Injured in an Auto Accident in Aurora CO?

Do you have whiplash in Aurora CO? Many people experience whiplash injuries each year. Most car accidents in Aurora CO are rear-end collisions each of which varies in severity. Many of our patients that are involved in rear-end collisions don't even realize they have received injuries until weeks or months post-impact. Their medical doctors do not always acknowledge injuries that occur at lower speeds but research today says differently. If you have been injured in an accident, our Aurora CO chiropractic clinic can help you understand the options that you have.

To have success with a whiplash injury it's important to work with a provider that understands the problem. Chiropractors are trained for these types of injuries, so if you have recently been injured it's important to get your spine checked as soon as possible. The sooner that you start care the less chance you have of developing long-term problems.

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Whiplash in Aurora CO

Whiplash injuries are a serious matter. The results can be devastating if an injury of this caliber is left untreated. What's unfortunate, is that most people don't even realize they are injured until long after the accident. By the time many people realize they are in need of help, their problems have escalated to a much greater condition.

Injuries tend to be more significant when your headrest is positioned too low. In the instance where your headrest is positioned too low, it can act as an acceleration point when you are hit from behind. A 5 mph impact can result in your head whipping back at a much higher rate of speed causing greater injury.

Statistically, significant improvement was noted for 93% of the 28 patients studied in the Woodward study while under chiropractic care. In the research study, chiropractic care consisted of spinal manipulation, PNF, and cryotherapy. Many of the patients were treated prior to the study with NSAIDS, soft colors, and physiotherapy.

Chiropractic care is an effective modality for patients that have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. The study mentioned earlier was able to clearly document the success and experience most chiropractors see in clinical practice. Symptoms ranging from headaches to neck pain, back pain, inter-scapular pain, and related extremity pain with numbness and tingling often respond very well to chiropractic care.

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Understanding Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a cervical acceleration-deceleration injury caused by a sudden, forceful back-and-forth motion of the neck — most commonly from rear-end car accidents. The forces involved can damage the muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, and nerve roots of the cervical spine, producing a complex constellation of symptoms that often don't peak until 24-72 hours after the accident.

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Whiplash Symptoms

• Neck pain and stiffness — often severe in the morning
• Headaches starting at the base of the skull
• Shoulder and upper back pain and tension
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
• Dizziness and difficulty with balance
• Fatigue and difficulty concentrating ("brain fog")
• Jaw pain (TMJ involvement)
• Blurred vision and tinnitus (in severe cases)

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The Importance of Early Evaluation

Research consistently shows that patients who receive prompt evaluation and treatment after whiplash injuries have significantly better long-term outcomes than those who delay care. Untreated whiplash is associated with the development of chronic neck pain, recurrent headaches, and accelerated cervical spine degeneration. Even if you feel "okay" immediately after an accident, a thorough evaluation within 72 hours is strongly recommended.

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Our Whiplash Treatment Protocol

At Colorado Injury & Pain Center in Aurora, whiplash treatment is individualized based on the severity of your injury and your specific symptoms. Dr. Crifase performs a comprehensive cervical spine evaluation including orthopedic and neurological testing. Treatment typically progresses through three phases: acute phase (reducing pain and inflammation), recovery phase (restoring mobility and strength), and rehabilitation phase (rebuilding functional capacity and preventing recurrence).

Treatment modalities include cervical chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, spinal decompression when indicated, therapeutic exercise, and collaboration with our physical therapy and medical teams when needed.

Call Colorado Injury & Pain Center at (303) 995-5812 immediately after your accident. We offer same-day evaluations for accident victims in Aurora, CO.