|
 If you have been suffering from whiplash as a result of a car accident, chiropractors can help you recover with a program of treatment individually suited to your condition. There are over 65,000 car accidents in WA each year, and studies using equipment such as high speed cameras and state of the art crash dummies have revealed that rear impact car accidents can result in a condition known as ‘whiplash’.
This condition is caused by forcing the bones of the lower cervical spine (the neck), into hyper-extension, which is a backward bending motion, while the bones of the upper neck are forced into hyperflexion, which is a forward bending motion. The normal curvature of the cervical spine, in a matter of a second, can be disrupted and the consequential injuries can range from mild to more serious. Sudden and abnormal movements to sensitive areas like the neck causes soft tissue damage, (damage to ligaments and muscles) of the cervical spine, which can then lead to pain and inflammation.
Common symptoms which can occur from whiplash include headaches, shoulder pain, neck pain and stiffness, jaw pain, back pain, dizziness and pain, weakness and tingling in the arms.
Chiropractic Treatment Can Aid in your Recovery
 When treating symptoms as a direct result of whiplash, studies have shown that treatment from your chiropractor can assist in pain management, improve your mobility as well as minimize loss of productivity
A review was performed on the existing literature on neck pain as a result of car accidents in the Journal of Rheumatology (2007). The resulting evidence strongly supported the theory of keeping active by the use of stretching/strengthening exercise and mobilizations. Another added benefit showed that in the long term, chiropractic treatment was less expensive than other treatment options and also minimized long term disability.
In the Emergency Medical Journal (2006), a comparison was done on two groups of people, each recovering from car accidents. One group received exercise and mobilization therapy (strategies used in chiropractic treatment), as part of their treatment plan, while the other group relied on medication and used a cervical collar. The resulting evidence showed the group that received the exercise treatment from the chiropractor suffered significantly less headaches and other symptoms compared to the other group.
Have you or someone you know been injured in a car accident? Chiropractors can help in many ways from advising you on the correct stretching and exercises you should be doing to drawing up a treatment plan individually designed to suit your fitness level and needs. Don’t wait till you have reached a state of immobility, the quicker you seek expert advice from our chiropractic health consultant the quicker your recovery time will be. Call us now for an appointment with our resident chiropractor.
An Active Approach to Being Pain-Free Again
 In the majority of cases recovery is high if you have the correct care and treatment as soon as possible. Even though you may experience symptoms for a period of time, returning to a level of activity soon also helps significantly. Within a couple of days or weeks you will find the pain and symptoms will improve. Always continue with any medication prescribed by your doctor which will assist with early mobility.
It is important to note that inactivity does not help with rehabilitation and recovery. It is vital to keep moving and avoid situations where you stay in the same position for long periods of time. This will result in loss of flexibility and will cause stiffness and tightness.
Exercise and Recovery
Exercise can assist in your recovery. Simple and easy neck and shoulder exercises, recommended by your chiropractor, can be a safe and effective treatment for your symptoms. Regular strengthening, stretching and co-ordination exercise done on a daily basis will also benefit you. If you experience mild discomfort or soreness after exercising, it is not unusual and not a cause for concern.
Chiropractic care combined with your normal medical care has been shown to be the best choice when it comes to decrease in pain, improvement in your mobility and returning to your normal daily routine. Our chiropractor can help you. Your first point of call if you have had a car accident and are suffering symptoms as a result, is to call us and schedule a risk free appointment with our chiropractor. It is never too late to try to regain a life that is healthy and pain free. Our resident chiropractor has many years of experience in pain management, specialising in whiplash injuries associated with car accidents. Call us now to see how we can help you.
Your health and wellbeing is most important.
Call Perth Chiropractic Today on 08 9421 1733 today and let us show how we can help you
|
