What is Whiplash?

You’ve probably heard of whiplash, but what exactly is it?

Whiplash, known in the medical field as Cervical Acceleration-Deceleration Syndrome, occurs when the head and neck are jerked rapidly forward and backward, often during car accidents. This movement can damage the neck’s vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and, in severe cases, the spinal cord.

According to Dr. Arthur Croft, an expert in whiplash injuries, approximately 3 million cases occur annually in the U.S. Symptoms might not appear immediately, and can range from mild neck pain to severe disability. Up to 40–50% of whiplash cases result in chronic pain, which can impact quality of life for years.

Symptoms of whiplash can include:

• Neck and back pain
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Headaches and visual disturbances
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in extremities

Read more in our latest article.

Treat Neck Pain from Whiplash with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

Pivotal Chiropractic provides a type of chiropractic care called “specific structural correction,” which focuses on correcting structural issues with the spine, which in turn can help you recover from secondary conditions caused by those issues. If you’re in Ann Arbor and experiencing neck pain, our office can help you recover.

Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment. To set up a complimentary consultation or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form.

Preventing Low Back Pain

What can you to do prevent low back pain?

Here are six simple steps you can take:

1. Maintain Good Posture: Sit and stand up straight, and avoid slouching.
2. Lift Properly: Bend your knees, not your back, when lifting heavy objects.
3. Exercise Regularly: Strength training and stretching can help strengthen your back muscles.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put extra strain on your back.
5. Ergonomic Workplace: Ensure your workspace is set up to minimize strain on your back.
6. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate back pain. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

Read more in our latest article.

Near Ann Arbor and Need Help with Lower Back Pain?

Getting adjusted by a chiropractor can not only ease existing lower back pain, but also prevent it from returning. If you’re in the Ann Arbor area and struggling with low back pain, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form!

Causes of Low Back Pain

Do you struggle with low back pain?

Here are six common causes:

1. Muscle Strain: Overexertion, poor posture, or sudden movements can strain the muscles in your lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.
2. Ligament Sprains: These connective tissues can be injured due to sudden twisting or lifting heavy objects.
3. Disc Problems: The discs between your vertebrae can become herniated or degenerate, causing pain and nerve compression.
4. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can affect the spine and lead to low back pain, especially in older adults.
5. Poor Posture: Slouching or sitting for long periods without proper back support can strain your back muscles and ligaments.
6. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as kidney stones, infections, or fibromyalgia, can cause low back pain.

Read more in our latest article.

Near Ann Arbor and Need Help with Lower Back Pain?

Getting adjusted by a chiropractor can not only ease existing lower back pain, but also prevent it from returning. If you’re in the Ann Arbor area and struggling with low back pain, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form!

Symptoms of Sciatica

How can you tell if you have Sciatica?

The hallmark symptom of Sciatica is a sharp, shooting pain that travels from the lower back down the leg. 

Other symptoms may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the leg
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg
• Difficulty moving the leg or foot
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or sudden movements

The pain itself can vary – it can be a constant throbbing pain that doesn’t let up, or it can be mild. It can flare up for a short period of time and go away, then return days, weeks, or months later. You may notice your pain improve with a change of position, such as laying down or leaning to one side. For some, the pain can be so bad that sitting, standing, bending over, and lying down are nearly impossible. 

In most cases, Sciatica resolves with conservative treatments like rest, chiropractic therapy, and pain management, though very severe cases may require surgical intervention.

Learn more in our Sciatica article.

Manage Sciatica in Ann Arbor

If you live near Ann Arbor and struggle with Sciatica, you can find relief with help from Dr. Gessert! Whether you have questions or are ready to book a complimentary consultation, you can call (734) 221-0362 or contact us on our website.

Causes of Sciatica

You may have heard of a spine condition called “Sciatica,” but what actually causes it?

Sciatica is most commonly caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) that compresses part of the nerve. This compression leads to inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg. Other causes can include injury, tumors pressing on the nerve, or even prolonged sitting.

It is estimated that 40% of people will experience Sciatica pain at some point in their lifetime. Often the pain can be disabling; Sciatica accounts for more work loss than low back pain alone.

Learn more in our Sciatica article.

Manage Sciatica in Ann Arbor

If you live near Ann Arbor and struggle with Sciatica, you can find relief with help from Dr. Gessert! Whether you have questions or are ready to book a complimentary consultation, you can call (734) 221-0362 or contact us on our website.

Long-Term Effects of Tech Neck

Anterior Head Syndrome, also known as Forward Head Posture (FHP) and “tech neck,” is a condition
where the head leans forward, sitting in front of the body’s midline instead of in line with it. 

If left uncorrected, Anterior Head Syndrome can have significant effects on your overall health. These include: 

• Chronic Pain in Neck, Shoulders, and Upper Back
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Respiratory Issues (restricted chest expansion, making it harder to take full breaths)

Read more about Anterior Head Syndrome in our latest article.

Living Near Ann Arbor and Having Tech Neck Pain?

An Ann Arbor chiropractor can help with neck pain and tech neck! By adjusting spine and reducing the strain caused by forward head posture, Dr. Gessert can help alleviate pain and improve spinal function. To make an appointment or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form here.

Causes and Symptoms of Tech Neck

Anterior Head Syndrome, also known as Forward Head Posture (FHP) and “tech neck,” is a condition where the head leans forward, sitting in front of the body’s midline instead of in line with it.

Causes

• Tech Dependence (Tech Neck): Using electronics like smartphones and laptops encourages a downward head tilt, reinforcing poor posture habits over time. This is referred to as both “tech neck” and “text neck.”
• Weak Neck and Upper Back Muscles: Unbalanced muscles in the neck and upper back can cause the head to lean forward. Weakness in these muscles may result from lack of exercise or poor posture.
• Injury: Injuries such as whiplash or head trauma can cause your muscles to try to compensate for the injury by leaning the head forward for stability.
• Occupational Factors: People working in environments that require sitting for long periods of time, such as desk jobs, can develop poor postural habits.

Symptoms

• Neck Pain/Tension 
• Shoulder/Upper Back Pain
• Headaches
• Reduced Range of Motion
• Fatigue and Muscle Weakness
• Neurological Symptoms (numbness/tingling in the arms or hands, dizziness, or balance issues)
• Postural Imbalance (rounded shoulders or hunched upper back)

Read more about Anterior Head Syndrome in our latest article.

Living Near Ann Arbor and Having Tech Neck Pain?

An Ann Arbor chiropractor can help with neck pain and tech neck! By adjusting spine and reducing the strain caused by forward head posture, Dr. Gessert can help alleviate pain and improve spinal function. To make an appointment or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form here.