Tag: herniated disc

Comprehending Ligamentous Injuries Resulting from Motor Vehicle Accidents and Their Association with Sciatica: Perspectives from Dr. Alexander Jimenez

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are a leading cause of injuries worldwide, with over 2.6 million individuals injured annually in the United States alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2023). Among the most common injuries sustained in MVAs are ligamentous injuries, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. These injuries often affect the spine and surrounding tissues, potentially leading to conditions such as sciatica, a painful condition caused by the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. In El Paso, Texas, Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, a board-certified chiropractor and family nurse practitioner, stands out as a leading provider for individuals with personal injury claims. His integrative approach combines advanced imaging, diagnostic evaluations, and dual-scope procedures to deliver comprehensive care while serving as a critical liaison between medical treatment and legal processes.

This article examines the clinical rationale behind ligamentous injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), their relationship to sciatica, and the pivotal role of Dr. Jimenez in treating these injuries. We’ll also discuss the importance of personal injury cases in El Paso and how Dr. Jimenez’s expertise ensures optimal recovery and legal support for his patients. Written for a high school reading level, this SEO-optimized blog post offers a detailed and accessible guide to these complex topics.

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What Are Ligamentous Injuries from Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Ligaments are tough, fibrous bands of tissue that connect bones and stabilize joints. In MVAs, the sudden force of impact can stretch, tear, or sprain these ligaments, particularly in the spine. The spine, a delicate yet complex architecture, is highly susceptible to injury during collisions due to its role in supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord (Jimenez, 2024). Ligamentous injuries are common in MVAs because the rapid acceleration and deceleration—often referred to as whiplash—can overextend ligaments beyond their normal range of motion.

Mechanisms of Ligamentous Injuries in MVAs

The biomechanics of MVAs involve high-energy forces that disrupt the body’s natural alignment. According to a clinical article by Dr. Jimenez, ligamentous injuries in MVAs typically occur due to:

1. Whiplash: The abrupt back-and-forth motion of the head and neck, common in rear-end collisions, strains cervical spine ligaments. This can lead to cervical sprains or tears, causing pain and reduced mobility (Jimenez, 2024).
2. Hyperextension and Hyperflexion: The spine may be forced into extreme positions, damaging ligaments in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions. For example, a frontal collision may cause the spine to hyperextend, stretching ligaments excessively.
3. Rotational Forces: Side-impact collisions can cause the spine to twist, leading to rotational injuries that affect ligaments and surrounding soft tissues.
4. Direct Trauma: The impact of the body against the vehicle’s interior, such as the steering wheel or dashboard, can cause localized ligament damage.

These mechanisms highlight the vulnerability of spinal ligaments during motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). The cervical and lumbar regions are particularly prone to injury due to their mobility and load-bearing functions (Jimenez, 2024).

Symptoms of Ligamentous Injuries

Ligamentous injuries often present with immediate or delayed symptoms, which can complicate diagnosis. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and Stiffness: Localized pain at the injury site, often worsening with movement.
• Swelling and Inflammation: Damaged ligaments trigger an inflammatory response, leading to swelling.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Injured ligaments limit joint mobility, making it difficult to bend or twist the affected joint.
• Instability: Severe tears can lead to joint instability, thereby increasing the risk of further injury.
• Referred Pain: Pain may radiate to other areas, such as the lower back or legs, potentially indicating sciatica.

These symptoms can vary in severity, depending on the extent of the injury and the individual’s overall health. Delayed symptoms, which may appear days or weeks after the accident, indicate the need for thorough medical evaluations (Jimenez, 2024).

Clinical Rationale for Ligamentous Injuries

The clinical rationale for diagnosing and treating ligamentous injuries involves understanding their biomechanical and physiological impacts. Ligaments play a critical role in maintaining spinal stability, and their injury can disrupt the spine’s alignment, leading to subluxations (misalignments of vertebrae). These subluxations can irritate nerves, including the sciatic nerve, contributing to chronic pain and dysfunction (Jimenez, 2024).

Advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, are essential for accurately identifying ligamentous injuries. These tools allow clinicians to visualize soft tissue damage, assess joint stability, and rule out fractures or disc injuries. Dr. Jimenez emphasizes the use of diagnostic imaging to create data-driven treatment plans, ensuring precise interventions tailored to each patient’s needs (Jimenez, 2024).

References

Jimenez, A. (2024). Ligamentous injuries from motor vehicle accidents and their connection to sciatica in El Paso. Retrieved from https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/f7MqhebiCT4QYAjutsvR/media/67227299da17a52064941478.pdf

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023). Traffic safety facts: 2021 data. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov

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The Connection Between Ligamentous Injuries and Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. While sciatica is often associated with herniated discs, ligamentous injuries from motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) can also contribute to its development by causing spinal misalignments or inflammation that compress or irritate the sciatic nerve (Jimenez, 2024).

How Ligamentous Injuries Lead to Sciatica

Ligamentous injuries in the lumbar spine, where the sciatic nerve originates, can trigger sciatica through several mechanisms:

1. Spinal Misalignment: Damaged ligaments may destabilize the lumbar spine, leading to subluxations. These misalignments can compress nerve roots, including those forming the sciatic nerve, causing pain and discomfort (Jimenez, 2024).
2. Inflammation: Injured ligaments release inflammatory chemicals that irritate nearby nerves. In the lumbar region, this inflammation can affect the sciatic nerve, resulting in symptoms such as burning or shooting pain.
3. Muscle Spasms: Ligament injuries often cause compensatory muscle spasms, which can further compress the sciatic nerve. For example, spasms in the piriformis muscle (a muscle in the buttocks) can lead to piriformis syndrome, a condition that mimics sciatica.
4. Disc Injuries: Ligamentous injuries may destabilize spinal discs, increasing the risk of disc herniation or bulging. A herniated disc can press directly on the sciatic nerve, exacerbating symptoms (Jimenez, 2024).

Dr. Jimenez’s clinical insights highlight that sciatica from ligamentous injuries is often multifactorial, involving a combination of nerve compression, inflammation, and biomechanical dysfunction. His approach focuses on addressing the root cause of sciatica rather than merely alleviating symptoms (Jimenez, 2024).

Symptoms of Sciatica

Sciatica symptoms can range from mild to debilitating and may include:

• Lower Back Pain: A dull or sharp pain in the lower back that radiates to the buttocks or legs.
• Leg Pain: Burning, shooting, or electric-shock-like pain along the back of the leg.
• Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of pins and needles in the leg or foot.
• Muscle Weakness: Difficulty moving the leg or foot due to nerve compression.
• Worsening with Movement: Pain that intensifies when sitting, standing, or bending.

These symptoms can significantly impair daily activities, making early diagnosis and treatment critical (Jimenez, 2024).

Diagnosing Sciatica from Ligamentous Injuries

Diagnosing sciatica involves a combination of clinical evaluations and advanced imaging. Dr. Jimenez employs a systematic approach to identify the underlying cause of sciatica, including:

• Physical Examination: Assessing range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength to pinpoint nerve involvement.
• Motion and Static Palpation: Feeling for tenderness and evaluating spinal joint mobility to detect misalignments or ligament damage.
• Advanced Imaging: Using MRI or CT scans to visualize ligament tears, disc injuries, or nerve compression.
• Electromyography (EMG): Measuring nerve function to confirm sciatic nerve irritation.

These diagnostic tools allow Dr. Jimenez to develop personalized treatment plans that address both the ligamentous injury and its neurological consequences (Jimenez, 2024).

References

Jimenez, A. (2024). Ligamentous injuries from motor vehicle accidents and their connection to sciatica in El Paso. Retrieved from https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/f7MqhebiCT4QYAjutsvR/media/67227299da17a52064941478.pdf

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Dr. Alexander Jimenez: A Leading Provider for Personal Injury Cases in El Paso

El Paso, Texas, is a bustling city with a high incidence of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) due to its proximity to major highways and cross-border traffic. Personal injury cases, particularly those involving ligamentous injuries and sciatica, are common in this region. Dr. Alexander Jimenez, based at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, has over 25 years of experience treating personal injury victims, earning a reputation as a trusted provider in El Paso (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).

Why Personal Injury Cases Matter in El Paso

Personal injury cases are critical for ensuring that MVA victims receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In El Paso, these cases often involve complex legal and medical considerations, as insurance companies may dispute the extent of injuries or the necessity of treatment. Dr. Jimenez’s expertise bridges this gap by providing thorough documentation and clinical evidence to support patients’ claims (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).

Ligamentous injuries, in particular, require specialized care due to their potential for long-term complications, such as chronic pain or sciatica. Without proper treatment, these injuries can lead to permanent disability, significantly affecting a person’s ability to work or participate in daily activities. Dr. Jimenez’s integrative approach ensures that patients receive both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation, maximizing their recovery and legal outcomes (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).

Dr. Jimenez’s Unique Qualifications

Dr. Jimenez’s dual licensure as a chiropractor (DC) and board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP-BC) sets him apart from other providers. His credentials include:

• Chiropractic Expertise: Licensed in Texas and New Mexico, Dr. Jimenez specializes in spinal adjustments, decompression therapy, and rehabilitation protocols to address ligamentous injuries and sciatica (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).
• Nurse Practitioner Scope: As an FNP-BC, he can perform advanced diagnostic evaluations, order imaging, and prescribe therapeutic interventions, providing a comprehensive medical perspective.
• Functional Medicine Training: Certifications in functional medicine (IFMCP, CFMP) allow Dr. Jimenez to address underlying metabolic and nutritional factors that influence recovery.
• Legal Liaison Capabilities: Dr. Jimenez’s post-graduate training in accident injury evaluation enables him to provide detailed medical reports, depositions, and court testimony, ensuring that patients’ injuries are accurately represented in legal proceedings (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).

This dual-scope approach allows Dr. Jimenez to treat patients holistically while navigating the complexities of personal injury claims. His ability to integrate chiropractic care with medical management ensures that patients receive seamless, evidence-based treatment (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).

References

Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic. (2025). Dr. Alex Jimenez: Pioneering integrative care as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner. Retrieved from https://www.a4m.com

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Advanced Imaging and Diagnostic Evaluations in Treatment

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment for ligamentous injuries and sciatica. Dr. Jimenez utilizes state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tools to accurately assess the extent of injuries and develop personalized treatment plans.

Role of Advanced Imaging

Advanced imaging plays a critical role in visualizing ligamentous injuries, which may not be apparent on standard X-rays. Dr. Jimenez uses the following imaging modalities:

• X-rays: To assess spinal alignment and rule out fractures or dislocations.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To visualize soft tissues, including ligaments, discs, and nerves, offering comprehensive details about tears or inflammation.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: To evaluate complex injuries involving bones and joints, particularly in cases of suspected instability.
• Ultrasound: To assess soft tissue damage in real-time, particularly for dynamic injuries.

These imaging techniques allow Dr. Jimenez to confirm the presence of ligamentous injuries, assess their severity, and identify any associated conditions, such as disc herniation or sciatica (Jimenez, 2024).

Diagnostic Evaluations

In addition to imaging, Dr. Jimenez conducts comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to understand the full scope of a patient’s injuries. These evaluations include:

• Functional Assessments: Testing mobility, flexibility, and strength to identify biomechanical deficits caused by ligamentous injuries.
• Neurological Testing: Evaluating reflexes, sensation, and muscle function to detect nerve compression or irritation, such as in sciatica.
• Blood Panels: Analyzing metabolic and inflammatory markers to identify systemic factors that may delay healing.
• Motion Palpation: A hands-on technique to assess joint mobility and detect subluxations or ligament laxity.

By combining imaging with clinical evaluations, Dr. Jimenez ensures a thorough understanding of each patient’s condition, enabling precise and effective treatment (Jimenez, 2024).

Dual-Scope Procedures

Dr. Jimenez’s dual licensure allows him to perform procedures that integrate chiropractic and medical approaches. For example:

• Spinal Decompression Therapy: A non-surgical technique to relieve pressure on spinal discs and nerves, particularly effective for sciatica caused by ligamentous injuries.
• Manual Adjustments: Targeted manipulations to correct spinal misalignments, reduce nerve compression, and restore joint mobility.
• Functional Strength Training: Tailored exercise programs to stabilize injured ligaments and prevent re-injury.
• Nutritional Support: Personalized diet plans to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.

These dual-scope procedures address both the structural and physiological aspects of ligamentous injuries, ensuring comprehensive care (Jimenez, 2024).

References

Jimenez, A. (2024). Ligamentous injuries from motor vehicle accidents and their connection to sciatica in El Paso. Retrieved from https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/f7MqhebiCT4QYAjutsvR/media/67227299da17a52064941478.pdf

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Dr. Jimenez as a Legal-Medical Liaison

Personal injury cases require meticulous documentation to support insurance claims and legal proceedings. Dr. Jimenez’s expertise as a legal-medical liaison ensures that patients receive the medical care they need while securing the compensation they deserve.

The Role of a Legal-Medical Liaison

A legal-medical liaison serves as a bridge between the healthcare system and the legal system, providing detailed medical reports, expert testimony, and collaborating with attorneys. Dr. Jimenez excels in this role by:

• Documenting Injuries: Creating comprehensive medical records that detail the mechanism of injury, diagnostic findings, and treatment plans. These records are critical for proving the extent of ligamentous injuries and their impact on a patient’s life (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).
• Providing Expert Testimony: Offering depositions or court testimony to explain the clinical significance of injuries, particularly in cases involving sciatica or chronic pain.
• Collaborating with Attorneys: Working with a network of experienced personal injury attorneys to ensure that patients’ claims are supported by robust medical evidence.
• Educating Patients: Guiding patients through the legal process, helping them understand their rights and the importance of consistent medical care.

Dr. Jimenez’s postgraduate training in accident injury evaluation equips him to handle the complexities of personal injury cases, making him an invaluable asset for MVA victims in El Paso (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).

Importance of Documentation in Personal Injury Cases

Proper documentation is essential for securing fair compensation in personal injury cases. Dr. Jimenez’s reports include:

• Mechanism of Injury: A detailed explanation of how the MVA caused the ligamentous injury, supported by biomechanical analysis.
• Diagnostic Findings: Results from imaging and clinical evaluations confirm the presence of ligament damage or sciatica.
• Treatment Protocols: A clear outline of the interventions used, such as spinal decompression or manual adjustments, and their expected outcomes.
• Prognosis: An assessment of the patient’s long-term recovery potential, including any risk of chronic pain or disability.

This thorough documentation strengthens legal claims by providing objective evidence of the injury’s impact, ensuring that patients receive adequate compensation for medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).

References

Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic. (2025). Dr. Alex Jimenez: Pioneering integrative care as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner. Retrieved from https://www.a4m.com

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Treatment Approaches for Ligamentous Injuries and Sciatica

Treating ligamentous injuries and sciatica requires a multifaceted approach that addresses pain, inflammation, and biomechanical dysfunction. Dr. Jimenez’s integrative treatment protocols combine chiropractic care, functional medicine, and rehabilitation to promote healing and prevent recurrence.

Chiropractic Interventions

Chiropractic care is a cornerstone of Dr. Jimenez’s treatment plans, focusing on restoring spinal alignment and reducing nerve compression. Key interventions include:

• Spinal Adjustments: Gentle manipulations to correct subluxations, alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve, and stabilize injured ligaments.
• Decompression Therapy: Non-surgical traction to relieve disc and nerve pressure, particularly effective for sciatica caused by ligamentous instability.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like myofascial release to reduce muscle spasms and inflammation around injured ligaments.

These interventions are tailored to each patient’s specific injuries, ensuring targeted relief and long-term recovery (Jimenez, 2024).

Functional Medicine and Nutritional Support

Dr. Jimenez’s functional medicine approach addresses the systemic factors that influence healing. This includes:

• Anti-Inflammatory Diets: Recommending foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair.
• Nutritional Supplements: Prescribing supplements like turmeric, magnesium, or collagen to promote ligament healing and reduce pain.
• Metabolic Assessments: Using blood panels to identify deficiencies or imbalances that may delay recovery.

By optimizing the body’s internal environment, functional medicine enhances the effectiveness of chiropractic interventions (Jimenez, 2024).

Rehabilitation and Functional Strength Training

Rehabilitation is critical for restoring mobility and preventing re-injury. Dr. Jimenez designs individualized programs that include:

• Mobility Exercises: Stretching and range-of-motion exercises to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
• Strength Training: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles supporting the spine and ligaments, reducing the risk of instability.
• Agility Training: Activities to enhance coordination and balance, particularly for patients recovering from sciatica.

These programs are progressive, starting with gentle movements and advancing to more intensive exercises as the patient’s condition improves (Jimenez, 2024).

Long-Term Management and Prevention

To prevent chronic pain or recurrent injuries, Dr. Jimenez emphasizes long-term management strategies, such as:

• Posture Correction: Educating patients on proper posture to reduce stress on ligaments and the spine.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging regular exercise, stress management, and ergonomic adjustments to support spinal health.
• Follow-Up Care: Scheduling regular check-ups to monitor progress and address any emerging issues.

These strategies empower patients to take control of their health and minimize the risk of future injuries (Jimenez, 2024).

References

Jimenez, A. (2024). Ligamentous injuries from motor vehicle accidents and their connection to sciatica in El Paso. Retrieved from https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/f7MqhebiCT4QYAjutsvR/media/67227299da17a52064941478.pdf

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The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is critical for preventing the progression of ligamentous injuries and sciatica. Delaying treatment can lead to chronic pain, permanent nerve damage, or disability, particularly in cases involving the sciatic nerve. Dr. Jimenez advocates for prompt evaluation following a motor vehicle accident (MVA), even if symptoms are not immediately apparent (Jimenez, 2024).

Benefits of Early Treatment

• Reduced Inflammation: Early interventions, such as chiropractic adjustments or anti-inflammatory therapies, can minimize swelling and nerve irritation.
• Faster Recovery: Promptly addressing ligament damage promotes tissue healing and prevents compensatory injuries.
• Improved Legal Outcomes: Documenting injuries promptly strengthens personal injury claims by establishing a clear link between the motor vehicle accident (MVA) and the patient’s condition.
• Prevention of Chronic Pain: Early treatment reduces the risk of sciatica or ligamentous injuries becoming chronic, improving long-term quality of life.

Dr. Jimenez’s clinic offers same-day appointments and telehealth consultations to ensure that patients receive timely care, regardless of their circumstances (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).

Warning Signs to Watch For

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience:

• Severe Pain: Intense or worsening pain in the back, neck, or legs.
• Numbness or Tingling: Sensations that persist or spread, indicating potential nerve compression.
• Loss of Mobility: Difficulty moving or performing daily tasks.
• Neurological Symptoms: Weakness, loss of reflexes, or changes in bowel or bladder control, which may indicate a serious injury.

These symptoms warrant urgent evaluation to prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery (Jimenez, 2024).

References

Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic. (2025). Dr. Alex Jimenez: Pioneering integrative care as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner. Retrieved from https://www.a4m.com

Jimenez, A. (2024). Ligamentous injuries from motor vehicle accidents and their connection to sciatica in El Paso. Retrieved from https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/f7MqhebiCT4QYAjutsvR/media/67227299da17a52064941478.pdf

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Why Choose Dr. Alexander Jimenez for Personal Injury Care in El Paso?

Dr. Jimenez’s Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic is a premier destination for MVA victims in El Paso, offering a unique combination of clinical expertise, compassionate care, and legal support. His practice stands out for several reasons:

• Comprehensive Care: Combining chiropractic, functional medicine, and rehabilitation to address all aspects of ligamentous injuries and sciatica.
• Advanced Technology: Utilizing state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tools to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
• Patient-Centered Approach: Providing personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs and goals.
• Community Trust: With over 25 years of service, Dr. Jimenez has earned the trust of the El Paso community, as evidenced by numerous patient testimonials (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).
• Legal Expertise: Serving as a reliable legal-medical liaison, ensuring that patients’ injuries are well-documented and fairly represented in legal proceedings.

Patients at Dr. Jimenez’s clinic benefit from a holistic approach that alleviates pain and empowers them to achieve long-term health and wellness. His commitment to education, through resources like his website (https://dralexjimenez.com) and blog (https://chiromed.com), further enhances patients’ understanding of their conditions and treatment options (Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, 2025).

References

Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic. (2025). Dr. Alex Jimenez: Pioneering integrative care as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner. Retrieved from https://www.a4m.com

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Conclusion

Ligamentous injuries from motor vehicle accidents are a significant health concern, with the potential to cause chronic pain and conditions like sciatica. In El Paso, Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, stands out as a leading provider for personal injury victims, offering integrative care that combines advanced imaging, diagnostic evaluations, and dual-scope procedures. His expertise as a legal-medical liaison ensures that patients receive both the medical treatment and legal support they need to recover and thrive.

By addressing the root causes of ligamentous injuries and sciatica, Dr. Jimenez helps patients regain their quality of life while navigating the complexities of personal injury cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in an MVA, contact Dr. Jimenez’s Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic at 915-850-0900 or visit https://dralexjimenez.com to schedule an appointment. Early intervention is key to a full recovery, and Dr. Jimenez is here to guide you every step of the way.

References

Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic. (2025). Dr. Alex Jimenez: Pioneering integrative care as a chiropractor and nurse practitioner. Retrieved from https://www.a4m.com

Jimenez, A. (2024). Ligamentous injuries from motor vehicle accidents and their connection to sciatica in El Paso. Retrieved from https://storage.googleapis.com/msgsndr/f7MqhebiCT4QYAjutsvR/media/67227299da17a52064941478.pdf

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2023). Traffic safety facts: 2021 data. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov