Whiplash is a general term used to describe injuries to the neck and spine that result from car accidents. Whiplash is often caused due to rear-end collisions. The neck and spine are most at risk of injury in this type of car crash. Tendons and ligaments in the neck are stretched beyond their normal range of function.
This violent movement can tear muscle tissue, ligaments, or tendons. Whiplash may begin on the day of the accident, or the pain may appear later. It often takes days, weeks, or even months for whiplash to fully feel. Therefore, it is important to see a whiplash doctor immediately after a car accident. Visit Specialty Care Clinics for proper diagnosis and treatment of whiplash injuries.
Whiplash occurs when the muscles in your neck become tense due to a quick backwards and then forward movement. Sudden movements cause ligaments and tendons in the neck to stretch and tear.
CAUSES OF SLEEPING DIFFICULTIES
Causes of whiplash include :
- cycling collisions or falls
- getting hit by a heavy object on the head
- car accident
- physical abuse, such as being hit or shaken
- contact sports, such as boxing, football and some martial arts
- horseback riding
Symptoms of whiplash include :
Symptoms usually show up within 24 hours of the incident that caused the whip. Sometimes the symptoms can occur after a few days. They can last for several weeks.
Common symptoms include :
- blurred vision
- constant tiredness
- neck pain and stiffness
- headaches at the base of the skull
- dizziness
Less common symptoms linked with chronic whiplash include :
- irritability
- persistent pain in the neck, head or shoulders
- problems with concentration and memory
- ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- inability to sleep well
Types of Doctors Who Treat Whiplash :
- Medical doctor
- Orthopaedic
- Chiropractor
- Primary care physician
- Physiotherapist
Not all of these doctors can or will treat crash injuries following a car accident. For example, most PCPs will not treat injuries from a car accident. It’s not that your family doctor doesn’t want to treat a collision injury, it’s just that they can’t bill it through the insurance company.
Auto accidents that require a doctor can be billed through third-party billing, PIP, No-Fault, auto insurance, or a letter of protection from an attorney. Most, if not all, family doctors cannot bill through third-party billing or auto insurance. Therefore, you should find a qualified accident doctor who can bill through car insurance, Med Pay, PIP or LOP.
ADJUSTMENTS FOR WHIPLASH
The kind of therapy you require depends on how severe your whiplash injuries are. Your chiropractor will create a thorough treatment strategy. The following is an example of a typical whiplash treatment plan :
Flexion-distraction : This is a manual approach that uses non-trusting movements for a more gradual, pumping motion.
Instrument-assisted : The chiropractor exerts pressure without pressing into the spine by using a specialised hand-held tool. This kind of therapy is frequently used in elderly people with degenerative joints.
Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy : This is done with a tool that uses the Graston Technique, which involves repeatedly massaging the damaged region.
Therapeutic massage : Therapeutic hand massage reduces muscle tension in the shoulder, back, and neck.
Trigger point therapy : Using direct pressure to release tension in the muscles at these particular sites is known as trigger point treatment.
Interferential electrical stimulation : Low-frequency electric currents can stimulate muscles and ultimately reduce inflammation.
Ultrasound : This reduces muscle spasms, swelling, stiffness and neck pain. Ultrasound does this by sending sound waves deep into muscle tissue. This creates a gentle warmth that stimulates blood circulation.
Specific spinal manipulation : To restore mobility to joints and tendons, a gentle pushing method is used. In order to provide the spine and the damaged parts mobility again, this action also stretches soft tissue.
For quality treatment of whiplash visit Specialty Care Clinics. Call us immediately at (469) 545-9983.