How to Recover from Whiplash After an Auto Accident
Bottom Line:
Your spine is a long chain of bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments that extend from your skull
down to your tailbone. The cervical spine (your neck) is designed to support your head and
protect the nerves that go out to your face, shoulders, and arms. Whiplash injuries can create
damage to these delicate structures and can cause symptoms such as headaches, neck pain,
stiffness, shoulder pain, numberless and tingling, or pain in your arms and hands.
Why it Matters:
Even minor damage to the ligaments of your neck can take up to 12 weeks to heal.
Depending on the severity of the ligament tearing, these injuries may also be classified as
permanent. It's essential to control the inflammation early in your treatment and improve your
range of motion. While it may seem strange that movement is a good thing if it hurts, we know
that controlled movement can limit the amount of scar tissue that forms and may even increase
the healing rate.
• Obtaining an accurate diagnosis with a complete examination and spinal imaging is the first
step towards determining the best plan of care to heal from your injuries.
• Inflammation is a primary factor that causes pain and restricted movement after a
whiplash injury.
• Controlling inflammation naturally and reestablishing your range of motion can reduce your
pain and improve the results of your care.
Next Steps:
Chiropractors take a holistic approach to help you recover from whiplash by examining and
treating the injured muscles, ligaments, discs, and more. Chiropractors are considered essential
after an accident because of our focus on improving your movement, biomechanics, and
functional ability while reducing your pain. Schedule an appointment today if you are someone
you know has been injured in a car accident. We're here to help guide their recovery process.
Science Source:
https://thesmartchiropractor.com/science-sources/