Whiplash Prevention

whiplash head restraints fort myers car accident chiropractor

whiplash head restraints fort myers car accident chiropractor$29,000,000,000. That is how much whiplash treatments cost in the USA alone per year. Often the result of a rear-end collision whiplash is incredibly painful and may take years to fully recover from. Patients report flare-ups of pain even years after the incident that caused it.

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from auto accidents in the world. 

Can You Help Prevent Whiplash?

Though the head restraints in your cars are adjustable it’s one feature that many times go ignored and unused. It has been estimated that only 10% of drivers properly adjust their seat head restraint. This goes for the adjustable-height seat belt as well. When strapped closely over your chest in the correct position it will also help prevent injury.

What Happens to Your Body During a Crash

Whiplash occurs when a rear impact happens. The force of the crash causes your body and torso to move forward while the head moves backward, then bouncing off of the head restraint and lunging forward again. This takes the weight of your head and multiplies it by the force of the impact during the crash stretching and pulling ligaments and tendons in your neck with no warning.

How Your Head Rest Needs to be Adjusted

When adjusting your headrest the idea position will limit the range of motion should a crash occur. limiting the backward range of motion is what can limit the occurrence of whiplash.

We can’t control anyone else’s behavior or driving habits on the road, but we can control our space and protective areas. Know your car’s crash rating and make sure you are in a safe vehicle that is well maintained.

If you have already been involved in an accident, please seek medical help right away. The sooner you are able to see your chiropractor the better. In Florida, the law limits the amount of time you have to initiate a medical claim to just 14 days.

Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, of Kaster Chiropractic and Associates in Fort Myers, can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

239-332-2555

Preparing Your Immune System for Anything That Comes Your Way

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Imune-system-fort-myers-dr-kasterThis pandemic has proven just how vital your immune system is to keep strong and healthy all year long.

We wanted to offer you some tips on what you can do to build it if you don’t already have a strong immune system.

Boost Your Immunity

Do Not Smoke. Smoking breaks down your immune system and makes you less healthy overall.

Limit or quit drinking. Alcohol is dehydrating and toxic to the body. Your liver has to work hard to process it and takes energy away from other repairs.


Let Go of the Stress
 – Stress is the number one thing that breaks down immunity. Eliminate and minimize as much as you can.

Take Care of  Yourself. Wash your hands frequently, keep them away from your face, eyes, mouth, ears, and nose

Work Out. Movement, stretching, weight barring exercise, and cardiovascular exercise are needed to keep every system in the body in working order. 

Sleep. Sleeping 7-9 hours a night is when your body repairs itself. No sleep = no repair. Eventually, you will overtax your system and it can break down.

Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying around excess weight makes every organ in the body work harder than it should have to.

Take care in the preparation of meat. This goes for seafood as well. Undercooked meats and seafood can lead to food poisoning and nothing smacks the body down like a round of food poisoning. Wash down counters and surfaces that raw items have touched.

Eat Healthy – We are what we eat. Fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, healthy fats, limiting processed foods and sugars, all contribute to health and wellness.

Visit your chiropractor regularly – getting adjusted to eliminate subluxations gives a major boost to your nervous system which controls every part of your body. Keep it working well and your health will follow!

Ready for an adjustment? We would love to see you in our office. Give us a call at 239-332-2555 to schedule in Fort Myers, Florida in the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C.

Get a Healthier Spine with Chiropractic Care in Fort Myers, Florida

spine-health-fort-myers-florida-back-pain-neck-pain-dr-kaster-800x533

spine-health-fort-myers-florida-back-pain-neck-pain-dr-kaster-800x533Physical pain costs us a lot emotionally and monetarily.

Chronic pain takes over your every thought… conversely, if you have luckily never been in pain on an ongoing basis, it isn’t something you would likely think about or consider proactive treatment for… but you might just want to pause for a moment and consider…

You can achieve a healthier spine through chiropractic care.

A surprising 90% of the United States population may just be affected by a spine misalignment and accompanying back or neck pain at some point during their life. This includes those involved in accidents, those who lift heavy weight repeatedly or do repetitive motions for work or sport, those who are overweight, and smokers. With all of these high-risk categories, it’s a good idea to be supportive proactively of your spine health so that problems never develop.

How to maintain a healthy skeletal system

Manage your weight. It is far too easy to gain weight and not notice until you have packed on 20, 30 or more. Staying within 10 lbs of your ideal body weight is the most healthy option.  When we gain weight, our bodies distribute it evenly.  But if you picked up a 30 lb. weight and tried to carry it around for an hour you might get a better idea of what you are doing to your body. Every organ has to work harder. That means more wear and tear, especially on the spine.

Strength training. Muscle is the support for your spine. Lack of muscle tone makes it more likely you will pull things out of place and cause subluxations. subluxations lead to pain and if left untreated deterioration and even disease.

Eat healthy in reasonable portions. When dining out portions in the USA are not reasonable. Restaurants give you the most for your money. That can mean dishing out each customer a plate with 2 to 3 servings of food on it. Clean your plate is no longer solid advice. Stop eating when you are full and take leftovers home and eat them the next day as another meal. Your body and wallet will thank you.

Bend and stretch! Before you work out, always stretch. It helps to limit injury and contributes to physical fitness. This is one vital component that many people, even hardcore gym rats, forget. 

Quit Smoking. Smoking restricts blood flow to the entire body. Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals none of which are good for your health. The sad fact is that smokers are actively slowing the body’s ability to heal. This includes your spine.

Sleep 7 to 9 hours per night and try and go to bed at the same time every night.

Pain while sleeping is not normal and needs to be corrected.

  • Side sleepers – reduce pressure on the spine by putting a pillow between your knees.
  • Back sleeping placed almost 50 pounds of additional pressure on the spine that can be reduced by 50% if a supportive pillow is placed under the knees.

Your Stance

Never lock your knees while standing. It places pressure on your lower back. Always keep knees slightly bent.

Pushing. Pick pushing over pulling. Use your leg muscles to avoid back strain.

Sitting (especially extended periods of time). Avoid slouching at all costs. Back straight, spine straight. Do not round your shoulders. Keep your knees slightly higher than hips. Head up and looking straight forward.

The Lift. Never lift with your back. Always engage the legs. Avoid twisting.


Carrying. Once you are at a carry, keep the object close to the body and use both hands to help distribute the weight.

Reaching and Bending. Bend your knees rather than at the waist. If something is above shoulder height, get a stool. Straining to reach high can cause neck, shoulder, and mid-back injury.

Adding these simple physical motion strategies can increase your odds of living a pain-free, healthy life!

If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. in Fort Myers, Florida. 239-332-2555.

Do Your Toes Turn In? You Might Be Pigeon Toed.

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Have you ever taken a look at yours or your child’s feet and thought “Oh how cute. The toes turn in?” While it is a cute trait that is thought of as standing with a shy or innocent stance it isn’t great for your posture or gait.

Being pigeon-toed (also called in-toeing) is a medical condition where your toes point in. It is a normal variation much like being flat-footed and can be genetic. Because it is present at birth most believe they simply have to live with it. The issue with not resolving this is that they also often end up chronically spraining their ankles. They may not even realize what they feel is a mild sprain, and over time, that can add up to damage. 

Think back to being a child.  Though your ankle may never have fully sprained, when you jumped off a swing or the monkey bars on the playground you would notice that you often didn’t land quite right and you would feel a sting spread up your ankle and shin on the side rendering you unable to move for a few seconds.

If you are pigeon-toed it is most noticeable when standing looking straight on. Toes hook inward. It can make initially learning to walk initially difficult because you are likely to trip over your own toes. 

The standard angle is 15 degrees pointed outwards, not straight ahead or inward. That puts tension on your entire foot, leg and hip joint. Many people who are pigeon-toed are also flat-footed which compounds the issue. The use of custom created orthotics can also assist greatly in this case in stabilizing the ankle and foot so you have a more sound solid base.

Chiropractic May Be Able to Help with Pigeon Toes!

If Tibial Torsion Exists – The tibia (shin bone) has not yet turned.

Your chiropractor can adjust a subluxation in the bones and explain how to stretch the appropriate muscles. Customized orthotics may also be made to go inside of the child’s shoes to help aid in the correction of the excessive pronation.  Shoes with good arch support and a work out program that supports the building of muscle in the legs and feet are also important. Soccer, running, and football are all recommended.

If The Culprit is Femoral Torsion – The Femur or thigh bone exhibits excessive pronation.

Stretching and strengthening focused on the hip rather than the leg – sports like bicycling, ballet and gymnastics are encouraged.

In both cases – stretching, strengthening and using low force strategies like the instance activator method

If the Metatarsus ductus is the cause – This involves the foot itself. Adjustments will concentrate on the bones of the foot and orthotics can be used if it continues past age 7.

Left untreated incorrect mechanics and foot movement can lead to more problems down the road. If you or your child are pigeon-toed it is important to consult a good podiatrist and or chiropractor to avoid damage later in life.

If you are in the Fort Myers, Florida area we invite you to make an appointment with the office of Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C.

Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Add to that, nutritional recommendations that can help your body heal itself. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. – Auto Accident Injury Help

auto-accident-injury-florida-fort-myers-dr-kaster

auto-accident-injury-florida-fort-myers-dr-kasterThe Best Course of Action Following an Accident

If you’re not sure about what medical action to take following your automobile accident and are concerned about who will pay for the cost, call our Fort Myers chiropractic office for a consultation to discuss what you are feeling, what your injuries are, how treatment will be paid for, and what you need to do to preserve your rights and get back your health.

Fort Myers Chiropractor Dr. Jason B. Kaster has the knowledge and years of experience to provide you with the comprehensive care that you need.

Why choose Dr. Kaster as your auto accident treatment doctor

Dr. Kaster Offers the Best Comprehensive Care

Chiropractic is the best care for this type of injury. It has been showing to enhance the healing process.

Our chiropractic goal is to restore both structural integrity and function so you can return to your former condition.

Learn more about how your body heals after an accident when under chiropractic care.

http://drkasters.com/conditions/auto-accident-injuries/soft-tissue-injuries-and-healing/

Established Community Partnerships

Dr. Kaster works with other physicians and specialists in the area who treat and accept automobile injury patients and insurance making the process as simple as possible so you do not have to keep filling out the same paperwork over and over again.

His network includes attorneys, neurologists, orthopedics, MRI and diagnostic facilities, and even car repair facilities.

Want to know more about how Chiropractic can help with auto injuries?
http://drkasters.com/conditions/auto-accident-injuries/

State-of-the-art Equipment

Dr. Kaster has all the latest equipment to treat your injuries: ultrasound, laser, massage, electrical stimulation, traction, decompression, and more.

Techniques used

http://drkasters.com/services/chiropractic/techniques/

The full list of treatments
http://drkasters.com/services/chiropractic/treatments/

Come see us! In the state of Florida, you have only 14 days to seek treatment in order to have it covered under your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) Insurance. So do not delay!

Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

239-332-2555

Not Familiar With Chiropractic? – Let’s Get Back to Basics

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Chiropractic is used around the world by those who wish to prevent illness and injury as well as those seeking relief from pain and disease. It is a healing art form as well as a medically-based treatment.  It has been proven around the world to help relieve pain, improve health, and bring back nervous system function.

What is the Nervous System and Why is it Important?

The nervous system controls every organ in the body. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Nerves then branch out from the spinal cord to reach each organ and cell transmitting information vital to movement, regeneration, and health. When viewed on its own our nervous system does resemble tree roots.

Yoru health is dependant on the function of the nervous system due to the electrical impulses carried to and from the brain to varied organs.  If you sustain an injury anywhere along the spine – perhaps you throw out your back or neck, causing restricted movement, the currents along the nerves are also compromised.

An out of alignment vertebra is called a subluxation. A subluxation (or misalignment) within the spine causes pain and discomfort and can make other parts of your body work harder to make up for the injury.

If left untreated the joints can become damaged and swollen. They then release inflammatory chemicals causing localized and potentially system-wise inflammation. It can even result in compression or herniation of a spinal nerve or disc.

Subluxations may cause:

  • Aching
  • Inflammation
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Restricted movement
  • Sciatica
  • No noticeable symptoms

If left untreated it may eventually manifest as other health problems including diseases.

Chiropractic helps to identify where subluxations exist and gently and effectively get them back in place so you can live pain-free, halting that chance of further disease progression.

Could Chiropractic be right for you?

We would love to talk with you and see you in our office for a consultation.
Give us a call to schedule at 239-332-2555 if you are in the greater Southwest Florida / Fort Myers, Florida area.

Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

239-332-2555

Sitting Too Much Can Harm Your Health – What You Can Do About It

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As American’s, we have become a very sedentary nation. The majority of the country works indoors inside office buildings. These office buildings are of course fitted with desks, chairs, and conference tables. We work 40 or more hours per week with most not even leaving the building for lunch break. This lack of movement has caught up to us in 2020. It’s time to make a change.

Back issues, health problems, and poor posture – Just from Sitting

If your job involves working on a computer there isn’t much you can do to change that. There are, however, a few things you can do to lessen the burden placed on your body.

Daily Routine Modification Suggestions

  • Get an adjustable height desk
  • Stand and stretch
  • Sit up straight
  • Take the stairs rather than the elevator
  • Take a walk for lunch or on break
  • Walk around while taking business calls

Pay Attention to Your Posture

Check your posture – Make sure your spine straight, not hunched over

What is the Best Seated Posture?

Sit all the way back in your chair making sure that your back is well-supported. Your weight should be distributed evenly on both hips keeping both feet on the floor, legs uncrossed. Your back should lightly rest on the upright back of the chair itself. It should be curved into your lower lumbar.

Double-check that your desk, keyboard, mouse, and screen are all at a comfortable level.

Do Not Neglect to Take Breaks!

Movement important for our spines (and for our eyesight). To go right along with sitting, constant screen time will wear on your eyes. You will be surprised how much better you feel within just a few days of doing this.

Add Movement to Your Weekly Routine – Exercise Keeps You Limber and Healthy

Movement and boosting your heart rate are both good for your health. It is recommended that we do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic, physical activity throughout the week.

Limit Screen Time

Once off of work, put down your phone for a while. Stop staring at a screen and look around you and really live. It’s great for your psychological health, your eyes, and your neck and back.

Regular Chiropractic Adjustments

Proper alignment keeps your entire body functioning at top performance. Regular chiropractic visits are important to maintain spinal health. 

If you are in the Fort Myers Southwest Florida area come visit Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. Your body will thank you!

Chiropractor in Ft Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

Boost Your Immunity with Chiropractic

cold flu fort myers chiropractic dr kaster

2019 has been one of the worst flu years in history according to the CDC and that number is continuing into 2020. We are experiencing high numbers in cases of influenza all over the country including right here in Southwest, Florida.

The key to staying healthy is a strong boosted immune system.

With regular chiropractic adjustments combined with a healthy lifestyle you can be prepared to take on cold and flu season and remain perfectly well throughout.

It’s true that there is no cure for the common cold or for the flu. The best cure is prevention. Not getting worn down and sick in the first place is ideal. Chiropractic helps boost immunity and fight off viruses. The nervous system and the immune system are intertwined. The brainstem and spinal cord regulate all of the body’s functions while working with the immune system.

Subluxations (spinal misalignments) often cause neural dysfunction, which adds stress to the body leading to a weakened immune system.

Additional to receiving regular chiropractic adjustments incorporate the following into your daily life for best results.

Load Up On Vitamin C!

Vitamin C deficiency has been shown to increase your risk of becoming sick. Vitamin C’s best source is fresh foods – citrus fruits and dark leafy greens are the highest in Vitamin C. Supplements can help as well.

Get Rest

Your body needs rest and recuperation in order to be in top shape immunity wise. When you feel tired, it’s a message. You need to rest. Whatever you are doing can wait. Nothing is more important than your health.

Exercise

Exercise circulates the blood. This helps to kickstart your immune system which releases virus killing substances in your body helping you get well and stay well.

Visit Your Chiropractor – Getting adjusted regularly keeps you in alignment and your nervous and immune systems going strong. Come see us!

Florida’s No-fault Automobile Insurance Laws

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Florida-no-fault-accident-pip-kaster-fort-myersIn years since 2012, all drivers licensed in Florida have been required to carry what is known as PIP coverage. That stands for Personal Injury Protection.

This much-needed rider allows you to get the medical help you may need following an accident regardless of fault or if the other party has auto insurance.

Unlike some other states, there are time constraints within which you are able to seek treatment for accident-related injuries.

In Florida, you have just two weeks (14 days) after an accident to start treatment.  If you do visit a doctor’s office or emergency clinic during this time frame you automatically lose your ability to use your PIP coverage. 

If you are not taken by ambulance from the accident scene please follow up with your doctor and your chiropractor as soon as possible.

Every policy issued in Florida carries the full $10,000 worth of PIP coverage, even though, in some situations, you may only be entitled to $2500, a reduced benefit. To access the full amount you must receive a determination of emergency medical condition. Many insurance companies will argue with you that you do not have a serious condition. Restrictions have been unjustly placed which discriminate against chiropractic physicians. because of this, we have to refer you out to another health care provider simply to get that determination on file.

If your auto insurer stops payment after $2500 for the $10,000 in benefits for which you pay a premium for, you may continue to obtain treatment with our office under a letter of protection if you are represented by a lawyer and are filing a claim for recovery against the at-fault driver.

DID YOU KNOW?: You can install our mobile app on your smartphone! With just a push of a button, we will know you need medical assistance and get you in as soon as possible. http://drkasters.com/web-app-download/

If you are in an accident – don’t worry about the specifics right away. Call our office at 239-332-2555 and come in for a post-accident evaluation, treatment plan, and adjustments. Let’s get you on the road to health and we will file all the paperwork for you.

For More Information on PIP Laws in Florida:

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation can assist you if you experience a problem or have a complaint. You can submit a complaint online by going to their consumer services website at https://apps.fldfs.com/eservice.

Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

Chiropractic Treatment May Relive Arthritis Pain

Chiropractor Arthritis-fort-myers-dr-kaster

Chiropractor Arthritis-fort-myers-dr-kasterPainful joints make even the most simple movements unbearable at times. In cool weather and rain, they ache even more when you have arthritis.

While there is no cure for arthritis, it has been shown that chiropractic adjustments can lessen the severity of the pain you experience making the condition easier to live with.

Chiropractic is an amazing modality.
No two patients can be treated in the exact same way.There are over 150 techniques that chiropractors employ to manually adjust the spine, muscles, and joints with varying degrees of gentle force. Which techniques are used is dependent on the condition(s) of the patient. 

Chiropractors focus on the correlation between structure and function, says Dr. Jason Kaster, D.C. who has been in private practice in Fort Myers, Florida for over 17 years.

When a joint is out of alignment it can’t move as designed. The aim of treatment with our practice is to restore proper joint function. The freer the movement you have the better you will feel.

If you have neck or back pain because of osteoarthritis, chiropractic is one of the safest routes of therapy.

Your chiropractor may use manual spinal adjustments or manipulate soft tissue to help relieve tenderness and muscle spasms. You may also be asked to do traction which slowly stretches the joints to increase range of movement, as well as ultrasound, ice, and heat. At-home physical therapy exercises they may assign you can do wonders as well. 

 Please take note: If you have an inflammatory disease (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis) you need to be more careful and really talk with your doctor and listen to your body. If your medical doctor has told you that you have active swelling in your joints, chiropractic may not be the right path for you.

That doesn’t mean we can’t help. It just means we woud just need to take a different approach to the treatment for your case. A consultation is advisable to get you going on some alternative safe and effective therapies.

They may include:

Electrotherapy. These tiny electric pulses are not painful. They treat soft tissue injuries by stimulating nerves and muscles.

Low-level cold laser. This therapy uses a non-heat-producing laser or light that penetrates deep into the tissue, sometimes reducing inflammation.

Ultrasound. Many think of ultrasound as imaging technology, but when applied to soft tissues and joints, sound waves can also produce a massaging effect that helps reduce swelling and decrease pain and stiffness.

Infrared sauna. Imagine having a hot compress warm up your joints from the inside. These rooms use controlled amounts of heat to relieve pain and increase circulation.

Medical Doctors Agree

The American College of Physicians released updated guidelines in 2017. They now support the use of non-pharmacologic therapies. This includes chiropractic as well as acupuncture, as first-line treatment of pain, before medication.

If you are living with arthritis call the office of Dr. Kaster today. We would love to see how we can help you feel better and live well.

Chiropractor | Nutritionist in Ft Myers, FL.

Fort Myers Chiropractor, Dr. Jason B. KasterChiropractic care is a safe, alternative treatment when applied appropriately. Chiropractic treatments help in dealing with the symptoms of many conditions. Are you going to wait for your symptoms to be felt, or are you going to prevent it as soon as possible?

Dr. Jason B. Kaster, a chiropractor, and nutritionist in Fort Myers can help you and your family achieve their optimal health.

239-332-2555

www.drkasters.com to learn more!