Whiplash
Neck and Back Pain Rehabilitation
Whiplash injuries can lead to a lifetime of neck pain and chronic headaches. If you have sustained a car accident injury, prompt treatment from our chiropractor, Dr. Jack Cacic, can make a big difference for your overall well-being. For over a decade, Dr. Cacic, has been helping whiplash injury victims recover following an accident injury. Whether your accident occurred last week or last year, it is never too late – or too early – to seek help for your pain.
Chiropractic Manages Headaches Caused by Auto Accident Injuries
Thanks to the proliferation of cellphones, distracted driving is a serious problem that makes our roads unsafe. Many of our patients were hit from behind when the offending driver was preoccupied. Consequently, whiplash is one of the most common auto accident injuries. Even a fender bender at speeds as slow as 5mph may cause a whiplash injury, triggering chronic pain and chronic headaches. Without proper treatment, these injuries can lead to lifetime impairment and disability.
A whiplash injury occurs when the force of a rear accident impact abruptly “whips” the neck backwards and forwards. Moving the cervical spine beyond its normal range of motion can cause a misalignment of the vertebrae. The atlas vertebra is at the top of the spine. If this vertebra becomes misaligned, the entire spine is at risk for problems. Worse, the atlas vertebra may compress nearby nerves and muscles, triggering pain and muscle spasms. For example, research suggests that a misalignment of the neck is one of the most common yet untreated causes of headaches. If an atlas vertebra misalignment puts pressure on the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPM) muscle, the RCPM can spasm, triggering a headache.
If you have been in a fender bender, we recommend that you schedule a diagnostic appointment with Dr. Cacic as soon as possible. Dr. Cacic will evaluate your spine and identify underlying subluxations. Early treatment can make a big difference for your overall well-being. Chiropractic care is a gentle, non-invasive treatment technique that corrects the subluxations in your spine. By restoring proper alignment, Dr. Cacic relieves pressure on the nerves. This naturally manages pain without the need for medication.
Many patients also suffer from sore or stiff muscles. It may be painful to turn the neck from side to side or even look up and down. The accumulation of scar tissue can further aggravate this pain. Following an injury, many patients believe that immobilizing the neck is the best way to prevent further damage.
However, long-term immobilization can actually hurt the recovery process. Some movement is necessary to promote the flow of oxygenated blood, which carries nutrients vital to the healing process. If you are suffering from sore or stiff muscles due to auto accident injuries, Dr. Cacic may recommend corrective exercises. These exercises help restore natural movement without aggravating the whiplash injuries.
Don't let whiplash injuries lead to a lifetime of chronic neck pain. Contact Lake Worth Chiropractic & Wellness today.