Whiplash happens most commonly in rear-end collisions in which those in the front car are whipped forth and back by the impact. This is often referred to as CAD or cervical acceleration – deceleration trauma or syndrome. CAD can injure the vertebrae and the surrounding muscles and ligaments (soft tissue). Although the symptoms of whiplash (headache, dizziness, neck, shoulder, jaw, and/or arm pain) may subside after a few weeks of appropriate care, it is estimated that nearly one in four cases will become chronic, resulting in long-term discomfort and disability.

The sudden trauma of whiplash may fade into memory, but the damage can be forever if left untreated. Chiropractic works to restore normal range of motion into the affected joints, overcome muscle weakness, enhance muscle tone, speed up recovery, and diminish chronic symptoms that can persist or recur over a lifetime.

Myth Debunking

MYTH #1 – If you don’t feel any pain immediately after the accident, no injury has occurred.  FACT – Many symptoms from injuries take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to show up.

MYTH #2 – The pain will go away on its own.  FACT – If the correct type of care is not given, your body will heal incorrectly leading to future health problems.

MYTH #3 – All Doctors will do the same thing.  FACT – Some Doctors have specialized training in treating symptoms (pain) with medicine. Some Doctors are trained in helping the tissues heal naturally to prevent future health problems. Ask your Doctor what his treatment method is to make sure you get the care that you deserve.

MYTH #4 – Only adults can have whiplash.  FACT – More research is showing that children are also susceptible to whiplash injuries. Make sure that everyone in your family is taken care of.

MYTH #5 – The neck is the only body part that can be injured in a car accident.  FACT – Each person is unique and it makes sense that their injuries would be too. Car accidents can cause low back pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain, TMJ pain, and more.

MYTH #6 – The less damage there is to the car the less injury there is to me.  FACT – There is evidence showing that the damage to your car has little relation to the damage to your body. Significant injury can occur at speeds as low as 7 mph. (This does not mean that every accident results in serious injury.)