If you have recently been in a motor vehicle collision in the Bellevue area, you are likely dealing with a whirlwind of insurance claims, vehicle repairs, and, most importantly, physical recovery. While many people immediately check for broken bones or obvious cuts, "hidden" injuries like concussions and whiplash often go undiagnosed in the initial aftermath.
At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Edward Owens has spent nearly 30 years helping patients navigate the complexities of auto-related trauma. Understanding the deep connection between head injuries and the cervical spine (the neck) is essential for a complete recovery and long-term wellness.
The Overlap Between Whiplash and Concussion
In the medical community, the distinction between a concussion—a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)—and whiplash, or whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), is becoming increasingly blurred. Because of the biomechanical forces involved in a car accident, it is rare to have one without the other.
Research indicates a staggering disparity in the force required to cause these injuries: it typically takes between 70 to 120 Gs of force to cause a concussion, yet a whiplash injury can occur at forces as low as 4.5 Gs. Consequently, nearly every instance of a concussion sustained in a car accident involves a concomitant injury to the cervical spine. As noted in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, the shared mechanism of rapid acceleration-deceleration means that while the brain may strike the interior of the skull (contrecoup movement), the cervical ligaments are simultaneously overstretched.
Identifying Symptoms of Cervicogenic Origin
Many patients are surprised to learn that symptoms they assume are purely "brain-based" may actually stem from the upper neck. Symptoms such as brain fog, light sensitivity, cognitive fatigue, and tinnitus are common to both concussions and cervical spine injuries.
Cervicogenic Headaches
The frequent, throbbing headaches that follow a collision are often tied to the neck. A systematic review in Frontiers in Neurology highlights that cervical spine manipulation and mobilization significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches following a concussion. By restoring proper alignment to the upper cervical spine, Dr. Owens can help alleviate the nerve irritation that triggers these painful episodes.
Dizziness and Balance Issues
Post-accident dizziness is frequently the result of a mismatch between the neck’s proprioceptors (the sensors that tell your brain where your body is in space) and the vestibular system. According to research in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT), patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms who receive cervical and vestibular rehabilitation show a significantly higher rate of clearance to return to their normal activities compared to those receiving standard care alone.
Comprehensive Care at Chiropractic of Bellevue
Dr. Owens utilizes a thorough, patient-centered approach to treat auto injuries. Because clinical evidence supports a multimodal approach to recovery, we integrate several specialized services to address the unique needs of each patient.
- Precise Adjustments: Using a combination of manual manipulation and specialized tools like the Impulse IQ Instrument or ArthroStim, Dr. Owens provides controlled treatment to restore bone alignment and improve spinal health.
- Myofascial Release: To address the muscle tightness and soft tissue damage common in "impulse" injuries, we use VibraCussor-assisted massage and manual trigger point release to break down painful scar tissue.
- Red Light (Laser) Therapy: For patients looking to speed up their natural healing, we offer non-invasive laser therapy. This stimulates blood flow and cell metabolism, which is particularly effective in reducing inflammation in the acute phase after a car accident.
- Kinesio Taping: To stabilize injured areas and strengthen the nerve connection between the brain and the injured tissue, Kinesio Taping is often used as a supportive measure between visits.
Safety, Triage, and Modern Recovery
Safety is our primary concern. Dr. Owens is known for his thoroughness and bedside manner, ensuring that every patient is properly screened before treatment begins. We look for "red flags" that require immediate emergency referral, such as unequal pupil size, repeated vomiting, or focal neurological deficits like slurred speech.
We also utilize specialized screening tools, such as the "5 Ds and 3 Ns" (including Dizziness, Diplopia, and Nausea), to identify potential vascular compromises like vertebral artery dissection. If Dr. Owens feels it is necessary, he may recommend x-rays, though they are not a standard requirement for every first visit.
Modern clinical practice guidelines, such as those from the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative (CCGI), have moved away from "cocoon therapy" (prolonged rest). Today, active recovery—including education, gentle manual therapy, and movement—is considered the standard for a faster, more complete recovery.
Your Partner in Recovery
At Chiropractic of Bellevue, we aim for quick pain relief without neglecting your long-term wellness. We understand the stress of car accidents, which is why we offer same-day treatments for most first visits and are in-network with major providers including Premera, Regence, Kaiser, Aetna, and L/PIP cases.
How long you choose to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. Whether you need immediate relief from a recent collision or wish to transition into preventative maintenance care, Dr. Owens is here to support your journey.
Contact Us Today
If you are struggling with head injuries or neck pain following a car accident, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Call or text us at (425) 802-5432 to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located at 365 118th Ave SE Ste 110, Bellevue, WA 98005.
Sources
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2020.00310/full
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24912534/
https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/whiplash-and-concussion
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444071/
https://chiroguidelines.org/guidelines/whiplash-associated-disorders/
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/11/838
https://www.acatoday.org/news-publications/chiropractic-care-for-headaches/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chiropractic-adjustment/about/pac-20393513
https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(03)00154-1/fulltext
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STR.0000000000000016
https://www.cureus.com/articles/27855-vertebral-artery-dissection-following-chiropractic-manipulation-a-case-report
https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-017-0134-1
https://www.acatoday.org/news-publications/clinical-resources/concussion-resources/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4915474/
