Whiplash Injury Evaluation

Whiplash Injury Evaluation

Most often, following a physical examination, the initial method of assessment in the typical whiplash injury is radiography-standard x-rays. It is the only imaging procedure that would be considered routine. If the patient is to be treated medically only (i.e., with medication as opposed to spinal manipulation or surgery) and the injury appears quite minor, x-rays might not be indicated. If the patient has limited range of motion in the neck at the time of the examination, x-rays should be limited to the standard five-view series. Otherwise-once serious pathology (fracture, dislocation, etc.) have been ruled out-bending views in full flexion and extension should be obtained to assess ligamentous integrity.

When further questions arise concerning the biomechanical function and ligamentous integrity of the neck, videofluoroscopy can often provide important diagnostic information. MRI can also provide information about ligaments, but is more often used in the evaluation of the intervertebral discs. As is the case with plain x-rays, CT-and even MRI-will not have the sufficient resolving power to find many soft tissue injuries. In searching for suspected fractures, clinicians may turn to CT, bone scanning (scintigraphy) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). A variety of other tests are available depending on the type of condition under evaluation, but these are beyond the scope of this website.

In our Fort Myers office all accident victims can count on a thorough consultation and evaluation.  We utilize computerized range of motion evaluation technology to properly document any functional losses you may have experienced as a result of the crash you experienced.  In addition to that we also conduct a static EMG evaluation to detemine areas of soft tissue involvement, that way we can quantify problems such as muscle spasm.  We have the ability to do x-rays on site as well.  In order to determine your spinal health in a more active living posture we take these with you standing  (most hospitals and imaging facilities take their films with you lying down, this more relaxed posture may disguise some injuries that are more noticeable when you are required to support your frame.)  We do all this so that we can give you and your injuries the treatment that is warranted for whiplash and whiplash related injuries; and if need be provide proper documentation in the event of any legal action you or your legal counsel undertake. For any questions you may have about the accident injury evaluation process, chiropractic care for those injuries, or how to schedule an evaluation please feel free to call us at (239)481-8811