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Tag: fractures

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By Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP 0 Comments Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN), Athletes, Chiropractic Care, El Paso TX, Physio, Sporting , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Sports Injuries and Motor Vehicle Accidents Cause Similar Injuries and How ChiroMed Can Help

At ChiroMed – Integrated Medicine Holistic Healthcare in El Paso, TX, we understand that injuries from sports and motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) can have a profound impact on your health. These injuries often share similar characteristics because they involve high-impact forces, sudden deceleration, or forceful twisting motions. Whether you’re an athlete sidelined by a sprain or a car accident victim dealing with whiplash, the underlying mechanisms of injury are often comparable. At ChiroMed, our integrative approach, led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, combines chiropractic care, nurse practitioner services, acupuncture, massage therapy, and naturopathy to address these injuries holistically. The severity of injuries depends on the force involved and the specific circumstances, and our team is here to guide you through recovery with personalized, evidence-based care.

Common Injuries in Sports and MVAs
High-impact forces in both sports and MVAs can lead to injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), fractures, sprains, and strains. For example, concussions are common in contact sports like football, where a sudden hit causes the brain to move within the skull, leading to symptoms such as dizziness or confusion (Skinner Firm, n.d.). Similarly, MVAs can cause concussions when the head strikes the steering wheel or experiences rapid movement during a crash (Boohoff Law, n.d.). These shared mechanisms highlight how both scenarios stress the brain in comparable ways.

Fractures are another frequent injury. In sports, a fall during a basketball game can break a bone, just as a car crash can fracture ribs or limbs due to sudden impact (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [NIAMS], n.d.). The force’s intensity and direction play a significant role, with rib fractures varying based on individual anatomy and impact angle (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], n.d.). At ChiroMed, we use advanced diagnostics to assess fractures and create tailored rehabilitation plans.

Sprains and strains occur when ligaments, muscles, or tendons are stretched or torn. In sports, activities like soccer often lead to ankle or knee sprains from twisting motions (Therasport, n.d.; Dubuque Physical Therapy, n.d.). In MVAs, rapid deceleration can cause similar sprains, particularly in the neck, resulting in whiplash (Indiana Department of Health, n.d.). Neck sprains are especially common, seen in both cyclists who fall and car accident victims experiencing whiplash from rear-end collisions (PubMed Central [PMC], 2011; Stroud Law, n.d.).

Factors Influencing Injury Severity
The severity of injuries depends on specific circumstances. In sports, factors like protective gear or playing surface affect outcomes—helmets can reduce concussion risk in football (Brown Health, n.d.). In MVAs, seatbelts and airbags can lessen injury severity, but high-speed crashes often result in more serious damage (Advanced Ortho, n.d.). At ChiroMed, we consider these factors when designing treatment plans, ensuring care matches the injury’s cause and extent.

References

Dr. Alexander Jimenez and ChiroMed’s Approach to MVA Recovery

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, leads ChiroMed’s mission to provide holistic care for MVA patients in El Paso. With his dual expertise as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner, Dr. Jimenez offers a unique blend of medical and alternative treatments. His practice focuses on addressing the root causes of injuries, helping patients recover fully while preventing long-term complications.

Dual-Scope Diagnosis and Treatment Protocols
Dr. Jimenez uses a dual-scope diagnosis to connect a patient’s injuries to the mechanics of their accident. For instance, he might link whiplash to the sudden force of a rear-end collision, assessing both visible symptoms and underlying issues like spinal misalignment. This approach allows him to create personalized treatment plans that combine chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and massage therapy to restore function and reduce pain. His team at ChiroMed, including skilled professionals like Helen Wilmore (massage therapist) and Kristina Castle (physical therapist), collaborates to ensure comprehensive care.

Advanced Diagnostics and Imaging
ChiroMed employs advanced diagnostic tools, such as X-rays and MRIs, to identify injuries like fractures, disc herniations, or soft tissue damage. These assessments provide a clear picture of the injury’s extent, guiding precise treatment plans. For example, imaging might reveal a hidden spinal issue contributing to chronic pain, allowing Dr. Jimenez to target it with specific therapies. This thorough approach ensures patients receive care tailored to their unique needs.

Medical and Legal Expertise
Dr. Jimenez’s ability to handle both medical treatment and legal documentation sets ChiroMed apart. After an MVA, patients often face insurance claims or legal battles. Dr. Jimenez meticulously documents injuries, linking them to the accident, and prepares detailed reports for legal use. Dr. Jimenez’s dual role streamlines the process, allowing patients to concentrate on their recovery while receiving accurate medical evidence to support their claims.

Holistic Recovery Through Integrative Medicine
ChiroMed’s integrative approach combines chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, naturopathy, and nutrition counseling to promote natural healing. Chiropractic adjustments correct spinal and joint misalignments, addressing issues like whiplash or back pain. Massage therapy, led by experts like Helen Wilmore, reduces muscle tension and improves circulation, aiding soft tissue recovery. Acupuncture targets pain and inflammation, offering a natural alternative to medication. Naturopathy and nutrition counseling support overall health, helping patients rebuild strength and prevent complications like chronic pain.

For example, an MVA patient with a sprained ankle might receive chiropractic adjustments to improve alignment, massage to reduce swelling, acupuncture for pain relief, and nutrition advice to support healing. This comprehensive strategy, rooted in ChiroMed’s philosophy of treating the whole person, ensures faster recovery and long-term wellness. By addressing both the injury and its broader impact on health, ChiroMed helps patients return to their active lives.

References

Advanced Ortho. (n.d.). Sports medicine: Treating common high school sports injuries. https://advancedortho.org/sports-medicine-treating-common-high-school-sports-injuries/

Boohoff Law. (n.d.). Common types of injuries. https://www.boohofflaw.com/common-types-of-injuries/

Brown Health. (n.d.). Types of sports injuries and how they’re treated. https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/types-sports-injuries-and-how-theyre-treated

ChiroMed – Integrated Medicine. (n.d.). Home. https://dralexjimenez.com/

Dubuque Physical Therapy. (n.d.). Physical therapy clinic services: Sports injuries. https://dubuquephysicaltherapy.com/physical-therapy-clinic-services/sports-injuries/

Indiana Department of Health. (n.d.). Mechanism of injury. https://www.in.gov/health/trauma-system/files/Mechanism_of_injury.pdf

Jimenez, A. (n.d.). Facebook reel. https://www.facebook.com/reel/24240689962228572

Jimenez, A. (n.d.). Instagram reel. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMXxvgsiwAt/

Jimenez, A. (n.d.). LinkedIn profile. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/

Jimenez, A. (n.d.). Pinterest pin. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1132936850022111288/

Jimenez, A. (n.d.). WhatsApp channel. https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaLL6qY3rZZiMGQ0S32u/364

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (n.d.). Biomechanics. https://www.nhtsa.gov/research/biomechanics

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Sports injuries–Types, symptoms, & risk factors. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sports-injuries

PubMed Central. (2011). Neck sprain (33 %) was the most common injury among cyclists. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3217388/

Skinner Firm. (n.d.). Understanding common accidents injuries. https://skinnerfirm.com/blog/understanding-common-accidents-injuries/

Stroud Law. (n.d.). What are common car accident injuries?. https://www.stroudlawyers.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-common-car-accident-injuries/

The Smith Clinic. (n.d.). Physical therapy clinic services: Sports injuries. https://thesmithclinic.com/physical-therapy-clinic-services/sports-injuries/

Therasport. (n.d.). Physical therapy clinic services: Sports injuries. https://therasport.org/physical-therapy-clinic-services/sports-injuries/

Three Best Rated. (n.d.). Threads post. https://www.threads.com/@threebestratedofficial/post/DMXxwzOieix

Three Best Rated. (2025, May 23). Twitter post. https://x.com/threebestrated/status/1947288030055678043

By Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, CFMP, IFMCP 0 Comments Physio, Therapy , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Greenstick Fracture Explained: A Complete Guide

Broken bones are common injuries. Because children’s bones grow rapidly, they have increased flexibility. When injuries, specifically fractures, occur, they do not always break cleanly across the bone or into pieces. What type of fracture is this, and how are they treated?

Greenstick Fracture

A greenstick fracture is a partial break in a bone that occurs when a bone bends and cracks instead of breaking into separate pieces. (Wolfe J. A. et al., 2019) The term is based on a young green branch that bends and splinters but does not break into pieces when bent. Only one side of the bone is broken, while the other side gets bent. Many children experience at least one fracture during their growing years. This is one of multiple fracture types seen in children. They can happen in adults but are uncommon.

Causes

Greenstick fractures mostly occur in infants or toddlers, sometimes in children during their early adolescent and pre-adolescent years. They are partial-thickness fractures (a break in a bone that doesn’t completely break it) characterized by a break on one side and a bend on the other. Buckle fractures and bow fractures are different types of partial-thickness fractures. Greenstick fractures commonly occur:

  • In children under 10 years old
  • Occurs when a child reaches out to break a fall
  • During motor vehicle collisions
  • Sports
  • Direct impacts
  • Non-accidental trauma

It is more common in long bones, including:

  • Radius
  • Ulna
  • Humerus
  • Fibula
  • Tibia
  • Clavicle

The fracture pattern often indicates a limb’s bending or contortion.

Symptoms

Greenstick fracture symptoms can include:(Atanelov Z, & Bentley T.P. 2025)

  • Localized swelling
  • Localized bruising
  • Pain
  • Deformity, such as the affected body part looking crooked or out of alignment.

Treatment

If the bone is not significantly bent out of alignment, a splint or cast may be all that is necessary to treat the break. If the bone is visibly out of alignment, it must be manually straightened before the limb is put into a cast. If the break is severe, surgery may be required. Fortunately, a growing skeleton can remodel bone, so fractured bones can often realign themselves over time with minimal intervention. Healing depends on various factors, including:

  • Age of the child
  • The severity of the break
  • Location of the break

The younger the child is, the faster the recovery will be. (Pountos I., Clegg J., & Siddiqui A. 2010)

Sometimes, the fracture must be bent back and repositioned in a fracture reduction procedure. An anesthetic may be used as the doctor manually realigns the bone into the correct position. After the reduction, a cast or splint will stabilize the bone and maintain proper alignment. Depending on how quickly the bone heals, a cast may be necessary for a few weeks, months, or longer, depending on the patient and/or underlying conditions.

Healing

  • Healing involves specialized cells that gradually rebuild and fine-tune the new bone.
  • The average time for a greenstick fracture to heal completely may take four weeks.

Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.

Building a Stronger Body

References

Wolfe, J. A., Wolfe, H., Banaag, A., Tintle, S., & Perez Koehlmoos, T. (2019). Early Pediatric Fractures in a Universally Insured Population within the United States. BMC pediatrics, 19(1), 343. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-019-1725-y

Atanelov, Z., & Bentley, T. P. (2025). Greenstick Fracture. In StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30020651

Pountos, I., Clegg, J., & Siddiqui, A. (2010). Diagnosis and treatment of greenstick and torus fractures of the distal radius in children: a prospective randomised single-blind study. Journal of children’s orthopaedics, 4(4), 321–326. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11832-010-0269-3