Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I was rear-ended almost a week ago and was diagnosed with whiplash. I have felt sore in my neck and mid-lower back, although it s getting better. The last couple days, I have felt pins and needles in my left foot as well as my other extremities from time to time. Is this an emergency, or can I afford to wait a week to see a physical therapist that I trust to work on me?
[|AI|]  Hello, As in whiplash injury, these symptoms are common due to the inflammation at the cervical region in the spinal cord.  Also, you mentioned the mid-lower back injury along with the whiplash, we need to have an MRI of the whole spine.  Which can help us understand the pathology of the soft tissue injuries involved and at what level the spinal cord is getting troubled? Using a cervical collar and taking a complete bed rest is advised. Using this the symptoms of tingling and numbness will come down once the spine is stabilized and the compression over the spinal cord is reduced.  Also, this will help reduce the inflammation by alleviating the pressure from the cord. Post this you may be advised to undergo exercise for stabilizing the neck muscles and back muscles.  Low intensity exercises will be good. Looking for any chiropractor is not advised in the whiplash injury. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Jay In Chat Doctor.