Whiplash describes the injuries that occur as a direct result of a forceful, uncontrolled, and rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck.
These injuries can occur during sports, slip-and-fall, or auto accidents.
Most of us have heard of this type of injury.
Most of us know whiplash pain is often associated with auto accidents.
However, what we may not know is that whiplash injuries were once “no big deal.”
Needless to say, times have certainly changed.
Doctors now know that whiplash injury can mean lifelong pain and disability. That is if the injuries do not receive the proper care when they occur.
Recent research also tells us that people who suffer a neck injury during a motor vehicle accident are very likely to experience both whiplash pain and future neck pain.
Thankfully, research also indicates that chiropractic care can improve range of motion and decrease pain associated with whiplash injuries.
And if you’re looking for a local chiropractor who treats whiplash in North Dallas, you’ve come to the right place!
Why it Matters:
There’s a ton of stress that comes with the accident itself. Calling insurance companies, repairing/getting cars, and so on. It’s not uncommon for people to make the mistake of putting their health and well-being last on the to-do list.
Your body cannot deal with the forces that occur in a car accident.
Even low-speed collisions can generate enough force to injure the delicate ligaments in your neck that support your head.
And although modern cars have an array of safety features, the damage from an accident can range from small aches to life-changing injuries.
The force that both the vehicle and your body have while driving along the road is kinetic energy.
It’s true – your vehicle is carefully built to displace the (kinetic) energy that occurs during an accident.
However, no matter what type of car you have, your body will still absorb some of the impact.
It’s likely that those powerful forces will cause injuries to your body.
During a car accident, your head moves forward and backward suddenly with a tremendous amount of force.
If you’ve sustained a whiplash injury it means your head and neck have been forcefully extended beyond their normal range of motion.
This can create partial tears and other damage to the muscles and ligaments around your spine and also injure your spinal discs or nerves and your spine’s supporting muscles.
Key Indicators of a Whiplash Injury
A few key indicators that you may have suffered a whiplash injury include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and pain in your upper or lower extremities.
If you or someone you love has sustained a whiplash injury recently and are considering seeing a local chiropractor who treats whiplash in North Dallas, here are some quick facts to keep in mind:
- Today, whiplash injuries are considered severe and the rapid back-and-forth motion that occurs during the associated collision accident can lead to permanent damage to the ligaments of the neck.
- It’s estimated that over 80% of people involved in a car accident will sustain whiplash injuries.
- What’s more, over 50% of people with neck pain or whiplash pain after a car accident will continue to have pain one year or more after their initial injury, especially without treatment.
Next Steps:
Remember this.
Immediately after any accident, your adrenaline is pumping, so you may not feel any whiplash pain or overall physical discomfort because you’ll most likely be in a state of shock.
That’s why many people wake up the day after an accident experiencing the full brunt of their injuries for the first time.
If you’re in a car accident, you may wonder how long your whiplash pain and other symptoms are going to last.
The good news is that with a proper evaluation and early treatment, you have a high likelihood of getting well within a matter of weeks.
Receiving the proper diagnosis and care after a car accident can also help reduce your likelihood of struggling with whiplash pain and a lifetime of chronic neck pain.
Our practice focuses on accurately assessing, documenting, and treating those in a car accident. We strive to help them regain their quality of life as quickly and safely as possible.
Don’t shrug off any accidents and push your symptoms aside.
Instead, follow three easy-to-remember steps.
First, get an evaluation.
Next, begin receiving care.
Finally, stay consistent.
Getting well is a process. So, if you’re in an accident and think you might have a whiplash injury – or someone you know has been in an auto accident recently – be sure to reach out to our expert team as soon as possible.
When you need a local chiropractor who treats whiplash in North Dallas, remember that our doors are open, and we’re here to help right now!
Science Source:
The Association Between a Motor Vehicle Collision and Future Neck Pain. Eur Spine J. 2010.
