Have you ever been in a car accident? During the half-life, there is a high probability that you or someone you know will experience such an unfortunate event. Statistics show that during their lifetime, one in four people will be in a car accident. After a crash to the fender, whether you are the driver or the passenger, you can take a pain reliever or two and maybe do some physical therapy. So when you feel better, you may never think about it again. But what if the symptoms persist? Or worse yet, if you don’t have symptoms, can an accident come back to haunt you?
What is “whiplash”?
The non-medical term whiplash was first used in 1928. Although more precise terms have occasionally replaced it, such as acceleration flexion-extension neck injury or soft tissue cervical hyperextension injury, the term “whiplash” follows. commonly used for this type of soft tissue. neck injury. Whiplash injury specialist Dr. Arthur Croft estimates that up to 3 million whiplash injuries occur each year in the United States, and that one in three people will suffer from the condition.
Whiplash injury is a sudden strain or trauma that affects the bones, discs, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and tendons of the neck, an area of the body that involves seven vertebrae and is known as the cervical region. Harmful jerking back and forth or even to the sides of the head and neck is caused not only by car accidents, but also by contact sports, various amusement park rides, falls, and muggings. Statistically, motor vehicle collisions, contact sports, and amusement park rides are the top three causes.
Various symptoms are associated with whiplash injury, including but not limited to neck and back pain, nausea, numbness, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, vertigo (loss of balance), swelling, hearing impairment, headaches, visual disturbances , fractures and paralysis. Occasionally, no symptoms are initially present, only appearing days, weeks, or even years after the injury. The consequences of whiplash range from mild pain for a few days (the most common result) to severe disability caused by restricted movement of the head or cervical spine, sometimes with persistent pain. Between 40% and 50% of people with whiplash injuries are likely to experience permanent pain.
Treat the injury
After an accident, it is important to get it checked out right away, either in an emergency room or by your chiropractor. Provided that no fracture has occurred, a chiropractor may perform an exam that begins with obtaining a detailed history, followed by orthopedic and neurological tests, a range of motion test, posture and palpation control, and X-rays to see the extent. of damage or change. in the spine. The neck should be perfectly straight on an X-ray, and your chiropractor will be able to identify any misalignment (subluxation). In a side view, the neck should show the arc of a circle. Loss of the cervical curve, which is common on physical impact, can cause any of the whiplash symptoms listed above.
Treatment for whiplash includes passive and active exercises, gentle massage, chiropractic, therapeutic massage, spinal and limb adjustments, as well as therapies such as traction to correct spinal posture, electrical stimulation to relax muscle spasms, stretching and ice. Applying ice immediately after most whiplash injuries helps reduce inflammation and swelling. Each application should be kept for 10 to 20 minutes every hour. After 24 hours, it is recommended to alternate between ice and heat, up to 20 minutes per treatment. The ice or ice bag should be wrapped in a towel before use. To sleep, the patient can roll up a towel and place it under the neck while lying on his back so that the back of the skull rests on the bed, a position that favors the healing of the injury.
Chiropractic preferred
Many studies have shown that chiropractic and acupuncture are more effective than drugs in treating injuries sustained in car accidents. According to the Insurance Research Council, “nearly one-third of all auto accident injured (MVA) claimants seek treatment from chiropractic physicians.” This is an impressive number when you consider that the National Safety Council (NSC) has determined that there are more than 12 million MVAs annually involving more than 20 million vehicles.
In a related study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers showed that “treating facet joints [which link the bones in the spine] Not only did it relieve severe neck pain, but it also resolved the psychological disorders associated with car accidents. “According to another study published in Dr. Stephen Foreman and Dr. Arthur Croft’s book Whiplash Injuries: The Cervical Acceleration / Deceleration Syndrome , 3rd Edition (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001), a recent comparison of medicine, acupuncture, and chiropractic care in a randomized trial reported that “comparing medications (Celebrex, Vioxx, or paracetamol [acetaminophen]) to acupuncture and spinal manipulation over the course of 9 weeks in people with chronic spinal pain (from neck to back pain included), the authors demonstrated quite profound superiority in chiropractic spinal manipulation. “
Many people choose chiropractic care for treatment because of its advantage in improving soft tissue injuries (i.e., ligaments, muscles, tissues), especially the spine. Since the injuries associated with car accidents are most often sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and their associated ligaments, chiropractic is naturally the treatment of choice.
Prevention of more injuries
Several proactive factors can help prevent whiplash injuries from occurring or worsening while driving. In addition to the obvious steps to avoid distractions in the first place, such as not using a mobile phone to call or text, wearing a full seat belt is a must. Drivers and passengers should place their head restraints in the middle of the back of the skull and try to keep their head on the head restraint while the car is in motion. Looking ahead and checking the rear view mirrors frequently is also essential for the driver.
Because some whiplash injuries have effects that last for years, if a whiplash accident occurs, prompt care is essential. Seeking good medical and chiropractic care without delay can help prevent further injury from developing and avoid the need for surgery.
Dr. Chad Laurence is one of less than 400 physicians worldwide who has been recognized as a Distinguished Member of Clinical Posture Biomechanics. His practice focuses on structural correction of the spine, nutrition, massage therapy, acupuncture, family care, and pediatrics, as well as support after personal injury and car accidents. Dr. Laurence can help relieve symptoms for people with a variety of physical problems, such as neck and lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, limb problems, and arthritis.