Auto Accident/Work Injury Care

Whiplash

"Whiplash" injury is one of the most common injuries in auto accidents. It occurs when the head and neck are "whipped" forward and backward or sideways as a result of the force of the impact or collision. The soft tissue in the neck such as the muscles and tendons may become strained or torn, the ligaments may also become injured or sprained, and the vertebrae or bones in the neck may move out of alignment.

Initial symptoms of whiplash injury may be a sore or stiff neck, or a headache that may occur initially or hours, days or weeks after the accident. Pain in the upper or lower back, or numbness, a pins-and-needles or tingling sensation in the back, arms or hands are also common symptoms. Ringing in the ears, dizziness, hearing loss, and blurred vision are also sometimes reported.

In some cases a concussion may occur when the brain is shaken back and forth within the skull and becomes injured in the process. Symptoms of concussion may include headache, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, depression and mood-swings that may last hours or days after the accident.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to be evaluated right away at an emergency room or by a medical physician.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common forms of repetitive stress injury. It involves the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the area of the wrist. Some of the symptoms are pain, numbness, tingling and burning sensations, weakness or loss of grip strength.

Some cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome respond favorably to conservative care such as chiropractic and acupuncture. Other cases may require surgical intervention.

Lower Back Injury

The most common lower back injury is muscle strain often associated with sprain of the ligaments of the lower back and subluxation or misalignment of the vertebrae in the lower back or of the sacroiliac joints. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasm, stiffness and soreness, swelling and inflammation. It is most commonly caused by improper lifting techniques.

Another more serious lower back injury is disc herniation. This involves tearing or rupturing of one of the discs that separate the vertebrae in the lower back most commonly the L5-S1 disc. The extruded disc material may then press on one of the nerves causing pain, numbness, tingling, and inflammation among other symptoms.

Many cases of lower back pain respond favorably to conservative chiropractic care, however some more serious cases may require surgical intervention.

Care

Care for these and other auto or work related injuries includes:

• A thorough chiropractic examination
• Referral for further diagnostic testing such as x-rays, electromyography (EMG), neurological examination, neuropsychological evaluation for Post Concussion Syndrome, MRI or CT scans.

During the acute phase of treatment:

• Nutritional supplementation as needed to help reduce pain and inflammation and to facilitate healing.
• If necessary, recommendations for work restrictions and time off from work to prevent further injury and to allow for rest and recovery.
• Physical therapy modalities such as ice, Infratonic QGM (a device developed in China that helps facilitate healing and reduce inflammation by increasing circulation of lymph, blood and chi to the area.)
• Light mobilization or manual therapy.

During the sub-acute phase of treatment:

• Chiropractic adjustments.
• Massage and myofascial therapy.

During the rehabilitation phase of treatment:

• Less frequent visits and chiropractic care.
• Myofascial therapy.
• Exercise and rehabilitation therapy.

Additional care may include:

• Health Kinesiology.
• Acupuncture.
• Referral to other traditional or alternative health care providers for further care.