What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, is an injury to the brain that occurs suddenly. A TBI typically occurs after there has been some sort of a jolt, bump or blow to the head. It can also occur as the result of a penetrating injury when an object actually penetrates through the skull. 

What are TBI Symptoms?

The symptoms of a TBI can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury. These symptoms can range from physical to psychological effects. In addition, some symptoms may occur immediately while others may not appear for days or weeks. Some physical symptoms commonly associated with a TBI include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Loss of Balance
• Nausea
• Speech Problems
• Vomiting

Some psychological and behavioral issues associated with TBI include:

• Concentration issues
• Depression or anxiousness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of being dazed or disoriented
• Memory loss
• Mood swings
• Temporary loss of consciousness

How is a TBI Treated?

The treatment options for a TBI depend on the type and severity of the injury. Some methods of treatment include:

• Medication, including anti-seizure drugs, coma-inducing drugs and diuretics
• Surgery, including removing clotted blood, repairing skull fractures and opening a window in the skull to relieve pressure
• Rehabilitation, which may include working with a physiatrist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech and language therapist, neuropsychologist or a social worker

To learn more about treatment options, contact Advanced Spine & Rehab today!

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Soft Tissue Damage

Your soft tissues are your body’s connective tissues, such as ligaments, muscles and tendons. When involved in a car accident, your soft tissues may be damaged. One of the most common types of soft tissue injuries associated with this type of accident is the whiplash. This is when the soft tissues of your neck and upper back are injured. 

S Head Injuries

Head injuries may also occur when your car unexpectedly stops or changes direction. Impact with the side window or steering wheel can cause bruising, lacerations or even internal injuries to your head. It is also possible to experience damage to the skull. In more severe cases, brain damage is possible.

Scrapes and Cuts

Scrapes and cuts are also commonly associated with this type of trauma. Loose objects in your car can turn into projectiles, including coffee mugs, cell phones, books and GPS systems. Cuts and scrapes may occur when these items hit your body during an accident. These injuries are often minor and do not require medical attention, though some may require stitches. 

If you are involved in a car accident, getting medical attention is absolutely essential. At Advanced Spine & Rehab, we will help you address your injuries in order to give you the best chance to enjoy a full recovery from the injuries you have sustained. 

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Symptoms of Opioid Overdose

A number of signs and symptoms are associated with opioid overdose. These include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Unconsciousness

Of course, an opioid overdose can also lead to death.

Risk Factors of Opioid Overdose

Several risk factors are associated with opioid overdose. These include:

• Taking opioids by injection
• Using opioids again after going for a period of time without (such as following a period of detoxification or being released from incarceration)
• Using prescription opioids without medical supervision
• Taking a high prescription of opioids of more than 100 mg of morphine or equivalent
• Using opioids with alcohol or other substances or medicines that are known to suppress the respiratory function (i.e. barbiturates, anesthetics, benzodiazepines or certain pain medications)
• Having other medical conditions such as liver disease, lung disease, HIV or a mental health condition
• Having an opioid disorder

Unfortunately, the number of opioid overdoses has increased around the world in recent years. In the United States, the number of people dying from opioid overdose increased by 120 percent from 2010 to 2018. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, contact Advanced Spine & Rehab to learn more about our suboxone treatment program. 

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Degenerative Disc Disease

As you age, your intervertebral discs lose hydration and wear down. When this occurs, they are less able to resist force. As a result, the force is transferred to the disc wall, which may lead to tears or a general weakening that leads to herniation. The disc may also collapse and contribute to issues with stenosis. 

Facet Joint Dysfunction

Each disc has two facet joints at the motion segment of the lumbar spine. These joints are surrounded by a capsule ligament and have cartilage between the bones. These joints can develop painful problems or can contribute to overall disc pain. 

Lumbar Herniated Disc

Lumbar discs contain a jelly-like center that can actually break through and irritate the nearby nerve root. This herniated portion of the disc is full of proteins that can cause inflammation, which then leads to nerve compression. 

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that is characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal where the nerve roots are located. This narrowing can be central, forminal or a combination of both. In addition, it may be single level or it can occur at multiple levels in the lower back. 

Other potential causes of lumbar pain include sacroiliac joint dysfunction, spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, compression fractures, trauma or deformity. Regardless of the cause, the experts at Advanced Spine & Rehab will be happy to work with you to address the issue and manage the pain that you are experiencing.

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Pain Management

In order to reduce the amount of pain associated with your whiplash injury, your doctor may tell you to rest for a day or two following the injury while also applying either heat or cold to the neck every 15 minutes. Over-the-counter pain medication, prescription medications and muscle relaxants may also be recommended for pain management. Depending on the severity of the pain, numbing medication may also be injected into painful muscle areas. 

Exercise

While it is generally best to rest for a day or two following the injury, exercise is essential for recovery. Stretching and movement exercises that you can do at home will help to restore the range of motion in your neck. Some of these exercises may include rotating your neck, tilting your head, bending your neck toward your chest and rolling your shoulders.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy may also be necessary to assist with your recovery following a whiplash injury. This typically involves being guided through exercises to strengthen your muscles, improve your posture and restore normal movement. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may also be used.

To learn more about your treatment options and to create a treatment plan that works for you, contact Advanced Spine & Rehab today!

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What are Opioids?

Opioids are a group of pain-reliving drugs that work by interacting with the opioid receptors in your cells. When they travel through your bloodstream, they attach to opioid receptors in your brain cells and then release signals that help to muffle your perception of pain while also giving a boost to your sense of pleasure. The drugs can be either made from the poppy plant or they can be synthesized in a laboratory. 

How are Opioids Dangerous?

When used properly, opioids are generally considered to be safe. However, some individuals become addicted to the feeling they get when taking opioids, which can then lead to a number of health issues as well as death.

When used properly and even at low doses, opioids can also make you feel sleepy. When used at higher doses, they can slow your breathing and heart rate. This, in turn, can lead to death. 

Due to the risks and dangers involved with taking high doses of opioids, it is important to seek treatment if you or a loved one becomes addicted or otherwise misuses opioids. With the help of a suboxone treatment program through Advanced Spine & Rehab, you can begin the process of recovery. Contact us today to learn more!

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Choosing the Right Chiropractic Treatments

At Advanced Spine & Rehab, we work closely with you to determine your health needs and goals. When it comes to chiropractic treatments, you do not necessarily need to have an ailment that needs to be treated. Rather, regular chiropractic care can also be used for preventative measures as well. Of course, if you are suffering from pain or other issues, we will also discuss your chiropractic treatment options with you in order to determine the best route for addressing your health concerns.

Combining Western Medicine with Chiropractic Care

When it comes to helping you to achieve your health goals, we believe there is not a “one size fits all” answer. In addition, we do not believe that the answer always lies solely with chiropractic care or solely with Western medicine techniques. Rather, the right answer may lie somewhere in the middle, with a combination of the two providing you with the best results. At Advanced Spine & Rehab, we are pleased to offer a wide variety of treatment options for all of our patients. By combining the best of both medical worlds, we are able to take a holistic approach to your health that helps you reach the goals that you have set for yourself.

To learn more about chiropractic care and how we can help you, contact Advanced Spine & Rehab today!

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Dangers of Broken Ribs

In most case, when a rib is “broken” it is actually only cracked. While a cracked rib is still very painful, it is not as dangerous as a rib that is actually broken into separate pieces. This is because a rib that is broken and separated creates a jagged edge that can damage major blood vessels or even internal organs, including the lungs. Treatment of a punctured lung is a far more serious medical condition than a rib that is broken or cracked.

Treating Broken Ribs

In most cases, a broken rib will heal on its one in a month or two. Pain control will likely be a necessary part of the treatment. In this way, you can continue to breathe deeply despite the broke rib. Deep breathing is essential in helping to prevent lunch complications, such as the development of pneumonia.

When your pain is under control, you may need to complete prescribed breathing exercises in order to prevent pneumonia. Compression wraps, which were once commonly used to treat broken ribs, are no longer recommended because they restrict the ability to take the deep breaths that are necessary to prevent pneumonia from developing. To learn more about broken ribs and how to treat them after a car accident, contact Advanced Spine & Rehab today!

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Regardless of the form of opioid that is used, the drug works by blocking the pain signals between the brain and body. In addition to helping to reduce pain, the drugs may also make some people feel relaxed, happy or “high”. As such, opioids can be highly addictive and can be deadly if used incorrectly or otherwise abused.

Side Effects of Opioids

Even when used legally and correctly, opioids may have a number of side effects. Some of these include slowed breathing, nausea, constipation, drowsiness and a general sense of confusion. In addition, regular use of opioids can lead to an increased tolerance and dependence on the drugs, which means the user must take higher doses on a more frequent basis in order to achieve the desired affect. 

Due to the addictive nature of opioids, it may be necessary to complete a treatment program in order to treat opioid dependency or other opioid use disorders. One way to accomplish this goal is to use a treatment program that utilizes suboxone. To learn more about suboxone and how it may help you, contact Advanced Spine & Rehab today!

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Enjoying the Benefits of Lunges

While there are many exercises that you can incorporate into your exercise routine to help with improving balance and strength, lunges should certainly be high on your list. Lunges help to increase muscle mass while building strength in your core and legs. Lunges can also help to improve your posture as well as your range of motion. 

Maintaining Proper Form with Lunges

When performing lunges, it is essential to maintain the proper form. This includes keeping your spine straight and making sure you do not step too far forward. Failure to maintain the proper form with lunges can result in injuries and overexertion. 

For static lunges, you should start by standing with your right foot forward and your left foot back so that your feet are about three feet apart. You should then bend your knees in order to lower your body toward the floor. Be sure your front knee does not extend beyond your toes as you lower yourself straight down. Your torso should also remain straight as you push through the front heel and then back into the starting position. Be sure you do not lock your knees at the top of the movement. 

Of course, getting the movements down correctly can be tricky at first. Contact Advanced Spine & Rehab today so we can show you how to properly complete the necessary movements at home in order to get the results that you want.

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