Showing posts with label strain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label strain. Show all posts

Ligament Laxity: A Missed Diagnosis from a Car Crash

  1:16 PM      


woman experiencing neck pain from a car crash.
Photo Credit: Paolese

Ligament laxity is also known as ligamentous instability. It is a condition that causes chronic pain and may affect any joint in the body. It is important to note that ligament laxity consists of those joints that extend beyond their normal range of motion.

Now, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, the commonest soft tissue injuries occur in or around the ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Sudden trauma causes acute injuries. Sudden trauma includes a twist, fall, or sharp blow to any part of the body.

Examples of acute injuries include:

  • Contusions
  • Sprains
  • Strains

What are some other types of ligament laxity?

It is also important to note that there are other soft tissues in the body that are prone to injury. This includes the heart, lungs, brain, or other organs in the body. But medically, though, soft tissue injuries are usually limited to the tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

A closer examination of the structure of ligaments, tendons, and muscles shows that they’re basically connective tissues. The National Institute of Health defines connective tissues as “the material inside your body that supports many of its parts.” It shapes your tissues and keeps them strong.

What causes ligament laxity?

Ligament laxity results from extreme flexibility of the ligaments that surround your joints. The extreme flexibility of the ligaments allows these joints to move beyond their normal range of motion. Ligament laxity in most individuals is genetic and may start at a young age. At least one joint may be affected, and in some cases, the entire body (known as general joint hypermobility).

Ligament laxity also occurs after a ligament is damaged and fails to heal properly. The affected ligament loosens or becomes lax and does not support the joint as well as it should. In severe cases, joint damage may cause ligament laxity especially when the joint moves beyond its normal position. If ligament instability occurs in the region of the spine, the patient may suffer disc degeneration or osteoarthritis. Shoulder dislocations and sprained ankles are also common occurrences associated with ligament instability.

According to a 2013 study by Hauser and colleagues, the structure of an injured ligament is replaced with tissue that is similar to scar tissues biochemically, biomechanically, and grossly. Scar tissues that have been fully remodeled remain microscopically, grossly, and functionally different from normal tissues. Because the remodeled ligament tissue is inferior to normal ligaments, there’s a resulting laxity of the ligament, leading to disability of the affected joint, while other soft tissues surrounding the joints are predisposed to further damage.

Ligament laxity caused by automobile accidents

You see, most car crashes cause soft tissue damage. This soft tissue damage in turn causes ligament laxity.

Using whiplash as a case study, the torso and the head move in directions opposite to the impact force — this causes damage to the ligaments in the neck and spine.

Photo by C Joyful on Unsplash

This may result in other injuries, as well as chronic pain. Secondary conditions experienced may include:

  • Numbness
  • Strains and sprains
  • Swollen joints
  • Pains in the neck and back
  • Discomfort when moving the torso or the neck

Diagnosis of ligament laxity is done via stress radiographs, joint mobility, and symptom evaluation. Treatment may vary but usually include Foundational Correction, anti-inflammatory medication, pain medication, braces, physical therapy, and/or movement, elevation traction, and heat (METH). In extreme cases, surgery of the neck or back may be recommended.

Can ligament laxity lead to permanent damage?

Ligament laxity can affect a person’s work-life or ability to carry out his/her activities of daily living.

Truth be told, ligament laxity is a costly condition, with expensive medical bills and even loss of one’s source of livelihood.

Also, ligamentous instability may lead to other injuries. The emotional distress resulting from the accident may trigger anxiety, depression, or mental health issues.

What’s more? Ligament laxity may have long-lasting physical effects if left uncorrected.

References

Ellis SJ. Tremor and other movement disorders after whiplash-type injuries

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 1997;63:110–112.

Derrick, L J, and B M Chesworth. “Post-motor vehicle accident alar ligament laxity.” The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy vol. 16,1 (1992): 6–11. doi:10.2519/jospt.1992.16.1.6

Three Natural Ways to Defend Yourself Against COVID-19

  5:37 PM      


Photo by CDC on Unsplash

It is a known fact that viruses mutate rapidly, and these mutations cause the production or release of new variants of that virus. And, the novel coronavirus is no exception to this.

At least three variant strains of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have been studied.

What’s more? There is a need for people to be concerned about these new strains. There is evidence that these strains may be more infectious than the original strain, resulting in massive spikes in new cases.

CDC has made some discoveries about the strains

An increase in COVID-19 cases would greatly overwhelm global healthcare systems, resulting in many “preventable” deaths.

Although a lot of studies are still being done on the variants — their ease of spread, whether or not they cause severe illness, and if the current vaccines will be able to protect against these variants, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made the following discoveries about the new strains of the virus:

· There’s a large number of mutations in the B.1.1.7 variant of the virus. This variant was discovered in the UK and has spread across the globe, affecting industrialized nations like Canada and the United States. Agreed, the B.1.1.7 variant spreads very fast, but it is unknown whether it increases the risk of death or causes severe illnesses.

· The 1.351 strain was discovered in South Africa. This strain is independent of the UK variant, but both share a couple of mutations. Several cases have occurred outside South Africa. However, the 1.351 strain is yet to manifest in the United States.

· The P.1 strain originated in Brazil. It was discovered in four Brazilian travelers who underwent screening at Haneda Airport on the outskirts of Tokyo. The P.1 variant has not been detected in the US. P.1 contains a couple of mutations that may influence its ability to be identified by antibodies.

How can you protect yourself against these new variants?

The best way to defend yourself against the coronavirus's old and new strains is by minimizing your chances of exposure to the virus by naturally strengthening your immune system.

Medical researchers believe that the new strains of the virus have spike proteins that are longer and more open than the original strains. This allows efficient penetration of human cells, thus increasing their level of infectiousness. This means that transmission of infection will not require many virus particles — just a small number can do.

This explains why people should be more vigilant.

Here are a couple of ways to naturally protect yourself and your loved ones from the new strains of SARS-CoV-2.

1. Vitamin D

Research keeps coming out about the effectiveness of having optimal levels of vitamin D and defending against COVID-19. Having adequate levels of vitamin D can reduce hospitalizations and fatalities among COVID-19 patients.

Photo by Michele Blackwell on Unsplash

A recent study published out of India showed that vitamin D supplementation of 50,000 IU reduced the risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes among infected adults. Always consult your primary care physician before supplementing a large dose of vitamin D.

2. Omega-3's

Another new study showed that 21% of critically ill COVID-19 patients given 600 mg of fish oil daily for two weeks had a 1-month survival rate compared to only 3% of the patients given a placebo.

Photo by Anshu A on Unsplash

Omega-3 food sources include grass-fed meats and wild-caught fish. If you do not have access to these food types, then I highly recommend you start supplementing omega-3 that is molecular distilled, and 3rd party-lab tested such as this one.

3. Exercise

It is a fact that exercising boosts our immunity and makes us fit. A new study of nearly 50,000 people shows that being physically inactive doubles the risk of coronavirus death. It is therefore important that you engage in moderate exercise. This will boost your immune function and minimize your risk of respiratory infections. Intensive or vigorous exercise is good, but you should avoid it if you’re not feeling too well.

Photo by Fitsum Admasu on Unsplash

References

Sallis R, Young DR, Tartof SY, et al. Physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes: a study in 48 440 adult patients. British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 13 April 2021. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021–104080

Oristrell et al., Preprints, doi:10.20944/preprints 202104.0173.v1 (Preprint)
 Association of Calcitriol Supplementation with Reduced COVID-19 Mortality in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Population-based Study

Disclaimer

Dr. Brett Berner received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2015. Dr. Berner is a licensed and practicing Foundational Chiropractor in Lutz, Florida. This article is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose, and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Berner and you. It would be best if you did not change your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam, diagnosis, and recommendation. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Foundation Chiropractic and Brett Berner, D.C. are not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this article or others.