Car Accident Injury
Numerous people seek chiropractic care after an automobile accident. Many automobile accidents result from being hit from behind which often leads to a sprain/strain injury commonly referred to as whiplash.
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Whiplash is a neck injury that is caused by a rapid forced back and forth movement of the head and neck. Although, most commonly associate with car accidents, whiplash can occur from any substantial blow to the body. Contact sport injuries, work accidents, adn falls can also cause whiplash.
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When whiplash occurs, muscles and ligament in the neck become strained and sprained. This can lead to instability of the joints in that area. Due to the forceful and sudden movement that occurs, the weakened and damaged tissues allow the vertebrae to misalign from their proper positions. These misalignments (vertebral subluxations) apply pressure to the nerves in those areas. This trauma causes inflammation, muscle spasms. and decreased function.
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The results of whiplash can include:
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Disc bulges and/or disc herniations
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Sprained ligaments and strained muscles
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Vertebral Subluxations (misalignments of the vertebrae in the spine)
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Nerve compression, irritation, and damage
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Bone injury
SYMPTOMS OF WHIPLASH
Whiplash injuries can range from mild to severe. Unfortunately, symptoms of such traumas do not always appear immediately after an accident. Symptoms can appear days to weeks to years later. So what happens? The subluxations go uncorrected. When subluxations are left uncared for, these biomechanical changes begin to degenerate and cause decreased function of the nervous system and the body, even if a person has absolutely no painful symptoms. It is vital that victims are checked for subluxations by a chiropractor immediately after an auto accident, whether or not the victim is experiencing any symptoms. If you or someone you love has been in an auto accident, please call our office and get checked for any hidden problems before they begin to take a toll on your health.
COMMON SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH WHIPLASH CAN INCLUDE:
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Neck pain
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Shoulder, upper back and arm pain
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Headaches
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Blurred vision
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Pain when turning the head
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Inability to move or turn the head fully
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Dizziness
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Tiredness
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Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands and fingers
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Ringing in the ears
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Difficulty sleeping
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Moodiness, Irritability, anxiety, and/or depression