Portland, Maine – With warmer weather fast approaching, your time on the road is likely to increase. In fact, the American Automobile Association reports that a quarter billion road trips take place in the summer. While summer road trips can be amazingly fun, it is important to remember that with an increase in extra cars on the road, your chances of accidents, and driving related injuries also increase.
One of the most common injuries associated with riding in a car is whiplash, which is caused by sudden movement to the head and neck. If left untreated, whiplash victims can develop more serious complications years after an accident. Whiplash is most commonly received from riding in a car that is struck form behind, or collides with another vehicle. When the head is suddenly jerked back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine can be stretched or torn.
Around 70% of those suffering from whiplash complain of headache. “Many patients report that the pain is constant, but it could be on and off,” says Dr. Aaron MacArthur of Portland Chiropractic Neurology. “Headaches are often the result of tightened, tensed muscles trying to keep the head stable.” These are due to joint and muscle injury that occur during the accident. Other symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain and stiffness, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, numbness, or pain in the arms, shoulder blades, legs, feet, and hands. If you experience any of these symptoms, play it safe and get a chiropractic check up.
It is important that a chiropractor evaluate your spine as a whole after an accident. If left untreated, patients will often develop arthritis in the damaged areas of the spine. “Your exact treatment plan will depend on your injury, but will include some combination of spinal manipulations with stretches soft tissues and stimulates the nervous system to return normal motion to the spine,” says Dr. MacArthur.
If you have been in an accident, or have questions about whiplash, please see your chiropractor for more information.
Learn More:
If you would like more information about whiplash treatment through chiropractic care, or the other services provided by Portland Chiropractic Neurology, please visit their Web site: http://www.portchiro.com/or call (207) 699-5600 for a consultation.
About Portland Chiropractic Neurology:
Portland Chiropractic Neurology is located at 19 Commercial Street Suite 2A in Portland, Maine. Dr. MacArthur is the only Chiropractor in Maine with a specialty in Neurology.
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