Chiropractic Treatment For Whiplash Injury
Exposure to sudden impact that causes your neck to lunge in multiple directions simultaneously, such as when car accidents occur, can easily lead to Whiplash injury. If you recently hurt your neck in an accident, contact our College Park Chiropractors to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your treatment options. Just dial (404) 592-0319.
Car Accidents and Whiplash
Whiplash is the most common car accident injury because of how fragile and sensitive the tissue around your neck and the upper back area is. A common result of head-on, rear-end, and side-impact accidents, Whiplash can occur without driving at excessive speeds. In fact, vehicles can travel as slow as 15 miles per hour and still cause Whiplash if an accident occurs.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, one car accident takes place approximately every ten seconds, resulting in over 2 million injuries each year, most of which are reported as Whiplash. Personal injury cases associated with automobile accidents in the United States are most commonly identified as Whiplash.
Get The Facts About Whiplash Injury
- Your chances of experiencing Whiplash increases by 30 percent if your car’s headrest is too low or positioned at an improper height.
- How old you are can play a part in your chances of experiencing Whiplash. Your ligaments and muscles become less resilient over time, causing your body to become less flexible as it gets older. Your chances of tearing, straining, or pulling something increases as your body ages.
- More women and children suffer from Whiplash related trauma than men due to the fact that both demographics tend to be smaller and shorter than men. Because of this physical attribute, women and children tend to sit closer to the steering wheel or airbag, as well as wear their seat belts incorrectly.
- Most insurance policies will cover the complete cost of Chiropractic care if you’re involved in some type of automobile accident.
You May Be Able To Avoid Whiplash Injury
There are a few convenient and accessible steps that everyone can take in order to reduce the possibility of suffering from Whiplash injury. These steps include:
- Staying completely strapped into your harness equipment at amusement parks
- Regularly wearing your seatbelt when driving
- Following all instructions connected to the use of safety and sports equipment
- Adjusting your car seat’s headrest to a position that allows your neck to rest comfortably in a controlled state.
Common Symptoms
Most accident victims suffering from Whiplash notice the first indications of injury within the first day of impact. If you notice any of the following symptoms, make sure you call us right away to schedule a checkup. While it may not be convenient, your chances of developing long-term pain or suffering from permanent damage significantly increase the longer you go without medical treatment from an experienced professional.
These symptoms include:
- Tenderness in your neck, shoulder, and back areas
- Frequent headaches, originating in the base of your skull
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Shoulder pain
- Severe neck pain
- Irritability
- Back Pain
- Burning sensations around your back or neck
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Difficulty with remembering details Numbness or tingling in your arms
- Blurred vision
- Disturbances in your sleep patterns
- Insomnia
- Ringing noises in your ear(s)
- Distraction
- Significant stiffness.
AICA College Park & Chiropractic Treatment For Whiplash
The first three things you should do after an automobile accident are: Call the police, call an attorney, and schedule an appointment with a licensed Chiropractor. Setting up an immediate exam is the most beneficial way to resolve any pain you may feel, as well as ensure that the chances of you experiencing some permanent damage or relapse are reduced. The following methods serve as effective treatments for addressing short and long-term pain in most of our patients.
Using A Collar or Neck Brace
If your Chiropractor recommends it, you may want to use a neck brace to keep your neck correctly aligned while it heals. Make sure it use it sparingly though, as it can cause your muscles to weaken over time.
Spinal Manipulation
Considered to be the most prevalent form of Chiropractic treatment, spinal manipulation, muscle relaxation, or stimulation consists of controlled stretches that are applied to your injured or impaired muscles. Depending on how restricted or rigid your muscles are, your Chiropractor may choose to use a more energetic approach when using various stretches. Your College Park Chiropractor may also concurrently apply pressure techniques, gently massaging areas that are most sensitive with their hands.
Deep Tissue Massage and Controlled Stretching
Receiving a professional massage or having controlled stretches applied and monitored by our College Park Chiropractor can also help ease tension in your body. Over time, massages are known to significantly help improve and restore performance in the affected muscles and joints in your body.
Heat Therapy
Applying heat to your neck can be a great way to decrease swelling that may occur within the first few days following your accident. Feel free to soak in a hot tub or place warm, damp towels around your neck to loosen up stiff muscles and tendons.
Sensorimotor and Stabilization Exercises
Some of our Whiplash patients are prescribed what is known as McKenzie exercises, which are devised to reduce disc derangement connected to this type of injury. These activities are comprised of simple, controlled motions that are offered during your first few visits with us, and then practiced at home by yourself.
Chiropractors may use different types of exercises, including McKenzie exercises and stabilization and sensorimotor exercises, to help heal patients with whiplash injuries. Sensorimotor and stabilization exercises focus on correcting flawed movement patterns that naturally occur during every-day routines or activities. These Chiropractic treatment methods help reestablish and strengthen your nervous system, as well as help your neck support its weight.
Resting
During the initial phase of your treatment plan, it is essential that you receive a relatively substantial amount of rest to prevent you from exacerbating your injury and causing painful inflammation. Your Chiropractor may recommend yoga or other low-impact exercises to keep you active, without exposing yourself to more damage.
Schedule A Free Consultation With AICA College Park Today
Our Chiropractors are your first line of defense against long-term pain and permanent damage. Whiplash can significantly restrict your ability to go about your regular routine, including maintaining your career and providing for your family, if left untreated. Even if you do not develop some immobilizing condition, you may still experience recurring pain that varies in its extent and severity.
We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are glad to answer any questions you may have. Our friendly staff can help you work with your insurance company, walk you through all necessary paperwork, and even call your insurance provider on your behalf if necessary. Our facilities have state-of-the-art equipment, and all of our Chiropractors come to AICA College Park with years of experience. We can provide you with free transportation when requested if you are unable to drive to our clinic in College Park. You can schedule an examination by calling us at (404) 592-0319.