Atlanta Chiropractor Explains Whiplash Symptoms

Whiplash results when the muscles and ligaments of your cervical spine extend rapidly beyond their normal range of motion.

At our Atlanta Chiropractic Office, most patients begin experiencing symptoms 24-72 hours following their Accident or Trauma, so it’s important to pay attention to any physical changes for a few days following any Car Accident Injury.

It has been reported that many common Whiplash Injuries happen in Car Accidents between 6-10 mph.

Common Symptoms of a Whiplash Injury

Neck Pain and Upper Back Pain

This is the most common symptom of a Whiplash Injury because it is the localized spot where the associated damage took place.

Headaches and Migraines

Headaches due to neck problems is called cervicogenic.

It is due to injury of an upper cervical disc, facet joint or higher joints called the occipital joints. These types of headaches typically make migraine symptoms worse as well.

Shoulder Pain and Stiffness

Pain or stiffness in the shoulders is typically due to referred pain from the central injury.

After a Whiplash Injury occurs, the body uses surrounding groups of muscles to help secure the injured area through a process called splinting.

Dizziness

Arm Pain Heaviness or Shooting Pain

Arm pain is due to nerve compression from a bulging or herniated disc in the cervical spine.

This type of Whiplash symptom is diagnosed by a Chiropractor through X-Ray or by another health care provider through an MRI.

Fatigue and Insomnia

Fatigue symptoms can be a direct result of not being able to sleep well because of your injuries. Also, when nerves get irritated in your upper neck, it will disrupt regular deep sleep patterns.

Jaw Pain (TMJ)

The focal point of the force associated with the rapid and sharp movement in a whiplash injury is the temporomandibular joint.

The TMJ is the hinge at the back of the jaw that is susceptible to any violent force trauma to the neck or jaw.

Fluttering of the Eyes and Ringing in the Ears

When the Upper Cervical Spine is damaged through a Whiplash Injury, the Trigeminal nerve system is strained and can lead to many strange symptoms in the facial area.

In this article, we share more detail on how whiplash is more than just neck pain.

Anatomy of the Neck

The spine is a long chain of bones, discs, muscles and ligaments that extends from the base of the skull to the tip of the tailbone.

The cervical spine supports the head and neck, and protects the delicate nerves and spinal cord, and also allows the natural function of the neck during activity.

The major structural support is from the seven cervical vertebrae.

Between two adjacent vertebrae is a spongy cartilage shock absorber called the disc.

In the back of each vertebra are two facet joints, one on each side.

The facet joints are designed to allow for smooth motion for bending forward, backward and rotating, but also limit excess motion.

Muscles and ligaments surround and support the spinal column.

All of these structures have nerve supplies, and Whiplash Injuries are a common cause of pain to any one of these areas.

Treating Whiplash

If you need further information about Whiplash Injuries, or you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, let our team of Medical Doctors and Chiropractors take a look at your injuries.

Also, if you need to be referred to a quality Whiplash Attorney in Atlanta, we can help.

Our team of Atlanta Chiropractors specialize in Whiplash and Accident Injuries and would like to invite you into the office for a Consultation Free of Charge.