Whiplash is the name given to pain in the neck and back after a motor vehicle crash. Sometimes this is the most significant injury a person has after a crash that seemed minor, but it can be very disruptive, and symptoms can be ongoing, and even in some cases permanent if proper treatment is not administered.
It is not uncommon for pain and other symptoms to not develop for 24-48 hours after a crash. There is a significant ‘fight or flight’ response after a stressful event that keeps you out of pain while you would ‘escape’ in a natural setting. Be aware of this and seek evaluation and treatment as soon as possible. It is crucial to be evaluated with attention to soft tissue strain, as this is a significant component in most cases of whiplash.
In a strain/sprain shearing injury like a car crash, your muscles and ligaments around your neck and back get overstretched with the force of impact, and then these strained or overstretched muscles are weak. Muscles that have not been injured are prone to spasm as they compensate for the injured weak muscles. Applied kinesiology chiropractors are extensively trained to identify the weak, injured muscles accurately so they can be treated, and this allows the muscle spasm to relax, making the chiropractic adjustment easier and longer lasting. Dr. Jeanne Kennedy Crosby has had training in treating patients with whiplash effectively and efficiently.
- Common symptoms after a motor vehicle accident:
- Neck pain – this is the most common.
- Low back pain
- Hip or knee pain – sometimes the leg is jammed on impact into the console or the dashboard.
- Headache
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Vertigo, dizziness
- Jaw pain
- Fatigue, memory loss
- Anxiety
Oregon drivers who are involved in motor vehicle crashes are entitled to complete care for whiplash, including chiropractic adjusting, massage therapy and physical therapy. These are all available at Better Forever. The personal injury protection part of your automobile insurance covers the costs of treatment. Every effort will be made to accommodate your scheduling needs so you can start feeling relief fast. Please call (503) 239-5575 to schedule a visit, or to schedule your own appointment on this website, choose the Chiropractic New Patient option.