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Personal Injury

Back Clinic Personal Injury Chiropractic Team. Injuries from an accident can not only cause physical harm to you or a loved one, being involved in a personal injury case can often be a complicated and stressful situation to handle. These types of circumstances are unfortunately fairly common and when the individual is faced with pain and discomfort as a result of trauma from an accident or an underlying condition that has been aggravated by the injury, finding the right treatment for their specific issue can be another challenge on its own.

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s compilation of personal injury articles highlights a variety of personal injury cases, including automobile accidents resulting in whiplash, while also summarizing various effective treatments, such as chiropractic care. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.


Slipping and Falling Injuries: El Paso Back Clinic

Slipping and Falling Injuries: El Paso Back Clinic

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of workplace/job injuries and can happen anywhere. Work areas can have all kinds of slipping or tripping hazards, including uneven or cracked floors, equipment, furniture, cords, wet floors, and clutter from debris. Individuals involved in a slip-and-fall accident can sustain injuries that vary in severity. The key is to see a doctor or chiropractor immediately to document the slipping and falling injuries and develop a personalized treatment and rehabilitation plan. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can help.

Slipping and Falling Injuries: EP's Chiropractic Team

Slipping and Falling Injuries

An individual can experience the following:

  • Musculoskeletal injuries
  • Back and/or spinal cord injuries
  • Hip, knee, and ankle injuries
  • Nerve injuries
  • Fractured or broken bones
  • Facial fractures
  • Brain injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Permanent disability

Contributing Factors

The type of injury and degree of severity depends on physical and biological factors present during the slipping and falling. These include:

Physical Condition

  • An individual’s age, size, gender, and health can influence the type of injury sustained.

Height and Location of the Fall

  • Slipping, tripping, stumbling, or tumbling injuries could be minimal to severe, depending on the force, height, and location.

Surface Impact

  • The acceleration during the fall and how the body impacts the surface play an important role in the severity of the injury.

Body Position

  • Protective reflexes, such as outstretched arms, to break the fall or whether or not the body hit the ground directly determine the injury and to what extent.

Symptoms

  • Muscle pain and tension are the most common symptoms after slipping and falling.
  • The muscle fibers overstretch, causing inflammation and swelling to develop.
  • The pain can often start immediately after or a few days later, known as delayed injury symptoms.
  • If the nerves sustain injury or irritation, they begin to swell, and the body responds to protect the damaged areas.
  • The contact inflammation and irritation can cause tightness and spasms.
  • Continuing ongoing discomfort and pain.
  • Stomach discomfort and pain.
  • Significant bruising.
  • Limitations in movement.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractors are experts in slip-and-fall injuries and will use adjustments and various therapy protocols to realign the body and restore function. The objective is to relieve symptoms, rehabilitate the injured area/s, and regain mobility. Physical therapy and strength-building exercises under a specialist’s supervision and at home are implemented to get back the use of the injured body part.


Inflammation


References

Li, Jie, et al. “Slip and Fall Incidents at Work: A Visual Analytics Analysis of the Research Domain.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 16,24 4972. 6 Dec. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijerph16244972

Pant, Puspa Raj et al. “Home-related and work-related injuries in Makwanpur district, Nepal: a household survey.” Injury prevention: journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention vol. 27,5 (2021): 450-455. doi:10.1136/injuryprev-2020-043986

Shigemura, Tomonori, et al. “Characteristics of stepladder fall injuries: a retrospective study.” European journal of trauma and emergency surgery: official publication of the European Trauma Society vol. 47,6 (2021): 1867-1871. doi:10.1007/s00068-020-01339-8

Smith, Caroline K, and Jena Williams. “Work-related injuries in Washington State’s Trucking Industry, by industry sector and occupation.” Accident; analysis and prevention vol. 65 (2014): 63-71. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2013.12.012

Son, Hyung Min, et al. “Occupational fall injuries presenting to the emergency department.” Emergency medicine Australasia: EMA vol. 26,2 (2014): 188-93. doi:10.1111/1742-6723.12166

Rear End Collision Injuries: El Paso Back Clinic

Rear End Collision Injuries: El Paso Back Clinic

The NHTSA records show that rear-end collisions are the most common and make up 30% of all traffic accidents, crashes, and collisions. Rear-end collisions can come out of nowhere. One moment a driver is waiting at a stop or light, and suddenly they are catapulted forward by the intense force of another vehicle/s resulting in serious and sustaining injuries that can impact an individual’s physical capabilities. Rear-end collision injuries most commonly affect the neck and back. This is because of the excessive force and intense shifting and whipping the body goes through. Chiropractic care, massage, and decompression therapy can realign the body, relax the muscles, release compressed nerves, expedite recovery, and restore mobility and function.

Rear End Collision Injuries: EP's Chiropractic Team

Rear-End Collision Injuries

Rear-end collision injuries can range from mild to serious, and what seems like a minor pull can result in a severe injury. The most common injuries include:

  • Contusions
  • Neck and spinal injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Concussion
  • Traumatic brain and other head injuries.
  • Facial injuries
  • Dental injuries
  • Lacerations
  • Broken bones
  • Crushed or fractured ribs
  • Punctured lungs
  • Internal bleeding
  • Paralysis
  • Pre-existing conditions such as degenerative disc disease can worsen.

Collision Types

A rear-end collision can occur in several ways. The most common types include:

Tailgating

  • When drivers in the rear follow another motorist too closely, and the lead motorist slows down or has to stop quickly, the rear driver hits the vehicle because there was not enough adequate time and distance to stop.

Slow Speed Collisions

  • Slow-speed/low-impact collisions or fender benders can result in spinal injuries and concussions.
  • They can also lead to facial and head injuries from sudden airbag deployment.

Vehicle Pile-Ups

  • A single rear-end collision on a busy street or interstate highway can cause a chain reaction of multiple-vehicle collisions.
  • These accidents can cause devastating injuries.

Causes

Causes that can take attention away from the road include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving – Talking or texting.
  • Tailgating
  • Looking at something like an accident while driving by.
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Drowsy or fatigued driving
  • Construction site hazards
  • Poor weather conditions
  • Parking lot accidents

Chiropractic Care

Symptoms of rear-end collision injuries may not immediately present following an accident. It can take 24 to 48 hours for discomfort symptoms to come on and sometimes longer. The adrenaline rush allows the individual not to experience the physical symptoms, which is why individuals think they’re fine when they are not.  Ignoring signs increases the risk of permanent injury. A herniated disc, for example, left untreated, can lead to permanent nerve damage. Chiropractic treatment for rear-end collisions is one of the most effective options available. A chiropractor manipulates the spine to realign the spinal cord, allowing the body to decrease inflammatory cytokine production, which reduces the inflammatory response. Specific techniques and various tools can realign individual vertebrae, restore joint flexibility, and break up the scar tissue so the areas can heal faster.


The Spine In A Rear-End Auto Accident


References

Chen, Feng, et al. “Investigation on the Injury Severity of Drivers in Rear-End Collisions Between Cars Using a Random Parameters Bivariate Ordered Probit Model.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 16,14 2632. 23 Jul. 2019, doi:10.3390/ijerph16142632

Davis, C G. “Rear-end impacts: vehicle and occupant response.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 21,9 (1998): 629-39.

Dies, Stephen, and J Walter Strapp. “Chiropractic treatment of patients in motor vehicle accidents: a statistical analysis.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association vol. 36,3 (1992): 139–145.

Garmoe, W. “Rear-end collisions.” Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation vol. 79,8 (1998): 1024-5. doi:10.1016/s0003-9993(98)90106-x

Ladder Falls and Injuries: El Paso Back Clinic

Ladder Falls and Injuries: El Paso Back Clinic

The ladder is one of the most utilized tools. Most individuals have a ladder or two in their homes or at work and never consider the dangers. Falling off a ladder can lead to serious injuries like muscle tears, broken bones, damage to the spinal cord, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injury. The objective is to educate homeowners and workers on being more alert, increasing awareness, and reinforcing safety protocols.Ladder Falls and Injuries: Injury Medical Chiropractic Team

Ladder Falls and Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ladder falls account for more than 500,000 injuries and 300 deaths annually. Even professionals with experience in safety can make simple mistakes like carrying too heavy a load or not spotting signs of wearing or a defect that leads to injury.

Causes

Causes can arise from defects or user mistakes. These include:

A Defective Ladder

  • Old worn-out
  • Damaged or broken
  • Loose or cracking rungs
  • Ladders folding during use
  • Using the improper type of ladder for the job or task

Incorrect Ladder Use

  • Carrying dangerous objects or heavy loads
  • Stretching or reaching too far out
  • Failing to secure the ladder properly
  • Recklessness or horseplay

Injuries

Common falls can cause injuries severe enough to require professional medical care. Around one in five falls, on average, cause serious injuries that include.

  • Muscle sprains and/or tears
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Herniated discs
  • Hip injuries and fractures
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Skull fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries

Any of these injuries could cause permanent disabilities or chronic conditions.

Chiropractic Care

A fall can damage joints, muscles, bones, and ligaments without realizing there is a problem or injury. The back and spine are most likely to be affected. When landing flat on your back, the joints that connect the spinal column can slip, causing inflammation and joint swelling. To prevent chronic pain and alleviate acute pain, seeking medical attention and chiropractic care as soon as possible is recommended. After confirming the spine is not fractured or broken, a chiropractor can bring relief and restore mobility and function. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic are committed to helping individuals rehabilitate and recover from injuries. We develop a personalized plan to maximize the potential of recovering and returning to daily activities as soon as possible.


Safer In Seconds


References

Cabilan, C J et al. “Impact of ladder-related falls on the emergency department and recommendations for ladder safety.” Emergency medicine Australasia: EMA vol. 30,1 (2018): 95-102. doi:10.1111/1742-6723.12854

Hicks, Cameron, et al. “Ladder Use in Older People: Type, Frequency, Tasks, and Predictors of Risk Behaviours.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,18 9799. 17 Sep. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph18189799

“Ladder falls.” Health news (Waltham, Mass.) vol. 4,2 (1998): 7.

Muir, L, and S Kanwar. “Ladder injuries.” Injury vol. 24,7 (1993): 485-7. doi:10.1016/0020-1383(93)90156-z

Partridge, R A et al. “Causes and patterns of injury from ladder falls.” Academic emergency medicine: official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine vol. 5,1 (1998): 31-4. doi:10.1111/j.1553-2712.1998.tb02571.x

Whiplash Injuries: El Paso Neck Chiropractor

Whiplash Injuries: El Paso Neck Chiropractor

Whiplash is a neck injury where, because loads and displacements develop in the neck, they have become the main interest in the study of whiplash injury mechanisms. Human subject studies, however, have only reported the peak speed of the head relative to a fixed reference frame.

 

Since head acceleration is often the result of the head-restraint impact, these peak values might be conducive to whiplash injury and do not reflect loads developed in the tissues of the neck. The kinematics of the head have been computed relative to the axis between the C7-T1 vertebra to supply a better indication of the dynamics. The first peak in the acceleration trace results from the torso’s acceleration relative to the still-stationary head.

 

This peak is the larger and later acceleration peak, governed by the impact between the head restraint and the head. When head acceleration is measured, a result that highlights the importance of quantifying the head’s relative rather than absolute dynamics, the first negative peak isn’t observed.

 

Cause of Whiplash Injuries

Cadaveric, animal and human subject experiments have led investigators to propose various anatomical sites for whiplash injury, including the cervical facet joints, facet capsular ligaments, vertebral arteries, dorsal root ganglia, craniovertebral junction, and cervical muscles. Muscle injury could be responsible for some symptoms in patients; however, of the anatomical sites listed above, only the facet joints have been linked to chronic whiplash pain. The facet joints have become the focus of research directed at understanding the mechanical basis for chronic whiplash injuries.

 

In a study conducted by researchers and colleagues (1996), chronic whiplash pain was relieved in about 60% of whiplash patients by anesthetizing medial branches of the cervical dorsal rami. Articular branches from these nerves run through the capsular tissues and presumably originate in the capsular tissue from mechanoreceptors and nociceptors. Possible injury sites inside the facet joints include fractures of the bony elements, bruising of the rectal folds (menisci), or ruptures or tears of the capsular ligament. Skeletal fractures and aspect hemarthroses are not commonly observed in whiplash patients and are therefore related to loading. Bruising of the folds is common after fatal chest or head injury, and motions of the cervical vertebra consistent with this type of injury have been documented during the severe loading associated with whiplash injury in human subjects.

 

 

Cineradiography used to inspect the intervertebral motion of subjects exposed to simulated influences has shown that the C5 vertebra rotates about a stage than during voluntary expansion moves. This movement pattern resulted in compression of the facet joints posteriorly through impact-induced motion during activity and increased distraction of the vertebral bodies anteriorly. These researchers proposed that the posterior synovial fold might be pinched by rear compression of the facet joints though this altered motion was detected in only four of six subjects. This proposed mechanism of injury is promising. Follow-up research that quantifies the loads applied to the meniscus during whiplash exposures and the loads necessary to injure the meniscus is needed to confirm whether this proposed injury mechanism occurs at the loads generated during collisions that produce a whiplash injury.

 

Before and After Whiplash - El Paso Chiropractor

 

Chronic Whiplash Image - El Paso Chiropractor

 

The facet joint capsules contain fine, unmyelinated nerves that likely have a nociceptive function. Distending these ligaments by injection of contrast media has generated whiplash-like pain patterns in normal individuals. Tears or ruptures to the cervical facet joint capsular ligaments have also been observed under severe loading conditions. Excess capsular ligament strain was proposed as a mechanism for whiplash injury under minor- to moderate-loading requirements. With subsequent loading to failure, the technology strain in the capsular ligaments under both whiplash-like heaps and cadaveric motion sections has recently been quantified. Maximum strains in the facet joint capsular ligaments under loads were, on average, half. In two of the 13 specimens, the top songs observed in the ligament under whiplash-like heaps were larger than those detected in their initial failure.

 

Doctor Neck Injury Evaluation - El Paso Chiropractor

 

This finding suggested that the neck loads developed during an automobile accident could injure some individuals’ facet capsular ligaments. Further work is needed to determine if these ruptures generate pain and whether the subcatastrophic failures identified with breaks inside the capsular ligaments in the response of the tissues correlate.

 

Whiplash injury has proved difficult to research because its pathoanatomy has remained poorly understood. The facet joints have been isolated as a site of chronic pain in many populations.

 

A better understanding of the etiology of whiplash injury will lead to improved care and injury prevention methods. Human subject testing has provided the essential kinematic and kinetic response information needed to conduct tests of those cells, and tissue evaluations have led to a possible mechanical explanation for whiplash injury. Additional research is required to complete the connection between the whiplash symptoms experienced by some people and an automobile accident.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.Green-Call-Now-Button-24H-150x150-2.png

 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries

 

Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, is frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine and the rest of the spine. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.

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Studies Demonstrate Effectiveness of Chiropractic for Whiplash

Studies Demonstrate Effectiveness of Chiropractic for Whiplash

Studies on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for patients afflicted with pain secondary to whiplash injury are emerging. In 1996, Woodward et al. published a study on the efficacy of chiropractic treatment of whiplash injuries.

 

In 1994, Gargan and Bannister published a paper on the recovery rate of patients and found that when patients were still symptomatic after three months, there was almost a 90% chance they would remain injured. The study’s authors were from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery in Bristol, England. No conventional treatment was shown to be effective in these based chronic whiplash injury patients. However, high success rates have been found by whiplash injury patients through chiropractic care in recovering these types of patients.

 

Whiplash Treatment Study Results

 

In the Woodward study, 93 percent of the 28 patients studied retrospectively were found to have a statistically significant improvement following chiropractic care. Chiropractic care in this study consisted of PNF, spinal manipulation, and cryotherapy. Most of the 28 patients had prior therapy with NSAIDs collars and physiotherapy. The average length of time before when the patients began chiropractic care was 15.5 months post-MVA (range of 3-44 months).

 

This study documented what most DCs experience in clinical practice: chiropractic care is effective for individuals hurt in a motor vehicle accident. Symptoms ranging from headaches to back pain, neck pain, interscapular pain, and extremity pain related to paresthesias all responded to quality chiropractic care.

 

Normal & Whiplash X-Rays

 

Whiplash MRI Findings

 

Whiplash MRI Findings - El Paso Chiropractor

 

Neck Damage in MRI - El Paso Chiropractor

 

The literature has also suggested cervical disc injuries aren’t uncommon after a whiplash injury. In a study published on chiropractic care for disk herniations, it was demonstrated that patients improve clinically and that repeated MRI imaging often shows decreased size or resolution of the disk herniation. Of the 28 patients studied and followed, many had disc herniations that reacted well to chiropractic care.

Whiplash Improvement X-Rays - El Paso Chiropractor

 

In a recent retrospective study by Khan et al., published in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine, on whiplash-injured patients concerning cervical pain and dysfunction, patients were stratified into groups based on levels of a good outcome to chiropractic care:

  • Group I: Patients with neck pain only and restricted neck ROM. Patients had a “coat hangar” distribution of pain with no neurologic deficits; 72 percent had a fantastic outcome.
  • Group II: Patients with neurological symptoms or signs and limited spinal ROM. Patients had numbness, tingling, and paresthesias in the extremity.
  • Group III: Patients had severe neck pain with full neck ROM and bizarre pain distributions from the extremities. These patients often described chest pain, nausea, vomiting, blackouts, and dysfunction.

The results of the study showed that in class I, 36/50 patients (72%) reacted well to chiropractic care: in group II, 30/32 patients (94 percent) responded well to chiropractic care; and in group III, only 3/11 instances (27%) responded well to chiropractic care. There was a significant difference in outcomes between the three groups.

This study provides new evidence that chiropractic care is effective for whiplash-injured patients. However, the study didn’t consider patients with back injuries, extremity injuries, and TMJ injuries. It did not identify which patients had disc injuries, radiculopathy, and concussive brain injury (most likely group III patients). These types of patients respond better to a model of chiropractic care in combination with multidisciplinary providers.

These studies show what most DCs have already experienced, that the doctor of chiropractic should be the principal care provider in these cases. It’s a common opinion that in cases like group III patients, care should be multidisciplinary to achieve the best possible outcome in difficult scenarios.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.Green-Call-Now-Button-24H-150x150-2.pngBy Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Automobile Accident Injuries

 

Whiplash, among other automobile accident injuries, is frequently reported by victims of an auto collision, regardless of the severity and grade of the accident. Whiplash is generally the result of an abrupt, back-and-forth jolt of the head and neck in any direction. The sheer force of an impact can cause damage or injury to the cervical spine and the rest of the spine. Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to treat automobile accident injuries.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7 Fitness Center

 

 

Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

After a car accident, you may notice neck pain. It could be a slight soreness you think is nothing but take care of. More than likely, you have whiplash. And that little soreness can turn into a lifetime of chronic neck pain if only treated with pain meds and not treated at the source.

Whiplash trauma, aka neck sprain or neck strain, is an injury to the soft tissues around the neck.

Whiplash can be described as a sudden extension or backward movement of the neck and flexion or forward movement of the neck.

This injury usually comes from a rear-end car accident.

Severe whiplash can also include injury to the following:

  • Intervertebral joints
  • Discs
  • Ligaments
  • Cervical muscles
  • Nerve roots

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

 

Symptoms of Whiplash

Most people experience neck pain either immediately after the injury or several days later.

Other symptoms of whiplash trauma can include:

  • Neck stiffness
  • Injuries to the muscles and ligaments around the neck
  • Headache and dizziness
  • Symptoms & possible concussion
  • Difficulty swallowing and chewing
  • Hoarseness (possible injury to the esophagus and larynx)
  • The sensation of burning or prickling
  • Shoulder pain
  • Back pain

 

Diagnosis of Whiplash Trauma

Whiplash trauma usually causes damage to the soft tissues; a doctor will take x-rays of the cervical spine in case of delayed symptoms and rule out other problems or injuries.

 

Treatment

Fortunately, whiplash is treatable, and most symptoms resolve completely.

Most often, whiplash is treated with a soft cervical collar.

This collar may need to be worn for 2 to 3 weeks.

Other treatments for individuals with whiplash may include the following:

  • Heat treatment for relaxing muscle tension and pain
  • Pain meds such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Motion exercises
  • Physical therapy
  • Chiropractic

 

11860 Vista Del Sol Ste. 128 Whiplash Trauma and Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX.

 

The symptoms of whiplash typically begin to decline in 2 to 4 weeks.

Those with symptoms during treatment may need to keep the neck immobilized with a halter at work or home.

This is called cervical traction.

Local anesthetic injections can help when necessary.

Continuing or worsening symptoms after 6 to 8 weeks may require more x-rays and diagnostic testing to see if there is a more severe injury.

Severe extension injuries like whiplash can damage the intervertebral discs. If this happens, then surgery may be necessary.


 

Whiplash Massage Therapy El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

 

Some people will tell you that whiplash is a made-up injury that people use to get more money in a settlement stemming from an accident. They do not believe it is possible in a low-speed rear-end accident and see it as a legitimate injury claim, mainly because there are no visible marks.

Some insurance experts claim that about a third of whiplash cases are fraudulent, leaving two-thirds of the cases legitimate. Much research also supports the claim that low-speed accidents can indeed cause whiplash, which is very real. Some patients suffer from pain and immobility for the rest of their lives.


 

NCBI Resources

Chiropractors will use different techniques to relieve the pain of whiplash and help with healing.

  • Chiropractic Adjustment The chiropractor performs spinal manipulation to move the joints into alignment gently. This will help to align the body to relieve pain and encourage healing.
  • Muscle Stimulation and Relaxation This involves stretching the affected muscles, relieving tension, and helping them relax. Finger pressure techniques may also be combined with trying to alleviate pain.
  • McKenzie Exercises These exercises help with disc derangement that whiplash causes. They are first performed in the chiropractor’s office, but the patient can be taught how to do them at home. This helps the patient have some degree of control over their healing.

Each whiplash case is different. A chiropractor will evaluate the patient and determine the appropriate treatment case-by-case basis. The chiropractor will determine the best course of treatment that will relieve your pain and restore your mobility and flexibility.

WAD Whiplash Associated Disorders: El Paso Back Clinic

WAD Whiplash Associated Disorders: El Paso Back Clinic

Whiplash-associated disorders, or WAD, describe injuries sustained from sudden acceleration/deceleration movements. It is a common outcome after a motor vehicle collision but can also be caused by sports injuries, falls, or assaults. Whiplash refers to the mechanism of the injury, while WAD refers to the presence of symptoms like pain, stiffness, muscle spasm, and headaches. A WAD prognosis is unpredictable, with some cases remaining acute with a full recovery, while others progress to chronic conditions with long-term symptoms and disability. Early intervention recommendations include rest, chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation, massaging and stretching exercises, and an anti-inflammatory diet.WAD Whiplash Associated Disorders: Injury Medical Chiropractic

Whiplash Associated Disorders

Cervical hyperextension injuries happen to drivers and passengers of moving, slow-moving (less than 14 miles per hour), and stationary vehicles when struck from behind.

  • The individual’s body is thrown forward, but the head does not follow the body and instead whips forward, resulting in hyperflexion or extreme forward movement of the neck.
  • The chin limits forward flexion, but the momentum can be sufficient to cause cervical distraction and neurological injuries.
  • When the head and neck have reached maximum flexion, the neck snaps back, resulting in hyperextension or extreme backward movement of the neck.

Pathology

Most WADs are considered soft tissue-based injuries with no fractures.

Stages

The injury goes through stages:

Stage 1

  • The upper and lower spine experiences flexion in stage one.

Stage 2

  • The spine takes on an S-shape while extending and eventually straightens, causing lordosis.

Stage 3

  • The entire spine is hyperextending with an intense force that causes the facet joint capsules to compress.

Symptoms

Whiplash-associated disorders can be classified through grades by the severity of symptoms, including neck pain, stiffness, occipital headache, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar back pain, upper-limb pain, and paraesthesia.

Grade 0

  • No complaints or physical symptoms.

Grade 1

  • Neck complaints but no physical symptoms.

Grade 2

  • Neck complaints and musculoskeletal symptoms.

Grade 3

  • Neck complaints and neurological symptoms.

Grade 4

  • Neck complaints and fracture and/or dislocation.
  • Most cervical fractures occur predominantly at C2 or C6, or C7.
  • Most fatal cervical spine injuries occur at the craniocervical junction C1 or C2.

Affected Spinal Structures

Some symptoms are thought to be caused by injury to the following structures:

Causes of pain can be from any of these tissues, with the strain of the injury causing secondary edema, hemorrhage, and inflammation.

Joints

  • Zygapophyseal joints
  • Atlanto-axial joint
  • Atlanto-occipital joint
  • Intervertebral discs
  • Cartilaginous endplates

Adjacent Joints

Spinal Muscles

Ligaments

  • Alar ligament
  • Anterior atlanto-axial ligament
  • Anterior atlanto-occipital ligament
  • Apical ligament
  • Anterior longitudinal ligament
  • Transverse ligament of the atlas

Bones

  • Atlas
  • Axis
  • Vertebrae C3-C7

Nervous Systems Structures

  • Nerve roots
  • Spinal cord
  • Brain
  • Sympathetic nervous system

Vascular System Structures

  • Internal carotid artery
  • Vertebral artery

Peripheral Vestibular System

Chiropractic Care

A chiropractor will identify areas of restricted joint motion, muscle tension, muscle spasm, intervertebral disc injury, and ligament injury.

  • They will analyze posture, and spinal alignment, check for tenderness, tightness, and how well the spinal joints move.
  • This will allow the chiropractic physical therapy team to understand the injured body mechanics and how the spine is operating to make a thorough diagnosis.
  • The doctor will order imaging tests like an x-ray or an MRI to evaluate any degenerative changes that may have existed before the whiplash injury.
  • Once the injury has been accurately diagnosed, the chiropractor will design a personalized treatment plan.

Spinal Adjustments

  • Spinal manipulation is applied to areas of the spine that are out of alignment to realign the spine and activate the healing process.
  • Flexion-distraction technique is a gentle technique that uses slower, less intense pushing motions on the discs used to treat disc herniations that often occur after a whiplash injury.
  • Instrument-assisted manipulation utilizes special instruments to apply various forces or massage settings to the area.
  • Targeted spinal manipulation targets specific areas to rework, release, and rebuild the structures.
  • Massage Therapy stimulates the affected muscles to relax them from their tense state.
  • A treatment plan may utilize:
  • Instrument-assisted therapy
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Resistance-based stretches to rehabilitate soft tissue damage.

Our chiropractic team is ready to help you feel your best so you can return to normal activities and get on with your life.


Automobile Injuries and Chiropractic


References

Pastakia, Khushnum, and Saravana Kumar. “Acute whiplash associated disorders (WAD).” Open access emergency medicine: OAEM vol. 3 29-32. 27 Apr. 2011, doi:10.2147/OAEM.S17853

Ritchie, C., Ehrlich, C. & Sterling, M. Living with ongoing whiplash-associated disorders: a qualitative study of individual perceptions and experiences. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 18, 531 (2017). doi.org/10.1186/s12891-017-1882-9

www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/whiplash-associated-disorder

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