Whiplash: How These Injuries Can Cause Chronic Pain
Bottom Line:
Whiplash injuries used to be considered "no big deal." But times have changed. Doctors now
know that whiplash can cause lifelong pain and disability if not properly cared for when they
occur. During a car accident, your head moves forward and backward suddenly with a
tremendous amount of force. Even low-speed collisions can generate enough force to injure
the delicate ligaments in your neck that support your head.
Why it Matters:
During a whiplash injury, your head and neck extend beyond their normal range of motion. This
can create partial tears or damage the muscles and ligaments around your spine and injure the
spinal disc, nerves, or muscles. A few key indicators that you may have suffered a whiplash
injury include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, pain in your arms/shoulders.
• Whiplash injuries are now considered severe and often permanent injuries that happen to the
ligaments of the neck after the rapid back and forth motion that occurs during an accident.
• Over 80% of people involved in a car accident will have whiplash injuries.
• More than 50% of people with neck pain or whiplash after a car accident will continue to have
pain one year after their initial injury.
Next Steps:
Receiving the proper diagnosis and care after a car accident can help reduce your likelihood of
struggling with a lifetime of chronic neck pain. Our practice is focused on accurately assessing,
documenting, and treating people who have been involved in a car accident to help them regain
their quality of life as quickly and safely as possible. If you or someone you know has been
involved in an auto accident and struggling with pain, please schedule an appointment with
us today.
Science Source:
https://thesmartchiropractor.com/science-sources/