See a qualified specialist.
If you’ve ve been in an auto accident, have been diagnosed with whiplash, or THINK you may have whiplash or other spinal injuries, you can’t afford NOT to see a qualified specialist right away.
If you’ve been in an accident — however small — even if you didn’t have to go to the hospital (or you went and everything checked out “OK”), you might have undetected structural injuries such as whiplash, spinal subluxations (misalignments), or bone, soft tissue, or nerve damage that could cause you serious problems and expense weeks, months, even years down the road-whether or not you have any symptoms now!
Even if the ER physician or your family doctor says you’re fine except for whiplash or other mild soft-tissue damage, seek another opinion from an injury specialist immediately.
Why? Because the typical ER doctor or general practitioner (internist) is not specifically trained in structural injury and its potential long term effects.
Even soft tissue injuries, particularly to spinal ligaments, can have serious long-term consequences if not correctly diagnosed and treated right away.
So, protect yourself with early detection and correction.
What is Whiplash Injury and how concerned should you be?
Whiplash refers to an injury of the neck that is the result of a sudden excessive force that causes the neck and head to jerk forward and then backward or vice versa, such as in a auto crash. The injury typically affects muscles, discs, nerves, ligaments, and tendons in the delicate structure of the neck. It can also occur in contact sports, other activities, or work accidents that might involve a sudden impact.
Although whiplash is a common injury experienced by millions of Americans every year, it can result in structural damage that is difficult to detect and correct. If not properly diagnosed and treated, these injuries can undermine the structural balance of the body and set off a "domino effect" that can exacerbate over time producing a wide variety of symptoms from headache and extremity pain or numbness, to loss of mobility or even mental function.
Symptoms of Whiplash Injury
While each person will experience symptoms differently, any of the following could indicate a whiplash injury:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck
- Shoulder pain
- Pain or numbness in arm/s or hand/s
- Lower back pain
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Irritability
- Lapse in memory
- Sleeplessness
- Fatigue
- Lack of concentration
Treatment Options
Medical Approach: After diagnosis using physical examination and X-rays (CT scan, and/or MRI are sometimes also recommended), conventional medical treatments may involve ice applications, pain and anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxing medications, and/or physical therapy. A cervical collar may be prescribed as well.
The Chiropractic Alternative: Because Chiropractic Physicians are uniquely trained in human structure or biomechanics, they are uniquely qualified to address the structural damage that occurs in a whiplash injury. While they may use many of the same diagnostic and treatment tools, the care plan is designed to correct the underlying damage, not merely to mitigate the symptoms.
Relying less on drugs and more on an in-depth knowledge of correct or normal structural health, the chiropractor will use a series of adjustments and exercises or physical therapies to relieve symptoms, restore normal alignment and function, and "retrain" muscles and soft tissue to "hold" the correction long-term.
Great News! Peace of mind is only a phone call away. We here at New City Chiropractic Center are extensively trained in the treatment of whiplash and other spinal or structural damage that has occurred as a result of an auto accident, on-the-job, or from a sports related injury.
Best of all, MOST of these injuries can be treated naturally without risky surgeries or dangerous drugs by working with your body's innate healing powers.
Will my Insurance Pay for Chiropractic Care?
If you've been in an auto accident, your insurance should pay for 100% care-at least up to a reasonable limit.
For other circumstances, coverage may depend on a few factors.
Do you have chiropractic coverage?
Is the healthcare provider included in your network?
If not, do you have out of network benefits?
If we find that you do not have coverage, or that you have only partial coverage we will work with you to provide affordable, easy payment terms.
So, after any type of whiplash injury, don’t take your good health for granted. Give us a call at (845) 634-8877, and start on the road to better health today! You'll be glad you did!