You’re driving along and then BAM you’ve been in a auto collision. Even if the impact didn't seem very forceful in the beginning, you might find yourself with pain and a stiff neck over the next few days or weeks.
A car crash happens very quickly, and the forces on your body can be quite dramatic, causing your neck muscles and ligaments to stretch or tear. Whiplash is the most common type of injury sustained in a auto accident, and it can be very tender. In fact, whiplash can cause neck problems that lasts for months or even years.
There are a few factors that can increase your risk of injury. First, rear-end collisions tend to cause more neck injuries than frontal collisions. Second, there is some evidence that women are more likely to get hurt in a auto injury than men. Finally, if your car has poor headrests, they may not have adequately protected your head and neck from the force of the impact.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to decrease your neck pain after a car crash. Heat or ice therapy may also help to soothe your sore muscles. Gentle stretching exercises can help keep your muscles from getting too stiff. And, of course, chiropractic adjustments to help restore the healthy functioning of your neck and spine.
If you are experiencing pain because of a auto accident, even a minor one, you may feel neck pain as a result of whiplash. Don't wait to get care. Research shows that chiropractic care is best for these kinds of injuries, so call Drs. Matt & Annie Reyes in State College right away if you've been in a auto collision.
Dr. Matt Reyes was born and raised in Apalachin, a small town in Upstate New York. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Fitness Development from the State University at New York College at Cortland. He then fulfilled his ambition to become a Doctor of Chiropractic when he graduated from New York Chiropractic College in 2013.
