Whiplash refers to an injury of the neck that is the result of a sudden excessive force that causes the neck and head to jerk forward and then backward or vice versa, such as in a auto accident. The injury typically affects muscles, discs, nerves, ligaments, and tendons in the delicate structure of the neck. It can also occur in contact sports, other activities, or work accidents that might involve a sudden impact.

Although whiplash is a common injury experienced by millions of Americans every year, it can result in structural damage that is difficult to detect and correct. If not properly diagnosed and treated, these injuries can undermine the structural balance of the body and set off a "domino effect" that can exacerbate over time producing a wide variety of symptoms from headache and extremity pain or numbness, to loss of mobility or even mental function.

While each person will experience symptoms differently, any of the following could indicate a whiplash injury:

• Pain and stiffness in the neck
• Shoulder pain
• Pain and/or numbness in arm(s) or hand(s)
• Lower back pain
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Irritability
• Lapse in memory
• Sleeplessness
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration

Widoff Chiropractic has over 35 years experience in the treatment of whiplash and other spinal or structural damage that has occurred as a result of an auto accident, on-the-job, or from a sports related injury.

Common treatments of upper and lower back pain include everything from bed rest to surgery. REMEMBER: Pain is NOT the natural state of the body, nor is it a "normal" side effect of aging. Pain is the body's way of telling you something is wrong! The best solution is to identify the cause of your pain and correct it-not simply mask the symptoms. Any of the following treatments can be effective, but most have associated risks of which you should be aware. For this reason it is best to consult with a trusted healthcare practitioner, especially if pain is severe or prolonged.

Chiropractic Care is a natural form of treatment that operates on the premise that the body is designed to heal itself. Chiropractors use gentle spinal adjustments to correct spinal misalignment and relieve pressure on sensitive nerves. They often combine this form of treatment with other non-invasive modalities such as muscle stimulation, ultrasound, massage, and physical therapy to relieve symptoms and rebuild core strength and maintain permanent correction. The chiropractor's goal is always to correct the problem, not simply hide the symptoms.

Ninety-five percent of headaches are primary headaches, such as tension, migraine, or cluster headaches. These types of headaches are not caused by disease but FROM TENSION.

The greatest majority of primary headaches are associated with muscle tension in the neck," says Dr. George B. McClelland, Chairman of the American Chiropractic Association's (ACA) Board of Governors. "Today, Americans engage in more sedentary activities than they used to, and more hours are spent in one fixed position or posture. This can increase joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck, upper back and scalp, causing your head to ache!

According to the International Chiropractic Association, the primary focus of chiropractic is the detection, reduction and correction of spinal misalignments and nervous system dysfunction. Doctors of chiropractic attempt to get to the root cause of a health problem, rather than just treat the symptoms. Chiropractic seeks to maximize the natural strengths of the body and its capacity to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.

Best of all, MOST of these injuries can be treated naturally without risky surgeries or dangerous drugs by working with your body's innate healing ability.