Arlington, WA Neck Pain and Car Crashes

Neck pain is a common problem after a car crash, and it's something that Dr. Ernst sees frequently in our Arlington, WA office. Why is neck pain such a common condition after a car accident? How can your chiropractor help you heal?

Even in a car crash, your head is rapidly thrown back and forth, so it's not surprising that neck pain is the most common symptom from this type of injury. During even a low speed wreck, your head is subjected to very rapid acceleration. In such crashes, a head that normally weighs about 10 pounds can suddenly weigh 80 or more pounds. This force exerts a serious strain on the tissues of the neck. The bones of your neck are held together with strong bands of tissue called ligaments, and these ligaments provide stability for your neck. These ligaments can be sprained during a wreck, just as the ligaments in your ankle can be sprained. A sprain means that the ligament is stretched or torn.

When you experience a sprained ligament, the injured tissues become swollen and sore, and that's what happens after a car crash. Your chiropractor helps by increasing movement in the injured area, which helps the ligaments heal and helps decrease scar tissue.

Dr. Ernst is here in Arlington, WA to help you recover from neck pain. We've been helping patients since 1990 and we can probably help you, too. Dr. Ernst will first determine what's causing your pain and then work to restore your body to its natural functioning. Call us today at (360) 659-8464 if you have questions or would like to make an appointment.