Whiplash

Whiplash is something that can be caused very easily, even in a small fender bender. Just the sudden change of direction our bodies take even in a small accident can be enough to cause an injury. At Pearson Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center we specialize in treating whiplash and all other types of car accident injuries!

• Headache: A headache that is caused by a neck problem is referred to as a cervicogenic (or neck-related headache). It might be brought about by damage to an upper cervical disc, feature joint or higher joints called the atlanto-occipital or atlanto-hub joints. Cervicogenic cerebral pain can likewise aggravate headaches.
• Referred Pain: Arm heaviness and pain may be caused by the compression of a nerve from a herniated disc. This is something that is easy for your chiropractic physician to diagnose. Most commonly, arm pain is said to be ‘referred’ from other parts of the spine. ‘Referred pain’ is pain that we feel at a different place than the injured area, but not resulting from pressure on a nerve. A common example of referred pain is pain between the shoulder blades.
• Low Back Pain: Another common symptom occurring after whiplash is low back pain. It may be caused by injury to the facet joints of the low back or sacroiliac joints and discs. You might also experience irritability and depression. Sleep disturbance can be a result of pain or depression.
• Other Symptoms: Other symptoms might include blurry vision, ringing in the ears, tingling in the face and fatigue. Difficulties with concentration or memory can be attributed to the pain itself, medications you are taking for the pain, depression or mild brain injury.

Our main methods of treating whiplash are:

• Manipulation: The primary chiropractic treatment for whiplash for joint dysfunction is a gentle spinal manipulation known as a chiropractic adjustment. This spinal manipulation involves the chiropractic physician gently moving the affected joint into the direction in which its movement is restricted. The chiropractic adjustment may involve the use of a short thrust in that direction. In many cases, instead of a thrust, a slow mobilizing movement is used by the chiropractic physician.
• Massage: Whiplash can strain your sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles. They are located on each side of your neck, and are what you use to turn from side to side and tilt your head. The sudden movement of a car accident might stretch or tear the tendons or muscles. This results in what’s commonly known as whiplash but may also be called a hyperextension injury, cervical strain or sprain, or acceleration-flexion neck injury. When under the direction of a skillful chiropractor, massage therapy can be very helpful in the whiplash healing process.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture can also be a great benefit in relieving pain associated with car accident injuries such as whiplash.