Whiplash
Whiplash is a sudden, violent instance of jerking the head forward and backward. It’s different from other neck pain, because it tears the muscles and tendons in the neck.
Whiplash Symptoms
Whiplash can make your neck feel stiff and sore. It’s often painful, and is worse when you turn your head. In fact, you may not be able to turn your head as far as you used to before the whiplash. It can even cause headaches. You may also feel tired or dizzy. Your memory may become a little foggy at times.
Whiplash Causes
Most often, whiplash is caused by a car accident—especially a rear-end collision. However, it can also be the result of sports accidents, physical abuse, slips, falls, or other trauma. What’s more, whiplash gets worse with daily activities.
“Although whiplash may take weeks to fully resolve, we typically see pain relief very quickly in our clinic.”
Whiplash Treatment
Generally, whiplash can take longer to heal than other causes of neck pain. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you’ll get relief. Dr. James Stegner provides compassionate care to whiplash patients. Having suffered a traumatic injury himself, he understands what it’s like to be in severe pain.
Whiplash Assessment
Dr. James will begin treatment by listening to you. He’ll ask questions about the severity of your pain and when and how the whiplash occurred.
He’ll learn more about the sensitivity of the areas around your neck muscles. He’ll also assess whether or not there is inflammation.
Chiropractic Adjustments in Whiplash
Whether or not Dr. James performs a chiropractic adjustments on the first visit depends on the intensity of pain and stiffness. Sometimes he will do a manual adjustment. Other times, he may deem an activator to be more appropriate. An activator is a handheld instrument that delivers an impulse that moves the spine into alignment.
Acupuncture in Whiplash
Acupuncture can be a good treatment choice for whiplash and other neck pain, but often auto insurance won’t cover acupuncture. At the same time, N.E.W. Chiropractic, PC offers affordable cash plans to provide this treatment option to whiplash patients.
Ice Therapy and the TeslaMax® for Whiplash
Dr. James has opted for a more advanced form of electric stimulation therapy at N.E.W. Chiropractic. This painless method, called TeslaMax®, causes the muscles in the neck to contract and relax. Essentially, the device exercises your muscles while you relax. This results in better blood flow to the affected area. Better blood flow means increased oxygen to the muscles, more removal of cell waste, and less inflammation.
Dr. James often recommends the TeslaMax® and ice therapy for whiplash. Ice at night is especially important if the injury is recent.
Physical Therapy for Whiplash
Some of the physical therapy choices that Dr. James uses in whiplash might include the McKenzie Method, gentle traction, and myofascial release. The McKenzie Method allows for a series of gentle range of motion stretching and exercises of the neck. Depending on how long it’s been since your whiplash occurred, Dr. James may add gentle traction (stretching of the spine) or myofascial release to your treatment.
If you are in severe pain, text Dr. James at 224-828-4598.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens at the first chiropractic appointment?
At your first appointment, Dr. James will take a full medical history and conduct a comprehensive exam. This helps him to make an accurate diagnosis of your current condition and to establish the best possible plan of care. You can expect Dr. James to:
- Carefully listen to your needs, concerns, and fears
- Express empathy about the severity of your pain
- Assess your range of motion to see how well the affected areas can move
- Palpate your spine—gently pressing on the spine and other areas to check for knots, tightness, discomfort or inflammation
- Do orthopedic tests—such as bending and gently pressing to see what causes discomfort or pain
- Test for muscle strength and weakness
- Check your reflexes and address any issues of numbness or tingling
- Study your posture to see how you sit and stand
After completing the assessment, Dr. James will discuss a recommended treatment plan with you. What’s more, you will receive treatment on your first visit to N.E.W. Chiropractic. Starting your path to pain relief as soon as possible is part of our commitment to compassionate chiropractic care.
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Can you help stop my pain?
James Stegner, D.C. does a careful examination and evaluation of your symptoms, and more often than not, he can help relieve your pain with chiropractic care. However, your overall health issues may be more complex.
Dr. James will determine if you are a good candidate for chiropractic care treatment. If you are, he will handle your care with consideration and attention. If he believes you would be better served by other doctors, he’ll refer you to the necessary and appropriate specialists to help guide your care.
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Why would I choose a chiropractor (D.C.) instead of a medical doctor (M.D.)?
The root word “chiro” means “hands.” Chiropractors, such as James Stegner, are “hands-on” doctors. Traditional chiropractic care focuses on hands on adjustments of the spine.
Today, chiropractic doctors like Dr. James Stegner in Palatine, IL are certified in techniques such as acupuncture and a variety of physical therapy treatments as well.
Dr. James does not prescribe opioids or pain killers. Instead he focuses on naturally healing the body, by making it healthier, stronger, and more flexible. In fact, the N-E-W in N.E.W. chiropractic stands for the Natural Education of Wellness and compassionate chiropractic care.
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Can I get acupuncture for whiplash treatment?
Yes, definitely. It’s often a good option for whiplash. Unfortunately, your insurance may not cover the treatment. However, N.E.W. Chiropractic has very affordable rates for acupuncture treatments.
Contact Dr. James to see what your out-of-pocket cost may be for acupuncture>>
Do I need a personal injury lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, on the job, or due to someone’s negligence, you might need a personal injury lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
We refer our patients to VanDerGinst Law to handle their injury cases. VanDerGinst Law has represented thousands of injury victims and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on their behalf.
If you decide to contact them, mention N.E.W. Chiropractic, PC to receive a discount on attorney fees. VanDerGinst Law never charges an attorney fee on injury cases unless they win.
Contact them at 844-999-8529 or www.vlaw.com>>
What insurance does N.E.W. Chiropractic take?
The chiropractic doctor, Dr. James Stegner, takes multiple forms of insurance. Among these are Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO.
Many new patients have had an accident or injury. For that reason, N.E.W. Chiropractic also takes auto accident insurance, workmen’s compensation, and personal injury insurance.
Coverage may depend on your policy. If you have another type of insurance, contact the office before making an appointment to see what your out-of-pocket expenses might be.
Contact Dr. James to see what your insurance covers>>
Is it going to hurt?
If you’ve never had a chiropractic adjustment, you may feel a bit anxious about it. Dr. James will walk you through it. It can be a little surprising—but should never be painful. Afterward, you may feel amazing or be a little tender.
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Do you accept auto insurance or workmen’s compensation for whiplash treatment?
Yes, we accept both. We also accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, other insurances, and personal injury insurance. In part because of his personal history, Dr. James specializes in treating traumatic injuries.
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Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
Yes, absolutely. We know that many people work outside the home or need to wait for another adult to care for young children. That’s why N.E.W. Chiropractic offers both evening and weekend appointments.