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Whiplash from Auto - Car Accident

Definition of Whiplash

Whiplash is caused from auto- car accident injury when the muscles, ligaments & tendons of the neck are injured by a sudden  "whipping" of the head. This type of motion strains & sprains the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion and also causes misalignment of the vertebrae.  If these tears (sprains & strains) are not properly cared for they could lead to lifelong pain and pre-mature degeneration of the injured areas.  Without proper treatment you can be left with

·         Spinal Arthritis, Due to misalignment of the vertebrae

·         Scar tissue in the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the injured areas,

·         Chronic headaches, migraines,

·         Low back & neck pain,

·         Numbness and tingling,

·         Herniated discs and

·         Radiating Pain

·         many other persistent pains and discomforts.

Causes

When a vehicle suddenly stops from a crash or is struck from behind or the side, a seat belt will keep a person's body from being thrown from the car. However the head may snap forward, then backward, causing whiplash.  In addition when you have a car accident, many times the seat belt creates a fulcrum and accelerates the speed at which the body rotates around its axis.  The human head weighs approximately 8-10lbs and the neck area is not strong enough to prevent the whiplash motion to occur.  This leads to significant trauma of the neck, mid back & low back area including swelling, tearing of tissues and possible nerve injury or constrictions of nerves due to swelling.

Symptoms

You may feel pain and stiffness, numbness, tingling, swelling, inflammation, nausea in your neck for the first few days following a whiplash injury. You feel better for a little while but the pain and stiffness may come back several days later. This symptom can last for months or years if not treated properly.

The discomfort you feel may involve surrounding muscle, soft tissue, discs, nerves, misaligned vertebra  in your spine, head, chest, shoulders, and arms.

Treatment

• If the Car -Auto Accident is severe your injuries should be treated by Emergency Services.
• After the initial trauma has been attended too you must see a chiropractor.
• Your spine, soft tissue and nervous system needs to be fully evaluated.
• Pain medications may help to alleviate some of the pain and inflammation but really only masks the underlying injury.
• X rays are very helpful in accessing your injury. They can help find the injured areas and the misaligned vertebrae. If numbness and tingling occur a MRI or other diagnostic testing may be necessary.  An experienced doctor is what you need to help you recover from your injuries.
• Studies have shown that the sooner you mobilize (re-adjust) the spine into its proper position the better and quicker the healing process will be.
• Ice the area for 20 minutes every 2 hours for the first 2 days.  You will experience swelling and inflammation, ice will decrease your body’s natural response to injury which can actually lead to more injury.
• Treatment should include Spinal Adjustments, and other therapies such as muscle stimulation, ultrasound, traction massage, ice, heat when indicated, rehabilitative exercises, therapeutic massage and other appropriate therapies.
• Your medical doctor may recommend a soft neck collar or short-term prescription drug to relax the muscles however immobilization of the soft tissues, pain relievers and muscle relaxers will not properly heal the injured soft tissues on their own.
• Possible treatment plan of significant Injury
• Daily for 2 weeks 4-6 days a week of treatment Acute Phase Goal is to decrease swelling and pain.
• 3 x for 3-6 weeks 2 times a week for 3-6 weeks Repair Phase Goal is to promote proper healing of injured soft tissues
• 1-2 x week for 4-6 Weeks Remodeling Phase  Goal is to restore as much soft tissue to it’s proper functional capabilities.
• For maximum recovery your care may run from as little as 6 weeks to as long as needed to maintain proper function.  Most cases achieve maximum resolution in approximately 12 weeks.