What the Neck Looks Like After a Whiplash Injury | Chiropractor for Whiplash in Belmar, NJ
Hi everybody, today I want to illustrate in black and white the impact of a whiplash injury on your neck spine.
Ideal Spinal Curvature
Whiplash typically occurs when you’re rear-ended, causing your head to whip backward and forward. It can result from various incidents like car accidents, sports injuries, or workplace mishaps. If left untreated, permanent changes can occur in the neck spine. Ideally, the neck should have a curve of around 30 degrees, as seen in this normal spine. Adequate disk spaces, smooth joint edges, and a weight distribution favoring the back contribute to a healthy appearance. Now, let’s compare this to a post-whiplash injury that received prompt correction. The curvature improved to around 22 degrees, maintaining disk spaces and a smooth spine. It’s an example of successful care after a whiplash incident. However, when we neglect treatment, the consequences are evident. Loss of disk spaces, bone spurs, rough edges, and a negative nine-degree reversed curve. This patient didn’t seek care after the accident, resulting in permanent degenerative and arthritic changes in the spine.
The key takeaway is to address any neck injury, whether from a concussion, whiplash, or other incidents, promptly. Early intervention can prevent irreversible damage and maintain a healthy spine. If you’ve experienced whiplash, come see us at Kinney Chiropractic. This is Dr. Jodi signing off. See you soon!
