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Debunking Common Myths About Whiplash For Better Health

Many patients suffer chronic pain after the injury for their lifetime. It’s why patients need to consult a back doctor in Denver to treat it


Whiplash is one of the most common injuries among people involved in car accidents, contact sports and fights. It occurs due to the muscles and tendons in the neck tearing after a sudden jerk. Many patients suffer chronic pain after the injury for their lifetime. It’s why patients need to consult a back doctor in Denver to treat it.

However, there are many misconceptions about this type of injury despite how common it is. It’s important to clear the common misconceptions about whiplash to ensure that victims get the care they need:

You’ll Notice It Immediately

While most whiplash symptoms occur immediately after the accident, some take time to take effect. You may notice the symptoms days or even weeks after the accident. That’s why you should consult a back doctor in Denver to diagnose it as soon as possible. The record will also help you with filing a lawsuit if needed.

Old People Are Most Likely To Get Whiplashed

It’s easy to assume that old drivers suffer whiplashes the most, statistics show that it’s most common among people aged between 30 and 50 years. So everyone needs to be cautious when driving or playing sports to avoid it. Though it’s true that the elderly suffer severely from this injury because their necks are weaker and won’t repair as fast as a young person’s neck.

It’s The Same As A Sprain

A whiplash injury is a neck strain, not a neck sprain. A strain occurs when the muscles and tendons tear. A sprain occurs when the ligaments tear. A strain causes muscle spasms while a sprain causes bruising. A chiropractor in Denver can treat both.

You Need To Move Fast To Get Injured

Many people wrongfully assume that they are safe from a neck strain as long as they move below 10 mph. But it can happen to you at speeds as slow as 5 mph. It’s because it doesn’t take a lot of force to strain the neck.

It Only Affects The Neck

Other than the neck, whiplashes can also affect the upper back, shoulders and arms. You should consult a chiropractor in Denver if you notice tenderness in these areas or tingling numbness in your arms.

It Only Happens In Rear-End Car Accidents

Any trauma that causes the neck to move back and forth can cause whiplash. While common in rear-end accidents, it can also occur in other types of accidents, falls, fights, collisions, etc. You should protect your neck as much as possible.

Medicines Will Heal You

Medicines used for treating whiplash usually include painkillers, anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. They can relieve the pain but you need to consult a chiropractor in Denver to restore your neck’s range of movement.

Seat Belts Prevent Whiplashes

Seat belts prevent major accidents and injuries but not whiplash. Some claim that it may in fact increase the chances. When a person wears a seat belt, it restrains the torso and shoulder during a crash, preventing the person from crashing into something. But the neck acts as a pivot and allows the head to jerk forward and backward. You should still wear a seat belt because injuries without them can be very serious.

Rest Is The Best Medicine

Rest helps you find relief from pain but prolonged rest could lead to stiffness in the neck, back and shoulders, weaken your muscles and prolong the ache. A back doctor in Denver would recommend resting for one or two days before returning to normal activity.

Headrest Doesn’t Matter

The headrest plays a crucial role in preventing whiplashes. It prevents the head from jerking back and tearing the tendons and muscles. So you should make sure that all seats have one. The headrest’s position also matters. It should be at the head level or above it to prevent injury. Also, make sure that the headrest is closer to the head so that there is less gap between them during impact.

 

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