Car Accidents

Car Accidents (Whiplash)

 

Almost all Americans will be involved in at least one motor vehicle accident at some time in their life. Often we are able to walk away free of injury...or so we may think. Frequently, the pain or other symptoms of the injury are not apparent at the time of the accident. In fact, some injuries don’t present themselves for days, weeks and even months after the accidents.

Why? Many of those in accidents are struck with shock and disorientation and this can preoccupy the mind preventing the perception of pain from being noticed. When loved ones are in accidents they are often more concerned with those around them, especially if children or spouses are involved. This can lead to their symptoms being minimized or ignored completely. Another reason can be denial. Often time’s people let their check book rule their health. They think that they can’t afford treatment so they just ignore the pain, often with serious consequences.

Injuries that result from a motor vehicle accident are often misunderstood. The amount of damage to the car does not depict the amount of injury sustained by the victim. Studies indicate that injuries can occur at impact speeds of 8 mph where there is little or even no damage to the car. Today's cars absorb much of the impact in the bumper, but transmit this energy from impact to the person's head and neck in much the same fashion as when one pool ball hits another.

The energy then is transmitted causes the body to be “jarred” around. The exact way the body is moved depends on the accident occurs (rear end collision, side impact, front end collision…). When the body is “whipped” around the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments and joint capsules) become stretched. If the force is enough these soft tissues can be torn or at the least severely stretch, much like an ankle sprain. Once these soft tissues are compromised they then adversely affect the vertebra (spinal bones) leading to subluxations. These subluxations turn then can adversely affects the discs and nerves. This can then lead to the Common Complaints.

Common Complaints

 

There is a wide range of problems that can arise due to car accidents. The most common ones are; neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, middle back pain, lower back pain and upper back pain. Other common problems are; extremity (arms, elbows, hands, wrists, knees, hips and ankles) pain, chest pain, extremity numbness, blurry vision, ringing in the ears and memory difficulties. There are other symptoms that are much less common, but just as serious.

 

 

Once the body has been injured in a car accident it is import to obtain a thorough evaluation from a doctor of chiropractic. Since it is spinal muscles and ligaments that are injured it makes good sense to seek out chiropractic care. Muscles provide motion to the spine as well as some support, while the ligaments provide support to the spine. In whiplash type injuries it is the spinal muscles and ligaments that are stretched and possibly torn. Once this occurs, their ability to perform their designated functions is going to be impaired. Muscles and ligaments, when healthy, keep the spinal bones (vertebras) in proper alignment. If the muscles and ligament are “loose” because they are stretched the vertebras can now slip out of proper alignment. This can result in; increased pain around the vertebra, irritation to the disc, pinching of a nerve, decreased motion and advanced arthritis. Chiropractors restore proper alignment of the spinal bones by performing a gentle adjustment to the affect area. Also, chiropractors often utilize massage therapy, physiotherapies, rehabilitation therapy and nutrition to speed the healing process.