Unfortunately, many people believe that the most serious injuries sustained following car accidents are immediately noticeable.  There is also a misconception that only high speed or hard impact collisions can cause serious damage to person’s body.  It has been shown through research that a car traveling only 5 mph at the time of impact is capable of producing the forces necessary to cause whiplash injuries.  While injuries such as fractures, cuts, concussions, and dislocations are immediately noticeable, other forms of damage to musculature, blood vessels, and nerves may not become evident for months or even years.  It is important that you undergo a complete evaluation immediately following your accident by a health care professional familiar with these injuries.  Dr. John Knowles, DC and the Whiplash Center of Boise are here to help you in this process.

 

 

What are the Symptoms of Whiplash?

 

Whiplash injuries can range from mild to very severe. Injuries tend to be more significant when your headrest is positioned too low or you were not prepared for the accident. If the impact was quite severe or the headrest was low there is the possibility that bones are broken or tissue is damaged. It is highly recommended that you see a chiropractor and receive a thorough examination. Even if the impact seemed mild, you may have whiplash if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

 

Neck pain

Shoulder, upper back, and arm pain

Headaches

Blurred vision

Pain when turning the head

Inability to move or turn the head fully

Dizziness

Tiredness

Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, and fingers

Ringing in the ears

Difficulty sleeping

 

 

What are the Signs of a Concussion?

 

Concussion signs may vary from very mild to life changing.  How long the symptoms last are different for everyone.  Sometimes, concussion symptoms are severe enough to cause a person to miss out on work and life.

 

Headaches

Confusion 

Bothered by lights and noises

Blurred vision

Nausea/Vomiting

Dizziness

 

 

How can a chiropractor help?

 

As mentioned previously, chiropractors are one of the few primary health care providers who specialize in treating the musculoskeletal system.  While whiplash injuries are not always immediately evident, they are actually considered one of the most common injuries sustained during car accidents.  The strain that the forces causing whiplash injuries place on the spine are capable of causing damage to the muscles, ligaments, and nerves responsible for supporting your head and neck. If these seemingly minor injuries are not corrected, multiple neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms quite often develop.  In fact, it has been found that whiplash injuries are often responsible for early degeneration of the vertebrae throughout your spine, as well as symptoms such as pain and headaches.  Our team at the Whiplash Center of Boise will create an individualized treatment plan that encompasses chiropractic adjustments, laser therapy, active and passive physical therapy, exercise programs, and possibly nutritional modifications to help speed up the recovery process.

 

As you can see, seeking care immediately after an automobile accident can mean the difference between recovery and a life time of pain.  If you have been in a car accident or know someone who has, please contact Dr. John Knowles DC at the Whiplash Center of Boise as soon as possible by calling (208) 376-5555 or by clicking on the link below to schedule a consultation.