Chiropractic for Chronic Whiplash After Auto Injury

Dr. Michels frequently sees Salem patients complaining of whiplash symptoms several months, or even years, after their initial auto injury. The risk of chronic pain after auto injury is great, with up to 50% of whiplash patients developing persistent symptoms. Research suggests that many patients experience chronic pain for up to a decade after the car accident. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and treat chronic pain after auto injury, through conservative, drug-free interventions like chiropractic care.

Case Study on Chiropractic for Chronic Whiplash

A case study published in Clinical Chiropractic outlined the story of a 22-year old woman suffering from neck pain and headache six months after an auto injury,The patient felt neck pain within 24 hours of the car accident, which remained severe for two weeks while she wore a soft collar. The woman's neck pain continued to get worse, and she developed frontal headaches during this time.

A chiropractor treated the woman with chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapies, post-isometric relaxation techniques, self stretches, and exercise rehabilitation. Proprioceptive exercises were also assigned to address postural and muscle imbalances.

After seven treatments, the woman reported no neck pain and no headaches. Her cervical range of motion also improved greatly. The four month follow-up showed that she continued to be free of headaches, with only mild, intermittent neck pain.

Salem Chiropractor Eases Auto Injuries

These findings highlight the role that chiropractors can play in combating chronic pain after whiplash and auto injuries. Although early treatment is crucial for auto injuries, this treatment demonstrates that even chronic whiplash patients can benefit from chiropractic care, such as what Dr. Michels provides for his Salem patients. Research suggests that chiropractic care can reduce whiplash symptoms in up to 93% of patients.

Dr. Michels is experienced in diagnosing and treating whiplash, as well as a variety of other auto injuries. If you're suffering from auto injuries in Salem, OR, contact Michels Spinal Rehab & Associates today.

References

Alpass L. Chiropractic management of "intractable" chronic whiplash syndrome. Clinical Chiropractic 2004. 7 (1): 16-23.

Matsumoto M, Okada E, Ichihara D, Chiba K, Toyama Y, Fujiwara H, Momoshima S, Nishiwaki Y, Hashimoto T, Inoue T, Watanabe M, Takahata T. Prospective ten-year follow-up study comparing patients with whiplash-associated disorders and asymptomatic subjects using magnetic resonance imaging. Spine. 2010. 34:18. pp. 1684-1690.

Tyndel S, Bryant B. Long-term outcome of motor vehicle accidentinjury. Psychosom Med 1997;59:578–84.