The odds are pretty high that anyone who hasn’t been in an auto accident yet, probably will be in one eventually. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries; research shows that even low impact, 5 mph. collisions can cause whiplash. It’s a tricky condition, as it might not appear until days or even weeks after the accident. Normal x-rays may not be able to detect injuries to the soft tissues of the neck; MRI scans are better able to see that type of injury.
What is whiplash?
Sudden acceleration or deceleration causes a person’s head and neck to rapidly go forward and back; this describes most vehicle accidents. Bone structures and soft tissues are damaged, causing chronic pain. Whiplash is not normally life-threatening, but often leads to prolonged full or partial disability. Fortunately, most people recover quickly, but some suffer for years.
Recent studies using high-speed cameras and crash dummies found that when a car is hit from behind, changes in the positions of the lower and upper cervical vertebrae (bones in the neck) forces the cervical spine into an abnormal S-shape. This damages the soft tissues that hold together the cervical vertebrae. Common symptoms include, among others, neck, back, arm and jaw pain, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
How is whiplash treated?
Wearing a soft cervical collar for several weeks used to be the standard treatment for whiplash; however, studies have shown that the collar actually slowed healing. Motion exercises lead to quicker improvement. Too much rest and immobilization can lead to chronic pain and stiffness.
Does chiropractic treatment help?
Research published in The Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that chiropractic care and simple exercises reduced pain better than pain medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin or even narcotics.
Back & Neck Care Center of St. Louis specializes in advanced chiropractic treatments for back and neck pain. The practice has over 30 years of combined experience dealing with patients suffering pain after automobile accidents as well as those who have chronic neck and back problems. They understand the budget crunch so many find themselves experiencing in the current economy and offer several payment options. Those suffering from Neck Pain in St. Louis should call for a free consultation to discover what treatments are available to help them. Walk-ins are always welcome. Visit their website and click for more information about the services offered by this practice.
