Oftentimes, rear-end collisions happen in a split second and with little time for the driver in the front to react. These accidents usually occur when a driver is stopped at a red light or even a stop sign, and the vehicle coming from behind does not see them or is distracted, therefore rear-ending them. When this collision occurs, the driver in the front car is often thrown forward as well as the driver who caused the collision resulting in significant injuries to both parties and even their passengers.
Effects To The Body In A Rear End Collision
When the collision occurs, the rear vehicle hits the front vehicle with such force that it propels the front car forward. Both the driver and passengers experience a jolt of speed followed by deceleration at which time their bodies are thrown backward and then forward. When the body is subjected to this type of impact, the spine suffers.
The spine is strong, however the surrounding muscles aren’t designed to handle the quick back and forth motion from a rear end collision. When this impact is sustained, injuries are commonly reported in areas such as the neck joints, ligaments and muscles. The most common injuries are to the upper back and neck region as they face the most trauma in the accident.
Signs Of Whiplash
Some may think that whiplash is something that isn’t that concerning because it’s something that can’t be seen, but to the victim of an accident, it can be painful and felt for a long time. Whiplash is a condition that can produce serious symptoms such as:
- Neck pain and stiffness, including pain that gets worse when the neck moves
- Pain in the upper back, shoulders, and arms, including pain that increases rather than subsiding with movement
- Headaches, including tension headaches that seem to start in the neck
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Numbness or tingling in the arms
- Burning or tingling in the neck or back
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Whiplash symptoms can linger for weeks or even years and ultimately limit one’s ability to perform normal daily activities and functions. Victims of whiplash whose injuries were sustained by the impact of a rear-end collisions often suffer from ongoing pain in the neck and back and possibly even the shoulders. This kind of pain can seriously impact a person’s daily life and potentially alter their lives forever.
Contact Us Today
If you are a loved one have been a victim of a rear-end collision and suffer from back or neck pain, contact our Conyers chiropractors to discuss your options for pain management to get you on the road to recovery. Call us today at (404) 602-0386!