Each year, millions of Americans suffer from whiplash and concussion caused by auto accidents, sports injuries and other trauma. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, there were an estimated 2.87 million emergency department visits in the United States related to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in 2014 alone. Of those, almost 75% involved some type of concussion or mild TBI, while approximately 800,000 involved whiplash or neck sprain/strain injury.
While getting care for whiplash or concussion pain can be overwhelming, the the team at Addison Chiropractic and Sports Clinic located in the heart of Kennesaw, GA, is here to help answer your questions and guide you through the recovery process. Our whiplash and concussion protocol will help get you back to living your best life.
What are whiplash & concussions? (mTBI)
Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly thrown forward and backward, causing damage to the neck muscles and tendons. Symptoms usually develop within 24 hours, but may take weeks or months to completely recede.
Common causes of whiplash can include automobile accidents, falls, and contact sports. In auto accidents, whiplash often occurs when a car is hit from behind or if a driver or passenger jerks their head quickly due to an impact. Falls from heights, such as from ladders or scaffolding, are also common causes.
- Research conducted by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control suggests that up to 3 million people suffer from whiplash each year in the US due to motor vehicle crashes.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), whiplash injuries account for approximately 85-90% of all auto accident-related injuries.
Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, jolt, or blow to the head. It can also occur as a result of violent shaking of the head and body, which causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. While a concussion is not always life-threatening, they should be taken seriously and monitored closely, as they can lead to long-term health issues when left untreated.
Common causes of concussion include any type of blow to the head, such as falls, being hit with an object, or a sudden acceleration/deceleration. Such incidents can occur in a variety of settings, including sports and vehicular accidents. In sports-related concussions, the most common force applied is from another player’s head, body or elbow.
- Data from the Brain Injury Association of America shows that between 1.6 million and 3.8 million individuals sustain sport or recreation related concussions annually in this country alone.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that contact sports such as football, basketball, hockey, soccer and cheerleading have some of the highest rates of concussions reported among athletes.
- Research conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that 1 in 5 high school athletes will experience a concussion during their athletic career.
Whiplash Symptoms
Common symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness and tenderness in the neck muscles, headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, fatigue, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), difficulty concentrating/remembering, and depression. In more severe cases of whiplash, people may also experience numbness or tingling in the extremities, shoulder and arm pain, sleep disturbances, jaw pain and soreness, and difficulty chewing. Some long-term results of a whiplash injury can include:
- Pulled ligaments/muscles in the neck
- Disc bulges and herniation
- Subluxations
- Irritated/damaged nerves
Common symptoms of concussion can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, difficulty concentrating or remembering things, slurred speech, balance problems, and blurry vision. In severe cases, a person may lose consciousness for a short time after experiencing a head trauma. Other signs or symptoms may include sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, irritability and difficulty sleeping. While a single concussion rarely causes permanent damage, consecutive concussions without treating the initial one can result in long-term effects such as:
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory problems
- Persistent headaches
- Balance problems
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Disorders of smell and taste
Our Techniques Used to Treat Whiplash and Concussion in Kennesaw, GA
Our whiplash/concussion recovery program involves:
Chiropractic care for the spine and extremities
- Chiropractic care for whiplash and concussion injuries can be beneficial in helping to alleviate pain, improve range of motion, reduce inflammation and promote healing. Chiropractic treatment involves gentle manipulation of the neck and spine, which can help to restore alignment, reduce muscle tension, increase mobility, and provide relief from pain.
Soft tissue therapy to enhance muscle, tendon, and ligament healing
- Soft tissue therapy is an effective way to enhance recovery from whiplash and concussion injuries by using hands-on manipulation to improve the function of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues that may be affected by these types of injuries. Its aim is to reduce muscle tension, increase range of motion and flexibility in the affected area, alleviate pain, and reduce inflammation.
Class 4 laser therapy to decrease pain, inflammation, and promote recovery
- Class 4 laser therapy is a type of low-level laser treatment (LLLT) that uses a specific wavelength of light to penetrate the skin and target the injured cells, tissues, or organs. It is beneficial for whiplash and concussion recovery by helping reduce inflammation, increase circulation, stimulate nerve cells to reduce muscle spasms and tension, enhance tissue repair by stimulating cellular processes such as collagen synthesis, and improve range of motion by increasing flexibility in the affected area.
Frequency Specific Microcurrent protocols targeting symptoms of concussion and whiplash
- Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) protocols are a type of non-invasive therapy that uses low-level electricity to target the injured cells, tissues, and organs. It is an effective treatment option for those suffering from whiplash and concussion related pain. FSM helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected area by increasing circulation, stimulating nerve cells to reduce muscle spasms and tension, as well as enhancing tissue repair.
Brainwave entrainment therapy to minimize neurological stress resulting from the accident
- Brainwave entrainment therapy works by using sound waves to stimulate your brain’s frequency and help it fall into a more relaxed alpha or theta state. This type of therapy works to reduce the symptoms associated with trauma, such as anxiety, emotional disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. It can also help to reduce physical pain and improve sleep quality.
Shockwave therapy to boost tissue healing in areas like the lower back, shoulders, elbows, and feet
- Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to target areas with soft tissue damage. It helps to break down scar tissue and blood flow to the damaged area allowing for quicker healing and regeneration. Shockwave therapy is especially beneficial in treating chronic pain resulting from whiplash or a concussion, and is useful in boosting tissue healing in areas like the back, shoulders, and neck.
Our concussion/whiplash recovery program has a proven track record of resolving most, if not all, symptoms within just 1-3 months. This means you can get back to work, school, sports, and your daily activities sooner than you ever thought possible.
Are you ready to take control of your recovery and experience the benefits of our whiplash and concussion pain relief program? Schedule an appointment today to start the journey towards a pain-free life!