Whiplash Injury Treatment

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury that results from a rapid forward or backward movement of the head and neck, usually from an auto accident where the victim is hit from behind. Other incidents can cause whiplash, such as playing sports, a ride at an amusement park, or an injury caused from being hit by another person. Once the neck is whipped forward and back, the muscles and ligaments are pulled past the normal use of the neck. This can cause immediate symptoms, or it may take a day or two for symptoms to become worse. Whiplash is a soft tissue injury that can lead to chronic pain conditions if it is not treated properly from the beginning. While some cases of whiplash may be mild, some can lead to headaches that are difficult to treat.

How do whiplash injuries occur?

Whiplash injuries occur when your neck muscles and ligaments are strained beyond the normal range of motion because of a rapid, unexpected event. The muscles become strained, and the ligaments and tendons of your neck stretch beyond normal limits. The soft tissue can become torn, leading to pain, stiffness, and poor range of motion. Typical incidents that cause whiplash include:

• Automobile accidents, especially being hit from behind
• Getting slapped or punched in the face in a domestic assault
• Rough sports, such as boxing, soccer or rugby
• Falling off a bicycle, causing a head injury
• Accidents that involve getting hit by a blunt object in the head

Any accident or incident that causes your head to rapidly move forward and backward can cause a whiplash injury. You may not feel symptoms in the beginning, as it takes time for your muscles and ligaments to tighten up. If you are in immediate pain after the injury, it is important to seek medical care for your whiplash injury to determine the extent of your injuries.

What are some of the symptoms that occur due to Whiplash Injury?

Symptoms of a whiplash injury can begin immediately, but can also take a day or two to appear after the accident. You may experience significant symptoms right from the start if the impact was severe, or you might not notice much until the next day. Symptoms can last up to a month without treatment and can make it difficult to deal with day-to-day tasks. Some common symptoms of whiplash include:

• Pain in the neck, with stiffness and poor range of motion
• Headaches located at the back of the head near the neck
• Blurry vision
• Feeling constantly tired
• Trouble concentrating and remembering things
• Tinnitus, or ear ringing
• Problems sleeping
• Mood changes, such as depression or irritability
• Pain in the neck, head or shoulders that becomes chronic

Any symptoms that come up after a whiplash injury can be addressed by a variety of treatment providers. A chiropractor can evaluate the condition, and provide curative treatment for whiplash that does not involve prescription medication. You can also see a primary care physician while being treated by a chiropractor, as chiropractic treatment does not interfere with other treatment modalities.

How can a Chiropractor help or treat Whiplash Injury?

A chiropractor can help or treat a whiplash injury in a comprehensive way. The symptoms associated with a whiplash injury are often treated by chiropractors with success. Your chiropractor will evaluate your condition, and develop a treatment plan for your specific needs. You may have cervical spine adjustments to improve the function of your neck and upper back.

Ultrasound will help your tissue heal by improving blood flow to the area. Hot or cold therapies can reduce inflammation, while massage can relax your muscles and ligaments. Chiropractic treatment is an excellent therapy to address the symptoms of a whiplash injury, allowing your body to heal naturally.

If you have recently suffered whiplash or have suffered it in the past and you notice you have pain symptoms, contact us today to get it checked and treated.