When most of us hear the word whiplash, we think of a high-speed car accident with airbag deployment and maybe a trip to the hospital. However, the truth is that an injury does not need to be spectacular to injure the tissues of the neck. A whiplash injury is caused when the neck is forced to move back and forth quickly. While the majority of cases do occur from motor vehicle accidents, whiplash injuries also happen regularly from sports injuries (equestrian, skiing, football, etc.) and other types of trauma.
Common symptoms of whiplash injury include:
- Limited range of neck motion – it might be painful and difficult to turn your head to look over the shoulder
- Headaches at the base of the skull
- Tenderness of neck musculature
Getting Proper Care After Whiplash
In the days following a whiplash injury, the neck can be extremely sore and tender. The tissues are inflamed and the body is beginning to repair the damage. During this critical time of healing, it is important not to overlook the spine itself. The spine protects your body’s central nervous system, made up of the brain and spinal cord. When a neck injury occurs, it can cause spinal misalignments, which can compromise the function of the nerves.
This is especially important in the area where your skull meets your spine. The atlas vertebra forms that transition, and is responsible for protecting the brainstem. A misalignment of the atlas can compromise the way the brain is able to communicate with the injured tissues of your body, impeding this normal process. Additionally, a misalignment of the atlas can be contributing to pain, discomfort, and limited range of motion of the head. At Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, we are specially trained to correct the atlas gently and specifically, which will help the body heal optimally from a whiplash injury and neck pain.
To schedule a consultation with Upper Cervical Chiropractic San Diego, call 858-434-5926 or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
