1) Pain Isn’t the Only Symptom of Whiplash
Many people associate whiplash injuries with neck and shoulder pain. Pain is the most common symptom associated with whiplash injuries – but it’s not the only symptom. Other common whiplash symptoms include headaches, neck swelling, muscle spasms, numbness and tingling in your arms, nausea, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, and blurred version.
2) Whiplash Injuries Can Occur From Collisions as Slow as 5mph
You might associate whiplash with high speed impacts. Approximately one third of whiplash victims, however, received their injury while traveling at speeds of 2.5 to 5mph. Many people develop whiplash symptoms even when there’s no visible damage to the vehicle. A rear collision at a speed of just 10mph can produce up to 9G’s of force on your neck. The speed of the collision doesn’t necessarily correlate to the degree of injury.
3) Impacts Force Your Neck Into an Unnatural S-Curve
Your neck has 7 vertebrae. Normally, these vertebrae form a 35 to 45 degree curve called the cervical lordosis. During a rear-end collision, the torso is forced back into the seat and upward, which forces the lower cervical (neck) vertebrae into a hyperextended state. The upper cervical vertebrae, meanwhile, flex forward. This creates an unnatural “S-curve” in your neck. This curve causes injuries to your muscles, tendons, and ligaments as they strain to correct your neck against the unnatural force.
4) Whiplash X-Rays Don’t Typically Show a Fracture
Vehicle headrest technology has improved over the years. Today’s headrests significantly reduce severe neck injuries – including neck fractures. That’s why most x-rays of whiplash victims will not show a fracture. Instead, many whiplash x-rays show a straightening of the cervical curve. Your neck is naturally curved, but an impact can cause persistent muscle spasms that counteract this natural curve, leading to pain and stiffness in your neck, among other whiplash symptoms.
5) A Good Chiropractor in Lakewood Can Provide Effective Whiplash Treatment
Dr. Jason Jumper is a certified chiropractor serving patients in Lakewood, Colorado. Dr. Jumper is specially trained to diagnose and treat many injuries associated with whiplash.
During an examination, Dr. Jumper will perform a thorough history and physical examination. He may also request x-rays or other medical images, then treat soft tissues and joints in the region using advanced chiropractic techniques.
Dr. Jumper will also equip patients with the tools they need to care for their whiplash at home, including therapeutic exercises and other techniques that can relieve whiplash symptoms. Chiropractic whiplash treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the severity of your injury.
6) Chiropractic Care For Whiplash Can Relieve Other Symptoms
Whiplash symptoms include more than just pain. Common whiplash symptoms include headaches, neck pain, muscle spasms, migraines, numbness in the arms and hands, carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, jaw pain, damaged discs, arthritis, fibromyalgia, thoracic outlet syndrome, fatigue, disc bulges, disc herniations, sciatica, and more. A skilled chiropractor can address all of these whiplash symptoms.
If you’re suffering from whiplash injuries in Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Littleton, or Denver, Colorado, then schedule a free consultation with Dr. Jumper and the team at Renew Chiropractic. Dr. Jumper will explain his recommended treatment for your unique whiplash injury. Then, you can start on the path towards a full recovery. Call to book your consultation.