Have you experienced an auto accident lately? If so, it is important to be aware of the long term ramifications of whiplash injury and seek out a Denver car accident chiropractor who can help. Auto accident injuries are common but they often go ignored due to lack of symptoms initially. However, these injuries can cause chronic pain and other issues if not treated properly by correcting the underlying causes instead of relying solely on symptom based care and medications. To find a qualified Denver car accident chiropractor near you, read on for tips on what to look for when choosing one.
Table of Contents:
- What is Whiplash?
- Long Term Ramifications of Whiplash Injury
- Symptom Based Care vs Correcting the Underlying Cause of Symptoms
- Finding a Denver Car Accident Chiropractor Near Me
- Conclusion
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is an injury to the neck that occurs when the head and neck are quickly forced in one direction and then another, similar to how a whip cracks. Car accident injuries, sports-related trauma or slip and fall are all common injuries where whiplash occurs.
The term “whiplash” describes a type of soft tissue damage to the neck or other areas of the body resulting from sudden movement beyond its normal range of motion. Pain, rigidity, numbness, tingling feelings and decreased flexibility in the impacted area may be experienced as a result of this sudden motion beyond its regular range resulting in damage to tissues.
Most whiplash injuries occur due to car accidents where there has been a rapid acceleration/deceleration force applied to the body; such as rear-end collisions or side impact crashes. Other causes include contact sports like football or hockey, falls from heights and slip and falls.
Symptoms usually develop within 24 hours after an incident causing whiplash but may take up to weeks or even months before they appear, depending on severity. Common signs may include headaches, neck pain, low back pain, shoulder pain, vertigo/dizziness, blurred vision/double sight, fatigue, difficulty focusing and recalling as well as muscle spasms. Pain may be felt anywhere along the spine including arms and legs due to nerve root irritation and possibly from herniated discs which can also occur with whiplash injuries. Though the immediate effects of whiplash may be clear, potential long-term repercussions should not be overlooked when managing this injury.
Long Term Ramifications of Whiplash Injury
Whiplash injuries can have serious long-term ramifications. Pain that persists, reduced ability to move freely and neurological issues may be the results of a whiplash injury.
The most common symptom associated with whiplash is chronic pain in the neck area. This type of pain can last for weeks or even months after the initial injury occurs, making it difficult to carry out everyday activities. In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary to handle the intensity of pain. Degeneration of the discs and bone spurs on the vertebrae become more likely in the years following a whiplash injury.
Whiplash injuries often cause decreased mobility in the neck area due to swelling or inflammation around joints and muscles. This can lead to stiffness in the neck which makes turning your head from side-to-side more difficult than usual. Over time this lack of flexibility can become permanent if not addressed properly by a chiropractor or other healthcare professional specializing in treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions like whiplash.
Whiplash can bring about long-term repercussions, ranging from continuing soreness, neurological issues, bone spurs and degenerative disc disease. Realizing the advantages of treating symptoms and identifying the root cause of them is essential for achieving optimal health.
Symptom Based Care vs Correcting the Underlying Cause of Symptoms
Symptom-based care and addressing the root cause of symptoms are two common strategies for treating whiplash injuries. Each approach has its own benefits, so it is important to understand both in order to determine which one is best for you.
Benefits of Symptom Based Care – This type of treatment focuses on providing relief from pain and discomfort associated with whiplash injuries. Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, muscle relaxers, pain killers, lotions and potions can help and are often used for symptom-based care. While this type of care can provide short-term relief from symptoms, it does not address the underlying damage of the injury itself.
By addressing the underlying damage of your whiplash injury through chiropractic adjustments, exercises, stretches or other lifestyle adjustments, you can nip long-term damage in the bud caused by soft tissue damage that can cause chronic nerve irritation, misalignment or muscle tension resulting from an initial trauma. Moreover, corrective care may also help stave off future degenerative changes or relapses by restoring proper alignment and balance within your neuromusculoskeletal system. Moving on, let’s explore how you can find a Denver car accident chiropractor near you.
Finding a Denver Car Accident Chiropractor Near Me
When looking for a Denver car accident chiropractor, it is important to find one who has the right qualifications and experience. Qualities to look for in a Denver car accident chiropractor include: expertise in treating whiplash injuries, knowledge of current treatments and techniques, excellent communication skills, and access to advanced technology. This article looks at the effectiveness of chiropractic care for whiplash.
Questions you should ask when choosing a Denver car accident chiropractor include: What type of treatment do they specialize in? How long have they been practicing? Do they offer any special services or treatments that could benefit me? Are there any additional fees associated with their services? Do they work with car insurance? Will they work with an attorney if needed? What would a possible treatment plan look like?
Conclusion
Finding a skilled Denver car accident chiropractor is essential if you have experienced an auto accident; they can provide ongoing relief from whiplash-related issues. A proficient chiropractor can evaluate your signs and form a tailored plan of action that considers both treating the symptoms and remedying the damage to the soft tissues. With proper care, you can reduce pain levels while also reducing any potential long term ramifications associated with whiplash.
If you have been in a car accident in Denver, contact Lifetime Wellness & Chiropractic for tailored chiropractic solutions to improve your health and lifestyle. Our team of experienced professionals will help you get back on the road to recovery.