Whiplash - Chiropractic Care in Bozeman/Belgrade, MT

Whiplash is the term used to describe neck pain and stiffness following a violent collision; usually a car accident.   It can also be accompanied by headaches, dizziness, fatigue, jaw pain (TMJ), and numbness and tingling in the upper extremities.

Technically, whiplash occurs when the body is suddenly accelerated then decelerated, which is precisely what happens in a "rear-end" car accident:  upon impact from behind, the torso accelerates rapidly to the same speed as the colliding car. Because of the neck's flexiblity, the head simultaneously arcs backward, injuring soft tissue structures (muscle, ligaments and tendons) around the neck and upper shoulders.  When the force of the collision stops (within one second), the torso suddenly stops, but the head accelerates forward and over corrects, causing the neck to sharply flex (bend) forward resulting in further soft tissue injury. In severe cases, ligaments rupture causing joint instability; nerve injury may occur, as well as fractures. Some victims may even experience concussions or subdural hematomas (swelling in cranium).

If You've Recently Been Involved In a Car/Auto Accident in Bozeman, MT and Are Experiencing Unusual Symptoms, Call our Advanced Trained Chiropractor for a Consultation:

(406) 388-9915

It is important to know that whiplash can occur from even low velocity collisions.  The reason is that the kinetic energy (force) of a car is very high, even at five miles per hour, due to the large mass of the car. This energy is transferred to the occupants of the vehicle and is actually more violent if the cars do not deform (dent), which is often the case in low impact collisions. Therefore, even if you were in a low-impact accident that was enough to cause a whiplash effect, It is advisable to get checked to make sure problems don’t develop later on.

TREATMENT

For whiplash patients, the first order of business is to determine the extent of the injury. First and foremost, conditions requiring emergency medical attention will need to be ruled out. These include:

- Spinal fracture
- Ligament rupture
- Hematoma (bleeding in the brain)
- Peripheral Nerve damage
- Ruptured blood vessels

Advanced imaging like an MRI, CT scan, or video flouroscopy may be ordered if any of these conditions are suspected. Once they are ruled out, manual therapy with adjunctive physiotherapy is initiated.

Whiplash Treatment: We utilize specific, advanced techniques to treat and rehab whiplash injuries. The protocol involves ice application during the first week to reduce pain and swelling; gentle, precise joint mobilization techniques to reposition displaced vertebrae; and  Electric Muscle Stimulation and Cold Laser Therapy (therapeutic light) to quickly reduce pain and accelerate soft tissue healing. As pain decreases, Graston Technique tissue therapy, massage therapy, and gentle chiropractic adjustments are introduced to restore flexibility.

The overall goal of treatment is to reduce pain, restore function, and strengthen/rehab the neck so that proper healing occurs and the chances of chronic pain are minimized.

You can rest assured that the auto accident chiropractor at ProChiropractic in Bozeman, MT has extensive experience treating whiplash and related soft tissue injuries from motor vehicle accidents. If you are experiencing pain following a car accident, call us at (406) 388-9915 for an immediate appointment. If you need information on insurance coverage for car accident injuries or 3rd party personal injury liens, call ProChiropractic in Bozeman / Belgrade, MT for a complimentary consultation.

Dr. Jonathan Wilhelm DC CCEP
Auto Accident Chiropractor |Bozeman, MT Chiropractor |Car Accident Bozeman