Whiplash
A patient presented to the office complaining of frequent headaches. The patient described her symptoms as tightness and a dull ache. She reported that she had been noticing them off and on the past few months and that she was unable to find any relief with over-the-counter medications. She gave no indication of an incident that may have caused her condition. After an appropriate exam was conducted, it was decided that cervical (neck) X-rays would be appropriate.
X-ray investigation revealed a hypolordotic cervical curve. Naturally, we have a general neck curve with the concavity opening up to the back (lordotic). This curve helps with shock/stress absorption within the cervical region and produces a proper amount of tone in the stabilizing muscles of the neck. In this case, the patient had a reverse curve causing stress or tension on the muscles of the neck and below the cranium.
This type of find is usually consistent with a trauma like whiplash. The patient initially denied any such trauma, but later was able to recall an accident sustained while four-wheeling in Oregon a year prior to her initial visit. The patient further reported that the traumatic event required an emergency room visit. This is a common occurrence in the chiropractic office; a patient presents complaining of headaches, whiplash is detected and the patient is able to recollect an accident in the past. Often, the patient presented to the ER where they were evaluated for major pathologies and then released giving them a false confidence that they have no injuries to worry about. In liability cases, the time elapse makes holding the liable party accountable for financial costs of care impossible to recoup.
We developed a chiropractic treatment plan and with spinal adjustments we were able to resolve the patient's complaint. It has remained resolved to this day!