Watch Out for These 5 Signs of Whiplash After a Car Accident
Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that affects the neck, back and shoulders. The force of the impact in an auto accident causes the head to jerk either back and forth or side to side. This results in the hyperextension of the soft tissues, causing whiplash. If you’ve been in a car accident in the Ottawa, Canada area, visit Merivale Chiropractic and Massage Clinic right away to get the care you need.
Pain
Pain is among the most common indicators of whiplash. You’re likely to develop pain in your neck, but you can also develop pain in your upper back, shoulders, and arms. These areas may feel tender to the touch, and the pain may worsen with movement. Headaches are another painful sign of whiplash. These will typically develop at the base of the skull.
Stiffness
When the soft tissues in your neck become hyperextended, you’re likely to feel neck stiffness. This is often accompanied by the loss of range of motion.
Dizziness
Many people who develop whiplash experience dizziness or lightheadedness. If you become dizzy, it’s best to stop what you are doing and sit down until it passes. Try to keep your head upright and your eyes straight ahead to mitigate the dizziness. It’s a good idea to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you develop dizziness. Instead, have someone else drive you to our chiropractic clinic.
Pinched Nerves
The impact of a car accident can cause nerves in the neck to become impinged. If this happens, you may develop feelings of numbness or tingling that extend along the arms. You might also experience weakness in the arms.
Cognitive Issues
Some people who develop whiplash report cognitive difficulties. An impaired ability to concentrate on your work can indicate whiplash. This can be accompanied by memory problems.
Timeline of Symptoms
Whiplash symptoms don’t always arise immediately after a car accident. Usually, patients with whiplash notice symptoms within 24 hours, although it may take a few days for some people. This is why it’s important to seek care at our chiropractic clinic as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you don’t yet have symptoms.
Get the Care You Need in Ottawa
The Merivale Chiropractic and Massage Clinic is devoted to helping our patients enjoy a pain-free life. Our father/daughter team, Dr. Leo Lachowich and Dr. Tatyana Lachowich, take the time to explain each treatment to our patients and to answer each question thoroughly.
If you’ve been in a car accident near Ottawa, call our chiropractic and massage clinic at (613) 226-8142 today or schedule an appointment online.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Neck Pain Treatment
Auto Injury Treatment
Whiplash
