Dr. Courtney Carmack Treats Whiplash
Whiplash is a musculoskeletal condition that is not always well understood. Relatively common after an auto injury, whiplash can cause neck pain and other symptoms. Chiropractic treatment is often successful in relieving the symptoms of whiplash. If you’re looking for a Little Rock chiropractor, please consider this information on whiplash from Dr. Courtney Carmack, D.C.
Defining Whiplash
Whiplash results from a neck injury. The most common mechanism is a rapid back and forth movement of the head, such as what occurs in an auto accident or when a vehicle is hit from behind. The weight of a human head – which averages 11 pounds – can strain neck muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The brain, which floats inside the skull, can bang against its bony container, causing damage to delicate structures. Other possible causes of whiplash include sports-related collisions, being tackled in football, or an abrupt deceleration of any sort.
Whiplash Symptoms
Although whiplash is a neck injury, it can also affect the brain, your vision and hearing, and your arms and upper back. The symptoms may appear immediately or even several weeks later. A headache, neck pain and neck stiffness are the most common symptoms. A headache typically starts in the base of the skull. Movement makes the pain worse and you may lose range of motion in the neck to the point that you cannot turn your head from side to side. Other symptoms include fatigue, tingling, and numbness in the shoulders, arms or hands, dizziness, visual changes, sleep disruption and difficulty thinking or remembering things.
Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash
It is always recommended to be evaluated as soon as possible after trauma because the mechanism of the injury can cause misalignment in the vertebrae of the neck. In addition, people begin to change their posture or limit motion to protect themselves from pain, causing muscle tension and spasm. The longer the time between the injury and seeking care, the longer the recovery period and lower the likelihood for a full recovery.
Contact Dr. Courtney Carmack, D.C. Today!
Whether you are suffering from symptoms of whiplash or other musculoskeletal issues, have incurred an auto injury, or simply want to improve your overall health, please contact us at (501) 404-8910. We offer chiropractic care for patients of all ages, including children and infants. We also provide care for women who are pregnant or have recently delivered a baby. In addition to spinal adjustments and spinal decompression, we also offer nutritional counseling, therapeutic exercise regimens, lifestyle counseling and illness prevention.
If you’re looking for a Little Rock chiropractor, please check out our office, located at 12911 Cantrell Road #4, in Little Rock. We have extended and Saturday hours to help meet your scheduling needs.