Raleigh, N

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint which moves in all ranges of motions and planes making it a very dynamic joint. It is one of the most functional joints in the body used for lifting, pulling and other movements.

What causes shoulder pain?

Tendonitis causes shoulder pain

This occurs when the tendons of the shoulder become inflamed or irritated usually from repetitive use or acute injuries. The biceps tendon and rotator cuff tendons are the tendons typically involved and tendinitis. The symptoms feel like a deep ache or soreness in the shoulder which is exacerbated by repetitive activities or use of the arm and shoulder.

Sprains and strains cause shoulder pain

Sprains and strains occurs after an acute injury from an accident such as a car accident. Injuring the shoulder muscles and ligaments during a fall or sports related injury.

There may be swelling in the shoulder joints and surrounding muscles. Overhead reach and raising the arm typically causes shoulder pain.

There is typically a pain in the shoulder at night causing trouble sleeping on the affected shoulder pain and restriction with full range of motion in the shoulder and trouble putting on clothing are reaching behind the back.

Tearing of the rotator cuff causes shoulder pain

A tear in the rotator cuff is when one or more than one of the ligaments in the rotator cuff tear. There are four muscles and ligaments that make up the rotator cuff in the shoulder. The rotator cuff helps you raise and rotate your arm and provides stability to the shoulder joint.

 The tear can be a partial tear where the ligament tear but is still intact or a larger, full thickness tear where the ligament tear completely.

Tearing of the shoulder labrum causes shoulder pain

 The shoulder labrum is a round cartilage which hold together the shoulder ball and socket joint humerus and glenoid.  The labrum is a major stabilizing structure in the shoulder. The should labrum tears from a traumatic force. Symptoms include pain, instability in toe shoulder, clicking or popping with certain movements of the arm.

Dislocation causes shoulder pain

 This will occur after a traumatic event. Any movement of the arm and shoulder will be severely painful and limited. It’s important to seek immediate attention if one has dislocated their shoulder. It’s very common to have shoulder pain many years after a prior dislocated shoulder.

Fractures cause shoulder pain

A fracture is a break in the bone.  There are several bones that make up the shoulder that may fracture during a traumatic event including the clavicle, scapula, and humerus. A fracture may be closed or open.

 

Myalgia causes shoulder pain

 Myalgia is muscle pain from chronic or acute inflammation of the muscles around the shoulder. This may include the deltoid muscles pectoral muscles upper back muscles and muscles around the scapular region of the shoulder.

Pinched nerves in the neck cause shoulder pain

When nerves are pinched or pressed on in the neck this irritation radiates down the shoulder and arm. This condition is called radiculopathy and may be the cause of shoulder pain when the underlying condition is a dysfunction in the neck. Symptoms include shooting pain, numbness and tingling and a chronic ache or intermittent radiating pain into the shoulder, arm and hand.

Poor posture can cause shoulder pain

Chronic poor posture in the upper back and neck causes excessive strain and imbalances in the shoulders causing shoulder pain. This is a referred to as condition called upper crossed syndrome where the extensor muscles in the body are not properly strengthened and used lead into a rounding of the shoulders and contraction of the pectoral muscles.

Arthritis causes shoulder pain

Like any other joints in our bodies shoulder joints can get arthritis. This happens when the joint spaces and cartilage deteriorate in the body. This can happen with chronic use or naturally as we age.

Cancer can cause shoulder pain 

Some form of cancers cause shoulder pain. This may come from metastasis or other bone tumors which occur and longer bones of the skeleton such as the humerus. Red flags for shoulder pain from cancer would include lethargy, shoulder pain at night. sudden unexplained weight loss or weight gain.

How is shoulder pain diagnosed?

X-Ray: The typical first step is obtaining plain film x-rays which can show the joint spacing, bony structures and some general soft tissue findings.

MRI: This is the superior gold standard choice for diagnosing shoulder problems. MRIs are highly sensitive for soft tissue pathology is in the ligaments muscles and labrum surrounding the shoulder.

What are common treatments for shoulder pain?

Common treatments include:

• Resting the shoulder from activities that may be causing shoulder pain and dysfunction

 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen

 

• Heat and ice to reduce chronic pain or acute inflammation and swelling

 

• Cortisone injections into the shoulder

 

• Physical therapies which include: strengthening and improving the ranges of motion in the shoulder, therapeutic ultrasound to promote healing and decrease inflammation and pain

 

• Electrical muscle stimulation to modulate pain and increase normal ranges of motion

 

• Spinal chiropractic adjustments to address pinched nerves in the neck or dysfunctions and the upper thoracic spine and shoulder blades

 

• Corrective spinal exercises to address underlying postural issues causing shoulder pain

 

• Shoulder surgery to repair torn ligaments or labrums

 

If you suffer from shoulder pain and are looking for relief treatment in the Raleigh, NC area, book an appointment today .

 

In health,

 

Dr. Jeffrey Gerdes, D.C.

Raleigh, NC

In 2012 there was over 30,000 fatal injuries from car accident injuries in the United States from 5.6 million auto crashes.

Of these 5.6 million car accidents there were 1.6 million car accident injuries reported. This resulted in an economic burden of nearly $300 billion each year in the United States.

Disability, hospitalizations, missed work can all contribute to the economic burden of car accident injuries.

Here are some of the most common injuries suffered in car accidents.

Back, Neck and Head Injuries

Whiplash of the neck is one of the most common car accident injuries. This is when an external force causes a hyperflexion and hyperextension mechanism of the neck and head causing muscle and ligament injuries in the cervical spine or neck.

Some common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, headaches , dizziness, numbness and tingling into the arms and hands, stiffness when turning the head and looking up and down. In some instances, the discs in the neck may herniate.

Some common treatments for whiplash include chiropractic and physical therapy, ice, heat, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), pain medications, muscle relaxers, ultrasound therapy, electrical muscle stimulation therapy , and therapeutic stretching and exercises.

Back injuries Are Also Very Common Car Accident Injuries

The muscles and ligaments of the back can be sprained and strained. In some instances, the lumbar discs can herniate during a car accident.

Lumbar disc herniations can cause injuries to the nerves and spinal cord of the spine. Symptoms of nerve or spinal cord  injuries include sharp severe pain, numbness, tingling and pain in the legs or feet.

If a lumbar herniated disc is suspected it’s important to obtain an MRI as soon as possible. An MRI will show the extent of the disc herniation and its effect on surrounding nerves and spinal cord.

Head Injuries After a Car Accident

Head injuries can be the most significant car accident injuries one can suffer. Occupants of the vehicle involved in a car accident often strike their heads against the dashboard, steering wheel,window, head arrest and side doors.

These forceful impacts to the head a car can cause a concussion or a more severe traumatic brain injury. Symptoms of a concussion include dizziness, headaches, feeling forgetful, loss of balance and coordination long-term memory problems.

Traumatic  brain injuries can result in memory loss, loss of speech function, and loss of permanent cognitive function.

The long term effects of head injuries can be permanent and it is critical after a car accident injury to be evaluated by a neurologist or neuropsychologist as soon as possible if you have experienced a concussion or head injury.

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are very common injuries experienced after a car accident. Shoulder  injuries can be a sprain/ strain of the muscles and ligaments in the shoulder and shoulder girdle. In more serious cases there can be tearing of the rotator cuff, labrum and biceps tendon in the shoulder.

These injuries typically occur from the seatbelt going over the shoulder and the grasping on forcefully to the steering wheel during the impact of the collision. Many times one will  brace the arms out against seats, doors or dashboards during the crash causing an injury to the shoulders.

Symptoms of an injury or tear in the shoulder after an accident include pain raising the arm, pain and restriction flexing the arm, pain sleeping on the shoulder, pain and restricted ranges of motion putting on shirts or clothes.

If a tear in the rotator cuff, labrum or biceps tendon is suspected it’s important to obtain an MRI of the shoulder and include orthopedic shoulder specialist co-management in the care plan for adequate recovery.

Chest Injuries

It is not uncommon for one to have a chest injury during a car accident. This usually happens from hitting the chest against the steering wheel or side doors during a car accident.

It is important to be evaluated for fractured ribs if you have experienced a chest injury after an accident. Fractured ribs can puncture the lungs. The most common tests to see if a rib was fractured in a car accident are a CT scan or plain film x-rays..

 Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries

Hip fractures pelvic fractures and abdominal injuries can be significant and are common injuries experienced in a car accident. Spleen, liver and kidney injuries should be evaluated at the emergency room as quickly as possible to avoid any long-term consequences. CAT scans are the most commonly used diagnostics to evaluate abdominal and pelvic injuries.

Knee Ankle and Foot Injuries

These are common injuries after a car accident. They usually occur from having the foot planted hard down on the brake, or floorboard during a car accident. These injuries can also occur when the knee strikes the steering wheel or dashboard during an accident.

 There may be swelling In the ankle or knee is after the initial injury has occurred. It’s important to obtain an x-ray Initially to rule out a fracture or disloation in the knee ankle or foot.If the symptoms continue or improve with chiropractic care, physical therapy rets and time or a torn ligament is suspected an MRI should be obtained to rule out torn ligaments.

 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 TYPICALLY NO UPFRONT COST FOR CARE  

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

-We will submit 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 benefits 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 submit 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.

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.