Avoiding the Flu and Treating Whiplash | Winter 2013 Newsletter

Winter Greetings,

This year’s flu strain seems especially virulent. A lot of our patients have come down with head colds and flu symptoms. In the interest of an “ounce of prevention”, here are some suggestions:

• The best prevention is regular washing of your hands. Use warm water and soap and scrub vigorously for 10-15 seconds. The physical scuffing helps eliminate the viruses and bacteria.
• Avoid touching your face as the eyes, nose and mouth are entry points.
• Avoid sharing objects like utensils, keyboards and phones. If you do share, wipe it down first.
• Manage your stress and get enough rest and sleep. A tired body is a susceptible body.
• Drink lots of water, keep hydrated in the warm dry houses of winter.
• Exercise on a regular basis, at least 3-4 times per week. Strengthen your body and you’ll strengthen your immune system.
• Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking. Both are lousy for your immune system and decrease your natural resistance.
• Take a daily multi-vitamin/mineral supplement and add some immune boosters like anti-oxidants and extra vitamin D to the mix.
• Flush your sinuses on a daily basis with a light saline (salt) solution. I use a netti pot in my morning shower. There are specialized sinus bulbs that can do the same. If you want more info on this I’m happy to discuss this with you.
• Finally invest in yourself with wellness care. A regular massage and/or chiropractic adjustment and yoga practice are important parts of your preventive toolbox.

Whiplash is defined as an injury to the neck, by moving the head backward and then forward in a rapid fashion, straining the spine, neck muscles and ligaments. Whiplash is most common in a rear-end car accident but can result from vehicle impacts in other directions. Other common causes include physical abuse (such as shaken baby syndrome) or contact sports. The symptoms of whiplash vary and can include –

• Muscle spasm with restricted joint movement in spine or limbs.
• Sharp pain down one or both arms; including numbness, tingling and muscle weakness in the arms or hands.
• Pain in the neck , mid-back or head.
• Cognitive dysfunction that may include difficulty concentrating or sleeping.

Following an injury if you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should receive care as soon as possible. At Milwaukie Wellness Center a first visit would include a comprehensive examination to determine what tissues have been injured and may include imaging or X-rays. Ongoing treatment includes a combination of gentle spinal adjustments, soft tissue massage, physiotherapies such as electrical muscle stimulation, spinal traction and therapeutic exercises to ensure that the spine, discs and soft tissues heal in proper alignment and function.

If you or someone you know has experienced any or all of symptom described, then you may want to share this information with them or give our office a call to make an appointment.

References
Mayo Clinic Diseases and Conditions homepage (2011) Retrieved August 30, 2011; from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whiplash/DS01037
Mayo Clinic Diseases and Conditions homepage (2011) Retrieved August 30, 2011; from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/neck-pain/DS00542
American Chiropractic Association Patient Health and Wellness Tips (2011) Retrieved August 30, 2011; from http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3131