Even though it might just seem like a minor fender-bender, biomechanical studies have found that you can be injured even during a low speed auto crash. Studies done in the last ten years have found that the human head can experience high G-forces and rapid motions that can strain or tear delicate ligaments in your neck.
This video describes what happens during a crash using a live crash test subject. As you can see in the video, a human head weighs about 10 pounds; during a crash, this your head is accelerated to such a degree that it effectively weighs 90 pounds, putting tremendous stress on your neck.
If the ligaments or muscles in your neck are damaged, you'll typically wake up the day after the crash with a stiff, sore neck. That's caused by inflammation and swelling of the damaged tissues.
It's important to get care as soon as possible after such injuries, as if the area isn't treated, scar tissue will begin to form. That can cause permanent restriction in movement of your spine and even chronic pain.
We've helped many patients in our Portland office who have been in an auto collision, and we'd love to help you recover, too. We're conveniently located in the Woodstock neighborhood of Portland. Give our office a call today at (503) 771-1974 for an appointment.
Dr. Helton, a Portland chiropractor, has been providing chiropractic health care and treatment for accident injuries for over 30 years. Dr. Helton specializes and is an expert in the evaluation and treatment of injuries from auto accidents. He has passed advanced certification training and testing by the Spine Research Institute of San Diego in the evaluation, treatment, and management of injuries from whiplash and brain traumatology.
