Here are some of the answers to common questions about whiplash:
Q: What is whiplash?
A: Whiplash is a common term used for injury to the spine and surrounding tissues resulting from forceful acceleration and deceleration trauma. These injuries are typical with car accident injuries. Whiplash injuries can involve different areas, including the neck (cervical spine) and back (thoracic and lumbar spine regions), and sometimes jaw (TMJ), and even brain (closed head injury or traumatic brain injury). There are also differing degrees of whiplash injury, from mild to severe. A qualified examination is needed to assess these injuries and determine their severity.
Q: Can whiplash occur at low crash speeds?
A: Yes, it is possible that whiplash can occur at some low crash speeds. Qualified evaluation is needed to what injuries occurred, and how best to treat them.
Q: I was given medication for a whiplash injury. Is that enough to treat it?
A: Not usually. Whiplash trauma can cause damage to the joints in the spine. These injuries also can damage ligaments and discs, and cause problems with movement control in the area of injury. Although medication may initially help with some of the pain and inflammation, more specific and complete treatment is required for these deeper injuries.
Q: Is chiropractic care useful in the treatment of whiplash?
A: In most cases, yes. Standard chiropractic care can help with a more complete recovery. However, functional retraining may need to take place after whiplash trauma to restore better movement control of the injured areas to help prevent pain recurrence. Along with chiropractic care, other treatment measures may be required.
Q: Do whiplash injuries heal completely?
A: Some do, some don't. It is usually best to have a qualified examination early after the trauma episode so that proper recovery can be guided in the initial stages.
Q: My neck and/or back still hurt after whiplash a long time ago. Is it too late to get help?
A: Seeking help for chronic whiplash symptoms is a good idea. Qualified examination will determine if there is a residual injury, and if treatment can help.
Q: Can I schedule an appointment as ProActive Spine Care for whiplash evaluation and/or treatment? Do I need a referral?
A: Yes. You can schedule an appointment without referral. We work with your other providers. We ache convenient appointments available, including same day appointments.
