The unique forces
generated during a motor vehicle collision (MVC) cause more than 100,000 whiplash
cases in Canada
each year. This article will specifically focus on the treatment and prevention of
whiplash injuries.
The term WAD (Whiplash Associated Disorder) is used to describe a range
of injuries that can be attributed to whiplash.
This may include: neck pain,
whole body muscle pain/ache, jaw pain, referred arm pain, shoulder or other
joint pain, mid back pain, low back pain, headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus.
WAD Grades 1
and 2 represent the majority of whiplash cases and are amendable to
conservative management. Early treatment
and consultation can greatly improve the recovery process and prevent future
complications and chronic pain. Effective
treatment strategies may include: pain controlling modalities such as
electrotherapy and acupuncture to help facilitate and promote activity and
functioning; manual and soft tissue therapy to assist in the healing of injured
tissues; education on how to safely re-integrate into activities of daily
living; and rehabilitative exercises that may include range of motion,
flexibility, strengthening, and balance/coordination training. An independent home exercise program should
also be provided.
The goal of treatment
is to get the injured individual back on their feet and up to their normal
level of activity. The majority of
people with WAD Grades 1 and 2
experience no significant disruption to their normal activities of daily
living. Some may experience a temporary
disruption to their normal activities, but usually improve after a few days or
weeks. Occasionally, symptoms may
persist over a longer period of time. A
return to normal activities of daily living may be assisted by active treatment
and rehabilitative exercise prescription as described above.
Included below are
some tips that may help prevent a MVC and/or whiplash injury (courtesy of the Alberta College and Association of
Chiropractors):
1.
Drive
defensively. Always anticipate the
actions of other drivers.
2.
Wear your seatbelt at all times.
3.
Make sure your headrest is positioned
properly, that is, the top of the headrest should be no lower than the top of
your ear. If more than one driver uses
the car, remind each other to always check the headrest height.
4.
Never operate cell phones or other electronic
equipment while driving.
5.
When road conditions are poor (i.e. icy, wet,
dark, or crowded), slow down accordingly.
6.
Be sure your car is always in good working
order, particularly your brakes, tail lights, headlights, and directional
signals.
7.
Engage in regular physical activity
consisting of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training. This will help keep your body strong and
offer some protection in the event your are involved in a MVC.
If a whiplash injury is
interfering with your activities of daily living, consider chiropractic
care. A chiropractor can
prescribe appropriate conservative therapy, rehabilitation and self-management
strategies specifically for you. For
more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.
This
article is a basic summary for educational purposes only. It is not intended, and should not be
considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly
licensed health practitioner.
No comments:
Post a Comment