Chiropractic Effective for Whiplash Injuries

After a traffic collision, at least 30% of reported injuries involve whiplash. Fortunately, many people with whiplash are able to walk away from the accident. Many people simply take a few days of over-the-counter pain medications, but do not seek further treatment for their whiplash injury. However, you should not simply shrug-off the post-collision aches and pains. Seeing your Florham Park chiropractor could help you avoid developing chronic pain after a car accident.

Although whiplash is not usually regarded as a serious injury, untreated whiplash can cause significant damage. Whiplash is caused by the neck being thrust forward during the collision as the body remains behind. This shearing force stretches, strains, or tears the ligaments and tissues in the cervical spine and may result in damage to the facet joints, spinal discs, and nerves. Whiplash injuries results in inflammation, which can cause pain and eventually, degeneration of the cervical spine. This can cause immobility, shoulder pain, and headaches. Many people with neck pain later in life could attribute this issue to a past neck injury such as whiplash that went untreated.

Thankfully, there is an effective, noninvasive treatment for whiplash. Florham Park chiropractic care, if sought soon after the accident, is an effective whiplash treatment that is often covered by insurance policies. A recent case study illustrated its effectiveness. The study involved a 37-year-old woman who suffered auto injuries including a whiplash injury causing pain in the shoulder and neck area. She underwent a total of 11 spinal manipulation therapy visits over six weeks, and was followed for a full year to determine the long-term results of treatment.

According to the study authors, “Her pain decreased from 9/10 to 2/10 by the end of treatment and remained improved at 1/10 at the 6-month follow-up. Her Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale decreased from 23/30 to 4/30 by the 11th visit.” She also had clinically significant improvements in range of motion.

If you have experienced whiplash due to a recent car accident, do not delay treatment. Contact Dr. Rivano, a Florham Park chiropractor, to discuss how chiropractic treatments may help alleviate pain caused by your car accident injuries.



Reference

Lowry CD, O’Hearn MA, Courtney CA. Resolution of whiplash-associated allodynia following cervicothoracic thrust and non-thrust manipulation. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 2010;October 5.