Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash has numerous possible causes including motor vehicle accidents, roller coaster rides, sports injuries, and slips and falls. Car accidents are the most common cause, as there are many thousands of motor vehicle accidents in the United States every year – resulting in injuries and death.

Injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents range from mild to severe. The most common type of spinal injury is whiplash. This occurs when the head and cervical spine (the neck) is accelerated and then suddenly decelerated. Most whiplash injuries occur when you are sitting relaxed in your stationary car and you are unexpectedly rear-ended.

The time immediately after the accident is of critical importance. If severely injured, hopefully EMTs will arrive on the scene quickly and you will get the care you need. We have some of the best medical professionals in the world. What you do about your injuries in the next hours, days and weeks can forever affect your health.

If you’re involved in an accident, try not to be misled if the damage to your vehicle is minimal. Your body reacts very differently than metal, glass and plastic! Upon a rear-end impact, your body presses deeply into your seat. Your head moves with your body backwards until they reach the limits of your seat. Then, your body quickly changes directions and moves forward to the limit of your seat belt. Next, your head starts moving backward in the opposite direction. Because your head is unrestrained by your seat belt, your head is jerked backward and forward beyond its normal limits.

You can reduce the severity of a whiplash injury by wearing your seat belt properly, and making sure your headrest is adjusted to prevent your head from snapping over the seat.

Try not to minimize your injuries. Just as a car can have internal damage beyond the scraped pain on your bumper, your body can have deep injuries to your delicate spinal structures. Pain and stiffness of motion of varying severity will result from whiplash injuries. Often headaches appear, but can begin a week or more after the accident. These injuries can’t be healed by pain pills, muscle relaxers, or cervical collars. At this point, an immediate chiropractic examination is essential.

In my interview with a patient, I will conduct a thorough case history and detailed examination. I will review any imaging films or reports done at the emergency room or from other physicians. If I determine that it is safe to receive care at our office, I will make recommendations for your optimal recovery. In many cases, treatment can begin immediately.

In our office we have found that the integration of chiropractic care and massage therapy to be extremely effective in proper healing. Chiropractic adjustments of the spine and extremities helps restore proper position and motion of joints. Massage therapy targets the injured muscles and helps reduce pain, tension, and spasm, and promotes relaxation. You may also benefit from adjunctive therapies we can perform such as laser therapy, electrical stimulation, mechanical traction, therapeutic taping, or therapeutic stretching. We may prescribe a TENS unit (a small portable electrical stimulation device) or a series of home-based therapeutic exercises.

Since starting my practice in 1992, I’ve had the honor of helping hundreds of clients with a variety of neck injuries including whiplash. I’m very pleased with our integrated approach to patient care at Spectrum Wellness. Our care is top-notch and personal. Our goal is to help you to achieve superior health… and we will do everything in our power to help you get well and stay well after the trauma of a whiplash injury.