Whiplash

By Dr. Richard L. Cole, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, FICC

DIAGNOSIS:

Your doctor has reviewed your case thoroughly and has diagnosed your trauma to be a whiplash type injury.  A condition that is quite common among Americans.  An easy definition of whiplash is a sudden unguarded movement of the neck causing soft tissue injury.  This definition can be simplified even further by defining it as a ligament or muscle damage.  ConservCare doctors are specially trained to diagnose and treat soft tissue injuries like whiplash.  Whiplash occurs commonly during auto accidents, but that can also be associated with falls and sports injuries.  Injuries caused by a jerking motion of the head or where one is pushed or thrown to the ground are often diagnosed as whiplash.  There are many symptoms you may be experiencing such as headaches, arm pain, neck pain and stiffness, irritability, confusion, lack of concentration, and muscle tension.  Some other symptoms are ringing in the ears, nausea, and dizziness.  There are many other symptoms associated with whiplash.  Make sure you tell your doctor all your complaints.  Even if you feel they are not related or important, they may be a vital key to your condition.  You were consulted and examined to determine what your injury was and what structures were involved.  X-rays and other diagnostic tests may have been performed so that the physician could be as accurate as possible in diagnosing, grading, and treating your injuries.  Our doctors maintain regular contact with other healthcare providers regarding cases.  Be assured that if your doctor thinks you need an examination or treatment from another professional, he will readily make the referral for you.

TREATMENT:

You will be going through different phases of care while you are with us.  The treatment will change as you heal.  Soft tissue injuries are divided into four phases with a different treatment protocol for each phase. 

The first phase is called the acute phase.  This might have been the phase that you were in when you first came into the office.  It describes the injury within the first 48 to 72 hours.  It describes the swelling, stiffness, and pain you experienced.  Your treatment during this acute phase may include spinal manipulative therapy, better known as adjustments, which will correct spinal problems.  You also may have physical therapy added to your regimen to assist with your healing by helping ease the pain, swelling, and muscle spasms.  You may be given a special pillow to support your neck.  The doctors have found them to be very beneficial in restoring stability to the neck.  Please follow instructions if you are given a cervical pillow. 

Phases II and III are the healing phases.  During these phases your pain will diminish, but you may continue to experience some discomfort.  Scar formation will take place at the site of the injured tissues at this time.  The final phase is the rehabilitative phase.  Your doctor will choose the best exercises and therapies for you during this stage.  You may be directed to use ice at home during your first phase of care.  Place the ice on the area the doctor or therapist instructs and leave it there for 20 minutes each hour unless otherwise prescribed.  Be sure you are getting plenty of rest.  Patients with soft tissue injuries need additional time to rest.  Evaluate your schedule for changes that might be made to allow you to lie down several times per day.  When you rest, lie on a firm mattress that supports your spine.  Do not prop your neck up and try to read or watch television.  Make sure your neck is supported in a neutral position.  Protect your neck from re-injury.  A second injury on top of your first injury will seriously complicate your condition.  Refrain from sports that might cause trauma to your neck.  If you believe your neck needs extra support please discuss this with your doctor. 

It is vital that you follow the instructions that your doctor gives you.  If for some reason you are unable to follow through with his recommendations, please notify him immediately because this will have an effect on your healing process. 

The doctors and staff are here to help you get well and make your life healthy.  Please feel free to ask any questions you have about your healthcare.