Dealing with Whiplash Injury

After a car accident, victims should take inventory of their property as well as their health. Some injuries may not be immediately evident, but could sneak up as time passes. One example is whiplash injury.

Although technically not a medical term, whiplash is widely recognized by medical professionals. The condition is characterized by damage to the nerve, soft tissues, and/or joints of the neck. The injuries may extend to surrounding body parts, such as the shoulders and upper back. Passengers of a rear-ended vehicle typically suffer whiplash injury when the car rapidly decelerates.

Injured individuals may experience pain, stiffness, numbness, or other abnormal sensations in the neck. As mentioned, the symptoms may radiate to adjacent body parts, so headaches, shoulder pains, and upper back twinges are common. It is important to watch out for these sensations even a day or a few days after the accident and to note their quality or characteristics.

The discomfort and limited mobility due to the painful or troubling symptoms could eventually result in a person’s inability to concentrate or sleep well. In some cases, individuals with whiplash injury may suffer a certain degree of depression. These factors make seeking medical attention a priority for whiplash victims.

If life-threatening conditions have been ruled out after a medical consultation, you can consult a chiropractor for the alleviation of particular symptoms. Pain and tightness relief therapies like nerve decompression, mobilization, and chiropractic adjustments can help in reestablishing your comfort and overall well-being.