Modesto Chiropractor Dr. Dan Anderson treats difficult acute auto accident "whiplash" cases,and has some great tips for treating them.
Dr. Anderson has 24 years experience and utilizes the latest gentle and scientific techniques available for each patient to achieve the fastest and most pleasant results.
Dr. Anderson exlains" When an unfortunate accident occurs to our bodies as a result of a motor vehicle accident, it is imparative that appropriate care begins immediately. He has these tips to remember if you are in an accident.
First, If you are injured , stay calm and wait for emergency personel to arrive. Make sure you tell the EMT or Paramedics that respond to the accident your symptoms. Let them make the call if you need to be transported to the nearest hospital. Don't try and diagnose yourself and think you are ok. The emergency personnel from the EMT, Paramedic , Nurses , P A's and M.D's are trained and can save your life and your health with appropriate treatment.
Second, it is very important to remember the first 1-5 days are critical when handling soft tissue injuries. Your symptoms can increase during this period. Don't be to active. You need to rest. The more severe your injury, the longer the time required for rest. Remember this acronym. RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation).
The easiest way to rest is bed rest. Usually not the whole time, but at least don't stay active. Vary from bedrest, to easychair or couch etc. at home. Just rest and relax. If you need some time off work, tell your Dr. It is important to not over exert during this time, and be in a place of comfort home and more relaxed.
I stands for ice. Ice chills the soft tissue, and constricts the bloodflow to the injured tissues. Ice acts as a sedative or analgesic. This will decrease swelling to the injured tussues and decrease muscle spasms. If possible mild trigger point work can begin right away to help decrease muscle spasms and promote drainage. This is where it is important to come into the chiropractic office as soon as the injury occurs. Mobilization of the soft tissues and the spine is important, and must be started as soon as possible. In our office we utilize the most advanced physiotherapy tecniques and gentle adjusting procedures.
Compression is recommended for patients with muscle spasms and pain that precludes them from holding up their necks. If your neck feels like you can't hold it up and it is weak, a cervical soft collar may be applied. It needs to be fit correctly so it slightly tractions or pulls up on the spine. This us only to be done if slight traction help you. If it hurts more, then it is best not to use it. If you put a collar on and it provides relief and support, then use it. I advise my patients to use the collars for the shortest time possible. We discontinue the collar when appropriate.
E stands for elevation. Think of this as any form of traction. I like to begin traction with very light gentle force and short treatment time. Traction is very beneficial. Research shows that traction can decrease muscle spasms and aid the healing of muscle, ligaments and joints.
It is very important to hydrate and get proper rest. I recommend patients use a good cervical pillow. These pillows help maintain more normal lordotic curves. When you sleep, you need to remember the postions of your neck. Try sleeping on your back. pillow under your knees and cervical pillow under your neck. If you side sleep, use the cervical pillow that keeps your neck in the proper position. If you are not sure, Ask your Dr. He or she will fit you with the correct pillow. Often, these pillows may be covered as part of your treatment program .
And finally it is very important, to get your spine checked for subluxations. Injuries can cause locking of the vertebral joints. Research is clear that unlocking these fixated joints is paramount to the healing of the joint and soft tissue. Mobilization, leads to improved healing. Have a chiropractic examination if you have had any acute injury causing "whiplash".
If you have any additional questions, contact Dr.Anderson at 209-578-5199 or visit his website at www.modestosbestchiropractor.com.
