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The 4 Most Common Injuries Truckers Face & How We Treat Them

It doesn’t matter how much you love your trucking job, you’re sure to run into some issues with your body from sitting for long periods at a time. In this guide, we’ll go over a few of the most common injuries. If any of these injuries happen to you, you can count on your nearest Impact Medical office for custom treatment plans!

1. Inevitable Back Pain From Extended Driving

Truckers commonly face back pain and injuries due to prolonged sitting without any stretches to break up the tension. However, it’s not unheard of for a trucker with good posture and regular stretching habits to still experience back pain anyway. If you’ve tried everything from ergonomic seat cushions to proven stretching methods to no avail, it could be a sign of deeper issues with your spinal cord or discs.

For intense lower back pain, refer to our discography FAQ page before consulting one of our chiropractors or physical therapists!

2. Cramped Knee Pain From Repetitive Motions

When you’re stuck in the driver’s seat for hours on end, your legs have no choice but to be stuck in a bent position for the duration of the trip. Not being able to stretch and lengthen your legs can lead to knee pain. Other trucking-related factors can also instigate knee pain such as repeatedly pressing down on the gas and brake pedals, climbing in and out of the tall cabin, or assisting with loading and unloading your haul. Thankfully, there are effective treatment methods for knee stiffness you can try.

3. Distracting Neck Pain From Poor Posture

It can be nearly impossible to practice good posture when you have nowhere to be but sitting in your truck, and poor posture often leads to awful neck pain. This can be especially troublesome (and sometimes dangerous) since driving requires you to frequently check your surroundings. When you’re experiencing neck pain, or even an annoying crick in your neck, doing your job can feel excruciating. Good thing neck injuries can be relieved with chiropractic care! Consider self-pay chiropractors for an easy way to treat your neck pain in a way that works with your schedule.

4. Sore Shoulder Pain From Tedious Tasks

So far, we’ve covered the back, neck, and legs. What’s left? Unfortunately, shoulder pain is also a very common problem among truckers. In fact, this particular injury is so common that it’s been dubbed “trucker shoulder” and it’s as concerning as it sounds. Despite sitting for most of the job, truckers have responsibilities that require them to use their arms to a great extent. After repetitive stress on the shoulders through climbing in and out of the cabin, wrapping chains around the haul, and of course, loading and unloading items, the shoulders can start showing signs of:

• Inflammation
• Dislocation
• Debilitating pain
• Bursitis
• And more

You can read up on top methods for treating shoulder pain, and knowing the basics can come in handy when deciding whether or not you need to go in for professional services.

How We Treat These Common Trucker Injuries

At Impact Medical, we don’t only treat those who have been involved in an accident. We’re staffed with skilled and talented chiropractors and physical therapists who know how to handle all kinds of injuries, including the kind that tend to progress after years of trucking. When left untreated, these injuries can linger for a lifetime of pain and discomfort. That’s why we aim to break the cycle of chronic pain with our comprehensive services performed by qualified professionals.

Are You A Trucker Looking For Relief? Visit Impact Medical Today!

Impact Medical is always ready to treat your trucker injuries with comprehensive chiropractic care! Contact your nearest location today to schedule a consultation.

Feel Like There’s Extra Traffic in Tampa Bay Recently? 5 Safe Driving Tips

In sunny Tampa Bay, the hustle and bustle might have been extra noticeable recently – and not just because of the vibrant atmosphere! With our area’s rapidly growing population, comes the inevitable increase in traffic, which can make our roads feel a little more like a NASCAR track. Given the surge in cars and the speed at which they’re moving, it’s prime time to brush up on your safe driving habits. Here are five essential safe driving tips to ensure that, in the race of life, you reach the checkered flag every time.

1. Slow Down, Buckle Up!

We’ve all heard it before, and yet, speeding and lack of seat belt use are consistently leading causes of accidents. Speed limits aren’t arbitrary. They’re carefully set for public safety. Buckling up is also a fundamental safety measure, so don’t make them afterthoughts. Make it a habit to check your speedometer and to wear your seat belt before hitting the gas pedal.

2. Be Mindful of Crosswalks and Pedestrians

Tampa Bay isn’t just roads and cars; it’s a thriving community with people who might not be enclosed in a vehicle. Always be alert for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Take a cautious approach, especially in dense pedestrian areas. Keep your eyes moving, scan the environment, and never just rely on the walk signals – some pedestrians don’t wait for the green light so an extra second in checking can save a life.

3. Keep a Safe Distance and Use Signals

Tailgating isn’t just rude—it’s dangerous. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Never assume you know what the car ahead will do; it’s why you have blinkers, so use them. When changing lanes or turning, always signal your intention well in advance to give other drivers time to react.

4. Stay Focused and Minimize Distractions

In today’s world, it’s not just the road that vies for our attention. From phones to radios, distractions can come in many forms. Give driving the focus it deserves. Adjust your mirrors, seat, and climate control before you hit the road. If you must use your phone, do so hands-free, or better yet, designate a passenger as your communication manager.

Plan Your Route and Expect the Unexpected

It’s always good to know your route, especially when navigating unfamiliar territory. Being planned and organized can help you anticipate traffic conditions and prevent last-minute erratic maneuvers. Still, always be prepared for the unexpected. Keep a cool head, follow the rules of the road, and be courteous. Remember, no matter how safely you drive, you can’t control others’ actions. In case of accidents, seek medical attention at Impact Medical Group of Clearwater. We’re just a phone call away at (727) 292-0200.

Tackle these tips, and in no time, you’ll be cruising with the best of them—safely and responsibly in Tampa Bay’s growing traffic. Safe travels!

Car Accident Doctors vs. Primary Care Physicians – What’s the Difference?

Experiencing a car accident is a deeply unsettling experience, and the aftermath requires more than just a routine check-up. It’s essential to know who to turn to for your medical care—a car accident doctor or a primary care physician? Both play pivotal roles in your health care but serve very distinct purposes, especially when it comes to injuries sustained from car accidents.

Primary Care Physicians

Often the first healthcare professionals you consult, primary care physicians are the versatile experts in your health team. They’re well-versed in a broad spectrum of medical issues, acting as your health guide through all stages of life.

• Broad Expertise: Their knowledge spans numerous areas including internal medicine, pediatric care, and geriatric care.
• Healthcare Coordination: They recommend specialists when necessary and focus on preventive care.

Car Accident Doctors

These specialists, also known as personal injury doctors, zero in on treating car accident-related injuries. They bring a specialized skill set from backgrounds in physical therapy, pain management, or chiropractic care.

• Targeted Treatment: They’re experts in managing car accident injuries like whiplash, spinal issues, and soft tissue damage.
• Customized Care Plans: Their treatments are specifically tailored to address injuries caused by car accidents.

The Diagnostic Difference

When it comes to diagnosing car accident injuries, car accident doctors excel. They have the tools and expertise to uncover injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Primary care physicians often direct their patients to these specialists for this level of detailed diagnostics, which can include:

• X-rays
• MRIs
• CT scans

This step is vital since the severity of car accident injuries can often be underestimated at first. Car accident doctors are adept at identifying and treating these injuries early on, recognizing their potential to develop into more severe conditions if ignored.

The Path to Healing

The recovery process from car accident injuries incorporates both immediate and long-term treatment strategies. While primary care physicians might prescribe medication and recommend rest, car accident doctors often employ a holistic approach to rehabilitation, including:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Physical therapy
• Manual therapy
• Acupuncture
• Other non-invasive treatments

Following a comprehensive, holistic approach not only aids in physical recovery but also addresses the emotional and psychological impacts of the accident.

Take the First Step to Healing After an Accident at Impact Medical Group of Brandon

The road to recovery after a car accident can seem complicated. Knowing the distinct roles and expertise of primary care physicians and car accident doctors can guide you toward the proper care you need. For injuries stemming from car accidents, specialized care from a car accident doctor is invaluable.

Don’t wait to seek the expert care you need. The car accident doctors at Impact Medical Group of Brandon specialize in post-accident recovery, ensuring you’re not just treated but truly cared for. Call us today at (813) 522-8885 to schedule your free medical evaluation and discover how we support your healing path every step of the way.

Tampa Bay Accident Stats All Tampanians Should Know

You’ve lived in Tampa Bay for years, but do you know exactly what happens in your hometown? Countless Tampanians don’t realize just how many accidents take place near them every single year until it happens to them. Impact Medical is here to help you see the bigger picture and what you can do if you find yourself in a bit of a scrape.

Florida’s Crash Frequency Is Worse Than You Think

Go ahead and think of a number. Just how many accidents do you think there are per year in Florida? Let’s find out if you’re even a stone’s throw away from the real answer:

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida sees over 400,000 accidents a year.

Were you close? Of course, Florida is a huge state so the danger might still not concern you. In that case, let’s dig a little deeper. Out of those 400,000 accidents in Florida, roughly 30,000 of them are from the Tampa area alone. This number may include both minor fender benders and larger car crashes alike, but it doesn’t take much to sustain an injury that requires immediate care.

Why Car Crashes Are So Abundant In Florida What’s the reason for so many accidents in Florida? The leading causes are negligent and impaired driving. Other than plain carelessness, this includes both alcohol and drug-related incidents.

Some Of The Most Common Florida Accidents

Not all accidents are vehicle-to-vehicle. At least, not from the types of vehicles you would expect. Everyone has their own way of getting around, but that doesn’t make one type of driver safer than anyone else. Take a look at more Tampa statistics:

• Between 600-700 motorcycle-related accidents occur each year
• Roughly 500 bicycle accidents happen a year
• Around 600 pedestrians are involved in accidents per year
• Commercial vehicles make up about 3,000 accidents a year

What’s My Likelihood Of Getting Into An Accident? Seeing these statistics can be enough to worry any Tampa driver, but what are the actual chances of you being at risk? While we’re not fortune tellers, we can safely say that a car crash can happen to anyone, regardless of age, skill, or any other factor you might believe to make a difference. However, certain demographics tend to stand out: Most crashes involve drivers ages 25-34, with the 25-29 group more likely to be drunk at the time of the accident. And while you might think that Florida’s constant rain might also be a leading factor, roughly 75% of accidents occur on sunny days with no elemental disturbances.

How Can I Treat My Crash-Related Injuries?

Now that you understand how many car crashes happen in Tampa (and why they happen), the next step after treading carefully is knowing what to do after it happens. After getting into an unfortunate crash, the first thing you should do no matter what is to contact your emergency responders. But when it comes to treating your accident-related injuries, we have a couple of recommendations:

Physical therapy is usually the go-to solution for regaining flexibility and mobility after getting into the kind of accident that affects your movement. This treatment option can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to achieve a restored body.

Chiropractic care is often recommended after an accident for assistance in dealing with pain from certain injuries, with whiplash being the most common.

Impact Medical Treats Accident-Related Injuries Near You

Visit your nearest Impact Medical location anytime you need treatment after an accident. With countless car crashes happening every day in Tampa, we dedicate ourselves to working hard day in and day out to administer the care you need to find your “normal” again!