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Whiplash

Whiplash is a term that describes injury to the neck that occurs as a result of a motor Whiplashvehicle or car accident. The most common type of car accident is the rear impact, and most typically, the occupant in the vehicle that gets “rear ended” (hit from behind) is at the greatest risk of injury, including whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the occupants head suddenly moves backward and then forward. These extreme motions push your neck muscles and ligaments beyond their normal range of motion, causing injury.

Until recently, the reason for the extent of whiplash injuries was poorly understood. In addition, due to the legal and insurance issues, the veracity of complaints of neck pain and other symptoms by people who suffer from whiplash is commonly viewed as suspect. However, recent research has helped clarify why occupants struck from behind experience more extensive whiplash injuries than those in other types of crashes. This new information is important for the physician treating whiplash pain, as it impacts the physician’s case management strategy.

Most symptoms develop within 24 hours of the injury and include the following:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Headache, most commonly at the base of the skull
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred Vision
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory Problems
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Irritability

Whiplash may result in the following related conditions:

  • Disc herniation-A whiplash accident may injure the discs between the vertebrae, lead to small tears and cause the inner core of the disc to extrude through its outer core. If the disc’s inner core comes in contact with and irritates a nearby spinal nerve root, a herniated disc occurs, with symptoms possibly including sharp, shooting pain down the arm and even neurological symptoms like numbness, tingling and muscle weakness.
  • Joint dysfunction-As a result of the whiplash, one of the joints in the spine may lose its normal resiliency and shock absorption (referred to as the joint play)), possibly leading to restricted range of movement and pain.
  • Faulty movement patterns-It is believed that the nervous system may change the way in which it controls the coordinated function of muscles as a result of a barrage of intense pain signals from the whiplash injury.
  • Chronic pain-While often resulting in minor muscle sprains and strains that heal with time, more severe whiplash injuries may produce neck pain and other symptoms that are persistent and long lasting (chronic).
  • Cognitive and higher center dysfunction-In some instances, whiplash may affect the patient’s mental functioning, possibility leading to difficulties concentrating, as just one example.

whiplashThe most important thing to do after a motor vehicle accident is to see your doctor immediately. Even if you don’t think your injury is severe, get checked out right away. Many times patients don’t realize that they have suffered a significant injury immediately after a car accident. Quite often, symptoms will develop days (or possibly weeks) after the accident has occurred. Remember, the longer you wait to effectively treat an injury, the longer it will take to get better!

Dr. Jeff J. Mollins (Brooklyn’s most popular chiropractor), has been successfully treating whiplash injuries for well over 25 years. He is committed to helping his patients achieve wellness. Dr. Mollins will immediately place his patients at ease by taking a concise history which will include asking how the accident happened as well as if any pre-existing conditions exist. He will then perform a comprehensive physical examination (neurological as well as orthopedic). Diagnostic Testings may be necessary such as standard x-rays, mri study, ct san, etc. Once a proper diagnosis is established, Dr. Mollins will then place his patients on a comprehensive treatment regimen. Dr. Mollins also works with a group of referred medical specialists (orthopedists, neurologists, pain management specialists, etc.) so that whatever medical care is needed, his patients can be serviced expeditiously. Dr. Mollins (as well as his entire group of referred medical specialist) accept no-fault insurance, so there is no out of pocket expense. So if you have been in a motor vehicle accident, please call Dr. Mollins right away.

Posted in: Neck Pain Treatment