Car Accidents & Long-Term Neck Pain

Have you been in a car accident? 45% of people who have been in a car accident still have pain two years later.

Injuries to the neck caused by a sudden movement of the head backward, forward, or sideways, are referred to as whiplash. Whether from a car accident, sports, or an accident at work, whiplash or other neck injuries warrant a thorough chiropractic check-up. The biggest danger with whiplash injuries is that the symptoms can take years to develop. Too often people don't seek treatment until more serious complications arise. Even after whiplash victims settle their insurance claims, some 45% report that they still suffer with symptoms two years later.

In the past a typical whiplash injury where no bones were broken was hard to document. Soft tissue injury didn't show up on normal x-rays, and insurance companies would deny coverage. Literally adding insult to injury, the patient suffering all too real pain was considered to be a fraud, a liar, or at best a hypochondriac. New imaging devices (CAT Scans, Magnetic Imaging, and Ultra Sound) now show soft tissue injury, and insurance companies now cover most whiplash injuries. When no bones are broken and the head doesn't strike the windshield, typical symptoms of whiplash are as follows:

· 62% to 98% complain of neck pain, which typically starts from two hours up to two days after the accident. This is often the result of tightened muscles that react to either muscle tears or excessive movement of joints from ligament damage. The muscles tighten in an effort to splint and support the head, limiting the excessive movement.

· 66% to 70% of those suffering from whiplash complain of headache. The pain may be on one side or both, on again/off again or constant, in one spot or more general areas. These headaches, like the neck pain, are often the result of tightened, tensed muscles trying to keep the head stable and, like tension headaches, they are often felt behind the eyes.

· Shoulder pain, which is often described as pain radiating down the back of the neck into the shoulder blade area, may also be the result of tensed muscles.

· Muscle tears are often described as burning pain, prickling or tingling. More severe disc damage may cause sharp pain with certain movements, with or without radiation into the arms, hands and fingers, which is relieved by holding your hands over your head.

How Does Whiplash Happen?

Whiplash is most commonly received from riding in a car that is struck from behind, or collides with another vehicle. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine can be over-stretched or torn. In a rear end collision for example, the victim's car is first pushed or accelerated forward and then, because the brakes are applied or the car hits the vehicle in front of it, the car is rapidly slowed down, or decelerated. As the vehicle accelerates forward, it pushes the body forward too, but the head remains behind momentarily, rocking up and back, until some of the muscles and ligaments are stretched or torn. Often the injury occurs before the head rebounds off the headrest. These muscles, in a reflex action, contract to bring the occupant’s head forward again and to prevent excessive injury. This overcompensates because at this point the head is already traveling in a forward direction as the car decelerates. This violently rocks the head forward, stretching and tearing more muscles and ligaments. The soft pulpy discs between the vertebrae can bulge, tear, or rupture. Vertebrae can be forced out of their normal position, reducing range of motion. The spinal cord and nerve roots get stretched, irritated, and choked. If the victim is not properly restrained the occupants head may strike the steering wheel or windshield, possibly causing a concussion. The resulting instability of the spine and soft tissues are noteworthy and depend on several factors.

If you or a loved one has recently been in an auto accident, please contact our office immediately. The earlier whiplash is addressed, the less damaging effects on your body there will be! TIME IS VITAL!