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Do Cervical Facet Injections Work for Treating Whiplash?

Whiplash can be a real pain in the neck, both physically and emotionally. But the good news is that you don’t have to suffer through your pain and discomfort. There are a variety of treatments available to help ease your pain, and one option is cervical facet injections. Read on to learn about how this effective treatment can help treat whiplash.

What Are Cervical Facet Injections for Whiplash?

Cervical facet injections are clinical procedures designed to target inflamed or injured joints in the neck. Using an x-ray as a guide, your medical provider will inject the facet joint within the neck with a steroid that reduces the pain. Many patients experience noticeable pain relief following the injection.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Cervical Facet Injections for Whiplash?

Cervical facet injections may provide much-needed relief for individuals experiencing these symptoms. This treatment is typically recommended for patients who’ve been in a car accident or experienced some other jarring force that has caused damage to the neck’s soft tissues.

Any patient who has tried other treatments without success and is still experiencing significant neck pain is a good candidate for cervical facet injections. If you’re considering this treatment option, consult with the medical team at Impact Medical Group to determine if cervical facet injections are right for you.

The Cervical Facet Injection Process

A cervical facet injection is a simple, safe procedure with few side effects or risks. If your medical team suggests a cervical facet injection to treat your whiplash pain, here’s what you can expect from the procedure:

• Preparing for the Procedure. Typically, patients are required to fast the day before the procedure. Your doctor will identify the area of the neck where the injection will be administered and clean it with an antiseptic.
• Identifying the Facet Joint. Your doctor will use a fluoroscope (x-ray machine) to identify the facet joint that’s causing you pain. Once identified, the doctor may inject a local anesthetic and mild sedation.
• Performing the Injection. Your doctor will perform the injection, inserting the needle so that it reaches the affected facet joint. She’ll inject a strong steroid into the joint, then the area is cleaned and dressed. You may feel mild discomfort at the injection site, but this will pass very quickly. The whiplash pain relief from the procedure can last several months, but future injections may be required if the pain resurfaces.

Are Cervical Facet Injections the Solution for Your Whiplash Pain?

Suffering from whiplash pain? You don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to the caring medical team at Impact Medical Group of Clearwater to learn if you’re a good candidate for cervical facet injections or other treatments that can reduce your whiplash pain. Call us today at (727) 292-0200 to schedule your free medical evaluation.

What Is Spinal Pain Mapping?

Suffering from chronic pain in your neck or back? Spinal pain mapping and its associated procedures might be the solution you’ve been searching for. By using advanced technology and imaging techniques, doctors can pinpoint the exact source of your pain and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Read on to learn what you need to know about spinal pain mapping.

Spinal Pain Mapping Explained

Spinal pain mapping is a procedure that medical professionals use to pinpoint the exact source of back pain. The process involves injecting small amounts of a numbing agent into specific areas of the spine to determine which nerves are causing the pain.

By identifying the exact location of the pain, doctors can develop a more targeted treatment plan, which can result in faster and more effective pain relief. While spinal pain mapping may sound daunting, it is a relatively safe and straightforward procedure that has helped many people find relief from neck and back pain.

Depending on the site and cause of your pain, your medical provider may suggest specific pain mapping procedures including:

• Cervical/Thoracic/Lumbar Steroid or Facet Injections
• Radiofrequency Ablation
• Sacroiliac Injections and Ablations
• Selective Nerve Root Blocks
• And more

Benefits of Spinal Pain Mapping

If you’re suffering from chronic neck or back pain, spinal pain mapping can help. Here are the primary benefits of spinal pain mapping:

• It isolates the specific location and source of your pain.
• It allows your medical team to treat pain in a specific area in the least invasive way possible.
• It helps your medical team create customized treatments based on your unique needs.

The Simple Steps of a Spinal Pain Mapping Procedure

Depending on which pain mapping procedure your doctor suggests, spinal pain mapping typically involves the following steps:

1. Your doctor injects a luminescent medication into your back, then identifies the source of your pain using an X-ray.
2. Your doctor applies a targeted dose of anesthetic to the irritated nerve, reducing or even eliminating pain coming from the nerve. In some cases, a steroid medication is added to reduce swelling or irritation around the affected nerve.
3. If your doctor suggests a selective nerve root block, they’re typically performed in succession to pinpoint the nerves causing you pain.
4. In most cases, the numbing medication wears off within a few hours. The overall goal is to discover which nerves are causing pain and what treatments will work best to reduce it.

Don’t Live With Chronic Pain—Call Impact Medical Group Today!

Lingering pain in your neck or back can interfere with your everyday life. Luckily, there are non-invasive treatment methods that can help. Using state-of-the-art, minimally-invasive treatments, the caring medical team at Impact Medical Group of Lutz can reduce or even eliminate your pain with spinal pain mapping. Call us today at (813) 536-0373 to request your free medical evaluation.

Our Top 4 Tips to Avoid Being in a Car Accident

Driving can be a stressful experience, especially when you think about all the other drivers on the road. Although you can’t control other drivers, you can control your actions behind the wheel. Here are the top four tips to remember as you drive, so you can avoid being in a car accident.

Limit Distractions

Distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents. With the rise of smartphones, our attention is increasingly divided when we’re behind the wheel. That text message or phone call may seem important, but the consequences of checking it while driving can be deadly. Even just changing a song on the radio or reaching for something on the floor can take your eyes and focus off the road long enough to cause an accident. Remember—nothing is worth risking your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Avoid Tailgating

Not only is it annoying to be tailgated, but it can also lead to serious car accidents. When vehicles are following each other too closely, there is a greater risk of rear-end collisions, especially if the front vehicle has to suddenly brake or slow down.

Tailgating doesn’t get you to your destination any faster, and it puts both you and other drivers at risk. If you find yourself getting too close to vehicles ahead as you drive, back up a bit to ensure everyone on the road stays safe.

Avoid Driving in Bad Weather

While driving can be enjoyable and convenient, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that come with certain weather conditions. When faced with inclement weather such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, it’s best to avoid getting behind the wheel if possible. Bad weather can seriously impair visibility, making it difficult to see other cars, pedestrians, or even road signs. Also, slick roads make it easier for you to lose control of your vehicle. Try to avoid driving in bad weather whenever possible to reduce your chances of being in an accident.

Limit Your Speed

Speed limits are put in place for a reason, but many drivers ignore these limits and end up causing car accidents. In fact, speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. When you drive too fast, it’s harder to react to unexpected situations on the road, like sudden stops or obstacles in the way. Speeding also can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, especially in wet or icy conditions. So, the next time you’re on the road, resist the urge to speed and prioritize your safety and the safety of others.

Impact Medical Group Is Your Partner in Recovery After a Car Accident

Remember, accidents do happen, but you can reduce your chances of being involved in one by driving responsibly. Even if you’re a careful driver who follows all the rules and regulations, there’s always a chance that another driver might do something unexpected, which could lead to an accident.

If you’re injured in a car accident, Impact Medical Group of Port Richey is standing by to help. We’ll support your full recovery, so you can get back to your normal life. Call us today at (727) 848-3377 to schedule your free medical evaluation.

What to Expect During Your First Consultation for an Auto Accident Injury

No matter how safely or carefully you drive, there’s always the possibility of an accident thanks to other drivers on the road. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, whether it has left you bruised, battered, or facing a long recovery, it’s understandable that you might be wondering what to expect.

The recovery process can be a challenging and stressful time for anyone involved in a car accident, but with the right medical team on your side—like the caring team at Impact Medical Group—it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what to expect when you visit our office for your first consultation after a car accident injury.

Discuss Your Accident and Medical History

When you first meet with your medical team after an auto injury, expect them to ask about your accident. They’ll want to know everything they can about how it happened, what kind of injuries you sustained, and when it occurred. This information is crucial for them to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.

Your medical team will also discuss your medical history with you. You should provide information about any pre-existing conditions you may have that could impact your treatment plan and your recovery. This may seem like a lot of information to give, but it’s necessary to ensure the best possible outcome for your recovery.

Perform a Physical Exam

After discussing your accident and medical history with you, your doctor will perform a physical examination. This will give them a better understanding of the injuries you sustained and where they are located. Depending on what they find, your doctor may order X-rays or other imaging tests to get a closer look. All of this information will help your medical team develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs.

Create a Personalized Treatment Plan

After your initial assessment and medical history review, your team will collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan designed just for you. Depending on your needs, this plan may include care like chiropractic adjustments or physical therapy, or manual therapy. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, like dietary modifications or exercise routines.

In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. But don’t worry – your physician will be there every step of the way to adjust and monitor your plan to ensure you are making progress toward your health goals. By working together, you can feel confident that your treatment plan has been expertly crafted to suit your unique needs.

Impact Medical Group Is Your Partner in Recovery

Car accident injuries can be a major setback, taking a toll on both your physical and mental well-being—but you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. With Impact Medical Group of Tampa on your side, you’ll have a team of compassionate professionals who are dedicated to helping you heal. Whether you’re dealing with pain management or navigating the complexities of insurance claims, our staff is ready to provide the support you need. Start your recovery journey today by calling us at (813) 283-1910 for your free consultation.