INJURED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT ?

Whiplash happens when the neck and head are “whipped” backward and forwards. The vast majority of car accidents are rear-ended collisions and whiplash is a common result. Whiplash may also result from other kinds of traumatic incidents, including accidents and falls.

In Lake Oswego, many people have been involved in an accident and don’t even know that they have an injury resulting in whiplash until weeks or even months later when the problem becomes worse and begins to lead to other problems. If you have a neck injury and are living with neck pain, the following article aims to help you understand the symptoms of whiplash injury and how chiropractic care can help treat them.

Whiplash in Lake Oswego

During a car accident, playing sports, or on occasion from an assault or other physical trauma, the neck can be whipped forwards and backward, resulting in a number of issues happening to the spine and the soft tissue around the spine. Although whiplash describes the initial impact, the resulting symptoms may include:

• Disc bulging and herniation
• Subluxations
• Injured bones located in the spine
• Irritated or damaged nerves
• Pulled and strained muscles and ligaments in the neck

Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash injuries can vary from mild to severe. These injuries tend to be more significant when the headrest in your car is positioned too low. When the impact of the accident is serious or if the headrest is too low, there is a possibility that bones could be broken or tissue could be damaged and it is highly recommended that you see a trained chiropractor and undergo a thorough examination with x-rays. Even if the impact seemed mild at first, you could have whiplash if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Neck pain
• Shoulder, upper back and arm pain
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Pain when turning the head
• Inability to move or turn the head fully
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands and fingers
• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty sleeping
• Depression

As this list shows, there is a wide range of symptoms and they may not all be immediately traceable to whiplash. Even after you have been cleared by a doctor, the pain you feel could still be linked to whiplash, and you could need professional treatment to correct the problem. If you have been injured, it is essential to have your spine examined as soon as possible. The sooner that you begin receiving treatment for the problem, the less chance you risk of it developing into a long term problem.

Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash

Since the vast majority of whiplash injuries impact the spine the surrounding nerves and tissues, chiropractic treatment is an excellent source for care. Chiropractic doctors are experienced in assessing the cause of the pain associated with whiplash and determining a plan for appropriate treatment. Chiropractic care involves gentle and noninvasive adjustments. Through these small adjustments, many people find great relief from pain resulting from whiplash and begin a road to a full recovery. If you are suffering from whiplash, call our team at ProHealth Chiropractic and discover how chiropractic treatment can help you recover from your whiplash.