Whiplash is a common injury from a car accident though many patients do not realize they have the injury until later. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we want our patients to understand how whiplash works and why it is not always felt right away.
Whiplash happens when the spine is thrust forwards and then whipped back quickly. The cervical spine and the surrounding structures can become sprained, strained, or even misplaced. Whiplash is a very common injury to occur during a car accident. While sometimes the pain is felt right away, other times it can show up hours, days, weeks, or months after the accident. Why is this?
When the body goes through the trauma of a car accident, it releases endorphins as a natural painkiller. So, while some injuries may be obvious, like a cut or a broken bone, other injuries like whiplash stay hidden. It can stay hidden until the pain from other injuries is gone or healed.
This is why it is very important for a patient to have a chiropractic exam soon after a car accident. It is especially important to be done before any important decisions are made. We can determine if there is any hidden damage that will need to be corrected. If whiplash is left untreated, it can turn into chronic pain.
If you were recently in a car accident, make sure to schedule an appointment with us for a full examination. To schedule in our San Rafael, CA office, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center website, www.summitchiro.net.
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