Recently we wrote about the importance of chiropractic treatment after a moving vehicle accident. Whiplash is the most common injury in these cases, but it’s more than just hurting your neck. While there is more than one symptom of whiplash, dizziness is one of the most common.

Statistics show that dizziness occurs in 20-60% of whiplash cases and can last a number of years. According to Radanov (et. al. 1994), 75% of patients are relieved of symptoms within 1 year. Chronic problems are more prevalent in those who have been involved in serious collisions.

Research on the connection between dizziness and neck injuries indicates one of the possibilities is joint error position (where natural head position is not possible after extension and rotation). A report by Treleaven, Jull and Sterling (2003) states that individuals who suffer from Whiplash-Associated-Disorders have much larger joint position errors when compared to control subjects. The most probable cause of dizziness was found to be cervical mechanoreceptor dysfunction.

While dizziness often occurs after a neck injury, there is controversy in regards to the frequency in which cervical vertigo is experienced. Some research suggests that it occurs due to vascular compression while other theories suggest it is due to the alteration of sensory input to the vestibular system.

Other research, such as Vibert (et. al. 2003), has stated that dizziness related to whiplash is more likely to occur because of vestibular injury and not neck or brain trauma. The vestibular system provides the majority of control in regards to movement and orientation. It is located in the vestibulum in the inner ear.

However, the receptors of the cervical spine also affect spacial awareness and tie in with the vestibular system. When whiplash occurs, receptors are displaced and cause many of the same symptoms of Vestibular Disorder.

Symptoms from whiplash or vestibular injuries usually show within days or weeks following the trauma. They may not appear for months after the injury though. These symptoms can vary and include the following:

• Dizziness
• Motion Sickness
• Nausea
• Vertigo
• Vomiting
• Ear Pain
• Tinnitus
• Hearing Loss
• Slurred Speech
• Fatigue
• Forgetfulness
• Confusion and Disorientation
• Depression

Changes to daily activities may be necessary to cope with the dizziness and other symptoms. Use multiple pillows at night avoid sleeping on the “bad” side. When getting out of bed, do it slowly and sit on the edge for a minute. Avoid bending to pick up things or stretching the neck as if to retrieve something from a tall cabinet. Caution is required when in the dentist’s chair, at the salon while having your hair washed, when exercising and while lying flat on your back.

The most effective treatment for these symptoms is called the Epley Maneuver and can be performed in the doctor’s office provided they are trained in the technique. It is very effective, with an approximate 80% cure rate, according to a study by Herdman and others (1993). It is important to receive treatment from a Doctor of Chiropractic that is trained and has extensive experience in this technique.

The goal of the maneuver is to move debris or “ear rocks” from the sensitive part of your ear (posterior canal) to a less sensitive location. This takes about 15 minutes or less to complete. The recurrence rate of the above symptoms after this treatment is approximately 30% after one year. On occasion, a second treatment may be necessary.

If your chiropractor is not familiar with this technique, please contact our office. Dr. Lynn Kerew is very experienced in this maneuver and has had much success. She can help you deal with these symptoms.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

While whiplash is a common injury from auto accidents, another common complaint of crash victims is that they don’t “feel like their normal selves.” They may also experience other symptoms like dizziness, blurry vision, headaches, back pain, muscle stiffness or spasms, neck pain, numbness and tingling, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability, memory loss and difficulty concentrating.

Auto accidents can also cause post-traumatic osteoarthritis. This can damage your posture (producing a slumped or hump back appearance). Osteoarthritis can also cause the discs in the spine to degenerate and create scar tissue formation leading to chronic stiffness.

According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly 1/3 of all claimants injured in motor vehicle accidents seek treatment from doctors of chiropractic. That number is astounding when combined with the fact that the National Safety Council (NSC) has determined there to be more than 12 million accidents annually involving more than 20 million vehicles.

The reason people choose chiropractic care for treatment of injuries sustained in auto accidents is simple – chiropractic care is exceptional in the treatment of soft tissue injuries, especially of the spine. Since the most common injuries associated with these events are sprains and strains of the spinal muscles and ligaments, it’s only natural that chiropractic be the treatment of choice. Chiropractors are the primary care doctors trained specifically in dealing with injuries to the spine.

Much research has also found people injured in auto accidents prefer chiropractic care for the treatment of their injuries. One such study* evaluated 190 whiplash injury victims and found those who received chiropractic care reported treatment satisfaction of 100%.

One major concern individuals that have lived through the experience of an auto accident should be aware of is most medical doctors are not trained to detect the type of soft tissue or joint injury that does not show itself immediately. It is imperative that people involved in auto accidents consult with a doctor who is trained in the biomechanics of the human body; someone who treats these injuries every day.

Often, passengers can be hurt more than a driver, especially if it is a side wreck or T-bone. Children can suffer the same injuries as adults and should be given the same care despite a feeling by the parent that a child can’t be “that injured” if no bones are broken or there is no bruising to the skin.  Put it this way:  if damage was done to a vehicle that actually bent metal, the people inside the vehicle surely absorbed that force as well.

Due to our bodies producing adrenaline at the time of an accident, this hormone acts like a natural pain killer and allows us to muster the courage to move through the impact and “take care of business”.  As mentioned above, it is often days or weeks later that the full impact of the crash is felt.  A trained doctor of chiropractic can be a brilliant source of diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue and joint injuries.

In addition, x-rays or MRI (if indicated) will be used to check for any structural damage. In our office, we routinely evaluate auto accident victims and make any appropriate referrals to other health care providers if necessary. Our primary responsibility is providing the proper care and submitting the required medical reports to the insurance company or attorney (if one is involved) so the rights of the patient are protected.

If we can’t help the patient, we will refer them to a doctor or facility that can. If you have been in an auto accident recently, there are some important decisions you have to make, and it is critical to make the first decision be to be evaluated by a doctor of chiropractic and get under care immediately.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

* Balla JI, Iansek R. Headaches arising from disorders of the cervical spine. In: Hopkins A, ed. Headache: Problems in Diagnosis and Management. London: WB Saunders; 1988.