Guide Reference

Whiplash is a term that was originally coined in 1928, just 20 years after Henry Ford introduced the Model T. The growth of injuries from auto accidents became more common as Ford and other mass produced vehicles. The injury involves a rapid extension and flexion of a victims neck. A Gresham chiropractor provides noninvasive care for the injury.

Whiplash injuries affect many different parts of the body, although the primary injury takes place in the individuals neck. Due to the great number of factors involved in the trauma, it is not possible to predict how an accident may affect ones body. In addition, many times, the onset of symptoms of this injury is often delayed and individual sometimes is unaware of their extent for several months after they occur.

Neck pain is the most common complaint from this type of trauma. The pain may radiate across ones shoulders and affect shoulder blades. It can also radiate up into the head. The injuries from this type of trauma tend to affect all the necks tissues including discs, muscles, nerves and ligaments.

Neck pain after a car wreck is often due to injuries to the passengers facet joints. The back of the neck may be tender to the touch, but the injury is not revealed in x-rays or MRIs. Physical palpation of injured joints can reveal the problem.

Disc injuries can also cause neck pain. The outer wall of a disc is often torn during whiplash. Herniation then allows the structure of the disc to compress and irritate nerves, sending pain signals to the brain. The pain may be localized, but most often radiate to affect other body parts.

A Gresham chiropractor has special training to deal with these issues. The doctor offers non-invasive therapy without pills or surgery. Patients can heal naturally with the help the doctor provides.