Sports Whiplash

The common thought regarding whiplash pain is that it occurs only after an auto accident. This is Dr. Bruce Blakely, D.C. clinic director of Mission Village Chiropractic where we specialize in post whiplash accident pain, and other types of accident pain also. Some of those pain symptoms arise from sports, like boxing. If you can imagine the impact absorbed by a punch to the head or neck is said to be equivalent to two 30 mph auto accidents. When I was active treating pro rodeo riders for WANGLER SPORTS the whipping motion of a bare back rider was both harsh and repeatitive and almost always resulted in life time chiropractic patients due to the neck and shoulder pain, stiffness and early arthritis. Motocross neck pain is very common, however with the advent of new technology including helmet roll braces severe neck injuries are reduced, but still prevelant. So whether it be an auto whiplash or sports injury whiplash call us or a chiropractor close to home for treatment and evaluation for future disability. 

My Favorite Running shoe

I don't usually endorse or push products or ideas to my patients or friends, but I have to share with you the best running shoe I have ever owned. Once you get past the weird( some say ugly) look of these shoes the design and concept of Reebok Zig Tech are genius, especially for heavier runners. The wave like bottom or Zig of the shoe disperse the impact along the whole sole, not just the heel like most running shoes which can leave the instep and toe shock unchecked. After running some distances in these shoes I experience minimal foot, knee or lower back pain. It seems it would also minimize neck pain, muscle spasm and mid back tightness as you avoid forward head posture. Shin splints are less of a concern too. I have also noticed that I hold my chiropractic adjustment longer because of the softer impact. The bright colors of the shoe put me off at first but now I think the electric blue color is kinda cool and very visible at night. Other patients who have ran in this shoe who have had traumatic disc or whiplash injuries in the past relate less post running soreness with faster recuperation time. Once you get past the look and color you may never go back to another shoe. For more info go to www.missionvillagechiropractic.com

child seat restraints safety in auto accidents

when performing an initial intake with a patient that has been involved in a rear end whiplash injury and when asked if there was any one else injured in the car when I hear the response " only my child but they were in a child seat in the back and they're OK" I just scratch my head at that logic. A child seat is a 4 point restraint, much like a NASCAR or racing car would have. That means that the buckle point meets in the middle , restraining both shoulders and hips as opposed to an adult belt that secures at the shoulder and one hip. The significance of this is that while on a 4 point seat the body is secure the head is not and in a rear end collision a child's head is free to move causing injury to undeveloped muscles and ligaments that are inherently weak at that age. As a child is not usually able to articulate at a young age how they feel, after the initial crying is over the parent assumes all is O.K. when in fact there may be extensive soft tissue injury that left untreated may be a health issue later on. Most significant residual whiplash symptoms I have seen in my practice are frequent bouts of TORTICOLLIS (painful restriction of the neck) unusually frequent complaints of HEADACHES, fatigue and unusual restriction of motion of the neck or low back. It is very important to have your child examined by your chiropractor after an accident as we are able to assess soft tissue injuries and treat accordingly...chiropractic care for a child can never start to early and whats good for you is good for your child. For more info or questions on how we can help you or your child with whiplash/ auto accident treatment go to www.missionvillagechiropractic.com or www.blakelychiropractic.com and link to our questions tab.

All things Omega

I find that patients I see who have a difficult time holding an adjustment are often the ones who are defiecient in EFA's (essential fatty acids) Most people think omega, it must be salmon or some other cold water (best source) fish, which is true, but there are other sources that are as important and that round out the EFA triad as I call it. Borage oil Omega-6 supplies one of the richest sources of Omega-6 and is also important in cardiovascular health, supporting capillaries and nerve integrity. Flaxseed oil is a seed derivative and is one of the best plant sources of the Omega-3, supporting cardio-vascular health as a result of being a strong anti-oxidant.
So what does all of the above have to do with a spinal adjustment? Lack of the above causes the increase of cell destroying free radicals which wreck havoc on cell integrity leading to inflammation and early loss of the ability of the cell to function..ultimately dying. So the connection is the overall inability of the nervous and musculoskeletal system to not function correctly, so the treatment I give will not be as successful as it would be to another patient who is inherently in better health.
Although this scenario is over simplified, as there are other reasons for inflammation and spasm, we can all agree that a good diet and regular exercise will in the long run promote a healthier life style. I recommend Omega 3-6-9 and is available in our office.

post whiplash jaw pain

Pseudo (false) jaw pain can commonly occur after an automobile accident and be misdiagnosed in most part because that type of pain often arises from the neck...a very common complaint post rear end collision. A patient I saw recently related that after her auto accident she saw her dentisit complaining of jaw pain with headaches. After diagnosing her as having TMJ disorder he recommended a splint and anti-inflammatory medication. Her jaw pain and headaches became worse and at a friends suggestion she came to be under our care.Upon further evaluation we discovered that she was experiencing referred pain actually from the neck, and began treatment specifically for that. She now is 80% improved, without headaches and very happy she began chiropractic care after her motor vehicle accident...so you see sometimes you have to look outside the box!!

it's been a good year

Obama care unknown...Medicare cuts for services...capitated reimbursement...bickering congress that can't agree on what day it is..increasing malpractice costs..but I still LOVE WHAT I DO AND AM STOKED TO BE A CHIROPRACTOR!!!!!!

Will Obama Care Work?

The burning question of how effective Obama care will be rages on without relief in sight. There are several clauses that do merit approval and that I personally believe are worthy of passage. But to scrap the whole system to insure the 15% of our population that are without insurance does not seem ,in my opinion, to be the answer. One easy initial solution would be to open insurance to competition from other states, much like group insurance is for large companies, which most will agree should reduce rates by 10 to 15%!! Now don't get me wrong..I still feel that some carriers are predatory, but I FEEL THEY ARE A BEAST WE CAN TAME!!