Fort Myers Chiropractor.com

An injury caused by a rapid forward movement and subsequent backward movement of the cervical spine (neck) is commonly known as “whiplash.” A severe fall or auto accident are typical examples of conditions under which whiplash occurs. In an auto accident, an impact from behind snaps the head backwards and then trusts the head forward by the cars deceleration.

Common reactions to such an injury are stiffness, headaches, shoulder, neck or arm pain, dizziness, visual problems, nausea, vomiting, chest pain or blood pressure irregularities, to name a few. But many of these symptoms may be delayed.

The symptoms of a whiplash injury may not be felt for several hours and in some cases years after the accident. Typically, however, the detection of irregularities is recognized 12 to 24 hours after the accident.

Further compounding the problem of whiplash detection is that the symptoms can show up in many different parts of the body. To the unaware victim they can appear unrelated to the neck.

*Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine (1999): Study concluded that Chiropractic treatment is the only proven effective treatment for chronic whiplash

The science of chiropractic is specifically directed towards the structural balance of the spine and a nervous system. Since our expertise is in this area, a chiropractic examination should be sought following any injury that involves a cervical spine. Chiropractors properly aligned and improve the mobility of the spine and are trained to take direct action in cases of trauma injuries such as whiplash.

Immediate attention can deter the development of many problems later on. When the muscles and ligaments that hold the neck vertebrae in place are strained or torn, spinal derangement usually occurs. When left untreated, the eventual result is serious degeneration.

If you are involved in an accident or a fall in which you suspect that your spine (especially your neck) may have been strained, call a chiropractor immediately.

The Benefit of X-rays in the Diagnosis of Whiplash Symptoms

X-rays of the spine serve a dual purpose: to analyze the position of the vertebra in order to locate misalignments that cause pressure or irritation to the nerves within the spine, and to make certain that no complications exist, such as fractures, dislocations or malformations that could further delay the patients recovery. For this reason, when visiting a chiropractic clinic for injuries such as whiplash, x-rays will most likely be given as a routine part of the examination and diagnostic process.

Because whiplash symptoms are often delayed a minimal of 12 to 24 hours, patients having visited the hospital or MD may not have been properly treated.

Even if whiplash symptoms were detected, a chiropractic examination would still be in order because of our specialized training in recognizing and treating spinal irregularities.

In either case, x-rays may have been taken at the hospital. These x-rays are often released when requested. However, new x-rays may be ordered. The hospital technician may not be aware of the precise area a chiropractor must view or how important it is to have the spine in the correct position to notice some of the more subtle irregularities.

X-rays taken in a chiropractor’s office are administered by or directly supervised by a doctor who will make sure that the patient’s neck and back are in the proper position for optimal x-rays.

Because the x-ray is one of the doctors most important diagnostic tools in detecting the symptoms of whiplash, it is imperative that they are taken properly. In any trauma injury such as whiplash, expect a thorough chiropractic examination that includes x-rays.

Whiplash a Case History:

There are hundreds of case histories that demonstrate how effective chiropractors are at treating whiplash victims.

One such case involved a young housewife whose car was struck from behind while waiting at the traffic light. There was very minor damage and no one seemed hurt. Later that day, she had a noticeable headache.

The next morning she felt even worse. She contacted her insurance company and was sent to a doctor for an examination. She was told the stiffness and headache was temporary and would go away in a couple of days. It was implied that she was looking for sympathy or a settlement.

After several days the pain did not go away. Her father suggested that she see a chiropractor. She and her husband agreed.

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