Injuries related to an auto accident can be both physically and emotionally debilitating. Many people do not pursue care for their injuries right away because of pain, fear of expenses, questionable insurance coverage, or lack of transportation.
After an accident, emergency medical specialists check for fractures, abrasions, bleeding, internal organ damage, or neurological problems. Patients are often released once these conditions are ruled out, even though they often have soft tissue injuries, which include damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Whiplash is a type of soft tissue injury specific to the neck. It commonly occurs when a vehicle is struck from behind or collides with another object. When the head is suddenly jerked beyond its normal range of motion, the vertebrae of the neck and the muscles and ligaments that support them can be injured. Even though the car may only be slightly damaged, the driver can suffer considerable soft tissue harm.
The resulting instability of the spine and soft tissues can result in neck pain, swelling, muscle spasms, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, shooting pain into the arm, reduced ability to turn the neck, and even low back problems. Untreated soft tissue injury can create chronic scar tissue leading to further musculoskeletal problems. As the body attempts to adapt, symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months following the accident.
Treatment of whiplash is necessary in order to decrease inflammation, promote tissue healing, reduce chronic scar tissue, restore proper movement of the vertebrae, and stabilize the spine and surrounding musculature. Treatment may include spinal adjustments, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, ice, heat, rehabilitative exercises, and prescription or referral for pain medication when necessary.
Our doctors have completed extensive training in injuries relating to
motor vehicle collisions by receiving the Advanced Certification in
Whiplash and Brain Injury Traumatology from the Spine Research
Institute of San Diego. The program includes the most in-depth,
science-based training available today ranging from the physics of
motor vehicle crashes to human biomechanics to diagnostics and
management.
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