For those who’ve suffered a car accident, whiplash type injuries should be a very serious concern. Often times, the symptoms associated with a whiplash injury can develop several weeks or even months after the incident and it can be easy for an individual to believe there were no injuries as a result of the auto collision. Because of this, a majority of people don’t seek medical treatment following the car accident. Whiplash-associated injuries are among the most common neck injuries. Whiplash is caused by an abrupt movement of the head, either backward, forward, or sideways, which damages the supporting muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues in the neck and upper back.
The term whiplash was initially utilized in 1928 to identify an injury mechanism of sudden hyperextension followed by an immediate hyperflexion of the neck, resulting in damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments, most specifically, those supporting the head. Presently, we understand that this type of injury doesn’t necessarily occur as a result of extension and flexion beyond its natural range, instead, whiplash injuries are known to occur from an extremely rapid extension and flexion of the neck in any direction.
Because of their misunderstood, complex nature and the serious impact these could have on people’s lifestyles, only a limited amount of topics in the healthcare field have created as much controversy as whiplash injuries. In order to help the individual better comprehend the nature of whiplash-associated injuries and how these should be properly treated, it is necessary to invest some time discussing the mechanics of how whiplash injuries occur.
An abundance of studies has demonstrated that approximately half of all individuals with whiplash-associated injuries resulting after a car accident may experience ongoing whiplash symptoms if left untreated. Whiplash injuries are often misunderstood and, although the pain and discomfort of this type of injury may not always develop immediately, it’s essential for the individual to seek proper care from a chiropractor who specializes in soft tissue injuries. For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at (915) 850-0900.Â