In the case of an auto accident, not many people are
prepared for the effects it will have on them. An automobile accident is an
undesirable and unexpected situation that often results in property damage, but
most importantly, the impact from the collision can lead to numerous injuries
and symptoms, affecting you more than you expect.
Whiplash Headaches After a Car Accident
A headache is a symptom of pain felt in any region of the
head or neck. From a mild and irritating discomfort to a severe and throbbing
pain, headaches can be caused by a variety of factors and they may occur
temporarily or they can last throughout the day. In a majority of cases, individuals
report headaches and other similar symptoms after being involved in an
automobile accident, most commonly, if they’ve been diagnosed with whiplash.
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Any type of auto collision can lead to whiplash and other
injuries, however, whiplash occurs most frequently during rear-end impacts in a
car. Whiplash occurs when the head suddenly moves back-and-forth in any given
direction as a result of a powerful force, extending the neck beyond its normal
range of motion. This type of injury can also be caused by trauma from a sports
injury or other type of accident. The neck is a complex structure consisting of
joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels and other tissues.
When the structures of the neck are subjected to an extreme force, such as that
from a car crash, the tissues within the neck can become irritated and
inflamed, causing injuries that results in pain, whiplash headaches and other
symptoms.
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| Whiplash Diagram |
The symptoms of whiplash generally develop immediately after
the automobile accident, although occasionally, the pain and discomfort can
take up to several days, weeks, or even months to manifest. The pain is often
in the form of whiplash headaches.
Treatment for Headaches Caused by Whiplash
If an individual suffered injuries from an auto accident,
whether these were visible wounds or only symptoms of pain and headaches, it’s
essential for the victim to seek medical attention as soon as possible to
determine the source of their symptoms. Treating whiplash can help relieve head
pain. Many people who are involved in a car accident are sent to the emergency
room, or ER, where they are treated for any life-threatening injuries from the
incident. However, the ER often only treats open wounds or bone fractures,
overlooking the individual’s neck and head pain. They may prescribe pain
killers or muscle relaxers for the symptoms but, while these may help relieve
the pain and restore function, the effects are only temporary and they are not
meant to be a cure for headaches or whiplash.
Headaches and whiplash should be treated at the source and,
fortunately, there are many different forms of treatment to alleviate the
symptoms of an automobile injury.
Chiropractic care is a popular and effective, alternative
treatment option for a variety of soft-tissue injuries. Chiropractic focuses on
restoring the normal function of the spine and its surrounding structures,
eliminating symptoms and improving the flexibility and mobility of the body. Once
the healthcare specialist completes a diagnosis, they utilize a variety of
therapies and treatments according to the individual’s injuries or conditions. Chiropractors
will frequently use spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to rehabilitate
the spine back into its natural alignment, decreasing the stress and pressure
of the tissues around the affected region and reducing the irritation,
inflammation, ultimately helping eliminate whiplash headaches and other
symptoms. Additionally, a chiropractor may recommend a series of exercises to strengthen
the body and speed up the rehabilitation process.
Cervicogenic Headaches and Chiropractic
When you or a loved one is experiencing whiplash headaches
and other symptoms as a result of an auto accident, the pain and discomfort can
be debilitating, greatly altering your lifestyle and finding relief becomes
crucial. Chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for headaches and
whiplash and regularly following through with your treatment plan will have
tremendous benefits on your body, ultimately eliminating those impairing
headaches.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
