Whiplash is an injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrown backward and then forward, causing the neck to flex and extend rapidly. This type of injury is most associated with car accidents, especially rear-end collisions, but it can also occur during contact sports or other types of accidents like a slip and fall.
The sudden movement of the head during a whiplash injury can cause damage to the soft tissues of the neck, including the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The severity of whiplash can vary widely, ranging from mild discomfort and stiffness to more intense pain and loss of range of motion in the neck.
Symptoms of whiplash may include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Easily frustrated or loss of emotion
- Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things; “brain fog”
Despite the presence or absence of these symptoms, it is very important that you are evaluated by a chiropractor very soon after your accident to determine if you have whiplash. When addressed quickly, the probability of better recovery is higher.
5 Reasons Why a Chiropractor Should Be Seen Immediately Following a Car Accident To Check For Whiplash:
- Chiropractors are experts in the musculoskeletal and nervous system: Whiplash injuries are commonly associated with damage to the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck and spine. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat these types of injuries, making them well-suited to help with whiplash. These injuries also impact the nervous system which controls every function in the body.
- Chiropractic care is non-invasive: Chiropractors use hands-on techniques like spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy to treat whiplash injuries. These methods are specific, non-invasive, and drug-free, making chiropractic care a safe and effective alternative to other types of medical treatment.
- Chiropractic care can reduce pain and inflammation: Whiplash can cause pain and inflammation in the neck and back. Chiropractic adjustments and other therapies can help reduce these symptoms, allowing patients to feel more comfortable and move more easily, which speeds healing.
- Chiropractic care can improve range of motion: Whiplash can cause stiffness and reduced range of motion in the neck and back. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper joint function, which improves flexibility and range of motion. This also speeds up healing and gets you back to life!
- Chiropractors provide personalized treatment: Just like people, every case of whiplash is different, and a chiropractor can provide individualized treatment to address the specific needs of each patient. By tailoring treatment to the individual, a chiropractor can help patients recover more quickly and effectively from their injuries.
In pain? Call Shane! Shane Smith Law is here to help you work through your personal injury claim. Call us at (980) 246-2656 or visit us online to get started.