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The Effects of Whiplash
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries treated at an injury & accident chiropractor clinic in Houston.
On average, there are more than 6 million car accidents on U.S. roads, annually. Most doctors say that whiplash, a soft-tissue injury to the neck, may last more than six months in 75% of cases.
As a consequence of this injury, victims also lose an average of 8 weeks of productive work time. And if left untreated, the long-term complications may arise.
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What is Whiplash?
When a vehicle collides with another car or object, it exerts a great force upon your body. The impact pushes your body forward in reaction while your head remains behind for a few seconds.
This sudden extension and flexion causes the neck muscles to strain and stretch, leading to shoulder or back pain.
The injuries sustained during whiplash may include damage to inter-vertebral joints, discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots.
“Whiplash can occur even after a minor car crash.”
Whiplash can be minor or severe depending on the intensity of impact. Even low-speed car collisions may cause these injuries. Though minor injuries tend to heal in a few days, severe whiplash can take months or years to go away completely. Contact your injury & accident chiropractor clinic in Houston to get the right diagnosis.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
If you experience severe neck pain after a car crash, it can be whiplash. Other common signs include:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Numbness in the arms
- Stiffness in the neck
Typically, it takes 12-24 hours to develop this injury. Symptoms may be present directly after the injury or may delay for several days.
Most patients recover within three months after the injury; however, some may continue to have residual neck pain and headaches for months.
So, if pain in your neck intensifies with movement, you should consult an injury & accident chiropractor clinic in Houston.
“It is hard to feel the immediate impact of whiplash after an accident. “
A car accident injury chiropractor is trained to examine your condition after a car crash. They will ask questions about the crash and conduct a physical exam. The tests check your range of motion and determine the muscles or ligaments that may not be functioning correctly.
Diagnosis of whiplash is conducted using x-rays and imaging tests that confirm the extent of the damage. In some cases, the doctor may also recommend an MRI or CT scan to pick up on an injury. Reach out to your injury & accident chiropractor clinic in Houston to find the right treatment.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Whiplash?
Depending on the severity of an injury, whiplash can last for some days, months, or a few years. Mostly, it has long-term effects when damage occurs to the soft tissues in the neck and shoulders.
Victims of car accidents may also suffer from chronic neck pain that's linked to injuries in neck joints, ligaments, and tendons.
“Chronic whiplash affects your body in the long-term and causes anxiety and depression over time.”
Long-term whiplash is associated with delayed symptoms like stiffness, neck pain, persistent headache, depression, dizziness, and pins or needles in your arms. Studies show that nearly 12-50% of people suffer from prolonged neck pain after a year of the crash. You have higher chances of chronic whiplash if:
- Your pain was severe right from the beginning
- There are neurological symptoms like memory loss
- Pain starts immediately after the collision
- Pain starts from the neck and shoots into your arms and fingers
"Studies show that nearly 12-50% of people suffer from prolonged neck pain after a year of the crash."
Treatment of Whiplash
When you get into a car accident, you should seek medical evaluation at an established injury & accident chiropractor clinic in Houston as soon as possible.
No matter if your accident is minor or significant, it is vital to get a physical examination within 72 hours. Even the tiniest twinge of pain should take you to the doctor.
Chiropractors, alongside experienced doctors, examine your injuries and prescribe alternative therapies to minimize the pain. The best clinics provide individual treatment plans using non-invasive techniques. Typically, a whiplash treatment plan includes:
Pain Management
The pain from a whiplash injury can be severe depending on the extent of the damage.
The car accident doctor at an injury & accident chiropractor clinic in Houston may recommend pain medications and rest for 24 hours to relieve the discomfort. Short-term use of muscle relaxants also loosens the muscles and can help reduce pain.
Exercising
A series of stretching and movement exercises can further alleviate your pain after whiplash. Simple exercises like rotating your neck, tilting your head sideways, and rolling your shoulders can largely help.
Physical Therapies
The auto injury chiropractor will recommend range-of-motion workouts. It will not only make you feel better, but prevent any further injuries as well. The treatment includes in-depth examination and chiropractic adjustments. They can be instrument-assisted techniques or hands-on manipulation.
Seeing a chiropractor helps in several other ways apart from the medical evaluation.
It is essential to establish a link between your accident and whiplash injuries. From proper documentation to attorney referrals, an injury & accident chiropractor clinic in Houston can provide support in many ways. So, you can make a claim from your insurance company without any delays.
For the Best Treatment of Whiplash, Visit CityWide’s Injury & Accident Chiropractor Clinic, Houston
If you get into a car accident and undergo whiplash, contact CityWide Injury & Accident for the best care by experienced specialists. Call us at 713-782-0082 or click below to schedule an appointment today.
The Effects of Whiplash | CityWide Injury & Accident- Houston, TX
Joe Danna is a Chiropractor specialist practicing in Houston, TX. Where he has lived his whole life.