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Does Whiplash Go Away on it's Own?

Odds are that either you or someone you know has been in either a rear-end or side auto accident. In such an accident, the neck is usually “whipped” back and forth or side to side. This injury is called “Whiplash.” If you have been in even one you may consider minor, you may have been injured worse than you thought thus not receiving the treatment you needed to fully heal.   

Most cases of whiplash occur at 6 to 12 miles an hour, which doesn’t seem like a very bad collision. The problem is that crash testing conducted at UCLA show that the involved person’s head was subjected to 2.5 times the acceleration. So you can see that the force of the accident need not be extreme to create a big “whip” on the neck.

Once the injury has occurred there will be a strain on the muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones in the neck. More times than not there is swelling, pain and muscle spasms. This usually prompts a physician to prescribe an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants and pain relievers. The patient is often told to rest, letting their body heal on its own. This is especially true in “minor” cases.

In most instances, this approach will work to relieve the symptoms, leaving the patient to think that you have healed up just fine and dandy. But is this actually the truth?

Research is clear that during the initial healing process, which occurs over 6 to 8 weeks, the body lays down scar tissue in an irregular pattern, different from the original tissue. The reason for this is because the body is working as fast as it can to “patch” the area up. This tissue is shown to be stiffer and less functional. Add to this the fact that anti-inflammatory drugs create weaker tissue and you have a recipe for feeling better but being weaker. Maybe this is why reoccurrence of the pain and dysfunction is common.

So, with the above knowledge, what can you do to heal as strong as possible?

You need to do the following:

  1. Initially, it is important to manage the inflammation naturally. Ice is the best way to take down the swelling without negatively affecting the healing process. This should be done in the first 24 to 72 hours.
  2. Get a thorough structural evaluation from a chiropractor. Our San Luis Obispo clinic focuses on treating the dysfunction caused by the accident. Most, if not all whiplash cases are multi-factorial. The spine needs to be examined for good, working alignment. Tests need to be completed to evaluate the state of the ligaments and muscles surrounding their neck and spine. If applicable, more than one type of provider may be needed to aid in the overall approach.
  3. As you begin to heal and feel better, it will be vital to begin strengthening the muscles. Muscles can lose 3 to 7% of their strength per day, yet it may only be gained back at 0.5 to 1% per day. The quicker the strengthening starts the quicker it is regained.
  4. Follow through with the treatment recommended even if you are feeling better. Remember that improving function is the key to long term pain relief and proper healing!

I certainly hope this information empowers you and can help you or a loved one if the need arises. If you are unsure as to whether or not Dr. Dubrul can help you, or if he is the right chiropractor for you, take advantage of our FREE 15 minute consultation by calling 805-781-9155 today!

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