If you were involved in an automobile accident, it is essential you seek consultation from a doctor who is trained to examine the spine and related soft-tissue areas. Prompt attention to any of your injuries you're suffering from is very important in the healing process and helps avoid problems which could develop at a later date and not be as readily treatable. Clinical research has shown the injuries may not be felt for several hours, days and in rare cases even months following the incident.

Signs and Symptoms of an Automobile Injury:

• Headaches
• Shoulder and Arm Pain
• Numbness, tingling and weakness
• Whiplash (see below)
• Lower Back Pain
• Leg pain, numbness and/or tingling
• Nausea/vomiting
• Stress/emotional complaints

At Eastside Allied Health, LLC we can help you get started by:

• Offering same-day appointments
• Accepting attorney liens
• Filing your paperwork and/or insurance
• Properly documenting your injuries

WHIPLASH

"Whiplash" is the common name given to an injury where there is a hyperextension (increased backward motion), hyper flexion (increased forward motion) injury to the cervical (neck) spine. Its name comes from the fact that the spine is held in place in the mid back by the attachment of the rib cage. Any movement, therefore, as in the case of an auto accident, commonly results in the neck being "whipped" forward or backward or sideways in relationship to the rib cage.

A typical example of a common injury to the neck region is illustrated in the rear end collision (see below). The driver, not suspecting such an incident, is relaxed. The force from behind causes the head to quickly flip backwards and then thrust forward by the deceleration (quick stopping) motion.

This type of rapid movement and the manner in which the head is thrust about has been termed "whiplash". Many injuries of this nature are not immediately felt by the injured person. Authorities estimate that the injuries may not be felt for several hours, days and in rare cases even months of years following the incident. Reactions from this type of injury could be: headaches, neck pain, visual disturbances, shoulder and arm pain/tingling and restriction of movement.

Many victims attempt to treat the neck injury with home remedies increasing the possibility of further injury.

It is absolutely essential to have an examination by a doctor who is trained to examine the spine and related structures, and who understands the dynamics of the "whiplash" injury in order to rule out, or diminish, future problems.

The immediate damage to the muscles and ligaments will heal with scar formation if not treated properly. The healing will result in tissues that do not have the same elastic property or ability to stretch and therefore pain associated with the injury may continue. The tearing of the ligaments and the trauma to the cervical spine (neck vertebrae) can result in significant spinal misalignments, which left undetected and uncorrected, will result in degenerative changes to the neck region and discs.

Chiropractors are particularly concerned with the structural balance of the spine; furthermore, careful attention is paid to proper alignment and mobility of the spine. Prompt attention to any neck or lower back injury may help avoid many of the symptoms which could develop at a later date and not be as readily treatable.

If you have been involved in an automobile accident, call us today at (770) 482-1114. Our staff will set an appointment time that is convenient for you.