Whiplash: How These Injuries Can Cause Chronic Pain

Bottom Line

Whiplash injuries used to be considered "no big deal," but times have changed. Doctors now understand that whiplash can cause lifelong pain and disability if not treated properly.

During a car accident, the head often moves suddenly forward and backward with tremendous force. Even low-speed collisions can generate enough force to injure the delicate ligaments in your neck that support your head.

Why It Matters

When you experience a whiplash injury, your head and neck extend beyond their normal range of motion. This can result in:

1. Partial tears or damage to the muscles and ligaments
2. Injury to the spinal discs, nerves, or surrounding muscles

Common symptoms of whiplash include:

1. Neck pain and stiffness
2. Headaches
3. Dizziness
4. Pain radiating into the arms or shoulders
5. Limited range of motion

Important Facts

1. Over 80% of people involved in a car accident will sustain a whiplash injury.
2. Whiplash injuries are now classified as severe, with permanent ligament damage commonly occurring due to the rapid back-and-forth motion.
3. Nearly 50% of people with neck pain or whiplash continue to have pain one year after their initial injury.

Next Steps

Receiving the proper diagnosis and care after a car accident is critical to reducing your risk of chronic pain.

At our practice, we specialize in:

1. Accurately assessing and diagnosing trauma-related injuries
2. Providing proper documentation for insurance and legal needs
3. Delivering effective treatment plans to help restore your quality of life—quickly and safely

We’re here to help you take the next step toward recovery.

Science Source(s)

The Association Between a Lifetime History of a Neck Injury in a Motor Vehicle Collision and Future Neck PainEuropean Spine Journal, 2010

Meet Your Doctor

Dr. David Wade, DC, MDCredentialed in Primary Spine Care and Spine Trauma through:

1. The Academy of Chiropractic
2. Cleveland College
3. Jacobs School of Medicine at SUNY Buffalo, NY

Dr. Wade also lectures attorneys and legal assistants on trauma care and demonstrative reporting.

You can find him at:Anniston Chiropractic3001 McClellan Blvd, Anniston, AL(formerly the Burgess Chiropractic building)