Auto Accidents & Injuries

If you are injured in an auto accident, the providers at Advanced Orthopedics & Physical Therapy in West and East Cleveland and Euclid, Ohio can help. One of the most common injuries involved in car crashes, especially rear-end collisions, is whiplash, although the condition may also result from sports, work, or other trauma-related injuries.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when the head suddenly moves forward, backwards, or sideways from severe impact, such as during a car crash. The force of the collision and head movement can result in damage to the muscles, ligaments, joints, or spine and cause neck pain; upper or mid-back pain; pain or numbness in your shoulder, elbow, arm, or hand; tight muscles; burning or tingling sensations in your neck or upper back; headaches, dizziness or blurred vision. You may experience pain immediately, or it might be weeks, months or even years before symptoms occur.

Many times whiplash can displace one or more of your vertebrae, or discs, in your spine. This vertebral displacement is called a subluxation, and it typically causes nerve impingement, which most people refer to as pinched nerves.

What is the treatment for whiplash?

The most effective treatments for whiplash are typically chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage therapy.

By adjusting your spine to help the displaced vertebrae move back into place, chiropractic treatment can help relieve pain and restore mobility. Even if you are not in pain, it is critical to seek chiropractic care immediately following an auto accident to assess if there is any damage to the spine.

Within a couple of weeks, you can then begin physical therapy to help the muscles, ligaments and tendons begin to heal. In addition, massage therapy can help reduce inflammation and relieve the pain of sore, tight muscles.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may need chiropractic treatments, physical therapy, and massage therapy for a few months up to a year.

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident and need immediate treatment, contact Advanced Orthopedics & Physical Therapy today. Call our office at (216) 378-9390 or you can request an appointment online.