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What is Whiplash?
The term whiplash is applied to a group of injuries occurring to the neck most
commonly associated with car accidents. Hyperextension of the neck both
overstretches and damages the muscles and ligaments on the front of the neck as
well as compressing the discs and intervertebral joints in the back of the neck.
A strong muscle reflex violently contracts the muscles on the front of the neck
to stop this extension, snapping the head forward, and unfortunately, this time
stretching and injuring muscles, ligaments, and joints on the back of the neck.
Low back injuries are common as well, and may be exemplified if the seat back or
cushion were broken during impact. Due to the many variables involved in a car
accident, (body position, angle of impact, etc.) a collection of seemingly
unrelated symptoms can arise. The most common symptoms I see include:
Headaches
Neck pain and spasm
Blurred vision
Radiating arm or leg pain
Hand or foot numbness
Mid back pain, often between the shoulder blades
Low back pain and spasm
Buttock pain
Insomnia
Ringing in the ears
Many patients tell me they felt fine at the scene and were surprised when
several days later they began to feel pain. It takes the body up to 72 hours to
develop a typical inflammatory response. This inflammation commonly manifests as
pain, swelling, and loss of motion. It may take up to a week before the majority
of symptoms are present. It is not unusual for patients to remark that for the
first couple days they had only neck pain. By the fifth day, they had developed
low back pain that was even worse.
COMMON MISTAKES
AND MISCONCEPTIONS:
"I feel fine except when I have to go to work or work around the house."
This is my
favorite. If you plan on a life sitting in front of the TV, then this line of
thinking is fine. However if you plan on working, golfing, gardening, playing
with your children, etc, it would be a good idea to be pain free with physical
activity.
"Once I start going to the chiropractor, he will want to see me for the rest of
my life."
Some
chiropractors use a passive adjustment only model. This may involve a rather
lengthy treatment plan of months to a year. Here at Spokane Spine Center, I
attended and am certified in the University of Florida School of Medicine's
spinal rehabilitation program to increase the actual strength and integrity of
the spine. We offer MedX neck and back, core strengthening equipment, which is
some of the most advanced and researched in the world. The program is completed
within 6 to 8 weeks with no planned follow up. You are released to enjoy your
life. If later, you want to stop by to say hi and let us know how you are doing,
we love that!
"I don't want to be 'cracked'."
The adjustment of
the neck by a licensed chiropractor has been proven safe and effective for pain
relief and headaches. However some people are uncomfortable with the sound of
the adjustment, or just don't like the idea. For these people, it is possible to
use other hands-on techniques to get the neck moving again and the muscles
relaxed without performing the traditional spinal manipulation. It is the
highest priority that my patients are comfortable and informed throughout their
treatment. The program can be completed successfully with those who would not
normally go to a chiropractor.
What makes this clinic
different from traditional chiropractic?
This is a frequently asked
question, for new patients. Dr. Haddad regularly treats patients who would not
normally seek care from a chiropractor. Dr. Haddad offers alternative
techniques to work with and treat those who are uncomfortable with the
traditional chiropractic adjustment or are afraid of the cracking and popping
generally associated with spinal manipulation. By utilizing manual therapy
techniques that dont involve this component you can rest assured that the
treatment you will receive from Dr. Haddad will remain within your comfort
level.
Lets get started today! Call us for
your
FREE consultation
(509) 487-8000.
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Auto
Accident Injury (continued)