Neck Pain After A Car Accident (Whiplash)
Neck Pain After a Car Accident
Neck pain is one of the most common complaints after a car accident. We usually recommend that patients receive immediate medical care after a car accident as your neck and spinal cord are majorly affected after an accident. Even if you do not immediately have pain you should get evaluated as the injury can have delayed symptoms. Your neck pain may not present itself for several days. If you have neck pain after an accident that is associated with weakness in your arms or legs and/or loss of bowel or bladder control you will need to go to the emergency room immediately! However, if you are experiencing neck pain without those red flag symptoms Compass Pain and Spine can help.
Whiplash is caused by traumatic injury to the neck. It is caused by uncontrolled motion of the neck. Most whiplash injuries result from motor vehicle accidents that cause sudden acceleration or deceleration. Many whiplash injuries occur when you are involved in a rear-end automobile collision. It happens when your neck jerks back and forth violently. Your cervical spine bends past it's normal range of motions. This abnormal motions can injury the structures in your neck. It can damage the supporting ligaments, joints and muscles in your neck. Patients can develop a condition called a Post Whiplash Headache which can result in chronic headaches.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of whiplash:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Low back pain
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in your ears
- Headaches
The symptoms of whiplash may look like other conditions and medical problems. Visit Compass Pain and Spine for a proper diagnosis.
Diagnosis
How is whiplash diagnosed? Along with a complete medical history and physical exam, tests for whiplash may include the following:
- X-ray (However, many whiplash injuries include damage to soft tissue and can't be seen on X-rays)
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- CT (Computed Tomography) scan. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.
This is a common neck injury. It happens when your neck jerks back and forth quickly and violently. Your spine bends past its normal range of motion. This can injure the vertebrae of your cervical spine. It can damage the supporting ligaments and muscles in your neck.
Treatments
- Trigger point injection for Whiplash
- Chiropractic Care and Physical therapy