Should I see a Chiropractor for Whiplash and my Car Accident injuries?
Being involved in a Car/Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) can be a very stressful on anyone. Injuries caused by a MVA can range from simple to complex as not all MVAs are the same and similarly no two people involved in an Accident are the same. Even more confusing to the Patient is why does the pain and stiffness tend to show up a few days later and gets progressively worse? If you are confused and want answers, we are here to help.
Can Chiropractic Care help with injuries caused by a Car Accident? Yes, Chiropractors specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Musculoskeletal injuries caused by a MVA, like Whiplash, headaches and low back pain. Using evidence-based treatment options, Chiropractors are well equipped to handling musculoskeletal injuries, like Whiplash and low back pain.
What is Whiplash? The Majority of Patients involved in a (MVA) will suffer from Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD) also known simply as Whiplash. Whiplash commonly occurs in a MVA due to the acceleration-deceleration forces acting upon the head and neck during a Car Accident causing strain of the neck muscles and injuring the surrounding tissues. It is common for Patients to experience delayed onset of pain, neck stiffness and headaches. Sometimes, the Patient may experience neurological symptoms, like sharp radiating pain into the arms, limb weakness and numbness. Symptoms onset may occur after the Accident, however it is not uncommon for the pain and stiffness to show up after a couple of days and the symptoms progressively worsen.
Whiplash is graded depending on the severity of symptoms and structural damage to the surrounding musculoskeletal structures. Typically Patients will present to the Chiropractic clinic showing signs and symptoms for Whiplash I, II, and III.
Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD) Grades (adapted from Quebec Task Force on WAD & Bone/Joint Decade 2000-2010):
WAD-I: Pain symptoms and neck stiffness with no interference to normal Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
WAD-II: Musculoskeletal signs, neck pain and stiffness, with substantial interference with to ADL.
WAD-III: Signs and Symptoms of WAD-II with neurological symptoms numbness and weakness.
WAD-IV: Structural pathologies, for example: spinal fractures and vertebral dislocation.
How can we help? At Helse Scarborough Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic we have years of experience treating MVA Patients with the latest manual and physical therapies. Chiropractors are spine, muscle, and nervous system experts perfectly suited to diagnosing and treating patients suffering from Car/Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) injuries, particularly Whiplash, using the best available evidence.