What Causes Whiplash in Oak Ridge TN?

While whiplash can result from a range of causes, the forces involved in a vehicle collision are the most frequent culprit. If you've recently suffered a car accident injury near Oak Ridge, TN, then continue reading to learn how these crashes often lead to whiplash. whiplash - pain

Most Whiplash Injuries Result from Auto Accidents in Oak Ridge TN

Your body is designed to handle many stressful conditions to help ensure your health and survival. However, it was not made to endure the forces that are often involved in a car accident. Because of this, even relatively small accidents can cause a person to suffer whiplash. Symptoms of whiplash can take several days to manifest, but can cause long-term problems if not treated. For this reason, it's important to see an Oak Ridge, TN chiropractor at the first sign of symptoms.

Why Car Collisions Are a Common Cause of Whiplash

When a car is rear-ended, for example, the vehicle is usually pushed forward from a still position. As this occurs, the bodies of the passengers suddenly move forward as well. Next, the car either hits another one in front of it or the driver slams on the brakes. Assuming that the passengers are wearing their seatbelts, this sudden change in motion causes their bodies to stop moving forward along with the car. However, because the seatbelt doesn't restrain their heads, their skulls whip forward. These back and forth movements, which resemble that of a whip being snapped, are what give whiplash injury its name.

What Happens to the Body During Whiplash

As the head suddenly moves backward and forward or from side to side, this can cause injuries to the back, shoulder, and neck. Some of the most common reasons for people to develop symptoms of whiplash include injuries to the cervical muscles, nerve roots, intervertebral joints, ligaments, and spinal discs. Whiplash symptoms can include headaches, neck stiffness, dizziness, sleep disturbances, irritability, and fatigue, as well as pain in the shoulder, neck, or back. If you notice any of these symptoms following a car accident, visit a chiropractor or whiplash treatment center as soon as possible.