Auto Accident Back Pain and Whiplash:

Whiplash occurs when an accident or injury forces your head backward and forward suddenly. The force can damage parts of your neck and reverse its natural curve. This may cause pain in your shoulders, arms, hands and neck as well as headache. Many times symptoms are not felt right away and may take days or weeks before symptoms are noticed.

The pain from whiplash can come from injury to the ligaments, soft tissue and discs of the neck and spine. Impingement or irritation of the nerves and the spinal cord requires special and immediate care. Chiropractic is uniquely qualified to take care of these injuries. Masking the pain with drugs will only help in the short term, and surgery should always be your last resort.

Your body will start the healing process almost immediately. Inflammation is a non-specific response of your immune system. It is helpful if your body were fighting off an invading bacteria. Unfortunately your body reacts the same way to any threat. Inflammation will lead to further tissue damage and excess scar tissue, if left unchecked.

Also during the healing process your body will lay down randomly organized repair tissue. This is your body's attempt to stabilize the area to prevent another injury later. Without Chiropractic adjustments your neck motion will stiffen up and become restricted. Without full motion of your neck and spine, degenerative joint disease that is commonly seen in old age, is accelerated.

At Springwater Chiropractic we treat every case individually. Every accident is different. We start with a complete history of the accident and your past health. Then we do a thorough exam before a diagnosis is made. We utilize a variety of different therapies based on your condition. Of course we will use Chiropractic Adjustments and home care exercises, but we may also use ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, traction, hot packs, or soft tissue massage.

If you have any questions give us a call or e-mail. Dr. Prom is always willing to discuss your situation with you.
503-465-9100.