Whiplash

Around 2.5 million Americans experience a rear-end collision every year making this the most common type of car accident. Of those 2.5 million 20 percent suffer from whiplash injuries. The majority of the individuals with whiplash improve within one month, however, some individuals have symptoms that last longer. The sooner massage therapy is utilized the better the outcome for that individual. They are able to heal quicker and less likely to develop chronic pain. 

Even low speed accidents from 5-10 mph can cause a lot of pain and injury. The severity of the injury often depends on whether or not you are properly restrained. Other aspects include how hard you got hit, the position of the car, position of your body and head, type of seat, position of headrest and if you have had any pre-accident medical condition. Whiplash can be a nightmare if not treated properly. Although car accidents are the most common ways to develop whiplash it can also occur in high impact sports, such as wakeboarding, skiing, snowboarding, gymnastics, football and boxing. 

SYMPTOMS

Headaches

• Numbness in arms, face & shoulder

• Tingling

• Stiffness

• Pain

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Vomitting

• Memory problems (thinking, remembering)

• Hip pain

• Jaw pain

• Low back pain

• Impaired vision

PROPER POSITIONING

If the seat belt height, head restraint and seat position are not positioned correctly it can have a more dramatic effect on how your body will act in a rear-end collision accident. If you have a poorly adjusted head restraint your body will move up followed by your head jerking back and pushing the head restraint down. It is so important to have proper positioning of your seat and head restraint to lessen the effects of severe whiplash. The top of your head restraint height should be flush with your head and the restraint should be touching the back of your head or as close as you can get it to touch your head. 

Before looking into other therapies make sure to get your doctors consent. Chiropractic care can be very effective in treating whiplash. Massage therapy can help with the symptoms such as headache and muscle spasms, pain and tightness. Your therapist should recommend shorter sessions to avoid sympathetic reactivation and gradually increase duration and depth. You can always work a little more next time but its hard to take back your work once you've already done too much.

You should also wait a few days after the car accident before getting massage so the initial healing process is uninterrupted. As stated above get your doctors approval and make sure to get in as soon as you can to help with symptoms. Call today to help with relief from your whiplash symptoms in the Salt Lake City, UT area 801-889-8784.