If the Washington, DC metro area isn’t the “rear end” capital of the world, it has to be close! I know that because our chiropractic office in Springfield, VA sees a good number of new patients each month whose car got smashed while slowing down for…or stopped at an intersection. And many of those rear end accidents occurred during or shortly after a rainstorm.
Whiplash is a generic term that applies to injuries of the neck caused when the neck is suddenly or violently jolted in one direction and then another, creating a whip-like movement. While whiplash is most commonly seen in people involved in rear end motor vehicle accidents, it can also occur from falls, sports injuries, work injuries, and other accidents.
What Structures Are Injured in a Whiplash?
Whiplash injuries most commonly cause small tears (sprain) in the ligaments of the neck. Once injured, these ligaments will attempt to heal with a cheaper grade of scar tissue. If the neck is immobilized with a cervical collar for an extended period of time (as is often done), the resulting damage can be much worse over time.
The most common symptoms of whiplash are pain and stiffness in the neck. Often, turning the head makes the pain and discomfort worse. Headache, especially at the base of the skull, is also a common symptom, seen in more than two thirds of patients. In addition, the pain and stiffness may extend down into the shoulders and arms, upper back, and even the upper chest.
What are the Symptoms of Whiplash Injury?
Some patients also experience dizziness, difficulty swallowing, nausea, and even blurred vision after a whiplash injury. Vertigo (or dizziness) or tinnitis (ringing in the ears) may also occur. Others may even complain of irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Without proper treatment, these symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even years.
Another important aspect of a whiplash injury is that the symptoms often do not develop until 2 to 48 hours after the injury. That’s why so many automobile accident victims report that they are uninjured at the scene of the accident, yet begin experiencing significant symptoms a short time later.
The bottom line is this. If you have been involved in an automobile accident – and whether you are experiencing symptoms yet or not – get evaluated by a doctor of chiropractic!
How is Whiplash Treated?
Doctors of chiropractic are the most qualified doctors to assess a whiplash injury and formulate a treatment plan that will give your spine the best opportunity to heal properly…and without permanent disability.
If it is determined that your spine has sustained a hyperextension/hyperflexion (whiplash) injury, the most important treatment will be spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustments. These gentle movements put motion back into the injured segments of the spine and allow healing to occur with a minimum of scar tissue formation. Chiropractic adjustments are without question, the most effective treatment option for this type of injury.
In addition to chiropractic adjustments, your doctor of chiropractic may use ice or heat to help reduce inflammation and muscle spasm that can result from whiplash injuries. Other physical therapy modalities like electrical stimulation, interferential therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and decompressive traction may also be utilized.
Once the acute pain is diminished, you can expect your doctor of chiropractic to then prescribe an active treatment plan involving stretching and exercise to strengthen the neck musculature and further assist in the healing process.
If you have been involved in an automobile accident and regardless of how much pain you currently have, don’t take chances. Call us Today at (703) 912-7822 for fast pain relief.
