WHAT IS WHIPLASH?
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Whiplash occurs when the neck undergoes rapid, forceful movements, often due to car accidents. Depending on the impact direction, your neck can jerk backward and forward or from side to side, causing at best case muscle stretching that can cause tearing on the muscular tissue producing pain and tenderness.
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The front neck muscles, about the size of a pointer finger, typically feel sore after an accident, especially where they connect to the clavicle and just below the earlobe. The rear neck muscles, starting from the base of the head and extending down the back, may also become tender, particularly at the base of the head and where the neck meets the shoulders. The tenderness can show up 2-3 days after a car accident.
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Researchers attribute whiplash to the neck moving beyond its normal range of motion, damaging ligaments and muscles. In severe cases of injury and this is common the spinal disks can also be stretched or torn at the front and back of the disk, leading to long-term issues like disk bulging and herniations in both the neck and the lower back. The disk tearing and bulging can be seen in MRI & CT imaging studies.
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It's essential to note that whiplash symptoms may not appear immediately after an accident, sometimes taking up to 24 hours to manifest or get your attention. While painkillers may provide temporary relief, they don't address the the damage to your joint tissue the root causes of whiplash damage. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent further complications like chronic stiffness in the neck or more severe limitations like pain from the neck down into the upper mid back or pain and numbness that radiates down into the are or hand.
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Medical doctors often address these symptoms with rest and a range of medications, from over-the-counter meds like Advil and Tylenol to stronger prescription medications. While medicine can help alleviate discomfort, they don't directly address the underlying issue of whiplash or aid in its repair.
​HOW DO CHIROPRACTORS ASSESS WHIPLASH AND NECK PAIN?
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As a chiropractor, when you come to me with whiplash and neck pain, I'll start by closely examining your x-rays or MRI scans and conducting a thorough physical assessment. Understanding your pain is crucial, and it's something we'll discuss together. Taking the time to accurately document your injury is essential for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
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I'll assess the nature of your pain, including whether it's intermittent or constant, its characteristics (like stabbing or burning sensations), what triggers it, when it's the most pronounced during the day, and its intensity on a scale from 0 to 10. Once I have a clear picture of your condition, I'll inquire about any previous treatments or medications you've tried.
HOW DO CHIROPRACTORS TREAT WHIPLASH?
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Treating whiplash requires a comprehensive approach that combines chiropractic care, physical therapy, stretching, and exercise. We start by thoroughly assessing your injury, conducting orthopedic, neurological, and spinal examinations, and utilizing diagnostic imaging like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI's to pinpoint the exact location and severity of your neck pain.
Based on this assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan focused on reducing pain, inflammation, and stabilizing your neck to prevent further damage. If you have torn tissue in the neck and lower back, it may take 2-3 weeks of icing the muscular tissue and gentle stretching and light muscle manipulation/massage to keep your body/joints moving preventing them from stiffening and preventing fibrous or scar tissue from being deposited. After the first few weeks we then increase the muscle work and begin to gently adjust the joints to keep you joints feed up while your tissue heals. Toward the end of your care we introduce exercises and stretching movements to rehabilitate the joints and help you to avoid reinjury or aggravating the neck and lower back to support your recovery and prevent future issues.
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During each visit, we integrate chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and massage/muscle work to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. Physical therapy includes tailored exercises performed under the guidance of our assistants/physiotherapists, while muscle work targets damaged tissue for flexibility and strength and healing.
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If you're seeking effective treatment for whiplash injuries in Lakeland, our auto accident chiropractic clinic is here to provide comprehensive care. Don't hesitate to reach out—I'm eager to help you feel better and restore movement and health to your neck and back safely and effectively.