Chiropractors As Expert Witnesses In Whiplash Cases
Whiplash refers to an injury to the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck due to the rapid forward and backward motion of the neck during an accident. Whiplash injuries need to be properly diagnosed and promptly treated. One of the problems with whiplash injuries is that there is often a delay of days or weeks in the onset of whiplash symptoms.
Experts like chiropractors can quickly diagnose the symptoms of Whiplash. Some of the most common symptoms seen in whiplash patients include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and weakness. If a person has been injured and is experiencing any of these symptoms, he/she should immediately go for a chiropractic check-up.
As part of the patient’s evaluation, Doctors of Chiropractic will examine the motion of the patient’s spinal joints. During the initial diagnostics, the muscles, nerves, joints, tendons, and ligaments are inspected for any injuries. The mainstay of Chiropractic treatment involves spinal manipulation by hand or using an instrument. In addition, a number of physical therapy modalities and procedures are utilized and may include ultrasound, massage, electrical muscle stimulation, and exercise rehabilitation.
The goals of Chiropractic treatment include restoring normal motion to the spinal joints, reducing pain and inflammation, decreasing muscle spasms, increasing flexibility, and normalizing joint function. A sound treatment protocol will include the evaluation of a patient’s activities of daily living (ADL) and ergonomics and provide the patient with instructions regarding how they can support the treatment protocols with at-home procedures.
There is an ever-increasing body of scientific research supporting chiropractic as an effective treatment of accident injuries. This, combined with the focus on Chiropractic education, has allowed chiropractors to be effective expert witnesses in Whiplash cases.
If you have been in an accident and have pain, even if it is minor, consult with a doctor who has experience treating accident injuries. Our professional staff has over 20 years of experience in managing Personal Injury cases.
Author: Dr. Gary Robertson is a 1989 Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate. He has over 20 years of experience treating patients with accident injuries and has post-graduate training in Whiplash and Spinal Traumas.
