Chiropractic care is exceptional in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, especially of the spine.

One of the most stressful events in life is dealing with the issues that occur after an accident. The first thing a person thinks about after the crash is the car. Most people are not aware that some injuries are not detected for months or even years. Doctors of Chiropractic are also known as an auto injury specialist because of their training in soft tissue injuries, they are experts in the relief of pain. Therefore, it is advisable for anybody that has a car accident to immediately seek the services of a chiropractor even after emergency room care. This is especially important in severe whiplash cases. If you are ever in an auto accident call Dr. Gamboa as soon as possible and he can immediately assess your condition.

It is often days or weeks later that the full impact of the crash is felt.

This is because at the time of an accident our bodies produce adrenaline which acts like a natural pain killer and allows us to muster the courage to move through the impact and “take care of business”..  A doctor of chiropractic is essentially a car accident specialist and can be a brilliant source of diagnosis and treatment of whiplash as well as back and neck injuries.

Often, passengers can be hurt more than a driver, especially if it is a side wreck or T-bone and children can suffer the same injuries as adults. These little patients need to be given the same care whether or not the injuries caused are visible. A thought: if damage was done to a vehicle that bent metal, the people inside the car surely absorbed that force as well.

Whiplash injuries occur most often in rear impact collisions

When the body experiences whiplash, the neck and back most frequently have injuries.

Most cases of whiplash are the result of sprained ligaments in the neck; the muscles naturally spasm as a protective mechanism. Pain can originate in the neck or may travel down one or both arms resulting in neck pain, back pain, sciatica, shoulder pain and other health conditions.
Severe whiplash can come with persistent, ongoing pain that lasts for a month or more. This pain may indicate more extensive damage to the nerves. Whiplash can also lead to discs rupturing in the neck or a “slipped” or herniated disc in the back. See spinal decompression page for more information.

It’s more than just whiplash. Shoulder pain is also common in car accidents, as well as victims just not feeling “like their normal selves”. They may also experience other symptoms like:

dizziness, blurry vision, headaches, muscle stiffness or spasms, numbness and tingling, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability, memory loss and difficulty concentrating.

According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 1/3 of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic. That number is astounding when combined with the fact that the National Safety Council (NSC) has determined there to be more than 30 million accidents annually involving more than 60 million vehicles.

An article “Headaches arising from disorders of the cervical spine,” published in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicine in 1999 pointed to the superiority of Chiropractic care for patients suffering from long term whiplash. The authors of the article noted that a previous study had shown that 93% of patients with chronic whiplash benefited from Chiropractic care.
The researchers concluded that, “The results from this study provide further evidence that chiropractic is an effective treatment for chronic whiplash symptoms.”

In addition, x-rays or MRIs (if indicated) will be used to check for any structural damage. In our office, we routinely evaluate auto accident victims and make any appropriate referrals to other health care providers if necessary. Our primary responsibility is providing the proper care and submitting the required medical reports to the insurance company or attorney so the rights of the patient are protected. If we can’t help the patient, we will refer them to a doctor or facility that can.

* Balla JI, Iansek R. Headaches arising from disorders of the cervical spine. In: Hopkins A, ed.
Headache: Problems in Diagnosis and Management. London: WB Saunders; 1988