It's Important to Seek Chiropractic Care before You Develop Symptoms of Whiplash
Whiplash is a chronic condition that develops days, weeks, or even months after auto injury. This disabling condition may not even be noticeable until so long after your car accident that you are not even sure what caused it. Our chiropractors and naturopath at Chicagoland WellMed Center in Alsip, Illinois want you to know these three important things about chiropractic care for whiplash.
Whiplash Is Your Body's Misdirected Attempt to Heal Itself
One of the most important things to understand about whiplash is that it is a misdirected attempt by your body to heal itself. The sudden stop you experience in an auto accident, even a fender bender at 2 miles per hour, can cause tiny tears in the muscles of your neck. Your immune system sends white blood cells that generate inflammation to remove injured tissue in your neck muscles so healthy muscle can replace it.
The problem is that inflammation causes swelling. Your neck muscles are attached directly to your cervical spine, so when they swell, they can pull the vertebrae in the spine in your neck out of alignment. This interferes with the normal posture of your neck, of course, but it can also "pinch" nerves that travel out of your neck bones to your arms.
Whiplash Can Cause a Variety of Symptoms Beyond Just Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Pressure on nerves and tension of facial muscles can cause a variety of symptoms that you might not usually associate with a neck injury.
- Whiplash can cause tension headaches, the kind that wrap around your face. It can also cause blurred vision or slurred speech and interfere with your hearing.
- Whiplash can cause pain in your arms, hands, and fingers. As your posture deteriorates because you slump to stop the pain, new misalignments can cause still more pain all over your body.
The Best Time to Get Chiropractic Care for Whiplash Is Now
Going to see our chiropractor immediately after an auto accident can prevent weeks, months, or even years of pain. The longer you wait to start treatment, the more treatment you will need. It's always better to see your chiropractor about auto injury treatment sooner rather than later.
Health on Earth Is Here to Help
Dr. Vaught, Dr. Morris, and Dr. Adeyefa are here to help you recover from whiplash and other problems caused by car accidents and other injuries. Request your appointment online or call us at ((708) 396-2500. The offices of Chicagoland WellMed Center are located at 11933 S Pulaski Rd, Alsip, IL 60803.
