Whiplash 101 from Your Chiropractor at EIH

If you recently injured your neck, you might suspect you have whiplash. This condition can be very uncomfortable, but with the proper chiropractic care, you can receive the relief you need. Learn more about whiplash to help you determine if you should seek medical treatment.

Causes of Whiplash Injuries

While a car accident is the most common way to get whiplash, it’s not the only cause. Whiplash can also occur from playing high-impact sports, such as football, boxing or gymnastics. It can also result from falling and hitting your head on the way down. Physical abuse, such as being punched or shaken, can also cause whiplash.

Signs of Whiplash

It’s important to know that the symptoms of whiplash are not always immediate. They often develop within 24 hours of the incident, though some symptoms don’t appear until days or weeks later. The most common symptoms include:

Neck pain that worsens with movement
Stiffness and limited range of motion
Muscle spasms
Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
Tenderness in the shoulders, arms or upper back
Numbness or tingling in the arms
Jaw pain
Dizziness
Fatigue

Other more serious symptoms, which are less common, include:

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Blurred vision
Difficulty concentrating and remembering
Sleep disturbances
Irritability and depression

Long-Term Effects of Whiplash

People with mild to moderate cases of whiplash usually heal within a few weeks. However, more severe injuries can cause long-term effects that last for months or even years. It’s difficult to predict whether your acute injury could turn into chronic pain, but in general, you’re more likely to deal with long-term complications if:

Your initial symptoms are intense and come on rapidly after the incident.
Your symptoms include severe neck pain, headaches and radiating pain in your arms.
You have had whiplash before.
You had existing back or neck pain before your injury.
You’re an older adult.

Treatments for Whiplash

The goal of whiplash treatment is to control your pain, restore a normal range of motion, and make it possible to resume your normal activities. Treatments for whiplash include:

Rest and immobilization of your neck
Hot and cold therapy
Pain medication
Stretching
Chiropractic care
Massage therapy
Acupuncture
Physical therapy

When to See a Chiropractor for Whiplash

Symptoms of whiplash can develop even in seemingly minor incidents, such as rear-end collisions while traveling only 5 or 10 miles per hour. This doesn’t necessarily mean your injury is minor.

You should see a chiropractor for whiplash treatment if you experience any pain after a car accident, sports injury or other neck trauma. An accurate diagnosis can rule out broken bones, deep tissue damage and other issues that could worsen your symptoms. Receiving prompt care also helps you recover faster and decreases the risk of long-term complications.

To schedule whiplash treatment with our chiropractor, please contact Effective Integrative Healthcare today.