Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident

Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C.   Posted: 8/30/20

It’s easy to forget about what’s most important when you’ve been in a car accident.  Between getting your car fixed, dealing with the insurance claims or possibly hiring an attorney you may be very busy. What’s most important is your health! You may think it’s just a minor “fender bender”, and be popping pain medication.  Even in low collision accidents, with little damage to the vehicle, people are injured. In fact, low-speed rear impact crashes account for most rear-impact collision injuries.  The range of speed in these cases is around 6-12 miles per hour.  A chiropractor can help you identify any injuries not apparent to you.  Furthermore, chiropractic care after a car accident can get you out of pain naturally.  After all, pain medications can be harmful and additive.

 

Whiplash or acceleration /deceleration injury in particular is hard to identify without professional help. Whiplash occurs when your head suddenly whips backward and then forward during the collision.   Firstly, whiplash can cause neck pain with or without numbness and tingling in your arms. Secondly, you may also experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, jaw pain, chest pain, and even anxiety.  Thirdly, besides from your neck, you may have injured your mid back, low back or extremities (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, foot) in the accident.

Dr. Natalie Meiri
Dr. Natalie Meiri

Some people aren’t aware of their injuries until months or years later. By this time, your body has laid scar tissue down as a result of damaged soft tissue, joint capsules and interverte­bral discs.  Unfortunately, chronic painful conditions can develop if injuries aren’t addressed immediately. And chronic conditions can persist for years and be more difficult to treat. Results from one study (Cote P, Cassidy JD, Carroll L (2000) Accident Analysis and Prevention) associated a history of neck injury in an M.V.A. (motor vehicle accident) with headaches, disabling neck pain, and a perception of lower general health.

You may need your accident documented properly for your insurance company or attorney.  A licensed chiropractor can help you provide evidence of injury and the resources you need to submit insurance or legal claims.

Even if it was a minor collision, don’t underestimate the long term effects it can have on your health. Many studies have found delaying treatment lowers the patient’s improvement level.

Dr. Natalie Meiri has treated numerous patients with various injuries for 17 years. She will examine, diagnose and come up with a treatment plan to get you out of pain and better. Schedule an appointment by calling 561-253-8984.

references

1.  Cote P, Cassidy JD, Carroll L Is a I lifetime history of neck injury in a traffic collision associated with prevalent neck pain, headache, and depressive symptomatology) Accident Analysis and Prevention 2000; 32: 151-159.

 

Meiri Chiropractic, 5601 corporate Way, #102, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

 

From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories:

Chiropractic Treatment for Rotator Cuff Injury

Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C.  Posted: 8/29/20

Chiropractic treatment for rotator cuff injury is effective even if you have a rotator cuff tear. This was a 53 year old patient who hurt their left shoulder playing tennis and lifting weights. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call him Peter instead of his real name.  Peter had a M.R.I. (magnetic resonance imaging) finding of a “3 x 3 mm partial thickness tear” of his rotator cuff.  His orthopedic surgeon prescribed P.T. (physical therapy) and suggested surgery (arthroscopy) if  P.T. wasn’t successful. Peter is allergic to N.S.A.I.D.s (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen) and wanted to avoid drugs and/or surgery. However, the worse was when his orthopedist told him to stop playing tennis!  So Peter never went to P.T. and came to see me instead.

Peter told me he wouldn’t stop playing tennis because he plays tennis almost everyday. Besides, he had a match coming up!  Peter had been extremely active all his life in various sports.  Right now, tennis was his sport.  Actually, I told him I thought he should continue playing tennis.  I gave one restriction: the two handed backhand tennis serve. The 2 handed backhand serve caused extreme pain for Peter’s left shoulder at the time.

Dr. Natalie Meiri adjusts the shoulder joint
Dr. Natalie Meiri adjusts the shoulder joint

Starting at 2 times a week and then 1 time a week, his treatments included chiropractic adjustments/manipulation to his left shoulder, neck and thoracic (midback) spine. Additionally, soft tissue therapy (myofascial release, pressure point and various relaxation procedures) and modalities (cold/heat therapy and electric muscle stimulation) were administered. Finally, therapeutic exercises to continue treatment at home were given.

Firstly, the goal was to get him out of pain. Secondly, restore normal range of motion to his shoulder. Thirdly, to strengthen the rotator cuff and scapulothoracic (midback where his left shoulder is attached) musculature.  Advanced strengthening and sport-specific exercises for tennis were introduced as tolerated. As he made progress, I also adjusted his low back to optimize his athletic performance.

Peter experienced pain relief gradually. After 2 months, he had nearly full range of motion without pain. And at 3 months, was able to perform the two handed backhand serve pain-free. Furthermore, Peter went to the gym (with some restrictions from me) and played tennis A LOT while treating with me!  

Chiropractic is for people who want to move and perform better in their sport. Like Peter, chiropractic is for patients who don’t want drugs or surgery. Ultimately, it’s for those who want a better quality of life.

Exercise is health-enhancing and life-extending. When we enjoy it and therefore do it regularly, it gives us an enormous sense of well-being. I rarely tell my patients to stop the exercise that is a source of their joy.  Aristotle, the greek physician of the 4th century said “Life is movement”.

Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach offers chiropractic treatment for rotator cuff injury. Dr. Natalie Meiri will examine, diagnose and come up with a chiropractic treatment plan for rotator cuff injury for optimal relief and function.  And then help you to prevent future injuries. Call 561-253-8984 today to schedule an appointment.   

 

 

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From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories:

Chiropractic Treatment for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

 

Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C.  Posted: 8/26/20

 

Dr. Meiri adjusts a patient's right hip (femoroacetabular) joint
Dr. Meiri adjusts a patient’s right hip (femoroacetabular) joint

This was a 65 year old patient who was vacationing in  Florida for 6 weeks. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call her Wanda instead of her real name.  Wanda had seen her primary care doctor in another northern state. She had many medical reports. The low back M.R.I. report noted disc bulges and spinal stenosis at multiple levels.  A doppler ultrasound report noted some decreased blood flow (ischemia) in her legs.

She had been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis and low back degenerative disc disease. In other words, she had osteoarthritis in her spine (“wear and tear” arthritis of the spinal discs). And she had spinal stenosis which is narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. The low back and leg pains had started about 6 months ago after “lifting something heavy”. She also had a lot of emotional stress in her life at the time.

 

Dr. Natalie Meiri adjusts the spine and pelvis
Dr. Natalie Meiri adjusts the spine and pelvis

Dr. Natalie Meiri adjusts a patient's knee joint
Dr. Natalie adjusts a patient’s knee joint

Wanda presented to my office with a lot of pain in her low back and legs. She had been seeing her chiropractor up north after visiting her primary care doctor.  On the intake form she reported pain even down the front of  her thighs and legs to her feet, especially on the right. Furthermore, she had weakness in both her legs.

Upon examination, there were positive tests for both hips and knees as well as the low back.  After that, I took some x-rays of her hips and knees. Findings on her x-rays were degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) of both her hips and knees. 

Wanda’s chiropractic treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis and leg pain consisted of chiropractic manipulation/ adjustments of the lumbar spine, both hips, knees, and associated regions.  Associated regions that were adjusted were her thoracic spine and both ankles, which were misaligned (subluxations or intersegmental dysfunctions) due to the conditions she had. Additionally, soft tissue therapy (myofascial release, pressure point and various relaxation procedures) and modalities (cold/heat therapy and electric muscle stimulation) were administered. Finally, she was given therapeutic exercises to continue her treatment at home. 

The outcome for Wanda was excellent! She felt better and starting regaining the strength back immediately in her legs. She treated 3 times a week for the 6 weeks before she had to leave Florida.  By the end of 6 weeks, she had nearly full range of motion, flexibility, and strength in her legs back.

The interesting point or clinical pearl would be the additional joints that needed chiropractic manipulation (hip joints, knee joints, ankles joints) along with the spine.   Chiropractic adjustments restore joint mobility and function, resolves joint inflammation and reduces the patient’s pain. Anatomically, the kinetic chain describes the interrelated groups of body segments, connecting joints, and muscles working together to perform movements. Simply put, Wanda’s lower kinetic chain (ankles, lower legs, knees, upper legs, hips, pelvis, and spine) needed realigning.

Do you know someone who is in need of chiropractic treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis? Contact Dr. Natalie Meiri of Meiri Chiropractic today for chiropractic treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis! Call 561-253-8984 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

 

 

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Holistic Care for Kids Utilizing Chiropractic and Homeopathy

Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C.  Posted: 8/23/20

 

A chiropractor can treat kids naturally without drugs.  Firstly, chiropractic is a specialty for musculoskeletal injuries. Secondly, with regular chiropractic treatment, it is shown to have tremendous effects on childrens’ nervous and  immune systems.  Thirdly, it reduces recovery time for many illnesses.  Finally, it is also beneficial as preventive care.

 

In addition to chiropractic, alternative therapies such as homeopathy can be utilized. Homeopathic medicines are used in extremely dilute nontoxic concentrations.  Moreover, when administered according to homeopathic principles, it is safe for infants and children.   So chiropractic works on the structural level for your child’s healing.  And homeopathy works more on the biochemical level.

 

Kids Ear Infections

 

Many kids get ear infections. They can be on their 3rd antibiotic and not be responding fully or at all. Gentle chiropractic care along with homeopathic medicines may give some immediate relief. Above all, homeopathy works by stimulating a natural healing reaction in a child.

Growing Pains

Kids may be experiencing “growing pains”. This could actually be from the rigorous daily physical activities they participate in.  Furthermore, emotional stress causes tension in their neck and back.  This may cause kids’ headaches or babies to display unexplained persistent crying behavior (infant colic). Chiropractic care will take the pressure off their spine to heal physically. Meanwhile, homeopathic medicines aid in stress relief and  address the emotional components of the pain.

 

 

 

 

 

Kids Sports Injuries

 

 

Many kids are injuring their arm or leg during activities such as martial arts, volley ball, gymnastics or playing a musical instrument.  Chiropractic manipulation of hands, elbows, shoulders, feet, knees and/or hips will get them back to peak performance. In the acute phases, homeopathy aids in pain relief and improves healing time.  A kid in an arm sling may be playing volleyball the very next day.

Kids on the Spectrum/ Autistic
 

Autistic or kids on the spectrum having stomach problems, anxiety, motor skills problems, and sensory integration dysfunction can benefit from holistic care. Chiropractic helps relax the muscles and joints and affect the nervous system. Aligning the spine improves many sensory conditions over time.

Pediatric Chiropractic

 

Chiropractic care is among the most common complementary and integrative health care practices used by children in the United States, according to the US National Center for Health Statistics Report (2015).  In a survey (Alcantara et al. (2009) Explore), parents reported improvements in their children’s health and function after receiving chiropractic care, ranging from improvements in pain through improved mood and immune function. 

Pediatric Homeopathy 

 

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that has been used by millions of people worldwide for over 200 years.  It is prescribed and recommended by health care providers in over 65 countries. 

 

For excellent, effective holistic care for kids utilizing chiropractic and homeopathy in West Palm Beach, Florida look no further than Meiri Chiropractic. Try a new approach for your children, contact Dr. Natalie Meiri of Meiri Chiropractic today at 561-253-8984.

 

 

 

Dr. Meiri adjusts patients

 

Author: Natalie Meiri, d.c.    posted: 8/16/20

Chiropractic care for neck, back, arm, and leg pain may be a straightforward decision.   Do you have pain coming from your neck, shoulders, elbows, hands or fingers? Do you have pain coming from your back, hips, knees, ankles, feet and/or in your toes?  Perhaps it’s “diffuse pain”, which means you’re not even sure exactly where the pain is.

Some patients go to the chiropractor because they are in pain and don’t want drugs and surgery. They know while drugs may decrease the pain, it is not a permanent solution with many undesirable side effects. These same patients  want to continue their activities during their progress. Chiropractic treatment can relieve your pain naturally while keeping you active and moving during your healing.

There are many possible causes for your neck, back, arm and/or leg pain. It maybe due to a tendon/ligament or muscle injury, arthritic joints, or a “pinched nerve”.  You could have a double crush syndrome (DCS) which is compression of a peripheral nerve at more than one site. You may have double crush syndrome (DCS) with compression of nerve fibers at 2 distinct sites: 1 in the neck (cervical spine), and 1 in the elbow (cubital tunnel), wrist (carpal tunnel), or elsewhere.  The same compression of nerve fibers can happen in the lower back, legs and feet.  No matter your diagnoses, you are certainly seeking a solution for your neck, back, arm and/or leg pain and/or inability to move and do your activities.

A common question I get asked is, ” how does a chiropractor treat arm or leg pain that’s not coming from the spine?”. My answer is, “the same way a chiropractor treats the neck or back”.  For example, chiropractors treat cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a “pinched nerve of the neck”  by adjusting the various joints of the spine. With carpal tunnel syndrome, chiropractors adjust and align the joints of the wrist and the associated regions. Aligning your body helps you heal without invasive surgical procedures. It restores the patient’s mobility, functionality and overall health.

You do not have to live with acute or chronic neck, back, arm and/or leg pain.  Dr. Natalie Meiri is a West Palm Beach chiropractor who can provide the best chiropractic care for neck, back, arm and leg pain. This is achieved with a comprehensive treatment plan consisting of hands-on adjustments for your joints, various soft tissue manipulation procedures for the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia surrounding your joints, and specific exercises to continue your care at home. While initially you might have to treat several times a week, eventually the frequency of your visits will decrease. Finally, you may need supportive or maintenance chiropractic care for your neck, back, arm and/or leg pain.

To visit an experienced West Palm Beach chiropractor for chiropractic care for neck, back, arm and leg pain relief, consult with Dr. Natalie Meiri of Meiri Chiropractic.  Call us today at 561-253-8984 for high quality west palm beach chiropractic care.

 

Meiri Chiropractic

5601 Corporate Way, Ste. 102

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

561-253-8984

 

 

          10 reasons to seek chiropractic care

 Author: Natalie Meiri, D.C.     Posted: August 8, 2020


                    

There are many more reasons to see a West Palm Beach chiropractor than for back pain. Chiropractors are specialists in nervous, muscular and/or skeletal system conditions. Patients go directly to the chiropractor to get examined, diagnosed and treated for neck, back, and extremity (limb) pain. However, there’s a lot patients are missing out on, if that’s all that is being utilized.

Firstly, Chiropractic is natural and safe. It  is approved under federal law in all 50 states of the nation, in foreign countries, and included under medicare, medicaid and insurance equity laws. Secondly, most chiropractors practice in private practices with a model of health called holism. And Holism emphasizes the inherent recuperative powers of the body in restoration and maintenance of health. Thirdly, it encourages active patient participation in treating and preventing disease. Holism doesn’t just treat back pain, it looks at the whole body and mind. In this post, I’ll provide 10 reasons people should seek a chiropractor besides for back pain.

 

  1. You have pain in the neck, back and/or T.M.J (temporomandibular joint), shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers, thumbs, hips, knees, ankles, feet, toes

You may even have pain that doesn’t seem to be related. For example, you may have an ear ache, pain around your temples or just general soreness in the jaw which is due to a T.M.J. problem.  Chest pain could be related to your rotator cuff/shoulder, neck or both. Whatever your problem, a West Palm Beach chiropractor will diagnose your condition and offer a range of treatments.

 

  1.  Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (F.M.S.)

The chronic pain you’ve had for years, could be in a part of your body or all of the body like in Fibromyalgia. Fatigue may also be a persistent problem. There are natural remedies and manual-type therapies chiropractors utilize for F.M.S.

 

  1. You need more energy, want to move better, improve your posture, balance, strength and flexibility, help your digestive system, boost your immune system, increase circulation and nervous system function

 While this may seem like a long list, this is what many patients experience with regular, consistent chiropractic care!    A chiropractor can align your body to create a healthier lifestyle. 

 

  1. You want a healthier pregnancy

If you are experiencing back pain or swollen knees, ankles or feet. Furthermore, you are depressed or having mood swings due to hormonal changes. Finally, you suffer with migraines due to the pregnancy. A chiropractor can help all of above.

 

  1. You want your kids’/babies‘ to have less colds, ear-aches/ infections and general illness, bed-wetting, sleep issues, colic/ irritable baby syndrome, behavior and/or concentration issues.  You want your “special needs” child to function better and be healthier.

Even though kids/babies heal much faster, they still need treatment.  And Chiropractic offers a drug-free, effective, and natural approach. In the United States, parents also seek “wellness care” chiropractic for their children.

 

  1. You need help with asthma and/or want to breath better

 Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among asthmatics is quite significant for both adults and children in the United States. Additionally, of the various CAM therapies, chiropractic stands as the most popular for asthmatics.

 

  1. Headaches, migraines or vertigo

Past trauma, bad posture, hormonal, or circulation/nerve related problems could be the cause of  your chronic headaches. Of course a thorough exam to rule out any more serious causes is necessary. Next, treatment including proper posture education, exercise therapy along with chiropractic manipulation will alleviate your headaches.

 

  1. You are experiencing stress, anxiety, and/or insomnia

Cranial manipulation for stress and insomnia has had good results.  Indeed, Chiropractic care in combination with an exercise regimen such as walking is suggested.

 

     9. You are having premenstrual, menstrual or menopausal symptoms

 Whether you are a teenager experiencing premenstrual or menstrual pains or an adult with menopausal symptoms, chiropractic adjustments of the spine may help. Drugs are invasive, have a risk of side effects or of irreversible conditions.

 

  1. You want to avoid drugs and surgery!

Some patients find relief with chiropractic care even after failure with conventional medicine (drugs and surgery).

 

Chiropractors like myself, Dr. Natalie Meiri of Meiri Chiropractic in West Palm Beach, Florida help patients with many more ailments and conditions then just back pain. Chiropractic is not a substitute for your regular conventional doctor.  Moreover, each discipline has its strengths. However, chiropractic isn’t just for back pain.

Call now to make an appointment at 561-253-8984 and/or to know more, visit https://www.meirichiro.com.

 

Meiri Chiropractic

5601 Corporate Way, Ste. 102

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

561-253-8984