Auto Accidents and Whiplash

Whiplash refers to a condition that occurs to the neck when the head violently and quickly snaps back and forward in rapid succession. The force stretches your neck beyond a normal range of motion, which results in an injury.

 

Whiplash is often a delayed symptom of an auto accident injury, especially rear-end vehicle collisions.

 

Some people may find it surprising, but whiplash symptoms can appear after a minor accident, where the vehicles involved were driving very slowly.

 

Many car accident victims experience whiplash, yet they don’t always seek medical attention right away. Since the symptoms of whiplash don’t always show up immediately following auto accidents, it’s not uncommon that the victim may go for days without noticing any signs of the neck strain injury.

 

Here are some common symptoms of whiplash:

 

Neck Pain or Stiffness
Neck pain or a stiff neck are common conditions that can happen at any time, but it’s also a classic sign of whiplash. It occurs after muscles, ligaments, and tendons are sprained or strained by the hyperextension of your head and neck.

 

The neck is made out of bony blocks known as vertebrae, which are joined by discs for strength and flexibility. The force from a car accident can knock your vertebrae out of alignment, resulting in sharp neck pain, muscular aches, or an inability to move your head fully.

 

The appearance of neck pain or stiffness may take several hours. In some cases, the pain first develops the day after the accident, but at that time, the level of discomfort may even be worse.

 

Arm and Hand Pain, Tingling, or Numbness
Another indication of whiplash injury is the loss of feeling in the arms and hands accompanied by a tingling sensation.

 

The loss of feeling is a result of damage to the neck or spinal column. Whiplash can cause pinched nerves or damage due to intense pressure, which can lead to tingling, weakness, and numbness emitting throughout the shoulder, arm, hand, or finger.

 

If left untreated, this problem can cause severe pain and potentially other complications.

 

Headaches
A whiplash headache is located at the base of the skull, and the intensity of the pain can vary. Most people experience a painful sensation on one side of the head and towards the back, while others feel pain all over their heads. There may also be people who experience a whiplash-related headache on the forehead or behind the eyes.

 

If you have been involved in an auto accident and are experiencing whiplash symptoms, please call Augustine Chiropractic Wesley Chapel at 813-994-6008.

 

Dr. Brian Augustine of Augustine Chiropractic in Wesley Chapel, FL, has over 31 years of experience treating patients for their neck pain and other ailments through personalized chiropractic care treatments. The locally owned and operated chiropractic clinic offers both in-office treatments and at-home therapy regimens to help people recover and heal from auto injuries and other conditions. The staff is dedicated to providing alternative and therapeutic solutions for better overall health. Give them a call today at (813) 994-6008 to schedule an appointment or visit our auto injury page to learn more about our services!