Whiplash is most commonly associated with auto accidents. But we can also find cases of whiplash occurring in sports, slips and falls, or any activity that creates a sudden movement. When the head is suddenly moved backward and forward in a whipping motion, the result is often an injury known as whiplash. It is frequently diagnosed but rarely treated properly. Often, whiplash sufferers are given pain meds and muscle relaxers and told to take it easy. While this may help with pain, the combination can also mask the real problem.
The results of whiplash. Whiplash can affect muscles and tendons, ligaments, discs, nerves, and joints of the neck. It can also affect the jaw, leading to TMJ dysfunction, middle ear damage, changes in our heart and lung, and even our stomach and digestive process.
While treating the symptoms with medication will provide some comfort, the Family Chiropractic Center is looking for a long-term solution. Without the right treatment, patients who suffer from whiplash may ultimately lead to early degeneration or osteoarthritis, wearing out of the discs with potential for herniation, chronic headaches, weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms, as well as a decrease in the normal function of our organs.
Treatment of whiplash. Dr. Staley is an expert in the treatment of whiplash, having worked with hundreds of patients over the years. He has treated both acute cases of whiplash from a current event, as well as individuals who experienced an event decades ago and the pain has recurred. It’s important to know that it is never too late to start chiropractic treatment that will help decrease pain, increase movement and improve overall health.
If you think you may have suffered a whiplash injury, contact the Family Chiropractic Center and set up a consultation.
Treatment following an accident. Although it may be hard to believe, the vast majority of people involved in auto accidents either do not seek treatment, or they visit the emergency room, where they are given painkillers and muscle relaxants. Even if they did visit the hospital, they may or may not have had x-rays, CT or an MRI. This is NOT the proper evaluation, diagnosis and treatment following an auto accident.
Why seek chiropractic care. While whiplash is the most common injury cited following an auto accident, the ENTIRE body was in the accident. Other areas are frequently overlooked during evaluations and examinations. The Woodward study published by the Injury Journal in 1996, showed that there was significant improvement in 93% of the patients under chiropractic care.
Injuries from auto accidents
Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of severe injury. Whether you’ve been in a severe accident or a mild fender bender, injuries can lead to permanent, debilitating degeneration of the spine. Besides whiplash, people who have been in accidents may also suffer from headaches, vision changes, changes in sense of smell and taste, injuries to the middle ear, problems with swallowing, digestion, breathing and heart issues, restricted ranges of motion, damaged muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. This list of problems should convince you to see a chiropractor following an accident.
Dr. Staley has treated over 400 auto accident cases. He is an expert at evaluating, examining and developing treatment plans for patients with acute and chronic problems due to a recent or old auto accident. If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident, recently or in the past, contact the Family Chiropractic Center for evaluation.
