Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) is the term that properly describes the injuries sustained as a result of the sudden acceleration-deceleration of the head and neck, most commonly during a motor vehicle collision. In many instances, patients seek out chiropractic care to address the myriad symptoms linked to WAD such as pain, stiffness, muscle spasm, headache, cognitive fog/concussion, dizziness, and more, especially when they’re unable to carry out their normal activities of daily living. So, what can a patient expect when they present for care?

First, the patient will complete paperwork to provide a detailed history of the collision or mechanism of injury followed by a list of questions for each complaint such as onset after impact, factors that increase and decrease pain, the quality of pain, location/radiation of symptoms, grading the severity (pain now, on average, at best, at worst), timing of the symptoms (worse in the morning vs. night), and importantly past history of neck pain and/or injury. When headaches are present, extra historical information is important: location, duration, intensity, quality, factors that increase or decrease headache pain, past and family headache history, and more.

The next step is a thorough examination of the neck, back, extremities, nervous system, and posture that will include observation, palpation, orthopedic provocative tests, neurological tests, and often, x-ray to assess cervical spine posture, rule out fracture, and more. Stress x-rays bending the head forward, backward, and sideways may also be taken. If balance impairment or dizziness is present, an examination of eye movements may be conducted. If special tests are needed, most chiropractors have a network of allied healthcare professionals to consult with, co-manage, and/or to refer patients.

This information will then be used to determine all potential pain generators (injured tissues) so that a treatment plan can be devised. The initial approach following injury (the acute stage) is to educate the patient, encourage resumption of normal activity withing pain tolerances, reduce inflammation (ice on/off/on/off/on) or contrast (ice/heat/ice/heat/ice), and exercises and manual therapies to help restore normal motion. To augment in-office care, they may also employ physiotherapy modalities such as ultrasound, electric stim, laser, pulsed magnetic field, etc.

Your doctor of chiropractic will perform re-examinations on a periodic basis to assess progress. If the condition isn’t responding to care as expected, they may modify their approach or refer you to an allied healthcare provider for services not typically offered in a chiropractic setting.