 months. Of course, you’ll see better results the sooner you seek treatment without procrastinating.

What Your Chiropractor Can Do For Shoulder Impingement

Chiropractors create custom treatment plans specifically for shoulder impingement injuries, targeting the exact spots that have been affected or have the potential to create a path for assisted healing. These specialists practice adjustments or mobilization techniques that restore flexibility in the joint, and they may also utilize traction methods to stretch the shoulder muscles and open up room for mobility. If you’re experiencing a great deal of pain, your chiropractor may also use cold therapy to reduce inflammation in the shoulder.

What to Not Do During the Healing Process When recovering from shoulder impingement, the last thing you want to do is aggravate your pain and other symptoms by partaking in activities that require you to put your arm to work. You want to limit raising your arms above your head for a while to give ample time for your shoulder to heal properly. Also, you should also never ignore the instructions given by your chiropractor.

Our Chiropractors at Impact Medical Can Help With Your Shoulder Impingement

Impact Medical Tarpon Springs has everything you need to fully recover from shoulder impingement, including top-notch chiropractic care and personal guidance throughout your healing journey. Call us today at 727-756-9585 to schedule your consultation appointment!

A Minor Fender Bender Can Cause Lasting Effects…Here’s How

Even when you think your teeny-tiny collision doesn’t seem to be worth the hassle, even a minor fender bender can cause lasting effects. Learn the real consequences of these seemingly minuscule accidents and why you need to head over to Impact Medical Plant City for auto accident injury treatment near you!

How to React In a Non-Injury Car Accident Some accidents won’t leave any obvious signs of injury, but it’s still vital to get checked just in case you have hidden symptoms that can come back harder later. Learn more about what to do if you’re injured in a non-emergency accident to ensure that you have your well-being under control when the time comes.

Chronic Pain and Injuries From Common Whiplash

Every accident has the potential to leave you with whiplash, no matter how small the collision. Whiplash can result in lasting effects like chronic back and neck pain which can hinder your everyday life and routine activities. Another lasting injury that can happen after a minor fender bender is herniated discs which affects your spine with chronic pain and limited mobility.

Whether you’re facing injury in the form of whiplash or herniated discs, physical therapy helps prevent long-term conditions by working in gentle exercises to treat the body before it can lapse into chronic symptoms.

High Risk of Concussions and Permanent Brain Damage From Mild TBIs

It doesn’t take much to suffer brain injuries. A small jolt from a minor impact can rock your head back and forth while hitting part of the car in the process. This can result in either a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Anything that impacts your brain and cognitive function should be treated with urgency even if the auto accident itself didn’t seem as concerning.

Ask us about our treatment options for traumatic brain injury to learn more about what we can do for you!

Persisting PTSD From the Rush of Adrenaline

Everyone responds to trauma differently, and a minor fender bender can be enough to send someone into stress-induced conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is because the brain receives a rush of adrenaline, even if it’s just a little bit. However, that small trigger is all it takes to start a chain reaction of emotional distress that needs to be treated by a professional counselor without delay.

Learn more > How Long Should I Wait to Get Trauma Counseling After An Accident?

Lingering Headaches From All Aspects of the Crash

For headaches that don’t seem to go away after a minor fender bender, there could be several reasons for that. Nerve damage from an impacted spine can send pain signals to the brain, the stress from dealing with post-accident care and insurance can be too much to handle, and accident neck injuries can also cause headaches. Accident-related headaches tend to linger, so it’s better to seek treatment instead of waiting for it to pass (which might not happen).

Worsened Pre-Existing Injuries That’ll Take Longer to Heal

If you already had an injury before getting into an accident, the impact can worsen your existing symptoms and cause them to last much longer than originally anticipated. Sometimes, re-injury can lead to chronic effects.

Don’t Delay In Visiting Impact Medical For Auto Accident Injury Treatment!

Next time you get into a minor fender bender that doesn’t feel like a big deal at the time, call Impact Medical Plant City today at 813-214-8330 to receive an evaluation in case there are any underlying issues that can cause lasting effects from neglected treatment. Our team is here to ensure that you avoid chronic pain and injury by any means necessary!

Can an Auto Accident Trigger Migraines? 6 Tips to Treat Them

So, you’ve been in a car accident. As if dealing with insurance and car repairs wasn’t enough, now you’re experiencing splitting headaches. But can migraines really be caused by car accidents? Unfortunately, they can.

Auto accidents—even minor ones—can indeed trigger migraines in some people. The sudden jolt, potential whiplash, and stress of the incident can all contribute to the onset of these debilitating headaches. But don’t worry – we’re here to shed some light on this issue and offer some practical tips to help you manage.

How Can Car Accidents Cause Migraines?

First, let’s understand the connection. During an accident, your head and neck may experience rapid, forceful movements. This can lead to:

• Whiplash, which can irritate nerves and muscles
• Concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries
• Increased stress and anxiety

Any of these factors can potentially trigger migraines, especially in those who are already prone to them.

Treating Car Accident-Related Migraines

So, what can you do if you find yourself in this situation? Here are 6 tips to help treat post-accident migraines:

1. Seek Medical Attention Promptly. Don’t brush off your symptoms. Get checked out by a healthcare professional as soon as possible after an accident. They can assess for any underlying injuries and start appropriate treatment early.
2. Keep a Headache Diary. Track your migraines’ frequency, duration, and potential triggers. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in determining the best treatment plan.
3. Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques. Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga (if approved by your doctor). Reducing stress can often help reduce migraine symptoms.
4. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule. Remember to take care of yourself after a car accident. Dehydration and poor sleep can make migraines worse. Try to drink 8 glasses of water a day and try to go to bed and wake up at consistent times.
5. Consider Physical Therapy. A physical therapist can work with you to address any neck or upper back issues that might be contributing to your migraines.
6. Explore Medication Options. Talk to your healthcare provider about both preventive and acute migraine medications. There are many options available and finding the right one can make a world of difference.

Everyone’s experience with migraines is unique. What works for one person might not work for another. Be patient with yourself and don’t hesitate to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about what’s working and what isn’t.

Take Control of Your Migraines, Reclaim Your Life

Car accidents can be a major trigger for migraines, but you don’t have to suffer in silence! At Impact Medical Group of Sarasota, our compassionate team specializes in diagnosing and treating the root cause of your headaches, helping you find relief and get back to enjoying life.

Schedule your free medical evaluation today—call (941) 222-1157. Take the first step toward a pain-free future!