Shared Mechanisms of Sports Injuries and Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries: Holistic Care at El Paso’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic

Injuries from sports and motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) often share striking similarities due to the high-impact forces, sudden deceleration, or forceful twisting motions involved. Whether it’s a sprain from a soccer game or whiplash from a car crash, the body experiences comparable stress that leads to similar injuries. At El Paso’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, led by Dr. Alexander Jimenez, we specialize in treating these injuries with a holistic, patient-centered approach that combines chiropractic care, functional medicine, and advanced diagnostics. The severity of these injuries depends on the force and circumstances, and our team is dedicated to helping patients recover naturally and effectively.

Common Injuries Across Sports and MVAs

Both sports and MVAs can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), fractures, sprains, and strains due to high-impact forces. Concussions, a type of TBI, are common in sports like football, where a sudden hit causes the brain to shift within the skull, leading to symptoms like dizziness or confusion (Skinner Firm, n.d.). Similarly, MVAs can cause concussions when the head strikes an object or moves violently during a collision (Boohoff Law, n.d.). These shared mechanisms show how rapid forces affect the brain in both contexts.

Fractures are another frequent injury. A fall during a basketball game or a car crash can break bones, with the severity depending on the impact’s force and direction (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [NIAMS], n.d.). For instance, rib fractures vary based on individual anatomy and the angle of impact, as studied in biomechanics research (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], n.d.). Our clinic uses advanced imaging to assess fractures and develop targeted recovery plans.

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

Factors Affecting Injury Severity

The severity of injuries depends on specific factors. In sports, protective gear like helmets can reduce concussion risk, while in MVAs, seatbelts and airbags can lessen damage (Brown Health, n.d.; Advanced Ortho, n.d.). The intensity of the force, speed, and body positioning during the event all influence the outcome. Our clinic tailors treatment to these factors, ensuring personalized care that addresses the unique circumstances of each injury.

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

Dr. Alexander Jimenez: Comprehensive Care for MVA Recovery

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, leads our El Paso clinic with a unique combination of chiropractic and nurse practitioner expertise, specializing in MVA recovery. His integrative approach focuses on restoring health naturally, addressing the root causes of injuries, and preventing long-term complications for patients of all ages.

Dual-Scope Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Jimenez employs a dual-scope diagnosis to link injuries to the specific mechanics of an accident. For example, he might connect neck pain to whiplash from a rear-end collision, assessing both visible symptoms and underlying issues like spinal misalignment. This allows him to create personalized treatment plans using chiropractic adjustments, nutrition counseling, and functional medicine to restore mobility and reduce pain. Our team, including chiropractors like Anthony Wills and other clinical specialists, collaborates to ensure comprehensive care.

Advanced Diagnostics and Imaging

Our clinic uses advanced diagnostic tools, including X-rays and MRIs, to identify injuries such as fractures, disc herniations, or soft tissue damage. These assessments guide precise treatment plans, ensuring care matches the injury’s severity. For instance, imaging might reveal a hidden spinal issue contributing to chronic pain, which Dr. Jimenez targets with specific therapies. This thorough approach supports both recovery and legal documentation.

Medical and Legal Support

Dr. Jimenez excels in managing both medical treatment and legal paperwork for personal injury cases. After an MVA, patients often face insurance disputes or lawsuits. He provides detailed injury reports, linking them to the accident, to support legal claims. This dual expertise streamlines the process, enabling patients to concentrate on their healing while receiving accurate medical evidence to support their claims.

Holistic Recovery Through Integrative Medicine

Our clinic combines chiropractic care, nutrition counseling, functional medicine, and rehabilitation to promote natural healing. Chiropractic adjustments correct spinal and joint misalignments, addressing issues like whiplash or back pain. Nutrition counseling supports tissue repair and overall health, while functional medicine evaluates lifestyle factors to prevent chronic issues. Rehabilitation programs, tailored for all ages, enhance mobility and strength, reducing the risk of long-term complications like chronic pain or reduced function.

For example, an MVA patient with a sprained ankle might receive chiropractic adjustments to restore alignment, nutrition advice to support healing, and rehabilitation exercises to rebuild strength. This holistic approach, rooted in our commitment to functional wellness, ensures faster recovery and long-term health. By addressing both the injury and its broader impact, we help patients return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.

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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

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/

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