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» Whiplash
- Why do I have pain in my arms and hands?
- Why did my headaches start more than a week after my accident?
- Will I ever be normal again?
- How can I prevent whiplash injuries?
Whiplash injures of the neck, which commonly result from automobile accidents and sporting activities, involve a rapid series of movements which occur faster than the bones, muscles and ligaments can handle. The head is thrown alternately back and forth in a shearing motion that can tear muscles and ligaments, cause misalignments in the spine (called subluxations), and injure discs and nerves.
Symptoms such as neck pain, swelling, weakness, dizziness, sore throat and difficulty swallowing (like a lump in the throat) and headache may occur immediately following the accident. Very often, however, the beginning of symptoms is delayed for a few hours or days, even though the injury sustained is significant. Prompt care following an injury, whether or not symptoms are present, can be the key to a more rapid and complete recovery.
Following any trauma to your spine, a thorough examination should be performed to detect any slight changes that may indicate injury. This examination is important since even relatively minor strains can affect the delicate nerves in the spine. With early attention, your doctor of chiropractic can help speed healing and reduce the possibility of long-term persistent problems. It is preferable to be seen by your chiropractor within a few hours of the accident to prevent or eliminate many of the symptoms that often follow whiplash patients using customary medical treatments such as heat, pain medication, traction, and soft neck collars. These treatments can sometimes cause a worsening of the condition and further delay the healing process. Consult a chiropractor for further information on your health care options.
Why do I have pain in my arms and hands?
Because the nerves to the arms and hands exit the spine through the injured area of the neck, numbness and tingling are common. Even lower back pain can result directly from the trauma or as a reaction to the loss of proper spinal curves.
Why did my headaches start more than a week after my accident?
Whether you've been in an accident, stressed at work or overexerted yourself in the garden, your body is constantly adapting to the environment. When your capacity to adapt is exhausted, symptoms can appear. This can take days, weeks, months, or years to occur.
Many chiropractic patients report improved spinal curves and an end to their symptoms. Those who delay seeking appropriate care often discover that it takes longer to recover and that scar tissue and spinal instability require periodic chiropractic checkups.
How can I prevent whiplash injuries?
Since car accidents are the major cause of acceleration/deceleration injuries, defensive driving skills can help. Be sure your taillights and turn signals are properly working. Allow enough stopping distance in front of you. When you slow down or stop, always check your rearview mirror to see if the driver behind you paying attention. Make sure your headrest is positioned such that if your head is thrown backward, your head hits the rest and not your neck. Most people keep it positioned too low.