Whiplash 101: Understanding the Mechanics and Treatment of Neck Pain from Car Accidents
Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries. If you’re suffering from neck pain in Denville, NJ after being in a car accident, schedule an appointment with our chiropractor to be screened for whiplash.
What is Whiplash, and How Does It Occur?
Whiplash is an injury affecting the delicate structures of the cervical spine. This includes the neck muscles, tissues, tendons, ligaments, and vertebrae. The injury is caused when the head and neck are forcefully jerked from side to side or up and down. Whiplash is a common car accident injury, but can also occur due to abuse, trauma, a fall, sports or work injury, or after riding an amusement park ride.
Common Symptoms of Whiplash
The most common symptoms of whiplash are neck pain, stiffness, tenderness, loss of range of motion in the neck, and discomfort that increases when you move your head up and down or side to side. You might also experience referred pain in your shoulders, upper back, or arms, as well as headaches, migraines, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. Less common symptoms of whiplash are blurred vision, tinnitus, disorientation and confusion, memory and concentration problems, depression, personality changes, fatigue, and dizziness.
When to Seek Whiplash Treatment
You should visit our chiropractor for whiplash treatment as soon as you develop neck pain, after being in a car accident, if you show any signs of whiplash symptoms, or if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life.
How Doctors Diagnose Whiplash
Our chiropractor can diagnose whiplash through a physical exam, patient history, and details of your car accident or injury. He may ask you to perform simple physical movements so he can evaluate your posture, flexibility, range of motion, and dexterity. He will screen you for neurological symptoms, as well. He might recommend an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan to check for other signs of auto injuries.
Whiplash Treatment Options
Whiplash treatment options are designed to treat the underlying condition as well as the symptoms. Our chiropractor may recommend rest, heat and cold therapy, and modified movement. He can perform a spinal adjustment to realign your cervical spine and reduce pressure on the vertebrae and nerves. He might also suggest physiotherapy to strengthen your neck muscles and reduce the risk of reinjury.
Tips for Preventing Whiplash & Neck Injuries in Car Accidents
You can reduce your risk of whiplash in a car accident by making sure your head restraint is properly positioned. You should always sit upright and wear your seatbelt. Drive slowly and cautiously around unfamiliar roads, construction areas, and school zones, as well as when there is inclement weather and visibility is low.
Get Whiplash Treatment in Denville, NJ
Don’t delay in seeking whiplash treatment after a car accident in Denville, NJ. Come see us at Commons Chiropractic Center at the first sign of neck pain after a car accident. We are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating whiplash using safe, effective chiropractic therapies. Call us today at (973) 366-3335 to schedule an appointment.
Posted In:
Neck Pain
Auto Injury
