Auto accidents can be described as either low-velocity (below 10 mph) or high-velocity (above 10 mph). In low-velocity accidents, the victim's body is thrown backward and forward in a rapid progression of acceleration and deceleration. Since it is unusual at this speed for the victim to experience a second impact inside the vehicle (such as hitting the dashboard), the injuries usually result from the rapid movement of the body during the crash. Common low-velocity injuries include muscle strain, seat belt bruises or traumatic brain injury (shaken brain syndrome). The onset of symptoms is often delayed with these injuries so that at the time of the accident the victim may not immediately realize an injury has occurred. Within 12 to 36 hours after the impact, however, the victim will begin to recognize pain and stiffness of the injured area.

High-velocity collisions normally result in more serious injury because the victim experiences a second impact, hitting an object in the vehicle such as the dashboard, steering wheel, or even the windshield. Common injuries include shoulder, head or knee hematomas, wrist fractures, neck sprains, concussion, and contusions. There is no question that these victims immediately know where and how badly they are injured.

Traumatic Cervical Syndrome

Traumatic cervical syndrome, or whiplash, is one of the most common auto accident injuries. Whiplash happens when the neck is forced through a series of movements at a rate faster than the bones, muscles, and ligaments can accommodate. The crash forces the head forward slightly, then backward violently, forward to recoil (though less forcefully), and finally to a neutral, stationary position. Injury to the neck occurs in both the backward movement, in which the neck is hyperextended, and in the forward flexion, when the chin hits the chest. Types of injuries that might occur include torn muscles and ligaments, nerve inflammation, and vertebral misalignment. Symptoms like swelling and/or tenderness in the neck, sore throat and/or loss of voice, trouble swallowing, jaw problems, shoulder and back pain, vomiting, and flashing lights in the visual field are common with these injuries.

As with other minor accident injuries, a person suffering from whiplash may not realize the extent of injury for a few days. The victim will then notice pain during movement of the neck as well as loss of motion or stiffness when the head is tipped back. Other symptoms of whiplash include light headedness or dizziness, difficulty in concentration, short-term memory loss, insomnia, painful tingling sensations, weakness in the muscles of the neck and shoulder, visual disturbances or blurred vision, and ringing in the ears.

It would not be surprising for the victim to also experience fatigue and irritability. The trauma of the event itself, added to pain and disability created stress that may linger even into the stages of treatment and recovery.

Understanding what to do when an accident happens and what types of injuries can occur may save you time, money and long-term medical care, but a prompt physical examination is the best advice.

What can you expect when you go to the chiropractor's office?

The physical exam will include an assessment of your vital signs, range of motion, equilibrium, coordination, and posture. In some cases, diagnostic tests may be required and may include a neuro-orthopedic exam, a chiropractic-spinal exam, and vascular and nerve conduction tests. An x-ray of the cervical area would not be unusual among other necessary testing which the doctor may feel is necessary.

In the chiropractic office you can expect a variety of treatment methods, including spinal manipulation or adjustment, electrotherapy, ultrasound, graded exercises, therapeutic muscle massage, use of a cervical collar or traction, or additional therapies.

What you can do at home can be summarized in an easy to remember acronym: RICE

REST - get plenty of it. Your system has been through a trauma, however slight, and your body needs time to assimilate the shock as well as to adapt to the "new conditions" of pain, disability, and other symptoms.

ICE - the injured area to reduce swelling. The general rule is to apply ice twenty minutes every hour for a minimum of 48 hours. Never apply ice to bare skin.

COMPRESSION - will help to reduce swelling, provide support, and can be achieved by wrapping the injured area with an elastic bandage. Consult with your doctor about correct wrapping procedures.

ELEVATE - limbs or reduce the weight-bearing functions of injured areas.