Whiplash and Auto Accidents.

Neck injuries caused by a rapid movement of the head backward, forward, or side to side, is referred to as "Whiplash." Whether a result of a car accident, sport, or work injury, whiplash or other neck injuries warrant a thorough chiropractic check-up. The biggest danger is that the symptoms can take years to develop. Too often people don't seek treatment until more serious complications develop. Even after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims, between 39%-56% report they still suffer with symptoms two years later. But they don't report it because they are not feeling any symptoms at the time.

In the past, a typical whiplash injury where no bones were broken, was hard to document. Soft tissue injuries do not show up on x-ray and insurance companies would deny coverage. Literally adding insult to injury, the patient suffering all too real pain was considered to be a fraud, a liar, or at best a hypochondriac. New imaging devices (CAT Scans, Magnetic Imaging, and Ultra-Sound) may now show soft tissue injury and now insurance companies cover most whiplash injuries.

When no bones are broken  and the head doesn't strike the windshield, typical symptoms are as follows: 92% complain of neck pain, which typically starts two hours up to two days after the accident/injury. This is often the result of tightened muscles that react to either muscle tears or excessive movement of joints from ligament damage. The muscles tighten in an effort to splint and support the head, limiting the excessive movement.

About 57% of those suffering from whiplash complain of headaches. The pain may be on one side or both, on again off again or constant, in one spot or more generalized. These types of headaches, like the neck pain, are often the result of tightened, tensed muscles trying to keep the head stable and, like tension headaches, they are often felt behind the eyes.

Shoulder pain often described as pain radiating down the back of the neck into the shoulder blade area, may also be the result of tensed muscles, accounting for 49% of injuries caused by whiplash.

Muscle tears are often described as burning pain, prickling or tingling. More severe disc damage may cause sharp pain with certain movements, with or without radiation into the arms, hand and fingers, which are relieved by holding your hand over your head.

Why Chiropractic?

Chiropractic treatment is one of the only proven effective forms of care in the treatment chronic whiplash related injuries.  Through the use of carefully controlled pressures directed at the spine and various physical therapy modalities, combined with that of exercise and nutrition, whiplash sufferers have a better outcome. This is also known as chiropractic rehabilitation, and is the unique domain of the chiropractic physician.

Studies have demonstrated that without proper movement within the fixated spinal joints, osteoarthritis of the spine and nerve root complications may be accelerated.  If you have suffered any type of whiplash injury please Dr. Craig French of Chiropractic Wellness at Brier Creek a call at 919-596-2900.

Whiplash Symptoms and Treatment!

Here is what the Mayo Clinic has to say about Whiplash:

Whiplash is a neck injury that can occur during rear-end automobile collisions, when your head suddenly moves backward and then forward — similar to the motion of someone cracking a whip. These extreme motions push your neck muscles and ligaments beyond their normal range of motion.

Whiplash injuries can be mild or severe. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice applied to the painful neck muscles. If pain persists, prescription medications and physical therapy may be helpful.

Most people recover from whiplash in just a few weeks, but some people with whiplash injuries develop chronic conditions that can be extremely painful and disabling.

My Take: Sure, many people that suffer a whiplash injury to the neck or low back feel better after a short period of time...but have they really recovered from the injury? 

I have learned from many years of treating neck and back pain from whiplash trauma...that it's best not to leave musculoskeletal symptoms related to a car accident or other whiplash cause untreated.

What happens is the bones of the spine get knocked out of place and stay there...even though you feel better. In addition...the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that were injured from the whiplash, do not heal properly.

They end up being weaker, less flexible, more pain sensitive, and prone to re-injury.

In order for the bones of the spine (and spinal discs) and the surrounding soft tissues to heal properly the right conditions need to be in place such as proper position and motion. Allowing the injured parts to heal on their own sets the stage for chronic neck or back pain down the road.

More often than not, patients that present to Chiropractic Wellness at Brier Creek with chronic neck pain and headaches, have a history of whiplash injury from an auto accident.

It's sure a lot easier to treat a whiplash right after it happens than to treat a chronic back, neck pain, or shoulder pain syndrome years later.

Here's the deal...If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident...recently or in the past...you should get checked out by a chiropractor. Don't wait until the neck or back pain becomes chronic and hard to treat...do it NOW!

Dr. Craig French is the Doctor of Chiropractic Wellness at Brier Creek in the RTP area. To schedule a complimentary whiplash evaluation call 919-596-2900 and mention this blog post.