When Should I See A Chiropractor After a Car Accident?

Immediately after a car accident, emotions are running high and adrenaline is pumping.  This can make it easy to ignore possible injuries.  While some injuries are obvious, other injuries you might not feel immediately after the car accident.  But once the adrenaline wears off, it is common people experience symptoms due the impact of the car accident.  Symptoms can include but are not limited to;
Neck pain
Neck stiffness
Reduced range of motion in the neck
Shoulder pain
Lower back pain
Arm pain
Headaches
Blurred vision
Dizziness


An impact as little as 10 MPH “fender bender” can increase g forces on your spine leading to significant injury.  That is why it is recommended that you have your spine evaluated by a chiropractor.  In the state of Florida you have 14 days after a car accident to seek medical treatment covered by your car insurance.  Chiropractors are uniquely suited to evaluate and treat car accident victims.  Only 10% of the nerves in your body can feel pain.  The other 90% control function of organs, muscles, etc.  So therefore even if you don't feel pain, whiplash and herniated disc injuries could be present.  You should always seek out chiropractic treatment right away to determine the extent of your injury especially within the 14 day window under your car insurance.  After the 14 days any treatment will not be covered by car insurance.

If you suffered serious injuries it is recommended you go to a hospital and have your injuries documented.


Call today to schedule your FREE consultation! 954-481-2828.  The consultation includes a review of MRI’s/ x-rays that you bring with you, as we as history of symptoms, and FREE insurance verification.  All valued at $93.

Our address is 4800 West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite A11, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

We are conveniently located on the southeast corner of Hillsboro Boulevard and Lyons Road in the city of Coconut Creek.  We are also only minutes away from; Parkland, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, and Margate.

5 Warning Signs That You May Need Chiropractic Care

The purpose of seeking chiropractic care is to insure that you have proper spinal alignment. Changes outside of the normal alignment leads to pressure on nerves which can effect organ function, muscle strength, and sometimes cause pain anywhere in the body.

Sign #1 Poor Posture
Poor posture is more common than most people realize. It may result from incorrect positions during work, sleep,exercise, and anything else that puts you in static position for an extended period of time. What we see most often is forward head posture(see our previous article on Solutions To Forward Head Posture), uneven shoulders or uneven hips associated with scoliosis. Many health disorders are linked to poor posture. A posture assessment performed by a chiropractor is the best way to determine if you need posture correction.

Sign #2 Limitations in Movement
The spine is made up of 24 movable bones called vertebrae. Each one of these bones contribute to movements such as bending and twisting. Any incorrect alignment of one or more of these vertebrae will present as a loss of movement.

Sign #3 Muscle Spasms/ Muscle Tightness 
Any potential interference to nerve function is countered by your body’s compensational systems: meaning, if your spine misaligns or curves too much or too little, your muscles tighten and go into spasm in order to lesson and prevent further nerve-interfering distortions. Think of the bracing effects of your muscles as a cast or splint. Tight muscles after certain activity (gardening, exercise, prolonged sitting, etc.) should recover in a day or two. If the tightness or spasm is severe or lasts beyond a few days, chances are you have a more serious underlying problem. This is the time to act and see a doctor of chiropractic.

Sign #4 Pain/ Numbness
One function of nerves is to transmit sensation signals to the brain. Pain or numbness is an outward sign that something is wrong. This scenario of ignoring persistent pain or numbness allows the problem to worsen. Keep in mind, the absence of pain, especially when drugged up, does not mean the problem no longer exists. What would have been a simple fix a few months ago is now a complex problem requiring more care, potential loss of work, and far greater suffering. When pain hits (even when minor) and persists, please see a chiropractor right away to relieve pressure on nerves. Pain often is the last sign that you need chiropractic care.

Sign #5 Weakness
As one of the more serious warning signs, weakness signifies many possible underlying issues. It can stem from pressure on a nerve supplying a muscle. Any prolonged sign of weakness (especially of one side or region of your body) lasting more than just a few days warrants immediate chiropractic evaluation.

**Numbness pain or weakness can often show up in the arms or legs.


Call today to schedule your FREE consultation! 954-481-2828.  The consultation includes a review of MRI’s/ x-rays that you bring with you, as we as history of symptoms, and FREE insurance verification.  All valued at $93.

Our address is 4800 West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite A11, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. We are conveniently located on the southeast corner of Hillsboro Boulevard and Lyons Road in the city of Coconut Creek.  We are also only minutes away from; Parkland, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, and Margate.

Is Your Computer Killing You?

Is your computer killing you? The short answer is YES! People who spend a lot of time staring at computer monitors tend to have more health complications, and shorter life-spans, compared to people who don't. According to a US National Library of Medicine medical study, heavy computer users tend to have a more protruded head than the control group (Published online 2012 Feb 29. doi:  [10.5535/arm.2012.36.1.98]). Chiropractors see patients with forward head posture everyday. Symptoms of forward head posture are:

-->Chronic upper neck pain, lower neck pain, shoulder pain, upper back pain, lower back pain and middle back pain
-->Rounded shoulders
-->Pinched nerves
-->Decrease in the range of motion
-->Headaches and migraines
-->Muscle spasms
-->Numbness or tingling in the hands and arms
-->Tightness and soreness in the neck and chest muscles
-->Asthma
-->Insomnia or poor sleep
-->Decrease in the athletic performance
-->Disc degeneration
-->Sleep apnea/mouth breathing
-->Facial pain (Trigeminal neuralgia)

So what can you do about it?

Here at Align Your Spine Chiropractic we are uniquely suited to treat patients with forward head posture and all the symptoms associated with it.  We will take the time to sit down with you and understand the source of your forward head posture. Dr. Mastronardi will be able to offer suggestions and guidance to help reduce any neck pain or back pain associated with forward head posture. After that we will create an exercise routine catered to your condition that will help alleviate and correct your forward head posture.

Also see our previous post on Solutions To Forward Head Posture

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation! 954-481-2828.  The consultation includes a review of MRI’s/ x-rays that you bring with you, as we as history of symptoms, and FREE insurance verification.  All valued at $93.

Our address is 4800 West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite A11, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

We are conveniently located on the southeast corner of Hillsboro Boulevard and Lyons Road in the city of Coconut Creek.  We are also only minutes away from; Parkland, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, and Margate.

Helpful Tips To Get Better Sleep

As a chiropractor it is my job to teach people ways they can manage their neck pain and back pain symptoms outside of the office.  After all patients only spend about a half hour in a chiropractic office getting their back and neck adjusted.  The other 23 and a half hours is up to them.  How you sleep can significantly impact your well-being. Approximately ⅓ of your life is spent sleeping. So how you are positioned during sleep is vital!  Here are some helpful tips to avoid that pesky neck pain / back pain is the morning.  These tips can be particularly helpful after an injury or car accident.

• The general idea of achieving healthy sleep is to maintain proper body alignment throughout the night.
• The most important component of maintaining proper alignment during sleep is your pillow.
• The pillow has to be the perfect size for body.
• Your head should be aligned with the rest of your spine. Refer to the infographic below for guidance.  
• Also it is a good idea to have a lot of support pillows.
• If you are sleeping on your side, put a support pillow in between your knees.
• If you sleep on your back, put a support pillow under your knees. 
• I do not recommend sleeping on your stomach.
• In special circumstances such as car accidents it may be recommended to sleep in a neck collar. Due to injury to the soft tissues and nerves of the neck which occur during car accidents more support is required.   For more wellness advice check out our website alignyourspine.net and click on the blog section.

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation! 954-481-2828.  The consultation includes a review of MRI’s/ x-rays that you bring with you, as we as history of symptoms, and FREE insurance verification.  All valued at $93.

Our address is 4800 West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite A11, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

We are conveniently located on the southeast corner of Hillsboro Boulevard and Lyons Road in the city of Coconut Creek.  We are also only minutes away from; Parkland, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, and Margate.

6 Natural Ways To Cure A Headache

There is nothing worse than having a bad headache. Migraines, tension headaches, and  cervicogenic headaches, all can have a significant impact on your day if they are not dealt with.  Here are some natural ways we like to combat that pesky headache.  

1. Drink water. There are many symptoms associated with dehydration. One of them being headaches.  The American Academy of Sports Medicine recommends half your body weight in ounces per day, more if you are exercising or working hard.  

2. Eat frequently. Eating several small, balanced meals containing protein, fat, and carbohydrates daily keeps blood sugar level. Low blood sugar is known to cause headaches. 

3. Avoid caffeine, artificial sweeteners, MSG, and processed foods. 

4. Manage stress levels. Meditation, breathing exercises, and physical activity are all good ways to stay stress free.

5. Sleep. It is recommended that you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep daily.

6. Chiropractic care. Patients of chiropractors have known for years that a simple neck adjustment can eliminate a headache in a matter of seconds.  Chiropractic care is a proven, all natural alternative to pain killer and muscle relaxer drugs.  Also your chiropractor can offer lifestyle advice to help you avoid the things that may be causing your headaches.  See our article on alignyourspine.net on “How To Setup Your Workstation”.  Manual therapy is more effective than usual General Practitioner  care in the short- and longer term in reducing symptoms of chronic tension headaches (Cephalalgia. 2011 (Jan);   31 (2):   133–143).

Call today to schedule your FREE consultation! 954-481-2828.  The consultation includes a review of MRI’s/ x-rays that you bring with you, as we as history of symptoms, and FREE insurance verification.  All valued at $93.

Our address is 4800 West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite A11, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

We are conveniently located on the southeast corner of Hillsboro Boulevard and Lyons Road in the city of Coconut Creek.  We are also only minutes away from; Parkland, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, and Margate.

Six Things You Should Do Immediately After A Car Accident

1. Stop immediately and remain as close to the car accident scene as possible without endangering yourself.

2. Call a law enforcement officer.  An official report of the car accident may be helpful at a later time.

3. Identify the other driver.  Obtain the other drivers name, address, vehicle registration number, and insurance information.  

4. Witnesses. Obtain names addresses and telephone numbers of all witnesses that may have seen the car accident.

5. Inform your insurance company by calling the number on the back of your card

6. See a Chiropractor.  Serious injuries do not always result in immediate pain or bloodshed after a car accident.  A thorough examination by a Doctor of Chiropractic is a wise precaution to confirm the presence or absence of injuries.  We perform gentle chiropractic and physical therapy techniques to remove the pressure on pinched nerves and promote healing. We perform a thorough evaluation as well as x-rays and other diagnostics here at Align Your Spine chiropractic.  Dr Jordan Mastronardi prides himself to take the time to explain everything to his patients in detail and in terms they can understand their injury.  See our other articles on Alignyourspine.net 

Call today to Schedule your FREE consultation today!!! 954-481-2828.  According to Florida state law you have 14 days to be evaluated for an injury sustained during a car accident.  If you are evaluated within the 14 days, any tests and treatment will be covered under the insurance.   The consultation includes a thorough car accident evaluation, review of MRI’s/ x-rays that your bring with you, and FREE insurance verification.  All valued at $93.

*If you have a severe injury that requires immediate medical attention such as; impaired consciousness as a result of striking your head, intense headaches, profuse bleeding, altered vision go to your local emergency room for evaluation.

Our address is 4800 West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite A11, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

We are conveniently located on the southeast corner of Hillsboro Boulevard and Lyons Road in the city of Coconut Creek.  We are also only minutes away from; Parkland, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, and Margate

6 Reason Why Professional Sports Teams Have Chiropractors

Most athletes that perform at a high level today rely on chiropractors to have their back.  Elite athletes like Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith trusted chiropractors to help them during their hall of fame careers.  Aaron Rodgers’s dad is chiropractor! Here are some more reasons professional athletes depend on chiropractors.

Improved range of motion.

Regular chiropractic adjustments will result in improved range of motion. Athletes usually end up with stiffness in muscles and joints froms games and practices. This leads to range of motion being limited. Chiropractic care can help undo stiff muscles and joints leading to pain free movement.

Improved reaction time.

Studies have shown that regular chiropractic care will improve the athletes reaction time.  In the highly competitive sports world, a split second is the difference between winning and losing.

Shortened healing time.

When injuries do occur, chiropractic care get athletes back in the game quicker than without it. 

Receiving chiropractic treatment allows for reduced pain.

Even athletes in peak physical condition still suffer from minor aches and pains.  The most common area that bothers athletes is the lower back.  Chiropractors are specifically trained to align the spine properly, which leads to less or no back pain.

Less prescription drugs are needed for athletes who receive chiropractic treatment.

Even though aches and pains are still treated with prescription pain medications chiropractic care reduces the need for them. This also means that athletes won’t be subjected to the side effects or dependencies that commonly arise from the use of prescription medication.

Chiropractic treatment provides a non-invasive treatment option.

Chiropractic care is non-invasive. Consistent chiropractic care can serve as an alternative to invasive procedures that can leave athletes on the sidelines for weeks or even months.

Ultimately, if you’re an athlete who wants to maintain your physical strength and range of motion, or if you want to recover from an injury without the use of prescriptions and invasive treatments, you may want to consider seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis. You may be surprised by how much better you feel and how much your performance improves when your body is in alignment and pain-free!

Call today to Schedule your FREE consultation today!!! 954-481-2828.  The consultation includes a thorough evaluation, review of MRI’s/ x-rays that your bring with you, and FREE insurance verification.  All valued at $93.

Our address is 4800 West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite A11, Coconut Creek, FL 33073

We are conveniently located on the southeast corner of Hillsboro Boulevard and Lyons Road in the city of Coconut Creek.  We are also only minutes away from; Parkland, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, and Margate