Auto Accidents and Whiplash

CHIROPRACTIC PROVES EFFECTIVE FOR WHIPLASH INJURIES

Many studies have been conducted in the past decade to determine the efficacy of chiropractic for whiplash injuries. No conventional medical treatment has been shown to be effective in established chronic whiplash injury patients. However, high success rates in the recovery of these types of patients has been demonstrated through chiropractic care. In the Tustin, Santa Ana, and Irvine areas at Orange Coast Chiropractic Group.

A recent study published in the Journal of Orthopedic Medicineclearly established that whiplash patients had a good outcome with chiropractic care.

Of the patients with neck pain and restricted neck range of motion with no neurologic deficits, 72% had a good outcome.

Of the patients with neurological symptoms and restricted range of motion, including tingling, numbness and parasthesias (abnormal sensation such as prickling or burning) in the extremities, 94% had a good outcome.

The final group had severe neck pain and pain radiating to the extremities. These patients often described blackouts, nausea, chest pain and visual dysfunction. 27% of these patients had a good outcome with chiropractic care.

This study provides new evidence that chiropractic care is effective in the treatment of whiplash patients.

SOURCE: Woodward MN, Cook CH, Gargan MF, Bannister GC; Chiropractic Treatment of Chronic Whiplash Injuries; Journal of Orthopedic Medicine, 1999; 21 (1): 22-24.

PROTECTING YOURSELF IN COLLISIONS

A person’s first inclination during an auto accident is to remain loose and relaxed, but according to research, contracted muscles protect the bones, discs, ligaments and nerves in a collision.

Dr. Lawrence Nordhoff, Jr., Accident Reconstructionist, recommends the following:

Brace Yourself: Tighten up and brace yourself firmly at the 10 O’clock and 2 O’clock positions on the steering wheel, keeping your wrists flat to prevent injuries.
Sit Straight: Face forward and sit against the back of your seat, pressing your head firmly against the headrest.
On average, a person will be in a car collision once every 10 years, according to Nordhoff’s studies. He advises to take these precautions: 

Watch your rear view mirror:This keeps you aware of oncoming collisions and more aware of your surroundings.
Buy a big car.
Sit at least six inches away from the steering wheel: This prevents injury to your chest from airbags.
Set the headrest properly:It should make contact just above your ears.
Wear seat belts correctly:Never wear the shoulder harness behind your back.
Don’t pump anti-lock brakes: Hold them to the floor to prevent your car from flipping over.
SOURCE:“How to Reduce Risk of Injury In Car Crashes,” Investor’s Business Daily, Vol. 17, No. 122.