If you have been in a motor vehicle accident, it is likely that you may have injured your neck and back. This is most often called a “whiplash” injury.
Common symptoms of a whiplash injury include joint pain, muscle pain, headaches, arm pain and leg pain.
These symptoms occur when the vertebral joints and associated muscles and nerves are subjected to excessive unnatural forces and movements that often occur with a car crash.
After an accident, it is important that you have an examination by your family chiropractor as soon as possible to support the recovery process.
What should you expect after a motor vehicle accident?
Some people develop pain, stiffness and other symptoms up to seven to 10 days after an accident. This is not unusual. However, do not delay in seeking treatment from your chiropractic doctor.
Severe symptoms such as headache or pain in arms and legs are also common. If you feel any of these symptoms, advise your chiropractic doctor as soon as possible.
It is also possible for the effects of a significant crash to recur over six to 18 months.
However, the intensity and severity of the symptoms should lessen over time, thus allowing a gradual return to normal activity.
Most injuries are not serious, and people often recover to their pre-accident condition. However, the amount of disruption of normal activities varies with the circumstances of the crash.
Your chiropractic treatment:
Consult your chiropractor for a thorough examination, then he or she can make an accurate diagnosis and discuss your treatment options. Your chiropractor may recommend manipulation and soft tissue treatment, modification of your current work or home activities, home stretching and strengthening exercises, and ergonomic advice.
Most importantly, once you and your chiropractor have agreed on a treatment plan, it is important that you follow his or her advice to support the recovery process.
Physical Rehabilitation:
We have recently expanded our office to accommodate a physical rehabilitation facility where we accept patients with ICBC and short or long term disability related injuries.
These patients are examined by myself and a diagnosis is made. Then, a kinesiologist, Kim Penner, and I create an exercise program specific to the injuries of each patient.
After that, each patient is supervised by the kinesiologist while they perform these exercises.
By remaining active during the healing phase of recovery, the short and long term results are much better. Typically, ICBC or other insurance companies will cover the costs of the rehabilitation.
As well, patients who are not part of an ICBC or disability claim can choose to pay their own way and attend our physical rehabilitation or other core strengthening programs.
