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Whiplash injuries can damage the delicate ligaments that support your spine and can cause symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, stiffness, shoulder pain, numberless and tingling,
or pain in your arms and hands. Here are the best ways to recover from whiplash after an
auto accident.
Bottom Line:
Your spine is a long chain of bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments that extend from your skull down to your tailbone. The cervical spine (your neck) is designed to support your head and
protect the nerves that go out to your face, shoulders, and arms. Whiplash injuries can create damage to these delicate structures and can cause symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, stiffness, shoulder pain, numberless and tingling, or pain in your arms and hands.
Why it Matters:
Even minor damage to the ligaments of your neck can take up to 12 weeks to heal.
Depending on the severity of the ligament tearing, these injuries may also be classified as
permanent. It's essential to control the inflammation early in your treatment and improve your range of motion. While it may seem strange that movement is a good thing if it hurts, we know that controlled movement can limit the amount of scar tissue that forms and may even increase the healing rate.
• Obtaining an accurate diagnosis with a complete examination and spinal imaging is the first step towards determining the best plan of care to heal from your injuries.
• Inflammation is a primary factor that causes pain and restricted movement after a
whiplash injury.
• Controlling inflammation naturally and reestablishing your range of motion can reduce your pain and improve the results of your care.
Next Steps:
Chiropractors take a holistic approach to help you recover from whiplash by examining and treating the injured muscles, ligaments, discs, and more. Chiropractors are considered essential after an accident because of our focus on improving your movement, biomechanics, and
functional ability while reducing your pain. Schedule an appointment today if you are someone you know has been injured in a car accident. We're here to help guide their recovery process.
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