CAR ACCIDENT – WHIPLASH INJURY
HISTORY AFTER CAR ACCIDENT:
Injured was slowing the vehicle down due to the traffic conditions on a freeway. Suddenly the other vehicle failed to stop and rear-ended my patient’s vehicle. Patient had a severe whiplash injury. Impact happened while the other vehicle was travelling at 45 mph., according to the police report.
COMPLAINTS:
During examination patient complained of constant severe pain in a cervical spine, constant severe pain in a lumbar spine, constant severe left shoulder pain, constant severe headache, and constant moderate chest pain. Patient experienced these symptoms several hours after the whiplash. During next 72 hours her symptoms got progressively worse and she began looking for a chiropractic rehabilitation.
CARE PLAN:
Patient was scheduled for 3 times a week for 4 weeks with follow up re exam at the end of the fourth week. Two times a week for four weeks and one time a week for four weeks. Following modalities were utilized during rehabilitation process: specific chiropractic adjustments of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, and left shoulder. Fifteen minutes of electric muscle stimulation (set for pain control) and fifteen minutes of the moist heat electric pad with timer and temperature control (set at 126F). Deep tissue massage by CMT for 15 minutes for each session patient showed up in the office. Ultrasound, Erchonia – Cold Laser, Mechanical and Manual traction, and Exercise rehabilitation program.
Electric stimulation, heat, chiropractic adjustment, and deep tissue massage were used every session in the order as they are listed. Ultrasound, Cold Laser, Mechanical and Manual traction were add on modalities and were used according to the symptoms of the patient on that particular day. Rehabilitation exercises were added after 4 weeks of care
DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES:
MRI IMPRESSION AFTER CAR ACCIDENT:
Lumbar annular bulges 1-3mm without focal protrusions seen. Mild facet arthrosis.
RESULTS:
Patient has reached plateau with chiropractic rehabilitation after 12 weeks of care. Multiple modalities, chiropractic manipulation, massage by CMT were used in order to achieve a pre injury status. During final re-examination patient complained of slight intermittent pain in the lumbar spine. All other symptoms have resolved. Patient was discharged with home exercise and stretch program and was recommended to comeback for a once a month maintainance care. Overall, patient was very happy with an outcome and I was very satisfied with the results.