Whiplash is a common yet often misunderstood injury that affects millions of people each year. Statistics suggest that 3 million Americans will suffer with a whiplash injury on an annual basis. The economic burden is substantial and estimated to be 3 billion dollars annually.
Whiplash is an injury to the cervical spine or neck. It is a result of a sudden rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. This sudden motion can cause damage to the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and nerves.
While whiplash is most commonly associated with car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, it can also result from sports injuries, falls, or other traumatic incidents.
How to Diagnose Whiplash?
Proper diagnosis and understanding of an injury is essential to tailor the appropriate treatment. Thankfully diagnosing whiplash is not terribly difficult. To diagnose a whiplash injury your provider should perform the following:
Review mechanism of the injury – understanding all the facts about the crash is important to determine the status of an injury. For instance, was it a rear end collision, or were you hit from the side. Did your vehicle get pushed into another car, or did it spin after impact? The direction of these forces can have substantial influence on the injuries to the spine.
A detailed history of all symptoms and how life may have changed after the crash. Are you having trouble performing regular everyday activities at home, or is it more difficult to concentrate at work?
A complete examination of the areas of complaint including range of motion measurements and a full orthopedic evaluation.
A Computer Radiographic Mensuration Analysis (CRMA) – This is perhaps the most important step, because it can objectively determine the extent of a spinal injury. A CRMA involves a specific series of X-rays, that include images in flexion and extension. It is followed by a digital measurement of the films. The CRMA measurement will tell us if there is excessive motion of one bone over another, which is necessary to determine:
The amount of damage done to the supporting structures of the cervical spine.
The correct approach to your care.
If the injury related to a car accident will result in permanent damage.
What is Permanent Damage?
If there is excessive motion determined by the CRMA it indicates permanent damage to one or more ligaments supporting the spine. The technical term for this type of ligament laxity is an Alteration of Motion Segment Integrity (AOMSI). Essentially meaning that even after treatment, it is highly probable the injury will flare up from time to time. This can be important information to have when discussing your injury with the insurance companies or potentially attorneys.
If you or someone you know has been in a recent car accident and there are concerns about injury, Desert Valley Chiropractic may be able to help. We will sit with you and take the time to review all the factors around your crash and determine if we can help. Please call us at 602-439-1515 to schedule a consultation.
Car Accident – 5 tips to avoid an insurance hassle!
Unfortunately a Car Accident in Phoenix can happen anytime and anywhere, and they can be a real pain in the neck. Here are 5 tips for the scene of the crash to avoid hassles with the insurance company.
The statistics highlight the potential for non-fatal but serious injuries that often occur in traffic accidents, reinforcing the importance of a proper evaluation from a health care provider who has experience with these types of injuries. They often require specific care after any accident, even if no immediate injuries are apparent. This can prevent long-term health issues, a concern especially relevant to chiropractic care, where underlying injuries can sometimes manifest symptoms days or even weeks after an accident.
Being prepared at the scene of a crash can help you handle the unexpected with a clearer mind. At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we care about your safety and well-being. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take if you find yourself at the scene of an auto accident.
Ensure Safety First
As soon as an accident occurs, your priority should be ensuring the safety of all parties involved.
Check for Injuries: Before assessing property damage, ensure that everyone involved in the accident is okay. Do not move anyone who is seriously injured unless there is a hazard that puts their life at immediate risk.
Move to a Safe Location (if you have to): If the accident is minor and you feel the need to move the vehicles, or it is safer to move the vehicles as opposed to staying put, make sure you take many pictures from the scene of the accident, including the intersection and surrounding areas. Once you have moved your vehicle turn on the hazard lights.
Alert Authorities and Document the Scene (Picture’s or it didn’t happen )
It’s crucial to report the accident to law enforcement. Many people skip this step, hoping the other driver (s) and their insurance will cooperate later. However, after 20+ years of treating injuries related to car accidents cooperation is rare and it can affect your access to the health care you need to recover.
Call 911: Even if the accident appears minor, it’s important to call the police. This is very important because they will document the scene and can help determine who is at fault, which can protect your access to health care if you have injuries from the crash.
If the police are unable to come to the scene, once again take multiple pictures of the scene including the surrounding area. Also, you may want to call your own insurance company to get the details of the accident recorded in case there is a question of fault later.
Wait for Help: Unless the authorities have told you they won’t be able to make it to the scene, stay until help arrives. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in legal penalties.
Driver and Vehicle Details: Collect the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved. Using the camera on your smartphone is a convenient collect the information you will need.
Witnesses: If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well; their statements could be crucial in resolving disputes.
Seek Medical Attention
If you have more serious injuries including a head injury, you may need to go to the hospital. If that is the case don’t hesitate.
Even if there are no apparent injuries, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider, including a chiropractor who can assess your condition and document injuries, which is crucial for insurance claims and potential litigation.
Injuries from a car accident like whiplash may not show symptoms immediately but can cause long-term discomfort and mobility issues. At Desert Valley Chiropractic we specific protocols to determine the extent of a car accident injury, and that has allowed us to help thousands of people with injuries related to a car accident
Conclusion
We have treated thousands of patients who have been in an auto accident and we know it can be overwhelming, but taking these steps can help ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Remember to stay calm, be courteous, and follow these guidelines to manage the situation effectively. For more detailed information on what to do after a car accident, or to schedule a consultation, visit our website at Desert Valley Chiropractic.
