Allegheny Medical Treats Minor Car Accident Injuries
Allegheny Medical's minor emergency health care facility offers medical treatment for injuries sustained in car accidents. Examples of these types of injuries include minor lacerations and wound repairs, minor burns and strains and sprains. Car accident injuries specifically can affect all different parts of the body--but neck, back and head injuries are usually the most common.
For example, concussions are often associated with head injury as are headaches, lack of concentration, dizziness, depression or anxiety. When it comes to the neck, one common injury is whiplash which is often associated with accidents involving rear impact. Whiplash affects the soft tissue of the ligaments, muscles and nerves and can cause head and neck movement to be limited as well as neck pain. Whiplash is often temporary, but in some cases it can be permanent and end up affecting many areas of an individual's life.
In terms of back injury, the disks of the mid and lower back are also often frequently injured in car accidents. Compression fractures, bulges or herniations can also affect the spinal cord, and symptoms of these types of injuries include difficulty breathing, tingling, numbness and weakness of the arm or leg. As with whiplash and the neck, the back ligaments, muscles and nerves can be traumatized in an accident causing inflammation and pain.
While some injuries are immediately apparent after an accident, others do not manifest themselves until days, or sometimes weeks later. In either situation, you can count on Allegheny Medical to treat your minor car accident injuries in a family friendly, comfortable and private environment. Please visit our page on our minor emergency medical care services to find out more.
Non-Surgical Relief for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the nerve running from the forearm to the hand, known as the median nerve, becomes squeezed at the wrist. This nerve controls sensations to the thumb and fingers, as well as impulses to some of the hand muscles. The median nerve and tendons are located in a passageway of bones and ligaments at the base of the hand, which is known as the carpal tunnel.
Sometimes, the median nerve becomes compressed due to thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling. This can result in numbness, weakness or pain in the wrist and hand, which can travel up the arm. In most cases, the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually start to appear gradually, with frequent itching, tingling, burning or a swollen feeling in the palm and fingers. It is common for these symptoms to begin in the middle of the night.
As for the cause of the disorder, it is most likely congenital. Wrist injury or trauma, arthritis, fluid retention, an overactive pituitary gland, stress or hypothyroidism can also play a role.
In order to avoid permanent damage to the median nerve, early treatment is recommended. A physical exam can help determine whether the symptoms being experienced are caused by Carpal Tunnel. Physicians can also use specific tests in order to diagnose the problem, such as the Tinel test, the Phalen test or other electrodiagnostic tests.
Fortunately, many times Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be treated without surgery. Allegheny Medical can design a comprehensive treatment program on an individual basis which includes pain management, chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy, exercise, nutritional assessment and rehabilitation.
To learn more about Allegheny Medical's Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment program, call (412) 494-4554 today.
Looking to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain?
Holiday time is here again, and with it comes parties, gatherings and events with no shortage of
delicious, but often unhealthy foods. Many adults end up gaining weight this time of year, and we've become used to feeling that it's just part of the season. However, it doesn't need to be, and avoiding it isn't as tough as you might think.
The key is not to look at it as a time to deprive yourself or even to lose weight; rather, you can still enjoy your favorite foods in moderation as long as you burn off the extra calories. The best way to do this is to make sure you engage in regular aerobic exercise. 30-45 minutes of activity at least three times a week is a great start.
Need some ideas for what to do? Some of the most effective activities include biking, walking, dancing or swimming. Be sure to check with a medical professional before starting a new exercise routine.
In addition to burning off those calories, don't forget to fill up on fruits and vegetables. Not only are they lower in calories, they're a great choice for helping to curb your hunger. This way, once you do get to that party, you're much less likely to overeat when you encounter those holiday treats.
Lastly, try to avoid making it easy for you to give in to cravings and temptations--while at gatherings, mingle instead of stationing yourself by the food, bring healthy food with you to work if the office kitchen has become a decadent dessert destination, and if your friends decide to go for a post-shopping cocktail, opt for a water with lemon instead.
Remember, it's not about deprivation, it's about making smart choices so that you can start the new year out feeling light, healthy and proud of yourself for keeping the pounds away.
If you need a little extra help, Allegheny Medical offers medically supervised weight management and exercise programs which educate individuals about leading healthy, active lifestyles and reducing risk factors for disease and injury. To schedule an appointment, please call the office today.

