Whiplash (also known as an acceleration-deceleration injury) is one of the most common injuries to occur after an automobile accident. It’s also common for the symptoms of whiplash to not become apparent until several days after the accident itself. This, unfortunately, often leads to cases of whiplash going untreated for many years.
Left untreated, whiplash can lead to debilitating pain and complications later in life, namely premature spinal degeneration. But, with a simple visit to Wasserman Chiropractic after an auto accident, you can ensure that any spinal injuries are diagnosed and treated to avoid future problems.
Defining Whiplash
Whiplash is the injury that occurs when the neck is forced into a sharp, sudden back and forth movement. This injury most often affects the cervical spine, which is located in the neck. The cervical spine holds the spinal cord, which is essential to deliver messages to the brain and control the entire body.
While the symptoms of an acceleration-deceleration injury may vary from person to person, the most common are:
- Neck pain, discomfort, stiffness, and reduced range of motion
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
- Upper back, arm, and/or shoulder pain
Patients usually experience whiplash symptoms a day or so after the event that caused the injury, such as an auto accident. However, it can take days for the symptoms to appear. The longer that the patient waits to receive treatment for an acceleration-deceleration injury, the greater risk that the patient will be at for complications in both the short- and long-term.
What Happens When Whiplash Goes Untreated?
One of the main risks of an untreated case of whiplash is premature degeneration. Whiplash trauma can lead to degeneration in the cervical spine if it goes untreated for an extended period. Spinal degeneration can lead to lasting pain, reduced range of motion in the spine, muscle spasms, and even problems with bodily function. While spinal degeneration typically impacts people in the later stages of life, patients who previously experienced an acceleration-deceleration injury and never received treatment are at risk for spinal degeneration earlier in life.
Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash
By receiving chiropractic treatment from Wasserman Chiropractic as soon as possible after whiplash occurs, you can reduce your risk for spinal complications. Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms after an auto accident, it’s in your best interest to visit your chiropractor for an evaluation. If you do have whiplash, your chiropractor can provide spinal manipulation, muscle stimulation or relaxation, rehab exercises, and lifestyle recommendations to heal the injury and restore the health of your spine after an auto accident.
Your health is of the utmost importance – don’t leave it to chance after an accident. Contact Wasserman Chiropractic today to schedule an evaluation.
