If you want to prevent long-term damage, it is imperative that appropriate treatment begins immediately after an accident. But what constitutes appropriate treatment?

In general recover happens in three stages:

1. Relief….use ice to reduce swelling and calm muscle spasm.
2. Correction…restore motion to tight spinal joints.
3. Rehabilitation…strengthening and stretching exercises to improve core stability.

Given the stages of recovery, "appropriate" treatment includes the use of ice, therapy, spinal manipulation/adjustments and exercise.

Difficult cases may require advanced diagnostics like MRI or CT scan, and a possible referral to family practice physician or appropriate specialist. Our office maintains an extensive list of other medical professionals in case a referral is required.