Being involved in a car accident in never fun. If the collision is mild enough, we may go home without pain, thinking everything is ok. What a relief!
Although it would be ideal if the story ended there, sometimes we begin to feel complaints in the weeks and months following the accident. Because of the delayed onset of symptoms, we may be confused as to the origin of the symptoms, and may not initially relate it to the trauma months before. If the symptoms are mild enough, we may go on with our lives thinking they will eventually get better. In many cases, these complaints linger, and only become more of a problem during periods of stress, illness or fatigue. Depending on the type of work one does, complaints could be exacerbated through daily movements and posture. Whatever the case may be, there is a considerable chance that some amount of damage remains in the months and years after an accident.
Whiplash and whiplash associated disorders (WAD) do not always have to result from a car accident. The WAD phenomenon consists of a rapid acceleration force of the head, where it is thrown forward and then backwards. This can happen during a fall from a bike or during sports, or jumping out of the way of an oncoming vehicle. This sudden force on the muscles and ligaments of the neck causes damage, followed by swelling and muscle tension. A chiropractor can perform a proper evaluation , and if a WAD is diagnosed, can help the complaints in the following ways:
1. Reduces pain
2. Provides longer term benefit/resistance
3. Increases range of motion
4. Reduces scar tissue
5. Less medication/pain killers
6. Reduces inflammation
It is important to get checked by a qualified chiropractor before performing any treatment plan. If you suffer from pain years after an accident, it may still be a problem. Make an appointment today to see if we can help!
