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AUTO
ACCIDENT/WORK INJURY CARE
Whiplash
"Whiplash"
injury is one of the most common injuries in auto accidents. It occurs when the head and
neck are "whipped" forward and backward or sideways as a result of the force of
the impact or collision. The soft tissue in the neck such as the muscles and tendons may
become strained or torn, the ligaments may also become injured or sprained, and the
vertebrae or bones in the neck may move out of alignment.
Initial symptoms of
whiplash injury may be a sore or stiff neck, or a headache that may occur initially or
hours, days or weeks after the accident. Pain in the upper or lower back, or numbness, a
pins-and-needles or tingling sensation in the back, arms or hands are also common
symptoms. Ringing in the ears, dizziness, hearing loss, and blurred vision are also
sometimes reported.
In some cases a
concussion may occur when the brain is shaken back and forth within the skull and becomes
injured in the process. Symptoms of concussion may include headache, irritability,
restlessness, insomnia, depression and mood-swings that may last hours or days after the
accident.
If you are
experiencing any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to be evaluated right away at an
emergency room or by a medical physician.
Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome is one of the most common forms of repetitive stress injury. It involves the
compression of the median nerve as it passes through the area of the wrist. Some of the
symptoms are pain, numbness, tingling and burning sensations, weakness or loss of grip
strength.
Some cases of Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome respond favorably to conservative care such as chiropractic and
acupuncture. Other cases may require surgical intervention.
Lower Back Injury
The most common
lower back injury is muscle strain often associated with sprain of the ligaments of the
lower back and subluxation or misalignment of the vertebrae in the lower back or of the
sacroiliac joints. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasm, stiffness and soreness, swelling
and inflammation. It is most commonly caused by improper lifting techniques.
Another more serious
lower back injury is disc herniation. This involves tearing or rupturing of one of the
discs that separate the vertebrae in the lower back most commonly the L5-S1 disc. The
extruded disc material may then press on one of the nerves causing pain, numbness,
tingling, and inflammation among other symptoms.
Many cases of lower
back pain respond favorably to conservative chiropractic care, however some more serious
cases may require surgical intervention.
Care
Care for these and
other auto or work related injuries includes:
- A thorough
chiropractic examination
- Referral for further
diagnostic testing such as x-rays, electromyography (EMG), neurological examination,
neuropsychological evaluation for Post Concussion Syndrome, MRI or CT scans.
During the acute
phase of treatment:
- Nutritional
supplementation as needed to help reduce pain and inflammation and to facilitate healing.
- If necessary,
recommendations for work restrictions and time off from work to prevent further injury and
to allow for rest and recovery.
- Physical therapy
modalities such as ice, Infratonic QGM (a device developed in China that helps facilitate
healing and reduce inflammation by increasing circulation of lymph, blood and chi to the
area.)
- Light mobilization or
manual therapy.
During the sub-acute
phase of treatment:
- Chiropractic
adjustments.
- Massage and
myofascial therapy.
During the
rehabilitation phase of treatment:
- Less frequent visits
and chiropractic care.
- Myofascial therapy.
- Exercise and
rehabilitation therapy.
Additional care may
include
- Health Kinesiology.
- Acupuncture.
- Referral to other
traditional or alternative health care providers for further care.
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