Neck Pain, Neck Ache, Headache, Headaches, Migraine, Migraines, Neck Injury, Neck Trauma, The most common reason that a person may be experiencing neck pain could be due to an injury that occurred resulting in torn muscles, ligaments, and soft tissue damage. Often this happens during car accidents, especially when a person is rear-ended. Whiplash is the term used to refer to the action the neck makes by being bent forward and backward (or side to side) very quickly, thereby overextending the neck muscles.

In the United States every year, 3 million people experience whiplash. This can even occur at speeds as low as 5 mph and costs US citizens almost $30 billion dollars in medical bills and court fees. This is not including wages lost from the time taken off work to heal, disability, or loss of productivity that is often quite high if a long-term injury has happened.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Unfortunately, there is no definitive test that can diagnose whiplash. The symptoms that accompany whiplash are:

  • Neck pain
  • Dizziness
  • Soreness
  • Headaches
  • Stiffness
  • Numbness

Most commonly, doctors will advise using over-the-counter NSAIDs, ice, and possibly a cervical collar. While these may help on a short-term basis, they are only addressing the symptoms and are not helping with the underlying cause. Often, this is a misalignment in the upper neck due to the force of the injury.

 

Neck Pain Alleviated Through Spinal Adjustments

If a misalignment has indeed occurred during an accident, it is the likely cause of the neck pain. The C1 and C2 are susceptible to misaligning because of their ability to make the head extremely mobile. Upper cervical chiropractors use a gentle technique to help the neck bones realign that does not require popping or forcing the bones into place. Once realigned, the body begins to heal the damage done to soft tissue, muscles, and ligaments often relieving the person of neck pain.

However, more than neck pain may get better. A person may have some health issues that he feels are totally unrelated to his neck pain. These may actually improve when the neck misalignments are corrected. Many patients report feeling happier and healthier overall after just a few adjustments.

 

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cheney, call our Draper office at 385-331-7035. You can also click one of the buttons below.

For English Consultation:

Para Consulta en Español:

If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com