Neck Pain & Whiplash Injuries
Car accidents, blows to the back in sports, and on-the-job injuries can easily leave you with a whiplash injury.
While symptoms are often felt immediately, pain may be delayed for days, months, or, in rare cases, even years. In
fact, many people wake up with neck pain without being aware of ever having a head or neck injury. The most common
symptom of whiplash (affecting 62% to 92% of those injured) is neck pain, and it usually begins between two hours
and two days after the accident. This is often the result of tightened muscles that react to either muscle tears or
excessive movement of joints from ligament damage. The muscles tighten in an effort to splint up and support the
head, limiting the excessive movement. While muscle relaxants and pain killers can relieve some of the discomfort
of these muscle spasms, these medications will only cover up symptoms, failing to address the cause of the problem.
An estimated 66% to 70% of those suffering from whiplash complain of headaches. The pain may be on one side or both, on-again/off-again or constant, in one location or more diffuse. These headaches, like neck pain, are often the result of tightened, tensed muscles trying to keep the head stable and, like tension headaches, they are often felt behind the eyes.
Shoulder pain, often described as pain radiating down the back of the neck into the shoulder blade area, also may be the result of tensed muscles. Muscle tears often are described as burning, prickling or tingling pain. More severe disc damage may cause sharp pain with certain movements which are relieved by holding your hand over your head.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have a whiplash injury that, if left untreated, can cause far more serious problems months or years later.
Neck Pain with Arm Symptoms
(Numbness, Tingling, Pain)
Many people turn to chiropractic care for safe, effective treatment of neck pain with arm pain, numbness and tingling.
While this is sometimes called a "pinched nerve," there are actually many causes of these symptoms. Common causes include
"trigger points" in various muscles, and irritated nerves from stiff and restricted joints and muscles. While a "pinched
nerve" usually responds very well to chiropractic care, it is actually a relatively rare condition. In true cases of pinched
nerve, you will feel tingling, numbness and possibly even weakness due to pressure and inflammation on a nerve from bulging
discs or bone spurs along the spine. Pressure on these "pinched nerves" can cause your symptoms to travel away from the
spine, along the course of the nerve. The nerves of the neck travel down the shoulder and extend into the arm, hand and
fingers. This is why so many neck problems cause symptoms to radiate into the arm and hand.
A thorough examination, including orthopedic and neurologic testing and X-ray or MRI studies, if necessary, will help to determine your exact diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. Manipulation (adjustment) of the spinal and extremity joints is very effective in restoring normal function to the joints, as well as to the surrounding muscles and nerves. This usually leads to a decrease in pain and faster recovery. Part of your treatment may also include some combination of the following: acupuncture, therapeutic exercises, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound and ice or heat therapy. Massage therapy and myofascial release techniques may also be used in conjunction with these other therapies in order to get the best results. In the event that your condition requires medical attention, an appropriate referral would be made promptly.
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