7 Subtle Signs You’ve Experienced Whiplash

Car accidents can be a traumatizing experience. No one ever expects to end up in a collision when they leave home in the morning, but the unfortunate reality is that it can happen at any moment.

As the CSRA Community continues to grow, the likelihood of experiencing a car accident in Augusta, Evans, Martinez, and Grovetown only grows with it. In 2015 alone, there were over 5,000 car accidents in our area.

When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s imperative to recognize the signs of traumatic injuries and whiplash symptoms, even if they aren’t immediately obvious. What looks like the least damaging car accident can still cause serious damage to the body that turns into long-term, chronic pain.

Why Whiplash Is So Dangerous

Even though whiplash is commonly associated with car accidents in the Augusta area, that isn’t the only way it can happen.

Whiplash injuries are actually a fairly common and caused by a sudden force that leads to an aggressive back and forth motion of the neck and head. While that can occur following a sudden and abrupt collision with another vehicle at an accelerated speed, high-impact sports, theme park rides, and slip or fall accidents can have the same impact.

These violent motions cause the head to move forward, forcing the cervical spine into an unnatural flexion; the bones in the lower neck can’t keep up resulting in tearing (including strains and sprains). The resulting subluxations can trigger pain that extends from the neck into the shoulders, upper and lower back, hips, and legs.

Identifying The Symptoms

Car accidents happen so quickly, you might not immediately remember what happened or how your body moved. In the haze of confusion, your body might not register the trauma as pain right away.

Here are a few critical signs that suggest you might have experienced whiplash following an auto accident. For some, they could be more telling than standard aches and pains.

  • Sudden and constant headaches.

  • Numbness or tingling in your hands.

  • Difficulty walking or concentrating afterward.

  • Blurred vision.

  • Ringing in the ears.

  • Dizziness.

  • Loss of range of motion moving your neck, arms, and back.

Should You See a Chiropractor For Treatment?

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in the Augusta or Grovetown area, one of the most important things you can do to protect your health is see a chiropractor as quickly as possible.

The symptoms of whiplash may be subtle, and it can take days or weeks before the full intensity of your pain begins to manifest. Recovery times will vary from person to person, but a chiropractic adjustment will gently begin the process of restoring the bones and joints back into their natural function. And if your body is too sore from the accident, other natural therapies and stimulations may help reduce inflammation in the affected tissues.

Even if you aren’t experiencing pain yet, if you think you might be suffering from whiplash, it’s never too early to prioritize your body’s wellness.

Your Auto Injury and Whiplash Specialists

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the checklist of things you’re supposed to do next. No matter who’s at fault, there’s going to be a lot on your mind in hours and days following the collision.

At Grovetown Chiropractic, your health will always be our number one priority. It’s never too early to see a doctor after an auto accident, and the cost for your care may be covered by your auto insurance.

To schedule your complimentary consultation or to book an adjustment, call us today at 706-400-4333 or book online by visiting our Homepage.