Whiplash Centennial, CO
- Auto & Sports Collisions
- Motion X-Ray Imaging
- Documented Recovery Plans
The car crash happened on Tuesday, and a few days later, the neck pain arrived. This kind of delay is common in conditions like whiplash. The force of the collision may force the neck above its range of motion faster than the muscles can react. It results in pain that may not become noticeable for several days. Someone may think that they’re feeling fine and they decline a hospital visit, but they wake up later on struggling to turn their head in the morning.
At Axis Health and Wellness, Dr. Tony Nicholas welcomes patients who have whiplash. It can come from a fresh injury because of a car collision or a neck problem that has been left untreated for a few years. It’s important to get these injuries checked earlier because it can affect the recovery period. The sooner the neck is treated, the more an individual can prevent the injury from becoming a long-term problem.
What Whiplash Feels Like
- The neck feels stiff, as well as the upper back, and this is generally one of its most common symptoms.
- Many people have decreased range when they’re moving, and they now need to check their backs with their entire torso moving. .
- Headaches, which after a neck injury usually start in the upper neck, tend to become more painful as days go by.
- Experiences radiating pain in one’s hands, and sometimes, it’s the nerves in the feet that are aching, and this needs medical evaluation.
Whiplash doesn’t always come from a car accident, but it can also be caused by a hard fall and any incident that whips the head forcefully.
Why Is Doing an Early Checkup Important?
Collisions tend to place significant stress on the neck and the rest of the spine, and it can result in strained muscles. The nerves in the body become compressed, and disc injuries can also occur depending on the force of the impact. If they’re left untreated, they can result in restricted movement that will gradually develop into a long-term condition that’s difficult to resolve.
“It’s important to get checked as soon as possible after an accident. Specialists will want to evaluate the spine and try to heal any injuries as soon as possible. Before an acute injury has a chance to affect the patient’s life for the long term.”
Dr. Tony Nicholas, D.C.Exam is Included in Each Visit
Cases for whiplash often require evaluation, and visiting our Centennial office means that a thorough exam will be conducted. Dr. Tony will request detailed motion X-rays that capture the movement of the neck.
Ligaments can’t usually be seen on standard X-rays, so an MRI may be requested to evaluate the extent of the tissue injuries. The doctor will check for ligament damage and see if there are abnormal movements between the vertebrae. With the results of the physical exam, the findings will accurately show how the car crash affected the spine and whether further evaluation is needed. One can find more information if they need to file a claim for this treatment on our auto accident care page.
How Whiplash Gets Treated
- Chiropractic adjustments are done to restore the alignment of the back. The adjustment will match the patient’s current condition, and it starts gently at first.
- Dry needling can be ideal if the trapezius muscles are involved and the neck can’t move freely after a car crash.
- SoftWave therapy is for tissues that took a hit, especially in the upper cervical area. This is useful for headaches that might develop later on.
- Spinal decompression is great when the collision affected the discs of the lower back.
What Recovery Actually Looks Like
There’s no overnight fix for whiplash, and the recovery can be a gradual process that takes time. A collision can injure the spine and the surrounding tissues, so the goal is to help it improve over time. Patients often notice progress within four to six weeks after about 12 visits. A full recovery may take up to 26 treatments, and this depends on various factors like the overall medical condition of the patient and the severity of the collision.
medical condition of the patient and the severity of the collision. Progress is reassessed each week to make sure that the treatment is moving in the right direction. If you are not improving as expected by the 8- to 12-visit mark, Dr. Tony will refer you to the appropriate specialist for further evaluation rather than simply continuing to schedule more visits.
Go to the Hospital First If
- There is any chance of a fracture from the impact.
- You hit your head, and you’re experiencing nausea, or you lost consciousness after the impact.
- You have shortness of breath, or you feel pain that’s beyond what you can handle.
These emergencies usually belong in the emergency room of a hospital. On the other hand, a stiff neck that’s still painful after some of the factors above have been ruled out may be treated in a chiropractic clinic.
The Insurance Question Everyone Asks
People with whiplash usually ask whether insurance can cover their bills or whether they need a lawyer in the process. In most cases, the clinic bills the insurers directly if they’re eligible to cover some of the sessions. The specialists can also provide proper documentation if you need a lawyer, especially for lawsuits.
Whiplash FAQs
I feel fine after my accident. Should I still get checked?
Yes, and the check-up should be done soon. The symptoms of whiplash can take several days to appear, and this is when the injured soft tissues start to stiffen. Many people may feel fine after an accident, but this doesn’t rule out an injury. An early exam can catch problems that adrenaline may initially hide, and this also documents the injury closer to the date of the car crash.
How long does whiplash take to heal?
Usually, improvements can be seen by the 12th visit, and this usually takes around four to six weeks. Full recovery can take up to 26 sessions, but it still depends on the patient’s age or the severity of the collision. Also, younger patients tend to recover faster, but they still need to show up on their schedule to make sure that they’re fully healed.
Will my insurance pay for whiplash treatment?
This clinic bills major insurance providers directly, so the patient doesn’t need to pay out of pocket when applicable. If a lawyer is involved, the staff will also send the billing details and the medical records to the professional so they can correctly handle the patient’s case. It’s best to ask the front desk about insurance claims to get more accurate information about this.
Can whiplash cause headaches months later?
Yes, because whiplash can affect the upper neck, and it can contribute to severe headaches that can settle behind the eyes. When it goes untreated, the result is stiffness in the neck that contributes to chronic pain. It’s best to evaluate the underlying neck issue to get relief from whiplash as soon as possible.
I never treated my whiplash and it has been months. Too late?
It’s not too late but know that the recovery may take longer if the condition hasn’t been treated when it first appeared. The stiffness in the neck can persist for a long time, and an X-ray will usually determine the appropriate treatment for the ache. Waiting longer can mean more recovery time, and this is why it’s best to get checked as soon as possible.
Do you only treat car accident whiplash?
No. Any force that suddenly whips the head forward and backward can cause whiplash, including sports collisions and other incidents. The injury can be similar regardless of the cause. Car accidents simply add insurance claims and, sometimes, dealing with attorneys, which this clinic routinely handles.
Treat It Now, or Manage It for Years
Don’t get used to the pain and instead, get the examination that you need. Have the spine realigned to get relief. In our clinic, we treat whiplash in Centennial, Greenwood Village, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Aurora, Parker, and Castle Rock, so come visit us today.