Watch Out for These Five Signs of Whiplash After Being in a Car Accident
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. You might not develop whiplash symptoms until days or weeks after your accident, so it’s important to visit a chiropractor as soon as possible so that you can be screened for symptoms of common auto injuries. Dr. Jay Harrison at Lifetime Family Health Center can do a full examination and diagnostic testing to determine if you have any hidden auto injuries like whiplash. Here are five signs you may have whiplash and should schedule an appointment with us for auto injury treatment in Grapevine, TX.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
The most common symptoms of whiplash are neck and shoulder pain. This pain may worsen when you try to move your head or neck or if you have to sit at a desk all day at work.
Neck Stiffness or Loss of Range of Motion in the Neck
A whiplash injury can cause swelling and inflammation, which can cause neck stiffness and limit your range of motion in your neck. You may find it hard to nod your head or turn it from side to side, or you might notice that you are unconsciously avoiding these movements.
Numbness or Tingling
An auto accident can injure the soft tissues and nerves in your neck. Whiplash injuries are often accompanied by nerve damage or nerve compression, which can cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, or a pins and needles feeling.
Irritability and Sleep Problems
Neck pain and discomfort associated with whiplash can affect your physical and mental health. The stress of being in a car accident, combined with the pain associated with your injury, can cause anxiety, irritability, depression, and frustration. This added stress can affect your sleep and mood, causing mood swings or making you lose your temper.
Headaches or Migraines
A neck injury like whiplash can cause referred pain or cervicogenic headaches or migraines. If you have worsening or more frequent headaches or migraines after being in a car accident, you should make an appointment with us straight away.
Don’t Ignore Symptoms of Whiplash
If you ignore symptoms of whiplash, your condition may worsen and you could develop chronic pain or permanent loss of range of motion in your neck. You might also have other auto injuries that could cause pain, discomfort, and complications. When you visit Dr. Harrison at Lifetime Family Health Center, he will screen you for signs of common auto injuries like whiplash, concussion, head injury, spine injury, and neurological symptoms. Call to schedule an appointment, or request an appointment online for auto injury treatment in Grapevine, TX.
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Chiropractic
Auto Injury
Whiplash