Neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, numbness, tingling, headaches, muscle tightness and stiffness. These are all common symptoms people experience following a car accident.
Whiplash is a condition where the neck and shoulders are whipped forward and backward or side to side, depending on where the impact took place. This whipping movement can either strain or tear ligaments, tendons and muscles. Did you know that in most instances, a seatbelt can actually make your injury worse? Seat belts are what produce whiplash injuries in the first place. Imagine sitting in your car with your seat belt on. If your belts do what they are designed to do, you will not move.
The lap belt and shoulder harness lock your body and shoulders tight it into the seat, such that when your car impacts another object. Your torso and shoulders don't move, but the head and neck move freely. This is what produces the whipping affect of the neck causing whiplash. Having said that, seat belts should always be worn. Seat belts will save your life and it's against the law in most states not to wear your seat belt. Seat belts will also help prevent you from slamming into the steering wheel, dashboard, console and other parts of the car in a severe accident.
Most times it's the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) that are injured in an accident, but they don't show up on X-ray or other medical tests. There can also be damage to nerves and the nervous system itself. Because they are difficult to measure with tests, most medical doctors have a hard time recognizing that they exist. What they tend to look for are the more severe injuries, which can include, fractures, dislocations, disc herniation's, and even brain injury.
Research has even shown that under standard medical care that only about 50% of injured individuals return to pre-accident status. The latest research has also shown that a upwards of 52% will actually develop fibromyalgia. Further research also show that more often than not it's younger people who get in these accidents, which means there is a lot of quality of life that is lost.
This is why being evaluated by a proficient chiropractor is so critical. These injuries can be very painful, debilitating and long lasting. Also, because of the build of scar tissue symptoms may not be felt until days, weeks or even months later. If you've been in an accident visit with a doctor of chiropractic will help you identify your injuries, and get lasting relief, preventing long lasting effects of your injuries, just like he has for hundreds and hundreds of other car accident victims.
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