Portland Oregon Auto Accidents and Whiplash Injuries
Auto accident injuries can result in severe and ongoing problems including head, neck, and back problems; damage to the nerves, muscles and ligaments; shoulder, knee, arm, leg, and wrist problems, and, most serious of all -- brain injuries.
The most common car accident injury is whiplash, which is a serious neck injury. Car crash victims may also injure or have pain in parts of their bodies other than the neck. Lower back pain is common in car crashes, as are leg injuries from hitting the dash board, steering wheel or other structures in the car.
Pacific Health Care specializes in car crash injuries in Portland, OR and surrounding areas. Call today to schedule a consultation and say goodbye to pain and suffering (503) 760-0778
What is Whiplash?
The term whiplash was used historically to describe the movement of the neck during the injury phase of a crash because — it was thought — the motion mimicked that of a whip. More recent research shows that the movement of the neck is actually more complicated than the motion of a whip. The important thing to know is that the head and neck of the injured person is accelerated 3 to 5 times faster than the acceleration of the car. This sudden change in speed (about 1/10 of second) produces damage to the structures (muscles, nerves, ligaments, etc.) and causes neck pain and other problems.
It is estimated that there is about 3 million whiplash injuries per year in the USA, according to Dr. Arthur Croft of the Spine Research Institute of San Diego. Several studies show that a large percentage of whiplash victims will still have pain years after their crashes. Chiropractic treatment along with supportive therapies can make a big difference helping car accident victims avoid pain and suffering.
Whiplash Symptoms
Whiplash symptoms encompass much more than just neck pain. There may be headaches, jaw pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, hand pain, numbness and tingling, as well as brain injury. Brain injury may show up as memory loss, irritability, insomnia, depression, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), concentration problems, etc.
Whiplash Prevention
Believe it or not there are certain things you can do to prevent being injured in a car crash. Practice good defensive driving skills. Know where other cars are that surround you. That means paying attention while you drive. This gives you an edge to avoid a collision if possible. Adjust your headrest properly. It’s estimated that only 1/3 of headrests are properly adjusted. The middle of the headrest should be at the middle back of your skull. This will stop your head from rotating forward or backward during impact. Finally, if you know you’re going to get hit it does help to brace for the impact.
Advanced Health Care Center offers experienced chiropractic, medial and massage therapy to provide our patients with the most comprehensive accident injury treatment in Portland, OR.
Call us to schedule your consultation, 503-760-0778