How Serious Is Whiplash?
Many of our patients underestimate the seriousness of whiplash. Whiplash can be caused by a couple of things but the most prevalent cause we see is car accidents. When two cars collide the impact of the collision forces the neck either backwards or forwards and overextends the neck. As the neck comes back into normal position the muscles immediately stiffen in order to keep better balance of the head.
Whiplash can damage or tear neck muscles and bones leading to neurological problems, and bone fractures or dislocations. Many people assume that the pain they experience anywhere in their body is not directly related to the accident, that it may be caused from anxiety, adrenaline, intense crying, and stress caused by the accident. However it is important to realize that the spine is the place that houses your central nervous system. Due to this fact if there is damage to the nervous system due to over extension of the neck, the injury could be manifesting itself in the form of pain elsewhere in your body.
Whiplash injuries are feasible at 5 mph. This is a real injury and symptoms and begin to manifest themselves from a few hours after the accident to months after. If you or a loved has been in a car accident and suspect a whiplash injury, don’t wait until the situation becomes very aggravated to seek help. Pleasant Grove auto injury doctor, Nate Miller, specializes in working with injuries incurred through car accidents. For a free same day massage and consultation call (801) 492-9300.