Accidents & Whiplash

Dr. Ficara takes injuries very serious and has treated over 400 people involved in accidents over the last 25 years. In order to better serve his patients he has taken post-graduate training in diagnosing and treating whiplash and brain trauma from the Spinal Research Institute of San Diego. He believes in a team approach, therefore he often works in conjunction with medical doctors and attorneys who specialize in treating accidents and injuries.

Whiplash is a collective term used to describe the injuries to the cervical spine (neck). This condition often results from an automobile collision, which suddenly forces the head and neck to whip back and forth (hyperextension/hyperflexion).

The symptoms usually result from injury to the neck's soft tissues; the intervertebral discs, muscles, and ligaments. Muscle tears characteristically present with burning pain accompanied by tingling sensations. Ligaments affected by excessive joint movement can cause muscles to defensively tighten limiting motion.

'Wry neck', a condition associated with whiplash, occurs when the neck muscles responsible for head rotation/extension cause the neck to twist involuntarily. These forces result in tearing of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which if untreated results in the formation of scar tissue and adhesions and loss of mobility.

The impact can also result in a displacement of the vertebrae of the spine (subluxation) which is a dysfunctional joint causing joint and nerve irritation (pinched spinal nerves). The same mechanism affects the back when you fall or over-exert yourself in a lifting injury.

Chiropractic combined with physical therapy (PT) is the most appropriate approach to these types of injuries. Chiropractic care utilizes specific joint manipulations (adjustments) and exercises to help normalize joint and spinal function and to restore proper spinal alignment.

Physical therapy is also crucial in allowing the body to heal properly . Therapy allows the soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, and tendons) to heal more effectively with minimal scar tissue and adhesions that can cause loss of mobility.

At this office we offer all of the modalities needed for proper healing after an injury. These include ultrasound, electric stimulation, traction, exercises, massage therapy, cross fiber and trigger point therapy, etc.