Whiplash: How it Happens and How to Treat it
Are you in Ann Arbor and experiencing neck pain from whiplash?
You've probably heard of it, but what exactly is whiplash?
Car accidents are unfortunately common, with the average driver experiencing one every 18 years. While the risk of fatality is lower with all the safety measures of modern cars, there's a significant chance of bodily injury, such as whiplash.
Understanding Whiplash
Whiplash, known in the medical field as Cervical Acceleration-Deceleration Syndrome, occurs when the head and neck are jerked rapidly forward and backward, often during car accidents. This movement can damage the neck's vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and, in severe cases, the spinal cord.
According to Dr. Arthur Croft, an expert in whiplash injuries, approximately 3 million cases occur annually in the U.S. Symptoms might not appear immediately, and can range from mild neck pain to severe disability. Up to 40—50% of whiplash cases result in chronic pain, which can impact quality of life for years.
Symptoms of whiplash can include:
• Neck and back pain
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Headaches and visual disturbances
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in extremities
Treating Whiplash Injuries
If there are no fractures in the spine, a detailed evaluation—including X-rays and possibly an MRI—can assess the damage. Treatments often include:
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Stretching and therapeutic exercises
• Ice therapy and traction to correct spinal alignment
Chiropractic care is particularly effective for soft tissue injuries like ligament sprains and spinal disc issues. A 2012 review on whiplash epidemiology explains that manual therapy combined with exercise is among the best noninvasive treatments for whiplash.
Why Choose Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a preferred treatment after car accidents because of its focus on restoring function and alleviating pain in soft tissues, joints, and the spine. According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly one-third of car accident injury claimants seek chiropractic care. Its noninvasive, tailored approach makes it a natural choice for recovery.
If you've experienced a car accident, prioritize your health by seeking proper evaluation and care first to ensure a full recovery.
Treat Neck Pain from Whiplash with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor
Pivotal Chiropractic provides a type of chiropractic care called "specific structural correction," which focuses on correcting structural issues with the spine, which in turn can help you recover from secondary conditions caused by those issues.
Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment. To set up a complimentary consultation or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form.