Tuesday, July 5, 2011

You are cordially invited to an
EASTSIDE EDUCATIONAL EVENT
Discussing:

How to keep a good posture

Presented by:
Esther C. Cheng, D.C.
Education and Certification Chiropractic School: Palmer Chiropractic School 
Associate with Back and Neck Pain Centers since 2003
National Board Certification

When: Tuesday July 12th at 11:00 am-12:00 pm

Where: Lake Hills Library (425)747.3350
15590 Lake Hills Boulevard, Bellevue WA 98007

Please RSVP to Solana at 425.649.9335

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Friday, June 10, 2011

Most drug overdose deaths in the Seattle area involve prescription pain killers.

A new article from the Seattle Times, which can be found here, found that more deaths occur in King County due to prescription drug overdose than the use of illegal drugs. Of the 240 deaths that occurred, 130 involved prescription drugs. The main prescription drugs used in these cases are opiates, which are painkillers including methadone, hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Oxycotin) and morphine. Also, about 85% of deaths involving prescription pain killers also involved a sedative such as Valium, Xanax and alcohol.

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise in all areas of the country. In Washington States alone over 75,000,000 doses of prescription painkillers were sold in 2010. Considering that the population of Washington is only 6 million people, that is a lot of medication. 

It is important that your doctor is aware of all medications you may be taking. If you are on multiple medications, it is worth your time to ask your doctor to review your medications to make sure there are no contraindications between medications. Also avoid consuming alcohol and/or illegal drugs while taking prescription medications.

Here at Back and Neck Pain Centers we believe that more natural care is the best option. If you have questions about chiropractic care or want to learn more. Please contact us! Click on the link to the right.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Why Your Insurance Company Matters.

You would think that with all the rules and regulations that the government has created to regulate businesses, that insurance companies would essentially be the same. There might be some small price differences from one policy to the next, but are you really getting the same service from each company?


How many times do you find yourself driving in your car and hearing 4 or 5 different commercials for car insurance? I bet you could tell me the slogan or spokesperson for 2 or 3 insurance companies without hesitation. But besides cute TV characters or catchy slogans, what do you really know about your insurance company? How are they to deal with when you have an emergency or file a claim? Which one will promptly pay your claim or bills and which ones will put up a fight?

The American Association for Justice which is an association of trial lawyers, recently released a study of the Top 10 Worst Insurance Companies. They looked at business practices, customer complaints, litigation and claims management. Companies included on this list have denied claims for hurricane damage, claiming it was flood damage, they intimidated engineering firms assessing property damage, they have delayed claims hoping that the claimant will either get frustrated and drop the claim or even in some cases they are hoping the claimant will pass away before they have to pay on the claim or care. Is this someone you want to trust to help you in case of an emergency?

According to the American Association of Justice the Top 10 Worst Insurance Companies are:


1. Allstate
2. Unum
3. AIG
4. State Farm
5. Conseco
6. WellPoint
7. Farmers
8. UnitedHealth
9. Torchmark
10. Liberty Mutual

For more details on how these companies made the list, click HERE.

As health care providers, we understand it can be frustrating dealing with insurance companies, but we have learned that the key to minimizing that frustration is understanding how the insurance companies think. At Back and Neck Pain Centers not only do we provide the best care for your auto accident and work injuries, but we specialize in helping you navigate the maze of insurance policies to make sure you get the best care possible. If you have any questions please reach us at any of our four convenient Seattle locations. 


Skyway - Renton Office

12419 Renton Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98178
Tel: (206) 772-0088
Fax: (206) 772-5420

Bellevue Office

14862 SE Lake Hills Blvd.
Bellevue, WA 98007
Tel: (425) 649-9335
Fax: (425) 649-0256

Seattle - Chinatown Office

608 8th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98104
Tel: (206) 233-0818
Fax: (206) 292-9340

Renton-Kent Office

500 SW 39th St, Suite 150
Renton, WA 98057
Tel: (425) 264-2590
Fax: (425) 264-2591

Monday, May 2, 2011

Patient Appreciation Day!

Come join us at Back and Neck Pain Centers for our Patient Appreciation Day! We will have some amazing specials for new patients, current patients and past patients! Call for more details. Read below for dates and times for the clinic closest to you.

Patient Appreciation Day May 14, 2011 from 10:00AM - 3:00PM at our Skyway and Bellevue clinics.

Skyway - Renton Office

12419 Renton Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98178
Tel: (206) 772-0088
Fax: (206) 772-5420

Bellevue Office

14862 SE Lake Hills Blvd.
Bellevue, WA 98007
Tel: (425) 649-9335
Fax: (425) 649-0256



Patient Appreciation Day May 21, 2011 from 10:00AM - 3:00PM at our Chinatown and Renton clinics.

Seattle - Chinatown Office

608 8th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98104
Tel: (206) 233-0818
Fax: (206) 292-9340

Renton-Kent Office

500 SW 39th St, Suite 150
Renton, WA 98057
Tel: (425) 264-2590
Fax: (425) 264-2591

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Whiplash Article from Seattle Chinese Times

The following is the English version of an article written by Dr. Esther Cheng of our Bellevue Back and Neck Pain Centers clinic for the Seattle Chinese Times:


The original article can be found here:
http://www.seattlechinesetimes.com/2009-09-02-04-33-29/e/16-e/5735-back-and-neck-pain-centers-column

How many of you know about Whiplash?

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you probably know that you need to call your insurance company. Maybe you got advice from your family, friends or colleagues to go find an attorney. But not many people will tell you that you need to get physcial and spinal examination by a Doctor of Chiropractic immediately.

According to statistical studies, whiplash is the most common injury associated with motor vehicle accidents. It occurs in up to 83% of those involved in collisions and is a common cause of chronic disability. Whiplash can also lead to physical, mental and functional disorders such as early degenerative joint disease, migraines, headaches, loss of memory, decrease immune system function, hormonal disorders, sleep disorders and depression. Therefore, it is very important to get an appropriate assessment and treatment in the early stages of injury from a motor vehicle accident. The Quebec Task Force (QTF) on Whiplash Associated Disorders defines whiplash as "bony or soft tissue injuries" resulting "from rear-end or side impact, predominately in motor vehicle accidents and other mishaps."

Whiplash injuries can be challenging to treat for a wide variety of reasons. Complex interactions of the psychosocial, legal and physical factore make effective treatment highly variable. However, there are many therapeutic options available to help whiplash related injuries. According to a study from the Spine Journal shows that the highest proportion of early (asymptomatic status) recovery was found in chiropractic manipulation (27.3%) followed by acupuncture (9.4%) and medication (5%). (Spine Journal published July 15, 2003; 28 (14): 1490-1520)

If you have any questions about whiplash or if you have been injured in an auto accident and would like a free consultation please contact us at any of our four convenient Seattle locations.



Seattle - Chinatown Office

608 8th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98104
Tel: (206) 233-0818
Fax: (206) 292-9340

Skyway - Renton Office

12419 Renton Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98178
Tel: (206) 772-0088
Fax: (206) 772-5420

Bellevue Office

14862 SE Lake Hills Blvd.
Bellevue, WA 98007
Tel: (425) 649-9335
Fax: (425) 649-0256

Renton-Kent Office

500 SW 39th St, Suite 150
Renton, WA 98057
Tel: (425) 264-2590
Fax: (425) 264-2591

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Common Mistakes After An Auto Accident

After an auto accident many people forget to take the right steps in order to protect themselves. Lets face it, your senses are on overdrive, adrenaline is pumping and you may even be hurt, so it's easy to forget what to do. Here are some common mistakes that occur after an accident that can cost you in the long run.


#1. Forgetting to report the accident.
   
      Regardless of who was at fault or the amount of damage that occurred, all accidents should be reported. If you call the police and the officer fails to show up, report the accident to the police department within 24 hours. This is common when there is a low impact, low damage collision, but severe injury and costly damage can occur in accidents at less than 10mph. Always get a police report of the accident.

#2. Forgetting to get the other driver's information.

      Always get the other driver's name, contact information, insurance information and license plate. If the other driver refuses to give you this information or is attempting to leave the scene of the accident, write down their license plate information and a description of their vehicle. Never leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information.

#3. Failing to document the scene of the accident.

      Take pictures of the scene of the accident and any damage that occurs even if it's just a cell phone picture. If there are witnesses present, write down their contact information. If you are injured take pictures and document all injuries.

#4. Giving signed statements or talking with the other party's insurance company.

      Any information, signed or given over the phone, can be used against you. Before talking with anyone it is in your best interest to at least consult with an attorney. Many personal injury attorneys will give you a free consultation which will help you to determine the best way to proceed.

#5. Failing to get you or your car checked out by a specialist.

      Just because we can't see the damage doesn't mean that it is not there. Cars are designed absorb and transfer energy, which means that the damage to your car is not always visible. Make sure to get your vehicle checked out by a certified auto collision specialist.

      The same goes for your body. Just because you are not in pain, does not mean you were not injured. After an accident your body releases a rush of adrenaline and endorphins which act like natural pain killers. These endorphins can remain in the blood stream from a few hours to a few days. Many people who are injured in an accident will not experience symptoms until a few days to a few weeks after the accident. Just like your car, there may not be visible damage but injury can occur internally. It is always important to be seen by an auto accident specialist.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us at any of our four locations.

Seattle - Chinatown Office

608 8th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98104
Tel: (206) 233-0818
Fax: (206) 292-9340

Skyway - Renton Office

12419 Renton Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98178
Tel: (206) 772-0088
Fax: (206) 772-5420

Bellevue Office

14862 SE Lake Hills Blvd.
Bellevue, WA 98007
Tel: (425) 649-9335
Fax: (425) 649-0256

Renton-Kent Office

500 SW 39th St, Suite 150
Renton, WA 98057
Tel: (425) 264-2590
Fax: (425) 264-2591

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Did you know?

Auto Accident facts and statistics.

  • There are over 6 million auto accidents each year.
  • There are over 3 million injuries related to auto accidents each year.
  • Over 2 million of the injuries that occur due to an auto accident are permanent. 
  • 40% of auto accident fatalities are due to alcohol.
  • 30% of auto accident fatalities are due to excessive speed
  • Only 68% of adult drivers use a seat belt, despite it being highly successful at prevention of injury and death.
  • In 5 years 1 in 4 drivers will be involved in an accident. 
  • Americans between the ages of 1-37 years old are more likely to die from an auto accident than from any other cause.
  • Good News: The number of fatalities in general has steadily declined since the 70's. Also the number of fatalities in children under 7 years old has dropped due to better education on safety and child safety seats. 
If you or you loved ones have been involved in an auto accident, contact Back and Neck Pain Centers. Your Seattle Washington auto accident specialists!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Car Damage vs. Injury

It has been a wide held belief that the amount of damage that occurs in a motor vehicle collision (MVC) directly  correlates to the severity of injury that can be sustained by an occupant of the vehicle. In other words, if the crash was a low speed crash that didn't result in much visible damage to the car, the occupant could not suffer much injury, or if the damage to the car was significant, then significant injury could occur.

Unfortunately this belief gains wide acceptance from many professionals including medical professionals but more importantly insurance company claim adjuster and it is a claim that has very little basis in fact.


First of all, vehicle standards have determined how much impact a vehicle should be able to sustain and absorb by the use of bumpers. Many people mistakenly think that the bumper is used to limit the amount of force that occurs in an MVC and therefore protects the passengers. This is not the case. According to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards the purpose of the bumper is to be a special designed shock absorber that are designed to reduce the amount of property damage to the vehicle in the case of a MVC. Studies have shown that bumpers do not appreciably reduce the incident of injuries in MVC.

In 2005 Dr. Arther C. Croft conducted and published a study called "Correlating Crash Severity with Injury Risk, Injury Severity, and Long-term Symptoms in Low Velocity Motor Vehicle Collisions" which showed that there was very limited correlation between crash severity and injury claims.

If you were involved in an auto accident, it's important to get an examination performed regardless of the amount of damage that occurred with the vehicle. It's also recommended to consult with an attorney that handles personal injury claims to protect your rights.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Work Injury in Washington State

The following information comes from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries official industrial poster which all employers are required to post.

If a job injury occurs...


Your employer is insured through the Department of Labor
& Industries’ workers’ compensation program. If you are
injured on the job or develop an occupational disease, you
are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Benefits include:

Medical care. Medical expenses resulting from your
workplace injury or disease will be paid by the workers’
compensation program.

Disability income. If your work-related medical condition
prevents you from working, you may be eligible for benefits
to partially replace your wages.

Vocational assistance. Under certain conditions, you may be
eligible for help in returning to work.

Partial disability benefits. You may be eligible for a
monetary award to compensate for the loss of body functions.

Pensions. Injuries that permanently keep you from returning
to work may qualify you for a disability pension.

Death benefits for survivors. If a worker dies, the surviving
spouse or registered domestic partner and/or dependents
may receive a pension.

What you should do...

Report your injury. If you are injured, no matter how minor
the injury seems, contact the person in charge of L&I claims.

Get medical care. You may choose any health-care provider
who is qualified to treat your injury. Qualified health-care
providers include: medical, osteopathic, chiropractic,
naturopathic and podiatric physicians; dentists; optometrists;
ophthalmologists; physician assistants; and advanced
registered nurse practitioners.

Tell your health-care provider that your injury or condition
is work related
. Your health-care provider will complete a
Report of Industrial Injury or Occupational Disease form and
send it in. This is the first step in filing your workers’
compensation (industrial insurance) claim.

File your claim within set time frames. For an on-the-job
injury, you must file a claim and the Department of Labor &
Industries (L&I) must receive it within one year after the day
the injury occurred. For an occupational disease, you must file
a claim and L&I must receive it within two years following the
date you are advised by a health-care provider in writing that
your condition is work related.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Auto Accident and Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP)

If you recently bought insurance for a vehicle, you may have discussed the need for PIP insurance on your vehicle. In the State of Washington, personal injury protection insurance or PIP is not required by law, however; insurance agents are required to offer you PIP and unless you sign a form specifically stating that you are rejecting PIP insurance, you most likely have coverage. So, what is it and what does it do for me if I am in an accident?

The Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner states that PIP is insurance coverage for medical and other expenses, such as wage loss and funeral expenses, which result from an auto accident, no matter who is at fault. In other words, PIP is like cheap health and life insurance if you happen to be in an auto accident.

The minimum benefits from a basic PIP plan are as follows:

* Up to $10,000 for reasonable and necessary medical expenses for each individual injured in an auto accident. This is available for up to three years from the date of the accident.
* Up to $200 per week for income replacement coverage. This is limited to one year after a person has been disabled for 14 consecutive days after the accident.
* Up to $2,000 for funeral expenses.
* Up to $5,000 for loss of services (payment to others for work you can’t do).

You can buy more coverage. Check with your insurance company or agent.

Who is covered by my PIP? Again, the Washington State OIC states: PIP covers the person who is named on the policy, household residents related by blood, marriage or adoption, and step- or foster children. It also covers non-family passengers and pedestrians involved in the accident.

If I'm not at fault does PIP raise my insurance rates? No, it should not. Your insurance company will pay for your medical costs, income replacement, etc. from your PIP coverage, but will re-coup those costs from the insurance company of the person who was at fault.

At Chan Chiropractic we see many auto injury cases where people, who are injured in an accident, have the added stress of worrying about how to pay for expenses incurred by the accident. Patients who have PIP coverage rarely have to worry about how to cover their expenses or have to go through a lawyer to get a settlement to cover their expenses. For the cost, PIP is the best insurance money can buy.

If you have been injured in an auto accident and have questions about your insurance coverage or injuries call us at any of our convenient Seattle area locations.

Seattle - Chinatown Office

608 8th Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98104
Tel: (206) 233-0818
Fax: (206) 292-9340

Skyway - Renton Office

12419 Renton Ave. S.
Seattle, WA98178
Tel: (206) 772-0088
Fax: (206) 772-5420

Bellevue Office

14862 SE Lake Hills Blvd.
Bellevue, WA 98007
Tel: (425) 649-9335
Fax: (425) 649-0256

Renton-Kent Office

500 SW 39th St, Suite 150
Renton, WA 98057
Tel: (425) 264-2590
Fax: (425) 264-2591

Monday, March 21, 2011

Our new blog!

Welcome to our new blog for Chan Chiropractic! We are going to be updating regularly with information about chiropractic care and about auto and worker's injury cases. Please feel free to suggest any topics you would like us to discuss.