Auto Injuries

Auto Injuries Q & A

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a relatively common injury in an automobile accident that is often ignored or mistreated due to lack of understanding of the condition. Whiplash is usually the result of a rear impact while in a stationary position. Early range of motion and exercises lead to a more rapid recovery than prolonged immobilization or use of a cervical collar. Failure to properly educate and treat patients with whiplash can lead to chronic psychosocial symptoms including depression and anxiety.

Whiplash is a relatively common injury that occurs to a person’s neck and back following a sudden acceleration-deceleration force that causes unrestrained, rapid forward and backward movement of the head, neck, and back most commonly from motor vehicle accidents. The term “whiplash” was first used in 1928. The term “railway spine” was used to describe a similar condition that was common in persons involved in train accidents prior to 1928. The term “whiplash injury” describes damage to both the bone structures and soft tissues, while “whiplash associated disorders” describes a more severe and chronic condition.

Fortunately, whiplash is typically not a life-threatening injury, but it can lead to a prolonged period of partial disability. There are significant economic expenses related to whiplash that can reach 30 billion dollars a year in the United States, including:

  • medical care,
  • disability,
  • sick leave,
  • lost productivity, and
  • litigation.

Can you help with insurance and billing?

If you have been injured in a car accident and are seeking care in Alexandria, Woodbridge, Manassas and Falls Church areas, the staff at Virginia Family Chiropractic will assist you with all billing questions and insurance issues.  In most cases, your auto insurance will cover your medical expenses.  The staff will handle the entire billing process for you so that you may focus on your health and getting better.

How are whiplash and other injuries from car accidents treated?

The chiropractors at Virginia Family Chiropractic will work with each patient to create and deliver individualized treatment plans to address each patient’s needs specifically. There is no one size fits all approach.

Why Should I See a Chiropractor for Whiplash?

Pain is too often treated with prescription drugs which, if used for a long period of time, can become addictive. Chiropractic medicine focuses on eliminating the source of the pain and promoting long-term, pain-free health. Our methods involve providing muscular therapies to relieve pain eliminating the need for medication.

If you’ve been in an auto accident and are suffering from any neck pain, a chiropractic adjustment could very well ease the pain and get you back on the road to recovery. At Virginia Family Chiropractic, your initial consultation will assess the extent of your injury. The chiropractor will advise you of any recommended manipulative treatments as well as any exercise techniques that will ease the pain.

Schedule a consultation today with one of our chiropractors whose applied experience and technique will not only ease your pain, but it will also change the way you think about taking care of yourself. You will be on your way to a healthier way of thinking about how to take care of your body for the rest of your life.