If you didn’t know already, the impact that whiplash can have on your life after a car accident can be life changing. Imagine never being able to comfortably turn your head in any direction at any given time and living with chronic pain. We don’t wish this life on anyone, and we certainly hope that you find the care and relief that you need to improve the quality of your life.

When there is a car accident in Raleigh, we understand the pressure of finding a specially trained Chiropractor in Raleigh, NC that can take care of your needs and understands how to provide the best treatment for you or your loved ones. Consider taking the time to get to know your neighborhood chiropractor so that you never have to endure the chronic pain that comes with whiplash after a car accident. Let us help you with a step-by-step plan on getting the help you deserve when you need it.

 

Before The Visit for Whiplash Treatment

Sometimes in a high stress situation such as a car accident, we panic and make rash decisions. It’s best to have an established relationship with a Chiropractor in Raleigh, NC so that you have the best chance of receiving any urgent care that you need. Make sure you have taken the time to research chiropractors in Raleigh, NC and review credentials, educational background, convenience of location, office hours, experience in treating car accident injuries and read online reviews.

It is not enough to do a quick Google search and rely on the first office you come across. Take the time to invest in your health and make sure the chiropractor you choose is the right fit for your current needs. We have an office of chiropractors in Raleigh, NC ready to assist you with a whiplash rehab program.

 

Upon Visit for Whiplash Treatment

When you visit your chiropractor in Raleigh, NC, it is most appropriate to make sure you ask the doctor any questions or concerns that you have about how you will be treated. Will X-rays be performed? What therapies or chiropractic adjustments are recommended?  Do you need any referrals?  How long may the treatment take?  How will the insurance and payments be handled? These are all good questions to ask your doctor of chiropractic after your car accident injury.

 

The right doctor will not make you feel like a number or someone that shouldn’t be questioning them — it is always essential that you feel comfortable in the health care that you will be receiving. Make sure that you are made fully aware of all procedures and how the process is going to affect your treatment and recovery. It is also a good idea to get an estimation as to what your recovery time will be based on your unique injuries. Our office in Raleigh, NC will always make you feel welcomed and are happy to answer any questions you have about your future care.

 

Undergoing Treatment for Whiplash

When you are confident in the Chiropractor in Raleigh, NC that fits your needs, it’s time to actually undergo the process. Each case of whiplash is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. There are a wide range of treatments that you will find yourself being exposed to, usually on a weekly basis to start the recovery process. The journey to a pain free life is often not an easy one.

Keep an open dialogue going with your doctor to ensure that all of your personal needs are met. Remember, we are here to ensure that you have the quality of life that you have been seeking, and don’t want you to live in dreaded and chronic pain.  You can also download a copies of my Ebooks  “A Consumer’s Guide to Relieving Neck and Back Pain at Home” © 2015 and  Understanding Whiplash: A Car accident Victim’s Health Guide © 2015.  There are some great tips in these books to managing your pain and understanding whiplash and car accident injuries.

 

Take a look at this website for more detail and information about what to expect at your first chiropractic visit. This overview can be used as a guide to ensure that you are getting the treatment and care you deserve.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment today, please get in touch with us here.

 

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN RALEIGH FOR NECK PAIN!  FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION, CONTACT US HERE OR CALL (919) 809-7839

 

In health,

 

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes

Raleigh, NC

When you happen to be in the predicament of a getting into a car accident – whether you’re in Raleigh, NC or anywhere else for that matter -you will likely be very stressed about the situation and may be suffering from physical trauma. However, this unfortunate stress does always not need to be carried  immediately since it is worth finding the best Raleigh Chiropractor for whiplash treatment from a car accidents. We want you to be confident in whom you choose to call on for a local Raleigh chiropractor when you are every in a situation like this, so that you can more quickly and efficiently be on your way to receiving the best quality care that you need to start your recovery process from whiplash injury.

One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash which is an injury to the soft tissues in the neck neck.  When whiplash is left untreated, it may lead to chronic neck pain, headaches and other health conditions.  When you are injured with whiplash and neck pain you lack the quality of life that you deserve. Our  Raleigh chiropractors, will allow you to get your quality of life back and provide specialized treatment that will work for you. When you visit our chiropractic offices for treatment of whiplash injury because of your car accident in the Raleigh, NC area, you will need to find the best comprehensive care. 

 What is Whiplash?  

When you get into a car accident in Raleigh, NC – or any other areas, for that matter – and have been told that your pain is a result of having whiplash, it’s time to get into detective mode. Whiplash injuries are the most common car accident injury because of the fragile nature of the structure of our necks. Essentially, when you are in an accident, the high speeds from the impact whips your neck in a way that causes strain/sprains of the muscle and ligaments in your neck —  this may leave you in excruciating pain. The symptoms whiplash can have on your body within 24 hours include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Worsening pain with neck movements
• Loss of range of motion in the neck
• Headaches, most often starting at the base of the skull
• Tenderness, or pain in shoulder, upper back and arms
• Tingling or numbness in arms
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Depression

Source: Mayo Clinic [1]

Whiplash can be a serious condition that can be treated effectively by a chiropractor. Our treatments which include physiotherapies, spinal adjustments, ice and heat, ultrasound therapy, massage therapy,  gentle stretches and exercises, targeted tens therapy and active prescribed home care is what is recommended by a Raleigh chiropractor for you or your family members in the event of a car accident in the Raleigh, NC area.  

Why You Need To See A Chiropractor For Whiplash?

 

The area around your neck affected by whiplash includes your spine, and all of the muscles, tissues and ligaments that surround it. There is no wonder as to why this area often causes so much chronic pain — it’s a very fragile place and since your neck is holding your head it may need immediate attention from a Chiropractor. Make sure to read my prior blog post on choosing the best chiropractor 5 things to consider when choosing the best chiropractor for you.

Chiropractic doctors undergo extensive training to treat and manage whiplash, headaches and neck pain after a car accident. Often times whiplash can cause the spine to become misaligned as well. A chiropractor will adjust your spine’s vertebral joints which can relieve tension and help you achieve relief from unnecessary pressure and aches.  These treatments should increase your overall mobility and ability to function better with activities of daily living like sleeping, turning your head, talking on the phone, reading and picking up your kids at home after a whiplash injury. My top 5 ways to decrease neck pain fast!

Can I Live With Whiplash?

 This is truly a question as to how you desire the quality of your life to be. That is the question you must consider when you have experienced a car accident in Raleigh, NC.  To seek treatment or not?  I recommend seeking immediate care.

Do you prefer to live with chronic pain for the rest of your life at the expense of saving money or avoiding the help from professionals who are well trained and ready to assist you? Make sure to download my free Ebook Understanding Whiplash: A Car Accident Victim’s Health Guide where I answer many questions and concerns about car accident injuries.

Does insurance cover these chiropractic treatments after a car accident?

Most of the time if the car accident was not your fault the car insurance of the person that hit you will cover the cost of your treatments here in our office.  You may also have medical insurance coverage on your own car insurance policy that you have been paying for in case you are injured in a car accident.  This insurance coverage is called “medpay”.  Most are unaware they have this on their auto insurance policy.  Our staff is well trained in these insurance related issues and will file your bills to the car insurances if you desire.

 We hope that you seek professional help in treating your whiplash so that you can enjoy the freedom a pain-free body and life brings.

If you have recently suffered from whiplash – or any other serious car accidents in the Raleigh NC area, please book an appointment here.

 

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN RALEIGH FOR NECK PAIN!  FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION, CONTACT US HERE OR CALL (919) 809-7839

 

In health,

 

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, D.C.

 

 

Raleigh, NC

It’s your Raleigh NC Chiropractor Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes from Carolina ChiroCare and Rehab here and in this issue I want to discuss 5 things to consider when choosing a doctor of chiropractic. 

 

What is a Chiropractor?

A Chiropractor is a healthcare professional that diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal disorders with spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) physical therapies. SMT is often referred to as chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractors are not Physical Therapists but are trained and licensed to perform physical therapy which in many chiropractic offices may include therapeutic exercises and stretches, laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, decompression  therapy (DTS), massage therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, cupping and TENS therapy. 

Some common conditions frequently treated by chiropractors include:

– Low back pain

– Neck Pain

– Back Pain

– Sciatica

– Herniated and bulging spinal discs

– Car accident injuries

– Sports injuries

– Sprains and strains

– Arthritis pain

– Whiplash

– Carpal tunnel syndrome

– Migraine and tension headaches

So what is the best way to choose a Chiropractor?

A good start maybe to assess friends and family or your primary care physician. They may have recommendations for a chiropractor with a good reputation. You want to make sure that when you meet your chiropractor you’re comfortable with his or her personality.  You want to have an open relationship where you can discuss her health concerns and ask questions freely and openly. Spine-Health.com How To Select The Best Chiropractor has some other great tips for choosing the best chiropractor…but here are my top 5. 

1.) I recommend staying away from any chiropractor who requests pre payed care or a contract costing thousands of dollars upfront before beginning  treatment.  Nearly all of the insurance companies cover chiropractic treatment. I frequently see patients in my office who have been presented with extensive treatment plans costing thousands of dollars by the chiropractor they were consulting with. They were asked to pay for the costly and extensive treatments upfront before starting any treatment.  This has been going on way far to long in the chiropractic profession. I urge any patient to be skeptical of chiropractors practicing this practice.  In my chiropractic office in Raleigh I see 1-2 patients a month who encountered this scenario and they are very rightfully so skeptical and hesitant to begin chiropractic care.  A chiropractic treatment trial of 4-6 weeks where after a reevaluation is performed and discussed is sufficient for most conditions.

2.)  Consider how long the chiropractor has been in practice.  While an older Chiropractor may have been practicing longer a newer Chiropractor may be more up to date on his education and techniques. He may have more convenient office hours are offer different services that are congruent with your needs.  Consider your Chiropractor’s educational experience.  Review his resume or CV (curriculum vitae).  You want to choose a chiropractor who continues their postdoctoral education and is involved in their community.  Raleigh NC Chiropractor’s Curriculum Vitae.

3.) In general, avoid any chiropractor who continually recommends ongoing care that never ends.  Your condition(s) should be improving under chiropractic care and should ultimately come to an endpoint.  This end point can be different for a variety of health related conditions and may include a referral out to another health care provider if the treatment has failed or not achieved a desired outcome.  Avoid chiropractors recommending  long-term treatment plans such as seeing you three times a week for six months to a year then another two times a week for another six months to year. 

4.) Consider choosing a Chiropractor in network with your insurance company. At Carolina ChiroCare and Rehab we are Chiropractors in Raleigh who take and are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Health Care, Aetna and MedCost. Again avoid chiropractors who are asking for contracts or money up front to begin treatments.  Here is a complete list off all the health insurance accepted at my office Chiropractors In Raleigh NC Who Take My Insurance.

5.) Find out whats techniques your potential Chiropractor uses.  Some Chiropractors use specialized machines for their spinal adjustment.  Other Chiropractors use their hand or perform “manual chiropractic adjustments”.  Some specialize in soft tissue therapy similar to massage therapy.  Some chiropractors incorporate physical therapies, massage and nutritional counseling into their treatments others do not. You may have to sample a few chiropractic offices before discovering which techniques and treatments you prefer.   For some, the sounds of joints cracking makes them uncomfortable.  Many chiropractors are trained in more gentle techniques like the Activator Method which I use in my office.  Many Chiropractors specialize in certain areas or injuries such as working with athletes, car accident injuries, headaches, women’s health care, headache management, pediatrics, neurological conditions.  Find a Chiropractor who works frequently with your population or condition(s).

I hope you found some value in this article.  Until next time!

In health,

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, D.C.

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN RALEIGH FOR NECK PAIN!  FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION, CONTACT US HERE OR CALL (919) 809-7839

Raleigh, NC

It’s your Raleigh, NC Chiropractor Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes from Carolina ChiroCare and Rehab. Today I want to talk about  facet syndrome and how this may be the underlying cause of you neck or low back pain.  The patient in the video below was suffering from lumbar facet syndrone.  The symptoms are characterized by sharp knife like pains in the back or neck that come and go with certain movements or activities.  

This patient usually had no low back pain but would experience occasional sharp severe pain in her low back that was usually brought on by walking.  

Her examination was normal and she was not experiencing frequent low back pain.

What is lumbar facet syndrome? Could it be the casue of your neck or back pain?

Facet syndrome is a disorder in the lumbar and a cervical facet joints and can cause localized pain in the low back and also radiating pain. Often times this radiating pain is into the arms, pans, legs,  thighs and gluteal regions.  

Remember if it disorder is in the cervical spine the referred pain will be in the shoulders, arms or hands.

In the lumbar spine the referred pain is into the thighs, legs, feet, or gluteal regions. The majority of facet syndrome cases are in the cervical spine estimated to be 55% and 31% in the lumbar spine or low back.

The facet joints are the joints in the back of their vertebrae where the top vertebrae and bottom vertebrae join together.  Chronic irritation of these facet joints is called “facet syndrome”.

Studies indicate that irritation, inflammation, osteoarthritis, and  dysfunctionin these joints represent 15 to 52% of all the chronic low back pain in the population. 

The cause of facet syndrome is generally thought to be from repetitive stress, degeneration and trauma to the spine.  Acute traumas like a car accident, whiplash, falls, and sports injuries may casue facet syndrome to begin in your spine.

Degeneration of the intervertebral disks in the spine can also cause and contribute to facet syndrome. As the disk spaces  narrow the facet joints are forced to pick up more of the load and weight distribution in the spine. This causes chronic wear and tear, irritation and inflamation in the facet joints.

Symptoms of facet syndrome in the neck include 

– Neck pain with certain movements like rotation or extension

– Radiating pain into the upper back or shoulders

– Tenderness with palpation

– Tight and spastic muscles neck upper back and shoulders

Symptoms of lumbar facet syndrome include

– Pain in the low back

– Referred pain in the hips thighs and gluteal regions

– Pain leaning back with extension in the lumbar spine

– Stiffness and back pain moving in certain directions or going from sitting to standing

– Tight and spastic muscles in the low back

Facet syndrome may be diagnosed with a thorough history from your physician. X-rays, CT scans and MRIs may be used as diagnostic procedures in the diagnosis of this facet syndrome. Injections into the facet joints where a patient receives a significant reduction in pain is also a diagnostic procedure.

A reduction in symptoms with chiropractic care is also seen as diagnostic because chiropractic care affects the facet joints in the spine through mobilizations and spinal chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractic treatment is a noninvasive, proven and effective treatment for facet syndrome.  Patients should conservative measures such as chiropractic care for neck and back pain. 

After 6 to 8 weeks of treatment your chiropractor may recommend  injections into the facet joints if your symptoms are not improving.

Most chiropractors wll also start their patients on physical therapy in their office to treat and manage neck and back pain stemming from facet syndrome.  

Here in my Raleigh Chiropractors office facet syndrome is treated…

with chiropractic adjustments, targeted & specific strengthening/stretching exercises

We use targetd electrical muscle stimulation and manual therapies such as myofascial release therapy for tight, sore and spasmed muscles.

I also find ultrasound therapy to be very beneficial. This therapy drives a deep ultrasonic heat into the inflamed joints which helps them heal from injury, chronic arthritis, degeneration and pain.

Your chiropractor is trained in the diagnoses, treatment and management of facet syndrome. Chiropractic adjustments reset and realign the facet joints increasing the joints mobility and ranges of motion which allwow the joints to function better.

I wrote about chiropractic care for spine, neck and back pain last month in a prior blog post: Your Raleigh NC Chiropractor Explains Low Back Chiropractic Manipulation How Does It Work

If you may be experiencing facet syndrome call my office for a free consultation

 

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN RALEIGH FOR NECK PAIN!  FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION, CONTACT US HERE OR CALL (919) 626-8220   

 

In health….your Raleigh NC Chiropractor

 

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes D.C.

 

 

 

Raleigh, NC

Low Back and Weight Loss? My Top 21 Ways To Loose The Weight

 Losing weight Raleigh NC Chiropractors Top 4 Things You Can Do At home To Heal Your Back Pain can dramatically reduce Low back pain (LBP). Let’s look at easy ways to lose weight without the need for fancy, hard to follow diets. 

1. Eat smaller meals thoughout the day.  This can give your body the feeling of fullness and help curb those craving that can be so intense the first weeks of a weight loss plan.
2. Get your sleep. Research has shown getting proper sleep can help with weight loss. This also helps balance your cortisol levels which has been linked to excessive weight gain. These are your stress hormones that get released when your body lacks sleep or is under excessive stress.
3. Eat your fruits and vegetables! The fiber contained in fruits and vegetables makes your stomach feel full while the healthy vitamins and minerals jump start your metabolism.
4. Eat soup. Soup is loaded with vegetables and can make you feel full when you’re hungry without weighing you down. A little trick I like to give is to add some hot sauce to your soup. This health kick can help speed up your metabolism.
5. Cut out the refined sugars, white flours and carbohydrates. Switch over to slow burning carbs which help your body release insulin slowly over time. Brown rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and whole wheats are better to help you feel full and lose weight. They’re also more anti-inflammatory and better for your overall health.
6. Use visualization to help. Picture what you would look like without the extra weight. What clothes would you wear? Imagine the compliments he would be getting. What would your friends and family say? Visualization is a powerful tool to use with any goals.
7. Cut out the fatty meats and cheeses. Pepperoni, Bacon, processed cheeses all are very high in calories and can weigh you down as you try to lose weight.
8. Switch over to healthy oils. Oils like coconut oil, olive oil and grape seed oil are best. While they contained fat have been clinically proven to not cause weight gain. These are heart healthy fats they give you many long-term health benefits besides weight loss.
9. Cut out the soda and sugary drinks. You’re adding extra calories and sugars which have been shown to drastically cause an increase in overall body weight and obesity. Go for that unsweet tea or ice water with lemon. This adds up over the years and can drastically impact your weight loss.

10. Get moving. There’s little explanation needed here. The more you exercise the more calories  you burn and the better you feel. Move it and lose it!!

11. Watch your alcohol intake.  These are extra calories that overtime add up big time. You’re also much more likely, while drinking to reach for those potato chips, nuts , unhealthy snacks and foods

12. Add green tea tea to your diet. Green tea has been shown to speed up your metabolism. Check with your doctor before hand because it contains caffeine.
13.  Start yoga or Pilates. Group classes help with your commitment and being around others with similar goals helps you stay committed. Studies have shown that yoga and pilates aid in weight loss.  Another added benefit is is relaxation which also helps lower your cortisol levels.
14.  Opt for cooking at home instead of eating out. Restaurants add extra oils, butters, frying..which taste great but don’t end up helping with your weight loss goals   
15.  Drink water throughout the day. This can help give you that natural metabolism boost while tricking your stomach that it is full.
16.  Eat smaller portions. Overtime your body will require less food to feel full. This diet has been shown to be very effective in weight loss throughout the years.
17.  Don’t be afraid to eat. You’re losing weight not starving yourself!!! The key here is it is what you eat and how much you eat. Remember you never want to starve yourself it’s just not healthy.   
18.  Use vitamin and a mineral supplementation. Like a well oiled machine you want your body firing on all eight cylinders. A good multivitamin is always recommended along with minerals like magnesium, zinc and potassium.
19.  Supplement creamy sauces with red sauces. Cream is high in calories and fat. Red sauces are high in antioxidants low in fat and high in fiber. Always be thinking this when losing weight. What is is low in fat? High in antioxidants? And high in fiber?
20.  Go for lean meats. Lean chicken breasts, lean turkey, salmon, seafood and fish have less fat then higher fat meats like bacon, hamburger, steaks. This is a great way to shed those extra pounds!!!
21.  Exercise, exercise, exercise! The more you move the more you lose it’s a win-win.   

CELEBRATE! Once you’ve successfully Lost the weight take yourself out for a cheat day at your favorite restaurant or binge on that pizza you’ve been craving 

Weight loss can be easy with a little help, some hard work and some fun invigorating healthy exercise!  

 

YOU MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN RALEIGH FOR NECK PAIN!  FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION, CONTACT US HERE OR CALL (919) 809-7839    

 

In health…your Raleigh NC Chiropractor,

 

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, D.C.