Car Accidents and Whiplash Trauma

Although we have focused on stress in much of our website, receiving care after injuries or accidents, especially car accidents is very important for reducing the likelihood of long-term, chronic problems.

Many people do not realize that they can be injured from low speed impacts or in accidents where there is no or little damage to the car.  Some injuries are not obvious immediately, and if there are changes to the biomechanics of the neck which are not acutely painful, the symptoms may not show up for months. 

Even Acute symptoms may not be felt for 1 to 3 days after the accident.  The level of pain is often not the best indicator of the extent of the injury, this is why if you or anyone you know is in a car accident we recommend scheduling an appointment for an evaluation as soon as possible.

"In emergency rooms the common advice is to go home, apply an ice pack, take an anti-inflammatory and consult with their family doctor if symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks.  Unfortunately this advice is probably responsible for at least some of the more than 30% of whiplash victims who never fully recover.  Therapeutic intervention within the first couple of weeks after the accident can reduce the likelihood of longterm symptoms.

~  Arthur C. Croft, DC, MS, MPH, FACO, FACFE

            Director - Spine Research Institute of San Diego

"Low speed impact with minimal or no damage to the impacted vehicle can and does cause significant musculoskeletal injury to the driver or occupant's head and neck."

~Dr. Rene Calliet M.D.

"Whiplash Associated Diseases", 2006

According to the Spine Research Institute, this is a list of some of the symptoms and syndromes that can develop days to months after a car accident.

Neck pain and headaches

Thyroid dysfunction

Peripheral neuropathy

Brachial plexopathy (neurological symptoms in arms)

Dizziness

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Visual disturbances

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Herniation of cervical discs

Spinal cord injury

TMJ injury/disruption 

Brain injury

Hormonal imbalances

Damage to the posterior cervical sympathetic nerves

Menstrual disorders

Tremor and movement disorders

Fibromyalgia syndrome

Allergy

Breathing disorders

Cardiovascular disorders

Digestive disorders

Low back pain

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