Whiplash is an injury to the neck and upper back that can occur following a motor vehicle collision. Whiplash can also occur in other circumstances where the neck is forced backwards and then forwards such as a fall or during an athletic sporting event. In automobile collision accidents, whiplash occurs as a result of sudden "acceleration - deceleration" forced to the spine and supporting soft tissue structures (tendons, ligaments and muscles):
Whiplash
Associated Disorder (WAD), (also known by physicians as Cervical Acceleration Deceleration syndrome) describes a more complicated and chronic condition which
can include symptoms other than just pain and stiffness in the neck such as:
nausea, dizziness, headaches, ringing in the ears, and concussion brain injury.
In automobile collision accidents, the most common form of impact for whiplash injury is a rear
end type of impact. There are many factors that contribute to the injury
including the occupant position, height of head restraint, speed of impact, type of seat, type of vehicle, occupant bracing for impact, and vehicle ride down.
It has been well documented that sensitive soft tissue structures are injured in whiplash and are responsible for localized pain and stiffness. Pain and tingling down the shoulders and arm(s) can be a sign of a more serious condition such as a cervical disc herniation or a brachial plexus lesion or compression.
From: On Cervical Zygapophysial Joint Pain After Whiplash. Bogduk, Nikolai MD, PhD. Spine: 1 December 2011 - Volume 36 - Issue - p S194–S199.
This recent study suggests what the Bozeman, MT auto accident specialists at Pro Chiropractic have always known, that there is injury to cervical zygapophysial joints OR
facet joints following whiplash. Facet joints are located at each level of our
vertebrae and are the joints responsible for the "popping
sounds" that we hear from our spines. Facet joints are also the joints
that are "adjusted" when Chiropractors manipulate the spine and extremities. Perhaps
that is why so many patients have found relief with the Auto Injury Center at Pro Chiropractic
following an automobile accident causing whiplash.
 |
It is important to know that whiplash can occur from even low velocity collisions. The reason is that the kinetic energy (force) of a car is very high, even at five miles per hour, due to the large mass of the car. This energy is transferred to the occupants of the vehicle and is actually more violent if the cars do not deform (dent), which is often the case in low impact collisions. Therefore, even if you were in a low-impact accident that was enough to cause a whiplash effect, It is advisable to get checked to make sure problems don’t develop later on.
TREATMENT
For whiplash patients, the first order of business is to determine the extent of the injury. First and foremost, conditions requiring emergency medical attention will need to be ruled out. These include:
- Spinal fracture
- Ligament rupture
- Hematoma (bleeding in the brain)
- Peripheral Nerve damage
- Ruptured blood vessels
Advanced imaging like an MRI, CT scan, or video flouroscopy may be ordered if any of these conditions are suspected. Once they are ruled out, manual therapy with adjunctive physiotherapy is initiated.
At the Pro Chiropractic Auto Injury Center we utilize specific, advanced techniques to treat and rehabilitate whiplash injuries. The protocol involves ice application during the first week to reduce pain and swelling; gentle, precise joint mobilization techniques to reposition displaced vertebrae; and electric muscle stimulation and hydrotherapy massage to quickly reduce pain and accelerate soft tissue healing. As pain decreases, Graston Technique tissue therapy, massage therapy, and gentle chiropractic adjustments are introduced to restore flexibility.
The overall goal of treatment is to reduce pain, restore function, and strengthen/rehab the neck so that proper healing occurs and the chances of chronic pain are minimized.
You can rest assured that the auto accident chiropractor at Pro Chiropractic in Bozeman, MT has extensive experience treating whiplash and related soft tissue injuries from motor vehicle accidents. If you are experiencing pain following a car accident, call us at (406) 388-9915 for an immediate appointment. If you need information on insurance coverage for car accident injuries or 3rd party personal injury liens, call Pro Chiropractic in Bozeman / Belgrade, MT for a complimentary consultation.
Sign-up using the form or call us at (406) 388-9915 to take advantage of this exclusive offer.
