Whiplash

Whiplash is from sudden abrupt backward and/or forward jerking motion, typical from an auto accident, which results in damage to the ligaments and tendons supporting the neck and head. Common symptoms manifest in a wide variety of ways, including neck pain, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, upper back and shoulder pain, cognitive changes and low back pain.

Due to the fact that numerous factors play into the overall whiplash trauma, it is impossible to predict the pattern of symptoms that each individual will suffer. Additionally, whiplash symptoms commonly have a delayed onset, often taking weeks or months to present.

Whiplash injuries involve an unpredictable combination of nervous system, muscles joints and connective tissue disruption from an extremely rapid and intense acceleration and deceleration. It is not always simple to diagnose and can be even more of a challenge to treat. Most commonly whiplash is a result of a rear-end auto collision.

The mechanics of whiplash are split into 4 common phases, which essential results from the body moving in opposite directions of the car and the unbalanced forces acting upon the body. Commonly, the back and neck/head moving in opposing directions with too much force for the body systems to balance. The back and neck bounce off of the seat back, seat belt, and/or airbags, shifting the direction of the force. Most commonly, this force acts on the back and not the neck and head, which results in a violent forward-bending motion of your neck, straining the muscles and ligaments, tearing fibers in the spinal discs, and forcing vertebrae out of their normal position. Your spinal cord and nerve roots get stretched and irritated, and your brain can strike the inside of your skull causing a mild to moderate brain injury.

With proper care, many mild whiplash injuries heal within six to nine months. However, more than 20% of those who suffer from whiplash injuries continue to suffer from pain, weakness or restricted movement two years after their accident. Chiropractic care is by far the single-most effective treatment for minimizing the long-term impact of whiplash injuries

Chiropractic care utilizes manual manipulation of the spine to restore the normal movement and position of the spinal vertebrae.

Soft tissue rehabilitation is another important component to minimize permanent impairment and disability, it is important to use therapies that stimulate the soft tissues to heal correctly. Services we offer and show positive impact include; massage therapy, electro-stimulation, trigger point therapy, stretching and specific strength and range of motion exercises.

Personal care is especially important with whiplash, helping you to recover fast and regain functional movement and strength.

Home Care

It is important that your plan of care extends into the hours and days between your clinic visits to help speed your recovery. Some of the more common home care therapies are the application of ice packs, limitations on work or daily activities, specific stretches and exercises, taking nutritional supplements and getting plenty of rest.

Medical Intervention

In some severe cases of whiplash, it may be necessary to have some medical care as part of your overall treatment plan. The most common medical treatments include the use of anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, trigger point injections and, in some cases, epidural spinal injections. These therapies should be used for short-term relief of pain, if necessary, and not be the focus of treatment, as a drug cannot restore normal joint movement and stimulate healthy muscle repair.

Exercise Rehabilitation

Exercise, as always an important part of health, can help recovery from whiplash. Specifical rehabilitation exercises can help strengthen muscle and regain normal alignment and function. Using the muscles and soft tissues that have been injured can help speed recovery and function.