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Whiplash Specialist

ProActive Spine Care

Chiropractors located in Greater Tacoma Area, Fircrest, WA

If you’ve suffered a trauma that caused whiplash, early evaluation of your injury is essential to ensure the best possible recovery. Dr. Austin McMillin at ProActive Spine Care is an expert in diagnosing and treating whiplash, and he’s extensively trained in injury evaluation and impairment ratings. If you have a neck injury, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation. He serves residents of Tacoma, South Puget Sound, and University Place from his office in Fircrest, Washington.

Whiplash Q & A

What is whiplash?

Whiplash occurs due to rapid back-and-forth movement of your neck that damages soft tissues such as ligaments, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels in the neck. Whiplash may also cause serious damage to the spine.

Symptoms usually develop within 24 hours following the injury. They may resolve within a few months or develop into chronic neck pain. Whiplash symptoms may include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Headache
  • Pain that worsens with neck movement
  • Loss of neck movement
  • Pain in shoulders, upper back, or arms
  • Tingling or numbness in arms
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness

Why should you consult Dr. McMillin for whiplash diagnosis and treatment?

Dr. McMillin is specially trained in injury evaluations, diagnosing whiplash, and impairment ratings. He’s qualified to provide examinations for accident injuries and serves as an expert in injury cases.

In addition to top-notch diagnosis, you can count on Dr. McMillin and the staff at ProActive Spine Care to help you navigate insurance issues. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, our Patient Care Coordinators will verify your coverage and help file claims.

With 25 years of experience treating whiplash and spine trauma, you can rely on Dr. McMillin to provide documentation for personal injury and to deliver excellent chiropractic treatment.

What types of chiropractic treatments are used for whiplash?

In most cases, chiropractic care helps whiplash patients achieve a more complete recovery. However, other treatments may be required along with chiropractic therapy, so Dr. McMillin coordinates with other providers to ensure optimal recovery from your injury.

Dr. McMillin chooses from diverse therapeutic options to develop a chiropractic treatment plan that’s best for your individual injury. When whiplash causes joint dysfunction in the neck, gentle and slow spinal manipulation may be used to improve range of motion.

You may also get pain relief from techniques that relax muscles and relieve trigger points, or knotted areas. Other possible therapies include functional rehabilitation, cold laser treatment, and targeted exercise.

When should you contact ProActive Spine Care?

It’s usually best to have a qualified examination as soon as possible after a neck injury like whiplash. Getting a treatment plan will guide your recovery and help achieve optimal healing. It’s also important to remember that whiplash can cause injuries to the spine, ligaments, and muscles beyond the neck, so an early evaluation facilitates appropriate treatment.

Insurance

ProActive Spine Care are preferred or participating providers with many insurance plans. Please contact the office for additional insurance information.

AARP
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
BridgeSpan
Cigna
First Choice Health
Healthcare Management Administrators (HMA)
ILWU/Coastwise
Kaiser Permanente PPO
LifeWise
Medicare
Premera Blue Cross
United Healthcare