Physical Therapist - Chiropractor - or M.D. for Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury associated most often with motor vehicle accidents. Whiplash is an important cause of chronic disability.

The most recent literature suggests that whiplash injury may occur as a result of hyperextension of the lower cervical vertebrae in relation to a relative flexion of the upper cervical vertebrae, which produces an S-shape of the cervical spine at the time of impact [7].  This theory suggests an abnormal physiologic basis for the development of whiplash injuries. "Mis-aligned structure"

 

This "Mis-alignement"  is what Chiropractors do best.

 

Chiropractic

Chiropractors apply a small amount of pressure on spinal bones to change their relative position. By re-aligning the spine they are able to restore the normal structure and actually correct the underlying problem. However, not all Chiropractors are created equal . There are two types of Chiropractors. Symptom based doctors or structural Chiropractors.

Structural Chiropractors will almost always require x-rays to analyze the problem so that they can properly realign the vertebrae. They will also take an x-ray when they are finished correcting the problem to confirm that the misalignment has been corrected. This is paramount as research has shown if the vertebrae are misaligned for more than five days, spinal degeneration begins. This would lead to premature arthritic changes.

 

M.D.

 

Medical doctors are "gate keepers" , they have three options. 1) Massage 2) Physical Therapy 3)

Drugs. That's it. No magic bullet. So lets look at these options.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be beneficial for those with the lingering effects of whiplash. People who have chronic symptoms often have muscle tightness and damage. Massage can help in a number of ways. It can help relax the muscles to decrease pain as well as help increase the flow of oxygen. This helps oxygen reach the injured tissues so that the healing process can speed up. Specific massage techniques can also bring freer movement to not only muscles but the injured ligaments as well. It does not have the ability to correct the underlying structural problem. This often results in reducing initial symptoms but, increased long term problems.

Physical Therapy

If you are experiencing lingering effects from whiplash you may want to explore physical therapy. Physical therapists can work to restore movement to the soft tissues in your neck. Treatments from physical therapy include both active and passive ones. Passive treatments are usually done in the acute stages of whiplash when you are experiencing a lot of pain. Eventually the goal of physical therapy is to get you active and start doing exercises that are therapeutic and strengthen your body.

They unfortunately do not have the ability to correct the underlying structural changes/ subluxations that have occurred.

Medication/Drugs

You may choose pain medication to help decrease symptoms from whiplash. Medication may help you feel better but it doesn’t do anything to actually fix the cause of the problem so it isn’t something you should rely on for the long-term. If you have lingering effects you may choose to take medication while you explore other options. Once you find other treatments that actually start to make improvements you should start decreasing your medication intake. In reality all the medication will do is cover up the symptoms allowing your body to degenerate further.

 

The Answer

Often patients do not feel the severity of their injuries in the beginning or they think it will go away by itself.  They do not get the care that they need, and close their case. Then years later, you wake up and can barely move your neck, or you find you are have constant headaches, or worst. If you have closed your case, you are left paying the bill or worst, suffering with the problem for the rest of your life!

If you have been involved in a car accident, you most likely suffered a Whiplash type injury.

Research shows that left untreated, you most likely will end up with some type of permanent damage. Don't wait till it is too late, Get checked today!

Click Whiplash Specialist or call our office at 925 685-2002 to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at absolutely no charge.

 If you would like to find out more about our office click Concord Chiropractor.