Whiplash is the most common type of trauma in auto accidents, where the head of the driver or passenger is jerked forward and backward violently, which causes damage to the tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the neck. This jerking action might seem insignificant, but whiplash can cause severe injuries that can cause chronic pain and disabilities, if it is not treated in a timely manner by Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC.
Manifestation of whiplash injuries can take place in various ways, including pain in the lower back, changes in cognitive behavior, shoulder pain, upper back pain, fatigue, headaches, and neck pain. However, in many cases, the symptoms of whiplash may manifest after some time, and therefore it is always better to consult Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC, after an auto accident. Here are some of the main types of injuries resulting from whiplash trauma.
Neck Pain
More than 90% whiplash victims will complain of neck pain. This pain can also radiate across the shoulder, down the shoulder blades, or up to the head. Most tissues in the neck are likely to be affected by whiplash, including upper vertebrae discs, facet joints, nerves, ligaments, and muscles. In many cases, the facet joint is affected, and the pain is felt at the back of the neck. Disc injury is also quite common, and it could result in chronic pain, if it is not diagnosed and the proper chiropractic treatment is not given in time.
Headaches
After neck pain, headache is the most common symptom of whiplash. Most such headaches are due to the injury to the facet joints, ligaments, and muscles of the cervical spine, but in some people, the headaches could be much more serious resulting from direct injury to the brain.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
TMJ dysfunction is a less common injury from whiplash injury, but it is quite debilitating. Initially, the person will feel pain and there will be popping and clicking sounds while moving the jaw. It is critical to consult Wirth Chiropractic in Greenville, NC, if these symptoms are noticed, as TMJ can worsen rapidly and cause ear pain, facial pain, headaches, and difficulty while eating. Chiropractic treatment is the only effective solution for this type of injury.
While these injuries are relatively less serious, whiplash can also cause serious injury to the brain. Therefore, after an accident it is important to have yourself diagnosed by an experienced chiropractor. This may be the best decision you ever made and help you out with your case.
