What Is A Whiplash

As chiropractors, we have treated hundreds of patients with whiplash injuries. Although most are the result of an auto accident, some are due to quick and repetitive neck movement related to work or sports. Unfortunately people involved in even a minor collision make light of any injury and seek no attention hoping that within time pain and spasms will ease. By the way, they usually do, but too often the natural mending of mild and moderate muscle and ligament tears take longer to heal and often over time never heal properly creating arthritic joint change, tension and degeneration.

Ultimately, joint mobility is compromised adding to further wear and tear.  Sports orthopedics has proven that movement after some joint surgeries or injury helps healing and helps to avoid long term affects related to the wear and tear and degeneration. Chiropractic care offers the movement recommended to avoid future adhesions and joint instability

Chiropractic care excels and should always be considered after a whiplash, as we focus on paraspinal balance and structure not just your level of pain which a visit to an Urgent Care Facility of the Emergency Room offers. Medication works to reduce pain but often masks the underlying instability. Without addressing the structural stress long term effects may be a reality. Often as I review an x-ray with a new patient, I often ask if they were ever involved in an auto collision after seeing DDD or Degenerative Disk Disease .. spinal joint arthritis. This spinal joint degeneration creates tension and instability, chiropractors call this a subluxation.

Whiplash injuries can create lifelong pain. In fact, recent whiplash statistics demonstrate that more than 50% of victims progress to some degree of chronic pain. In fact, a concussion, even mild, may have occurred which is often difficult to diagnose and treat.  Chiropractic care is geared to manage this and if a patient doesn't respond within a reasonable time, a referral to the proper specialist will be made. 

Whiplash injuries can occur even at 5 mph, as this video proves, actually injuries occur at speeds below 12 mph. In an auto accident, whiplash injuries are exacerbated when the headrest is too far away or not set correctly. 

Headrests should be adjusted to be 2 inches from the head, but 98% are set too far way. Best to drive defensively and avoid an injury in the first place

Chiropractic Care is Crucial After Any Injury Especially Auto