If left untreated, whiplash injuries can cause a decrease in range of motion, headaches and other debilitating health problems. Chiropractors can examine and treat whiplash very soon after it occurs to help prevent these side effects.
What is whiplash?
Dr. Scott Gardner: Whiplash is an acceleration/deceleration injury. It usually happens when a person is hit suddenly from behind, like in an automobile accident where a person is rear ended, or it can occur from a side to side impact as well. In both cases there is a major irritation to the supporting structures.
What are some of the symptoms of whiplash?
Dr. Scott Gardner: Some of the most common symptoms of whiplash are neck pain, difficulty moving or turning the head, so decrease in range of motion. The person can experience headaches and even difficulty swallowing.
How is whiplash diagnosed and treated?
Dr. Scott Gardner: Whiplash is diagnosed through a thorough chiropractic examination, which includes palpation, muscle testing, sensory testing, orthopedic tests, posture evaluation, and X-ray. The treatment consists of a step-by-step approach, consisting of light stretching, chiropractic adjustments, strengthening exercises, heat, and maybe ice, and also a process of some home care.
What are some side effects of untreated whiplash?
Dr. Scott Gardner: The side effects of untreated whiplash would be a loss of range of motion. The person finds that they go to back the car up or to turn and they can’t turn their head completely, so they have to turn their whole upper body. They may start finding that they are getting an increase in the number of headaches that they experience, neck pain, and it definitely will accelerate the arthritic process.
Learn More
If you are interested in speaking with Dr. Scott Gardner visit www.gardnerfamilychiro.com or call 973-614-9256 to schedule an appointment.
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