If you’ve been injured while on active duty, you deserve support and compensation for your injuries. But getting your life back on track after an injury can be difficult, especially if the VA isn’t giving you the help you need. All the more reason to lawyer up. As a VA individual unemployability lawyer like our good friend Gregory M. Rada, Attorney at Law can explain, here are five reasons why you should consider getting in touch with a legal professional to help you get the compensation you deserve.

1. Medical Care Is Expensive

If you’ve suffered a serious injury during your active duty, you shouldn’t be abandoned. You should be focused on your recovery, not on whether you can afford your continuing treatment. The right lawyer can help you get the money you need to pay for any rehabilitation and help you adjust to your new life.

2. The TDIU Rating System Can Be Frustrating

The TDIU rating system is a crucial factor in determining how much you’ll be paid for your injuries. If your injuries aren’t 100%, but you aren’t able to acquire a gainful occupation, a TDIU rating may be the best option for you. An unemployability lawyer can help you understand the TDIU rating system and ensure that you receive the largest VA payout possible for your injuries.

3. It Can Be Difficult To Find Work

After your service, you’ll want some way to stay afloat, whether it’s through work or VA support. But sometimes you can’t find a job or can’t get a job because of your injuries. A VA unemployability lawyer can help you navigate the complex VA claims process and ensure that you receive the support you need to make ends meet.

4. The Va May Leave You Hanging.

The VA may not always pay enough or on time, leaving you without the support you need. The right lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve and ensure that you receive the financial support you need to get your life back on track.

5. You Deserve Legal Representation

When it comes to unemployability, a wounded veteran has rights that must be exercised properly to ensure they get the compensation they deserve. However, navigating the VA system can be complex and challenging, especially when a veteran is already dealing with lifelong injuries. That’s where a skilled VA disability lawyer comes in. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, assist with the application process, and advocate on your behalf if your claim is denied or underpaid.

Not all lawyers are created equal, though. You need to find a legal team that truly cares about your needs and understands the complexities of VA unemployability law. Look for a firm that offers personalized case management, free consultations, and an experienced lawyer who was also in the armed forces. With the right legal representation, you can maximize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve for the sacrifices you made for our country.

If you’ve been injured while on active duty and are struggling to make ends meet, a VA unemployability lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a legal professional for help navigating the complex VA claims process and ensuring that you receive the financial support you need to move forward.

As a cosmetic dentist like our friends at TruGLO Modern Dental can explain, a bright, confident smile is essential for many people – but for some, traditional braces are a less-than-ideal solution. Thankfully, advances in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible to straighten teeth without the unsightly wires and brackets of traditional braces.

Invisalign and braces are both popular options, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of each method to help you make an informed decision.

What Are The Benefits Of Invisalign?

Invisalign is an attractive alternative to braces, primarily because they’re barely noticeable. Invisalign is a good option for people who are self-conscious about braces, as the clear aligners are (as the name suggests) practically invisible. They’re also more comfortable than braces, with no metal or wires to cause irritation or soreness. Invisalign aligners can also be removed when you eat, which means there are no dietary restrictions, unlike with braces.

What Are The Benefits Of Braces?

Braces are more versatile than Invisalign: They can be used to fix almost all types of dental problems, from mild to severe. They’re also more effective in treating complex cases that Invisalign may not be able to address. Braces also require much less discipline than Invisalign. Once they’re fitted, you don’t have to worry about taking them out and putting them back in every time you eat, brush, or floss.

What Are The Cons Of Invisalign?

While Invisalign may be an appealing option, it does have some drawbacks. One of the main downsides is the price. Invisalign is usually more expensive than braces, with costs ranging from $3,500 to $8,000. Treatment times can also be longer than with braces, taking anywhere from 6 to 18 months.

Invisalign requires discipline and dedication from the wearer. Your aligners must be worn for at least 20-22 hours per day to be effective. You’ll also have to remove them every time you eat or drink anything other than water, and you’ll need to brush your teeth before putting them back in.

Is Invisalign Right For Me?

Invisalign is a great option for people who want to straighten their teeth discreetly, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate cases of crowding, spacing, and some bite issues. However, it may not be the best option for severe or complex cases that require more forceful movement of the teeth. The only way to know if Invisalign is right for you is to consult with a dentist who can evaluate your case and make a recommendation.

How Can I Find A Good Dentist?

If you’re considering Invisalign or any other cosmetic dental treatment, it’s important to choose a qualified and experienced dentist with plenty of experience with cosmetic dentistry. Look for a dentist who is a member of professional organizations, and has extensive training in braces, invisalign treatments, and more.

Check for reviews and ask for before-and-after photos of previous patients who have undergone similar treatments. A good dentist will take the time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your case, and develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and expectations.

If you’re ready to improve your smile, it’s never too late to get started. Get in touch with a dental specialist to learn more.

Many people associate any type of health care treatment with pain or discomfort, which leads to avoidance. Some patients may make up excuses that they do not have the time or that the pain they are in really isn’t that bad. Unfortunately, especially when it comes to the 84% of people with lower back pain, this reluctance or fear can result in years of untreated discomfort, which a chiropractor could tend to in as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

Chiropractors and the Chiropractic Process

There is an unhealthy stereotype of chiropractors as bone cracking brutes. In reality, these medical professionals are trained in the joint, muscle and nervous systems of the body. Through x-rays and mobility exercises, these chiropractic professionals can pinpoint subluxations or functional disturbances that are inhibiting the proper function of the nervous system and ultimately causing discomfort.

Once able to pinpoint the location or reason for your pain, a chiropractor will put together a treatment plan. While there are occasions where a single treatment will alleviate the underlying issue, most chronic pain will require multiple and possibly lifelong weekly visits. The reason that treatment requires multiple sessions is that spinal correction is a delicate process. Also, the underlying issue likely didn’t occur suddenly, likely taking months or even years to develop. Therefore, the treatment will probably take a similar amount of time and dedication to correct.

Visits and Excuses

Many people are disappointed when they realize that a single chiropractic appointment only provides temporary relief of their symptoms, and that can lead to the I-don’t-have-time-for-this excuse. However, most chiropractic appointments can be completed in under 30 minutes. In fact, many practitioners say that repeat appointments tend to take no more than 10 to 15 minutes. However, that does depend on the severity of the underlying condition, but for the average patient, the 10 to 30-minute timeframe is likely realistic. While it is true that many people are extremely busy trying to balance work and home life, who honestly doesn’t have less than an hour to spare to improve their quality of life?

Chiropractors aren’t miracle workers. The job they do takes time and commitment from their patients. However, while it is true that the complete treatment plan can be quite lengthy, the actual appointments are pretty fast, especially when compared to other health care practices. If you are suffering from lower back pain, or any other joint, muscle or nerve pain, then contact someone who can help you with car crash treatment, like a chiropractor from Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab and Chiropractic, and find out if treatment is right for you.

If you will be undergoing PRP treatment injections for the first time, it’s understandable that you may have questions about the process. Prior to administering the injections, your regenerative hair treatment doctor at Dr. Robin Unger will review with you how the process works and what to expect. However, the following overview may be helpful to you.

How are the PRP treatment injections developed?

One of the primary reasons for the success of PRP treatments is that the injections are developed from the patient’s own blood. This virtually eliminates the possibility of the patient’s body rejecting the injection contents.

·         The patient’s blood is taken by a trained member of our staff. It is only a small sample of blood and is not a substantial amount. The specific amount of blood taken will be based on the area of the body where it will be used, and the nature of the patient’s condition that is being treated.

·         The blood sample undergoes a centrifugation process to withdraw the plasma. A centrifuge is used and the process takes about 15 minutes to complete.

·         A technician from our staff will prepare the plasma for the injections that will be used for the patient.

·         After having determined where the patient is in need of the injections, the doctor will proceed with the treatment. On average, the injection process will last about 15 minutes. The doctor may opt to either perform one injection or a series of injections over a period of weeks.

Because the blood extraction as well as the PRP injections involve a sterilized needle that pierces the skin, it can cause mild discomfort to the patient. For this reason, patients have the option of receiving a localized anesthetic to help alleviate any pain associated with the treatment.

Where on the patient’s body does the doctor administer the PRP injections?

Our PRP treatment doctor will target the areas of the patient’s body that are injured or compromised in some way. On occasion, the doctor may opt to take advantage of ultrasound imaging to help place the PRP treatment injections.

How do the PRP injections work?

The PRP injections are loaded with activated platelets that encourage healthy cellular growth and help the body to increase its production of reparative cells. PRP injections are often used to treat chronic as well as acute soft tissue injuries. For this reason, the doctor typically administers the injections in the tendons, ligaments, and joints of problematic areas such as ankles, shoulders, elbows, or knees.

How soon will I see results from the PRP treatment injections?

PRP injections enable the body to accelerate and improve its ability to grow cells and heal itself. Because the body needs time to accomplish this, the patient may not see immediate results. It may take a number of weeks or months, though your PRP treatment doctor should be able to give you a more specific estimate based on the nature and severity of your condition that is being treated. At that time, you can expect to see improved healing or an increased growth of hair that you had not previously experienced.

Learn more about PRP treatment injections and if they’re right for you by calling our office today.

Back Pain Doctor

There are over 50 million people in the United States that suffer from back pain each year. That means you are likely to be one of them and when it hits you, it can be debilitating. Spine health is vital to your everyday life and how you move. This is why monitoring your pain and keeping track of it can be vital. 

 Knowing how long it has been painful can help narrow down what type of back pain you are suffering from. Nothing is handier than knowing when it all started and possibly how. Knowing this information can help you in the long run. Read on to learn more about the types of back pain you could suffer from. 

Acute Pain 

Acute pain is known as short-term pain. This can last anywhere from a day to up to four weeks before it passes the acute phase. Typically, you can attribute acute pain to a specific injury or event. This can be anything front lifting a heavy box the wrong way, falling down, or bending wrong while doing yardwork. There are even times just sleeping awkwardly can cause back pain. 

In many cases, the pain will resolve itself as the muscles heal or the swelling does down. However, depending on your severity of pain, you may want to seek medical attention. 

Subacute Pain 

After you pass the acute pain stage you enter the subacute stage. This is when the pain lasts anywhere from four to 12 weeks. At this point, you should see your doctor to know what the treatment plan is for you. Finding a trusted back pain doctor is going to be in your best interest to helping solve the source of your pain. 

Chronic Pain 

Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks. The severity of the pain can different from stabbing to a constant dull ache. It can even be a series of flare-ups that happens constantly. If chronic pain is left untreated it can be debilitating to life and can negatively impact the psyche. 

The sad thing is, the source of chronic pain is often difficult to diagnose. While there are cases where the reason is obvious like an injury, chronic pain is as unique as you are. Sometimes the pain can’t be terraced to an obvious source and that is where it becomes symptom management. This could be learning new stretches or even limiting the movement that causes the pain in the first place. 

Back pain isn’t easy to deal with, no matter who you are. Since it plays such an important role in how we do everything, it can be hard to know what to do. If you are suffering from back pain don’t hesitate to reach out to AmeriWell Clinics to learn what we can do for your pain.  

Knee Pain Doctor 

Physical therapy is a journey of recovery from a variety of physical ailments that individuals deal with. It takes time to come to full physical ability once again, and sometimes you will never meet that same mark you were once at. Regardless, physical therapy always leaves you in better condition than when you started, as a knee pain doctor from a local center.

How long will that take?

The Duration of Your Therapy as a Whole

During your first appointment with the physical therapist, he or she will assess your situation to determine how long you should be in therapy. Sometimes this is an estimate based on your current knee condition and the duration is adjusted after a certain period of time. In other cases, the physical therapist can tell from the beginning just how many appointments will be needed for you to recover, supposing you complete at-home exercises and make it to every PT appointment.

For very mild knee injuries and physical issues, physical therapy might only endure a couple of months. For more serious issues, you could be going to physical therapy for a year or more. Oftentimes, younger patients will recover more quickly, and that could shorten the amount of time as well.

The Length of Each Therapy Session

You may also wonder how long each therapy session will last so you can plan your time accordingly. As a physical therapy patient, you can expect to spend at least 30 minutes with your therapist, and usually no more than 60 minutes. In rare cases, it may be shorter or longer than this half-hour to hour-long window, but not in most situations. 

Your first therapy session will often consist of getting to know the therapist and helping him or her understand your condition. Some movement tests may be conducted so the therapist can see where you’re currently at. Sometimes this doesn’t take very long and you’ll be out of there in 20 minutes, but sometimes it takes a while and you meet for the entire hour.

Getting in Touch With a Physical Therapist

Physical therapy is a treatment option for someone heading into surgery, someone recovering from surgery, someone with an injury, someone trying to prevent an injury and a wide range of others. If physical therapy is something you’re considering or something that has been ordered by a knee pain doctor it’s time to get started. Get in touch with a physical therapist today so you can start your journey to improved strength and health. 

When Knee Pain Won’t Go Away

More than 27 million Americans suffer knee pain, often due to knee osteoarthritis (OA). As you might expect, the number of knee pain victims increases dramatically with age, as does the severity of the pain. Knee OA occurs when the cartilage that protects the knee joint starts to wear down, allowing bones to rub against each other.

What are knee OA’s symptoms?

• Pain that increases when you’re active but gets better with rest
• Knee swelling
• Warmth in the joint
• Knee stiffness after periods of inactivity
• Less mobility, making it tough to get in and out of cars or chairs or to walk

What factors increase the risk of developing OA?

• Age. Your cartilage’s ability to heal lessens as you get older.
• Obesity. People carrying excessive weight are placing more stress on their knee joints, adding to the wear and tear on their knees.
• Genetics:  If other family members developed OA at a young age, you may be similarly predisposed.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Occupations that require excessive activities that stress the joints, such as kneeling, squatting, lifting heavy weights, etc., are prone to OA.
• Gender: While the reason remains unclear, women are more likely than men to suffer from OA.
• Athletics: While moderate exercising is encouraged, people involved in soccer, tennis and/or long-distance running seem to be at higher risk than others of getting OA.
• Other medical conditions: People suffering from diabetes, gout and rheumatoid arthritis run a higher risk of getting OA.

Is there a cure for OA?

Unfortunately, there is not, but there are several treatments that can help relieve the symptoms.

What are the most common treatments for knee OA?

• Exercise. Strengthening the muscles around the knee makes the joints more stable and lessens the pain. Stretching exercises can be especially effective.
• Weight loss. Every pound lost reduces pressure on the knee.
• Knee Injections. Injections of steroids or hyaluronic acid can be effective, as the medicine is delivered directly into the problem area.
• Physical and Occupational Therapy. Professionals in these specialties can help you strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and perform daily tasks without pain.
• Chiropractic Care. Non-invasive measures that do not rely on medication or surgery can be effective, such as chiropractic manipulation and mobilization.
• Pain Relievers and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Over-the-count options like acetaminophen can provide help in the short term, but if the pain continues to persist for 10 days or more, you should see a doctor.
• Surgery. This is often used as a last resort when other treatment methods have failed.

Did you know that roughly three million Americans are injured in car accidents every year? In most cases, the accident occurred so quickly that victims had no time to prepare their body or mind for the crash’s impact or for the emotional stress and physical pain that would follow.

People sustaining serious injuries in a car accident will be taken to a hospital immediately. Others who don’t feel pain may not feel that it’s necessary to get immediate medical attention. What many of them don’t realize is that some serious soft tissue injuries that could create problems down the road don’t make themselves known until several hours or days after the crash. With this in mind, it makes sense to schedule a medical appointment shortly after the accident.

What is the most typical injury associated with car accidents?

The most common accident injury is whiplash, which occurs when the head is rapidly moved backward or forward and then “whipped” in the opposite direction. Left untreated, whiplash can have serious long-term health effects, such as memory loss and disability. Common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Neck pain
• Neck stiffness
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Dizziness
• Decreased motion around the neck

 Why do some accident victims choose chiropractic care?

Most chiropractors are trained to detect the hidden injuries that accident victims experience. Unlike medications or surgeries, chiropractic care focuses on the root cause of the pain and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine and remove pressure from the impacted nerves, typically bringing about quick relief. Chiropractors use diagnostic imaging, such as x-rays, to get the clearest picture possible of your spine and neck areas before recommending any kind of treatment plan.

What chiropractic techniques might be used to address your injuries?

Most chiropractors use gentle adjustment techniques to restore the spinal column to its proper position. These techniques could include:

• Spinal Adjustments: Depending on your diagnosis and symptoms, a chiropractor will identify the best methods of gentle manipulation.
• Manual Therapies: A chiropractor may place pressure on specific pressure points to relieve tension, use manual joint stretching and resistance techniques, or perform a therapeutic massage to reduce muscle tension.
• Instrument-Assisted Therapies: Electrical stimulation or ultrasound may be used to stimulate muscles, reduce inflammation and/or enhance circulation.

If you or a loved one are recovering from an auto accident, you have various options to consider, as a medical professional, like an experienced chiropractor from Palatine, IL, from a treatment facility like the Lotus Wellness Center, can explain.

Fire Debris Cleanup

What Goes on Following a Fire

People rarely expect that their property or business will catch on fire leading to widespread damage, but unfortunately fires do happen. They happen for a number of reasons, which is generally the result of an accident. Fires can range from isolated and mild damage to severe damages leading to a building or property being completely destroyed. While the destruction is obvious when someone looks at it, rarely do people ponder about what goes on next like who will clean up the debris and possibly demolish any part of the property that needs demolishing. Are there companies out there who can clean up debris and how long does that process typically take?

Are There Companies Who Specialize in Fire Cleanup?

Companies do exist for fire debris cleanup contracts. A company that specializes in fire debris cleanup can help people out who have had their properties or houses damaged or destroyed by fire. These companies generally are licensed in this type of work and with their expertise can spot things that could be hazardous within the debris. Items like aerosol cans, propane tanks, fertilizers, and household cleaning supplies are all things that could be hazardous in the cleanup. This is why it is important to hire a company that can take care of these things. 

How Long Does Cleanup Take?

Cleanup can take anywhere from a few days to months depending upon how severe the damage is. Some people are able to rebuild their houses, while others have to completely demolish them. Sometimes the materials of the house are so badly damaged that it does in fact need someone to come in and make an assessment on whether they should try and rebuild the house or destroy it. A licensed inspector can come in and inspect the damages as well for any potentially hazardous items that are on the premises. 

Do I Need a Professional?

A professional debris cleanup company generally has the experience and skills required to carry out projects where demolition or debris cleanup is required. These companies and their workers understand the complexity of the scene where the fire took place and know how to spot things that could be dangerous on the premises. It is highly recommended that professionals be contacted to do your debris cleanup. Contact an experienced and knowledgeable fire debris cleanup contractor like Nielsen Environmental today to help out if you require these types of services.

So many of us have knee pain. Many just take ibuprofen or ice down after an athletic activity that leaves the knees screaming. What other options for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis? One important thing to note is that once osteoarthritis starts in your knee, you cannot reverse the damage — you can, however, slow or even the progression of osteoarthritis.

Being overweight is a big factor in the increase of cases of osteoarthritis, as is age. Symptoms typically increase from the ages of 55 to 64.  

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Pain may slowly develop over time. Your knees could hurt before, after, or when you move them, or even when light pressure is put on them. If you have not been mobile for a while, your knees may feel stiff and your range of motion could be limited. It is even possible to hear or feel a grating sound or sensation when bending your knees. You are experiencing these symptoms because the cartilage in your knee is changing. Cartilage is the tissue that is between your joints that is responsible for motion. If cartilage starts to wear down or even completely diminish, your bones will be rubbing on each other and this can be very painful.

Others at Risk for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can be an inherited genetic disorder. You could inherit a disorder that may interfere with your body’s production of cartilage, meaning you could see symptoms of osteoarthritis at an earlier age. Athletes that have repeatedly used their knees or suffered knee injuries while playing sports may be more susceptible to osteoarthritis in their knees. 

Ways to Manage the Pain

• Stay away from high-impact, repetitive sports and exercises such as tennis and running that can further harm your already damaged knees. Listen to what your body tells you — if it hurts, you probably shouldn’t do it.
• Participate in low-impact exercises that are still aerobic such as biking, swimming, and walking. These types of activities will assist in making the joints stronger and help keep them aligned and working correctly. A physical therapist, like a physical therapist from AmeriWell Clinics, can design an exercise program specifically around your strengths and weaknesses.
• Include both flexibility and strength training in addition to aerobic exercise. Stretching will help maintain and may increase flexibility in the knee and strength exercises work to support muscles all around the joints.
• When you do exercise, don’t forget to warm up before you start and cool down when you are done. Both will help minimize injury during your workouts.
• Keep your weight at a healthy level. Doing so will put a lot less stress on your knees, which can decrease the pain and even slow down the speed that the cartilage degenerates. 
• The type of shoes you wear for everyday activities can impact how your knees feel.
• It’s okay to wear a knee brace or even use a cane to help you move. There may be a time where you are not at the point to have surgery but the pain is pretty intense. A brace or cane can help you get through that time.
• Medications can help with pain and swelling but they will not slow down the progression of the disease. The same holds true with corticosteroid injections, they will only provide temporary relief from the pain and swelling but will not reverse any degeneration. Ice and heat therapy can also help temporarily reduce symptoms.

Contact a knee doctor or physical therapist today to see how he or she can help you manage your knee pain.