Don't Underestimate Whiplash. If you are reading this page, chances are that you have been in an auto accident. Whiplash is a common injury that results from car accidents as well as other traumatic injuries.  Whiplash can occur from accidents in which you were hit from behind, from the side and even in accidents in which you accidentally hit another car.  Statistics indicate that you are likely to be involved in a car accident at some point in your life.  For a little more on this statistic click here.   

In a typical “hit from behind” accident, the first thing that happens as a result of the impact is that your head is thrown backwards. While your head is moving backwards, your bodies natural reflexes cause the muscles in the front of your neck to contract in an effort to counter the backward “whipping” of your head and neck that results in whiplash. These two events sprain / strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck causing neck pain, headaches and pinched nerves.  Auto accidents can also cause cuts, broken bones, concussions, etc.  The injury's that cause most of the symptoms are the ones related to the injured joints and the tearing of the muscles and ligaments that move and support those joints.

What should you do immediately after an automobile accident?

Unless you are in danger from other moving vehicles, you smell gasoline, see smoke or any sign of fire, just stay put and calm down for a moment.

1. Try to relax and take a quick inventory of yourself checking for possible injuries. If your rear view mirror is intact, take a look to make sure your face and head are not bleeding. Shock can mask many of your initial symptoms. If you are bleeding don't move until help comes, if at all possible. Slowly test the movement of your neck, shoulders, arms, legs and feet.
    
2. Regardless of how minor the accident appears or how well you think you feel, never dismiss the possibility that soft tissue damage or Spinal Subluxations (Spinal Misalignments) have occured. See a chiropractor to be safe. Subluxations may not cause pain for days, weeks, months or even years. Whiplash is a serious injury - make sure to get evaluated as soon as possible!
    
3. If you don't think you are seriously injured, it's time to get hold of yourself and take care of business. Reach into your glove box or console and pull out the brightly colored envelope that contains your blank Accident Report Form/Diagram, (CLICK HERE to print one if you don't have one already), your pen (Flash light if necessary), and fill out the Accident Report while your memory is fresh.

My San Diego Chiropractic Office treats many patients for neck pain, back pain, pinched nerves and headaches and other symptoms that are related to auto accidents or other types of personal injury. More often than not, the auto accidents in question occurred years earlier and the initial symptoms were not taken seriously by the patient for some reason: a lack of insurance, advice of a personal injury attorney, not enough time, etc.  Don't make this mistake - ignoring your symptoms today sets you up for chronic problems in the future. 

The injury mechanisms in whiplash type accidents are complex. Muscles are stretched and torn, ligaments can sometimes partially tear or rupture, intervertebral discs can become herniated and spinal fractures can occur. These injuries can lead to a vast number of symptoms that can include neck pain, back pain, headaches and pinched nerves that range in severity from a slight irritation to severe disability. Back pain and neck pain are bad enough in the short term and much worse in a long term chronic situation.

While the mechanism of injury in whiplash cases is complex, the typical resulting spinal injuries follow a well established path. Initially, the muscles and ligaments in the injured area are irritated. This irritation leads to inflammation. Inflammation is not only responsible for many of the initial symptoms that you experience but it is also responsible for scar tissue formation which can make your symptoms permanent or chronic.

Statistically, approximately 25% of auto injury victims will suffer from some ongoing symptoms related to their accident. I see this statistic come to life in my San Diego chiropractic office with regularity. Chiropractors are experts in dealing with the types of neck pain, back pain and headaches that occur as a result of auto accidents. The best way to insure that you are not a member of this 25% group that never fully recover from their auto accident injuries is to get an examination and possibly treatment, if recommended from Dr. Jones.

Even if you are "just a little sore", get checked out for your own good.

We can be reached at (619) 280-0554 and we have appointments available for you.