Raleigh, NC

My name is Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, I’m a Chiropractor at Carolina ChiroCare and Rehab who treats car accident injuries in Raleigh, NC .

 

 

 So, what’s the big deal with car accident injuries?

Good question. Well, it’s estimated that around 25% of people after a car accident injury will end up experiencing chronic pain. That’s one in four people.

Other research studies show that 75% of people who go to the emergency room after a car accident are still having pain six weeks later.

Somestudies suggest that 43% of patients who were injured in a car accident suffer chronic symptoms years later after the car accident.

Car Accident Injuries in Raleigh, NC: Where to Seek Treatment

This is why it’s so important to seek treatment by a chiropractor in Raleigh,NC for car accident injuries or other healthcare professionals if you have been injured in an auto accident.

The most common symptoms that become chronic are neck pain, headaches , whiplash, shoulder pain, back pain and muscle pain. Often times, there is chronic radiating pain, tingling and numbness in the shoulders or legs.

I often see my patients develop a chronic stiffness in the neck, back shoulders after an auto accident. Car accident injuries trigger the body to start developing arthritis in the vertebral joints of the spine.

Car Accident Injuries in Raleigh, NC: Why Seek a Chiropractors HelpThis traumatic insult to the vertebrae of the back and neck can lead to the development of chronic arthritis which in turn leads to chronic pain and stiffness.

Car accident injuries begin with initial soft tissue swelling in the muscles, tendons and fascia. This is typically referred to as a sprain/strain or whiplash when we are referring to the neck.

After the initial swelling, the injured and damaged soft tissues begin thickening and hardening. Scar tissue then starts to develop. This is the beginning of arthritis. This process develops over the years but is begins and accelerates with the initial injury to the soft tissues in the spine.

One study: Central Hypersensitivity in Chronic Pain After Whiplash

Injury Clin J Pain, Volume 17(4).December 2001.306-315.

This study indicates  injuries from car accidents cause a condition called central hypersensitivity.  This is when the injury causes the muscles around the spine and spinal cord neurons to become overly sensitive to pain. This process causes a chronic pain syndrome in some patients.In most cases diagnostic imaging such as x-rays, MRIs and CT scans do not show this inflammatory process in the soft tissues.

Car Accident Injuries in Raleigh, NC: Why Seek Treatment

This is why it’s critical to seek immediate treatment after a car accident injury. The sooner a trained professional can begin treating you the less likely you are to develop chronic pain from your accident.

Treatments that have a direct impact on the injured soft tissues such as mobilizing your vertebral joints with chiropractic adjustments and physical therapies such as ultrasound therapy , electrical muscle stimulation, therapeutic stretches and exercises , myofascial release, manual therapy, tens therapy and traction therapy begin the remodeling and healing process in the injured muscles, ligaments and nerves.

I often find patients are surprised to learn that chiropractors are also licensed to perform physical therapy. We are able to provide chiropractic care with physical therapy in our office to treat car accident injuries. If you have been in a car accident in the Raleigh, NC area – recently or in your past – please book an appointment with us today. Begin the journey to healing here. Insurances accepted.

WE ACCEPT AUTO INSURANCE & THIRD PARTY BILLING OR ATTORNEY REPRESENTATION: THERE IS TYPICALY NO UP FRONT COST FOR CARE  

-We will file your insurance claims for you to the car insurance at fault per your request

-We will submitt your office charges and records to the car insurances for you and our friendly staff will contact any adjusters assigned to your claim

– If you were the at fault driver we will verify any medpay bennefits you may have to use on your own auto insurance policy to pay for your treatment

–  If you are represented by an attorney handling your case we will submitt your records when your treatment has finished at no cost to you

WE TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES!

 

Schedule an appointment now.

 

In health,

 

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, D.C.

 

Other usefull resources:

https://accidentdoctor.org/north-carolina-car-accident-doctor/raleigh

http://www.srisd.com/graduates_results.php?s=15&lname=&city=&state=North%20Carolina&zip=#

http://www.srisd.com/research.htm

 

 

Top Raleigh, NC chiropractor explains. 

Thoracalgia, or pain in the thoracic spine, is often described as a tight, burning, nagging, and (often times) sharp pain. The pain may be located between the shoulder blades or in a slightly higher area close to the neck and around the top of the shoulders.  Thoracalgia may also affect the lower back close to the lumbar spine.

Mid back pain may be acute or sometimes this type of pain is a chronic pain that does not resolve with time.

Thoracalgia can be caused by restriction of the thoracic joints or vertebrae. Your thoracic spine includes 12 thoracic vertebrae from T1 (the first thoracic vertebrae) all the way down to T 12 (the 12th thoracic vertebrae).

In between each vertebrae, there is a soft disc which allows for weight to be distributed and impacted through the spine protecting the bones or vertebrae. If the thoracic discs degenerate or herniate, this may lead to thoracic pain or mid back pain.

To visualize thoracic joint restriction in your spine, think of your spine of being like a giant chain moving in all planes of motion. Sometimes, a part of the chain can becomes kinked and not move, which causes dysfunction in the entire unit.

This joint restriction can come from injuries such as car accident injuries,

falls, or sports injuries. Mid back pain can also develop overtime with poor posture, being overweight, poor body mechanics, or muscular imbalances.

So, what’s the big deal with restricted joints? The restricted joints can cause perpetual discomfort, pain, tightness and lead to inflammation and swelling this triggers dysfunctions, inflammation in the muscles and other soft tissues surrounding the spine.

Often times, I hear my patients at my Raleigh, NC chiropractor’s clinic complain have problems sleeping because of the pain in the thoracic spine. They will often have ongoing pain at work sitting at the computer or desk exacerbates the thoracalgia.

What are the symptoms of thoracalgia?

Symptoms of thoracalgia  include pain and discomfort in the mid back between the shoulder blades or closer to the neck down lower towards the lower back but above the lower back.

Usually, when thoracalgia is present, patients, like the ones that I see at my Raleigh, NC chiropractor clinic, will complain of muscular tension knots in the muscles or trigger points or small nodules in the mid back which perpetuate the cycle of pain in the thoracic spine.

The pain of thoracalgia is often described as tight, stiff, sore or nagging. Often times, there is a burning discomfort or tingling. Make sure to tell your chiropractor if you feel any radiating pain around the ribs, chest pain, a cough that won’t resolve, breathing problems.  These can be signs of a more serious underlying condition.

How do I treat my thoracalgia?

If your thoracalgia is musculoskeletal in nature you will likely do very well under chiropractic care, like I provide at my Raleigh, NC chiropractor’s clinic.

Chiropractic care will reestablish the thoracic joint restriction with small gentle adjustments into the spine to restore the mobility and ranges of motion.

Chiropractic care will also focus and treat the muscular imbalances, knots and spasms around the thoracic spine with chiropractic physical therapies such as electrical muscle stimulation , ultrasound therapy, traction therapy , myofascial release, targeted therapeutic exercises, manual therapy or massage therapy to provide relief from the underlying muscular inflammation and discomfort.

In summary,

Thoracalgia, or mid back pain, can cause pain, dysfunction and loss of enjoyment with lief activities.  Thoracalgia is treated successfully with chiropractic care using gentle joint mobilizations and physical therapies

Want immediate care? Walk-ins are also welcome at our local Raleigh, NC chiropractor’s office. Stop by during business hours to see someone today!

Want to book an appointment now, click here.

In health,

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes D.C.

Poor posture, or slouching, in your mid back is referred to kyphosis.

Kyphosis in Greek means a hump, but it’s better referred to as an excessive convex curve in the thoracic spine.Having an excessive kyphotic curve in the thoracic spine also affects the cervical, lumbar and sacral regions of the spine.

What causes kyphosis?

Kyphosis can because by several different underlying conditions.

Chronic bad posture can cause kyphosis

Chronic poor posture or slouching over time can cause a biomechanical imbalance in the thoracic spine and kyphosis. Spending 8 to 10 hours a day at the computer or desk is very common these days. Overtime, this slouching and poor posture can permanently change the structure of your spinal column.

Osteoporosis can cause kyphosis

This is a condition that affects older patients. This is a condition where bones begin to weaken and thin most commonly with older age. I see this as a common problem among the older patient demographic at my Raleigh, NC chiropractic office.

Degeneration of the intervertebral discs can cause kyphosis

The intervertebral discs are the soft tissue between the vertebrae. If they begin to thin and degenerate this can cause kyphosis in the thoracic spine.

Schumermann’s disease can cause kyphosis

This disease is characterized by excessive thoracic kyphosis and wedging of the vertebrae which can take place at multiple levels in the spine. It typically affects boys before they reach puberty and can be diagnosed on a plain film x-ray .

Certain birth defects can cause kyphosis

Kyphosis can be the under development of the spine many times this is associated with poor nutrition during a mothers pregnancy such as B vitamin deficiency or folic acid deficiency.

Are there any side effects or complications of kyphosis?

Yes. Some of the side effects or complications of kyphosis include: 

• Back pain
• Poor body image, confidence and self-esteem.
• Weight loss and decreased appetite

In severe cases, the excessive kyphosis in the thoracic spine can compress the stomach and abdominal regions and lead to decreased appetite

How is kyphosis diagnosed and treated?

Kyphosis is diagnosed by a postural evaluation, thorough history and physical examination. We can help make a diagnosis at our Raleigh, NC chiropractic office. vX-rays can be obtained in office to diagnose and visualize the structure of the spine and in many cases measure the extent of the abnormal curves.  In advanced or severe cases, an MRI scan or CT scan maybe ordered to better visualize the nerves, spinal cord and discs.

Chiropractic treatment and management includes:

Specific spinal adjustments into the vertebrae of the spine, corrective strengthening and stretching exercises, postural consulting and management, back bracing, addressing calcium vitamin D and magnesium deficiencies which can be affecting the bones, recommending weight bearing exercises, addressing leg length deficiencies and problems in the feet with custom foot orthotics.

It’s also important to treat the areas of pain with physical therapies here in our chiropractic office such as electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound therapy, myofascial release, manual therapy, traction therapy.  In rare cases, kyphosis will require surgery and you will need a referral to speak with an orthopedic or neurosurgeon who specializes in spine surgeries.

In summary, kyphosis or excessive slouching in the spine is a condition that should be taken seriously especially if it’s affecting one’s daily activities of life like sleeping, working, participating in recreational activities.

Want immediate care? Walk-ins are also welcome at our local Raleigh, NC chiropractor’s office. Stop by during business hours to see someone today!

Want to book an appointment now, click here.

In health,

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes D.C.

Raleigh NC, 

Did you know that 80% of the population experiences back pain on a regular basis and around 33% of those are due to stains and sprains.

Once you’ve had an episode of back pain, your odds of a recurrence within six months are approximately 33%.

Based on my experience as a top Raleigh chiropractor, here are seven common causes and things to consider avoiding if you want to minimize your risk of experiencing back pain. 

1.Screen time causes back pain

 The average person spends around nine hours a day hunched in front of their computers, TV screens, phones and tablets All of this excessively slouched posture stresses the muscles and joints in the back causing back pain.

 To combat this, take breaks get up and walk around the office when you feel your back begin to tighten up. Do neck stretches. Roll out your neck while squeezing your shoulder blades together and lowering your shoulders. Adjust your seat and computer screen to eye level this way you’re not looking down which forces you to slouch your back. At our top Raleigh, NC chiropractic clinic, we can recommend some therapeutic exercises.

2. Maintain a strong core to avoid back pain

 Having a weak core,which includes your abdominal muscles, glute muscles, back muscles, and pelvic muscles, is the leading cause of lower back pain. If you can combine this with optimal flexibility you’ll give yourself much much better chances of having less back pain throughout the years.

3. You sleep on your stomach if you suffer from back pain

Sleeping on your stomach can compress your facet joints in your spine excessively throughout the night. These joints can become inflamed and lead to a condition called facet syndrome. Symptoms of facet syndrome are typically a moderate dull ache in the back that does not improve with time and treatment. From my experience treating patients at my Raleigh, NC chiropractic clinic, I wrote a blog post about facet syndrome and how chiropractic care can help.

 4. Smoking can cause back pain

Smoking wreaks havoc on your lungs, heart and entire body. Don’t forget  there is a strong correlation between smoking and back pain. Smoking constricts blood vessels and blood flow to your spinal vertebrae and discs causing them to age faster and breakdown at an accelerated rate. Additionally,smoking interferes with your body’s ability to process minerals like magnesium and calcium which are essential for bone health.

 5. Carrying emotional stress

Being depressed or under excessive stress can lead to lower back pain. Also, getting the proper amount of sleep causes an increase in back pain. People with major depression are four times as likely to develop disability related to back and neck pain. If you’re dealing with emotional stress, depression or anxiety you are very likely experiencing back pain. Make sure to speak with me about a Psychologist or Psychiatrist referral at our Raleigh, NC chiropractic office so that we can address your underlying emotional stress together.

 6.  You’re not active enough

People who exercise and are moving more experience less back pain. If you are too sedentary your vertebrae and muscles aren’t working as much and this can lead to back pain on a regular basis. Some recommendations I give to patients are to get moving. Walking in the morning or after work, going to the gym, swimming, yoga, tennis, pilates, are all excellent sources of exercise to help decrease back pain.

7. You’re wearing the wrong shoes

High heels cause back pain but so can flat sandals and flip-flops due to a lack of arch support. Problems in your feet can translate up your kinetic chain through your knees and hips into your back. Find the right shoe that provides optimal arch and heel support. Make sure on your next appointment at our Raleigh, NC chiropractic clinic. Fortunately, custom orthotics are often times covered by insurance.

If you have any more questions about the treatment of chronic or acute low back pain and live in the greater Raleigh, NC area, feel free to reach out and schedule an appointment today .

Want immediate care? Walk-ins are also welcome at our local Raleigh, NC chiropractor’s office. Stop by during business hours to see someone today!

 In health,

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes D.C.

 

Raleigh, NC​​ ​​

For millions of people, low back pain is not only a common annoyance but a chronic medical condition that has a major impact on well being and overall health.

Loss of sleep, pain playing with the kids at home, and working through the busy day with back pain are just a few of the common maladies that affect the patients I treat in my chiropractic office in Raleigh, NC.

I often speak to patients at my chiropractic clinic in Raleigh, NC about strategies to deal with their chronic lower back pain. With this in mind, I came up with my top 5 strategies for managing your back pain in 2018 to share with you.

 

1.   Cure Lower Back Pain at Home: Lose Weight and Change Your Diet

 

We have talked about this in our prior health blog series .  Being overweight carries so many health detriments but also may be one of the reasons your back keeps hurting you.

More weight on the vertebrae and discs coupled with all of the inflammation in the body when one is overweight equals the perfect storm for regular and frequent back pain. 

Start Here…

Reduce your caloric intake while increasing the frequency of exercising.  It’s a simple formula that has has stood the test of time when it comes to dieting.  Take in less calories than you burn and burn a lot of calories with exercise.  You want to exercise daily ideally 1 hour a day 6-7 days a week.  

Get your heart rate up to your target heart rate zone where you will be burning the most calories.  You do this by subtracting your age by 220. Then calculate 55%-80% of that number.  So if you are 40 years old 220-40 = 180 x .75 (or 75%) = 135 beats per minute as your target heart rate.  Try to hover around this number for 1 hour during your workouts.

Cut Out the Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates have a similar effect as sugar when we consume them.  They spike insulin levels and this causes the body to go into an inflammatory state globay….or thought the entire body….including your spine!  

The more inflammatory of a state your body is in the more likely you are to be experiencing pain.  It’s just that simple.  Refined carbohydrates like white bread, dough and sugar when broken down in your body end up releasing a host of chemicals like Interleukin and Arachidonic acid.  These chemicals drive chronic and acute pain and disease expression in our bodies.  If you want to learn more,  check out this video, which does a great job of explaining this in detail.  

2. Cure Low Back Pain: Consider Maintenance Chiropractic Care in Raleigh, NC

 

In my experience, patients that come back to my chiropractic office in Raleigh, NC for treatments 1-2 times a month once they are out of pain do much better regarding the frequency that they experience episodes of back pain.

Think of chiropractic maintenance care like a tune up for your car.  By being preventative, maintenance chiropractic care can aid in decreasing the chances one experiences multiple episodes of moderate to severe flare ups of back pain.

A recent  study published in Spine targeted the use and efficacy of maintenance spinal manipulation (Chiropractic care) for patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.  Researchers evaluated 60 patients who were separated into 3 groups.  

One group received 12 treatments of “sham SMT chiropractic adjustments)” over the course of a month.  The second group received 12 real treatments of SMT over the course of a month then no follow-up care.  The final group received 12 SMT treatments in a month followed by “maintenance spinal manipulation” every 2 weeks for an additional 9 months.

Researchers collected pain and disability scores, general health status, as well as back-specific patient satisfaction data prior to the study beginning and then at 1, 4, 7 and 10 month intervals. Results of the study show that patients who received the real spinal manipulation had “significantly lower pain and disability scores than first group at the end of 1-month period.

The patients in the 2nd group, who did not receive follow-up therapy, reported pain and disability scores had returned to near baseline levels by the 10 month evaluation.  

Meanwhile, the final group, who received both a period of intensive SMT followed by maintenance care experienced continued improvement in their symptoms at the 10 month evaluation. This study shows that spinal manipulative therapy is an effective treatment for chronic non-specific low back pain.

Researchers concluded maintenance SMT (chiropractic care), after the initial intensive therapy period, can help provide the patient with lasting relief of symptoms.

In light of the current opioid epidemic, this provides evidence for the safety and efficacy chiropractic as a primary alternative to opioid usage.  

3. Cure Low Back Pain at Home: Supplement With Fish Oil, Magnesium, Vitamin D , CoQ10 and Vitamin B Complex

I refer to these supplements as my “Core 5.”  Each one of the supplements mentioned above has the research behind it regarding their effectiveness in decreasing back pain. If you want to learn more about these supplement and their effectiveness in managing back pain, download my Ebook here (Please note: make sure to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning and supplements)

4. Cure Low Back Pain: Consider Using Orthotics and Durable Medical Equipment

Tens machines, back support cushions, custom fit foot orthotics, custom pillows, home traction devices and back braces can all help you manage back pain in 2018.  Often times, there are contributing external factors to your back pain such as a dysfunctions in the feet, shoes or sitting position throughout the day.  

These devices have a proven track record of managing back pain.  In many cases, durable medical equipment (DME) and orthotics are covered by your insurance company when administered by a health care practitioner in our office. If you have questions about custom orthotics, always feel free to reach out to speak to someone locally at our Raleigh, NC chiropractic office.

5.  Cure Low Back Pain at Home : Increase Flexibility While Increasing the Strength in Your Core and Back Muscles

This is a big one.  By increasing the flexibility of certain muscle that when become excessively tightened are known to cause back pain you can manage your back pain. Maintaining optimal flexibility in the hamstring muscles, hip flexor muscles, hip adductor muscle and pectoral muscles you can decrease back pain.

The trick is to also strengthen your core and back muscle at the same time as maintaining flexibility.  These muscle include you abdominal muscles, transverse abdominal muscle, gluteus maximus, and the muscles that run up your spine.

If you have any questions about how to improve on your strength and flexibility beyond exercises at home, schedule an appointment with our Raleigh, NC chiropractic office.

If you have any more questions about the treatment of chronic or acute low back pain and live in the greater Raleigh, NC area, feel free to reach out and schedule an appointment today. Want immediate care? Walk-ins are also welcome at our local Raleigh, NC chiropractor’s office. Stop by during business hours to see someone today!

In health,

 

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes D.C.