Have you ever been in a car accident and been told, either on the scene or at the hospital, that you just have a little whiplash and that it is nothing to worry about?  Did you know that many motor vehicle accidents injuries are hidden and are often not detected for months or even years?  Every year over 6 million people are injured in motor vehicle accidents.  Of these injuries about 3 million are whiplash related with approximately 23% of these developing chronic pain.

When you have had any kind of accident that whips your head back and forth, it causes trauma to the middle of your neck. Sometimes there is damage to the muscles and ligaments that support your neck and head. Since your neck constantly has to hold up your head, which weighs 8-10 pounds, it never gets a chance to rest and heal properly. In an attempt to hold your head on properly the muscles in your neck will start to spasm, become inflamed, and then adapt to this new maladjusted position. Once it has “healed” in a maladjusted position, scar tissue begins to form and gradually arthritis grows in the area that was traumatized.

Seek Treatment Immediately
It is much easier to treat these types of injuries when they are fresh so we can realign the spine and the neck can heal in the correct position. In addition to this, at Austin Active Life Wellness & Healthcare Center, we have many therapies—including ultrasound, massage, and cold laser—to help the muscles and ligaments heal with a minimal amount of scar tissue and increased strength.

When you seek treatment within the first 90 days after a car accident, your insurance will usually pay for your treatment without an increase in premiums.  Also if your accident was caused by another driver, their insurance will often reimburse you for your treatment expense and time off work, if needed.

Regardless of your insurance situation you should see a chiropractor who is trained in personal injury and trauma related injuries.  Please contact us today for a free consultation.